EE
The BIGGEST readership of ANY Roscommon newspaper! Readership is now 80,000 people every week!
FR
CHRISTMAS DEADLINES The next edition of the Roscommon People will be in the shops on Wednesday, 21st December, a day earlier than usual.
www.roscommonpeople.ie www.roscommonpeople.ie ABBEY STREET, ROSCOMMON
news@roscommonpeople.ie sport@roscommonpeople.ie advertising@roscommonpeople.ie
Adverts mus be submitted before 2.00pm on Monday , 19th December
Tel. (090) 66 34633 Fax: (090) 66 34303 16 December 2016
The Local Paper
VOLUME: 507
Tommie KElly Electrical Athleague, Roscommon – 090 6663385 ROSCOMMON TOWN – 090 6634465 Golf Links Road, Roscommon (090) 66 37620
Bosch Tassimo Coffee Machine
Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and every good wish for the New Year
NOW ONLY €
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49.95
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HALF PRICE
Byrne Carolan Cunningham
eastwest@ewtvl.com Opening Hours: Monday - Friday, 09.30 am -17.30 pm
-----Solicitors----T: 090 64 78433
Happy Christmas to all our customers Pictured at the Christmas Food & Craft Market for Roscommon Cancer Support in the Abbey Hotel were Dara Mullooly, Richie Evans and Laura Mullooly, Roscommon Cancer Support. Picture: Andrew Fox
Luke ‘Ming’ FLANAGAN MEP RESTAURANT & TAKE AWAY Castle Street. Roscommon. Tel. (090) 66 30503
Standing up for the small farmer on CAP
Finn Electrical
SPECIAL OFFER
DELIVERING KEROSENE & HEATING OIL TO YOUR HOME
Call in store to see our 12 days of Christmas Offers
See Back Page for this week’s Special Offers
(on Tuesdays Only)
McGUINNESS Pharmacy Main Street, Roscommon T. 090 66 26193 F. 090 66 28789
Lots more offers available
• • • • •
NOW IS THE TIME TO PLANT! EARN UP TO €635 per ha/year Retain Ownership of Land and Timber Retain Basic Payment Area
PADRAIG EGAN (087) 381 4886
LOCALLY GROWN, QUALITY CHRISTMAS TREES Sizes to suit every home and pocket Available daily from 10am
2-way stretch chair covers and sofa covers
ROSCOMMON
Bord na Mona Briquettes
NO COST TO THE LANDOWNER! For a Free consultation call
ROSCOMMON TOWN Opposite Casey’s between Feelystone and Castlemine Farm Shop, Circular Road
Open 7 days a week Petrol / Diesel 24HR Diesel Pump Home Heating Oil Agri Diesel
CASEY’S Forestry Services we offer include: • 4 year afforestation plantations • Timber thinning & Harvesting • Native Woodland Scheme • Forest Road Construction • Reafforestation
Goff Street, Roscommon Tel. 090 66 25573
Revamp your suite for Christmas
HALF PRICE PIZZA
DECLAN GERAGHTY (086) 2543304 ROSCOMMON (090) 6634645 / (087) 9824500 WILLIAMSTOWN (094) 96 43355
The Square, Roscommon Telephone: 090 6626270
Christmas Trees for sale
Lanesboro Road, ROSCOMMON ROSCOMMON
FRANCES’
TEL. 094-9622710 / 094 9622244 MOBILE: 086 3685680
E: lukeming.flanagan@europarl.europa.eu www.twitter.com/lukeming www.facebook.com/lukemingflanagan
Don’t forget an East West Travel Voucher makes a welcome gift
Finishing Touches
Constituency Office: Priory House, Barrack Street, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon Office hours: 9.30am-4.30pm
Congratulations to Boyle on their great achievement
Samsung Virtual Reality Headset
SEE OUR ADVERTISEMENT ON PAGE 3
Stone Court, Roscommon Tel. 090 6626833 Fax 090 6626920
Please see our Column on Page 2 AND Advert INSIDE
99.95
Use with your Galaxy Phone
€4 per bale
Flooring/ Furniture
Check out our 12 days of Christmas Giveaway on Facebook
SALE NOW ON ATHLONE ROAD, ROSCOMMON
TEL: (090) 66 65998 WEB: www.gfurniture.ie
Hynes Pharmacy Castle Street, Roscommon. Tel. (090) 66 34147
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
NewsPeople ROSCOMMON
Ladies Night thank you
Painting Services
Roscommon Mart would like to thank all who attended their Ladies night held on Monday December 5th. A special thanks to the following: Marion Brennan for the flower arranging demonstration, Cliona Baker from Clio craft for her stain glass design demo and Patricia Bligh who gave a talk on mindfulness, Ann Hynes and staff for providing refreshments, Phil Naughton for her lovely home baking. The evening was rounded off with a raffle with a total of €700 being raised for the Family Carers Roscommon. Further donations of €40 were received since the event. Finally thank you to the sponsors of the raffle prizes: Marian Brennan, Cliona Baker, Dunnes Stores, Ann Hynes, Magnums, Hynes Pharmacy and Mary Quigley
Professional Painters & Decorators Stephen Reynolds (086) 1987023 Enda Hoban (087) 2739726
Give the gift of
FAMILY HISTORY
this Christmas
With a Genealogy Gift Voucher from Irish Clann Connections
Dolores Gacquin Solicitor Tel: 090 6478433 info@bccsolicitors.ie
Contact Eilish at 087 2940544 Email: irishclannconnections@gmail.com
Christmas Gift Idea ....
Gift Vouchers for Driving Lessons
Shop Local this Christmas
Piotr and Karolina Pietrzak.
ROSCOMMON DRIVING SCHOOL 087 2295551
Community rallies to family’s aid after tragic death of young father < PAUL HEALY
A young Polish man who sustained serious head injuries in a fall from a ladder at his home last Thursday died in hospital on Friday. Piotr Pietrzak (38) was a popular member of the community who had been living in Roscommon Town for the past eight years. His wife, Karolina, and the couple’s two young children are being comforted by friends and neighbours. Piotr was a loving husband and father who was devoted to Karolina and their two daughters, Aleksandra (4) and Olivia (2). The Polish community said an emotional farewell to Piotr at a Mass in the Sacred Heart Church on Tuesday evening. The tragedy happened last Thursday when Piotr was working at the family’s home at Abbeyville, Roscommon. It is understood that the young man was preparing the house ahead of a visit before the Christmas period from his parents, who live in Poland. Piotr sustained serious head injuries
in a fall from a ladder. He was taken by air ambulance to Beaumont Hospital in Dublin. He died from his injuries on Friday. Following the accident on Thursday, his parents flew to Ireland and were with their son when he died. Piotr is also survived by one brother. Piotr, who worked locally, was a very popular man and his death has devastated his family and friends. One of his close friends, Jakub, told the Roscommon People that Piotr’s friends are devastated by the tragedy and heartbroken for Karolina and the children. Jakub wished to thank the people of Roscommon for their great support and kindness in recent days. Piotr will be repatriated to Poland after Christmas, where burial will take place in his home town. * Since Piotr’s death, a number of members of the public have generously made donations to support the family at this very sad time. If any readers would like to support the family, they can contact either Fr. Irek (the Polish priest in Roscommon Parish) or the Parish Office.
Please offer some advice regarding Christmas shopping. I would like to shop locally but I have seen some items online which are slightly cheaper. What should I be aware of when shopping locally or online? Your consumer rights remain the same at Christmas as at any other time of the year. Under the Sale of Goods Act you are entitled to a repair, replacement or refund if an item is faulty, not fit for its purpose or not as described. Online shopping may prove more expensive than initially thought. If you buy a product online you are entitled, in most cases, to return an unwanted item within seven days of receipt for a no-quibble refund. However, postage and packing charges are not usually refundable. To return an item may be prohibitively expensive depending on the nature and weight of the product. If the item purchased online is shipped from outside of the European Union additional costs such as customs duty, excise duty and VAT may also be payable. It is also important to check that a seller is reputable; it may be very difficult to resolve a consumer complaint with a disreputable seller abroad. If you submit confidential information such as credit card details to a website ensure that the website is secure. Ensure it has SSL (Secure Socket Layer) technology or its latest update TLS (Transport Layer Security). The URL should begin “https” with the “s” at the end signifying “secure”. Shopping locally of course supports local businesses and local jobs and offers a more personal service. It may also be simpler to resolve a dispute with a local retailer if an item purchased is unsatisfactory. Please keep receipts as proof of purchase. It is important to act quickly, so always check that products are working as soon as you get them home. When buying gifts ask for a gift receipt. It will not state the price of the item but will provide the recipient of the gift with proof of purchase if a fault arises. If buying a gift voucher check for an expiry date and ensure that the person receiving it will be able to use it within the required time. Keep the gift voucher safely as shops are not obliged to replace lost vouchers.
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 16 December 2016
TOMMIE KELLY ELECTRICAL LTD LTD..
Tab A €130 7” Tab E €194 9.6”
€234
Pictures are for illustration purposes only. All items subject to availability. Prices are subject to change without notice. Prices are correct at the time of print. Stocks are limited. All items – cash and collect only. All prices include VAT. E&OE. All rights reserved. Terms and conditions apply. Payment term over 36 months Flexirent is subject to credit approval.
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
NewsPeople
Roscommon People CHRISTMAS DEADLINES The next edition of the Roscommon People will be in the shops on Wednesday, 21st December, a day earlier than usual. Repair, Sale and Service WE DO REPAIRS ON ALL MAKES & MODELS OF • Phones • Tablets • Laptops • Desktop PCs
Adverts mus be submitted before 2.00pm on Monday , 19th December
BUY • SELL • TRADE We stock all major brands of phones and their accessories. We promise to give you the best trade-in prices for your old phone • Sim-free used and new mobile phones • Dual SIM phones • Builders/rugged phones • Tablets /iPads
Church Street, Roscommon town, Co. Roscommon (across from the AIB Bank)
facebook.com/talkshalkcarrick
7th SON FAITH HEALER AIDAN WRYNNE Mohill, Co Leitrim
www.faithhealer.ie is now attending
ROSCOMMON TOWN & BALLAGHADERREEN EVERY MONDAY
Fitzmaurice ’vindicated’ on dredging of River Shannon Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice says his stance on dredging of the River Shannon has been vindicated following comments last Friday by Sean Canney, Minister for State at Office of Public Works. Deputy Fitzmaurice says he has consistently maintained for the past number of years that dredging and maintenance work on the Shannon and its tributaries was essential in the battle to prevent flooding. Now, after Minister Canney and state agencies – through the Shannon Flood Risk Group – accepted that “strategic maintenance works” must be carried out on Ireland’s longest river, Deputy Fitzmaurice is feeling vindicated. “After two years of explaining to
all the stakeholders that the River Shannon and its tributaries needed dredging and other work to be carried out to prevent future flooding, it is now heartwarming to finally hear on Friday evening that the Commission who are reporting on the Shannon and the Minister have now fully accepted that this work must be carried out and that the pinch points have to be removed. I welcome Minister Canney’s statement to that effect. “I sat in radio and TV studios all over this country over the past few years with various people who had authority over the Shannon and they kept saying that the river did not need to be dredged but I stuck to my guns right through. It was always my contention that
not only the Shannon, but also the River Suck and all its tributaries have to have dredging and maintenance work carried out. The authorities have now admitted that if they don’t do something in this regard the Shannon will be blocked within 20 years. “We have to be realistic and honest with people. This work will not be done overnight. “I note that the Minister has said that if he has to go to Europe to discuss this issue he will do that in case of any environmental concerns. I was in the EU dealing with this issue myself and they made it very clear that if you have a proper management plan for a river and that plan includes dredging or maintenance that they do not have
ALSO HOLDING CLINICS IN COUNTIES WESTMEATH AND LEITRIM
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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
a problem with that. “This is the first step and the first glimpse of hope and we have to capitalise on this and drive it forward because the Shannon and all its tributaries have to be prioritised now. “One thing I do not want to see is a list of problems being put in front of the OPW by bodies like the Inland Fisheries. I have seen the derogation document that Roscommon County Council received in relation to the situation at Ballinaheglish and the River Jiggy, and the amount of different stipulations that there are before you are allowed to dig are intolerable and I will be asking Minister Canney to ensure that a lot of this red tape and codswallop is cut out.”
Pictured at Castlerea Bank of Ireland Enterprise Town Event were Paul Healy, Roscommon People Editor and John Waters. Picture: Andrew Fox
22nd St Stephen’s Day Fun Walk/Run in Knockcroghery The annual St. Stephen’s Day Fun Walk/Run is a great way to burn off those Christmas calories and raise much-needed funds for the Irish Guide Dogs, which continues to do great work for people with vision impairments and children with autism. Organised by Violet Hill ICA and Roscommon Sports Partnership, the event has become part of the Christmas calendar
for the last number of years and a large crowd is again expected to take part. The 5-mile circuit will take to the byroads of Knockcroghery with all ages welcome to come along to run, jog or walk the scenic country route. Refreshments will be served afterwards in the Knockcroghery Community Centre and there is a free raffle for all of the participants who take part in
the walk. Donations of €10 will be gratefully accepted on the day and children are admitted free. So why not gather all your family and friends and join us at 2 pm on St. Stephen’s Day for this fun social event. Full details are available on the Roscommon Sports Partnership Facebook Page, www.rosactive.org or on 0872265114.
Senator Terry Leyden, a member of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly, attended the 53rd Plenary Conference from 27th-29th of November in Cardiff, South Wales. Mr. Dan Mulhall, Irish Ambassador to United Kingdom, addressed the Assembly. Senator Leyden raised the issue of Irish passports for Irish in United Kingdom and possible benefits from having dual Irish and British passports. The Ambassador, Mr. Mulhall, said there are 700,000 Irish people living in United Kingdom and there has been a hundred percent increase in applicants from UK for Irish passports. Senator Leyden has advised Irish citizens to consider applying for a British passport to safeguard their position post-Brexit.
Tidy Towns’ night in Kenny’s Kenny’s Lounge will play host to the Ballintubber Tidy Towns presentation and celebration this Sunday (18th) at 10 pm. Music will be with Mark Finn and refreshments will be served. All welcome.
Santa for PJ’s in Castlecoote! There will be a very special visitor to PJ’s in Castlecoote this Sunday evening. Santa Claus himself will be taking time out from his busy schedule to visit. He will arrive at 6 pm so come along and give him a warm welcome.
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
TIMOTHYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S
#rosmas
ABBEYTOWN, ROSCOMMON
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
NewsPeople
East Travel celebrates EAST WEST – HOLIDAYS OF ALL KINDS SINCE 1991! JOIN US NEXT TUESDAY TO CELEBRATE! We started our business on Church Street in March 1991 and we have gone from strength to strength, gaining a lot of experience along the way! This year has been our best for many years, with the result that we had to put our 25th celebrations on hold – business comes first!
We pride ourselves in treating customers with courtesy and professionalism. We deal with all aspects of travel, including: leisure, business, honeymoons, weekend breaks and ski trips to every country in the world. Continued on page 7–>
Did you know?
before s in Dublin for 14 years r Pj worked with Aer Lingu ge na ma in as their Irish joining Royal Jordana a furher 9 years) and for ed ain rem he training (where on. PJ received great onwards to Roscomm is known as one of the most with Aer Lingus and hede. experienced in the tra travel experience. Annamay has 25 years business. Anita is 20 years in the a travel agent. Martina is over 25 years years in the business. Angela has served 12 kes us all feel old – we Altogether – and this ma ars experience! ye s plu 0 have a total of 13
East West Travel, located in the Stonecourt Centre. Picture: Andrew Fox
090 9642018 €14
Household Coal 40kg
COAL
€16
Hi-Glo 40kg
BALLINASLOE DEPOT €13
MaxiHeat 40kg
GAS BOTTLES
Nuggets ......... €12.00 10.9kg ........... €26.00 Doubles ......... €12.50 19kg .............. €40.00 Calco.............. €15.00 34kg .............. €70.00
€25
11.34kg
€90
47kg
Canal Rd, Ballinasloe. Beside Shearwater Hotel
Phone No: 090 9642018 Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday 9am-7pm
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
NewsPeople
25 years in business... Continued from page 6 -> We love looking after families who want their dream holiday and we can provide something to suit every budget. Like everything in life, you get what you pay for and we try to guide our customers according to what they expect from a holiday. Honeymoons are also one of our specialities and that’s where Anita comes in...Anita will work with couples for as long as it takes to ensure that their honeymoon is perfect. Every customer is given a tailored service and we offer a one to one service, in the office and after hours. Martina specialises in the cruise business. She has a wealth of knowledge, from the Carribean Sea to the Northern Lights. River cruising has become very popular, using smaller ships and usually making about four stops per day. Cruise deals come in from time to time with ‘two for one’ offers, and we advertise them on our facebook page. If you leave your details with Martina she will notify you when these offers come in. Martina is also our Camino expert, and whether you want to walk 20 miles or 200 miles Martina will sort it for you. PJ keeps himself busy with business travel. East West has business accounts with people from across a wide spectrum. At the moment PJ is run off his feet with horseracing in Dubai! We have contracts for jockeys,
trainers and staff who travel to these events. Annamay deals with accounts, and ensures that the office is kept running smoothly. She also looks after sun holidays so if the sun is your thing, talk to Annamay! Angela has recently joined the team and we promise to keep her busy in the New Year! We are looking forward working with her and making the most of her great knowledge of the USA! Since last August, more families than ever before have booked their holidays for summer 2017! Early booking is becoming the new latest trend with better value on offer. Our staff love handing out holiday tickets, we are almost as excited as our customers! Even when things don’t go according to plan on your holiday, we’ll be here to help until the issue is resolved. Thankfully, we haven’t had to offer our ‘all hands on deck’ assistance too often since 1991 and that’s the way we like it! But just in case, our customers are offered our 24 hour emergency phone number, this is very conforting for them to know if there is an issue they can contact us immediately. When we opened in 1991 we helped young couples to plan their first holiday together, which eventually leads to their honeymoons. Sometimes there’s a break for a couple of years and suddenly the couple return with new family members as they set
about planning their first family holiday! In a couple of cases we have even booked their post-leaving cert children on that important end of school holiday! We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our valued customers who have trusted us since 1991 a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year! We would like to invite customers and friends to join us in the office a celebration next Tuesday (20th) for a day-long event with drinks, finger food and spot prizes.
Martina Greene, PJ Gannon, Angela Mulry, Anna Mae Gannon and Anita Hanley pictured at East West Travel in the Stonecourt Centre, Roscommon Town. Picture: Andrew Fox
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our valued customers and to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year
Celebrating 25 years in business! We would like to invite all our customers and friends to join us in the office for some
Celebrations on Tuesday next, 20th December We plan a day-long event with drinks, bites to eat and spot prizes
STONE COURT, ROSCOMMON Tel. 090 6626833 • Fax 090 6626920 • eastwest@ewtvl.com Opening Hours: Monday - Friday, 09.30am -17.30 pm
1991
Annamay has 25 years travel experience.
PJ and Anna Mae Gannon pictured at East West Travel in the Stonecourt Centre, Roscommon Town. Picture: Andrew Fox
Anita is 20 years in the business.
2016
Martina has over 25 years experience as a Travel Agent.
Angela has served 12 years in the business.
Roisin is our junior staff member who has been with us since summer 2015.
PJ worked with Aer Lingus in Dublin for 14 years before joining Royal Jordanian as their Irish manager, where he remained for a further 9 years and then onwards to Roscommon. PJ received a great training in Aer Lingus and he is known as one of the most-experienced in the trade.
Altogether – (this makes us all feel old) – we have a total of 130 plus years experience!
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
NewsPeople Food Served all day
s â&#x20AC;&#x2122; e i d A
Swan Tavern
Bar & Restaurant Lanesboro, Co. Longford Friday, 23rd December
Farmers & Small Local Business Christmas Party Night Live music with Seamus
Farrell
Complimentary Finger Food and drinks on the night All small and local business and farmers welcome
Live music every night over Christmas
St. Stephenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s night, 26th December: John
Shannon Wednesday, 28th December: Ciaran Rosney Thursday, 29th December: The Druids - Irish Folk Band Friday, 30th December: Brian Ross
ments Refresh served
New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve: John
Shannon (Refreshments served) Sunday, 1st January: Seamus Farrell Monday, 2nd January: Brian Ross
Call 043 33 21322
The Farrell family and staff would like to wish all our customers a very Happy Christmas and New Year.
Pictured at the Christmas Food & Craft Market for Roscommon Cancer Support in the Abbey Hotel were Sarah Brennan and Trish Duncan. Picture: Andrew Fox
Accident victim laid to rest An elderly pedestrian died after being struck by a car in a traffic collision which occurred in Frenchpark, Co. Roscommon last Thursday evening. Michael (Mickey) Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Gara died following the accident on the N5 at Frenchpark. Gardai say the accident occurred at 5.15 pm on Thursday, December 8th.
Better hearing, much better prices Prior to entering the market, Blackberry Hearingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s market research validated that there was significant consumer dissatisfaction with pricing and after-care service. So, the focus for the company has been on providing quality, affordability, price transparency and simplicity but ultimately ensuring the customer gets the best possible solution for their individual needs. To achieve this the company has instilled an ethos where no stone is left unturned to ensure total customer satisfaction. Employing only BSc qualified audiologists, a rarity in the business, ensures that the customer receives the best possible consultation and thereafter the best possible solution. Price transparency has been a cornerstone of the Blackberry Hearing philosophy. Research again revealed that prices advertised in the industry were rarely available during or after
the consultation. To this end, Blackberry Hearing ensures that anyone attending one of their free hearing consultations is aware beforehand of the cost of hearing aids for them, should they want to proceed. This then is backed up by a 45day cooling off period, where a customer has the assurance they can return the hearing aids for a full refund should they not be fully satisfied. The ultimate measure of a companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success in providing customer care must come from the customers themselves. Blackberry Hearing has expanded rapidly and now holds over 60 fortnightly clinics. The feedback from both clinic partners and customers has been overwhelmingly positive. An example of comments from letters sent to the regional press includes â&#x20AC;&#x153;I can only say that the service was top classâ&#x20AC;?. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We did not necessarily set out to be disruptiveâ&#x20AC;? according to John â&#x20AC;&#x153;but our low pricing and
strong customer care seems to have done just that. Being able to hear again is transformative to people with hearing loss. Research shows that people with hearing loss retreat from social interaction with family, friends, and colleagues with drastic results on their mental wellbeing. Changing peoplesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lives for the better at an affordable price
The victim was a pedestrian. The male driver of the car was uninjured. The N5 between Frenchpark and Ballaghaderreen was closed for a period in the aftermath of the collision. The late Mickey Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Gara was aged in his 70s. A resident of Sheepwalk, he was a highly respected member of the local
community and his tragic passing has been widely mourned. The deceased is mourned by his brothers Jimmy and John, sisters Celia and Kate, extended family, neighbours and friends. Following Funeral Mass on Sunday last, he was laid to rest in Kilnamanagh Cemetery. May he rest in peace.
Megan Munnelly, Audiologist Hearing is one of those things that we all take for granted until itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s taken away. I have seen that many times and have witnessed the effect the loss of hearing can have on an individualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life, as well as their families. I love keeping active and socialising and I can see how if these things were taken away from me my life would change. I really enjoy the feeling of helping somebody regain parts of their lives that were neglected because of their hearing difficulty. It really is rewarding and I have great job satisfaction.
is a really good feeling.â&#x20AC;? While 2016 has been the first full year of trading, Blackberry Hearing has expanded significantly to most of the country and hopes to bring its service to the far reaches of the country by 2017. Meanwhile, you can book a FREE hearing consultation at a clinic near you or find out more by phoning Blackberry Hearing directly at 01-6978470.
Quote from letter to 3PTDPNNPO 1FPQMF
â&#x20AC;&#x153;I can only say that the service was top classâ&#x20AC;? Call us now at below numbers or drop in...
3PTDPNNPO 5PXO 3PTNFE 1IBSNBDZ (PMG -JOLT 3PBE 5FMFQIPOF
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FREE Hearing test appointments being taken for December. John Ryan and Dave Gleeson founded Blackberry Hearing last year to address the shockingly high cost of hearing aids. Providing quality hearing solutions at about 40% of the price of other retailers has meant that hundreds of people, who may otherwise have been unable to afford hearing aids, have had their lives changed for the better.
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
NewsPeople
ift this g e u iq n u n a e iv G Christmas ... NERVOUS BEGINNERS WELCOME Senator Frank Feighan pictured during the summer while the safety improvement works on the N61 were underway.
On the right road – again!
Christmas Cakes & Desserts at MOLLOYS CALL US ON 090 66 25940
Reopening of N61 road near Boyle welcomed Fine Gael Senators Frank Feighan and Maura Hopkins have welcomed the reopening on Tuesday of the N61 stretch of road near Boyle, which was subject to major safety works. Senator Feighan said: “I am very pleased that the reopening of the road last Tuesday has brought to an end the diversion currently in place and of course that will mean very good news for many affected motorists. “These safety improvement works near Boyle have seen the realignment of approximately 1.1 km of road on two sections of the N61 at Treanagry and Rathallen. “I fully acknowledge that many motorists have been inconvenienced as a result of these works but significantly, this scheme has removed two very dangerous bends along this route, which have been in existence since the foundation of the State. “In the last Government, I was very pleased to have secured the €7m in funding required to carry out these major realignment works.” Expressing “delight” at the works being completed, Senator Hopkins said: “It was great to meet with nearby residents at the official opening who were all very satisfied with the safety works completed. While it has resulted in inconvenience for residents and motorists over the past number of months, these works were very necessary in order to improve road safety for road users and the local community.” Senator Hopkins added that “it is exceptionally positive that 90% of materials required for this road project at a cost of €7 million were sourced within an 18-mile radius, thereby supporting local businesses.” Senator Hopkins complimented “Roscommon County Council staff and the contractors Clare Civil Engineering Ltd. for their hard work on this project.”
Christmas & New Year Opening Times
Freshly Baked Bread everyday Saturday 24th: Christmas Day: Monday 26th: Tuesday 27th: Wednesday 28th: Thursday 29th: Friday 30th: Saturday 31st: Sunday 1st January: Monday 2nd:
7.45am – 5.00pm CLOSED CLOSED 9.00am – 5.00pm 8.00am – 6.00pm 8.00am – 6.00pm 8.00am – 6.00pm 8.00am – 5.00pm CLOSED 8.00am – 6.00pm
Put your feet up and let us do the work for you We can provide trifles, cheesecakes, black forest gateaux, an assortment of fresh cream cakes and mini bites too #rosmas
Phone now on 090 6625940 or call into us in Abbeytown, Roscommon Facebook.com/molloys.bakery • info@molloysbakery.ie
Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
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NewsPeople
Women’s Little Christmas Gala Evening in New Year
Raffle & Spot Prizes on the night Tickets: €50 available from Casey’s Centra, Roscommon
MAIN STREET – CASTLEREA
Would like to thank all our customers for their continued support throughout the year and wish you all a very Happy Christmas CHRISTMAS OPENING HOURS: Christmas week – Tuesday to Friday, 9.30 am to 6.00 pm Saturday (Christmas Eve) 9.00 am to 1.00pm ● Gents cut €10 ● Senior Citizens €8 ● Boys Under 12 €8
Friday, 6th of January will see the return of the Roscommon branch of Down Syndrome Ireland’s ladies only Ball. We have changed the name but it will still be the same great evening and great entertainment – and you will still be supporting the same great local charity. Since the last Ball in 2015, the branch has remained committed to providing support to their members and their families. The Latch-on literacy programme was a great success and its participants went on to complete a further two years of education under the supervision of our dedicated teacher, Juliana Jura. The younger members have not been forgotten. The High 5 group was formed in 2015 and its aim is to give additional speech and language therapy in group setting to pre-school children. The group is parent-led and is facilitated by a private speech therapist, financially supported by the branch, and it has been very successful to date. Currently four children avail of the service with a further four starting in 2017. As all the current research proves, early intervention is the key to supporting our children to communicate effectively. 2017 will see the branch take further steps in providing the members with important therapies. Our hope is to employ the services of a dedicated occupational therapist and develop personal plans for members of all ages. We also hope to see the return of the sibshop, a dedicated workshop for the siblings of our younger members. The workshops
News from the Europe Direct Centre @Ballinasloe Library Roscommon People Friday 07 November 2014
EU Launches European Solidarity Corps Are you between 18 and 30 years old? Interested in volunteering or interning abroad? The European Commission this week launched its European Solidarity Corps, announced by JeanClaude Juncker earlier this autumn. Young people between the ages of 18 and 30 can sign up and be matched with new opportunities across the EU to gain invaluable experience at the start of their career. The scheme brings together for the first time both volunteering AND professional opportunities, like internships and apprenticeships. The Commission will kick-start the project with funding of €113 million. For volunteers, their costs will be covered and the
focus is particularly on disaster prevention and post-disaster clean-ups. For the internships and apprenticeships, the funding will come from Erasmus + and other EU budgets like the LIFE programme. Public Employment Services around the Member States will be closely involved in the professional stream of the Solidarity Corps. Participants will get an official certificate to acknowledge their work. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said: “The European Solidarity Corps will create opportunities for young people willing to make a meaningful contribution to society and help show solidarity – something the world and our European Union needs more of. For me,
this has always been the very essence of what the European Union is about. It is not the Treaties or industrial or economic interests that bind us together, but our values. And those who work as volunteers are living European values each and every day
Further information https://europa.eu/youth/ solidarity
www.europa.eu for further information
Pictured at last year’s Ladies Charity Evening in the Abbey Hotel were Deborah Thomas, Maria Casey and Annette Kennedy. Picture: Andrew Fox
are a wonderful way for the brothers and sisters to meet and chat openly about what it’s like to have a sibling with Down Syndrome. It’s important that any worries or fears they have are listened to in a safe, fun and nonjudgemental environment. Last on our ‘2017 list of things to do’ is to set up a drama group, suitable for the
8-18 years. The hunt is on to find a drama teacher… are you out there? Finally, thank you to those who have supported us in the past. We hope you will support us again by buying a ticket for the Ball – tickets available from Casey’s Centra – and join us on the 6th of January in the Abbey Hotel for a great night out.
Free Christmas Concert at Ballinasloe Library The renowned RTÉ ConTempo Quartet will return to the Church Gallery in Ballinasloe Library on Friday, 16th of December for their second annual Christmas Concert. Formed in 1995 in Bucharest and celebrating its 20th anniversary this season, The Galway ConTempo Quartet is recognised as one of the most exciting and vibrant chamber ensembles performing today. It has performed worldwide in many prestigious venues, winning prizes at competitions in Munich, Rome and London, and worked alongside artists of the highest calibre. A more relaxed and informal evening than the Quartet’s series of wonderful lunchtime concerts, the Christmas Concert also includes guest performances from some of the exceptional musical talent Ballinasloe has produced of late. The evening will include refreshments and raffle for prizes generously sponsored by local businesses so please come out and support this terrific community event. The concert begins at 7 pm and patrons are advised to come early as seating is limited. All are welcome. If that isn’t enough entertainment for one weekend, the Ballinasloe Town Band are holding a Carol Service at the Church Gallery on Saturday 17th at midday. Young and old are encouraged to come along and participate or just enjoy the Christmas cheer.
a
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
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Maura presses Minister on Mental Health report Fine Gael Senator Maura Hopkins, left, has called for the urgent completion of the long-awaited external review of Mental Health services in County Roscommon. Senator Hopkins raised the issue with Minister of State for Mental Health Services, Helen McEntee, last week. The Fine Gael Senator said: “The review was commissioned last year and it is really important that it is made available as quickly as possible.”
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
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Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas and Health and Happiness for 2017 Pictured at the switching on of the Christmas lights in Castlerea were Aoife, Sinéád, Micheál, Paula and Sharon Shriane. Picture: Andrew Fox
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Fianna Fáil TD for Roscommon/Galway Eugene Murphy said that as a country with one of the highest rates of cystic fibrosis per head of population, Ireland should be at the forefront of new technologies and strategies to deal with the condition. Deputy Murphy was speaking following his attendance at the Orkambi protest at Leinster House, which was organised by Longford native Jillian McNulty. “I want to commend Jillian, a Longford woman, and indeed a former colleague of mine in Shannonside Radio who has been a fantastic leader on this important issue. There was an amazing turnout of over 2,000 people and great praise is due to Jillian and all the other campaigners who have been working hard on this issue. “Our party leader Micheál Martin said he favoured intensive negotiations to ensure the drug was made available as soon as possible. I will most certainly continue to support this campaign and also support everyone involved and I would like to see Orkambi available as soon as possible,” said Deputy Murphy. The Fianna Fáil Deputy pointed out that Ireland has one of the most severe strains of cystic fibrosis in the world and the highest incidences per head of
population at three times the rate in the United States and the rest of the European Union, and in that context, Ireland should be at the forefront of new technologies, research and strategies to deal with the condition. “Orkambi has been described as a gamechanger in the treatment of
cystic fibrosis, that it can lengthen life, that it will improve quality of life and could effectively reduce the number of hospital admissions for cystic fibrosis patients by 40%. Given the fact that cystic fibrosis is so prevalent in Ireland, it is drugs like this one that should be prioritised for funding.”
Pictured is Deputy Eugene Murphy with Longford native Jillian McNulty, organiser of the Orkambi protest at Leinster House.
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
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Pictured at the switching on of the Christmas lights in Castlerea were Eva McDonagh, Niamh McDonagh, Christina Drury and Caoimhe McDonagh. Picture: Andrew Fox
Gerry O’Malley Memorial launch in Brideswell The launch of the Gerry O’Malley Memorial will take place in Hamrock’s Lounge, Brideswell on Saturday, 17th of December at 9 pm. The suggestion of honouring the late great Gerry O’Malley in the village where he went to school has been unanimously supported from all involved in the project. Gerry O’Malley was possibly one of the greatest footballers of all time. His heart was always in the right place in his native community, encouraging and enabling local development. Despite his high profile, most will remember Gerry as a friend, one who dealt with the trials and tribulations of life in a very human, heroic manner. In his later years he loved reminiscing with supporters about games gone by. This is a project which springs from the community, and will
remember Gerry’s contribution to sport and his locality will provide a permanent reminder to the youth of the area about the importance of living up to the legacy that he has left. When South Roscommon had no area for football or hurling Gerry provided his own land which in itself became a famous landmark in South Roscommon and it is fitting to respect a man that brought so many people together when times were a lot harder than now. The community in South Roscommon has really bought into this once-off project that will leave a legacy of memories. The committee would welcome and be grateful for any financial assistance you can give to this project. Although a ‘light has gone out in the south’, we feel that it is important to rekindle forever the
spirit of this man, his grit and determination as a great athlete and his indomitable spirit as a human being. We believe that it is important for generations to come that this spirit is fittingly remembered. We endeavour to have a suitable monument erected in memory of Gerry. Research has informed the committee that a figure of some €40,000 will be needed to cover the entire costs. We hope that you will join us on the night where we will be joined by many special guests and there will be a cheese and wine reception on arrival. The committee elected are Charlie Finneran, Fiona Gavin, Tom Harrison, Donal Hamrock, Andy McDonnell, Chrissie O’Malley, Tom Lennon, Aidan Curley, Paddy Harrison, Mary McHugh, Liam Fallon, Frankie Donnelly and Tomás Beades.
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
NewsPeople HEARTFELT CARDIO SCREENING BY BPRO About Heartfelt Cardio Screening
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Screening is non invasive and is 99.17% as accurate as an angiogram. This device also tests the stiffness of the arteries, (as we get older our arteries get stiff with a build-up of plaque and cholesterol which can prevent the blood from flowing freely). The Screening tests your heart, your arteries and blood pressure, giving you your overall heart health. Tuesday 20th December - Prince of Wales Hotel, Athlone Tuesday 10th January 2017 - Prince of Wales Hotel, Athlone TIME: 10.45am until LATE COST: €50 per person or €90 per couple
To book an appointment or for further information call Anna on 086 413 5555 or Jimmy on 086 2566 422 email: heartfeltcardioscreening@gmail.com Web: www.bproheartfeltcardioscreening.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––– Advertorial –––––––––––––––––––––––––
Did you know that 27 people die of heart attacks in Ireland every day? Heartwave Cardio Screening is returning to Athlone with the revolutionary Bpro pulse wave analysis device, providing affordable and accurate heart and artery screenings. The Bpro and A-Pulse Casp has been developed by Healthstats in Singapore and can calculate a person’s central aortic systolic pressure (CASP) (blood pressure closest to the heart) accurately and non-invasively. The A-Pulse has been validated in clinical trials to have an accuracy of 99.17%, as compared to the angiogram. The BPro Cardio Pulse-Wave screening measures the aortic pressure as well as the flexibility of your arteries. Screenings are carried out by a health stats certified technician and a full printout of the results are given on the day which can be brought back to your own GP or cardiologist if
necessary. The procedure is non-invasive and completely pain-free. The cost of an individual BPro test is €50 per adult with a 10% discount (€90) for a couple. There is also a 20% discount for groups of 12 or more people e.g. Sports Clubs, Business Screening etc. Heartfelt Cardio Screening will bring the Bpro to the Prince of Wales Hotel in Athlone on the following dates: Tuesday 20th December from 10.45 am until late and Tuesday 10th January. Appointments are essential and are available from 10.45am until late. For further information or to make an appointment, please contact: Anna on 086 413 5555 or Jimmy on 0862 566 422 Email: heartfeltcardioscreening@ gmail.com Website: http://www. bproheartfeltcardioscreening.com
NALLY BROTHERS
Pictured at Castlerea Business, Community & Sporting Expo were Chris Duffy, Tom Flynn, Annmarie Beirne, Brian Stenson and Tom Goodwin. Picture: Andrew Fox
Ballyforan estate taken in charge – Ivan
Cllr. Ivan Connaughton.
Cllr. Ivan Connaughton has welcomed the news that the Claremont Estate in Ballyforan village has been taken in charge by Roscommon County Council following a municipal meeting. Cllr. Connaughton said: “I welcome the news. There are over 150 unfin-
Ballymahon, Co. Longford. Tel. 090 64 32387. Contact: Martin Nally, 087 2568044, John Nolan, 087 9205325 or David Healy, 087 9119898
ished estates in the county at present and the Council are doing excellent work in carrying out works in unfinished estates with limited resources. “This estate in Claremont was at an advanced stage and I have been working with the residents in requesting
that the green area be completed together with maintenance of the rear boundary which borders lands owned by the Council. “Now that the estate is taken in charge, I hope these much-needed minor works can proceed in early 2017.”
Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
NewsPeople
Boyle sweeps enterprise boards! < PAUL HEALY
Boyle scored a spectacular double last week when the town won the overall Bank of Ireland Enterprising Town Award as well as being deemed County Roscommon winner. The results of the inaugu-
ral Bank of Ireland Most Enterprising Town Awards were announced in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon last week. Four counties participated in the awards on a pilot basis. The awards were organised in collaboration with four County Councils
Boyle’s Double Enter-PRIZE boost 8-PAGE SPECIAL: Pages 37-44 and their economic teams in Roscommon, Mayo, Laois and Kildare. The Awards celebrate enterprise by bringing businesses and community groups together to showcase the spirit of enterprise in their town. Also taking part from County Roscommon were Roscommon town, Castlerea and Ballaghaderreen.
The judging panel met with businesses, community and public sector groups in each of the participating towns in Roscommon to learn more about what was being done to promote enterprise within the towns. Following this engagement, Boyle was chosen as the overall County Winner and will
receive a prize of €3,000 and a trophy. In addition to being honoured as the Roscommon County Winner, Boyle was also selected as the Overall Winner across the four counties involved and has been awarded a further €10,000 to support enterprise initiatives in the town. There was additional success for County Roscommon at the Awards with Castlerea being given a Merit Award and funding (€2,000) to support the start-up of a community matching fund initiative. Castlerea was one of six other towns selected from across the four counties for this special Merit Award. The judges found Castlerea to be a great example of businesses, community, County Council and other agencies all working together as part of a team focussed on the town.
Boyle, Co. Roscommon were the overall winners at the Bank of Ireland Enterprising Town Awards in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon. Left to right, front: Tom Dowling, Chairman of the judging panel; Patricia Golden and Brian Nerney, Boyle; Tom Hayes and Jacqui Gollogly, judges. Back: David Gunning, Gerry Whelehan, Manager, Bank of Ireland, Boyle; Joann Hosey, Head of Bank of Ireland for counties Sligo, Leitrim and Roscommon and Frank Geelan, Boyle. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin
Castlerea, Co. Roscommon, were Merit Award winners pictured at the Bank of Ireland Enterprising Town Awards in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon. Left to right: Liam McLoughlin, Chief Executive, Retail Banking, Bank of Ireland; Colm Kelly and Susan Gaynor, Castlerea; Denis Naughten, Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment and Tom Dowling, Chairman of the Judging Panel. 3Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin
Micheál Frain, Ballaghaderreen; Martina Earley, LEADER Partnership, Roscommon, and John Kilgallon, Ballaghaderreen, pictured at the Bank of Ireland Enterprising Town Awards in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin
Gerry Finn, Roscommon; Peter Carey, CEO, Kildare Co. Council and John Joe Fennelly, Abbeyleix, pictured at the Bank of Ireland Enterprising Town Awards in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin
Roscommon Town who competed in the Bank of Ireland Enterprising Town Awards in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon. In picture, front: Mena Doherty, Manager, Bank of Ireland, Roscommon; Larry Brennan, Caitlín McConn, Seán Mahon, Jacqui Gollogly, Bank of Ireland; Pauline McGovern and Cllr. Orla Leyden. Back: Shane and Orla Fleming; Tom Dowling, Chairman of the judging panel; Frank Scott, Gerry Finn, Cllr. Tony Ward, Cathaoirleach Roscommon Co. Council; Tom Hayes, Joann Hosey, Bank of Ireland; Eugene Cummins, CEO, Roscommon Co. Council; Cllr. Kathleen Shanagher, Sandra Kenny and P. Burke. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin
Louise Ward, LEO, Roscommon with Shane and Orla Fleming, Roscommon Town, pictured at the Bank of Ireland Enterprising Town Awards in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
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St. Stephen’s Day Charity Walk for Western Alzheimer’s Looking for a way to curb those festive calories or just want a break from the chaos of Christmas? Well look no further. Join Western Alzheimer’s Roscommon Voluntary Committee for their first ever fundraising Charity Walk on St. Stephen’s Day. The walk starts from Hannon’s
Hotel, Athlone Road at 12 noon. There are two walks to choose from, 5K and 10K, and the charity is asking everyone to come out and support on the day. There’ll be a real festive atmosphere with music by the Castlerea Brass & Reed Band to get things up and running,
and afterwards refreshments and entertainment with The Strawboys. Entry is €10 per person or €20 per family with registration on the day from 11.15 am. Sponsorship cards are also available from the Western Alzheimer’s Office, Goff Street, Roscommon. Tel: (090) 6627816.
NEW CLASSES COMMENCING IN JANUARY
Carol singing in Ballaghaderreen in aid of Hospice
Pictured at the switching on of the Christmas lights in Castlerea were Fionn, Sarah, Erin, Fianna, Jason and Rian Grant. Picture: Andrew Fox
Ballaghaderreen Hospice support group will be carol singing at Duffy’s SuperValu, Ballaghaderreen, on Friday, the 23rd December from 11 am. All the funds raised will greatly help to maintain local hospice palliative care services for those in the community who need it most, especially those going through a difficult time due to illness during the Christmas season. Please remember them and support this most worthy cause.
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Solstice Choir Concert in Kilteevan Roscommon Solstice Choir will host a Christmas Concert in St. Joseph’s Church, Kilteevan, on Friday, 16th of December next. Doors open at 7.30 pm and concert starts at 8 pm. Tickets are €10. Proceeds to The Children’s Medical & Research Foundation, Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin. Your support will be appreciated.
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
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From My Kitchen Table MIRIAM KERINS
Why are we surprised Cruz Beckham’s launched a ‘Pop’ career? Y
ears from now we’ll all remember where we were when we heard that news breaking headline…’Cruz Beckham releases single.’ It was precisely 7.30 pm on Tuesday (6th) and I was desperately trying to negotiate heavy Christmas traffic when news that the 11-year-old middle young fella of Skelator Spice and Deadwood Beckham had released a charity single, ‘If Every Day was Christmas,’ just in time for… you guessed it – Christmas! Now I have to be honest, I listened to young Cruz, (it’d be rude not to), and bless him, he doesn’t have a bad aul voice; leading me to ask, where did he get his talent? Not from his finger-pointing, strategically pouting ‘singer’ turned fashion designer mother, I would assume. However, I have to agree with many of the critics and say that at age 11, Cruz is way too young to be embarking on a pop career, and instead should be building stuff with
Have no fear …it’s nearly here! While they’re all busy doing, well, absolutely nothing for the latter half of 2016 and the first half of 2017, it appears ‘celebrities’ like comedian Des Bishop and actresses Aoibhin Garrihy and Denise McCormack will be holed up in some ‘secret’ location practising their moves to such cheesy, pulse pounding dance floor hits as ‘Ups, Up Side Yer Head, Head,’’ ah yeah a true classic. Other so-called big names such as Teresa Mannion, GAA personality Aidan O’Mahony, model Thalia Heffernan, sports presenter Des Cahill and BB contestant Hughie Maughan have also been rumoured to be taking part but (as I write, at the weekend) have so far managed to remain tight-lipped. Ooooh the excitement is killing me… not! But hand on heart folks, I really can’t wait for DWTS, I mean where else will I get inspiration for my tan in a can look?
Cruz Beckham ... embarking on a pop career.
Lego or whatever it is 11-year-old boys do these days. Another concern I would have is the revelation that this kid’s career is being managed by Scooter Braun, the individual responsible for giving us that one time boy-next-door, adorable cherub who quickly morphed into the insufferable, bad-mannered, bad-tempered, serial spitter and tantrum thrower that is Justin Bieber. But I would have to ask these critics why they’re so surprised that Cruz Beckham’s pop career has been launched? I mean, in my opinion, it was only a matter of time before he’d follow in older brother Brooklyn’s footsteps. You see, despite being highly inexperienced, it appears that Brooklyn is now being hailed as the next Annie Leibovitz, i.e. a celebrity photographer extraordinaire, and at the grand old age of only 17 this tag line is something which could be said may devalue and undermine those serious,
more mature professionals who’ve honed their talents and worked hard to earn the industry’s trust and respect they deserve. Then we’ve got 14-year-old heartthrob Romeo and his high profile, high fashion modelling career and, waiting patiently in the wings is the baby of the Beckham bunch, 5-year-old Harper who, if you’re to believe the fashion critics, is clearly the ‘coolest’ kid on the block, causing a media stir every time the young wan so much as eats an ice cream. Look, from the very moment D&V Beckham got together they’ve probably been working hard on promoting their brand and popping out kids faster that those gooey Von Trapps, ensuring the talentless hacks a cleverly stagemanaged, money-spinning legacy that would go on and on. And yes, there is a serious case of nepotism happening here, and yes, the elevation of the Beckham brood is definitely going to
annoy the parents of those youngsters who work bloody hard to make their way in this world and who weren’t born with a silver spoon in their gob and a Versace rattle in their spray-tanned little hands. Because the cleverly orchestrated careers of David and Victoria’s kids (and other celebrity brats), is not about earning fame, nor is it about slogging hard to achieve, but it’s all about their parentage and what it guarantees them, i.e. a path to superstardom. The big, bad world of showbiz is all about PR and who you know, not what you know. Celebrity is not about who deserves it more but about whose back is being slapped… and it appears the high profile back Mother Beckham is slapping these days is former Pussy Cat Doll Nicole Scherzinger, who if you are to believe a report in the Daily Mail, has been approached ‘as a potential duet partner’ for Cruz. Oh yeah folks, it’s a severe case of status versus talent and if Cruz has inherited any of his mother’s ‘singing’ abilities, then those youngsters, i.e. the nobodies who are struggling to climb the showbiz ladder needn’t fret, ‘cos the poor deluded kid won’t triumph for very long. Oh his single will sell and make money for Global’s Make Some Noise charity, a wonderful cause, but the cold harsh reality is, the mansion to limo, orthopaedic-looking-designer-shoe lovin’ Twiglet Beckham and her kiddies needn’t bother powdering their lickle noses, ‘cos I suspect they won’t last that long in the spotlight. But hey, that’s not the kids’ fault.
Another week of posturing, pretentious guests from RTÉ Former Boyzoner, now tyre salesman Keith-howerya buddy-Duffy, and former Westlifer with high ambitions, Brian McFadden, appeared on Saturday’s Ray D’Arcy show to make what I can only assume are last-ditch efforts to flog tickets to their, ahem, ‘supergroup’ collaboration ‘Beavis and Buthead… the Tour,’ er sorry, my mistake, their ‘Boyzlife’ tour. Apparently hawking cheap tyres (Duffy) and paying maintenance to ex-wives (McFadden) is leaving a gaping hole in the pair’s dwindling bank balances and so, when the going gets tough, the tough, who have reportedly blamed “Irish begrudgery” for their failure to sell out previous Irish dates, resorted to going on the impossibly bland and boring offering that is Ray D’Arcy’s talk show, embarking
on a drastically drawn out lacklustre sing-off revealing what music lovers knew all along…that well-worn Duffy should really stick to flogging part-worn tyres. Mind you. McFadden proved he can hold a tune. But that wasn’t the worst of it…oh no readers. Just when I thought it was safe to emerge from behind the sofa, ‘funnyman’ and, in my opinion, the unoriginal and terribly pleased with himself Tommy Tiernan provided zero entertainment value as he too plugged his new show ’Under the Influence.’ Ah well, just a case of RTÉ doing what it does best folks, remaining incapable of being entertaining by providing us with posturing and pretentious guests desperate to tout their tickets for Chrimbo. Nuthin’ new there.
newsbriefs Blood Donation Clinics in Roscommon A Blood Donation Clinic will be held in The Abbey Hotel, Roscommon on Sunday, 18th of December (12 noon to 3.30 pm), and on Monday, 19th of December and Tuesday, 20th of December (5 pm-8.30 pm, both days). Please give blood – you get more than you give.
‘St. Comán book’ signing on Friday On Friday, 16th of December Noel Hoare will be signing copies of his book, ‘Remembering St. Comán – Patron Saint of Ros Comáin’ at the Farmers Market in Roscommon Town which is located at the front of the Bank of Ireland. The signing will take place between 10.30 am-2 pm. If anyone has already purchased a copy and would like to have it signed, then please bring your book along between these times.
Castlerea CCE Castelrea CCE holds a session of traditional music this Friday, 16th of December, in McGourty’s from 9.30 pm. All welcome.
Castlerea Musical Society Christmas Raffle Castlerea Musical Society are holding a Christmas Raffle on Friday night, 16th of December in McGourty’s Bar, Castlerea. Tickets are now on sale from all members. Tickets are €2 each or a book of 3 for €5. There are great prizes to be won. Your support would be greatly appreciated.
Lisnamult Monthly Draw results The Lisnamult Draw results for the month of December are as follows: €100 Mary Judge, €100 Rachel Burke, €50 Marie McDonagh, €25 Elizabeth O’Neill, €25 Margaret Nevin and €25 Peter Coughlan. Extra Christmas prizes: €25 Dennis Hynes, €25 Eileen Coyne, €25 Marion Kelly and €25 Eileen Cox. Tins of sweets/biscuits go to Patsy Costello, Patsy Connaughton, Patrick Fleming and Madeleine Cadbury.
REDDOT 2016 – Visual Arts Exhibition The ‘Reddot’ Visual Arts Exhibition takes place from Friday, 16th of December-24th of December in the old Xtra-Vision, Main St. Roscommon. There will be a live performance by Noel Molloy on Saturday, 17th of December at 3 pm starting in Harrison Court followed by opening reception in the old Xtra-vision. The exhibition opening hours are as follows: Monday-Saturday at 12 pm-6 pm, closed Sunday, 18th of December, and finished on 24th of December at 3 pm. This is organised by Angie Duignan with kind assistance from Roscommon County Council Arts Office.
Local SPCA collection for cats and dogs Roscommon SPCA are having a collection for cats and dogs – dry food, toys, tins, bedding, etc. in Robert Flynn’s, The Square, Castlerea. Please donate to this worthy cause.
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
NewsPeople Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas and New Year
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Register today in your local Intreo /DSP Office Apply online www.gretbtrainingcentre.ie For more information contact 091 524689 *Learner Permit Required for ALL Driver Training Courses*
newsbrief Carol singing in Ballaghaderreen in aid of Hospice Ballaghaderreen Hospice support group will be carol singing at Duffy’s SuperValu, Ballaghaderreen, on Friday, the 23rd December from 11 am. All the funds raised will greatly help to maintain local hospice palliative care services for those in the community who need it most, especially those going through a difficult time due to illness during the Christmas season. Please remember them and support this most worthy cause.
Pictured at Castlerea Business, Community & Sporting Expo were Seán Beirne, Minister Denis Naughten, Rachel Allen, Benny O’Connell and Cllr. Michael Creighton. Picture: Andrew Fox
Medical cards for sick children approved – Naughten
Local Minister Denis Naughten has confirmed that Cabinet has approved the allocation of medical cards for all children who qualify for Domiciliary Care Allowance, as well as a reduction in the prescription charge for medical cardholders aged over 70. “This is a welcome decision to give medical cards to all children who qualify for Domiciliary Care Allowance. The new law to allow
this to happen will be passed by the Dáil early in the New Year and it is expected that children will receive their medical card soon after the new law is approved,” stated Minister Naughten. “There are many families locally who are caring for sick children and who face mounting costs in terms of medical expenses. These are the families we need to be supporting and I welcome the decision by Cabinet to proceed with the intro-
duction of this measure. “These are children who require ongoing care and attention substantially over and above the care and attention usually required by a child of the same age. Approximately 9,000 children – or one-third of DCA recipients – currently do not qualify for a medical card but this measure will change that and ensure they receive a full medical card.” The decision to reduce prescription
charges for the over 70s to €2, subject to a cap of €20, has also been welcomed by Minister Naughten. “This reduction will come into effect from 1st March 2017 and will result in savings for many of the older members of our community,” stated Minister Naughten. “It is estimated that across the country approximately 330,000 medical card holders aged 70 and over will benefit from this measure.”
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
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BUSINESSES: Reach your target market! 18,000 COPIES PRINTED WEEKLY
It’s super, says Ring Mr. Michael Ring, TD, Minister for Regional Economic Development is delighted to announce that SuperValu will sponsor the Tidy Towns Competition from 2017 to 2021. Minister Ring said “SuperValu has been the sole sponsor of this competition for the past 25 years and I am delighted to confirm that my Department and SuperValu will continue to work together to develop and grow the competition over the next five years.”
Pictured at Castlerea Business, Community & Sporting Expo were Cllr. Paschal Fitzmaurice, Jim O’Connor, Seán Finan, Seán Farrell, Adrian Leddy and Martin Stapleton. Picture: Andrew Fox
InBUSINESS Recognition Awards Hundreds of guests from across the country recently converged at the Conrad Hotel, Dublin to celebrate Irish business by recognise their outstanding achievement in the Irish business community. Winners of the InBUSINESS Recognition Awards were chosen across 22 categories based on the broad criteria of growth, profile of business, range of services and customer care. Roscommon man Maurice Buckley, CEO, National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI), picked up the State Body Award at the 2016 InBUSINESS Recognition Awards.
Pictured at Castlerea Bank of Ireland Enterprise Town Event were Ciara McDonnell and David Farrell. Picture: Andrew Fox
Pictured at Castlerea Bank of Ireland Enterprise Town Event were Beradine and Denise Casserly. Picture: Andrew Fox
Pictured at Castlerea Bank of Ireland Enterprise Town Event were Stephen McDermott and Celine Finnerty. Picture: Andrew Fox
Pictured at Castlerea Bank of Ireland Enterprise Town Event were Sinéad Hennessy and Cathal Tivnan. Picture: Andrew Fox
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Pictured at Castlerea Business, Community & Sporting Expo were Lorraine O’Regan, Laura Beirne, Rachel Allen, Celebrity Chef, Breege Hester and Marie Hester. Picture: Andrew Fox
Contact Tonya on 0906634319 sales@eurona-brisknet.ie www.mybroadband.ie
Pictured at Castlerea Business, Community & Sporting Expo were Joe Cunnane, Mary Cunnane, Amanda Soares, Gary Cunnane, Teresa Spellman and Gemma McDonagh. Picture: Andrew Fox
Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
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NewsPeople
Pictured at Castlerea Business, Community & Sporting Expo were Joanne Hosey, Bank of Ireland, Luke Flanagan MEP, Seán Beirne, Bank of Ireland, John Waters, Nora Fahy, Roscommon Women’s Network, Paul Healy, Roscommon People Editor, Celine Finnerty, Harmac Medical and Kevin McStay, Roscommon Senior Football manager. Picture: Andrew Fox
Castlerea community showcases how much the town has to offer < PAUL HEALY
The Business, Community and Sporting Expo which was held in the Castlerea Enterprise Hub over two days last weekend was a huge success, with large crowds attending and local businesses and groups showcasing the diverse services and facilities that are available in the area. Organisers of this major enterprise event were delighted with the turnout and there was a general consensus that the success of the Expo underlined the growing momentum there is in Castlerea, where the Town Team, Enterprise Castlerea and a host of local organisations are working with state agencies to further develop the town.
The weekend-long event at The Hub was hosted by the Bank of Ireland and was billed as The Castlerea Enterprise Town Business & Community Expo (which took place on Friday; a Sports & Community Expo followed on Saturday). Sean Beirne, Manager of Bank of Ireland in Castlerea, formally welcomed attendees on both days. Friday’s hugely successful proceedings featured many highlights, including the formal launch of the Castlerea Food Hub project by Denis Naughten, Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment. Friday also saw the launch of a new website (Castlerea.ie) featuring information about the town. Gareth Scahill, chairperson of Cas-
tlerea Town Team, says the website will be a guide to everything that’s happening in Castlerea and will be a form of reaching out to the diaspora, as well as to people in the locality! The weekend event was supported by local businesses, sporting and community groups, farm bodies, schools, state agencies, etc. A number of panel discussions were held and these proved to be interesting and thought-provoking. Special guests included celebrity chef Rachel Allen, writer John Waters and Minister Naughten. Local groups and individuals provided some great musical entertainment, there was fun for children – and lots of complimentary food for guests – and even an appearance by Santa!
Pictured at Castlerea Bank of Ireland Enterprise Town Event were Maria Hester, Bridie Ryan and Claire Callaghan. Picture: Andrew Fox
Pictured at Castlerea Business, Community & Sporting Expo were Mairéád Creighton, Elaine Morgan and Julie Morgan. Picture: Andrew Fox
Pictured at Castlerea Bank of Ireland Enterprise Town Event were Marie Hester, Susan Gaynor, Tommy Gaynor and Breege Hester. Picture: Andrew Fox
Pictured at Castlerea Bank of Ireland Enterprise Town Event were Tracy Duffy, Rachel Allen, Celebrity Chef, Annmarie Beirne and Gillian Ryan. Picture: Andrew Fox
Pictured at Castlerea Bank of Ireland Enterprise Town Event were Mary Kelly, Joe Pearl and Marie Baggot. Picture: Andrew Fox
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
NewsPeople SUNDAY GOSPEL REFLECTION The mystery kept secret for long ages, promised through His prophets in the holy Scriptures, is today revealed (see Romans 16:25-26). This is the “Gospel of God” that Paul celebrates in today’s Epistle – the good news that “God is with us” in Jesus Christ. The sign promised to the House of David in today’s First Reading is given in today’s Gospel. In the virgin found with child, God himself has brought to Israel a savior from David’s royal line (see Acts 13:22-23). Son of David according to the flesh, Jesus is the Son of God, born of the Spirit. He will be anointed with the Spirit (see Acts 10:38), and by the power of Spirit will be raised from the dead and established at God’s right hand in the heavens (see Acts 2:33-34; Ephesians 1:20-21). He is the “King of Glory” we sing of in today’s Psalm. The earth in its fullness has been given to Him. And as God swore long ago to David, His Kingdom will have no end (see Psalm 89:4-5). In Jesus Christ we have a new creation. Like the creation of the world, it is a work of the Spirit, a blessing from the Lord (see Genesis 1:2). In Him, we are saved from our sins, are called now “the beloved of God.” All nations now are called to belong to Jesus Christ, to enter into the House of David and Kingdom of God, the Church. Together, through the obedience of faith, we have been made a new race – a royal people that seeks for the face of the God of Jacob. He has made our hearts clean, made us worthy to enter His holy place, to stand in His presence and serve Him. In the Eucharist, the everlasting covenant is renewed, the Advent promise of virgin with child – God with us – continues until the end of the age (see Matthew 28:20; Ezekiel 37:24-28). – Scott Hahn Ph.D., www.salvationhistory. com (and courtesy of Sacred Heart Church)
THE BRIDGE CLUB Roscommon Bridge Club North/South – 1st: E. Kelly & M. Dermody, 2nd: L. Shine & L. Curley, Gross: T. Murphy & T. Smyth. East/West – 1st: T. & M. O’Keeffe, 2nd: J. McGrath & K. Holmes, Gross: C. Ansboro & C. McGrath. Happy ‘71 Bridge Club 1st: T. Smyth & L. Shine, 2nd: T. Murphy & M. Mellett, Gross: L. Curley & S. Cooney. Ballymurray Bridge Club Section A North/South – 1st: G. Bannon & J. O’Gara, 2nd: E. Moran & M. Lennon, Gross: M. Hickey & R. Roughneen. East/West – 1st: A. Carney & M. Dolan, 2nd: G. Spillane & J. Devaney, Gross: B. Gillooly & F. Keane. Section B – 1st: A. Costello & G. Finn, 2nd: S. & M. Gregory, Gross: M. McDermott & K. Jones. East/West – 1st: S. Melia & J. McGrath, 2nd: M. Hanley & H. Earley, Gross: A. McCourt & S. Macken. Kilbride Bridge Club North/South – 1st: C. Neilan & M. Kelly, 2nd: J. Hunt & A. Gaffney, 3rd: M. Fallon & M. Mullen. East/ West – 1st: P. Dowd & A. Igoe, 2nd: S. Macken & A. McCourt, 3rd: T. & B. Moran.
FRANKLY
SPEAKING
FRANK BRANDON’S UNIQUE TAKE ON LIFE ...
Chaotic, crazy and great craic – the Irish Wedding experience! I
t’s early Friday morning and our normally quiet house is gone a little bit crazy. It’s the morning of the wedding of our daughter Tara, to her now husband Ray, and mayhem and chaos are the order of the day. We have three bridesmaids, the bride’s mother, and the bride herself, all to have their hair and beauty sorted, so the hairdresser, Grace, and the beautician, Melissa, are there, flat out making sure the wedding party are looking their best on the big day. Throw in myself and our two lads, Alan, who was driving the bridesmaids, two or three photographers and a videoman, and the driver of the wedding car, Alec Dempsey – a man who played football against me many a time –and, all told, it was a bit like a small Fawlty Towers with a bit of Only Fools thrown in. However it all worked out in the end, and we headed to our local church where our recently arrived parish priest, Fr. Larry, was waiting to conduct what turned out to be a most beautiful ceremony. I’ve told you before of the singing gem Annette Griffin from down the road in Ballymoe, who sings like an angel, and, accompanied by her mother, she put on a spellbindingly wonderful performance. Annette is the head of entertainment in the world acclaimed Ashford Castle Hotel and it’s an honour she thoroughly deserves, and her hauntingly beautiful rendition of the wedding songs was the talk of the place – she really is a special talent. Anyway, off we headed past the many bonfires and wishing signs, and in keeping with a long-standing tradition, there was a pit-stop at Mikeen’s, where Mikeen and his wife Carmel surpassed themselves with a welcoming reception of their own. The happy couple pulled a pint of Guinness behind the bar, which I’m sure someone drank, and then we hit for the reception in the Abbey Hotel in Roscommon. On the way we stopped off at the famous castle in town for the pic-
tures, a really lovely place, before we arrived at the hotel to be greeted by the traditional red carpet and all the usual trimmings. Now I have often praised the Abbey, the Grealy family, and their staff before, and rightly so, but the overwhelming reaction from everyone that I spoke to was that this time they really excelled themselves, and everything from the fabulous newly refurbished ballroom to the food, service and accommodation was top class, and a credit to all involved in the running of the longestablished hotel. Carol and myself had our reception there 36 years ago, so it was a little bit nostalgic to be back again with Tara’s wedding. After the dinner we had a little rest followed by a pint or two, and then it was back to the ballroom for the musical entertainment which was provided by the marvellous White Cakes, a five-piece band from Castlerea, who kept us on the dance floor for the next few hours. One of the blessings that writing a column like this one gives me, is that I can occasionally use it to highlight the many positives that exist on our own doorsteps and everything that was involved on the day was all local, including the beautiful wedding cake from Molloy’s Bakery, the vintage car from Smyth’s, Roscommon, the photographer, Maurice Sirr, and the amazing sweet cart from David Crehan (they travelled to Athlone to my own immediate neighbour in the shop), Lorna Stuart-Trainor of A Room in Bloom Florists for the beautiful flowers and the only thing that was outsourced was the photo stand in the foyer, where a few lads from Ballyshannon took photos of loads of the guests in all sorts of funny costumes and you got your completed pictures almost immediately. I haven’t had the courage to look at mine yet. When it comes to sartorial elegance all the men in the wedding part were immaculately turned out by Donnellan’s and John Corcoran Menswear, so much so that I had to turn down
several modeling offers! However, I will be available from January 2017 onwards. Anyway back to the White Cakes, and when you want a band that are really brilliant – why not stay local and give them a shout. And for us Creggs people, the good news is that they are playing at the Creggs GAA Dinner Dance, also in the Abbey, on January 28th – make a date of that night in your diary and I guarantee you won’t be disappointed, on either count. So to sum up, even though it had nothing to do with me, if you are thinking of tying the knot and you are not too far from Roscommon town, you don’t have to go miles away – it can all be done just as well in your own local area. To bring the curtain down on the wedding night itself we had a disco, by which time my batteries had run out and I was in bed, and the following night the one and only Elvis from Edenderry, Greg Traynor, absolutely rocked Mikeen’s, and if you didn’t pull a muscle the night before, you surely pulled something at Elvis. It’s all over now thank God, but I have to say it was some craic. All that’s left for
Joe – a truly remarkable man Finally for this week, the entire area has been saddened by the weekend death of Dr. Joe Daly, a man who was known, loved, and respected by people from all over the country. The enormous attendance at his funeral was testimony to the Ballygar doctor’s popularity. In Creggs Rugby Club, he was one of our greatest-ever friends and supporters, and held the position of club president for
very many years, and was instrumental in bringing the small rural club to the prominent position it holds in Connacht rugby today. He also served as President of the Connacht branch, and was one of the most respected men in the world of rugby. To thousands of people over the years, he was their family doctor, someone they could turn to in times of trouble, a doctor
who was available to help at any hour of day and night. We have all lost a good friend but the Daly family have lost a great dad and Madeleine has lost a great husband, and in their hour of grief I hope it’s some consolation for them to realise that very few people made the impact on their community that Dr. Joe did. My sincerest sympathies to the Daly family. May he rest in peace.
me is to wish Ray and Tara a long, happy life together, and may the sun always shine on you both.
Local events Back to normal local things and on Sunday afternoon the annual Senior Citizens Christmas party took place. I’m told as always it was one of the events of the year: the best of music with Jimmy Kearney, and The Lancers, the best (and lashings), of good food, and a copious supply of good drink all added up to a great bit of craic, and I hope all the heads were not too bad the next morning. Also, with the wedding creeping up on us, we all sort of forgot about Christmas and I’ve just realised it’s only two weeks to the Barrie Harris Walk. My training this year is not up to scratch, but I’ll be there, and the important thing for you is to keep the sponsorship cards out there and make sure the money for all the deserving charities keeps rolling in. So many of them benefit from the funds raised by the walk, so keep the foot on the pedal.
Disney magic Last night I found myself watching the lovely animated film ‘Bambi’, and I really enjoyed it; however what totally amazed me was the fact that the film we were watching was made in 1942, and the quality was unbelievable. If I didn’t see the date myself I would not have believed it. Disney has been producing animated films for a long time now, and obviously they got it right from the start.
‘Till next week, Bye for now
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
Weekend
PEOPLE
FACES AND PLACES
See pages 25 - 26
LAUNCH OF ‘ROSCOMMON FOOTBALL LEGENDS’ Pictured, on left, at the launch of Roscommon Football Legends in the Hodson Bay Hotel were Brian Lennon, Eileen Lennon, Deputy John O’Mahony, Sandra Griselain and Tom Lennon. Pictured, on right, at the launch of Roscommon Football Legends in the Hodson Bay Hotel were Padraig Sugrue, CEO, Hodson Bay Group, Richard Canny and Deputy John O’Mahony. See page 72. Pictures: Andrew Fox.
See legendary Fureys… For over 39 years, Ireland’s musical legends the Fureys have been selling out concerts worldwide. They return to the Roscommon Arts Centre for another great night of Irish music, songs and stories on Saturday, 21st of January at 8 pm. Hear them sing their timeless classics including ‘When you were sweet 16’, ‘The Green fields of France’, ‘Red rose café’, and ‘Steal away’. On the night The Fureys will also perform
songs from their new CD ‘The Times they are a changing’. The album is a collection of songs written by writers and performers the band met over the years including Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Ewan McColl and Pete Seeger. The Fureys’ emotive songs stir many emotions… tears and laughter, sadness and joy and a ticket for their show is an ideal Christmas gift. Booking now at Roscommon Arts Centre on 09066 25824/www.roscommonartscentre.ie
Charity Beard Shave in Kilrooskey A Beard Shave for Hospice Palliative Care services will be held in Rattigan’s of Kilrooskey on Saturday, 17th of December at 9 pm. There will be music, a raffle, food and craic. Please support what is a great cause. All are welcome.
Solstice Choir Concert in Kilteevan
LAUNCH OF 2017 RONAN MCCORMACK CHALLENGE: The 2017 Ronan McCormack Challenge will take place over 4th-5th of March next year. The event was launched in Hannon’s Hotel last Sunday. More details in future issues. Pictured at the launch were Clement McCormack, Noel Feeley, Roscommon Sports Partnership, Kevin McStay, Roscommon Senior Football manager, Bob and Jackie McCormack and Willie Hegarty. Picture: Andrew Fox
Roscommon Solstice Choir will host a Christmas Concert in St. Joseph’s Church, Kilteevan, on Friday, 16th of December next. Doors open at 7.30 pm and concert starts at 8 pm. Tickets are €10. Proceeds to The Children’s Medical & Research Foundation, Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin. Your support will be appreciated.
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
NIGHT LIFE • BARS • NIGHTCLUBS • CINEMA • SOCIAL • ARTS
Hamrock’s
cinema & leisure complex
Athleague, Co. Roscommon Tel.: (090) 6663325 Saturday night, 17th December:
1ST APPEARANCE OF
The Caher Sound Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year
Franks Bar BALLYBEG
Saturday 17th December
Christmas Party Night Music by David Kiernan Refreshments on the night. All Welcome
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
Week Commencing Fri 16th—Thurs 22nd Dec ALMOST CHRISTMAS (12A) (NO SHOW MON 19TH-THUR 22ND)
ARTHUR CHRISTMAS (G)
Movie Times 18:50 12:00 (KMC)
BAD SANTA 2 (16) (NO SHOW MON 19TH-THUR 22ND) 13:55 BALLERINA (G) (MON 19TH—THUR 22ND ONLY)
13:45 (PREMIER)
FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM 2D 12:00 (KMC); 14:00; 18:55 MOANA 2D (G)
13:20; 14:45; 17:00; 19:20
OFFICE CHRISTMAS PARTY (16)
14:15; 19:00; 21:40
PASSENGERS (12A) (MON 19TH-THUR 22ND ONLY)
18:45 (PREMIER)
ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY 2D (12A)
15:55; 18:30; 21:20
ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY 3D (12A)
15:40; 21:20
STORKS (G)
11:50 (KMC)
SULLY (12A)
16:45; 21:40
THE EDGE OF SEVENTEEN (15A)
16:40; 21:25
Telephone: 090 6626225 Friday 16th December:
The Square House Social Saturday 17th December:
Blues session with
Strange Brew
Sunday 18th December:
Festive cheer at Castlecoote Lodge The Leyden family and all at Castlecoote Lodge are full of the joys of the festive season and, like all of the Castlecoote, Fuerty area are delighted with the announcement that the area will host the County Fleadh Cheoil next Easter. Always a great spot for trad sessions, this coming weekend is no exception as the Trad Night Christmas Party takes place at the Lodge this Friday (16th), commencing at 10 pm. As usual, all entertainers, be they musicians, dancers, singers or storytellers are very welcome to join in and a great night is anticipated. A Monster Christmas Draw will take place later in the night. All proceeds are in aid of Castlecoote Fleadh Cheoil. Great prizes are sponsored by Castlecoote Lodge, Farrell’s Mills, Frances’ Finishing Touches and Athleague
Branch Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann. And if you fancy a 25 Card Game, come along to the front bar where there will be prizes on the night. Customers and friends are also invited to a party night on Friday, December 23rd, commencing at 9 pm. A draw will take place at 10.30 pm for a Christmas hamper organised by Castlecoote Tidy Towns. The now traditional Christmas 25 Card Game will take place the same night with lots of prizes to be won. St. Stephen’s Day promises to be lots of fun at the Lodge with live music and Open Mic for Wrenboys. On New Year’s Eve, where better to bring in 2017 than at Castlecoote Lodge where the hospitality is legendary and music on the night will be provided again this year by Simply Me.
Patricia Lane with Anthony McDermott - 7pm in Middle Bar
Pictured at the launch of the Ronan McCormack Challenge 2017 were Jackie McCormack, Trisha Carr, Bob McCormack, Monica Carr, Cole Brady, Kathleen and Bernie Carr. Picture: Andrew Fox
* 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
To have your advert seen by over 80,000 people every week advertise with us! Pictured at the launch of the Ronan McCormack Challenge 2017 were back row (l-r) Linda Gill, Pieta House, Bernie Carr, Special Olympics Connacht, Deborah and Pat Leonard, Martina Gleeson, Stephen Glynn, Pieta House and Noel Feeley, Roscommon Sports Partnership. Front row (l-r) Jackie and Bob McCormack. Picture: Andrew Fox
Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
OUT AND ABOUT • BARS • NIGHTCLUBS • CINEMA • SOCIAL • ARTS • LIFESTYLE
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Pictured at the Christmas Food & Craft Market for Roscommon Cancer Support in the Abbey Hotel were members of the Something to Sing About Choir (l-r) Florence Kearney, Rosie Burke, Mick McGuckian, Geraldine Conboy, Elizabeth Murray, Dympna Hegarty, Geraldine Malone and Maudie Kenny.
Faces & Places Christmas Food & Craft Market for Roscommon Cancer Support in the Abbey Hotel Photographs: Andrew Fox
Pictured at the Christmas Food & Craft Market for Roscommon Cancer Support in the Abbey Hotel were Kasia, Nikodem and Anastasia Domarus. Pictured at the Christmas Food & Craft Market for Roscommon Cancer Support in the Abbey Hotel were Marie and Oonagh Kelly and Charlie O’Brien.
Pictured at the Christmas Food & Craft Market for Roscommon Cancer Support in the Abbey Hotel were Rebecca Thompson, Linda Dolan and Aileen Cramer.
Pictured at the Christmas Food & Craft Market for Roscommon Cancer Support in the Abbey Hotel were Cliona Baker and Anna Flanagan.
Pictured at the Christmas Food & Craft Market for Roscommon Cancer Support in the Abbey Hotel were Lena Gacquin and Emma Feeley.
Pictured at the Christmas Food & Craft Market for Roscommon Cancer Support in the Abbey Hotel were Geraldine Beirne and Annmarie Mannion.
Pictured at the Christmas Food & Craft Market for Roscommon Cancer Support in the Abbey Hotel were Sheila Canning and Ann Hannon Chin.
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
OUT AND ABOUT • BARS • NIGHTCLUBS • CINEMA • SOCIAL • ARTS • LIFESTYLE
Pictured in Murray’s, Knockcroghery on Saturday night last were Marian Brennan, Marie Donnellan and Monica Beegan.
Pictured in Murray’s, Knockcroghery on Saturday night last were Catriona Beirne, Irene Beirne, Mary Beirne and Sinéad Kelly.
Faces & Places Murray’s, Knockcroghery Pic: Andrew Fox Pictured in Murray’s, Knockcroghery on Saturday night last were Patricia Beirne, Irene Nestor, David Beirne and Kenneth Beirne.
Pictured in Murray’s, Knockcroghery on Saturday night last were Marian Dina, Eithne Jarrett and Michael Kelly.
Pictured in Murray’s, Knockcroghery on Saturday night last were Emma Jane and Padraig Mullally.
Pictured in Murray’s, Knockcroghery on Saturday night last were Sinéad Deavin, James Tarpey and Jodie Jarret.
Pictured in Murray’s, Knockcroghery on Saturday night last were Philip Dolan, Marina Dolan and Aidan Fallon.
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
#rosmas
10-page Shopping Guide
SHOP LOCAL this Christmas
Keep it local this Christmas! A Roscommon Chamber of Commerce & Roscommon People Promotion • Late opening hours • Sunday Shopping
€1,000 VOUCHER GIVEAWAY
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
Christmas 2016 in Roscommon
#rosmas
€1,000
A joint promotion by Roscommon Chamber of Commerce and Roscommon People
TEN €100 VOUCHERS
*
to be won by ten lucky readers!
In association with Roscommon Chamber of Commerce and the Roscommon People Roscommon Chamber & Roscommon People
VOUCHER COMPETITION
ENTRY FORM Answers to competition (Find the Roscommon Crest)
The crest appeared in following advertisements: Week One 1: _______________________ 2: _______________________ Week Two 1: _______________________ 2: _______________________ Week Three 1: _______________________ 2: _______________________ Week Four 1: _______________________ 2: _______________________
ONLY ONE ENTRY PER PERSON -------------------------------
Name: Address:
__________________________ ________________________
____________________________________
How to enter
The #rosmas promotion will be published in the Roscommon People between now and Christmas. Each week we will ‘hide’ the Roscommon crest in two of the advertisements published as part of this campaign.
Find the crest… To be in with a chance of winning a €100 voucher, readers must name all eight advertisements in which the crest is ‘hidden’ during the course of this four-week campaign. (Only submit entries after Week Four of campaign, to be published in Roscommon People dated December 16th, 2016). Entries to ‘Roscommon Chamber Voucher Competition’ by 4pm on Saturday, December 17th, 2016. Each entry to include all eight answers, name and address of entrant and a contact telephone number. Entries by post or by hand to Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon Roscommon;; by email to advertising@roscommonpeople.iee advertising@roscommonpeople.i Ten winners will be selected. Each winner will receive a €100 voucher. Vouchers will be redeemable at any Chamber of Commerce business in Roscommon town.
Tel. no: ______________________________
*Vouchers redeemable at any Roscommon town Chamber of Commerce business
Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
Christmas 2016 in Roscommon A joint promotion by Roscommon Chamber of Commerce and Roscommon People
29
#rosmas
We offer a fantastic range of Balloon Bouquets & personalised Party Banners for all special occasions Christenings, Birthdays, Anniversaries, New Baby, Hen Parties, Communion & Confirmation. Boy & Girl Disney Character Bubble Balloons & Foils
#rosmas
ETL Craft & Giftware Centre Main Street, Roscommon Ph. 090 66 25117 web: info@etlgifts.ie Facebook Etl Roscommon
10 days to go… Christmas spirit and festive cheer in Roscommon Town A message from Roscommon Chamber of Commerce Last Sunday was just a perfect Christmas Sunday. There were hundreds of extra people in town for the Sunday shopping and to take part in the Turkey Trot organised by Roscommon Harriers and Roscommon Chamber of Commerce as a fundraiser in aid of the Christmas Lights Committee and Blood Bike West. Almost €400 was raised for each of the exceptionally good causes. There were people of all ages and plenty of festive dress and cheer. It was great to see a crowd out for the run and in particular great to see loads of children participating. The Turkey Trot was a great addition to the Christmas
calender of events and it is something that the Harriers and the Chamber will work on to grow and develop in future years. Gleeson’s Townhouse, The Square, very kindly made their premises available for the initial gathering of the trotters and the turkeys came home to roost afterwards where Gleeson’s put on light refreshments. Many thanks to Eamon and Mary and Cait in Gleeson’s for all their help in organising and accommodating the event. It’s not too often that you are promising to return to the location where the turkeys came home to roost, but we will be back. At the same time Rogue & Co., Regan’s, The Harrison Café, The Pepper Mill, Molloy’s and Gleeson’s were providing food on The Square and Michael and Rita Oates were busy blowing up balloons for children while a young band from Ballyhaunis,
Open until 6 pm Christmas Eve
#rosmas
Our Christmas Shop, located on Main Street, Roscommon is Open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm. Pop in to visit us and see your very own field being handmade! The complete Field collection can also be purchased online www.thefield.ie Don’t delay buy your field today!
Matica, entertained the shoppers in The As seen Square. Matica are a band we shall hear more on the Late Late of. Matica were the warm-up act for the Show school choir under the baton of Ms. Siofra Cox. The Choir were just sublime and gave lovely renditions of various Christmas carols Last online order date for guaranteed to crown a lovely evening’s entertainment for Christmas delivery is Tuesday, December 20th the shoppers in Roscommon. Follow us on Facebook for all the latest news and offers: All of the above was made possible to due www.facebook.com/thefi eld.ie Order Online at: www.thefield.ie to efforts of the Chamber of Commerce, The Roscommon Harriers, the volunteers from the T.: 090 66 21219 |M.: 087 838 0618 |E.: info@thefield.ie Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas and New Year Christmas Lights Committee and the various other people who assisted including Gerry Fallon and his assistants and the various businesses in the town who helped out. All we need now is that the weather is just as info@ardcarne.ie glorious next Saturday when the Roscommon Solstice Choir will be performing at 3 pm. #rosmas
Wishing you all a very Happy Chistmas and every good wish for the New Year from all at
P. KELLY’S
BAR and LOUNGE CASTLE STREET, ROSCOMMON #rosmas
ALL LIVE sport shown Pictured in Roscommon town last Sunday at the Turkey Trot with Roscommon Harriers and Jingle and Mingle event in The Square with food, drinks, music and carols. #rosmas
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
#rosmas
Christmas 2016 in Roscommon A joint promotion by Roscommon Chamber of Commerce and Roscommon People Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas and New Year
Front Gardens Competition results
STONECOURT, ROSCOMMON. T.: 090 6627660 OPENING TIMES: Monday – Friday,10.00am. to 6.00 pm; Saturday, 9.00am. - 6.00pm.
St. Comán’s Day Walk for Charity
Now taking bookings for Christmas
The 3rd annual St. Comán’s Day Walk for charity will take place on Monday, 26th of December (weather permitting) starting at 10.50 am from St. Comán’s Church of Ireland, Roscommon Town. This walk is just over one mile in length with some designated stops and local historians will bring you from the past to the present, allowing for a greater discovery of Roscommon which is named after St. Comán, an 8th century missionary whose feast day is celebrated
#rosmas
# ro smas
on the 26th of December. This year all proceeds go to Pieta House which offers a specialist counselling programme for people who have attempted to take their own lives, for people with suicidal ideation and also for people who have engaged in self-harm. They address the growing problems of hopelessness and despair in communities, which for some may lead to attempting suicide. This service is free of charge and requires no referral and Pieta House relies heavily on fundraising
for their centre so the funds raised as part of St. Comán’s day walk for charity, will contribute to the vital work they do. Hi-vis vests are essential for this walk around the county town which is organised by Roscommon LEADER Partnership in association with Dysart Rural Men’s Group. Please join us on the 26th of December and hopefully the day will be fine. If you require information please contact dysartrmg@ridc.ie or by mobile at 086-8139255.
Lisnamult Tenants and Residents Association are happy to announce the results of the 2016 Front Gardens Competition. First prize was awarded to Marian Breheny of Thornfield for a well-kept, tidy garden with a small lawn bordered by flowers and a few shrubs and also flowering plants in containers, including small containers hung all along the side fence. Second prize was awarded to Tommy Lannon of Marian Crescent for another interesting garden. Third prize went to Michael Scanlan of Park View, a new prize-winner in the competition, and in fourth place was Agnes Feeney of Greenfield Road, with well-kept roses. Prizes were also awarded in the Seniors Class to Michael O’Connor (Thornfield), Mrs. Fagan (St. Teresa’s), Annie Crean, Margaret Cosecki and Winnie Giblin (all in Greenfield). The judge this year was Claire Hussey, a graduate of the National Botanic Gardens.
Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas and New Year
Hynes’ Pharmacy Castle Street, Roscommon. Tel. (090) 66 34147
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
Christmas 2016 in Roscommon A joint promotion by Roscommon Chamber of Commerce and Roscommon People
“Open for
31
#rosmas Wishing all our customers a Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year
SUNDAY BRUNCH 11am - 5pm, this Sunday Dec 18th”
December Late Dining Dates:
Festive Christmas Friday, December 16th (fully booked) Saturday, December 17th, Party Menu €30 Wednesday, December 21st - 3 Courses Thursday, December 22nd Friday, December 23rd Gather your family together this Christmas with a Rogue Gift Voucher
Phone: 090 66 30077
#rosmas
Abbey Boys have their Christmas orders in! < DAN DOONER
It’s quite difficult putting together Christmas features for the towns of County Roscommon each week, so as part of our continuing coverage of Roscommon town I cheated a little and asked the Abbey Boys NS for help. I thought maybe they could answer some Christmas questions, but instead I got a little taste of the amount of reading Santa Claus will have to do this year! The boys of third and fourth class presented me
with their Santa letters, and I have to say…some of them put my writing to shame! Jeff started his letter with a sharp crack of the whip for Mr Claus: ‘I hope you are happy making toys in the North Pole’, he said, before ordering a present that will put the fear of God into everyone, ‘a green light saber’. Pedro Paulo had a list of demands but also knew the way to Santa’s heart. ‘I will clean the chimney for you’, he promised, before sweetening the deal: ‘I will leave some cook-
ies…and a little sweet for you.’ Attempted bribery was a common ploy in most of the letters with promises of milk and cookies and other treats. Rudolph should have no problem finding his way in the dark either, if the boys follow through on their promise of carrots – it’s the other reindeer I feel sorry for! Seán Óg is learning how the world operates at a very young age. He asked: ‘How is Mrs Claus?’ before also assuring Santa of a clean chimney: ‘Well I am going to tell my dad or
a chimney cleaner to clean our chimney for you.’ If you’re a chimney cleaner based in or around Roscommon, you can probably expect a call from Seán Óg at some stage this week! Most of the requests were in the form of electronic goods such as laptops and game systems including Xbox and PS4 but there were also requests for books, which was great to see. There was, however, one heart-stopping moment when Aaron couldn’t make his mind up between Barcelona or
Man City kits…thankfully common sense prevailed and he went with Barca! Phew! From what their principal and teachers tell me, these boys have no need to worry, Santa will be busy and probably very full by the time he leaves Roscommon town this Christmas!
Roscommon People reporter, Dan Dooner, has a look through the Abbey Boys NS letters to Santa.
Season’s Greetings to one and all from all at
Main Street, Roscommon
#rosmas
ie Low calor s n optio daily available
OPEN THIS SUNDAY Gift vouchers available for the Coffee lover in your life Pictured at the switching on of the Christmas lights in Roscommon Town were Monika and Kornelia Tomasiewicz. Picture: Andrew Fox
PHONE: 083 4844333
Pictured at the switching on of the Christmas lights in Roscommon Town were Ellie, Winnie and Tommy McDonagh. Picture: Andrew Fox
Also find us on Facebook/thecomfycafe
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
Christmas 2016 in Roscommon A joint promotion by Roscommon Chamber of Commerce and Roscommon People
#rosmas
Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas and New Year
Sean Doyle & Sons Ltd ESTABLISHED 1978
• Circular Road, Roscommon • Over 35 Years in Business • Removal of old Windows and Doors #rosmas • All Fitters Fully Insured • Registered for Home Improvement Grants • Timber, PVC, Aluclad and Aluminium Windows and Doors • Double and Triple Glazed • V Welded and Mechanically Welded Frames CONTACT 090-6626753 • www.seandoylewindows.ie • info@seandoylewindows.ie Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas and New Year
Veterinary Supplies Ros MART BUILDINGS, ROSCOMMON TEL.: (090) 6625900
Christmas Draw NOW ON Prizes galore to be won OPEN: Monday – Saturday 9-6pm Open late Tuesday evening #rosmas
SIMPLY
< PAUL HEALY
The Convent of Mercy, Roscommon staged a very entertaining production of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ over several nights (there were matinees too) recently. Before mentioning some of the cast, I must say that the work of the set design/ construction and wardrobe teams was what first caught my attention. From the opening curtain it was obvious that great effort and indeed considerable ingenuity had been put into set design and costume choice. There were some excellent, colourful sets as part of the production and these added greatly to the entertainment. The costumes too were excellent. They were of a very high quality, and many of them were also very clever and amusing, most obviously those of Mrs. Potts, Chip and some of the other unfortunate staff of the castle who have seemingly been condemned to living the rest of their lives as objects (or have they?). Belle (impressively played by Aoife McLoughlin) and Beast (played by Conor McCormack, who really excelled when he broke into song) were a likeable couple – well, they were a couple eventually, once Beast reined in his darker tendencies and revealed his soft side, a romantic dimension which finally wooed Belle.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Potts (Hazel Murray) was played with confident comic assurance. A real audience favourite was her son, Chip, played by Ruairi Tiernan. Lumiere was played brilliantly by Zara Hunt and a tour de force performance by Aife Feeley as the insufferably smug (and unintentionally funny) Gaston was a highlight of the night. Great energy and comic exuberance from Aife! Donnchadh O’Dwyer was another firm audience favourite, excelling as Lefou. There were several other fine performances, from, amongst others, Niamh Shanagher (Cogsworth), Amy Curley (Madame de la Grande Bouche), Roisin Roddy (Babette), Laura Regan (Monsieur D’Arque) and Brian Neilan (Maurice) The three ‘silly girls’ – played by Siobhan Rimmer, Emily Feeley and Mary-Elizabeth Connolly – were indeed suitably silly and also audience favourites from their first appearance on stage. Less prominent roles were all well performed by a cast brimming with confidence and positivity. If you missed the Convent of Mercy’s latest offering you missed a truly excellent production. It really was a great evening’s entertainment, a polished and professional production which delighted audiences all week.
Congratulations to Margaret Madden (Director & Producer), Siofra Byrne (Musical Director), and Sinead Tiernan (Assistant Producer). Congratulations indeed to everyone involved in the production (far too many to mention, I’m afraid), including the terrific cast of actors, actresses, members of the choir and orchestra.
Belle (impressively played by Aoife McLoughlin)
Wishing all our customers a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year
Christmas 2016 Lunch ** Dinner ** Party Nights Exciting Selections from our Five Course Menu Contemporary Choices, Traditional Favourites ****** APPETIZERS Mediterranean Stuffed Bell Peppers Mucho Lacho Nachos Patatas Bravas Valencianas Bruschetta di Toscana Pate de Campagne, Petit Pain
Live Music Entertainment on Selected Dates Special overnight rates with breakfast for party goers. Your party tailored to your needs: Contact us at the Front Desk to discuss your ideal Christmas experience. 090 6637644 Email: hannonshotel@gmail.com
****** STARTERS Heritage Vegetable Soup Louisina Hot Wings Aubergine & Goats Cheese Tartlet Beer Battered Spicy Calamari Chicken & Bacon Vol au Vent Asian Fusion Beef Salad ******
****** MAIN COURSE Pot Roasted Turkey & 5 Spiced Ham Slow Roast Striploin Beef Ardsallagh Half Roast Chicken Herb Crumbed Cod Wild Forest Mushroom Risotto Tuscany Penne Pasta 10oz Irish Hereford Sirloin Steak, Locally Produced (supplement €6.00) Crispy Roast Duck with Holiday Seasonings & Sauces (supplement €6.00) ****** DESSERTS Deep Filled Apple Pie Christmas Pudding Baked Bread & Butter Pudding Asseitte of desserts Winter Berry Cheesecake Portmanteau Banoffi Pie ******
Tea, Coffee, Home Spun Truffles
#rosmas Internationally inspired options, Locally sourced produce
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World Class Standards, Community Values
Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
Christmas 2016 in Roscommon A joint promotion by Roscommon Chamber of Commerce and Roscommon People
#rosmas
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THE BEAST! #rosmas
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
#rosmas
Christmas 2016 in Roscommon A joint promotion by Roscommon Chamber of Commerce and Roscommon People
Christmas Services at St d Coman’s Church of Irelan
land, Roscommon Town, St Coman’s Church of Irerm welcome to all at our would like to extend a wa Christmas Services. e will take place on Sune A Christmas Family Servic 11.30 am. A Carol Servic day, 18th of December aty, 20th of December at 7.30 will take place on Tuesda mmunion will take place on pm and Christmas Day Co at 11 am. Sunday, 25th of December who have joined us at our We would like to thank alllast year for your support; various services over the and blessed Christmas. wishing everyone a happy
The Peppermill Restaurant Golf Links Road, Roscommon Tel: 090 6634980 Email: sean.peppermill@gmail.com OPENING HOURS Monday to Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday - 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Pictured at the switching on of the Christmas lights in Roscommon Town were Gabrielle, Cleidi, Michael and Emanuela Fox. Picture: Andrew Fox
Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas and New Year
2016 Christmas Holidays Closing Christmas Eve, Saturday 24th at 3:00 p.m.
Abbey Business Park, Circular Road, Roscommon
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Personalised Cubbies Teddy from €25 #rosmas
#rosmas
Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
Christmas 2016 in Roscommon A joint promotion by Roscommon Chamber of Commerce and Roscommon People
#rosmas
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Double award win for Timothy’s Londis, Roscommon! Timothys’ Londis has won a number of awards of late at both the Londis Retailing Awards and the ShelfLife C-Store Awards. Timothy’s Londis PLUS, Abbeytown Roscommon was named as the Overall Londis Store of the Year at the 2016 Londis Retailing Awards on 17th of November. Londis retailers from every corner of the country descended on Powerscourt Hotel in Co. Wicklow for these prestigious Awards. Timothy’s Londis also won the Supermarket Store of the Year, Butchery Store of the Year and a Retailing Excellence Award on the night. The Londis Retailing Awards recognise stores that excel across all areas of store performance. To win this award, Timothy’s was independently audited across a range of criteria including customer service, the quality of their fresh food offering, product range, and the store’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of hygiene and food safety. To come out on top is a massive accolade for Timothy’s to receive. Just as they were getting used to being the top Londis store in the country, Timothy’s learned that they had also received the silver award for Best Convenience Store (4,000+sq. ft.) at the recently held ShelfLife C-Store Awards, which celebrates the industry’s finest stores and people. Ireland’s top retailers and brands gathered at Dublin’s Ballsbridge Hotel for the ShelfLife National C-Store Awards 2016 on 23rd of November. Now in its 16th year, the C-Store
Pictured are Conor Hayes Londis Sales Director, Mike Crean, Annie Timothy, Timothy’s Londis PLUS Abbeytown, Willie O’Byrne Managing Director BWG Foods and Vincent Timothy of Timothy’s Londis PLUS Abbeytown who were proud recipients of the Supermarket Store of the Year 2016 at the recent Londis Retailing Excellence Awards ceremony held in Powerscourt Hotel, Co Wicklow on Thursday 17th November. Photo Colm Mahady / Fennell Photography
Awards are the only comprehensive and independently judged business accolades for the convenience store sector. Timothy’s was up against every convenience retailer in the country to win this award so it was a fantastic honour to be named and honoured at these awards. Publisher of ShelfLife magazine John
Church Street Roscommon Town Phone 090 6626233 www.mjfarrell.com
McDonald said the 2016 C-Store Awards programme marked “a new watershed in Irish convenience retailing standards. “The level of improvement, particularly in the smaller stores,” Mr. McDonald said, “illustrates just how hard retailers are working to give their customers great service and a quality shopping experience.”
#rosmas Follow us on Facebook for fantastic Christmas giveaways
Timothy’s Londis PLUS Abbeytown is run by Annie and Vincent Timothy along with their store manager, Mike Crean. Local insight, local service and local community engagement are key ingredients to running this successful retailing business. Timothy’s Londis PLUS has been serving the local community of Abbeytown for over 15 years.
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
Christmas 2016 in Roscommon A joint promotion by Roscommon Chamber of Commerce and Roscommon People Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas and New Year
MOLLOY’S MAIN STREET, ROSCOMMON Tel.: 090 6626120 or 087 6546512
8 PACK
€10 GUINNESS/BULMERS/HEINEKEN
500ml 8 Pack €2.50/ltr
99
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JAMESON IRISH WHISKEY 700ml €31.41/ltr.
WYNDHAM ESTATE
Bin 888 Cabernet/Merlot, Bin 777 Semilion/ Sauvignon Blanc 750ml €8.99/750ml
#rosmas
• QUOTAS MAY APPLY •
Season’s greetings to all our clients from
FINBAR O’REILLY & CO. LTD. Chartered Accountants
Abbey Street, Roscommon
Tel: 090 6630760 Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and New Year
Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas and New Year
www.gannonspoultry.ie
Mobile Farm Van
every Saturday at The Square in Roscommon
#rosmas
Once upon a Christmas Song… We asked MIRIAM KERINS to introduce us to her personal Christmas playlist…
I
t’s Chrrrrristmaaaassss!... everybody wants to partaaay, and, despite the fact we’re probably already fed up with Mariah Carey telling us she doesn’t want a lot for Christmas; (however, we bet if someone handed the diva a sticky candy cane she’d be bitterly disappointed), in keeping with the spirit of the season, and, knowing our lovely readers will want to ensure they have the perfect soundtrack for their office party, we at the Roscommon People have put together our own ‘must-have’ pick of the pops.
1. Wizzard: I Wish It Could be Christmas Every day Ah yes, a slice of the simple ‘70s. A time when Christmas meant donning some scary blue eyeshadow, garish flares and gravity-defying platforms…and that was just yer boyfriend.
2. Boney M: Mary’s Boy Child An annual earner for the German group who famously spent weeks choosing singles, recording them and trying them out on different audiences before actually releasing them. However, (a bit of trivia for ya), when the group’s producer, Frank Farian, first heard Mary’s Boy Child, the story goes he loved it so much he decided the group were going straight to the studio to record it.
3. Bing Crosby and David Bowie: The Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth This essential Christmas song sees legends Bowie and Bing appear on the latter’s 42nd Christmas Special that’s become a holiday classic for most households.
4. The Pogues & Kirsty McColl: Fairytale of New York No matter how many times you hear it, the rough and ready tone of this powerful song, from its desperately bleak pull at the heartstrings intro to the optimistic, devil-may-care hopefulness of looking forward to ‘a better time when all our dreams come true,’ ya can’t deny, everyone from yer granny to yer baby brother will be joining in the chorus.
5. Judy Garland: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas From the classic 1944 movie ‘Meet me in St Louis,’ this song gets us every single time; reminding us of olden days and happy golden days or yore. Break out the hankies.
6. Bing Crosby: White Christmas Recorded by many – to name but a few, Bette Midler, Bob Marley and Kenny Rogers – we think
Wham
Slade.
you’ll agree nobody does it better than Bing.
7. Mel Smith and Kim Wilde: Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree For a bit of ‘80s nostalgia you simply can’t beat this festive favourite. Guaranteed to get even the Grinch tapping his toes.
8. Wham: Last Christmas Cheesy pop ditty by a cheesy duo, but we love
it. First released in 1984, and despite the fact Andrew Ridgley could barely manage to play two chords on his guitar, to this day, we bet, due to the song’s popularity, Ridgley’s still laughing all the way to the bank.
9. Band Aid: Do They Know It’s Christmas The charity single, written by Sir Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, released in 1984, and performed by a so-called ‘supergroup’, went on
Order your fresh free range Turkey for Christmas Reared in Co. Sligo by Jimmy Hennigan, Benbulbin Farms, €6.60 per kg, hand plucked and traditional dressed
All 10 kg Potatoes €3.99 per bag Roosters, Kerrs Pinks, Queens and Golden Wonders
Tullyleague, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Roscommon Tel: 071 9620070 Mob: 087 2526195
Band Aid.
The Pogues and Kirsty McColl.
to become one of the biggest selling charity singles in music history.
10. Slade: Merry Christmas Everybody Guaranteed to get everyone on the dance floor; especially Noddy Holder who reportedly said, owning the rights to Slade’s 1973 hit was “like winning the lottery every December 25 for the rest of your life.”
Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
37
Boyle is Ireland’s most enterprising town Boyle celebrates double Enter-PRIZE boost
Boyle, Co. Roscommon, were overall winners at the Bank of Ireland Enterprising Town Awards in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon. In picture are Joann Hosey, Head of Bank of Ireland for Sligo, Leitrim and Roscommon with Brian Nerney, Boyle. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin
REACTION ‘A great early Christmas present’ Page 44
THE BIG PLAN A TIMELESS TOWN New strategic plan for Boyle unveiled
Paul Healy on Boyle’s appeal and potential
Pages 40-41
Page 38
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
BOYLE IRELAND’S MOST ENTERPRISING TOWN Congratulations to Boyle
MARIANS
A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE BRIDGE STREET, BOYLE, CO. ROSCOMMON Tel: (071) 96 62031 • Web: www.marians.ie
Open Sunday, 18th December 12 - 5pm
A timely boost for a timeless town Boyle is special, brimming with charm, atmosphere, history and culture, writes Roscommon People Editor PAUL HEALY…
GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE - ideal Christmas gift Wishing all our customers a Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year Congratulations to Boyle
Drumderrig Nursing Home Boyle Phone: 071 - 9662561
Paula and Michael Cull, proprietors of Drumderrig House Nursing Home together with Cathy Weston, Director of Nursing would like to wish all our residents and their families, our staff, our local doctors, pharmacists, clergy, physio, podiatrist, suppliers and friends a very Happy Christmas and good health for 2017 Congratulations to Boyle
Cllr. Valerie Byrne Lisduff, Elphin, Co. Roscommon. Tel. 071 9635384 Mob. 086 8887897
T
rust me, I have always had a special fondness for Boyle. Boyle is not straightforward, arguably not even conventional! It is kind of timeless, a historic town, where striking reminders of our history can command your attention every few minutes, every few turns. Over the years it would never have claimed to be the commercial hub of the county, the area. Which is not to say that it hasn’t a proud tradition of being a quintessential market town – because it has. And any deficit in commercial activity can be addressed with a new energy now following last week’s great double success, whereby tremendous work by locals was rewarded with Boyle being selected as Roscommon’s most enterprising town and also overall winner of the inaugural national competition. Indeed it is very clear that sterling work is already been done, spearheaded by the vision of the Town Team and others. I have a very soft spot in my heart for Boyle because I grew up hearing intriguing stories about the area. That’s because my father was born in Knockvicar, meaning the general Boyle area was often talked about in our house throughout our childhood. Most fascinating of all the stories was our father’s memories of working, as a young lad, on the Rockingham Estate. Any visit to Boyle when we were young – any visit now too – evokes an appreciation of the incredible history and heritage of the town. It is a history and that sets this town apart from any other place in County Roscommon. Congratulations to Boyle
Cllr. Joe Murphy Telephone:
086 1052197
For example, there’s Boyle Abbey (this is what I mean about Boyle being timeless), the magnificent King House, and of course Lough Key and its islands. And we are drawn back into the past too when we view the majestic Gaelic Chieftain sculpture, which reminds us of the Battle of the Curlieus (1599). These historic buildings and locations have long been tourist attractions – as has the spectacular beauty of the area. That beauty manifests itself most at the Forest Park, which is a stunning facility on the shores of Lough Key. I remember the first time I saw the wide and wonderful waterways of Lough Key from the water…entering the spectacular expanse on a cruiser on a summer’s day some years ago. Seeing this stretch of water from the water in front of the Forest Park, surrounded by beautiful islands and birdlife – nature displaying its peerlessness – is a sight to behold. I remember the Forest Park in its (initial) heydey, back in the 1970s and early ‘80s, and it is tremendous to see its great revival in recent years, with superb facilities now developed, the great park now thriving again. The Forest Park on a summer’s day is glorious; the amenity is a huge asset to Boyle and County Roscommon. Boyle is special…steeped in tradition, a town
of characters and character, in many respects a unique place, synonymous with natural beauty, archaeological significance, history, not to mention music, sport and politics. It brims with charm, atmosphere, history, culture. When I was younger, I was entranced too by some of the famous names that are associated with Boyle. There are many of them, across a variety of areas, including in the arts, politics and sport. I remember being astonished to discover that ‘Jane’ from the original Tarzan – a television favourite when I was a young boy – was actually from Boyle (the late actress, Maureen O’Sullivan)! Hollywood and Boyle rhyming! Commercially, there is no question that Boyle has struggled, arguably been left behind. Then again, most places have been left behind by now. In the past, Boyle was a thriving market town. These days, many great old town businesses remain, still being run by the same established Boyle families. And the Farmers’ Market has nicely married the past with the present. However, it is unquestionably the case that Boyle needs to develop commercially. That work has been underway for a number of years, new momentum having been established in the recent past. Since I started out with the Roscommon Champion (back in the late 1980s) through to the present, I’ve observed ill-fated efforts to develop a modern state-of-the-art hotel in the town. New industry would be welcome too. That said, I imagine Boyle’s greatest prospects of development lies in maximising its tremendous tourism potential. Winning a national enterprise award can now act as a catalyst for further development in Boyle. This town has a great past and real momentum just now. Its prospects for the future, not to overstate things, have just got a timely and deserved boost.
Vanity Congratulations to Boyle
HAIR & BEAUTY
For your Christmas Party Night and all other Special Occasions Late opening Thursday & Friday Call in to see our full range of treatments available Wishing all our customers a Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year Green Street, Boyle M: 071 9670025
cllrvbyrne@roscommoncoco.ie
Congratulations to Boyle
BROGAN’S P H A R M AC Y B O Y L E Tel: 071 9662044 Email: brogans.boyle@totalhealth.ie
Lots of special offers in store Call in and have a browse around
Wishing all our customers a Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year
Congratulations to Boyle
Senator Frank Feighan Offices: Leinster House, Dublin 2 Bridge Street, Boyle, Co. Roscommon The Square, Roscommon
086 8331234
Contact me on Email: frank.feighan@oireachtas.ie
Congratulations to Boyle
Senator
Maura Hopkins Mobile: 086 856 4206 email: maura.hopkins@oir.ie Wishing all readers a Happy and Safe Christmas Shop Local, Eat Local, Spend Local, Enjoy Local
Christmas Greetings from everyone in Boyle!
Did you know? * Noted singer John Reilly lived in Boyle. He is credited by Christy Moore as a source of several well-known folk standards, such as ‘The Well Below The Valley’ (uniquely attributed to Reilly), and ‘The Raggle Taggle Gypsy’ (not a local song). Londonborn John Carty is an Irish traditional musician and has lived in Boyle since 2003. He plays fiddle, tenor banjo, tenor guitar and, occasionally, the flute. * Former President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, has a holiday home near Boyle, as does Emmy-winning actor Brendan Gleeson.
Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
BOYLE IRELANDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MOST ENTERPRISING TOWN Congratulations to Boyle
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
BOYLE IRELAND’S MOST ENTERPRISING TOWN
Boyle Town Team’s exciting oyle Town Team has announced details of future plans to assist in the further development of the town. Reflecting on “a successful year for Boyle Town Team, the Roscommon County Council led group that is a little over one year in existence”, its chairperson Brian Nerney said “we are delighted to announce our strategic plan that we hope will further develop our town.” Now, having won the Most Enterprising Town award, the Boyle Town Team has announced details of projects they plan to embark on in 2017 and subsequent years.
B
Lough Key Greenway Team member David Gunning is leading plans to establish a greenway from the first gate of Rockingham to Lough Key Forest Park. David says the idea is to bond links between the town and park. David and other Team members are currently working with Coillte, Moylurg Rockingham, The Council and Roscommon LEADER Partnership on the project.
Scattered Hotel Margaret Mulligan is the team member who will be the lead person in moving this novel idea forward. With no hotel as yet in the town, the team is currently looking at a different approach to the town centre accommodation situation. Discussions are currently taking place with Roscommon County Council and other bodies to have incentives put in place
for property owners in Boyle Town Centre to refurbish accommodation in their buildings to Bord Failte approved hotel standard. The Team will establish a new company to run this ‘scattered hotel rooms’ concept. The company will manage the rooms, clean and let them and charge a management fee to the owners. They will also accept bookings online and in person from a town centre office. Once up and running, the company will create a number of jobs, have a visible presence online and in the town centre, thus increase footfall and be the location where you can book a high quality room in which to stay in Boyle town centre. It is hoped the idea will also give rise to the establishment of complimentary businesses in the food and service sectors.
Courthouse and Model Railway The team put an application forward under the Town and Village Renewal scheme to house the model railway in the old Courthouse. They were successfully awarded €72,000 and with assistance from Team members Frank Geelan and Martin Connolly work is progressing on what will be an addition to the all-weather tourist facilities in Boyle with an April 2017 opening date. The team and Courthouse Committee plan additional work for the historic building.
Train the Ambassadors Boyle town team intend to commence this initiative in the New Year. It is proposed to organise a familiarisa-
tion weekend on all we have to offer in Boyle for frontline personnel who meet tourists in the town on a regular basis. This would include petrol pump attendants, waiters/waitresses, bar people, tour guides, etc. The team will bring the personnel on tours of Boyle Abbey, King House, Zipit, Boda Borg and other local attractions and outline and explain all that Boyle has to offer the tourist so that the knowledge can be imparted in the 2017 season and beyond by the newly-trained ambassadors.
Age Friendly Business Programme As Boyle progress its plans to become the county’s first age friendly town,
THE STORY SO FAR Boyle Town Team was one of six Town Teams set up by the Council last year. In Boyle the current team members are: Brian Nerney, Justina Gavin, Frank Geelan, Martin Connolly, Patricia Golden, Alison Clarke, Dara Callaghan, Cecil Draper, Sinead Devine, John Cummins, Bodo Funke, Mervyn Boles, David Gunning, Trevor Conroy, Margaret Mulligan, Lydia Dwyer and Michael Ewing. With the aim of re-instilling pride, creating jobs, facilitating start-ups and re-energising and reinvigorating the towns, the Teams hit the ground running. In the first four months of existence, Boyle Town Team identified a number of projects and quickly
got to work on them.With funding from the Municipal District, monies were spent on the following projects: Christmas Lights, Fall in Love with Boyle Weekend, Vacant Window Murals, Power Washing Monuments, Funding Boyle Tidy Towns Shrubs, Town Bunting, BoyleTM website and Traders Christmas promotion 2015. Bi-monthly meetings were held during 2016 and towards the end of the year an application was made to enter the Bank of Ireland Enterprising Town Awards. At the awards night last week Boyle were not only judged to be the county winner but also the overall national winner in the competition.
team member Margaret Mulligan and her committee will work with the various local organisations to ensure businesses in Boyle are age friendly.
Develop Second Gate of Rockingham Team member Dara Callaghan and others are currently in discussion to move forward plans for the refurbishment and regeneration of this historic structure. Meetings have taken place with Coillte and the Irish Landmark Trust and it is hoped to restore the building back to its original condition and offer it for short-term accommodation letting. A conservation architect has been engaged and Boyle Chamber of Commerce is working closely with the Town Team on this project to secure the maximum grant-aid available to facilitate the works.
Town Regeneration Project Planners from Roscommon County Council have been working in Boyle for the last number of weeks on plans for a town centre regeneration project. Chairman Brian Nerney is the lead person from the Team on the project, which it is hoped will initially regenerate the Main Street and Patrick Street areas of the town. It is proposed to establish the ‘King House Cultural Quarter’, ‘The Frybrook Creative Quarter’ and ‘The Riverside Area.’ Continued on page 41 –>
Plaudits from politicians
Wishing all our clients a very Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year
Fianna Fáil TD Eugene Murphy has extended congratulations to all the people of Boyle. “I am absolutely delighted that Boyle can now claim to be Ireland’s Most Enterprising Town. Boyle also scooped the county award on the night, beating off strong competition from Ballaghaderreen, Castlerea and Roscommon. “Well done also to Castlerea as they won a Merit award on the night and indeed congratulations to the other County Roscommon towns who made such an effort. “To win the county award is a great achievement but for Boyle to win the overall national award is simply terrific and it really puts the town on the map and showcases all that is great about the area. “Well done to the Town Team members, the Deputy Eugene Murphy Chamber of Commerce, community groups, business people and individuals who made the judging day a success.” Senator Maura Hopkins said that it is a huge achievement for Boyle. “It is an achievement the community in Boyle should be immensely proud of. “It is very evident from working with many individuals and organisations within Boyle that the people have a huge amount of pride and self-belief in their town. It is clear that community spirit is flourishing and resulting in the development of important community projects. Both the county award and the overall Enterprising Town Award is testament to the hard work of the people of Boyle.” Senator Hopkins also congratulated Castlerea on being given a merit award on the night. Senator Maura Hopkins.
Christmas Greetings from everyone in Boyle!
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
BOYLE IRELAND’S MOST ENTERPRISING TOWN Congratulations to Boyle The most Enterprising town in Ireland
strategic plan ..... Continued from page 40 –> Colour schemes for buildings in each area are being drawn up, work on the ‘back streets’ through an art project is progressing and a draft regeneration plan is being prepared to include street furniture and tree planting. Various stages of this plan will be progressed subject to funding. It is proposed to commence a trial in the New Year on a regeneration of the area on Quarry Lane in the vicinity of the Enterprise Centre. Working with the Council and Roscommon County Arts Office it is planned to make the area more visually attractive through street art, furniture and paving. Chairman of Boyle Town Team Brian Nerney said it is an exciting time for Boyle: “Boyle was not awarded the overall Enterprising Town award just because we are a quaint town in a lovely location. Boyle on the day of the Enterprise Awards judging in Boyle were Alison O’Shaughnessy, Siobhan won the award because it is what it says on Pictured Gallagher, Sinead Devine and Eileen Gray. the trophy – an “enterprising town”, a place that is not sitting back but is proactively seeking to reach its full potential. “All organisations are now working well Speaking at the awards, Denis Naughten, Minister for together, there is a growing sense of pride Communications, Climate Action and Environment, spoke of the in the town and we have the backing of Roscommon County Council to ensure the importance of local enterprise. “I am delighted to be here to celebrate items outlined above can become a reality” some of Ireland’s Most Enterprising Towns. The Government is said Brian. committed to the development of towns and communities across “Boyle Town Team’s aim for 2017 and Ireland and this initiative by Bank of Ireland allows a spotlight to beyond is to bring the plans to fruition. If shine on the breadth of local enterprise throughout the country. we make our town more visually attrac“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy – they provide tive with added features, then we believe employment, prosperity and vitality to our towns and I am heartened the businesses and industry will follow” that they can be celebrated here tonight.” concluded the chairperson.
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Minister’s delight
Banking on Boyle… Speaking at the awards ceremony in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon, Liam McLoughlin, Chief Executive of Retail Bank at Bank of Ireland, said: “As Ireland’s Enterprise Bank, we are delighted to award Boyle €13,000 to acknowledge their dedication to local enterprise.” He continued: “Bank of Ireland is focused on fostering enterprise development and entrepreneurship across Ireland, and in collaboration with the local authority in Roscommon, we are
delighted to recognise and showcase the breadth and diversity of enterprise that exists.” Mr. McLoughlin continued: “As a bank, we know that SMEs, start-ups and community organisations are a major driver of the success and sustainability of every county. “These awards shine a light on this and will profile towns, businesses and community groups who collaborate on driving innovation and partnership.”
Congratulations to Boyle
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Christmas Greetings from everyone in Boyle!
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
BOYLE IRELAND’S MOST ENTERPRISING TOWN
Boyle, Co. Roscommon, were overall winners at the Bank of Ireland Enterprising Town Awards in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon. Left to right, front: Louise Ward, CEO, LEO Roscommon; Denis Naughten, Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment; Brian Nerney, Boyle; Liam McLoughlin, Chief Executive, Retail Banking, Bank of Ireland; Cllr. Tony Ward, Cathaoirleach, Roscommon Co. Council and Joann Hosey, Head of Bank of Ireland for Sligo, Leitrim and Roscommon. Back: Martin Lydon, Roscommon Co Council; Frank Geelan, Boyle; Eugene Cummins, CEO, Roscommon Co. Council; David Gunning, Colm Kelly, Patricia Golden, Boyle; Gerry Whelehan, Manager, Bank of Ireland, Boyle; Ian McMorrough, Director, Connacht/Ulster, Bank of Ireland and David Merriman, Head of Enterprise Development, Bank of Ireland. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin
Boyle’s dream double Boyle scored a spectacular double last week when the town won the overall Bank of Ireland Enterprising Town Award as well as being deemed County Roscommon winner. The results of the inaugural Bank of Ireland Most Enterprising Town Awards were announced in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon last week. Four counties have participated in the awards on a pilot basis. The awards have been organised in
collaboration with four County Councils and their economic teams in Roscommon, Mayo, Laois and Kildare. The Awards celebrate enterprise by bringing businesses and community groups together to showcase the spirit of enterprise in their town. Also taking part from County Roscommon were Roscommon town, Castlerea and Ballaghaderreen.
The judging panel met with businesses, community and public sector groups in each of the participating towns in Roscommon to learn more about what was being done to promote enterprise within the towns. Following this engagement, Boyle was chosen as the overall County Winner and will receive a prize of €3,000 and a trophy. In addition to being honoured as the Roscommon
Congratulations to Boyle
Congratulations to Boyle
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County Winner, Boyle was also selected as the Overall Winner across the four counties involved and has been awarded a further €10,000 to support enterprise initiatives in the town. There was additional success for County Roscommon at the Awards with Castlerea being given a Merit Award and funding (€2,000) to support the start-up of a community matching fund initiative.
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Wishing all my clients a Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year Congratulations to Boyle
CLLR. LIAM CALLAGHAN Newly co-opted Councillor for the Boyle area Contact me with any issues on 086 3325839 or cllrlcallaghan@ roscommoncoco.ie
Christmas Greetings from everyone in Boyle!
Did you know? * Boyle is the birthplace of actress Maureen O’Sullivan (Jane in the Tarzan movies), writer Patrick Chapman, Suffragette and women’s rights campaigner Margaret Cousins, physician Robert Cryan, as well as actor Chris O’Dowd. * The writer John McGahern grew up near Boyle and Boyle is mentioned in several of his books. In his novel The Dark, a scene is played out in the dining room of the Royal Hotel, overlooking the river. * The UFO Society of Ireland was founded in Boyle by the late Betty Meyler. Boyle hosts an annual conference on the subject.
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
BOYLE IRELAND’S MOST ENTERPRISING TOWN
Win is ‘beyond our wildest dreams’ … Now let’s realise untapped potential of this great town
Congratulations to Boyle on your fantastic achievement
Deputy
Eugene Murphy OPENING HOURS: 10am - 4pm Monday to Friday Elphin Street, Strokestown Office 071 9633000 Roscommon Town Office 090 6625722
EMAIL: eugene.murphy@oireachtas.ie ●
Please phone for appointment ●
Wishing one and all a very Happy Christmas and a Happy & Healthy 2017 Congratulations to Boyle
< BRIAN NERNEY
What a night, what a result! For Boyle to win the county award was an honour in itself – but to win the overall national award was beyond our wildest dreams. The effect of Boyle winning both awards cannot be overstated enough. It is a great achievement for the town and one that will reap rewards, if used to effect. Already the sense of achievement and joy around the town at the good news is palpable. Winning these two titles took hard work and dedication, but how we use them to the town’s advantage will now be the biggest challenge. I want to pay tribute to the Town Team members, the Chamber of Commerce, the various groups, business people and individuals – young and old – from Boyle who made the judging day a success and who can feel justly proud that they assisted in winning these two awards. I also want to thank the sponsors Bank of Ireland and Roscommon County Council for their vision, belief, ongoing assistance and ‘can-do’ interest in the town’s future. The judges told us that we were very professional in our presentation and that they were unbelievably impressed with all the town has achieved – and with our plans for the future. We left no stone unturned in our preparation for the awards and we showed the judges everything that the town has to offer – there were no omissions. While showing all the tourism-related areas and products there are in Boyle, we also showed the great shops, restaurants, bars and industries that make up the town. The trips to Vention Medical, Trojan IT and Feelystone were impressive and brought home how important industry is to a town like Boyle.
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Pictured on the day of the Enterprise Awards judging in Boyle were Noreen O’Callaghan, Louise Moran and Brian Nerney.
Sometimes we can take what we have for granted but I can assure you, if you took the time, like we did, to look at the many facilities, clubs, organisations and businesses we have in Boyle – and add in the strong level of volunteerism – you would see our town in a very positive light. Being able to now tag Boyle as ‘Ireland’s Most Enterprising Town’ will be a catalyst to help the Town Team and Chamber of Commerce to attract business to Boyle and assist in the exciting future plans and projects that we will announce before Christmas. Boyle is now Roscommon and Ireland’s Most Enterprising Town. Boyle Town Team and Boyle Chamber of Commerce can now use the new-found status to approach
businesses – big and small – and get them to locate here in our town. We have the office and building space, we have the beautiful scenery and workforce, and now we have the badge to prove that our town will drive success and assist entrepreneurship. It is my honour to chair Boyle Town Team, the lead group in the application. This is an organisation that is not even one year in existence but we have a lot achieved to date and have exciting plans for the future. So, from this point on, let’s build on the positivity that comes with these awards, cast aside the few begrudgers and realise the untapped potential of this great town!
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Christmas Greetings from everyone in Boyle!
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
BOYLE IRELAND’S MOST ENTERPRISING TOWN Congratulations to Boyle
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Keadue Sub office: Keadue, Co. Roscommon Christmas opening hours are as follows: Friday, December 23rd: Normal opening hours Saturday, December 24th: Closed Monday, December 26th: Closed Tuesday, December 27th: Closed Wednesday, December 28th: Closed Thursday, December 29th: 10.30am – 4.00pm Friday, December 30th: 10am – 6.00pm Saturday, December 31st: 10.30am – 1.00pm
here was no holding back the tidings of goodwill and festive cheer as we chatted to some of the local business people and found out just what the win means to their community. Pat Brogan of Brogan’s Pharmacy declared the achievement as “an absolutely brilliant result.” He added: “Boyle really deserves it and the team put in a superb effort; it’s thoroughly deserved. The community and the business community got behind this effort and it’s great. I’m absolutely delighted.” Meanwhile, Caroline Draper of Taylor’s Interiors, whose husband Cecil was part of the ‘Boyle Town Team’ feels, “it’s one of the most fantastic things to happen to the town of Boyle. We should grow in confidence in winning this award and it shows that we now have a very good product and this win acknowledges that.” Michael McDermott, Service Manager at Cooney Motors, was feeling very upbeat regarding
Boyle, Co. Roscommon, were County winners pictured at the Bank of Ireland Enterprising Town Awards in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon. In picture: Liam McLoughlin, Chief Executive, Retail Banking, Bank of Ireland; Colm Kelly and Brian Nerney, Boyle; Joann Hosey, Head of Bank of Ireland for Sligo, Leitrim and Roscommon; Tom Dowling, Chairman of the judging panel and Denis Naughten, Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin
the win saying, “it’s pretty good for the town. Any success at all the town gets is brilliant; especially when it comes to creating jobs and helping small business enterprises. I think it’s great.” It was all go at Feelystone as one of the directors, Shane Feely, told us “it’s a great boost involv-
ing great team work. I wasn’t on the (town) team myself but it’s going to put Boyle on the map. It’s a great early Christmas present for the town.” Drumanilra Farm Kitchen’s Justina Gavin, who is also Secretary of the ‘Boyle Town Team’, told us, “It’s fantastic news. We’re a fledgling business
and hopefully it (the win) will attract more new business to the town and let people know what a great place it is to live in and to do business in. We saw the potential in the town and that’s been recognised with this win. It’s wonderful news.” The Open Table’s Lorna Guihen, whose dad Martin
Monday, January 2nd: Closed Normal hours resume from Tuesday, 3rd January
Wishing all our Members a very Happy Christmas and every good wish for 2017
Christmas Greetings from everyone in Boyle!
owns the restaurant, was really excited to hear news of the town’s great achievement. “It’s amazing, it says a lot about the community, especially in the way everyone is staying strong and putting their best foot forward; we’re open nearly three years here and it’s a great town.”
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
NewsPeople
Planning already underway for 2017 Rooskey Heritage Festival < AUDREY HEALY
F
Pictured at Rooskey Heritage Festival were Luke and Matthew Carleton. Picture: Andrew Fox
rom humble beginnings the Rooskey Heritage Festival is now entering its third year and Orla King, who is Vice-Chairperson and PRO of the hard-working committee, has taken time out from preparations for the 2017 festival to tell the Roscommon People all about their plans for the next extravaganza – and how the spirit of the Rooskey people came together to make it all happen. “Well the festival’s origins started with a Facebook page called Things Rooskey People Say which was created by Enda Beirne and it proved so popular that it developed from there. A group of like-minded people then got together to form a committee to promote the positive things about the locality. “For far too long there was a lot of doom and gloom regarding closures, etc. and we decided that a festival would be a good way to promote the positive aspects of our community and we decided to focus on heritage because through the mentioned Facebook page people had highlighted their interest in times past.”
Rooskey Heritage Festival have two very successful festivals behind them and preparations for the 3rd Annual festival on the weekend of 28th - 30th July 2017 are at an advanced stage. A festival of this magnitude would not be possible without sponsorship. WE ACKNOWLEDGE & THANK THE FOLLOWING FOR THEIR SPONSORSHIP OF THE ROOSKEY HERITAGE FESTIVAL 2016: Cox’s Steakhouse Dromod (MAIN SPONSOR)
Brendan Cox, Donegal
Avondale B & B, Rooskey
Michael Fitzmaurice TD
Crows Garage, Dromod
Michael & Martina McGlynn, Rooskey
Cllr Sean McGowan, Dromod
Copper Still, Dromod
Fergus Feeney Solicitor, Longford
Premier CH Construction, Bundoran
Regan Structural Steel, Strokestown
Brandy Well, Dromod
Tighes Centra, Rooskey
Nigel Cox, Rooskey
Weir Lodge, Rooskey
Nugent Electrical, Rooskey
Sean Mahady, Rooskey
Noel’s Bar, Rooskey
Ciaran Fallon (Rooskey Craft & Tackle)
We would also like to thank Brendan Farrell (Shannonside Radio); Eugene Murphy TD, Cllr. Joe Murphy, Margaret Goff (Photographer), Roscommon County Council and local businesses & people for supporting our fundraisers throughout the year.
Vistamed, Rooskey Hanley Group, Laragan Michael Tighe, Birmingham
Euro Accessories, Rooskey
Pictured at Rooskey Heritage Festival were Amy Hand, Lauren and Molly Carty. Picture: Andrew Fox
The current members of the hard-working committee are Pat Joe Farry (chairperson), Orla King (vice-chairperson and PRO), Orla Beirne (treasurer), Sinead Compton (secretary), Geraldine Moran (assistant secretary), Margaret Healy, Karen Feeney, Stephen Washington, Edan Keenan and Alan Conroy and Orla says they are “delighted with the success of the festival to date.” “None of us ever envisaged that it would take off the way it has,” says a clearly delighted Orla. “It has taken a huge commitment by every member of the committee and we could not make it work without the help of a wide and varied group of volunteers, who give of their time effortlessly.” The Rooskey Heritage Festival is financed by fundraising, ticket sales and sponsorship but, says Orla, local businesses “have really got behind our festival and we are delighted with their support. We also received a small grant from Roscommon County Council while Cox’s Steakhouse and Bar in Dromod were our main sponsors for 2016.” Orla says their fundraising events “are a great way of bringing the community together and we really enjoy them.” Amongst those planned is an annual duck race on the Shannon which gets young and older people out on the harbour to ‘enjoy the quack’, while they also
introduced a festival Rose Night which declared Katie King the Rose for 2016. Katie then went on to open the festival. “Our junior Rose is Shauna Rogan and she unveiled the Proclamation during the festival. We also had involvement from the Sanctuary Players who came to Rooskey and performed The Cripple of Innisman, with proceeds going to funding the
‘None of us ever envisaged that it would take off the way it has’ – Orla King, on the success of the Rooskey Heritage Festival festival. Other events include pub quizzes, cake sales and a variety show, all involving the local community.” “2016,” continues Orla, was deemed to be “an enormous success and saw large crowds in attendance both day and night with the ultimate aim of the festival to be family friendly and have activities to suit all.” The village was “filled with fun and variety”, with a food fair, zorb balls on the water, a heritage wall featuring photos and articles from the past and information talks about 1916 from Aidan Dockery. At night the Big Red Barn was the focus
of activities with some great music. Looking back, says Orla, “2016 brought a great sense of achievement, a fantastic atmosphere and a huge feeling of pride in our community while for 2017 we will continue to develop on what has worked for us to date incorporating heritage, community and fun.” Now is the time to get excited for the New Year with an exciting and spectacular array of artists already lined up for the next festival. ”We have already booked Patrick Feeney, 4Degrees West and local band Gobsmacked and we have produced a calendar featuring photos from the festival in 2016 and our Heritage wall which is to help raise funds for 2017. Popular activities returning will be the water activities, heritage wall, food village, pet farm and a funfair, while we are looking at ideas on how to expand further.” The Rooskey Heritage Festival has proved to be an enormous success and it is hoped that it will continue to flourish well into the future. “This festival has become an event that people simply don’t want to miss, holidays are booked at this time and people who now live abroad or away from Rooskey return home for it. This is what makes our festival successful, the community and the people who love this area.”
Shanonville B & B, Rooskey Keenan & Kennedy Accountants Dublin P J Diffley, Rooskey
We must not forget our stewards throughout the weekend of the festival, their assistance is vital for the smooth running of the event
We have a beautiful 2017 calendar on sale at the moment for €5 – It’s a photographic memory calendar of the Festival and would make an ideal gift for family & friends at home or abroad. Thank you to all who generously donated to the Calender The committee (listed below) would like to wish you all a very happy and Peaceful Christmas and Prosperity for 2017 Keep up to date with the festival by checking out our website (rooskeyheritagefestival.com) & you will also find us on facebook Looking forward to meeting you all in July 2017 The committee are as follows: – Pat Joe Farry, Orla Beirne, Sinead Compton, Alan Conroy, Margaret Faughnan, Paddy Joe Nugent, Stephen Washington, Karen Feeney & Geraldine Moran.
Pictured at Rooskey Heritage Festival were Liam Lynch, Ann Farrell, Amy Nugent, Mary Teresa Nugent, James Lynch and Ciara Farrell. Picture: Andrew Fox
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
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t watch “I get up at 4 o’clock! I jus we have n the and am 6 il movie unt sents afterbreakfast. We open our pre ss. Ma to go we n the and rds wa e and have “After Mass we come homgranddad and nny our dinner. My gra usually visit too. ht children “My granny Kelly has eigr. She wasn’t yea h eac and she visits one she was gogoing to visit us this year, die’s house, Bri tie aun my ing to go to into a but then she heard we moved ’d visit us.” she d sai she so se hou new
Athleague, Co. Roscommon Tel: 090 6663698 Mobile: 086 3653023 Email: info@eliteservicing.ie Web: www.eliteservicing.ie
Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas Season’s greetings to one and all from
Karol Czaja, 5th clas s
“Sometimes I wake up at I’m sick then it’s 9 am. We7 or 8 am but if mas breakfast and then ope have Christ“Then our cousins come n our presents. we have presents under theand sometimes “Then we go to Mass and tree for them. go to a restaurant at 12 o’c after that we ally eat soups on Christmalock. We ususoup and Irish soup too! s Eve. Polish “I hope Muffin (Karol’s pet present this year. Whenever dog) gets a with him he won’t actually I play fetch fetch his toy though.”
Your Heart, Your Home, Your Kitchen – Luxury Kitchens for every budget Visit our showrooms on the Galway Road or call 090 66 63555 “Professional Service and advice provided” Neff Master Partners
Visit our website:www.naughtonkitchens.com Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas from
McCormack Metal Fabrication •GATES • RAILINGS
Balconies and a range of made to order steel products Please visit our website
www.mccormackmetal.ie Gortmore, Fuerty, Co. Roscommon
•Tel: 086 - 8873897
Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas from
Farrell’s (1992) Ltd.
Castlecoote, Co. Roscommon
Tel.: (090) 66 63373 Fax: (090) 66 63374 Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas from
Eamon Gately
Electrical Contractor Castlecoote Phone:
RECI approved
(086) 8302035
Kinga Wojciak, 3rd cl
ass
“I wake up at 4 am! We usu then I wake up my parents ally watch TV and eat breakfast and we open at 5 am. Then we our presents after Christmas dinner. We go cra presents especially Gizmo zy when we get our (Kinga’s pet dog). “Santa Claus trolled (prank Dominik by wrapping his ed) my brother of wrapping paper. Dominpresent with loads ping and he thought ‘this isik kept unwraptime he took off more pap my present’ every er but there was just more wrapping paper. It wa wrapped in tape too. He wa s in a bag that was unwrapping. It was a tiny s unwrapping and game for his DS!”
s Amy Lannon, 6th clas
6 am and “Sometimes I get up at 5 or sister my h wit s wake up my parent dad my r yea ery Ev rs. the bro and two ta San us s tell he us; on plays a trick didn’t come! ts we get “After we open our presen on the put s ent par r Ou our breakfast. a while to turkey too because it takes make. “We eat chocolate before oures we’re Christmas dinner so sometim s come to stuffed before. Our relative ty!” par a e hav visit later and we
Hanging out with Athleague’s Shoebox heroes! < DAN DOONER
I went back to school on Monday morning where I met the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th class students of Athleague NS and their lovely teacher/principal Avril Egan. The students had recently sent in a picture of all the shoeboxes they had collected as part of the Team Hope Shoebox Appeal so I called into the school to find out what they all had planned for Christmas. I quickly learned that Athleague students wake up very early on Christmas Day with some claiming to be on the go from 4 and 5 am! (Their parents must be absolutely thrilled!). They’re also big fans of their pets and Santa Claus has been instructed to bring presents for ‘Muffin’, ‘Max’, ‘Gizmo’ and the rest of their furry friends. Before the excitement of Christmas Day though they have the small matter of Thursday’s Christmas Craft Fair and the launch of the school’s new website from 1 pm. Rumour has it that Sam Maguire will also be there on the day and the students have promised me that it won’t be the last time the big trophy will be seen in Co. Roscommon!
Athleague NS students pictured with their huge collection of shoeboxes as part of the Team Hope Shoebox Appeal.
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
Christmas greetings from Athleague/Castlecoote/Fuerty Wishing all our patrons a very Happy Christmas and a Healthy New Year from
PJ’s
CASTLECOOTE, CO. ROSCOMMON TELEPHONE: (090) 66 63066
Santa Arriving 6pm Friday 23rd: Tidy Towns Christmas Raffle Sunday 18th:
St. Stephens Night - music by
Vinegar Bill starts at 7.30pm
The cast of Oliver pictured at Fuerty National School. Picture: Andrew Fox
Fuerty NS to host three top productions! Fuerty National School has been a hive of activity over last number of few days as students have been busy preparing for a series of performances, which are set to take place in the school hall tomorrow (Friday, 16th), starting at 12 noon. The youngest students will star in the Nativity play with a twist titled ‘The Sleepy Shepard’. Then, second, third and fourth class will showcase their production titled ‘North Pole’s Gonna Rock N’ Roll’ before fourth, fifth and sixth class take the stage with their highly anticipated production of ‘Oliver’. This is a day of entertainment not to be missed and it all kicks off tomorrow at 12 pm in Fuerty National School!
Weekly Music Session Saturday 31st December: New Years Eve Party Night Sunday 1st January 2017: Pool Finals Tuesday 27th December:
Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas from
GERRY GILL Motors
Crash Repairs ● Sales & Service Fuerty, Roscommon Tel/Fax: (090) 66 26536 Gerry: (086) 8162964 Gerard: (086) 2254731 follow us on facebook www.gerrygillmotors.ie
Season’s greetings to one and all from
Oliver Harte
Cian Connaughton, Isabelle Flynn, Daniel Connolly, Patrick Murray, Eoin Kelly and Conor Durr pictured at Fuerty National School. Picture: Andrew Fox
BUTCHERS
Abattoir Service Available Cattle, Pigs & Lambs Athleague, Co. Roscommon Tel: 090
66 63729
Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas from
Les Petites Tartres Café Restaurant Main St, Athleague ● Tel: 090 6663343
Second, third and fourth class at Fuerty National School. Picture: Andrew Fox
Open: Monday to Saturday 9 am to 5.30 pm - Sunday 10.30 to 5 pm
Email: anitabruneteau@eircom.net
Facebook: Les Petites Tartres
All parties catered for
Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas from
The students who will take part in the Nativity play at Fuerty National School. Picture: Andrew Fox
The Bridge House Athleague Friday, 23rd December
CHRISTMAS CARD GAME Monday, 26th December
TABLE QUIZ @5PM In aid of Athleague Historical Society Friday, 30th December
CHRISTMAS CARD GAME
Big screen with Sky Sports and Setanta Sports. Enquiries: (090) 66 63534/(087) 8133406/(087) 6598078
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
Christmas greetings from Athleague/Castlecoote/Fuerty
Castlecoote Lodge
Questions of Sport… Christmas special Padraic Cuddy, Class Grass and Fuerty GAA Club
BAR AND LOUNGE
Castlecoote, Roscommon Friday, 16th December
Trad Night Christmas Party 10pm Monster Christmas Draw on the night All proceeds in aid of Castlecoote Fleadh Cheoil Easter 2017 Also - 25 Card Game prizes Friday, 23rd December
Customers & Friends Party Night 10pm Draw on the night for Christmas Hamper in aid of Castlecoote Tidy Towns Also - Christmas 25 Card Game - lots of prizes.
What is your best sporting memory of 2016? Bringing my 5-year-old son to Croke Park to see the Rossies play Kerry. Sometimes results aren’t everything when
you see how much he enjoyed it! What is your worst sporting memory of 2016? Brazil – The Olympics! Name three sporting personalities you’d like to have at Christmas Dinner? Phil Mickelson, Donnacha O’Callaghan and
Maria Sharapova just to break it up a bit! (Phil and Donnacha who? Howiya Maria!) Choose one sports book from the year that you’d like to have in your stocking? Anthony Daly’s autobiography would have to be a good read. Who is your choice for
Presentation of a set of jerseys to Athleague NS by Kepak
Monday, 26th December
Live Music & Open Mic ALL DAY FOR MUSICIANS & WREN BOYS Saturday 31st December
New Year Eve Party Music by Simply Me The Leyden family would like to wish all their customers and friends a very Happy Christmas and a Prosperous 2017
Also congratulations to Castlecoote/Fuerty hosts to Fleadh Cheoil Contae RosComáin Easter 2017
Pictured at the presentation of a set of jerseys to Athleague NS by Kepak are (l-r): Avril Egan (Principal), Michael Geoghegan (Kepak), Deirdre Naughton (Kepak) and Fergus Halligan (Parents Association) together with pupils from Athleague N.S.
Sports Personality of the Year? Seamus Callanan. Disgrace that he didn’t get Hurler of the Year. If you could have one sporting wish for 2017, what would it be? Fuerty to win the intermediate championship and bring senior football to the parish!
Fuerty Apostolic Work Fuerty Apostolic Work wishes to thank most sincerely all those who supported their recent fundraiser for local and diocesan missionaries. We are very grateful to all the local businesses who gave hampers, vouchers and cash donations. These are the people who support us year after year, and we hope that people shop locally to support those businesses. We thank all those who sold and bought lines in our annual draw – the following are the prize winners – 1st (Hamper): Christina Higgins (Athleague), 2nd (Vouchers): Michael Brennan (Carrowkeel), 3rd (Crib): Kyle Dowd (The Walk, Roscommon), 4th (Voucher and Gift Set): Marian Kelly (Ballinamorebridge), 5th (Voucher and Gift Set): Johnny Hughes (Dysart), 6th (Brandy): Shay Hanley (Tarmon, Castlerea), 7th (Hamper): Annie Carroll (Buckfield) and 8th (Biscuits): May Connolly (Castlestrange). Your continued support is very important to missionaries. All funds raised go directly to those working with people who are in need of such basics as food, water, clothing and education. Apostolic Work is the most cost-efficient charity helping those in the Third World, as we do no advertising, rent or own any premises. We work mostly from our own homes, using our own phones, computers, etc. Therefore you are assured that what you give goes directly to those most in need.
Keane’s
ATHLEAGUE For the way we live today
Tel.: 090 6663849
Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas from ...
COME VISIT THE "AWARD-WINNING" TOWN & COUNTRY INTERIORS. SET IN A VICTORIAN PERIOD TOWNHOUSE AN ALLADIN'S CAVE & TREASURE TROVE OF CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS, A "DESTINATION SHOP" WITH STRESS FREE PARKING "LES "LES PETITES TARTRES" & THE WONDERFUL NEW PETITES TARTRES" CAFE/RESTAURANT ON THE PREMISES
GIFTWARE FINE FURNISHINGS KITCHEN TABLEWARE PICTURES LIGHTING FASHION ACCESSORIES JEWELLERY HANDBAGS Christmas Opening Hours: Sun 15th Dec 12pm - 6pm Sunday 18th Dec: 11am - 6pm Sun 22 Dec 10am - 6pm Christmas - 5pm Xmas EveEve: 9am9am - 6pm Re Open Sat 28th Dec 10am - 6pm
Re-open Wednesday 28th: 10am - 6pm
Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas and New Year. Thank you for your custom in 2016 Cafe Open Sun 11 - 6pm
Keane’s
ATHLEAGUE
ague and Serving Athle for 107 years s a re surrounding a
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
Christmas greetings from Athleague/Castlecoote/Fuerty
CONNAUGHTON’S Post Office Athleague – Co. Roscommon. T. 090 66 63311 / 090 66 33033. M. 087 8512921 Closing at 12.30pm on Christmas Eve
Athleague – Co. Roscommon. T. 090 66 63311 / 090 66 33033. M. 087 8512921
NEW DEPOT NOW OPEN IN ROSCOMMON TOWN Off Circular Road, Roscommon
(Beside Roscommon Tyre Centre) Business
RAPID FREE DELIVERY
No order too small, coal put into bunker or into shed as per customer’s instructions – Gas connected if required
as usual in Athleague
Gift Vouchers available PRACTICAL PRESENTS JUST A PHONECALL AWAY
Trade enquiries welcome
m o t s u c r u o y e u l a We v Marguerite, Neil and staff would like to thank everyone for their custom and Delivery before Christmas support in 2016 and wish you all a Peaceful (SUBJECT TO SUFFICIENT NOTICE)
and Happy Christmas and New Year.
“Express laundry service - drop off items of clothing at Athleague OR Roscommon
- 9 shirts ironed for only €10 - Fast and efficient service”
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
Christmas greetings from Athleague/Castlecoote/Fuerty Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas from
Liam Heaney Livestock Carrier CASTLECOOTE, CO. ROSCOMMON
Telephone:
Castlecoote and Fuerty face the music!
086 2564778 2017 County Fleadh location confirmed Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas from
Dalton’s Pub Fuerty, Co. Roscommon
Tel: 087 6766469 Saturday 18th December -
Christmas Party Night Music with
Kevin Garvey
facebook.com/daltons.fuerty Season’s greetings to one and all and wishing you all a very Happy and Healthy 2017
SENATOR
TERRY LEYDEN (087) 7978922 email: terry.leyden@oireachtas.ie Congratulations to Castlecoote and Fuerty who will be hosting Fleadh Cheoil 2017 and also to Boyle on their great achievement
Season’s greetings to one and all from
Cllr. ORLA LEYDEN Mobile: 087 2819918 “WORKING WITH THE COMMUNITY”
< DAN DOONER
Rural Roscommon was given a huge boost recently as Athleague Comhaltas Ceoiltoiri was awarded the 2017 County Fleadh Cheoil, which will be hosted by Castlecoote and Fuerty next April. This is seen as a massive coup for rural Roscommon as The Fleadh has been staged in Elphin and Strokestown for the last number of years. The official announcement was made during the County Roscommon Comhaltas Ceoiltoiri Eireann AGM at the Percy French Hotel in Strokestown last
Sunday and will see music and dance lovers descend on Castlecoote and Fuerty on Easter Sunday and Monday (April 17th and 18th) of next year. Chairman of the Castlecoote Fleadh Cheoil, PJ Naughton, was extremely pleased with the announcement. “It’s fair to say that we’re over the moon here! It’s been up in the north of the county and Comhaltas are delighted now that it’s coming to a rural area – they’ve wanted to try it in a rural area rather than a town,” he said. Mr. Naughton said a local
committee was formed in conjunction with the Athleague Comhaltas Ceoiltoiri after it was decided that Castlecoote would be a suitable venue for the Fleadh. “I took over the pub (what is now PJ’s) four years ago and I was only here a few months and I thought this would be an ideal place to host a Fleadh, he said, before highlighting the fact that next year’s festival would be a joint venture for Castlecoote and Fuerty. “We intend on running a shuttle bus between the three pubs – PJ’s, Castlecoote Lodge and Dalton’s in Fuerty. This will be a united effort,” he concluded. Cllr. Orla Leyden, who has worked closely with the local committee said:
weekend and the Fleadh will be starting after the Easter Parade in Roscommon town. There will be live music, dancing and singing on Sunday and Monday,” she said. Owner of Castlecoote Lodge and Cllr. Leyden’s mother, Mary Leyden, said: “Quite a lot of people come from the North of Ireland for example and we’re expecting plenty of people to visit next year. We’re opening up the field next door to us to accommodate visitors and we’ll have electricity, water and toilet facilities for them to avail of.” Preparations in Castlecoote and Fuerty will begin in earnest for what promises to be a busy Fleadh Cheoil weekend next April.
Questions of Sport… Christmas special Ciara Moran, Athleague Camogie manager What is your best sporting memory of 2016? On a local level it has to be winning the two in a row County camogie titles with Athleague and winning a Connacht intermediate title having defied the odds. You can’t beat a final victory with your club-mates! At national level, what our medal winners achieved at the Olympics. What is your worst sporting memory of 2016? Losing the All-Ireland Junior Club and county camogie semi-finals. Defeat makes one stronger and hopefully both teams can take something from and learn for next year. Name three sporting personalities you’d like to have at Christmas Dinner? Katie Taylor – a truly inspiring female athlete who has brought female sports to a new level in a male dominated environment. Ashling Thompson, Cork camogie player. Another true role model, not only a tenacious camogie player but she had the courage to speak openly about her own personal battle with mental health and encouraged others to reach out. Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas from
Season’s one greetings to m and all fro
“It’s good to get it to smaller villages and a great boost for south Roscommon in particular. It’s good for local children to get exposure to the dancing competitions too. The competitions will be held in the primary school and the community centre,” Orla said. She said the decision was a “huge boost” to the area and it was hoped that local authorities would be supportive of the festival. “I was involved in the application to the Athlone Municipal District. They’re meeting on the 10th of January and I’m very hopeful that they’ll be supportive.” Cllr. Leyden added that there would be plenty of entertainment across the entire weekend. “There will be music all
Oscar & Ann and all at
Castlecoote Stores Open 7 days, 7am to 11pm Tel 090 66 63394
Wishing all our customers & friends a very Happy Christmas & Peaceful New Year from Pauline, Gerry, Aishling, Michelle and staff at
P&G Cards Ltd.
Athleague,Co. Roscommon Tel: 090 6663802 www.pandgcards.com
Pat Lam for what he did with Connacht Rugby both on and off the field and creating an identity with the communities, parishes, clubs in every corner of the west of Ireland. Choose one sports book from the year that you’d like to have in your stocking? I have actually bought two sports books! Paul O’Connell’s ‘The Battle’ and ‘Walking Tall’ by race walker, Rob Heffernan. I would have great respect for Rob as an athlete and how he punishes his body in the tough discipline of race walking. Who is your choice for Sports Personality of the Year? I think Tipperary hurler, Seamus Callanan. A terrific hurler the past two years for the Premier County. If you could have one sporting wish for 2017, what would it be? I’ve been good all year so I’m going to grant myself three! Athleague camogie completes the ‘triple crown’ (County, Connacht and All-Ireland club titles). Roscommon junior camogie continues to compete with the best in their division and that the Galway senior football ladies compete competitively with the cream of the crop!
Christmas session in Hamrock’s! There will be a Christmas session taking place in Hamrock’s Bar, Athleague on Friday night (December 30th), starting at 10 pm and continuing on until late. Musicians, singers and story-tellers are all welcome on the night. Come along and join in the ceol, caint agus craic.
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
Christmas greetings from Athleague/Castlecoote/Fuerty Questions of Sport… Christmas special Rob Ralphs, Athlone Community Radio presenter What is your best sporting memory of 2016? Robbie Brady’s goal against Italy at Euro 16 in France. What is your worst sporting memory of 2016? Fuerty losing the Intermediate Football Championship Semi-Final. Name three sporting personalities you’d like
to have at Christmas Dinner? Damien Duff, Carlo Ancellotti and Eoin Whyte. (Three decent midfielders, although probably easier to listen to Whyte talk about Fuerty than the other two talk about Chelsea!). Choose one sports book from the year that you’d like to have in your stocking? What do you think of that? (A book by Kerry legend, Kieran Donaghy.)
Who is your choice for Sports Personality of the Year? Peter ‘Shooter’ Leahy. (Fuerty’s rampaging wing-forward.) If you could have one sporting wish for 2017, what would it be? Fuerty to win the championship.
Year of questions… Christmas special Mike Conneely, owner of The Bridge House What was the best moment in 2016 in your opinion? Personally, the best moment in 2016 was when the floods were kept out thanks to the great efforts of our neighbours and friends. A close second was Galway beating Roscommon in Castlebar! What was the worst moment in 2016 in your opinion? Tipperary beating Galway in the hurling semi-final. Who is the Man of the Year for 2016 and why? Only one man for Man of the Year – JP Murray for having the village sparkling for Christmas! Who is the Woman of the Year for 2016 and why? The ‘Women of the
Year’ are the Athleague U-12 camoige team who won the county final with Sadhbh Conneely scoring a great goal! One person you’d like to hear/see more of in 2017? The people we would like to see more of in 2017? All of our customers! Thanks for all your support over the past 14 years. One person you’d like to hear/see less of in 2017? Donald Trump anytime
Micheal Hourigan and Martina Larkin of Mimar Media pictured by the River Suck. The company released a documentary entitled ‘Along by the River – Discover the River Suck’ earlier this year. Pic: Andrew Fox
or the Kilkenny hurlers in September! You have one wish for 2017. What is it? Can I have three wishes for 2017? Every river and drain in the country to be cleaned, a proper health service and a healthy and prosperous 2017 for all our family, neighbours, friends and customers. (If there’s a spare wish going...Galway to win the double!)
Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas from
BRIAN MURRAY QUALITY MEMORIALS & SUPPLIER OF ALL TYPES OF CRUSHED STONE Scrine, Athleague, Co. Roscommon Tel: 087 6758874/ 087 6608885 or 090 66 23322 Email: brianmurraystone@gmail.com Website: www.brianmurraystone.com
Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas from
Locals hope natural beauty can ‘Suck’ tourists in < DAN DOONER
What a difference a year makes. This time last year I sat down at this very computer and wrote about the village of Athleague’s battle against the River Suck. Six years previous the village had been devastated when the river overflowed following heavy rainfall. Last year a huge rainfall over a 36-hour period had local people out in force to protect homes and businesses. It was a remarkable story of community spirit overcoming Mother Nature. This year, however, villagers seem to be on better terms with Mother Nature and the River Suck itself. The big story of the last few months has been the release of a popular documentary and the hard work being done to promote the river and its surrounds as a tourism destination. ‘Along by the River – Discover the River Suck’ is a Mimar Media production, which follows the river and discovers the local stories behind
it. The natural beauty of the river and the activities associated with it, draws visitors from other parts of Ireland and indeed the UK and mainland Europe and it is hoped that that continues into 2017 and beyond. Martina Larkin, Mimar Media’s creative director, said the documentary showcases the many attractions of the River Suck. “‘Along by the River – Discover the River Suck’ is a film journey along the path of a river noted for its unspoilt waters and scenic landscapes. “This film looks at how the River Suck influences creativity and enterprise and how it is fast becoming a top attraction for angling, tourism and leisure pursuits”, she said. Cllr. Orla Leyden, who played a vital role in driving the River Suck documentary, believes the area is the perfect resource to attract tourism to the county and that the river is an integral part of the community. “Suck Valley is a very unspoilt area. It’s an authentic experience of rural
Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas & Prosperous New Year from Tommie, Michael and all at
M
ulhern Bro Agri Contractors Ltd.
S
Kilmore, Athleague, Co. Roscommon Tel: Tommie: (087) 9009067 Michael: (087) 1422312 • Self propelled silage • Mowing • Round Bailing • Re-Seeding • Hedgecutting, Saw, Flail • Fencing Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas from
Damian Grehan From idea to screen, we create video content that entertains, engages and informs www.mimarmedia.ie Email us at info@mimarmedia.ie ATHLEAGUE, ROSCOMMON 090 6663731
PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES SCRINE, ATHLEAGUE, ROSCOMMON • New Builds • Maintenance of Existing Systems • House Extensions • Oil Boiler Servicing • Installation of all types of Stoves, Water Softeners, Well Pumps, etc SEAI approved for Heating Upgrades, Solar Panel Installation
Contact Damian @ 086 3662922 / 090 6623467
Ireland and naturally very beautiful,” she told me. “We are currently carrying out work on a website and at the Suck Valley Visitors Centre. We want to be like the Blueway and we want it to be easy for people to book walking and angling holidays.” It’s hoped that the website will enable potential visitors to the area to book holiday packages and that this will make it easier for anglers and other tourists to secure accommodation and organise excursions. This is all a far cry from the fight against flooding last year and just proves how much local people rely on the river. The hope is that the river will go from being the cause of local devastation to becoming the cause of local pride and employment. With the help of a new website and the continuing hard work of local people, there’s no reason why 2017 can’t be a watershed year for Athleague and other communities situated along by the River Suck.
Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas from
Oliver Grehan
• Crash Repairs • Recovery Service Insurance Claims Handled SCRINE, ATHLEAGUE, CO. ROSCOMMON Oliver: 086 8799699 Alan: 086 8984188 Tel./Fax: 090 6623467
Member of the Vehicle Repairers Association
Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas from
HEALY’S Athleague
SUPPLIERS OF ALL QUALITY CATTLE, CALF & SHEEP MEALS TOP PRICES PAID FOR WOOL Fertiliser, Animal Feeds and Minerals, Roundup & Sprays •Light Hardware •Fencing Material • Coal and Gas Honest prices, good terms and no gimmicks
OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK
•Tel.: 090 66 63313
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
Christmas greetings from South Roscommon Wishing all our customers a Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year
Knockcroghery TEL:
090 66 61923
Closed for Christmas on Friday, 23rd December Re-opening on Thursday, 5th January
Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas & Prosperous New Year from Ted, Bríd and family
r a B ’s l l e n n o ’C O
Brideswell Tel.: 090 6488140
Hope to see you all over the festive season
Donal would like to thank everyone for their custom in 2016 and wish everyone a Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year
Glanduff, Athlone, Co. Roscommon Donal Kilduff 086 8579459 e: info@kilduff.ie w: www.kilduff.ie ● New Build ● Extension ● Renovation ● Building Maintenance ● Roofing ● Passive House Building ● Mobility Adaptations ● Groundworks ● Fully Insured ● Fully Guaranteed
Students at Glanduff National School. Picture: Andrew Fox
Glanduff students running from Galway to Dublin! This year, Glanduff National School is working towards achieving the Active School flag. This flag is awarded to schools that strive to achieve a physically educated and physically active school community. The school is hoping to be more active, more often. Glanduff Active School committee is made up of 12 pupils from 1st6th class who organise various activities to promote this initiative. One of the challenges the committee set
was the ‘Glanduff Running Challenge’ where each class was set the task of running the distance from Eyre Square in Galway to the GPO in Dublin, a total of 214km. The committee also created an analysis chart so that each class can track their progress and note the towns they pass through along the way. The race is on to see what class will make it to the GPO first!
Áine Harney, Grace Currid and Erin Giles. Picture: Andrew Fox
Wishing all our customers a Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year from
Mark would like to thank everyone for their custom in 2016 and wish everyone a Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year
MICHAEL KENNY CAR SALES Galway Road Athlone Tel.: 090 6437103 Mobile: 086 8187103 ALL MAKES OF NEW AND USED CARS SUPPLIED & SERVICED Wishing all our customers a Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year from John, Auriol & Sarah Jane and all the crew in
Coffey’s
Bar & Food Store Lecarrow, Co. Roscommon
Established 1918
Traditional Irish country pub and grocery.
Phone: 090 6661118 • Coffeysbarlecarrow MUSIC SESSIONS OVER THE CHRISTMAS PERIOD
Wishing all our customers a Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year from
Harry Murray Agri Contractor FOR ALL YOUR AGRI CONTRACTING NEEDS Mobile: (087) 2323933 Racecourse, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon
Mark O’Connor Tiling
●
Students at Glanduff National School. Picture: Andrew Fox
A year of questions… Christmas special Will Keane, Knockcroghery What was the best moment of 2016 in your opinion? The figure of eight tribute paid to Anthony Foley in Soldier Field in Chicago still sends shivers down my spine. It showed that silent symbolism can champion over words and what a win against the All Blacks! What was the worst moment of 2016 in your opinion? Brexit and Trump. The worldwide movement to the right and extreme right is worrying and shows the gap between politics and the people. Who was Man of the Year for 2016? David Bowie, I’ve been listening to his album
‘Blackstar’ so much this year and thinking of the other heroes that we have lost. Who was Woman of the Year for 2016? Jointly, Roisin Shorthall and Catherine Murphy. After attending the Social Democrat conference last month I am so impressed with their vision and direction for the country. One person you’d like to see/hear more of in 2a017. Kevin McStay on the sideline of Croke Park on 17th September throwing his hands into the air in celebration after 70 minutes! One person you’d like to see/hear less of in 2017? The face of homelessness. Wouldn’t it be great if Ireland took control
Mosaic ● Porcelain ● Ceramic Tiling
LECARROW, CO. ROSCOMMON TELEPHONE:
086 1912010
A very Happy Christmas and Peaceful New Year from
O’Sullivan Keegan & Co.
Auditors & Accountants
Contact us today for all your accounting needs of housing in a way that was future facing and timely? You have one wish for 2017. What is it? That Kildare Street realises that there is life beyond ‘The Pale’; willing workers and opportunities to develop rural Irish towns responsibly whilst creating employment and social opportunities…That and world peace!
Pearse House, 21 Pearse Street, Athlone, Co Westmeath
Contact: Brian Lennon
(Tel) 090 64 93226 / 090 64 92701 (Fax) 090 64 44671
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
Christmas greetings from South Roscommon
Tel.: 090 6490242
We would like to wish all our customers a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Dublin Road & Monksland, Athlone Pictured at the lighting of the Shine a Light Tree in Knockcroghery were David Beattie, Bridie Beattie, Ronan Beattie, Enda Beattie, Aoife Haughey, John and Lillian Murphy, Matthew Haughey, Maureen O’Donovan, Mark and John Haughey, Irene Beirne, Fiona Haughey, Jackie Doyle and Mary Beirne. Picture: Andrew Fox
Knockcroghery ‘shines a light’ for Christmas Once again there was a great turnout as residents of the village of Knockcroghery gathered to switch on the Christmas lights as part of the ‘Let Love Shine A Light’ campaign on Sunday, December 4th. The campaign, which aims to
raise money for the Mayo/Roscommon Hospice and Palliative Care has been running in the village for a number of years. Yet again there was a very strong response to the campaign with people sponsoring lights on the Christmas tree, also known as the
‘Tree of Light’, in the middle of Knockcroghery village. Those who have sponsored lights have received special cards, which can then be sent to loved ones in time for Christmas. The lights will continue to shine throughout the festive period and
lights can be sponsored right up until Christmas Eve. A special Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 27th at 7 pm in Knockcroghery Church. Anyone wishing to buy a card can do so by contacting Irene Beirne on 087-2286076.
Wishing all our customers a Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year
Only Contractor in the West & Midlands installing BASF Walltite CV 100 Cavity Wall Insulation NOW IN YOUR AREA
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086 2705603 OR 090 64 89804 OR EMAIL: warmncosyhomes@gmail.com
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OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: ● Walltite Spray ● Foam Insulation ● Attic Insulation
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O’Connor’s Food Hall BRACKERNAGH, BALLINASLOE. TEL. 090-9642964 EMAIL: OCSFOODHALL@YAHOO.COM
Or find us on Facebook at O’Connors Foodhall Ballinasloe Suppliers of: Beef, Lamb, Pork, Poultry & Fish –Deep Freeze, Wholesale & Catering orders
Spend €20.00 in store (exclusive of cigarettes) and enter FREE DRAW for 3 Christmas vouchers valued at €200 - €100 and €50. Draw takes place on Saturday, 17th December.
SPECIAL OFFERS Starts Thursday, 15th December and runs until Saturday, 24th December • Full Legs of Irish Lamb - €22.99 each • Round Roast - €3.79 per lb • Full Backs Bacon - €19.99 each • 2 Large Rib Eye Steaks - €7.99 • 5 Peppered Steaks - €9.99 • Full Ham (on bone) - €1.99 per lb • Boneless Centre Cut Ham €2.80 per lb • 2lb Homemade Sausages €5.00
€19.99 SPECIAL 5 Chicken Fillets, 1lb Steak Mince, 1lb Diced Beef, 6 Steak Burgers, 1lb Sausages, 1 Bacon Joint, 4 Pork Chops, 2kg Potatoes
Choose any 6 items from above list for just €19.99
CHRISTMAS OPENING HOURS Friday, 23rd December Saturday, 24th December Monday, 26th December Tuesday, 27th December RE- OPEN : Wednesday, 28th December
8.00am - 8.00pm 8.00am - 4.00pm CLOSED CLOSED 8.00am - 6.30pm
LOCALLY GROWN Turnip and Heads of Cabbage 89c each 10kg Washed Rooster only €4.99
PARTY SPECIALS – From the Freezer 1kg bag SPICY CHICKEN GOUJONS 1kg bag BREADED CHICKEN GOUJONS 1kg bag BREADED CHICKEN FILLETS 1kg bag BATTERED CHICKEN BALLS only €9.99 each or any 3 for €27 BBQ PORK RIBS sheets €4.99 per sheet Trays MARINATED or SPICY CHICKEN WINGS €3 per tray or 2 trays for €5 150 COCKTAIL SAUSAGES €7.50 per bag
FRESH FISH EVERY WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY & FRIDAY Don’t just check out our Specials – check out all our fresh meat prices.
FREE PARKING AT FRONT AND REAR OF SHOP We would like to thank all our customers and wish them a very Happy Christmas and New Year.
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
Christmas greetings from Ballygar
Fallons BAR Ballygar Telephone: 090 66 24674
Christmas Entertainment
Making Christmas < MIRIAM KERINS
Saturday, December 17th:
Frank Nelson Monday, December 26th: – St. Stephen’s Night –
Tony Nugent Saturday, December 31st: – New Year’s Eve –
Patsy McCaul Saturday, January 7th:
The Lancers FOOD SERVED DAILY Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas from John & Noeleen Thank you for your support in 2016
The Christmas tree in Ballygar. Picture: Andrew Fox
With the big day fast approaching the good folks in Ballygar are well on their way to finalising their preparations for Santa. We caught up with local businessman Ollie Holmes, who filled us in on all the “bits and pieces” that have been going on behind the scenes in order to make Christmas 2016 one to remember. Chatting to us as he worked away at his Main Street Centra store, Ollie praised the town’s fantastic Festive Lights Committee. “They’ve worked from the start to the end of November putting up lights, checking bulbs, changing bulbs and making sure everything ran smoothly. We turned on the lights last weekend and the crowds came out and enjoyed mulled wine and mince pies and there was a great community spirit,” said a good-humoured Ollie, who’s keen to remind readers of another muchloved Ballygar Christmas tradition set to take place on Friday, 23rd of December from 10 am to 7 pm at the Centra. “We have our annual Customer Day where people of all ages, but especially seniors, can come together to meet up, have a cuppa or a hot whiskey and enjoy the com-
pany.” We’re reliably informed that “a few little spot prizes” by way of anything from a hamper to a bottle of wine will also be on offer on the day. In addition, combining holiday celebrations with some live music happening at various venues around the town, Ollie tells us, “there’ll be lots of entertainment taking place in the pubs over this weekend.” However, if local or indeed visiting families are searching for a bit of traditional entertainment, they can catch the local St. Mary’s Church choir performing carols next Sunday night, 18th of December at 8 pm and Ollie urges everyone to attend and to visit the shops while they’re at it. “It’s important to keep us in mind and come and visit and please bring as much business back to Ballygar as you can. It’s important to shop local all year but at Christmas it’s probably a bit more difficult and people might not necessarily get all of what they want locally, but we have to remember that local shops and businesses are the main source of employment in the smaller towns so we ask everyone to realise that at times like Christmas, small businesses can Continued on page 55–>
Phone: 090 66 24078 Ollie, Gerry and the staff of Holmes Centra and Holmes Day Today wish all their Customers a very Happy Christmas and we look forward to seeing you over the next few days.
We would like to invite you to join us for our
Annual Customer Day Friday, 23rd December from 10am to 7pm. Lamb Legs half price only €7.64/kg
24 Pack Slabs from €24 and Baileys only €12 (Offers valid 15th to 28th December)
Santa Rita 120 2 for €15 (Offers valid 15th to 17th December)
Melons and pineapples only 50c 3 for €2 on Sprouts/Parsnips/Gala bags/Kiwi punnet
Paddy, Cork Gin and Bacardi only €17 (Offers valid 15th to 17th December)
SPEND €50 OR MORE ON GIFTWARE AND HOUSEWARE AND GET 10% BACK (offer valid 19-24th December inclusive)
Professor Ciarán Ó’Catháin and Dayna.
AIT Inaugural Scholarship of Excellence for Dayna AIT celebrated the success of the inaugural recipients of its Scholarships of Excellence which were awarded to a select group of first year students at a special ceremony on Wednesday, 23rd of November, in recognition of the high points they achieved in their Leaving Certificate examinations. Dayna McCallion (BA Business (Hons) in Law), from Colaiste Mhuire, Ballygar, Co. Galway received an award in recognition for her 510 points. In October this year, AIT were awarded the
coveted prize of the ‘Sunday Times Institute of Technology of the Year – Runner Up 2017’, an achievement which AIT are very proud of and the Scholarships of Excellence were inaugurated to celebrate its students achieving 500 points or more in their Leaving Certificate examinations. Professor Ciarán Ó’Catháin commented, “These scholarships are a great way for us to congratulate our students on their academic endeavour and show that we are supporting them in their academic journey here in the institute.”
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
Christmas greetings from Ballygar
special in Ballygar Continued from page 55–> lose out as well as gain, so try and bring as much back home as you can when shopping.” In addition to the lights, the crib, the customer day, the shopping, the entertainment and the vocal talents of St. Mary’s Church Choir, the event of the year, organised by the local GAA to raise funds for their pitch development initiative, takes place on
St. Stephen’s Day when Ballygar plays host to their much-anticipated Christmas attraction with an annual Turkey Trot. So when the parcels have been opened, the Brussel sprouts have been eaten and the mince pies have been scoffed, Ollie tells us that – “around 1 pm we have our Turkey Trot. This is followed by a big night in Tierney’s.” Not to be missed!
Season’s greeting and thank you to all my customers for their continued support.
Martina’s Fashions Ballygar, Co. Galway. Tel.: (090) 66 24561 We wish to invite you to our
Customer Day on Friday 16th December from 10am – 6pm Come along for refreshments on the day, wine and nibbles, etc.
Large selection of Christmas stock in store • Catering from sizes 10-24 • Hats and Fascinators For Hire • Selection of kiddies wear available Wishing all our customers a Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year from
Martin’s Bar na d’Taoisigh BALLYGAR Props.: Pat & Carmel Gilmore
The entrance to the Old Courthouse in Ballygar. Picture: Andrew Fox
A year of questions … Christmas special City than ever before.
Louise Holian, Writer/Actor
Who was Man of the Year 2016 and why?
What was the best moment of 2016 in your opinion?
Davitt Walsh, the man who saved the baby during that awful tragedy on Buncrana Pier in Co. Donegal.
The O’Donovan brothers winning silver at the Olympics in Rio. What was the worst moment of 2016 in your opinion?
Seeing a lot more homelessness in Galway
Who was Woman of the Year 2016?
Katie Taylor.
One person you’d like to see/hear more of in 2017?
I would like to see more of Senator Lynn Ruane. One person you’d like to
hear/see less of in 2017? I would like to see less of An Taoiseach Enda Kenny. .
Main Street, Ballygar, Co. Galway Telephone: 090-6624557
• Gift Hampers made to order • Wide selection of gift sets available in store • Gift vouchers available • Complimentary Gift wrapping services with all gifts purchased
AGRI. MACHINERY
2015
Supplying the farming community for over 120 years
Wishing all our customers a Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year
My wish for 2017 is to present my first written theatre devised show to an audience in The Arts Centre in Roscommon, the Dublin Fringe Festival and general world domination – but I’ll start in Ros! (laughs).
The Medical Hall
1893
BALLYGAR, CO. GALWAY. TEL. 090 6624545 EMAIL: mjkellyltd@gmail.com
You have one wish of 2017. What is it?
Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas and Peaceful New Year
M.J. KELLY BALLYGAR LTD.
Mal would like to thank everyone for their custom in 2016 and wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and Peaceful New Year
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Wishing all our Customers a Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for 2017
MAL HEVEHAN Telephone: 086 8100292
The Thatch Bar
Bees Knees
Ballygar – 090 66 24922
For all your Health Foods & Nutritional Supplement Requirements
– OPEN DAILY –
The
Health Store
Unit 3, High Street, Ballygar, Co. Galway F42 DE09
Tel: 090 6624409
Email: beeskneesballygar@gmail.com www.facebook.com/beeskneeshealthstore
Proprietors:
Matt and Mary Quinn Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
Christmas greetings from Ballygar r customers Wishing all ou tmas and a Happy Chris w Year Ne us ro Prospe
Questions of Sport… Christmas special Tommie Fallon, IFAC and St. Brendan’s GAA
MAIN STREET, ATHLEAGUE, CO. ROSCOMMON TELEPHONE: 090 66 63867
For all your Christmas Gifts ... Open Sundays until Christmas, 2–6pm
What is your best sporting memory of 2016? When we played our first game on our new GAA grounds in Ballygar and also Galway beating Roscommon in the Connacht Final! What is your worst sporting memory of 2016? Galway losing to Tipperary! Name three sporting personalities you’d
like to have at Christmas Dinner? Sylvie Linnane, Padraig Joyce and John Muldoon. Choose one sports book from the year that you’d like to have in your stocking? Connacht – The Team That Refused To Die. Who is your choice for Sports Personality of the Year? The Connacht Rugby team. If you could have one sporting wish for 2017, what would it be? Galway and Joe Canning to win the All-Ireland hurling title.
• We can dispense all prescriptions • Blister-packing and delivery service available Give Louis a call to discuss your needs or queries
ATHENRY
Credit Union Ltd.
Melissa runs all 32 counties for new pitch
(BALLYGAR BRANCH) The Square, Ballygar, Co. Galway. Tel.: (090) 66 24945. Fax: (090) 6624715 Email: ballyar@athenrycu.ie
Serving you, the members, for 27 years
Happy Christmas and New Year to all our members CHRISTMAS OPENING HOURS: CLOSED: 24th - 27th December OPEN: Wednesday 28th - Normal Hours CLOSED: Thursday, 29th December OPEN: Friday, 30th December 10am - 1pm Business resumes as normal from 3rd January 2017 Athenry Credit Union is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland
Wishing all our customers a Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year
Donal Smith and Sons Ltd Building Contractors and Property Developers
Main Street, Ballygar, Co. Galway Tel 090 66 24556 Donal 087 2584381 Adrian 087 2647118 Trevor 087 9015189 donalsmith2012@gmail.com
< DAN DOONER
B
ack in
January of this year, Ballygar Camogie Club’s Melissa Healy took it upon herself to run the 32 counties of Ireland and recently she completed her mission as she crossed the finish line in Belfast, Co. Antrim. Melissa was running in aid of the new pitch development for Ballygar, Newbridge and Toghergar. She said she was delighted to have finished the challenge following a year of early starts. “I finished in Belfast in Antrim. I completed Armagh and Antrim over the last weekend. I was up at 4 am (for a 9 am start) on the Saturday to run in Armagh
UNIT 2 HIGH STREET, BALLYGAR, CO. GALWAY Tel. (090) 66 24780 / 090 6624409
Offering a wide range of special offers on gifts and health products for the festive season. We would like to thank our loyal customers for their support throughout the year and wish all a very Happy Christmas and a Healthy and Prosperous New Year.
and I stayed over and ran in Antrim the next day,” she said. Melissa said the nationwide travel took its toll and that it was quite difficult to complete races after hours on the road. “Out of 20 people (who are currently taking part in the 32 county challenge) so far I’m the third woman. I gave up on the points sys-
tem when I was realised the amount of travelling involved!” she explained. Melissa instead focused on “finishing the challenge in one piece” and while Armagh wasn’t a run she enjoyed, she was delighted to finish in Belfast. She said: “The Armagh run was full of loops and stuff and my head wasn’t really in it. The Antrim
run was for Movember in aid of men’s cancers, so there was loads of people in costumes – it was good craic!” Melissa also documented the very last kilometre in a very original way: “For the last kilometre I did a live Facebook feed so it was just me panting into the phone towards the finish line!”
The running doesn’t stop here for Melissa as she is now preparing for the Annual Goal Mile Run in Ballinasloe on Christmas Day and then the Turkey Trot on St. Stephen’s Day in Newbridge. She also recently held a raffle in Holmes’ Centra in Ballygar which so far has raised over €1,000 for the new pitch development.
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
Christmas greetings from North Roscommon David and Mary wish all their customers a Merry Christmas and all the best for 2017
RATTIGANʼS FITTED KITCHENS & SLIDEROBES
We also renovate kitchesn
Main Street, Elphin, Co. Roscommon Tel. (071) 96 35530 / (086) 3855263 Email: rattigandavid@gmail.com
Supplier and Fitter of Top Quality Kitchens and Bedrooms units at Competitive Prices
WE NOW SPECIALISE IN UNDERSTAIRS STORAGE Opening Hours: Monday - Friday 9am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm Evenings by appointment
OUR REPUTATION IS YOUR GUARANTEE
Season’s Greetings to one and all from
Tulsk Laundry & Dry Cleaning Services For all your washing and dry cleaning needs and St. Eithne’s Rest Care Centre Long & Short term stays and respite Care Tulsk, Co. Roscommon
Tel: 071 9639065 Thank you for your custom and support throughout the year
Miriam Kerins pictured in Tulsk with one of her beloved pet dogs. Picture: Andrew Fox.
Tulsk…The Town I Love so Well < MIRIAM KERINS
Coming from the fast-paced world of a big, bustling Dublin suburb to live in a quiet rural setting four years ago once rendered this party animal feeling very lonely during the Christmas season. In fact every opportunity I got I headed to Dublin for the bright lights and the hustle and bustle of the shops, the companionship of my family, and my annual ‘must-see’ trip to Handel’s Messiah at Christ Church Cathedral in the heart of the city where I grew up, where I worked, and where, until this spring, I called my home! However, this will not be the case this year, because this year, our family, i.e. myself, he-who-thinks-he’s-the-boss and our six fur babies will be spending a community Christmas right here in the town I now proudly call my home, Tulsk.
The tree is up; a real one, pine needles and all, the poor hoover’s in overdrive, the lights are twinkling, and if our granddaughter Ellarose’s diagnosis is anything to go by, her “I think Nana has a bad case of festive fever,” is pretty accurate. Oh yeah, Nana has a terminal case of OCD: Obsessive Christmas Disorder, rendering me to smile like a hysterical hyena and skip around the house belting out classic Christmas songs and berating anyone who dares to move a carefully placed tree ornament or dirty the Christmas tablecloth. Since moving to Tulsk with its historic Rathcroghan visitor centre, its speciality shops, its friendly pubs, its wonderfully welcoming people; since meeting our genuinely kind neighbours and enjoying their warm spirit, I’ve realised that having an old-fashioned, quiet, traditional
Christmas in a small town is something that I’ve been missing. Of course hewho-thinks-he-knows-it-all was right all along when he told me I needed to relax and embrace rural life; but sure it took our move to Tulsk for me to cop on; and now, surrounded by beautiful countryside, cows to the left of me, sheep to the right, here I am, stuck in the middle happily anticipating the Christmas celebrations that are just around the corner. For the first time since moving to Roscommon, I’ll drag himself to midnight mass at our local church; I’ll make a show of him by singing carols at the top of my voice, and the lovely Fr. John might let me join his choir. This Christmas, I’m ready to soak up the festive spirit of a wonderful Tulsk Christmas because this town sure knows how to do it really well.
Thomas, Michael and Tommy Joe Burke would like to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and every good wish for the New Year
Kinnitty Farms The Prestigious Lubricant Company
Burke Bros Garage SIMI Approved Vehicle Sales / Service / Crash Repairs
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Tel: 071 963 9016 Fax: 071 963 9096
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
Christmas greetings from North Roscommon
Jimmy’s long journey leads him back home SANTA DATES Saturday, 17th December Sunday, 18th December 11am to 6pm Thursday, 22nd December 12noon to 6pm
Wishing one and all a very Happy Christmas and New Year
Elphin branch – 071 9635050 Roscommon Credit Union Ltd
OUR LOAN BOOK IS OPEN! Happy Christmas to all our members. Regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland
< DAN DOONER
Elphin native, Jimmy Scott, cheerfully greets me at Costume Barracks in Athlone and leads me to his “place of work”. He’s an operator on the army switchboard and he sits at a desk with a computer and headset. This is certainly not where Jimmy expected to be, having trained as an engineer in his youth. Fate was to have other plans for him however, as his decision to travel to Australia in search for work was to lead to a lifechanging accident. Jimmy and a friend were travelling from a barbeque near Esperance in western Australia when they were involved in a serious road traffic accident. Jimmy picks up on the story: “I don’t remember anything from the day of the accident. I was unconscious for six weeks and spent about six months in hospital.” The accident cost Jimmy his sight – or the best part of it – and led to painful rehabilitation back home. He said: “I was transferred from Perth to the rehab clinic in Dun Laoghaire. It was Friday the 13th of April. It was Good Friday that year so it was a Good Friday from a religious point of view and in terms of me getting back!” The doctors were worried about transferring Jimmy back home to Elphin, but he gave them short shrift. “I told them I was after flying halfway around the world, I think I’ll be OK the last 100 miles!” That’s the thing about Jimmy; there are
Jimmy Scott pictured in Costume Barracks, Athlone with a copy of his book ‘A Long Journey Travelled’.
plenty of laughs. The accident hasn’t defined his life in the way that it could have. In fact, since the accident, Jimmy has set foot on every continent in the world in an effort to raise funds for the National Council for the Blind. He’s also written a book titled ‘A Long Journey Travelled’ which will see further proceeds going towards that worthy cause. Life’s good for Jimmy in spite of everything,
and since returning from Australia he’s met and married Patrycja and they have a son, Seán. The book, which will be launched in Costume Barracks in Athlone next Tuesday evening at 8 pm and in An Bóthar Rua at 9.30 pm on Tuesday, December 27th, details Jimmy’s journey to this point. 28 years after his family were told that he wouldn’t survive, Jimmy’s doing far more than that.
Questions of Sport… Christmas special Albert Looby, Kilbride GAA What is your best sporting memory of 2016? Best sporting memory shared between Ireland beating the All Blacks in Chicago after 111 years trying and Stephen Lohan coming on for Kilbride v Roscommon Gaels in a junior match after a long absence from the game! He also scored a few points! What is your worst sporting memory of 2016? Worst sporting memory was Roscommon v Galway in replay of Connacht final.
Season’s Greetings to one and all
Mobile: Tel: Fax: Email: Web:
+353 86 1771683 +353 71 96 30688 +353 71 96 30688 tracy@tbfs.ie www.tbfs.ie
Main Street Elphin Co. Roscommon
Tracy Beirne T/A Tracy Beirne financial Services is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland
A very Happy Christmas and Peaceful New Year to all our customers and thank you for your custom throughout 2016 from
Name three sporting personalities you’d like to have at Christmas Dinner? As it’s a wish-list – Georgie Best, Alex Higgins and Paul O’Connell. Choose one sports book from the year that you’d like to have in your stocking? The Paul O’Connell book! (The Battle). If you could have one sporting wish for 2017, what would it be? Again shared, Roscommon to win Connacht and Ireland to win the Grand Slam by beating England with a last-minute try to win by a point!
Leitrim Ice Breakers’ Christmas Swim No. 12, North West Business & Technology Park, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim
Tel/Fax: 071 9650999 Email: noonecarpetsandfurniture@eircom.net ●
Domestic ● Commercial ● Industrial Free Measuring/Estimates
Hardy swimmers are being called on to brave the icy waters of the Shannon and Garadice Lake this Christmas Day. The annual Leitrim Ice Breakers Christmas swims will take place in Carrick-on-Shannon and Ballinamore. The first group of hardy souls will enter the water at Garadice Lake at 12.30 pm, followed by another at the slipway next to Emerald Star in Carrickon-Shannon at 1.30 pm, after 12 o’clock Mass. The events raise much-needed funds for the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, the National Council for the Blind and the Leitrim info@ardcarne.ie Talking Newspaper. Each week, groups of
volunteers record the Leitrim Observer and distribute it to people with visual impairments or reading difficulties. There are 180 blind and partially sighted people living in Leitrim, 13 of whom are children. The Leitrim branch of the National Council for the Blind was founded in Carrick-on-Shannon in 1963. Christmas swimmers are welcome to make a donation on the day. They are also encouraged to raise money and sponsorship cards are available from Mary O’Boyle at 071-9620274. It’s a fun event for all ages and it’s up to participants whether they wish to swim or just dip. Swimmers will be rewarded with
some hot beverages and chocolates while they dry off and warm up. If you would like to sign up to the Leitrim Talking Newspaper, please call Ann on 0861539699 or email pfmgriffin@gmail.com. The recordings are put onto memory sticks and sent to recipients around the county and surrounding areas for free. They can then be played on laptops and other devices or for a small charge the LTN can provide a specially adapted MP3 Player that allows the listener to go direct to each part of the paper at the push of a button. Anyone needing help may contact the area social worker on 086-3886256.
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
Christmas greetings from North Roscommon Letter to Santa… by Frank Feighan (age 54) Dear Santa,
I’m really excited about you visiting our house in Castlerea this year as our little baby Franscesca is looking forward to her very first Christmas. I really can’t wait for her to open her eyes as she wakes up for the first time on Christmas morning. It will be as good as any present! Across County Roscommon and all over Ireland, I would also like you to leave little notes in every home containing reminders for all of us to help those who may need that helping hand. Such as, keeping an eye on our elderly neighbours, especially those living in more isolated areas of the countryside. As you know Santa, a visit to someone who is feeling alone this Christmas would mean more than any gift to them. I would like these reminders to encourage people to make a contribution to charities such as St. Vincent de Paul – great charities which make a real difference for many families at this time of year. Let’s not also forget to try and support the many humanitarian organisations overseas, which are doing incredible work in places such as wartorn Syria. Back at home again, I know I don’t need to re-
mind you to help keep all our emergency services personnel safe this Christmas as Rudolph’s red nose lights up Irish skies. I know that every year our frontline emergency responders love to see your sleigh lit up overhead as they embark on another life-saving mission. Of course, we all know you have lots of magic Santa but it will require something really extra special to address the complex challenges posed by Brexit. All I ask is that you give all political leaders the important gift of compromise as they tease out the new relationships between Ireland and the UK, Ireland and the EU and Ireland and the US. Finally, on the sporting front, just a few small items left on the shopping list: Roscommon to win an All-Ireland football title in the near future; an All-Ireland soccer team to win a World Cup and, last but not least, Boyle senior team to win a county title next year following on from their 2016 semi-final appearance, the club’s first since 1927! Happy Christmas to one and all!
Emmett Corcoran, community activist What is the one thing you’re looking forward to most this Christmas? The phone not ringing off the hook for one day of the year! Christmas Day is the only day in the year when I find the phone goes quiet. Although, I would say by having this on here that might change this year! (Emmett’s number is 089-20….) What one movie will DEFINITELY be watched in your house? Home Alone is always an unavoidable classic. Do you/your family have any Christmas traditions? (Midnight Mass, visiting relatives, etc.) I spend Christmas Eve night in town with the ould lad and the brothers for a few pints before a day of house-hopping on Christmas Day for an ungodly amount of feeding. (Christmas Day is everyone’s cheat day!) What’s the first thing on your list for Santa this year? I’m not a big gift person, but I guess new socks wouldn’t go astray! What’s the last thing you want from the big guy this year? Jeans/trousers, it’s not that I don’t want new pants but people always underestimate my waste size. I guess I should be flattered! (Laughs).
PADRAIC DURKAN & ASSOCIATES Main Street, Elphin, Co Roscommon Agricultural Consultants & Financial Advisers (Farm Accounts & Financial Planning)
New Herd Number Applications GLAS Applications & Recording Service Farm Accounts & Financial Planning Land leasing Agreements/Expert Witness CPO Negotiations
Knowledge Transfer Facilitator TAMS Grants & Planning Permission Silage Sampling, Soil Sampling & Fertiliser Recommendations
Telephone: 071-9630037 Mobile: 086-1600385 Email: padraicdurkan@eircom.net
www.pdagriconsultants.com Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas and New Year
ELPHIN PHARMACY ELPHIN, CO. ROSCOMMON Tel. 071 96 35137
Frank Feighan
How do you do Christmas?
Wishing all our clients a very Happy Christmas and New Year
Questions of sport… Christmas special
Wishing all my loyal customers a very Happy Christmas and thank you for your support for the last 26 years of business
Newline Garage Elphin, Co. Roscommon Telephone:
Enda Smith, Boyle/ Roscommon footballer What is your best sporting memory of 2016? First appearance in a county semi-final with the club and the club’s first in 90 years! What is your worst sporting memory of 2016? It would have to be the loss to Clare in the All-Ireland qualifiers. Name three sporting personalities you’d like to have at Christmas Dinner? I’m going to go with Usain Bolt, Brian O’Driscoll and David Beckham. Choose one sports book from the year that you’d like to have in your stocking? Dan Carter’s book! (Humbly titled: ‘The Autobiography of an All Blacks Legend’.) Who is your choice for Sports Personality of the Year? Conor McGregor. (Continues to be a popular choice among the younger generations of sports stars!). If you could have one sporting wish for 2017, what would it be? No injuries! (We hope so too!).
071 9635434 For all your up to date car servicing & repairs All diagnostics carried out & Pre-Nct Checks
Catherine and John F McLoughlin, St. Ronan’s, at the official launch of the Dermot Earley Centre of Excellence in the Hodson Bay Hotel. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin
Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas and New Year
Cathal and Mary Brady and Deirdre and John Kelly, Elphin, at the official launch of the Dermot Earley Centre of Excellence in the Hodson Bay Hotel. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
Christmas greetings from Glinsk/Creggs/Williamstown Wishing all our members a Happy and Peaceful Christmas and New Year
Glenamaddy Credit Union Limited
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All set for annual The 22nd Annual Barrie Harris Walk in Creggs will take place on St. Stephen’s Day. See Frank Brandon’s column on page 22 for all the details.
Call us today! Deals this good don’t last forever. Tel: 094 9659599 Web: www.glenamaddycu.ie Now open Saturdays 10am to 1pm *6.17% Apr. Glenamaddy Credit Union Ltd. is regulated by the Central Bank. Terms & Conditions apply Wishing all our customers a Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year
Fergal Doherty Motors Motor Mechanic Polredmond, Williamstown, Co. Galway TELEPHONE: 086 1089964
Pictured at the launch of the 22nd Annual Barrie Harris Walk were Mickey Maloney, Jonathan Conroy and Richard Smyth. Picture: Andrew Fox
Car, Van & Light Machinery Recovery Wishing all our customers a Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year
DELIVERING KEROSENE & HEATING OIL TO YOUR HOME
Pictured at the launch of the 22nd Annual Barrie Harris Walk were Rosemary Whyte, Bina Harris and Althea Whyte. Picture: Andrew Fox
Pictured at the launch of the 22nd Annual Barrie Harris Walk were Cathy O’Rourke and Elaine Hanley. Picture: Andrew Fox
DECLAN GERAGHTY (086) 2543304 ROSCOMMON (090) 6634645 / (087) 9824500 WILLIAMSTOWN (094) 96 43355
stomers Wishing all our cu as and tm ris a Happy Ch Year w Ne us ro pe os Pr
Williamstown, Co. Galway Tel: 094 9643355 Fax: 094 9643377 MANUFACTURERS & SUPPLIERS OF Box Profile & Corrugated Cladding Grant Approved, Polyester & PVC Coated Single Skin, Non Drip & Insulated Panel Wide range of colours available Flashings Made to Order Maxol Lubricant Distributor Hydraulic Hose Repair Farm Feed, Bags and Bulk Wire, Stakes & All Agri Needs
Pictured at the launch of the 22nd Annual Barrie Harris Walk were Sarah Keavaney, Olivia Smyth, Lorraine Conlon and Bina Harris. Picture: Andrew Fox
Questions of Sport… Christmas special John Tobin, 1st wheelchair user to climb Croagh Patrick. What is your best sporting memory of 2016? Galway winning the Nestor Cup. (Thanks for reminding us of Galway’s Connacht Championship win over Roscommon, John!) What is your worst sporting memory of 2016? The Sam Maguire not coming to the West of
Ireland. (Up the Dubs!) Name three sporting personalities you’d like to have at Christmas Dinner? Kevin Walsh, Damien Comer, Gary Sice. (Have yourself a merry Galway Christmas!). Choose one sports book from the year that you’d like to have in your stocking? Connacht – The Team That Refused To Die. (A popular one this year.) Who is your choice for Sports Personality of the Year? Damien Comer. If you could have one sporting wish for
2017, what would it be? Galway to win the Sam Maguire! (Santa better have the extra strong magic dust so…).
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
Christmas greetings from Glinsk/Creggs/Williamstown
Barrie Harris Walk…
Glencastle Lounge Glinsk ● Telephone: 094 9655297 WEDNESDAY 28th DECEMBER
Glinsk GAA Annual Christmas Quiz Tom, Dolores, family and staff wish all our customers and friends a very Happy Christmas and a Bright and Prosperous New Year Wishing all our customers a Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year
Pictured at the launch of the 22nd Annual Barrie Harris Walk were James McKeague, Olivia Smyth, Jonathan Conroy, Bina Harris and Matthew Browne. Picture: Andrew Fox
Questions of Sport… Christmas special Gerry Keegan, Creggs GAA Club Secretary What is your best sporting memory of 2016? Winning the junior final replay (Creggs beat Kilglass Gaels to land their first title in 33 years). Also beating the Sligo champions in the Connacht semi-final. What is your worst sporting memory of 2016? Roscommon getting hammered by Galway in the Connacht final replay in Castlebar. (Not an easy year for a Rossie in Creggs!) Name three sporting personalities you’d like to have at Christmas Dinner? Eamon Dunphy, Roy Keane and Conor Mc-
Gregor. (Wouldn’t want to take any of them on for the last roast spud!). Choose one sports book from the year that you’d like to have in your stocking? Cathal McCarron’s (Controversial Tyrone footballer’s autobiography) but I wouldn’t want anyone to buy it so I’ll say Kieran Donaghy’s (Kerry footballer’s autobiography). (I wholeheartedly agree! Spend your money wisely this Christmas! Who is your choice for Sports Personality of the Year? The O’Donovan brothers from Cork. (Ireland’s rowing heroes are worthy winners!). If you could have one sporting wish for 2017, what would it be? Roscommon to win a Connacht title.
Questions of Sport… Christmas special John Mulligan, Galway Bay FM What is your best sporting memory of 2016? There can be only be one; When John Muldoon lifted the Pro12 trophy in Murrayfield last May. It was just incredible. What is your worst sporting memory of 2016? Ironically, staying with Connacht, Pat Lam announcing that he was leaving the province. The man has done so much for Connacht both on and off the field. I wish him well in Bristol but he will be missed and the best of luck to whoever takes his place. Name three sporting personalities you’d like to have to Christmas Dinner? Good question! Katie Taylor, Conor
McGregor and Bundee Aki! Choose one sports book you would like to have in your Christmas stocking. John Fallon has written a book on Connacht’s year that is simply excellent. I already have a copy of that, so probably Jack Charlton’s biography. Who us your choice for Sports personality of the year? What Connacht achieved was beyond incredible. And one man was central to that success. John Muldoon in my book was Sports Personality of the Year. If you could have one sporting wish for 2017, what would it be? That Connacht would win the European Champions Cup! Otherwise, I would love to see Galway lift Liam McCarthy. They have the players and with a small bit of luck could just do it!
Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas and New Year
GANNON AGRI CONTRACTORS Creggs, Co. Galway Tel: 086 2538169
Lisagallon, Cloverhill, Roscommon Tel: 090 6665555 Fax: 090 6627653 DOG KENNELS WE ARE NOW TAKING BOOKINGS CALL TODAY TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
NEW Luxury heated kennels available now To arrange a booking or appointment please call our office on 090 66 65555 A very Happy Christmas and New Year to all from
MGF Electrical Supplies Ltd. Henry Street, Roscommon. Tel: 090 6625644 Email: Info@mgfelect.com
Large range of energy efficient LED fittings and lamps now in stock for the short days and long nights
• INDUSTRIAL • COMMERCIAL • DOMESTIC
Agent for Northcliffe Lighting
Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas and New Year from
C & G Quarries Williamstown, Co. Galway
Tel: 087 2601639 READYMIX CONCRETE Suppliers of Maintenance - Pea Gravel - 804 ● Broken and Round Stone ● Drainage Chip ● Washed Sand
●
Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas and thank you for your custom during the year from
Wishing all my customers a very Happy Christmas and New Year from
Padraig Kelly Plumbing & Heating Glinsk, Co. Galway Contact: 087 2685269
Dowd’s Supermarket
& Filling Station Glinsk Coal, Briquettes, Gas & Light Hardware NOW STOCKISTS OF ALL FARM FEEDS
TELEPHONE: 094 96 55009
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
FarmingPeople G.L.A.S. KEEP YOUR FARM SAFE
Castlerea Co-operative Livestock Mart Ltd.
Hedging And Trees Provenance Certs issued. All types of Hedging supplied Free Expert Advice Phone: P.J.
TELEPHONE: 094 9620300 email: info@castlerealivestockmart.com web: www.castlerealivestockmart.com PROPERTY SERVICES PROVIDERS LICENCE NO. 002249
087 4223039
Dead & Worn-Out Animals
Dead & Worn-Out Animals
Contact
Contact
TOM ROGERS
JOHN GREENE
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
THURSDAY 15TH DECEMBER:
SALE OF BULLOCKS, HEIFERS, COWS, CALVES AND WEANLINGS 3 RINGS IN OPERATION ALL SALES COMMENCE AT 11 A.M.
SALE INCLUDES 4 YEAR OLD ABERDEEN ANGUS BULL 5 STAR, BRED BY FIONN CASTLEREA ENTERPRISE DRAW WILL TAKE PLACE IN RING ONE AT 1 P.M. DRAW INCLUDES YEARLING LIMOUSIN HEIFER, REMEMBER IF YOUR NOT IN YOU CANT WIN!
BALLINASLOE
Daily collection
Pictured at the 2016 County Roscommon Ploughing Championships were Louise Keane, Marie Keane and Sophie Yang. Picture: Andrew Fox
Is there a venue for ploughing in Castlerea or Strokestown? Roscommon County Ploughing AGM The AGM of Roscommon County Ploughing took place in Hannon’s Hotel on Wednesday, 7th of December. There was a large attendance present on the night. Officers elected for the coming year are as follows –President: Christy Neilan; Vice President: Gerry Browne; Chairman: Tim Fox; Vice Chairman: Con McGarry; Secretary: John O’Leary; Vice Secretary: Noelle Rogerson; Treasurer: Joe Fitzmaurice; Vice Treasurer: Mary Candler; PRO: Noel Moran; NPA Representative: Padraig Nolan; Health & Safety:
Joe Kelly; Chief Steward: Des Hunt. Main topic discussed on the night was how to encourage more youth to get involved in ploughing. Roscommon, no more than any other county, are finding it difficult to attract the younger generation into the art of ploughing. Also discussed on the night was the need for more attractive prize money to be offered by the NPA to novice ploughing classes. A venue for the 2017 ploughing was also discussed. There are two areas in the county where
the ploughing has not been held for some years, namely Castlerea and Strokestown. If anyone in those areas thinks they have a suitable site, please contact any member of the committee. It is hoped to run a few fundraising events in the New Year. As with any organisation, it takes finance to keep the show going. Votes of sympathy were also passed on the night. The Chairman concluded the meeting by wishing everyone a happy and safe Christmas and looked forward to seeing all in 2017.
CASTLEREA MART WOULD LIKE TO WISH ALL ITS CUSTOMERS A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR JANUARY 12TH, 2017
SALE OF BULLOCKS, HEIFERS, COWS, CALVES AND WEANLINGS FOR ENQUIRIES CONTACT MART OFFICE OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR DETAILS
Castlerea Mart Report Trade remained firm at last Thursday’s sale in Castlerea with 680 cattle of plainer stock on offer. The weanling trade remained firm particularly for quality lots while the heifer ring reported a good clearance even with less forward types on offer. Sample prices for heifers ranged from €990 for Lm at 400kgs to €995 for Lm at 460kgs. Ch at 470kgs made €1145 while Ch at 500kgs saw €1230. AA 470kgs made €1075 and BBx 530kgs €1270. Dry cows: Ch 860kgs €1490, Lm 785kgs €1460, Ch 780kgs €1325, Ch 790kgs €1445. Cows with calves at foot made from €1050 to €1820 per head while springers made from €850 to €1410. Meanwhile, calves and runners made from €220 to €700 for stronger types. Sample prices for weanling bulls: Ch 270kgs €915, Lm 260kgs €870, Ch 260kgs €825, Sim 420kgs €995, Lm 370kgs €960, BBx 390kgs €995. Weanling heifers: Ch 230kgs €755, Ch 275kgs €735, Ch 330kgs €870, Lm 320kgs €855, Ch 320kgs €800. Today (Thursday 15th), Castlerea Mart hosts the final sale for 2016 with bullocks, heifers, cows, calves and weanlings on offer. All sales to start at 11 am. Everyone at the Mart would like to wish all customers a Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year.
Roscommon Mart Report
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
Cattle prices – Friday, December 9th: There were good numbers on offer at Friday’s sale with a cracking trade all-round. Bullocks sold from €2.20 per kilo up to €2.82 per kilo with a 93% clearance of lots. Again the heifers were in good demand with prices ranging from €2.21 per kilo up to €3.13 per kilo, with a 90% clearance of lots. There was a large entry of dry cows on offer with prices ranging from €1.44 per kilo up to €1.89 per kilo. Final sale for bullocks, heifers and dry cows, tomorrow (Friday 16th) at 11 am. Dry cows made from €700 to €1515. Sample prices: Char X 840kgs €1515, Lim X 785kgs €1480, Char X 745kgs €1370, BAX 705kgs €1140, BBX 695kgs €1260, Sh 715kgs €1050, AA 655kgs €1010, Lim X 695kgs €1100, Heifers made from €395 to €1190 over. Sample prices: Lim X 560kgs €1750, Lim X 645kgs €1710, Lim X 530kgs €1380, BBX 570kgs €1300, Char X 470kgs €1225, Lim X 480kgs €1190, 2 Char X 447kgs €1155, Simm X 505kgs €1140, Lim X 420kgs €1040, 2 AAX 497kgs €1035, Lim X 400kgs €1005, AAX 475kgs €1000, Char 385kgs
€990, 2 Simm X 417kgs €950, Char X 385kgs €990. Bullocks made from €438 to €900 over. Sample prices: Char X 745kgs €1605, Char X 695kgs €1560, Char X 630kgs €1440, Char X 585kgs €1420,Char x 545kgs €1420, Lim X 520kgs €1300,Char X 515kgs €1285, Char X 490kgs €1250, Lim X 400kgs €1005, Sh 475kgs €980, AAX 475kgs €1000,3 Lim X 443kgs €1000, Char 385kgs €990, 2 Simm X 417kgs €950. Tuesday, December 13th: There were good numbers on offer for the final weanling sale of 2016. There was a steady trade for weanling heifers with prices ranging from €2.31 per kilo up to €2.90 per kilo with all lots sold barring one animal. There was a good trade for bull weanlings with prices averaging from €2.33 per kilo up to €3.02 per kilo. Springers made from €1000 up to €1360. Weanlings and suckler cows will resume on Tuesday, January 17th at 5 pm. Weanling heifers made from €330 to €620 over. Sample prices: BBX 380kgs €1000, Char X 375kgs €985, Lim X 350kgs €850, Char X 290kgs €840, Char X 310kgs €825, Lim X 290kgs €790, Char X 295kgs €760,
Lim X 255kgs €735, BBX 260kgs €700. Weanling bulls made from €350 to €625 over. Sample prices: Lim X 485kgs €1105, Lim 450kgs €1075, BAX 450kgs €1055, BAX 400kgs €985, Char X 345kgs €920, Lim X 355kgs €900, Lim X 265kgs €800, Char X 280kgs €780, Lim X 225kgs €635, 2 AAX 240kgs €600. Springers made from €1000 to €1360. Sheep sale – Wednesday: We had a smaller entry of lambs for sale again this week. The top price for ewe lambs was €110. There was slight dip in trade for the finished lambs with lambs making as high as €105. The trade for cast ewes was similar to the previous week. Final sale for 2016 – next Wednesday, December 21st. Sample prices for mixed lambs: 51.1kgs €105, 53kgs €105, 52.3kgs €104, 51.5kgs €104, 47.7kgs €102, 50.8kgs €101, 51kgs €101, 50.3kgs €100, 49.5kgs €100. Store lambs: 41.7kgs €87, 44kgs €88, 43.9kgs €84.5, 41.7kgs €82. Ewe lambs: 50.4kgs €110, 51.6kgs €104, 52kgs €102, 47.4kgs €98. Cast ewes made from €62 to €105 per lot.
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
NewsPeople
FarmingPeople
ADVERTORIAL
(Serving Farmers for over 57 years)
Property Services Providers Licence No. 001373
Bullocks, Heifers & Dry Cows (Final sale for 2016) Friday next December 16th at 11 a.m. -----------------
Lambs & Cast Ewes Final Sale for 2016 – Wednesday, December 21st Yard opens at 8 a.m. -------------------
Date for your 2017 Diary Special Sale of Springers & Suckler Cows Saturday, January 28th at 12 noon Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, January 19th -----------------
We thank you for you custom in 2016 and we look forward to your continued support in 2017
Wishing all of our customers a Happy Christmas and Peaceful and Prosperous New Year 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
Dead & Worn-Out Animals Contact
TOM ROGERS Strokestown, Co. Roscommon Tel. (071) 96 34783 and (071) 96 33344
Your LOCAL Collector Guaranteed lowest price
Find us on facebook
Dead & Worn-Out Animals Contact
JOHN GREENE BALLINASLOE
TEL: (090) 96 88606 (090) 96 88830 (090) 96 87651 Lowest price guaranteed Daily collection
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Christmas cheer at Carrick Cineplex! There’s lots of exciting entertainment on offer for all ages this Christmas at Carrick Cineplex, Carrickon-Shannon, Co. Roscommon! Carrick Cineplex and Café Paradiso are open daily from 1 pm right throughout during the Christmas Holidays (11.30 am on Saturdays) and there’s sure to be something on to suit all ages and tastes!
STAR WARS: ROGUE ONE The wait is finally over for Star Wars fans! From Lucasfilm comes the first of the Star Wars standalone films, ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,’ an all-new epic adventure opening this weekend at Carrick Cineplex. In a time of conflict, a group of unlikely heroes band together on a mission to steal the plans to the Death Star, the Empire’s ultimate weapon of destruction. This key event in the Star Wars timeline brings together ordinary people who choose to do extraordinary things, and in doing so, become part of something greater than themselves. Pre-booking is recommended and can be done by phoning 071 9672000 or book online at www.carrickcineplex. ie Make sure to check out the Carrick Cineplex Face book page to be in with a chance of winning an
amazing Star Wars Goodie Bag!
MOVIE MAGIC Kids – of all ages – will love the family releases such as the new Disney film MOANA – a sweeping, animated adventure about a spirited teenager who sails out on a daring mission to prove herself a master way finder and fulfil her ancestors’ unfinished quest. During her journey, Moana meets the once-mighty demi-god Maui, and together, they traverse the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous fiery creatures and impossible odds. Dance fans will love BALLERINA, opening Monday 19th of December. Set in 1879 Paris, an orphan girl dreams of becoming a ballerina and flees her rural Brittany for the city, where she passes for someone else and accedes to the position of pupil at the Grand Opera house. There are also many films for grown-ups including PASSENGERS, OFFICE CHRISTMAS PARTY and much more!
GROUP BOOKINGS There’s still time to make a group booking for the festive season at Carrick Cineplex. Catering
The wait is finally over for Star Wars fans! From Lucasfilm comes the first of the Star Wars standalone films, ‘Rogue One
to groups of all sizes, a cinema trip is the perfect Christmas outing for families, community groups and work colleagues. Packages are tailor-made to suit all budgets and can include wines, cocktails or treats. For further details phone 086 8678 253.
CLASSIC CHRISTMAS FILMS Get into the festive spirit with a trip to the cinema to watch your favourite Christmas films on the big screen! Now is your chance to see classics such as ‘Elf’, ‘Home Alone’ and ‘Love Actually’. Don’t miss our special Christmas
classics combo deal – enjoy a ticket, medium popcorn and soft drink for only €10 per person! Titles and times are as follows: ELF – Saturday 17th December at 12 noon, Sunday 18th December at 6.15pm. HOME ALONE - Saturday 17th December at 6.15pm LOVE ACTUALLY - Wednesday 21st & Thursday 22nd December 8.10 pm
GIFT VOUCHERS Looking for the perfect gift for all tastes and ages? Carrick Cineplex gift vouchers are available in any cash amounts and are redeemable against movie tickets,
treats, coffees, wines etc. Don’t forget - postage to any address is available FREE of charge. To order simply phone the box office on 071 9672000 or email manager@carrickcineplex. ie. For full movie listings visit the website www. carrickcineplex.ie , telephone the box office on 071 96 72000 or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Snapchat @ CarrickCineplex. Alternatively visit us in person at Carrick Cineplex, Carrick Retail & Business Park, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Roscommon. * See advertisement on page 59
The Zip Yard Athlone raises over €11k for Temple Street Children’s University Hospital Funds raised by The Zip Yard, Ireland’s award winning highstreet tailoring service, as part of their involvement in the recent ‘Trick or Treat’ for Temple Street campaign will help young patients in the hospital next year. A cheque for €11,700, raised by donating a percentage of turnover in The Zip Yard on Saturday, 22nd of October in each of the 27 shops nationwide, has been handed over to support a number of entertainment activities in the hospital. Denise Fitzgerald, CEO of Temple Street Foundation says, “Thank you so much to The Zip Yard and their staff for supporting our annual ‘Trick or Treat’ for Temple Street campaign. We are thrilled to have received this generous contribution and we will put it to good use to bring smiles to little faces.” For more information check out www.thezipyard.ie
Pictured is seamstress Simona Nistor from The Zip Yard with Helena Bibby, Temple Street Foundation accepting a cheque for €11,700 to support Trick or Treat for Temple Street campaign.
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
NewsPeople
Pictured are founder members of Glinsk PTAA (May 1956) and representatives of their families at the presentation of medals at Glinsk Church. Also pictured is Fr. Bernard McGuckian, Fr. Liam Kelly (OFM), Mureadach Tuffy (Chairman, Board of Management, PTAA), James Shevlin (National President), Sean T. Kelly (President, Glinsk PTAA) and Beatrice Cuddy (Secretary). Picture: Glynn’s Photography, Castlerea.
Glinsk PTAA celebrate Diamond Jubilee Glinsk PTAA celebrated the Diamond Jubilee of their foundation at a special jubilee ceremony in Glinsk recently. Glinsk Centre was founded in 1956 and has been to the forefront of the Pioneer Association since then. The celebrations were attended by Mr. Muredach Tuffy, Chairman, Board of Management, PTAA, Mary Brady, Central Office Manager, Fr. Barney McGuckian, Central Spiritual Director and Editor of the Pioneer Magazine and James Shevlin, President, PTAA, himself a member of the Glinsk Centre. The celebrations got underway with a Pioneer Jubilee Mass in St. Michael’s Church, Glinsk. The main celebrant was Fr. Liam Kelly, O.F.M., a native of Glinsk and also a member of the Glinsk Centre, and the concelebrant was Fr.
Barney McGuckian. In his Homily, Fr. McGuckian congratulated the Glinsk Centre on their Diamond Jubilee. He also stressed the importance and relevance of the Pioneer Association in modern times. He highlighted the many instances of the devastation to people and families by the excesses of alcohol. Glinsk Centre Chairman Sean Kelly welcomed all to the celebrations and congratulated all who were to receive various pins and certificates. James Shevlin paid tribute to the founder members of the centre for their courage and inspiration, and also to the many members who contributed over the 60 years to keep the centre alive and active. He paid a special tribute to long-serving secretary Beatrice Cuddy, who he said has been, and still is,
the driving force behind the centre’s achievements and successes. He said that the 18 Gradam Awards received by Glinsk was a reflection of the consistent standards and excellence of the centre. Muredach Tuffy presented specially designed commemorative medallions to each founder member, and to the families of deceased founder members. Fr. Barney McGuckian presented diamond pins and Mary Brady presented gold and silver pins. Mary Brady, on behalf of Central Office, presented Beatrice Cuddy with a Diamond Jubilee Commemoration Certificate. Glinsk Church Choir sang hymns. Soloist was Annette Griffin accompanied by John Staunton on guitar. Festivities continued in the Glencastle Lounge with a buffet dinner. In
his address to the attendance, Board of Management Chairman Muredach Tuffy congratulated the Glinsk Centre and all their members on their achievement. As he recounted some of the events of 1956, he remarked that it was a significant year for Galway as they won that year’s All-Ireland Football Final. He also said it was remarkably significant and coincidental that a landmark encyclical called Haurietis Aqua on devotion to the Sacred Heart was produced by Pope Pius XII on the same day as the Glinsk Centre was founded. Beatrice Cuddy and Jimmie O’Toole cut a Diamond Jubilee cake presented by Maria Fitzmaurice. The celebrations continued with music and song provided by Annette Griffin and John Staunton.
Pictured are James Shevlin (National President), Sean T. Kelly (President, Glinsk PTAA), Enda Kilcommons (Silver Jubilarian), who received his silver pin, Muredach Tuffy (Chairperson, Board of Management, PTAA), Mary Brady (Office Manager), Fr. McGuckian and Fr. Liam Kelly. Picture: Glynn’s Photography, Castlerea.
Pictured is Mary Brady (Office Manager, PTAA) making a special presentation of a Merit Award to Beatrice Cuddy (Secretary) for 60 years of participation of Glinsk Community in the PTAA. Also pictured are Muredach Tuffy (Chairman, Board of Management, PTAA), James Shevlin (National President), Sean T. Kelly (President, Glinsk PTAA), Fr. Liam Kelly and Fr. McGuckian. Picture: Glynn’s Photography, Castlerea.
Pictured are members of Glinsk PTAA, who received diamond pins at the presentation ceremony at Glinsk Church. Also pictured is James Shevlin (National President), Sean T. Kelly (President, Glinsk PTAA), Muredach Tuffy (Chairperson, Board of Management, PTAA), Mary Brady (Office Manager, PTAA), Fr. McGuckian and Fr. Liam Kelly. Picture: Glynn’s Photography, Castlerea.
Pictured are Golden Jubilarians who received their gold pins at Glinsk Church recently, James Shevlin (National President), Mureadach Tuffy (Chairman, Board of Management, PTAA), Padraig Donlon, Gerard O’Toole, Sean T. Kelly (President, Glinsk PTAA), John Cunniffe, Mary Brady (Office Manager, PTAA), Fr. Bernard McGuckian, Fr. Liam Kelly (OFM) and Bridie Kneafsey. Missing from the photograph is Peggy Donlon. Picture: Glynn’s Photography, Castlerea.
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
PropertyPeople
Earley’s report ‘clean sweep of sales’ at December auction Property Partners Earley, Roscommon are delighted to report that they realised a clean sweep of sales at their December multi-lot auction which comprised of agricultural lands and investment properties in the local region. The auction was held in The Central Bar, Roscommon town and was well attended with over 50 people in attendance. The first property comprised of 42.37 acres of lands set out in two lots located at Bracklaghboy, beside Ballyhaunis town, on which stood a quality three-bedroomed bungalow. The property opened at €300,000 and was eventually knocked down to a local farmer for the figure of €350,000. The second property, located at Sheehaun and Killattimoriarty, Kilrooskey, Co. Roscommon, comprised of c. 26.65 acres in total, set out in three main lots. A very competitive bidding
contest began with the property sold in three lots as follows: c. 4.54 acres for €23,000, c. 9.85 acres with derelict residence for €42,000, and c. 7.38 acres for €26,000. The third property located at the junction of Church Street and Henry Street, Roscommon town, attracted very strong pre-auction interest and when it opened on the floor at €100,000, 18 individual bids were recorded. The property
was eventually knocked down to a local businessman for the figure of €170,000. The fourth and fifth properties were located at Abbey Street and Knox Street, Ballyhaunis and were two prime investment properties with strong passing rents. Strong bidding was recorded on both properties. They were sold to private investors for €60,000 and €67,000 respectively. John Earley reported very strong interest and viewings in all lots pre-auction and now has a list of under-bidders and enquiries for similar properties. To obtain a free appraisal of your property, contact John Earley, FIPAV or David Diffley, MIPAV, TRV of Property Partners Earley, Roscommon on 090 6626579, email jearley@ propertypartners.ie, or log onto www.propertypartners.ie.
It was advertised – it was sold!
Prime Creggs bungalow new to the market at Earley’s David Diffley, MIPAV, TRV of Property Partners Earley, Roscommon is this week offering new to the market a highly attractive two-bedroomed bungalow residence of c. 933 sq. ft. located at Garraun South beside Creggs village, Co. Roscommon which is selling to offers over €70,000. David describes the property as “a most attractive twobedroomed detached residence standing on a beautifully mature site area only c. 1.3 km from the centre of Creggs village and all amenities.” The residence enjoys spacious living accommodation throughout with the benefit of a large solid fuel stove to assist the OFCH central heating system. This is a quality property in a select residential area and the auctioneers now invite immediate viewings and all offers after €70,000 for immediate sale. For further details, please contact David Diffley, MIPAV, TRV of Property Partners Earley, Roscommon on 0906626579, and/or log onto www.propertypartners.ie or email ddiffley@propertypartners.ie.
www.propertypartners.ie Stone Court, The Square, Roscommon. Tel. 090 66 26579. Fax: 090 66 25405. EMAIL: jearley@propertypartners.ie
FINAL OFFERS INVITED A PRIME RESIDENTIAL FARM OF QUALITY LANDS TOGETHER WITH FORESTRY LANDS AND BOGLANDS CONTAINING C. 120 ACRES IN TOTAL ON WHICH STANDS A FINE 3 B/R TWO STOREY RESIDENCE LOCATED AT
CARROWCRIN AND CORBO, KILROOSKY, ROSCOMMON, CO. ROSCOMMON (just off the main Roscommon/Lanesboro N63 route, c. 6 km from Roscommon town)
A substantial holding of lands located in a renowned farming district just off the main Roscommon to Lanesboro route. The said holding offers some prime quality agricultural lands which are in permanent pasture (newly reseeded), boglands and lands under afforestation which were planted c. 2011 & 2013.
Auctioneer Pat Hughes in Roscommon has confirmed the recent sale of a cottage at Roxboro, Roscommon. The property, which had been advertised in recent editions, stands on a circa one-acre site and is located convenient to Roscommon town.
Lot 1: The entire. Lot 2: Character 3 B/R residence of c. 1,820 sq.ft standing on c. 0.5 acre. Lot 3: Prime dual purpose agricultural lands of c. 57 acres. Lot 4: c. 34.5 acres of forestry lands planted in c. 2011 & c. 2013. Lot 5: c. 28 acres of boglands.
REA Carthy successful auction REA Seamus Carthy held an auction in Carthy’s pub, Roscommon town on Monday, 2nd of December. It was a great success and Seamus Carthy advised that the majority of properties achieved in excess of their guide price. The first property is located at The Meadows, Scrine, Rahara, Co. Roscommon. A quality four-bedroomed family home, it was sold for €107,000. The second property is located on Patrick Street, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon. It’s a commercial property presented in excellent condition and ready for immediate use. It sold for €48,000. The third property is located at 5, Riverwalk, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon, a
PSA Licence number: 001481 PSRA Licence No. 001481
quality one-bedroomed apartment which realised €30,000. The fourth property is Apartment 4, Stonecourt, Roscommon town, Co. Roscommon which was presented in good condition and comprising of a living room/dining area, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. It sold for €49,000. As a result of this successful auction Seamus Carthy now has a number of under-bidders seeking similar properties in similar locations. If you are considering selling your property in the New Year please contact Seamus confidentially at REA Seamus Carthy, Roscommon Town on 090-6630001 or email info@reacarthy.ie.
The said lands have the benefit of an internal service roadway. Note the said house, lands, forestry and boglands can be sold independently should market interest dictate. BER Residence: E1. Legal: Messers Patrick J Neilan & Co, Golf Links Rd, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon. -------------------------------------------------------------------
NEW TO THE MARKET – FOR LEASE A PRIMELY LOCATED 7 DAY LICENCED PREMISES LOCATED AT
BRIDGE STREET, BOYLE, CO. ROSCOMMON
A primely located 7 day licenced premises located in the centre of Boyle town and all amenities offering spacious accommodation throughout. Public Bar: c. 524 sq.ft. Side access via alleyway. Lounge Area: c. 445 sq.ft. Open fireplace servicing with front door access onto Bridge Street. The auctioneers now invite immediate viewings. Lease terms are negotiable. BER: D1. Legal: Ms. Carmel O’Grady, Messrs. O’Grady and O’Neill Solicitors, Elphin Street, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon. Tel.: 071 9633260. -------------------------------------------------------------------
NEW TO THE MARKET A TWO STOREY DETACHED PROPERTY OF C. 1,350 SQ.FT LOCATED AT
BREEOLE, TAUGHMACONNELL, BALLINASLOE, CO. ROSCOMMON
Luxury residence at Kilmore, Athleague On the books of Athleague-based auctioneer Ivan Connaughton is a luxury five-bedroomed dormer residence with detached garage which has been finished to a very high standard by its present owner. It is located on a quiet country road with unrivalled views of the surrounding countryside and is situated in close proximity to both the villages of Athleague and Four Roads. There is a garage at the rear of the residence with roller door to the front and side access door. Driveway is stoned and kerbed and extends to the rear of the property. Viewing highly recommended. For further information or to request a viewing, contact the office of Ivan Connaughton (Auctioneer) in Athleague on 090-6663700.
Patrick Street.
Stonecourt Centre.
Riverwalk.
The Meadows
A spacious detached property set out over two floors and standing on a site area of c. 0.89 of an acre. The said property is located in a rural countryside location c. 6.8km from Dysart Village and c. 4km from Taughmaconnell Village. The property is in need of complete renovation and modernisation throughout and the auctioneers now invite viewings and offers for immediate sale. BER: G. Legal: Padraig Kelly, Solicitor, Farnbeg, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon. Tel. 071 96 33666.
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 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
ACCOUNTANTS AND TAX ADVISERS To farmers and small businesses at fees that the small businessman can afford. Advice and consultations free. Pat Baxter & Company, Accounting Services, Clondra. Tel: (043) 3326125, (087) 2251591. Email: clondra@iol.ie Web: www.patbaxterco.ie
ACUPUNCTURE/ CHIROPODY CHIROPODY/ ACUPUNCTURE LENNON’S CLINIC Galway Road, Roscommon Phone: (090) 6626023 (086) 8225575
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS MEETINGS ST. COMAN’S CLUB, ROSCOMMON
Tuesday 1pm; Tuesday 9pm; Wednesday 1pm; Thursday 1pm; Thursday 9pm; Saturday 8.30pm; Sunday 12 noon Phone: (01) 4538988 or (091) 767777.
BOUNCING CASTLES ROSCOMMON CASTLES
• New Crocodile 50ft Obstacle Course • Soccer Stadium • New Castles with slides - all weather obstacle courses • Pillow Basher and big slides
Phone No: (087) 4136355
CAREERS
CHIROPODIST
CAREER ASSESSMENT & ADVICE
PODIATRIST/ CHIROPODIST Siobhan Murray BSc (Hons) Podiatry M.Ch.S.I.
Grace O’Reilly B.Sc. Psych., B.Comm., H.Dip. in Ed., MBPS & PSI Registered Occupational Psychometrician Assistance with: • Interview Preparation • CAO & UCAS Course Application • Subject & Course Choice • Study Skills / Exam Preparation
CONTACT: Abbeyside House, Abbey Street, Roscommon. Tel . 090-6630760. Email: abbeysidehouse@ eircom.net Facebook: www.facebook. com/careersgraceoreilly Opening Hours: 9 am - 5.30 pm, Mon-Fri.
CHIMNEY CHIMNEY CLEANING & REPAIRS New power brush and vaccum technology Can clean from the bottom up, eliminating broken roof tiles. Also firebacks replaced and flues repaired. Fast efficient and no mess guaranteed. Carpentry and General Repairs
Tel: 087 2798704 CHIMNEY CLEANING
Department of Health Approved Every Monday - Cuan Aire Resource Centre, St. Patrick’s Street, Castlerea
For appointment: (094) 96 21647 / (089) 4142233 • Home visits • Insoles and Orthotics prescribed
FOOT CLINIC ROSCOMMON – MOLLOYS PHARMACY (Monday to Saturday) Also available in Boyle & Athlone -------Treating chiropody and all aspects of Foot Pain. Orthotics prescribed
By Appointment Only – Tel 087 2982214 Catriona Byrne DIP CHFP
CHIROPRACTOR ROSCOMMON CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC Specialising in:
• BACK PAIN • HEADACHES • NECK PAIN • LIMB PAIN
Phone: (086) 8433433
CLEAN SWEEP Chimney Services
CHIMNEY CLEANING Latest Chimney Cleaning Technology Suitable for cleaning of: Open fires, Stoves, Insert Stoves & Ranges – No Mess – No Fuss “Just a Clean Sweep” PROFESSIONAL AND RELIABLE SERVICE PLEASE CONTACT: 085 8122407 or roscleansweep@gmail.com For quotation and appointment.
Roscommon West Business Park, Circular Road, Roscommon. David Connor BSC (Hon.) Chiro. MSc. Chiropractic Association of Ireland
VHI and Laya Covered
CHURCH OF IRELAND SERVICES BALLINLOUGH CHURCH OF IRELAND SERVICES AT CHRISTMAS Community Carol Service Saturday 17th December at 7.30pm Service of the Lord’s Supper - Christmas Day at 9am Lord’s Supper - New Year’s Day - at 9.30am All welcome as we remember the birth of Christ.
COMPUTERS DC Computer Services Providing IT services for Homes, Businesses & Schools. Home Callouts. No Fix No Fee. PC Maintenance – Upgrades, Repairs, Virus & Spyware removal. Network Solutions – Cabling, Hardware & Software Installation & Maintenance. Contact David Conboy Tel: 087 7496459 Email: info@dccomputerservices.ie Web: www.dccomputerservices.ie
DRIVING LESSONS
SYL’s
School of Motoring
Learn to drive from approved Driving Instructor SPECIAL RATES FOR BEGINNERS AND STUDENTS Gift vouchers now available
Call (085) 1348779
L
ACCOUNTS
O TOW WI RN T TH EA SYL’s School of Motoring
DRIVING LESSONS
FENCING
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 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
DENTAL Dental Design Studio • Natural Cosmetic Dentures • Palate Free Dentures • Flexible Dentures • Repairs & Re-lines • Express replacement of lost/broken dentures
Patrick Lynch Clinical Dental Technician
Henry Street Medical Centre Roscommon TELEPHONE: 090 66 65917 087 228 8780
Paul McStay
DSA/ADI (UK) RSA MIAM ROSPA Approved Driving Instructor Former BSM Driving Instructor and UK advanced Met. Police Driver. GIFT VOUCHER CARDS AVAILABLE Castlerea & Roscommon
EDT Lessons Available Telephone: (094) 96 20099 Mobile: (086) 8936012 This driving School conforms for the new RSA regulations & legislation
DOCKERY’S SCHOOL OF MOTORING • ROSCOMMON
R.S.A. Approved Driving Instructor Tuition in Car Also 16 seater mini bus Car Available for Tests Gift Vouchers
(094) 98 80281/ (087) 2031909
Learn to drive with ....
Roscommon Driving School CONTACT: (090) 66 61102 Road Safety Authority Approved Driving Instructor
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 DES KELLY FENCING Over 20 years in business All types of fencing supplied and erected Including: • Cresoted Posts • Agricultural Fencing • Site Fencing • Security Fencing • Post & Rail Fencing • Concrete Fencing • Grant Approved Fencing No job too big or too small Just give us a call on 087 2346364
FORESTRY FORESTRY
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. < LAND TO LET for horses. Westmeath/Longford area over winter months. Good grass, owner can check daily. €50 per month/horse. Phone: 085 7423998. WINTER wanted for Tel: 087
EDDIE NAUGHTON FENCING SUPPLIES
GRAZING 30 ewes. 2798704.
< FOR SALE: Charolais, AA and Hereford calves. Phone: Mark 086 1996367.
CHRISTMAS DEADLINES The next of the edition of the Roscommon People will be in the shops on Wednesday 21st December. DEADLINE for this edition is STRICTLY 2pm on Monday 19th December
Thinking of planting land? For more information Contact Frank Nally, SWS Forestry Ltd
087 2348206 Roscommon
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.
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
Classifieds FOR SALE FOR SALE: 6ft Annagh folding pool table. Manufactured in Madden’s, Ballyhaunis. Comes with all accessories and cover. Can be delivered if necessary. In perfect condition. Contact: 086 4087603 after 6pm. < FOR SALE: PS4 (Playstation) 500 GB (sony). One controller. Reason for selling: upgrading. Price at €200 negotiable. Roscommon area. Tel: 090 6629640 or 087 0937669.
GARDENING GATELY GARDENING Four Roads, Co. Roscommon • Landscaping • Timber Decking • Patios • General Maintenance Contact Liam on (086) 8749550 or (090) 66 27496
PARKLAWN TREE SERVICES • Certified Arborists • Tree Surgery • Dangerous Tree Removal • Wood Chipping • Leylandii hedges reduced and shaped. Comprehensive insurance cover. I.S.A. member. Telephone: (086) 6077307/(086) 8125165. www.parklawntreeservices.com
DANGEROUS TREE REMOVAL SERVICE Woodchipping & Shredding Splitting service also available Insured and c2 Registered Contractor
Contact Maurice on 086 2538169 Gannon Environmental Services Ltd., Creggs
DANGEROUS TREE REMOVAL SERVICE • Woodchipping • Log Splitting • Tree Surgery • Hedge Cutting
Bernard Conroy Timber Clearance Ltd Tel: 087 2533101 or 090 66 22328 Over 30 years in business 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
To advertise, telephone 090 66 34633 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie
GARDENING 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
HOLISTIC 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. www.lisbrockkennels.ie Members of IBKCA
● Amatsu Therapy ● Neuromuscular therapy
PAINTING & DECORATING
& orthopaedic sports massage
PAINTER & DECORATOR
Appointments with Anne:
Private & Commercial Power washing 25 years experience Free Estimates Given
Molloy’s Pharmacy, The Harrison Centre, Roscommon
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
Telephone Alan on: (090) 6661635 or Mobile: (087) 2683079
PROFESSIONAL PAINTING & DECORATING CONTRACTOR For all your decorating needs
CONTACT JOHN 086 4679798 PERSONAL AND SOCIAL < GENTLEMAN WOULD LIKE TO MEET lady companion. Roscommon/Athlone area. Please reply to Box No: 945 c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon.
PHYSICAL THERAPIST Roscommon Physical Therapy Clinic 18 years experience in treating babies to adults Physical Therapy CranioSacral Therapy Medical Dry Needling Prescription Orthotics Pilates – Small Classes Can we help you? Call us today to enquire
Ph. 090 663 0009 Like us on Facebook www.rosptc.com We are now located at: 2 Castleview, Castle Street, Roscommon F42 C902
PLANNINGS
PLANNINGS
PLANNINGS
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL Co. Roscommon Disability Support Group Ltd. intend to apply for Planning Permission to retain: (1) construction of extensions and canopies to existing resource centre building, (2) extension and alterations to existing training building, known as the Dale Centre and (3) revised site layout at Derrane, Co. Roscommon. Signed: Pat Burke, Director.
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We are applying on behalf of KPBM LTD for Planning Permission to construct a new bar (Two storey to the front off Castle Street and single storey to the rear) consisting of a new walkway linking Jacks Live Venue to Castle Street, a two storey building off Castle Street with a bar area and toilets on the ground floor and a storage area upstairs, an external covered bar with enclosing external walls and a single storey structure to the rear with toilets and a chill room, with all associated ancillary site works at Castle Street, Ballypheasan Td., Co. Roscommon. Signed: AOL Design Ltd., Consulting Engineers, C/O Albert Looby, Killeenboy, Kilteevan, Co. Roscommon. Tel: (090) 66 28184 Mobile: (086) 8167365
The Planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee, not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours and submissions or observations in relation to the application can be made to the Planning Authority in writing, on payment of the prescribed fee, within a period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.
MORRIS LOHAN Consulting Engineers Castle Street, Roscommon Phone: 090 66 27950
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 We Morris Lohan Consulting Engineers are applying to Roscommon County Council on behalf of George and Sheila Kiely for planning permission to construct new dwelling house and domestic garage with proprietary treatment system and percolation area and carryout all ancillary site works at Cappagh Td., Strokestown, Co.Roscommon. Signed: Morris Lohan Consulting Engineers, Castle Street, Roscommon, (Ph Office: 090 6627950), (Andy 086 3646210), (James 087 8228529), info@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 a fee of €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.
• PLANNING APPLICATIONS • ASSIGNED DESIGN & CERTIFIER ‘New Building Regs’ • BER RATINGS ‘Domestic & Commercial’ • STRUCTURAL & CONDITION SURVEYS • FIRE DESIGN CERTIFICATES
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 a fee of €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.
PROPERTIES TO LET/RENT/WANTED
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We are applying on behalf of Exclusive Cigar Manufacturing Ireland Ltd for Planning Permission to construct an Industrial Unit with relocation of the existing entrance (previously granted under PD/07/370) and all associated site development works at Ballaghaderreen Td, Co. Roscommon. Signed: AOL Design Ltd., Consulting Engineers, C/O Albert Looby, Killeenboy, Kilteevan, Co. Roscommon. Tel: (090) 66 28184 Mobile: (086) 8167365
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.
The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of a fee of €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.
HOUSES TO LET Four bedroom bungalow to let at Lanesboro Street, Roscommon Six bedroom house to let at Lanesboro Street, Roscommon WANTED – WANTED
Houses/Apts in Roscommon Town!
For Further Details: Tel.: 087 2233223 www.lorettadowdpropertylettings.com
PSYCHIC DOLORES PSYCHIC MEDIUM CLAIRVOYANT
• Tarot & Angel Card Reading • Honest & Confidential • Spiritual Guidance • Need Direction? Phone for an appointment (090) 66 23898 or (085) 7857191 Athleague
REFLEXOLOGY
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
SEPTIC TANKS
SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED DRAINS/SEWERS CLEANED PERMIT NO: NW CPO - 09 - 03267 - 03
TELEPHONE MICHAEL HAVERTY: 086 8381227 or 086 1997815
CHRISTMAS DEADLINES The next of the edition of the Roscommon People will be in the shops on Wednesday 21st December. DEADLINE for this edition is STRICTLY 2pm on Monday 19th December We cannot guarantee publication after this time
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
Classifieds SITUATIONS VACANT < PART-TIME STAFF REQUIRED for busy take-away, Castlerea area. Experience required. Tel: 087-9791248 after 12 noon.
SOUS CHEF REQUIRED For busy hotel, bar & restaurant in the midlands Minimun 8 years experience required. Fluent English and a good understanding of European Cuisine. Salary: €30,000p.a. 40 hoursp.w. APPLY TO: Keenans Boutique Hotel, Bar & Restaurant, Tarmonbarry, Co. Roscommon. Email: info@keenans.ie
BETTING SHOP IN STROKESTOWN REQUIRES CASHIER
To advertise, telephone 090 66 34633 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie
TAXIS AND HACKNEYS
Pete’s Cabs
Roscommon
SITUATIONS WANTED < STAFF NURSE AVAILABLE for day duty. General county Roscommon area. Pin No. active. Please reply to Box No: 964, c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon.
TAXIS AND HACKNEYS
Padraig Healy Car & Mini Bus Hire Wheelchair Accessible Call car direct
(086) 2714879
TOM KILDUFF CABS Tel: (086) 2544662 086 3821515
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
– Contact –
Peter Lynch 086 8400002 TOMMY GILLIGAN
CABS
Experience essential. Immediate start.
Contact James on 086 3343448.
TUITION
TELEPHONE: 086 8099 503
JOHN BEATTIE Cab and Bus Hire Roscommon
086 2670670
Would you like to do Accounting or Business as an extra subject? Higher or ordinary levels catered for
Contact: Nuala McGowan on 086 0352849.
ROSCOMMON MATHS GRINDS Junior and Leaving Certificate Higher and Ordinary Level Experienced Higher Level Teacher Outstanding results record Limited places still available Contact by phone/text:
Lorraine Beirne 086 3688302 EMAIL: roscommonmathsgrinds @gmail.com
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. FIREWOOD FOR SALE: Hardwood - Ash and Whitethorn. Tel: 086 2437376. < FULL AND HALF TRUCK/ LORRY loads of quality turf and seasoned firewood. Tel: 087 3831953. < TURF FOR SALE: Loads of good black turf at reasonable price. Also bags of turf. < BAGS OF TURF FOR SALE: ALSO bales of hay. Tel: 086 3776948.
USEFUL SERVICES DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIRS: WASHING MACHINES, REPAIRS, DISHWASHERS REPAIRS, OVEN AND TUMBLE DRYER REPAIRS Contact Paul on (086) 0538977. www.appliance-repairs.ie
Quality Small Job Services For Home or Business
BUS HIRE FOR ALL OCCASIONS
KELLY’S EYE Taxi and Mini Bus hire.
PHONE: 087-2727888.
CHRISTMAS DEADLINES The next of the edition of the Roscommon People will be in the shops on Wednesday 21st December. DEADLINE for this edition is STRICTLY 2pm on Monday 19th December WE CANNOT GUARANTEE PUBLICATION AFTER THIS TIME
LEAVING CERT HIGHER LEVEL MATHS INTENSIVE 2 DAY REVISION COURSE Tuesday 3rd January (Paper 1) Wednesday 4th January (Paper 2) 10am - 1.15pm Roscommon Town
1 day - €40 2 days - €70 Booking deposit required
PHONE Lorraine Beirne on 086 3688302
TURF, FIREWOOD AND FUEL < THIS WEEK’S SPECIAL OFFERS: • Bags of seasoned timber €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. €75 DEAL: 1 tonne logs + 1 tonne turf, 2 bags 20kg coal + 1 free bale briquettes: for €75 • Tonne bags of turf and timber €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.
OIL BOILER SERVICE
ONLY €80 Includes new nozzle, Efficiency report, Printout, etc .... 094 96 31880 087 9100477 SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED ALSO DRAINS JETTED & CLEANED Waste Collection Permit No: NWCPO-12-11038-01
Contact Maurice on 086 2538169 Gannon Environmental Services Ltd, Creggs
VAN AND MAN AVAILABLE FOR: Delivery, collections, house and flat removals.
Contact: 087 6718564
USEFUL SERVICES
HEALY’S General & Farm Labour • Lawns • Gardens • Powerwashing • Firewood & Log Splitting • Turf saved and brought home NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL
Contact Vincent on 083 4130827
Glamorous Dogs FUERTY, ROSCOMMON
KESHIA CASEY
Professional Dog Groomer
(087) 2731228 < MAN AVAILABLE FOR CHIMNEY REPAIRS, ROOFING, RE-ROOFING AND ALL TYPES OF WORK: Roof lights fitted, re-roofing, facia board and gutter repairs, roofing, flat roofing, timber, slating, tiling, stone work, chimney repairs, Insurance claims handled, attic conversions, lights, general building, etc. All types of farm work, repairs to sheds, cattle crushes, yards, concrete, fencing and painting. Contact: 087 9188170. < FURNITURE REMOVALS DELIVERY SERVICE: Household and office furniture removals. Large and small loads to all areas. Phone for free quotation: 086 2649313. Email: homemoversrc@gmail. com < SAFE ELECTRIC REGISTERED ELECTRICIAN AVAILABLE for work. Small jobs a speciality. Call 087 4634888 anytime. < ELECTRICIAN AVAILABLE: Rewires, first and second fix new houses, fuse board upgrade. All farm buildings and sheds, security lighting and garden lights. Tel Tom on 086 0815802. < ELECTRICIAN AVAILABLE: Safe electric registered. All work considered. No job too small. Phone Paul on 086 2553153 anytime or email: p0862553153@gmail.com < SHANE NAUGHTON ROOFING CONTRACTOR Roofing, slating, tiling, 1st and 2nd fixing and flooring. All aspects of carpentry and building undertaken. Tel: 086 3155329.
WINDOW CLEANING < WINDOW CLEANING: Competitive rates. All areas covered. Also Gutters/fascias. Contact John: (087) 2291931.
FAMILY CIRCLE FAMILY CIRCLE DATE: 11/12/2016 FIRST PRIZE €50: Pat O’Rourke, c/o K. Collins SECOND PRIZE €25: Bernie Gordon, c/o K. Collins THIRD PRIZE €20: Niall McDermott, c/o K. Hoare 8 RESIDUAL PRIZES OF €10 EACH: Margaret Hoare, c/o K. Collins; Maura Cronnolly, c/o K. Hoare; Patsy and Ciara, c/o Mary Hicks; Kathleen Gordon; Olive Kilmartin, c/o K. Hoare; John Kilmartin, Kilteevan; Eddie O’Donnell, c/o Breda Healy; Sinead Glennon, c/o Supervalu. 5 PROMOTORS PRIZES OF €5 EACH: Joe Hoare; John F. Kerrigan; Maura Quigley; Kathleen Hoare; K. Collins. TOTAL RECEIPTS: €322 TOTAL PRIZES: €200
THANKGIVINGS PRAYER TO ST. EXPEDITE 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 afflicted, You who are the Saint of the desperate, you who are the Saint of urgent causes, Protect me, Help me, Give me Strength, Courage and Serenity. Hear my plea. ____________ (Clearly express what you want, and ask 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 the state of peace and tranquillity, my Saint Expedite. I will be grateful to you for the rest of my life and I will speak your name to all those who have faith. (Now promise to give Saint Expedite a specific offering when your desire is granted.) Amen. (Say one Our Father, one Holy Mary, and make the sign of the cross.) (Be sure to provide the offering you promised if Saint Expedite grants your petition). Thank you. A.K.
THANKGIVINGS PRAYER TO ST. EXPEDITE For a Financial crisis... Here is a prayer for your money emergency. The traditional way to petition Saint Expedite is to take a white and a green candle; carve your name on them lengthwise. Light the candles and continue lighting the candles and praying to him until you receive his answer. Have faith and do not doubt his power or willingness to help you. Pray to Saint Expedite. I call forth the Power and the presence of St. Expedite in my time of financial trouble. I offer my body, heart, mind and soul upon your altar of light. I have faith and trust and complete confidence that you will be my strength in this time of need. Quickly come to my assistance. Bring to me _________ (Clearly express what you want, and ask him to find a way to get it to you.). My financial need is urgent. Be my Light and Guide in this situation so that I may live with peace, love, prosperity and abundance and in the Praise of God. Amen. (Now promise to give Saint Expedite a specific offering if your desire is granted.). St. Expedite I ask for your intercession please. A.K. THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours, but today I ask you this special one (mention request). Take it dear Heart of Jesus, place it in your own broken heart where your Father sees it. Then in His merciful eyes it will become in His eyes your prayer not mine. Amen. Say 3 times for 3 days and promise publication. M.R.M. 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 own favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times, for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. Thanks also to Our Lady, St. Martin and St. Teresa. A.T. 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 own favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times, for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. B.F.
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
AtYourService BLINDS
BRENDAN DOOLIN
Also Wooden Venetians, Velux Window Blinds. Tel: (090) 66 30521 Mobile: (086) 8115928
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CHIMNEY SWEEP • Open fire, stove, ranges • All flues and chimneys • Power brushed & vaccumed • No mess, no fuss • CCTV camera inspections • Detailed report and CCTV recording provided for insurance claims • Fully insured Also available for powerwashing and gutter cleaning fergalkelly@live.com
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9673336 2678350
Mob: 086 Email:
info@athlonechimneyrepairs.ie
INSULATION
CATHAL DOOLEY 087 6579064
Dead & Worn-Out Animals Contact
CLEANING
WINDOWS/DOORS SHOWROOM:
Racecourse Road, Roscommon
JOHN GREENE
WE SUPPLY & FIT Double & Treble Glazed Windows & Doors, Patio Doors, French Doors, Porches and Conservatories
TEL: (090) 96 88606 (090) 96 88830 (090) 96 87651
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SERVICES: • Tarmacadam • Kerbing • Patio • Domestic & Commercial TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE GOVERNMENT HRI SCHEME
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091 768 768
Kiltoom, Athlone, Co. Roscommon T: (090) 64 93386 M: (086) 8207242 or Darren on 086 8972265
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Contact David Martin on (087) 9959417
20 Years Experience Free Insurance Quotes
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NOW IN STOCK TO SUIT ALL BRANDS • Handles • Hinges • Locks • Letter Boxes • Double Glazed Units supplied and fitted Fully insured
ROSCOMMON WINDOWS RACECOURSE ROAD, ROSCOMMON 090 66 33026
• Carpets & Upholstery Cleaning • Leather Suites • WINDOW CLEANING • Rental Cleaning • POWER WASHING Fascias & Soffits • Gutters & Down pipes • Drive ways ‘paths and patios’ CAR VALETING
KEEN and COMPETITIVE PRICES ROSCOMMON, WEST of IRELAND and BEYOND!!
E: gerrymonaghan1@eircom.net
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Contact: Gerry Monaghan
Unit 2, Ballybrit Industrial Estate, Galway info@ecowise.ie
STEPHEN HOARE
M: 086 3912396 PH: 090 66 62892
TARMACADAM
WINDOW AND DOOR REPAIRS
• Relining • Rebuilding • CCTV Camera Inspection
FARMING
Gerry Monaghan
CHIMNEY PROBLEMS
ELITE CHIMNEY REPAIRS • Lining
To advertise, telephone 090 66 34633 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie
VETERINARY
Gary Jameson
LOW MOISTURE CLEANING OF: • Carpets and Suites (fabric & leather) • Mats • Large rugs • Tiled floors • Carpets dry immediately Covering Roscommon/Leitrim/Sligo 25 years experience.
TEL: John Higgins/Gerard Cuffe 086 2328291/087 1689521
LOG HOUSES
CLEW BAY LOG HOUSES 4 Bed House from €70,000
2nd Fix Carpentry Munsboro, Roscommon • Fitted Kitchens & bedroom units • Doors, Timber Floors • Stairs • Attic Conversions and all internal woodwork
(086) 0708833 GLASS WORKS
Boyle Glass Ballinameen, Boyle,
Tel: 071 96 68368 - Stained Decorative
and Frosted Glass - Double Glazed Units - Bevelled Glass/ Mirrors - Glass Shelves/Table Tops - Painted Glass Splashbacks - Balcony Glass
- STOVE GLASS - Fire Rated Glass Find us on DoneDeal/boyleglass
Lisagallon, Cloverhill, Roscommon Tel: 0906665555 Fax: 0906627653 • Digital X-Ray Facility • In house Blood Analysis • Small Animal Ultra-Sound • Gas Anaesthetic • Veterinary Kennel’s facility •24hrs Emergency Vet on call Clinic Hours: 2pm – 7pm Mon – Friday; Saturday 10am-2pm Office Hours: 9am – 7pm Mon - Friday PLEASE CALL TO ARRANGE AN APPOINTMENT
2 Bed House from €14,000
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Prices include double glazed windows and doors. Wall thickness: 68mm, 44mm and 34mm
Tel Brian on 098 42501 or 086 8478376 or contact Ruth on 086 7913744 (Frenchpark)
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
AtYourService/LegalNotice/FamilyNotices Appointments
Williamstown, Co. Galway POSITION AVAILABLE
CNC PLASMA CUTTER MACHINE OPERATIVE REQUIRED FOR FULL-TIME POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES: • Manage our CNC Plasma cutter. Experience essential. • The ideal candidate must also have a good knowledge and be capable of MIG welding. • Work closely with our production team, handle customer enquiries and report to our management team. • Working hours 9 to 6 Monday to Friday. • The ideal person must be flexible with their time. • Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
Apply in writing only.
SEND CV TO: Marc Geraghty, HR Department, DG Roofing Ltd, Williamstown, Via Castlerea, Co. Roscommon F45 XY05
AtYourService BUILDING CONTRACTOR
Frank Grehan & Sons Ballyforan, Co. Roscommon Phone 090 66 22230 086 2599836/085 8550051 Email: fgrehan@eircom.net Building & Civil Engineering Contractors
~ For all your building requirements ~ Fully registered for the new building regulations ~ Quotations on request ~ Building for the future
CRASH REPAIRS
| Insurance Repairs | Restoration Work | Paint Repairs | Colour Matching | Panel Replacement | Valeting | And much more Rathra, Tiobhine, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon T: 094 98 72870 M: 087 6077277 E: wreck.amended@yahoo.ie
To have your advert seen by over 80,000 people every week advertise with us! THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN CO. ROSCOMMON!
LEGAL NOTICE STATUTORY NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE ESTATE OF DENIS BRADY DECEASED LATE OF BALLYMACURLEY, BALLINAHEGLISH IN THE COUNTY OF ROSCOMMON NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to Section 49 of the Succession Act 1965 that particulars in writing of all claims against the estate of the above named deceased who died on the 20th day of April 2015, probate of whose Will was granted to the Executors on the 14th day of April 2016, should be furnished to the undersigned Solicitors for the Executors on or before the 13th day of January 2017, after which date the assets will be distributed having regard only to the claims furnished. DATED the 8th day of December 2016. SIGNED: Mahon Sweeney, Solicitors, Main Street, Roscommon.
PLANNING EXTRA ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I am applying to Roscommon County Council for full planning permission on behalf of Stephen and Orla Greene to convert part of a domestic garage to habitable accommodation for use ancillary to an existing dwellinghouse and the construction of a new waste water treatment system at Moyvannan, Kiltoom, Athlone, Co. Roscommon. Signed: Seamus Murray, Project Managers, Engineers & Surveyors. Phone: (087) 2222874, seamusmurray60@gmail.com The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours and that submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.
To have your advert seen by over 80,000 people every week advertise with us!
THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES FALLON Margaret
McTIERNAN Bernie
Ballagh, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon Who died on 8th November 2016
Cooltigue, Fourmilehouse (8th Anniversary)
Margaret’s son Laurence and daughter Mary, together with their extended families wish to express our deepest gratitude and heartfelt thanks to all those who supported and sympathised with us on the death of our mother. We wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to all who called to our home, especially those who travelled long distances, to those who attended the reposing and prayers in Smyth’s Funeral Home, Funeral Mass and Burial. Special thanks to the many people who sent Mass Cards, floral tributes and messages of sympathy. Thank you to Fr. Ray Milton P.P. and to Fr. Donal Morris for attending to Margaret’s spiritual needs in her home, her spirit was lifted with each visit. A special word of thanks to Fr. Ray for celebrating the Funeral Mass with Fr. Michael Donnelly, cousin of Margaret, who gave a beautiful Homily and also Fr. Donal Morris, Fr. Micheal Donnelly, (native of Four Roads), Fr. Francis Beirne, Fr. Hugh Lee, Canon Peadar Lavin and Deacon William Gacquin for their attendance. To Kate Connolly for her help in choosing the sacred music and singing so beautifully at the Funeral Mass, we offer sincere thanks. Our heartfelt gratitude to our mother’s dedicated carers from the various agencies whose exceptional care and dedication went beyond the call of duty. To the Sacred Heart Hospital Respite and Day Care units, Grace Kelly PHN, Bridget Cunningham O.T., Dr. Valerie Morris G.P., Marie Crehan Palliative Care Nurse and Molloy’s Pharmacy for their medical support through the years and particularly in the final weeks of mother’s life. To our wonderful neighbours and friends who brought food and refreshments and helped in so many ways, we were deeply touched by your thoughtfulness. To the gravediggers who prepared mother’s final resting place with care and attention. Thanks to Tom and Pat Smyth, Funeral Directors for their guidance and professionalism. Thanks to the Gleeson family and staff for the beautiful meal provided after the Burial. As it would not be possible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our appreciation and gratitude. A Mass will be offered for your intentions. Margaret’s Month’s Mind Mass will be celebrated on Sunday 18th December at 10am in Rahara Church.
In loving memory of Bernie, who died on 16th December 2008 Forever in our thoughts.
Sadly missed by his wife Maureen and family. Anniversary Mass in St. Brigid’s Church, Fourmilehouse on Saturday 17th December at 8.15pm.
COYLE P.J. Lysterfield, Curraghboy (9th Anniversary)
Just a prayer from the family who loved you Just a memory fond and true, In our hearts you will live forever Because we thought the world of you.
Remembered always by his wife Nora and family. Anniversary Mass in St. Brigid’s Church, Curraghboy on Saturday 17th December at 8pm.
O’HALLORAN John
RAFTERY Pat
Granaghan-Dillon, Curraghroe, Co. Roscommon
Lanesboro Street, Roscommon Who died on the 21st December 2000 R.I.P. (16th Anniversary)
Riverdale, Castlecoote, Roscommon (2nd Anniversary)
Deep in our hearts You will always stay.
Treasured memories of my beloved husband Michael, who died on 26th November 2014 R.I.P.
KELLY Michael
ABBEY STREET, ROSCOMMON TEL: 090 66 34633 EMAIL: ADVERTISING@ROSCOMMONPEOPLE.IE
CHRISTMAS DEADLINES The next of the edition of the Roscommon People will be in the shops on Wednesday 21st December.
DEADLINE for this edition is STRICTLY 2pm on Monday 19th December
In loving memory of John, who passed away on 20th December 2004 Forever in our thoughts and prayers.
Sadly missed by your wife Anne and family. Anniversary Mass on Sunday 18th December in Curraghroe Church.
Loved and remembered every day, by your loving wife Betty, daughter Siobhan, son-in-law and grandchildren. Anniversary Mass on Tuesday 20th December at 10.30am in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon.
It’s so sad that you left us, Your leaving caused so much pain. But you were very special and earth’s loss is Heaven’s gain.
Lovingly remembered by your wife Ethna. Anniversary Mass on Sunday 18th December at 11.30am in Castlecoote Church.
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
FamilyNotices ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES REYNOLDS Pat and Martha
KELLY Tina
FALLON David
Clooncundra, Ballymurray, Roscommon (9th and 7th Anniversaries) Whose anniversaries occur at this time
And her treasured son Joey Doranstown, Ballygar, Co. Galway, Who died 24th July 2016
The Walk, Roscommon Who died 31st August 2016
Beautiful memories, silently kept, Of ones that we loved and will never forget.
Sadly missed by Sadie and all the Reynolds family. Anniversary Mass on Sunday 18th December at 10am in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon.
MULDOON Michael and Kitty In loving memory of a dear father Michael, who died on 20th December 1986 and mother Kitty, who died on 18th December 2006 R.I.P. (30th and 10th Anniversaries) Also remembering at this time our sister
Mary O’Toole (nee Muldoon) Who died on 29th May 1987 - 29th Anniversary and our brother
Michael Muldoon Who died on 10th December 1990 - 26th Anniversary Cloverhill, Roscommon
Time and years slip gently by, But love and memories never die. In our hearts you will always stay, Forever and ever, every day. Will those who think of them today, A little prayer to Jesus say.
Sadly missed, loved and remembered always by your loving family. Anniversary Mass on Friday 16th December in Cloverhill Church at 8pm.
FAMILY NOTICES CHRISTMAS DEADLINES The next of the edition of the Roscommon People will be in the shops on Wednesday 21st December. DEADLINE for this edition is STRICTLY 2pm on Monday 19th December We cannot guarantee publication after this time.
Ros Memorials Headstone, Memorial & Gravestone Specialists
KNOCKCROGHERY, CO. ROSCOMMON
PAT QUIGLEY: 087 7799076 PAUL O’CONNOR: 086 6052649
• Headstones • Kerbed Memorials • Grave Site Care • Headstone Cleaning • Monument Levelling • Gravestone Repair
Tina’s parents Tom and Margaret together with her brothers, sister and extended family, also Joey’s grandfather Eamon and extended family wish to thank most sincerely all those who sympathised with them on their recent sad bereavement. Those who called personally, attended the Funeral Mass and Burials, also those who sent Mass Cards and Floral Tributes. We wish to thank most sincerely Dr. Martin Daly, the paramedics, the dedicated teams from Mountbellew Fire Brigade and all those who attended at the scene of the accident. A special thanks to Fr. Michael Breslin, P.P., the Mass Servers, the Choir, the Funeral Undertaker, David Moran and the gravediggers and to our very kind neighbours and friends who helped us so much during this difficult time. We hope that this acknowledgement will be accepted as a token of our sincere gratitude and appreciation of you all. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions.
KELLY Carol
DOLAN Johnny
Doranstown, Ballygar, Co. Galway (2nd Anniversary)
Errick, Four Roads, Roscommon Who died 20th December 2014 (2nd Anniversary)
In loving memory of Carol, who died on 20th December 2014. Aged 34 years As I look upon your picture With loving thoughts of you I recall all the special moments Of happy times we knew. I think of you always With special love and pride But the sorrow in my heart Is very hard to hide.
Loved and remembered always, by her loving parents Tom and Margaret, son Ryan, sister Sabrina, brothers David and Pat. Anniversary Mass on Friday 23rd December 2016 at 7.30pm in St. Mary’s Church, Ballygar.
The pain of loss is the price of love. His life was a blessing His memory a treasure. Love beyond words Missed beyond measure.
Fondly remembered by Mary, Paddy, Gerty, Patrick, John and David. Anniversary Mass in the Church of the Good Shepard, Four Roads on Sunday 18th December at 11am. ~~~~~~~~~~~ BROTHER In our home there is a photo, Of a face more precious than gold, And those who have loved and lost you Your memory will never grow old. Today, we look at your photo, And your face so loving and true, No wonder our hearts are breaking, Losing a brother like you. But each day you walk beside us, And when our lives are through, We pray that God will take our hands, And lead us straight to you.
Always remembered by Noreen and Aidan.
David’s wife Geraldine, son David, daughters Lena and Siobhan, grandchildren, sonin-law, daughter-in-law, brothers, sisters and extended family would like to thank most sincerely all those who sympathised with them in their recent sad loss. Thank you to all who attended the Removal, Funeral Mass and Burial, those who sent Mass Cards, letters of sympathy, floral tributes, made phone calls, and donated to Palliative Care. Special thanks to U.H.G., the Palliative Care team, community care, all the staff at Portiuncula University Hospital, Ballinasloe and St. Bridget’s Ward, Roscommon University Hospital and G.P. Dr. Brennan for their excellent care. Thanks to Monsignor Travers for his visits to David at home and for the beautiful Mass and to Rev. Fr. Irek and fellow Con-celebrants. Thanks to Enya Reilly for the lovely music. Thank you to Jim Conlon and Anthony McGrath and the Altar Servers. Thank you to Tom and Pat Smyth for their dignified and professional assistance with carrying out the Funeral arrangements. Thanks to Peter Gormley for preparing David’s final resting place so well. Thanks to Hannon’s Hotel and their staff for the beautiful meal. Finally, a big thank you to our family, our kind and supportive neighbours and friends. As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as our sincere appreciation and the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions. May his soul Rest in Peace.
NAUGHTON Annie (28th Anniversary) In loving memory of Annie Naughton, late of 5, St. Theresa’s Tce., Roscommon, who died on 15th December 1988. R.I.P. Treasured memories silently kept, In the hearts of those who will never forget.
Always remembered by her loving family. Anniversary Mass for Maurice and Annie on Thursday 15th December 2016 at 10.30am in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon.
LEONARD Patrick, Elizabeth and Mary Bracklin, Donamon, Co. Roscommon
Treasured memories of our dear parents, Paddy and Elizabeth, and our sister Mary (Moody), who have gone to their eternal home: Patrick on the 11th September 1983; Elizabeth on the 24th December 2008 and Mary on the 19th August 2016 Deep in our hearts your memories are kept, To love, to cherish and never forget.
Always remembered by Finola and all your family.
DEMPSEY Sheila
QUIGLEY Eileen
Laragh, Ballintubber, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon (2nd Anniverary)
In memory of Sheila If we could visit Heaven Even for a day, Maybe for a moment, The pain would go away, I’d put my arms around you And whisper words so true, That living life without you, Is the hardest thing to do. No matter how we spend our days, No matter what we do, No morning dawns or evening falls, When we don’t think of you. xx
Missed and forever loved by husband Tom, daughters Tara, Aoife and Sinead, grandchildren and sonsin-law.
In loving memory of Eileen Quigley, Creevy, Roscommon, who died on 14th December 1999 R.I.P. (17th Anniversary) We hold you close within our hearts, And there you shall remain, To walk with us, Throughout our lives, Until we meet again.
Loved and always remembered by your sons, daughters, sons-inlaw, daughters-in-law, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
CHRISTMAS DEADLINES The next of the edition of the Roscommon People will be in the shops on Wednesday 21st December. DEADLINE for this edition is STRICTLY 2pm on Monday 19th December
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
NewsPeople
Pictured at the launch of Roscommon Football Legends in the Hodson Bay Hotel were Billy Browne, Tom Lennon, Richard Canny, Charlie Finneran and John Belton. Picture: Andrew Fox
Pictured at the launch of Roscommon Football Legends in the Hodson Bay Hotel were Margaret Browne, Seán, Honor and Áine Canny. Picture: Andrew Fox
New book chronicles exploits of great Roscommon team of 1977-1980 Proceeds to Pieta House < SEAMUS DUKE
A big crowd was in attendance at Hannon’s Hotel in Roscommon town last Friday night for the first of three weekend launches of a new book, ‘Roscommon Football Legends’, which details the exploits of the famous Roscommon senior football team of the 19771980 era who won four Connacht titles in a row, a National League title and
also appeared in the AllIreland Final in 1980. Journalist Richard Canny compiled the book with assistance from John Benton and Billy Browne and Pieta House will benefit from profits from sales of the book. There were further launches in the Hodson Bay Hotel on Saturday night and at Kilronan Castle on Sunday evening. The book consists of memories from the players themselves, as well as from local journalists, officials and supporters, all of them recalling a magical time for Roscommon football. The
ups and downs, the great games, great wins and the heartbreaking losses too are all detailed in the book. There are great stories, photographs and actual newspaper cuttings and programmes from the big games in what was a golden era for Roscommon football. Launching the book in Roscommon was former Roscommon star Seamus Hayden who recalled the great performances of that team and the life-long friendships that were created. He praised team managers Tom Heneghan and Tony Whyte, commenting that they were
way ahead of their time in terms of organisation, training, tactics, etc. and he was mentioned Tom Heneghan in particular in that regard. Seamus agreed that it was a fantastic time for Roscommon and expressed the hope that very soon a Roscommon team would come along to emulate their achievements. Richard Canny spoke on behalf of the authors and said that once the idea for the book became public the material flowed in and they were overwhelmed by the goodwill that there was for the book and the
team. He remembered the 1977 to 1980 period as a brilliant time for the people of the county and said he was delighted to be able to bring the book to fruition with the help of his co-authors. He said that he was very happy with the quality if the finished product. Ger Tiernan of Pieta House also spoke and told the attendance that as a St. Brigid’s and Roscommon man he was very proud that profits from the sale
of the book would be going to Pieta House and he outlined the importance of the services being provided by Pieta House not only on a national basis but in County Roscommon as well. In attendance on the night were a number of the players who were on that 1977-1980 panel including John O’Gara, Tony McManus, Eamon McManus, Tom Donnellan and Sean Kilbride. Other players were present
too, as were many GAA officials and supporters. ‘Roscommon Football Legends’, the story of the great Roscommon team of 1977-80, is on sale in all good book shops (price €20) and would make a perfect Christmas present for the Roscommon GAA followers – and remember that profits will go towards Pieta House. * List of shops stocking the book is on Roscommon Football Legends Facebook page.
Pictured at the launch of Roscommon Football Legends in the Hodson Bay Hotel were George Hatton, Deputy John O’Mahony and Danny Murray. Picture: Andrew Fox Pictured at the launch of Roscommon Football Legends in the Hodson Bay Hotel were Paddy Kenny, Pieta House, Richard Canny, Deputy John O’Mahony and Ger Tiernan, Pieta House. Picture: Andrew Fox
Pictured at the launch of Roscommon Football Legends in the Hodson Bay Hotel were Mike Keegan, Jimmy Reynolds, Deputy John O’Mahony, Seán Kilbride and Tony Whyte. Picture: Andrew Fox
Pictured at the launch of Roscommon Football Legends in the Hodson Bay Hotel were Paddy Kenny, Pieta House, Richard Canny, Deputy John O’Mahony and Ger Tiernan, Pieta House. Picture: Andrew Fox
Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
73
SportsPeople Out on his own
Kevin McStay speaks as footballers return to action. Seewith pages Exclusive interview 78/79 Connacht’s Denis Buckley on Pat Lam, playing for Ireland and calling home on Christmas Eve. See page 79 ©INPHO/Donall Farmer
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
SportsPeople
SICK AS AROSCOMMON PARROT/OVER THE MOON & DISTRICT LEAGUE NEWS This week’s Awards… e Team of th
Week
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The Premier League Player of the Week
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Soccer Results The Herald Premier Division Ahascragh United 0 Ballinasloe Town 3 Shiven Rovers 0 Moore United 3 St. John’s Athletic 1 Skyvalley Rovers 0 Norio’s Takeaway Division 1 Kilkerrin United 1 Lough Harps 2 CP Ajax 4 Dysart FC 6 Loughglynn United 1 Cloonfad United 5 Killeen Sportsgrounds Division 2 Strokestown United 3 Moore United B 0 Castlerea Celtic B 4 Dunmore Town B 7 Hodson Bay Athletic 2 Moylough ‘79 1 Skyvalley Rovers B 0 Cam Celtic 6
Who the feck is this guy? Let us know and we’ll profile your club in the New Year!
Liverpool goalkeeper, Loris Karius, has delighted fans with his recent displays.
Dooner’s weekend predictions Ahead of the Christmas break we’ve decided to add a couple of teasers to the soccer page for the craic. So, if you can tell us who your man (pictured) is, we’ll profile your club in the New Year! (Not Karius!) Looking ahead to this weekend’s action, the Game of the Weekend is taking place in the Banner County this Sunday as the Roscommon & District League continue their impressive Oscar Traynor campaign. Best of luck lads!
Saturday, 17th December Norio’s Takeaway Division 1 Cloonfad United v Ballinasloe Town B (7.30 pm) The home side brushed the Loughglynn challenge aside last weekend and will be expecting to do the same this weekend. Prediction: Cloonfad United.
This weekend’s action Today’s racing takes place in the south east at Tramore off at 12.25 pm. Tomorrow evening flat racing is under lights on the all weather surface at Dundalk, stalls open for the first at 6.05 pm. On Saturday Fairyhouse brings it 2016 programme to a close starting at 12.00 pm. Sunday sees 2 meetings, one at Proudstown Park outside Navan starting at 12.15 pm and in the south at Thurles in Tipperary off at 12.30 pm.
Review of the Week Enda Bolger proved once again king of the cross country as Cantlow ran out an easy winner of the Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase at Cheltenham last Fri-
Sunday, December 18th (all kick-offs 2 pm) Oscar Traynor Trophy Group Stages Clare League v Roscommon & District League It comes down to this! Should the Roscommon & District League get a result in Clare, they will progress. This is a tough, tough fixture and Clare will be confident at home. However, I backed the Rossies to get a result against Galway and I believe they’re capable of the same here. A draw would be a terrific result but it will require total concentration. Prediction: Draw. Norio’s Takeaway Division 1 Dunmore Town v Loughlynn United The visitors will be looking to bounce back from last weekend’s drubbing and are probably meeting Dunmore Town at a good time. The home side need to stop the rot, however,
and they will be confident of taking maximum points against the side with the second worst goals scored record in the league. Prediction: Dunmore Town. Glen Celtic v Kilkerrin United Should be close but Kilkerrin to edge it. Prediction: Kilkerrin United. Killeen Sportsgrounds Division 2 Cam Celtic v Roscommon United These sides played out an entertaining 2-2 draw earlier in the season. A repeat would be nice. Prediction: Draw. Hodson Bay Athletic v Castlerea Celtic B Where did Hodson Bay Athletic come out of? (Ed – Eh Hodson Bay!) Hitting form just before Christmas and they have a great chance to put the squeeze on Moore United in second place. Prediction: Hodson Bay Athletic.
day. The 11-Y-O was ridden by Mark Walsh, who previously won over the Punchestown course on him last month, for owner JP McManus beating compatriot Bless The Wings trained by Gordon Elliott. Gallo’s Star was 3rd and Jim Dreaper’s Goonyella 4th. On Sunday Ruby Walsh opted go to Leopardstown to ride Djakadam for WP Mullins in the John Durkan and they repeated their win of 12 months earlier. Paul Townend went to Cork where he won the featured Hilly Way Chase on Douvan and made it a double on Listen Dear for WP Mullins. He completed his four timer on Knockraha Pylon for Adrian Maguire and Logical Song for Mags Mullins. Highland Reel made a brave attempt to retain the Longines Hong Kong Vase on Sunday at Sha Tin leading from the first
Shergar and Walter Swinburn annihilate the field at Epsom.
bend to the shadow of the post where he was caught by Satono Crown and Joao Moreira by ½l winning for Japan. One Foot In Heaven was 6¾l away in 3rd. Aidan O’Brien was looking for his 23rd Group 1 win of 2016.
Horses for Courses
General News
by Tom Red Cantlow impressive under Mark Walsh at Prestbury Park
Walter Swinburn, who won the 1981 Derby on legendary Shergar at nineteen years of age, died this week at the age of 55. He went on to win 2 more Epsom Derby’s aboard Shrastini, 1986, and on the unbeaten Lammtarra in 1995. He was steeped in horse racing and his father was Wally Swinburn who rode full time in Ireland, Britain and France in the 60’s and
70’s. He trained over 250 winners in the naughties before retiring in 2011. Lord Gyllene, winner of the rescheduled 1997 Aintree Grand National under Tony Dobbin has died at the age of 28. The 150th running of the famous race was run on a Monday after the Saturday race had been postponed due to a bomb threat on the course.
Point to Point Corner There is no racing in the north this weekend and on Sunday the penultimate meeting of the year takes place on Sunday at Killinick in Wexford with the action scheduled to start at 12 pm.
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
SPORTING WORLD WITH DAN DOONER
@dan_dooner
Dermo don’t like Mondays … and he’s right! THE LEAD STORY Dan Dooner
Dublin and St. Vincent’s star, Diarmuid Connolly, reacts upon hearing he has Monday off work.
The week in numbers 5
Earlier this week Dublin forward Diarmuid Connolly made a suggestion which has sent shockwaves through the RTE studios and across the country. The St. Vincent’s clubman boldly suggested that inter-county games be switched to Saturdays to
allow more recovery time for players who have to get up and work on Monday morning. “Woah, hold on there Dermo!” I hear you gasp, “Where will Joe and Pat go on Sunday afternoons then?” On the surface it’s a suggestion that will wreck the heads of those traditionalists who settle down each Sunday to watch The Sunday Game, however Diarmuid has got a valid
point. It’s one thing for supporters and pundits to spend their Sundays following or analysing Gaelic games but the game has become far more demanding and therefore players must train to a level never seen before. When Sunday comes, anything less than 70 minutes of flat-out commitment is unacceptable. Therefore, isn’t it only fair that they be given a day to recuperate ahead of head-
People’s Champions of the week
ing back to the day job? Old school supporters will claim that this has always been the case and that players’ jobs were probably far more demanding in the past. I wouldn’t agree with this sentiment. I believe there’s a lot more pressure on young men and women in modern day Ireland and that anything that government, sporting or education bodies can do to make life easier should be explored.
I think Dermo has a case and I don’t see why trailblazing changes such as the one he suggested can’t be considered. Especially if it makes it easier for players to perform to the exceptionally high standards expected of them by supporters and Sunday Game pundits. Surely Pat Spillane, Colm O’Rourke and Joe Brolly can wind each other up and talk nonsense on a Saturday evening too?
Sporting week on Tweet Street Random Liverpool Fan @ randomliverpoolfan
r, Wayne Thomas Concannon, Tony Thacke Naughton mus Sea and ey Hick an Harries, Ciar mon Darts com Ros the in d hit 180s last weeken League.
Tweet not available. (Yes, Liverpool fans have gone very quiet on social media lately…)
20.02 and 20.40
Ozil getting slated in 3-2-1… (Oh dear! Seamie Coleman inspires Everton to a 2-1 win over Arsenal.)
Nathan Murphy @nathanmurf
Rob&dave kearney @ boringkearney
an and Ava Coman’s swimmers Alaoise Reg nds off McFadden knocked over 20 secoway recently. personal bests in the pool in Gal
11 bles on. Eleven The Dysart FC juggernaut rum en. elev from s win
While Boyle may have won the Garda Cup Final last Saturday, Kilmore/Shannon Gaels put in a huge performance. Therefore this week both Boyle (represented here by captain, Iarla Regan) and Kimore/Shannon Gaels (represented here by Man of the Match, Cathal Caslin) are this week’s People’s champions. Also in picture are Sergeant Frank Egan and Loyola Kelly presenting Garda Cup and Sgt. John Kelly Man of the Match trophy. Pic courtesy of BoyleToday.com
The Sporting Brief Golf
Connolly’s Boyle bonanza Paul Connolly took first prize in the Christmas Bonanza which was played last weekend in Boyle. He pipped John McGuinn and Lionel Lynn on the countback. The gross prize went to Lorcan Egan. In the ladies section, first place went to Sandra McCrann, in second was Regina McLoughlin and third was Mary O’Hara. In Castlerea, the recent men’s 15-hole was won by Tony Brophy with 34 points, ahead of Eddie Campion in second place.
This month’s first competition was won by Paul Glynn. To Roscommon we go, where Gerry Harlow won last Sunday’s competition with 37 points ahead of PJ Moran in second on 35 points. The turkey competition was won by Clement McCormack with 22 points. Over in Athlone, Alacoque O’Connor won the recent ladies competition while Ann O’Sullivan and Margaret Byrne enjoyed recent success in 12-hole competitions. Elsewhere, Frank O’Regan, Denis Earley, Jed Rowlands and Ned Broughall were recent turkey winners. We finish this week’s tour
in Athlone by extending our sympathies to the family of Johnny Bracken who passed away suddenly last week. Johnny served as Hon. Secretary and PRO and also proudly represented the club on teams as well as entertaining everyone with his poems and songs. Our condolences to his wife Mary and daughters Nicola, Maria, Fiona and son John, extended family and many friends. May he rest in peace.
Darts
Rua rampage! An Bóthar Rua crushed Creaton’s to set up a top of the table clash with The
Forge this Friday night. Rua romped to an 8-1 win last weekend while The Forge edged McDermott’s 5-4 and Dalton’s were beaten by The Hollywood Bar by the same score. The league will take a break following this Friday’s titanic tussle.
tigan’s and Charlie’s overcame An Tobar. Charlie’s move seven points clear in the rankings.
Pool
Jessica Gannon (gold and bronze), Keela Farnon (bronze), Jenni Kilduff (bronze), Patrick McFadden (bronze) and the Coman’s relay team (Anastazya, Ava, Ciara and Jessica) were among the medals as a 13-strong Coman’s team impressed in the Leisureland Pool in Galway recently.
Holly Tree spanked! The Claypipe turned on the style against The Holly Tree as they emerged with an 8-0 whitewash. Elsewhere, Larry’s and The Hollywood drew while Ned’s beat Dalton’s, The Railway Bar thumped Rat-
Swimming
Coman’s impress in Galway!
Behind today’s closed door is a man pausing to reflect on the fact that there (sic) still plenty of time before Christmas, no need to buy presents yet (The Kearneys look forward to Christmas.)
In the sporting diary .... Rossies gear up for 2017 The Roscommon senior football team will play two challenge games during the festive season. Starting with Meath on Saturday (17th) at 7 pm followed by Kildare on Monday, January 2nd at 2 pm. Admission to each game is €10 and proceeds from the games will be split between the team training fund and the ‘Shalom Centre for Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation’ in Nairobi, Kenya. This is the charity chosen by team manager Kevin McStay.
John O’Shea goes under the hammer! Ballymoe FC will host a fundraising auction in Eddie’s Bar, Ballymoe on Tuesday, 27th December. Among the lots will be an Ireland jersey signed by John O’Shea. The club is inviting you to go along and support while grabbing a bargain at the same time!
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
Seamus Duke ON SPORT Sad to hear of Dr Joe Daly’s passing @SeamusDuke
I was shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Dr Joe Daly at the weekend. I was not a personal friend but I knew him well over many years and he was a great sportsman and a thorough gentleman to meet and to chat to, and we did that many times mainly in Roscommon Golf Club over
the years. Even though he was the Galway GAA team doctor in both football and hurling for many years he loved the banter and rivalry involved with Roscommon especially. Then of course he was always involved with rugby and with Creggs and with
Connacht too over the years. He was involved at the top in Connacht Rugby when it was neither popular or profitable to do so and he was one of the people who kept the flag flying in Connacht Rugby when the powers that be wanted to close it down altogether. He suffered a lot of illness
in latter years yet he was a regular at matches involving Galway in football and hurling and Creggs and Connacht Rugby teams too. In fact, his son Martin told me at the funeral on Sunday night that he had booked two tickets to go to see Connacht play Wasps last weekend. I know that
many other well deserved tributes have been paid to Dr Joe Daly for his great work in the Ballygar community as a local GP over many decades, but it was as a sportsman that I knew him best and it was always a pleasure to meet him. The massive crowds who were in Ballygar for the re-
Major funds needed for Roscommon GAA
Book of legends launched The ‘Roscommon Football Legends’ book is an excellent production and a great Christmas present for any Roscommon GAA fan. I know that people might say that it is time we forgot about the team of the 70s but until a team that is as good if not better comes along then they deserve their recognition. Thankfully, I was lucky enough to be around and to see these lads playing and they were a once in a generation team for sure. They dominated Connacht football and played in Division One of the National Football League. Going to league matches as a supporter you were never afraid of any game at that time. Whether it was Croke Park or Killarney or Newry or Armagh or Cork or Tullamore it didn’t make any difference, Roscommon were feared by all and sundry. Some of the greatest players who ever wore a county senior jersey played on that team and it was a pleasure to see them play every week and every year. There are some great stories and photos in the book and it is a worthy record of what was a special time for Roscommon football. That the book will help raise funds for Pieta House is a bonus as that is a great cause and I hope it is a huge success.
Athletics world in tatters! The world of athletics is in some mess now after the report on what the Russians did at the London Games in 2012 and afterwards. I remember sitting down for hours watching the London Olympics like a total fool. I will not be caught again. I know that there are plenty of clean athletes but you don’t know when you are watching these big events who is clean and who is on drugs. To hear that this was state-sponsored makes it even worse. Athletics (at the top level) seems to have more problems that even cycling did and that’s saying something. Even last weekend we had Sonia O’Sullivan (righty) complaining about the Kenyan runners who were brought in to run for Turkey in the European Cross Country Championships. Needless to say they won all around them. By the way folks, there is very little drug testing of athletes in Kenya at the moment. The whole thing is rotten.
moval and the funeral were a testament to the popularity of Joe and his family and the legacy he has left behind. To his wife Madeline to his sons and daughters and to all his other family members, many friends and colleagues can I extend my deepest sympathy. May he rest in peace.
Jumping back into action! The Roscommon senior footballers are back training ahead of 2017. Pic: Andrew Fox
Rossies prepare for the New Year The Roscommon senior football team begin preparations for another year with a challenge game against Meath this Saturday and it will be a very interesting year for sure. Kevin McStay held a long and very frank press conference with the local media last week and his plans for 2017 and the objectives are very clear and you can read them in the comprehensive piece we have elsewhere in our sports section this week. Kevin certainly left no stone unturned as he explained what he was planning for 2017 and the backroom team have been given a major shake up. What happened in 2016 and the break up of the management team with Fergal O’Donnell was a very painful process and it was not good for Roscommon football. The panel has been re-shaped and the plans are in place for 2017 but it remains to be seen what will be the outcome. The national league campaign will be a very tough one but at least Dr Hyde
Park will be available for games this year and in the championship there is a break of 11 weeks after the end of the league. A Connacht final appearance and a quarter-final spot are certainly attainable goals in 2017. We have to put 2016 behind us and get behind the management and the team in 2017. What happened is regrettable but in sport, as in life, everything moves on. I hope that there is not a residue of doubt left after what happened at the end
of the campaign in 2016. According to Kevin, the players are all ready to go so we wish them all the best of luck as they get ready for what will surely be a very testing 2017. The idea to have a younger panel of players from which two or three will be picked for the main panel when the U-21 championship is over is a good idea. But despite all the talking it will be about results in the national league and the game against Leitrim in June.
Rossies in provincial action It was nice to see six Roscommon players starting for Connacht as they beat Leinster in the interprovincial semi-final on Saturday last. Connacht play Ulster in the final in Carrick-onShannon this Saturday. However, the lack of interest in this competition is remarkable. There were 200 people at the match last Saturday in Parnell Park and I suppose there will not be much more at the final on Saturday. But the best of luck to all Rossies who are involved.
The Roscommon GAA Convention will take place this Friday night and while it has been another very successful year for the association, there are a number of problems facing the county that will not be easily overcome. It costs a fortune to run the affairs of the County Board and there are major developments needed on a number of fronts that it is hard to see where the money is going to come from to fund them. We all know that a dedicated training facility or Centre of Excellence will be needed to train all our county teams into the future but it will cost at least a couple of million euro to put it there. In addition, Dr Hyde Park is in a run-down state and needs major investment. I don’t know whether the GAA are willing to provide more funding but they have already shelled out in the region of €700,000 for the new pitch and they might be reluctant to make another major investment so soon. Club Rossie have done a marvellous job in recent years and they have raised the profile of Roscommon GAA brilliantly and they are doing a really professional job but the reality is that the money that is required cannot be raised from functions and golf classics and draws. It will have to come either from the Government or the GAA at national level. The County Board has its hands full trying to have money to run its own affairs every year. It is a huge problem that will have to be addressed over the next few years. There are certainly no easy solutions.
Joe Brolly was slammed recently by Irish Independent colleague, Tommy Conlon.
Tommy gives Brolly a shake I don’t really pass too much heed on the rantings of Joe Brolly in the Sunday Independent, although I have to admit that some of his articles are worth a read. Last Sunday week he had a go at the GAA President Aoghain O Fearraill at a suggestion that he made about the playing of the national anthem and the raising of the tri-colour at GAA matches. However, it was a tame effort compared to what Tommy Conlon (formerly of the Roscommon Herald) wrote in reply in the Indo last Sunday. It was savage stuff as he viciously cut Joe down on almost every level. It is seldom that I have read a piece in the paper and exclaimed ‘wow’ after completing almost every paragraph. It was a complete hammer job on Joe. Have a look at it if you get a chance. No love lost there that’s for sure and they are both writing for the same paper! Next Sunday Joe’s article will be interesting.
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
SportsPeople
Secretary’s report released ahead of convention < SEAMUS DUKE
The 2016 Roscommon GAA annual convention will take place at the Community Hall in Ballinameen this Friday night starting at 7.30 pm. There are nine motions on the Clár, nothing of a controversial nature and there are no elections for the various posts. The accounts will also be presented by Treasurer Seamus Maher on the night.
In a wide-ranging report, Secretary Brian Carroll says that it was a challenging year for Roscommon GAA on and off the field. The unavailability of Dr Hyde Park was a major issue all year and he defended the decision to play the league game against Dublin in Carrick-on-Shannon. “It was a difficult situation to get right. When the Down game was switched on the Friday we were criticised for switching too ear-
ly and not giving the Hyde a chance, when the Mayo game wasn’t switched and let go ahead in the Hyde we were criticised for not switching it and when the Dublin game was switched on the Sunday morning we were criticised for not switching it earlier. It was certainly a case of dammed if you do and dammed if you don’t. Hopefully with our new pitch available in early 2017 we won’t have a situation like what oc-
“Damned if you do, damned if you don’t”: Hyde Park was among the hot topics in Brian Carroll’s annual report. Pic: Roscommon GAA
curred in 2016 happening again,” he said. With regard to Roscommon’s exit from the senior football championship Brian Carroll said defeat to Galway hurt and the controversy, which followed the Clare defeat, was very difficult for Roscommon GAA. “What happened over the next number of weeks has been written about and well discussed and I don’t intend bringing up the past. What I will say is Fergal O’Donnell has been a great servant to Roscommon GAA for a number of years and I wish to thank him most sincerely for all his efforts and work,” he said. He then called on Roscommon fans to get behind Kevin McStay and the new management team. “I would appeal to every single Roscommon supporter we have to please get behind the management and team in 2017. We have to move forward in a united fashion if we are to succeed on the field. We must now leave the past where it belongs, in the past,” he said. He congratulated the U-21 and minor football teams on their efforts in 2016 and he said that the Roscom-
mon senior hurlers are well capable of competing in the Christy Ring Cup and congratulated them on their league promotion. On the issue of the shortage of referees, he challenged the clubs to come up with one new referee per club for 2017. “I would challenge each club in our county before the 1st of March to have identified and spoken to one person in your club who is willing to take up the role and train to be a referee. If every club done this we would have 32 new referees, which would be a great boost for referee numbers in the county,” he said. Brian Carroll said that the abuse of the gate people who work on a voluntary basis would not be tolerated. “I would also ask people to please respect our gate people when they are doing their job on match day. Unfortunately, we have heard of incidents where gate people were verbally abused by people entering games. This is most unacceptable behaviour and will not be tolerated. These gate people have no control on how much they charge any-
Roscommon County Board Secretary, Brian Carroll, released his annual report ahead of this Friday’s annual convention. Pic: Andrew Fox
one to get into a game as the admission prices are set by the County Finance Committee,” he said. New developments at Dr Hyde Park and the Dermot Earley Centre of Excellence are also prominent in the report. “Our new pitch surface at Dr Hyde Park will hopefully be a brilliant addition to the hosting of games. I, for one, know that the uncertainty on a Thursday whether a game can be played there three days later makes everyone’s job very difficult. Our training option is still a problem and that is why it is so crucial that everyone gets behind the
planned Dermot Earley Centre of Excellence and ensures that this project is a success. I want to thank all our clubs for their cooperation with making their pitches available for our County teams,” he said. He also praised the positive role played by Club Rossie in the affairs of the county and Roscommon GAA in 2016. Brian also fondly remembered two Roscommon GAA greats, Gerry O’Malley and Frank Dennehy, who passed away during the year and indeed all the GAA followers and officials who had loved ones pass away during the year.
Brigid’s and Clann set up Sunday showdown - U-20 Division 1 round-up Dermot Hughes U-20 Division 1 Semi-finals
St. Brigid’s 2-9 St. Dominic’s 0-13 St. Brigid’s edged into the final after a very tight game against neighbours St. Dominic’s at Ballyforan. Dominic’s were on top early on but a converted penalty from Jack
McDonnell kept Brigid’s in touch by half-time: St. Dominic’s 0-8 St. Brigid’s 1-3. A second Jack McDonnell goal saw Brigid’s assume control with points from Brian Stack (2), John Cunningham and Conor Gleeson proving decisive. Scorers – St. Brigid’s:
J McDonnell (2-2), B Stack and C Gleeson (03) each J Cunningham (01). St. Dominic’s: E McCormack (0-4), T Hurley and C Fallon (0-3) each, B O’Meara, M Treacy, D Doyle, (0-1) each. Clann na nGael 2-13 Pádraig Pearses 0-3 Clann were the easy winners at Johnstown. The
first half was a low-scoring affair at the end of which Clann led by 0-4 to 0-1. But the home side were in total control after the break with goals in the final ten minutes from Cian McManus and Shea Henry. Scorers - Clann na nGael: C McManus and S Henry (1-2) each, C Callinan
and Carrell (0-3) each, D Duff, K Bannon, and D Griffin (0-1) each. Pádraig Pearses: H Darcy, L Feehily and K Feehily (01) each. Note: The U-20 Division One Final between Clann na nGael and St. Brigid’s will take place this Sunday in Johnstown. Throw-in at 1 pm.
Rhattigan goal kills off Oran Dermot Hughes Roscommon U-20 FC Division 2 Final ELPHIN/BALLINAMEEN
1-10
ORAN
0-10
Elphin/Ballinameen were just about the deserved winners of this very entertaining decider played last Sunday at Enfield. The amalgamated side were the better team in the opening
quarter and they led by 0-5 to 0-2 after 21 minutes with Joseph Beirne and Aidan Murray very prominent. But good points from Dylan Keane brought Oran back into the game and by
half-time it was level at 06 each. Early in the second half Oran forged ahead and lead by two points but Elphin/Ballinameen replied with points from Joseph Beirne and Luke Mollahan. Then with 14 minutes to go, Elphin/Ballinameen scored the goal that was to decide the game. Dylan Shanagher and Aidan Murray did the spadework and sub John Rhatti-
gan finished to the Oran net. The sides exchanged points before Oran were awarded a penalty in the 57th minute but Darragh Walsh’s effort went narrowly wide. Elphin/Ballinameen had survived and they held out for a three-point victory. Elphin/Ballinameen: A Brady; E Mulvihill, C Egan, A Gleeson: G Higgins (01), D Giblin, E Killoran; N Lenehan, C Beirne; J
Beirne (0-4), N Higgins, D Shanagher (0-1); C Fox, A Murray (0-3), L Mollahan (0-1). Sub: J Rhattigan (1-0) for Fox. Oran: D Collins: I Conlon, J Casey, S Casey (0-1); E Concar, J Gunning, C Earley; J Regan, G Keenan; C Lawless (0-2), R Farrell, K Whyte (0-3); L Earley, D Keane (0-2), D Walsh (0-2). Sub: J Martin for Conlon. Referee: Gerry Carmody.
Brian Stack (pictured in action against Corofin in the Connacht Club Senior Final) was in fine form against St. Dominic’s in the U-20 Division 1 Semi-Final last weekend.
GAA Results Dermot Hughes U-20 Division 1 Semi-Finals Clann na nGael 2-13 Pádraig Pearses 0-3 St. Brigid’s 2-9 St. Dominic’s 0-13 Dermot Hughes U-20 Division 2 Final Elphin-Ballinameen 1-10 Oran 0-10
GAA Fixture Sunday, December 18th Dermot Hughes U-20 Division 1 Final (1 pm) At Johnstown: Clann na nGael v St. Brigid’s
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
SportsPeople Roscommon Kevin McStay, manager, sp time ponderin ent some g last disappointmen year’s week’s media ts at last briefing at County Board Offices. Pic: Andrew Fox
McStay prepares to fly solo ahead of New Year lift-off < SEAMUS DUKE
Kevin McStay spent a good portion of last week’s media briefing at County Board Offices looking back on what went wrong last year before setting his sights on another Connacht Final appearance and the All-Ireland QuarterFinals in 2017. He was also happy to discuss the appointments of former Birmingham City and Republic of Ireland youth player, David Joyce, two-time All-Ireland winning Kerry goalkeeper, Declan O’Keeffe, and Creggs manager, Ger Dowd, to his backroom team. The Roscommon manager then offered a brief insight into where it all went sour between himself and former joint manager, Fergal O’Donnell, but seemed intent on mostly looking forward to what he hopes will be a successful 2017. The Roscommon team started their formal training on Saturday, 10th of December and a trial game followed on Sunday last. This Saturday (17th) Roscommon play Meath in a challenge game in Kiltoom at 7 pm and they will face Kildare on Monday, 2nd of January at 2 pm, also in Kiltoom, in preparation for the new season.
Looking back 2016 schedule Looking back at 2016, Kevin returned time and time again to the schedule of games that Roscommon faced and the unavailability of Dr. Hyde Park. “We presented a review of everything that happened in 2016 to the County Board. There are a few things that I would like to say about the year and one is that as far as I know it was unprecedented in the history of Roscommon football the schedule we had this year. We played 22 competitive games. We won 12, drew one and lost 9. That included 6 championship games including two Connacht finals and a game in New York. We were playing almost every week from the first Sunday in January. Remember too that there were two rounds of the club championship in there as well. There was hardly a break at all and that has to be recognised. I am not whinging, but those are the facts. “A huge factor in 2016 was the unavailability of Hyde Park. We had no training base in 2016. The day we beat Sligo in the championship, Hyde Park was closed that evening. We had nowhere to train for the Connacht final and we were changing from one place to the next. We missed our chance to play Mayo in the FBD league, we had to give away home
venue for the games against Down and Dublin and of course the Connacht final replay too. In fact, the only day we were in Hyde Park, the day against Mayo in the league, was probably the day that we shouldn’t have been there, the weather and the pitch was so bad. It was home advantage that a young team would have enjoyed and it was not there.”
McStay said that a hectic schedule coupled with players being required to play at unfamiliar positions led to Roscommon’s poor Championship form. Pic: Andrew Fox
accepted that criticism but said that the schedule and injuries were big contributing factors to Roscommon’s downfall.
“Every team at the level we are at has to concentrate on getting their defensive systems right first, not the attack. This year we
were trying to get a proper defensive system going from the very first day but we didn’t succeed. We tried a lot of different things and
we have to get it right in 2017. But we just didn’t get a chance to get any proper system in place this year as we were playing almost every week so we had no time to plan properly. We knew we had to have a defensive plan for the championship. We freewheeled until the Mayo match but after that we realised that we were porous. When the big teams pushed up on our short kick-outs we were in trouble. “Let’s also look at the reality of what happened. We had seven players who played midfield in 2016 who are either half-backs or half-forwards. All our midfielders were injured or unfit. So it was very difficult for us to develop a proper system. A huge thing for us to figure out for 2017 is positions at number 3, 6, 8, 9,11 and 14 and the goalkeeper as well – and that’s top priority. But we need a proper defensive strategy when we face the big teams. We need
Inexperience costly McStay said the inexperience of the Roscommon team was also a factor when it came to looking back at 2016. He did, however, highlight the value of having played in high profile games. “Ten players played in a Connacht final for the first time in 2016. Thirteen players who played in the Connacht final were under 23. That is very positive for us going forward. Playing six championship games, playing in two Connacht finals, playing in a league semi-final and surviving in Division One are all going to stand to those players going forward. But the year was diminished by the way we went out of the championship, there is no doubt about that,” Kevin said.
Football style There had been much comment on the style of Roscommon’s football changing mid-season and becoming more negative as the year went on. McStay
It’s not you, it’s me! Kevin McStay and Fergal O’Donnell (left) parted ways following a disappointing end to 2016. Pic: Andrew Fox
a functioning midfield to make it work, simple as that,” he said.
Breaking up Kevin admitted that splitting from former joint manager Fergal O’Donnell was a very painful process but that he had come to the conclusion that their working relationship just wasn’t working out. “We did a review on what happened in 2016 and presented it to the County Board and at one of those meetings it was my view that the partnership with Fergal just wasn’t working and I conveyed that to him. It was one of the most difficult meetings that I have ever attended because Fergal was a great friend of mine and I know his standing in Roscommon football. I spent a long time thinking about it and reviewed the year in detail and came to that conclusion and he made his statement after that,” he said.
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
SportsPeople The Roscommon senior footballers went back training on December 10th and are now limbering up for FBD and National League action in the New Year. Pic: Andrew Fox
Looking forward New Year, New Dawn
Looking ahead: Roscommon manager, Kevin McStay, is looking forward to the New Year but stressed that a Connacht Final appearance is an “absolute”. Pic: Andrew Fox
With the post mortem into Roscommon’s league dip and championship exit done and dusted, Kevin McStay moved on. The dream management team is no more, this is the dawn of a new Roscommon revolution and McStay has now taken complete control. It’s his baby and while he realises the extent of the job facing him, he’s excited about the challenge. He said: “I am looking at all the positives and I just can’t wait to get going. We have had four weeks of pre-season training up to now for the players. We have 32 to 36 players involved. We only have only one player (Fergal Lennon) injured going into the new season, which is brilliant given the number of injuries we had this time last year.” Kevin said that he has had a brilliant response from the players since he contacted them about the 2017 season. “We had 38 players involved when we were beaten by Clare. Two lads retired, Geoffrey Claffey and Niall Carty, every other single player that we approached indicated their desire to play for Roscommon and that’s despite all the rumours and gossip and pub talk and tweets about a split among the players, which was incredibly unfair on everyone involved. “Some of the players in the panel have not been picked this time and some have wanted to take a break but the vast majority are back training and working hard. We have a development panel of young players numbering about nine that we will be looking at in conjunction with Adrian Dockery (U-21 manager). Those nine players will be with the U-21 side and out of that I will pick the best players out of that group later in the year for the championship. We have three internal games, the two challenge games mentioned and the three FBD League games and that’s more than enough to prepare for the National League. The panel for the National League will be 26 with four reserves,” he said. What about the objectives for 2017? “We will use the matches we mentioned to establish a panel for the National League and we use the National League to establish a panel for the championship. We want to be competitive in every National League game, like last year. Retaining our Division One status would be very important but not critical. Reaching the Connacht final would be an absolute. Reaching the All-Ireland quarter-final by the front or back door would also be a critical requirement of the year ahead,” he said. “Let’s call a spade a spade, the championship draw gives us great possibilities. If we are about our business we would be able to beat Leitrim at home. That will be a huge focus for us but if we prepare properly and diligently we should be able to win that match. There are not too many teams with the exception of Dublin and Kerry that can say that they have a great chance of a provincial final
appearance and that is the case with Roscommon this year,” he said.
Backroom changes There had been criticism of the size of the Roscommon backroom panel in 2016 and McStay said the budget for 2017 has been cut, but he paid tribute to the people who served in 2016 and said there was a lot of misinformation being put out as to what was going on. “The budget for the coming year has been agreed and signed off. The reduced size of the panel and the reduction in numbers in the backroom team has resulted in a reduction in the budget. In fact, the budget is greatly reduced from 2016 and that’s fine by me but I am happy that we have the resources that we need to do the job,” he said. McStay had previously announced Ger Dowd as his third selector and he made two more major announcements about his backroom team at the press briefing. “I am really looking forward to working with Ger. He has a huge knowledge of the game and the underage scene and he is a huge asset to us. “David Joyce from Castlebar Mitchels is what I would loosely call our performance coach. David is a very interesting guy. He played professional soccer for Birmingham City and he played for Ireland at numerous levels at underage level. His career was ended by serious injury. But he has major qualifications and has worked in the UK, Australia and in Ireland and he has massive experience and I am really looking forward to working with him. “Declan O’Keeffe is a two-time AllIreland winner with Kerry (1997 and 2000). He is really up for the job and he is a born winner. We have three goalkeepers on the panel now and he will be reducing that to two as the championship panel takes shape. I will be leaning on both these guys (David and Declan) not only in their own jobs but in general as well so I am really looking forward to working with them all and I am more than happy with the people I have in the backroom team,” he said. “I just want to say that out of the 23 people that we had in the backroom team in 2016, fourteen were volunteers and the majority of them didn’t even get mileage. People made a lot about the backroom team that everyone was making a fortune and it just wasn’t true and I want to clear that up,” he said.
Feeling positive McStay said that there are so many positives to consider for 2017. “We are going into the season almost injuryfree, we know our best players having looked at them last year. Our schedule is not nearly as punishing and we have a new pitch in Dr. Hyde Park. You can’t underestimate how important it will be for us to have a place to play and train in 2017. “This summer when the league is over we have an 11-week break until we play in the championship. Last year we had 17 days. We can plan properly this year,” he said. “The two games in the league under
lights in Croke Park and in MacHale Park are massive games for Roscommon GAA people to look forward to,” he said McStay went on to say that the medical set-up in Roscommon is probably the best in the country and the envy of other counties. “I know that we have the best medical set-up in the country. I know that it’s certainly as good as if not better than the Dublin medical set-up or anywhere else. That was one of the highlights of 2016 and that was put in place by Fergal O’Donnell and that is there for the U-21s as well,” he said.
‘Dubs’ scrubbed On the question of the panel and the players available, Kevin said that after all the hard work in 2016 the selectors know what players are available and unfortunately there won’t be any input from the Dublin scene. “We trialled about 60 players in 2016. We went to every game that was on and we have a very good idea of what players are out there now. We developed the idea of having guys with Roscommon parentage in Dublin playing for the county and we narrowed our choice down to four of five players. Some of them are really good players but the essential problem is that these guys are Dubs. They want to play for Dublin first and foremost and rightly so. But if they don’t make it they would play for Roscommon. I have finished that process now and the result is not great to be honest, because there is no commitment. We would love if it was different but those are the facts,” he said.
2017 panel The manager updated the media with regard to players who might be in and out of the panel, particularly some high profile players. “We know that Geoffrey Claffey and Niall Carty are retired. I hope that Niall stays around because he is management material in the future and if it was not for his injury he would be the Roscommon captain for years to come. A great leader and a great lad,” he said. “There are three players who are undecided as to what they are going to do and they are Senan Kilbride, Cathal Cregg and Neil Collins. We hope that Cathal will join us in January but he will have to make up his mind. I am chatting to Senan to see what he will do this weekend and Neil Collins is starting out with a business so we will have to see what the New Year brings for him. Hopefully they will all come back for us. “Ian Kilbride will be back in May but it remains to be seen if he will be able to get back to the required standard for the championship. But if anyone can do it then Ian Kilbride can. “We need all the experience that we can get for the year. Remember that we have a great chance of getting to a Connacht final and that is a major consideration for any footballer.” McStay confirmed that Donie Shine, Sean Purcell, James McDermott and David Keenan have all left the panel.
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Roscommon People Friday 16 December 2016
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