2017 02 03 by Roscommon People

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

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

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

A HEALTHY NEW YOU

03 February 2017

The Local Paper

SEE PAGES 16 – 19

VOLUME: 513

IN THIS WEEK’S ISSUE

Golf Links Road, Roscommon (090) 66 37620

FEBRUARY SPECIALS

McSTAY NAMES HIS TEAM

Bathroom Wall Tiles from €7.99 sq. yd.

Roscommon face Tyrone: PAGES 47– 48

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

KITCHEN APPLIANCE PACKAGE DEALS

FLEXIBLE PAYMENTS AVAILABLE T/C apply please see instore for details.

LOVE IS IN THE AIR .... Valentine’s Day countdown: PAGE 12

Byrne Carolan Cunningham

‘ELECTION OF THE SNOWS’

-----Solicitors----T: 090 64 78433 Please see our Column on Page 2 AND Advert INSIDE

Roisín O’Reilly pictured at the FBD Final between Roscommon and Galway in Kiltoom on Sunday. Picture: Andrew Fox

QUIT SMOKING IN 2017

Luke ‘Ming’ FLANAGAN MEP Constituency Office: Priory House, Barrack Street, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon Office hours: 9.30am-4.30pm

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

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

Finn Electrical Goff Street, Roscommon Tel. 090 66 25573

Spring Clean your home! Large range of Vacuum Cleaners, etc. in stock

Big weekend in Boyle: PAGES 6 – 7

DELIVERING KEROSENE & HEATING OIL TO YOUR HOME

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

FREE Overnight Bag with all and

Fragrances

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

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

One Session Smoking Cessation Therapy €90 CALL BILLY 094 965 9966 086 067 5433

MGF Electrical Supplies Ltd. Tel: 090 6625644 For all your Electrical Wiring, Accessories and Lighting Supplies Bell LED Lamp stockists

• Industrial • Commercial • Domestic

FRANCES’

CASEY’S

The Square, Roscommon Telephone: 090 6626270

ROSCOMMON Kerosene (on pump)

62.9 p/ltr. Full NEW range h of Chairs & Couc k Covers in stoc

Forever after 2016

After - 2010 Melanie has been maintaining her desired weight for 6 years.

CALL: 090 64 79748 Unit 13 Inis Oir, Golden Island, Athlone, Co. Westmeath

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Open 7 days a week Petrol / Diesel 24HR Diesel Pump Home Heating Oil Agri Diesel

Agent for Northcliffe Lighting

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Finishing Touches

Before - 2009

Lanesboro Road, ROSCOMMON ROSCOMMON

Henry Street, Roscommon. Email: Info@mgfelect.com

WHY do you turn to food when you’re not hungry; WHY do you reach for a treat when you’re bored, stressed or to reward yourself.

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TEL: (090) 66 65998 WEB: www.gfurniture.ie

Hynes Pharmacy Castle Street, Roscommon.

Tel. (090) 66 34147

Roscommon People Friday 03 February 2017

NewsPeople ROSCOMMON

Painting Services Professional Painters & Decorators

People WATCHING

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

CAT MISSING BETWEEN TULSK/N5 (down country lane) Large Reward for safe return She has the same face as the cat off the WHISKAS advert. She is grey in colour and called Kitty. Owner is anxious for her safe return.

Any sightings please contact:

089 4484037 Businesses: Reach your target market! 18,000 COPIES PRINTED WEEKLY

Jennifer Liddy and Sinead Neilan have commenced practice as

Liddy Neilan Solicitors Abbey Street, Roscommon T: (090) 6627498 F: (090) 6665590 E: info@liddyneilan.ie Practice areas include: • Conveyancing • Probate, Wills & Estate Planning • Personal Injury Claims and Litigation* • Family Law *in contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement.

LEARN TO UNDERSTAND AND ACCEPT YOURSELF Overcome Anxiety, Fears & Phobias, Stress, Trauma and Low Energy

Henry Schwab

SOLUTION FOCUSED THERAPY EFT Master Practitioner (AMT), Adv, Practitioner of Meridian Therapies (incl. TAT and Matrix Reimprinting), Master in Reiki & Seichem(Tera Mai), clin. Hypnotherapy & Psychotherapy (Dip. Hyp./Psych., ADHP)

Call: Henry Schwab on 071 96 62114 www.henryschwabhealing.com • schwabhenry@gmail.com CALM, RELAXED AND IN PEACE WITH YOURSELF

ROSCOMMON DRIVING SCHOOL 087 2295551

Excellent, Ceara!: AIT 1st year student Ceara Pearson has been awarded the Scholarship of Excellence 2016/17 at a ceremony in the Institute this week. The Scholarship was awarded in recognition of the high points she achieved in her Leaving Certificate examinations. Ceara is presently on the BA (Hon) Animation & Illustration Degree programme in the Institute and sat her Leaving Certificate in St. Nathy’s College in Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon. From left to right: Dr. Don Faller, Dean, Faculty of Science & Health; Prof. Ciarán Ó Catháin, President of AIT; Ceara Pearson, Brenda Pearson, Dr. Niall Seery, Registrar and Oliver Hegarty, Head of Department of Social Studies & Design.

Mysterious package on Abbey Street Last Friday a mysterious package landed on my desk at Roscommon HQ. As with any package I receive, there was definitely a hint of jealousy in the air from everyone else in the office, so I took my time opening it. Following two visits to the front of the office with the envelope, I felt it was time to put my colleagues out of their misery and open it… Inside I found a handmade St. Brigid’s cross and information on one of our best-known saints.

The package, which was a lovely gesture, had come from retired arts and crafts teacher, Margaret Anne Millett, who now lives in

Ballinlough. Thank you Margaret and a belated happy St. Brigid’s Day! – Dan Dooner

House that Owen (re)built… South Roscommon native Owen Killian is frequently ‘in the newspapers’, though not, I hasten to add, in some egotistical ‘get me on to the social pages’ type of way. On the contrary, he is, I suspect, media shy. Owen gets into the newspapers because, a bit like other Roscommon natives Sean Mulryan, Gerry Gannon and – in the past – the Bailey brothers from Ballintubber country – he is a long-time inclusion in lists of Ireland’s richest people. Chief of food company Aryzta (go on, google them), Owen Killian, described in one profile as a ‘croissant maker’ – is in fact worth several million euro. He hasn’t, as they say, forgotten his Roscommon roots; I recall him being special guest at an IFA Dinner in the Abbey Hotel a number of years ago. Aryzta are facing challenges just at the moment – it’s been all over the ‘business news’ – but we have full confidence in

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

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

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

Owen’s midas touch. He’s on our mind this week because the Sunday Independent reported that renovation of the Roscommon man’s 21,000 square foot house is close to completion. It’s on the corner of Shrewsbury Road and Merrion Road in Dublin, and will feature a swimming pool, gym, and a lift – “Dublin’s largest residence” according to the Sindo. The best of luck to you, Owen! Compiled by PAUL HEALY

A person should always contact their solicitor to obtain legal advice specific to their own situation. The above column contains general information and cannot be relied upon as legal advice. * In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement

Byrne Carolan Cunningham SOLICITORS

Telephone Central Line 090 6478433 info@bccsolicitors.ie

Roscommon People Friday 03 February 2017

NewsPeople Say Yes to the

Dress

ROSCOMMON Driving School 087 2295551

Bridal Accessories Expo where you can choose your Something Old, Something New ...

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Advertorial ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Abbey Hotel to host ‘Say Yes to the Dress’ Bridal Event IT’S ON SUNDAY, MARCH 26TH The Abbey Hotel, Roscommon, the midlands’ premier wedding venue, will host a ‘SAY YES TO THE DRESS’ Bridal Event on Sunday, 26th of March from 12 noon to 4 pm. This unique event is a perfect opportunity for bridal shops, boutiques, mother of the bride outlets, hat hire and wedding accessory suppliers to showcase their products. Ladies with pre-loved wedding dresses and bridesmaids’ dresses/mother of the bride attire to sell (in exceptional condition) are also welcome. Brides-to-be are invited to come along and enjoy this exciting build-up to your wedding day. Come along and get tips from bridal suppliers with advice on choosing the right style of dress to suit your shape whilst mothers of the bride can be on trend with the latest styles in hat designs and accessories for 2017/18. “Choosing the perfect wedding dress is an important decision for every bride-to-be, so why not eliminate all the inconvenience and stress of shopping around when we can bring the bridal shops and a range of accessories direct to you” explained Geraldine Grealy, Marketing Manager, Abbey Hotel. GIRLS’ DAY OUT

There will also be some complimentary hair and makeover trials on the day for some lucky brides-to-be as well as a draw for a three-month gym & pool membership of Abbey Health & Fitness. Why not plan a girls’ day (or night) away with special overnight rates available for Saturday/ Sunday at the hotel. Cost for a stand is only €65. Pre-booking is essential. Admission to the public is free. Call 086-3276584 or 090-6626240. Follow the Abbey Hotel on Facebook and Twitter for further updates.

FITTED KITCHENS, BEDROOMS & SLIDEROBES Main Street, Elphin, Co. Roscommon Tel. (071) 96 35530 / (086) 3855263.

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Sunday, March 26th 12 noon - 4pm Stands only €65

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Bridal Shops, New and Pre-loved wedding and bridesmaids dresses, Mother of the Bride outfits, Hat Hire, Boutiques and Wedding Accessories welcome.

*FREE ADMISSION* To take a stand at this exciting event please call Geraldine on 086 3276584 / 090 6626240

Businesses: Reach your target market!

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Monksland, Athlone. Tel. 087 272 4886

GREAT DEALS AVAILABLE ON CAR SERVICING

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Pictured in P. Kelly’s on Saturday night last were Mairéad and Laura Hynes. Picture: Andrew Fox

Bringing you the best quality tyres

Roscommon People Friday 03 February 2017

NewsPeople St. John’s National School Lecarrow

NOW ACCEPTING ENROLMENTS FOR SEPTEMBER 2017

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK A column by Roscommon People editor

paul@roscommonpeople.ie

Trump shakes up the world!

OPEN EVENING

Wednesday, 8th February 2017 from 6 – 7 pm Pre-school and After-school facilities on School Grounds After School Club opens from 2 pm to 6pm and caters for children aged 4 to 12 years

Tel: 0906661242 E-mail: naomheoinstjohn@yahoo.ie

Lisaniskey N.S. Donamon, Co. Roscommon

OPEN EVENING and ENROLMENT Tuesday, 7th February, 2017 at 7.00 p.m. If you wish to enrol your child for September 2017, come along on Tuesday evening to meet the staff and view our school.

For further information, contact Noel Dervan, Principal on

090 6662730 BUSINESSES: Reach your target market! 18,000 COPIES PRINTED WEEKLY

Cillian Hoare, Cian Kiernan and Brian Hoare pictured at the FBD Final between Roscommon and Galway in Kiltoom on Sunday. Picture: Andrew Fox

Conte’s canter? In the real world, away from all that Trump stuff, it looks like Chelsea, under Antonio Conte, are on an unstoppable march to Premiership glory. I wouldn’t begrudge Chelsea the title – they’re certainly the team of the season so far – but I would like to see a meaningful, competitive title run-in. As ever, well at least until Leeds are back in business, my heart is with Arsenal, simply because they have played such breathtaking

Athlone, Moate, Lanesborough & Galway

Tel: 090 647 8433 * MOTOR ACCIDENTS

r ee ouour SSee Column n olum oinn cBusiness ge 2 pa

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

www.bccsolicitors.com

be a twist over the next month or so and neutrals – not to mention fans of the other top clubs – will hope that Chelsea hit a poor patch. Don’t fully rule Arsenal out yet! Meanwhile, in this new era of alternative news/facts, I was delighted to see Leeds brush aside non-league Sutton United and continue on their march to FA Cup glory (or get humiliated 1-0 by Sutton and knocked out of the competition if you want to be pedantic).

HAVE I GOT BAD DUDES FOR YOU… Terrorism update from President Trump on Twitter (tweeted on Monday): ‘If the ban were announced with a one week notice, the ‘bad’ would rush into our country during that week. A lot of bad dudes out there!’

Theresa doesn’t take the biscuit…

Byrne Carolan Cunningham Solicitors

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

football over the Arsene Wenger era. But patience has been wearing thin amongst Gunners’ fans in recent seasons –they love the swashbuckling football, but resent the cobwebs in the club’s trophy room, a place which sees little activity. After losing at home to Watford on Tuesday night – while Chelsea were being held to a draw at Anfield – it looks like Arsenal’s best hope is to finish second once again. Still, there may

‘I shook up the world! I shook up the world!’ So said Muhammad Ali, leaning forward, arm outstretched, king of the boxing ring, Sonny Liston on the flat of his back. Just now, it’s Donald Trump who is shaking up the world – world leaders and mere ordinary folk collectively feeling as dazed as Sonny Liston was. To say that Trump hit the ground running in his first week of USA, as President of America would President Donald Trump be quite an understatement. A flurry of executive orders were made, the world watching in amazement as a politician, on taking office, immediately began doing what he had said he would do while on the campaign trail. Extraordinary! Mind you, did he have to be quite so combative? In week one, Trump created a huge diplomatic row with Mexico, stunned people all over the world with his hardline stance on travel into the USA, and sacked his Attorney General. Quite an opening seven days! Still, only 1453 days to go…

British PM Theresa May

You have to hand it to David Davin-Power…he’s a bit of a one-off alright. The fact that he hardly ever smiles to camera shouldn’t be held against the RTE man. After all, we go about our busy lives day after day, week after week, year on year, and it’s David who’s marooned at the front gates outside the Dáil, his fate to be neither an insider nor an outsider, a man on the edge of something and the edge of nothing. Just when the rest of us are ready to settle down after our hectic day, we summon David from his lonely spot outside the Dáil and expect him to summarise what’s going on in the political world. And, in fairness to David, he tries his best. Of course, like all the political correspondents, or ‘pol corrs,’ David has

become masterful at talking at length even though there is an absence of information. It is speculation as detail. These folks are gifted at giving the impression that they are highly informed on what’s going on behind the scenes, when in fact they are feeding off mere morsels, at best dancing to the tune of the spin doctors. You have to say that they put on a good show, sitting in the ‘Tonight With Vincent Browne’ studio, telling us everything they know about the latest political crisis, which is usually about as much as we know, only it’s delivered with a verbal confidence and seriousness of expression that convinces the viewer the pol corr has been nightcapping with Enda, all his ministers and the

entire Civil Service. On Monday night, this enjoyable charade reached new levels of madness when David Davin-Power was speculating on the RTE News about how British PM Theresa May and Taoiseach Enda Kenny had got on earlier that evening. Getting to the end of his contribution, David showed signs that it had been a long and cold day outside the Dáil gates. Describing how Ms. May is a formidable, straight-talking woman who doesn’t stand on ceremony and who gets down to business, David explained – as evidence of her no-nonsense traits – that it was his understanding that none of the biscuits served to Ms. May and Enda had been touched!

Roscommon People Friday 03 February 2017

NewsPeople Dr. MALGORZATA (Margaret) WAWRZYNEK, PhD

NEW GP PRACTICE Abbey Street Medical Centre Roscommon Town Pictured at the Creggs GAA Dinner Dance on Saturday night last were Seán Brandon, Chairman of Creggs GAA Club, Kathleen McKeague, Treasurer of Creggs GAA Club, Gerry Keegan, Secretary of Creggs GAA Club and Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice. Picture: Andrew Fox

‘Boost for Brexit-hit Roscommon farmers’ Senator Frank Feighan has said that a newly-launched low-cost loan scheme will be extremely beneficial for farmers in Roscommon, particularly to help them mitigate against the impact of Brexit. The ‘Agri Cashflow Support Loan Scheme’, which was developed in cooperation with the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI), was launched by Fine Gael Minister for

Agriculture, Michael Creed on Tuesday. Senator Feighan: “This is going to be really beneficial to farmers here who are looking for income stability in a period of price volatility due to Brexit. Roscommon farmers will be able to avail of low-cost interest rate loans of 2.95%, which represents excellent value compared to market rates. “A major priority for Fine Gael

in Government is to assist farmers in mitigating against the impact of Brexit. “AIB, Bank of Ireland and Ulster Bank will distribute the loans, making €150 million available to farmers throughout Ireland. This is supported by €25 million being provided by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, including €11 million in EU exceptional adjustment aid.”

Pictured at the Creggs GAA Dinner Dance on Saturday night last were Elaine Hanley, Lorraine McKeague and Lorraine Conlon. Picture: Andrew Fox ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Advertorial –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Communion and Conﬁrmation celebrations at the Athlone Springs Hotel The Athlone Springs Hotel is the perfect choice for your child’s very special day this spring. This year the team at Athlone Springs Hotel wants to offer families communion celebrations that are a little different from your normal sitdown lunch. Trevor, the hotel’s Head Chef, has prepared a beautiful rolling buffet lunch which includes amazing starters, main courses and desserts. Children will have their own children’s buffet with an ice cream bar to make their own ice cream sundaes.

The events team have also organised lots of entertainment including a disco, face-painting, movies and children’s entertainer. Lunch for communions is €23.95 per person and children are only €9.95 with the celebration going free. For the older children celebrating their confirmation we have a three-course lunch available from €23.95 per person. For enquiries, please contact the hotel’s events team on 090-6445808 or email events@athlonespringshotel.com

Located between Abbey Meats and Hills Shoe Repairs

Public and Private patients welcome Free Car Park available at rear of surgery

Phone: 087 4039793 Dr. Wawrzynek wishes to sincerely thank Dr. Robinson and the local GPs for their good wishes and continued support

Free event at Ardcarne Garden Centres A free bare-root tree & hedging event will be held at Ardcarne Garden Centre, Boyle and Roscommon Town on Saturday, 4th of February (11.30 am-12.30 pm).

Discover the benefits of bare-roots and how to choose the best types for your garden. Plants also available for Glas Scheme. Free event. All welcome.

Roscommon People Friday 03 February 2017

* Picture for illustration purposes only

NewsPeople

2 Adorable Hand Reared puppies require a Happy & Responsible home. With Ample space to Run/Play. Have been very well cared for since birth via a local vet. Now 5 months old. Regrettably owner unable to look after the 2 puppies. You Will Fall in Love at First Sight Two Different and Wonderful PERSONALITIES Only True Animal Lovers need respond Phone 089 4484037 (Anytime)

Abbey Business Park, Circular Road, Roscommon

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Minister needs to be proactive on bird flu – Ming Case of bird flu in Roscommon confirmed MEP Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan has called on the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed, to be more proactive in dealing with the threat to free range poultry caused by bird flu cases in Ireland. This comes after the fifth case of bird flu in Ireland was confirmed in a wild swan in Ballinturley, Co. Roscommon this week. Speaking at an extraordinary meeting of the Agricultural committee in the European Parliament earlier this week, MEP Flanagan

said: “In an effort to minimise the spread of the disease, all poultry have been housed since before Christmas by order of DAFM. “This has indeed proved effective but it also has the potential to cause serious damage to the free range sector. The EU regulation under which commercial producers operate stipulates that the maximum period that poultry can be confined for and still be regarded as free range is 12 weeks. The clock is ticking on this; the 12-week period will elapse on the 17th of March.” MEP Flanagan added: “According to Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan, changing the 12-week period would require a Delegated Act which would take time to enact. He undertook to look again at the legal aspects of this but was non-committal

on the outcome.” According to MEP Flanagan, producers were now left with a stark choice between allowing their flocks outside at the risk of infection or keeping them confined and facing severe income loss. He added that Commissioner Hogan was clear that there would be no compensation for income loss and that only “some level” of support would be available for direct losses due to slaughtering and disinfection of units. MEP Flanagan called on the Minister to be more proactive and to provide direction on this issue. He also urged authorities to explore innovative solutions which would allow poultry flocks outside access while restricting contact with wild birds which are seen as carriers of the disease.

Commemorative Weekend in Boyle on Centenary of ‘Election of the Snows’ Commemorative Weekend is being held in Boyle to mark 100 years since the election of Count George Noble Plunkett as MP for North Roscommon in a historic by-election that paved the way for Sinn Féin’s electoral breakthrough in the 1918 General Election, breaking the grip that the Irish Parliamentary Party had on nationalist politics across the island. Sinn Féin have published a programme of events for Friday 4th-Sunday 5th February in Boyle which will centre on the Boyle Courthouse which has recently been refurbished for the event. On Friday, 4th of February from 7.30 pm in the Courthouse there will be an official opening of the ‘Count Plunkett Exhibition’ and a lecture from Dr. Conor McNamara of NUI Galway. Mr. McNamara was the 1916 Scholar-in-residence at NUIG and is currently working on researching the 1916-1923 revolutionary period, in which Count Plunkett’s election was such a pivotal moment. There will be a social night after the lecture in the Moylurg Inn, Boyle from 9.30 pm with local musician Shane Cronogue. On Saturday, 5th of February from 4 pm, Boyle Courthouse will host the main event of the weekend where 2016 General Election candidate Claire Kerrane from Ballaghaderreen will chair proceedings. The event will include a re-enactment of the 1917 Count, a talk given by Honor O’Brolchain – Count Plunkett’s Great-grandaughter and grandniece of 1916 Easter Rising leader Joseph Plunkett – songs sung by the great Bernadine Casserly of Frenchpark, a keynote address from Sinn Féin VicePresident Mary Lou McDonald and re-enactment of Count Plunkett’s acceptance speech at the steps of the Courthouse followed by a torch-lit procession through the town.

A RURAL SOCIAL SCHEME RENEWAL 2017 Roscommon LEADER Partnership is currently renewing applications from community groups wishing to avail of assistance from the Rural Social Scheme (RSS) throughout County Roscommon. The RSS is an employment scheme that provides labour support to communities in the following areas: • Maintaining and enhancing way marked ways, agreed walks and bog roads • Energy conservation for the elderly and less well off • Village and countryside enhancement projects • Social care of the elderly, community care for both pre-school and after-school groups • Environmental maintenance work • Maintenance and care taking of community and sporting facilities • Projects relating to not for profit cultural and heritage centres • Community administration/Clerical duties • Any other appropriate community projects identified during the course of the scheme. If your community group is currently working with the RSS, notification will automatically be sent to you. If you are a community group wishing to apply for the first time please contact our Arigna Office on 090 6630252 or amanda@ridc.ie for an application form. Closing date for returning applications is Tuesday 14th February 2017

Roscommon People Friday 03 February 2017

NewsPeople

Appointment of child psychologist a priority â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Naughten The recruitment of a child psychologist for County Roscommon is to be treated as a priority by the HSE, local Minister Denis Naughten has said. Minister Naughten had sought approval of the post to address the growing waiting list of children in the county who are unable to access child psychology services. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The vacant position in Primary Care Psychology in Roscommon meant those referred to this service were not being seen,â&#x20AC;? stated Minister Naughten. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In Roscommon this post accounts for 50% of the Primary Care Staff Grade cover and as a conse-

quence the service did not have staffing resources to cover this post. â&#x20AC;&#x153;However, following my intervention I have been informed by the Department of Health this week that a replacement post has been approved and a basic grade psychology panel is now in place. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Chief Officer of the Community Health Organisation 2, which has responsibility for primary care services in Roscommon and Galway, is liaising with the National Recruitment Services and the vacancy is being treated as a priority and will be filled as soon as possible,â&#x20AC;? added Minister Naughten.

Murphy highlights need to fast-rack appointment Fianna FĂĄil TD Eugene Murphy, left, welcomed the fact that the Department of Health has approved a replacement post for a child psychologist for County Roscommon. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The need to fast-track the appointment of a child psychologist for County Roscommon is something which I have been highlighting for the past number of months. Indeed it was one of the main points which I raised with Minister David Stanton during a recent Oireachtas briefing particularly in light of the 36 Syrian children who will be seeking refuge in Ballaghaderreen in the coming weeks.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The immediate appointment is also necessary for the children from County Roscommon who have been left languishing on an ever-growing waiting list since last summer. It seems all the political pressure has borne some fruit but I want to stress that it is vital that this vacancy is treated as a priority and filled as soon as possible,â&#x20AC;? said Deputy Murphy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Many of the Syrian children coming to Ballaghaderreen will undoubtedly have suffered untold trauma so it is vital that this post is in place before the refugees arrive in Ballaghaderreen in the coming weeks.â&#x20AC;?

Roxboro NS DERRANE, ROSCOMMON TELEPHONE: 090 - 6625703

Email: roxboroschool.ias@eircom.net

OPEN EVENING Thursday, February 16th at 7.00pm We invite parents/guardians to our

Enrolment/ Information Evening

Come along to see the School and meet the Staff PRINCIPALâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ADDRESS 7.30pm Enrolment Forms available at the Open Evening or by contacting the school Closing date for applications is February 28th, 2017 Roxboro NS is a co-educational, Catholic Primary School which strives to provide a well-ordered, caring, happy and secure environment where the intellectual, spiritual, physical, moral, emotional and cultural needs of the pupils are identified and nurtured

Ballaghaderreen Market is back! The Ballaghaderreen Community Market organisers are pleased to announce that the first community market of 2017 will take place this Saturday, the 11th of February in the three shop units next to Duffyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s SuperValu between 10 am and 3 pm.

There will be a wide range of stalls including, jams, knitting, jewellery and much, much more along with a separate carboot/bric a brac area. Make sure you pop along this Saturday for a browse!

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Election of the Snowsâ&#x20AC;? Count Plunkettâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Election as MP for North Roscommon

Centenary Weekend Boyle, Co. Roscommon Friday 3rd - Saturday 4th February 2017 count plunkett Exhibition open in Boyle Courthouse Friday 3rd - Sunday 5th february

FRIDAY 3RD FEBRUARY // DĂ&#x2030; HAOINE 3 FEABHRA

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;A weekend of huge historical importanceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; In promoting the weekend of events, spokesperson for Coiste ComĂłrtha Shinn FĂŠin Ros ComĂĄin 1916-1923, Cllr. Michael Mulligan of the Boyle LEA, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;This weekend is of huge historical importance to Roscommon and the island as a whole. Count Plunkett stood as an independent republican candidate and in the aftermath of his comprehensive victory, he played a major role along with the likes of Fr. Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Flanagan from Castlerea, in forming the modern Sinn FĂŠin political party which swept to power in 1918. He was the first ever elected MP to be affiliated to Sinn FĂŠin. We will have an exhibition in the Courthouse all weekend detailing the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Election of the Snowsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and other significant

events and individuals in Plunkettâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s political life. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am delighted that we will have a great-line up of guests on the night from Count Plunkettâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great-grandaughter Honor O Brolchain, Dr. Conor McNamara and Mary Lou McDonald TD to the great Bernadine Casserly and our local MEP Matt Carthy. I would also like to sincerely thank the Boyle Courthouse Development Committee and its chairperson Frank Geelan for allowing us the use of the hall for this event. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Finally, I encourage anyone with an interest in local history, politics or indeed in the Plunkett, Devine or Tully families to join us in marking this important moment in the history of Roscommon over the course of the weekend.â&#x20AC;?

7.30pm: Ceremonial Presentation of Polling Boxes to Boyle Courthouse 7.45pm: OfĂ&#x20AC;Fial OSening of Count PlunNett ExhiEition Ey -ane 6ufĂ&#x20AC;n 8.00pm: Conor 0FNamara EleFtion of the 6noZs in Fontext of the reYolutionary SerioG 3 9.30pm: 6oFial Night in the 0oylurg Inn Boyle Zith 6hane Cronogue

SATURDAY 4TH FEBRUARY // DĂ&#x2030; SATHAIRN 4 FEABHRA 4.00pm: Re enaFtment Counting of 9otes AnnounFement of Result 4.05pm: :elFome from 0att Carthy 0EP 4.10pm: IntroGuFtion Ey Claire .errane Coiste Comyrtha Shinn Fpin Ros Comiin 3

4.20pm: Conor 0FNamara HistoriFal Context of EleFtion of the SnoZs 4.35pm: RenGition of *raFe Ey BernaGine Casserly 4.40pm: Honor O BrolFhiin *reat *ranGaughter of Count PlunNett 5.05pm: Presentation of Cotton TriFolour to FranN *eelan ChairSerson of Boyle Courthouse DeYeloSment /tG Committee 5.10pm: .eynote AGGress 0ary /ou 0FDonalG TD 5.35pm: Presentation of FrameG Posters 5.45pm: Re enaFtment of Count PlunNett s aFFeStanFe sSeeFh outsiGe Boyle Courthouse Singing of The :est s AZaNe Ey BernaGine Casserly 6.00pm: TorFhlit ProFession through Boyle toZn Zith singing 6.30pm: Tea anG Coffee in 0oylurg Inn Boyle

Roscommon People Friday 03 February 2017

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Leyden assures UK duo of solidarity on Brexit < DAN DOONER

Senator Terry Leyden last week assured the UK delegates at a European affairs committee meeting of Irish solidarity ahead of Brexit. Speaking in Malta, Senator Leyden spoke directly to UK delegates, Sir William Cash and Lord Timothy Boswell as vicechairman of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on European Affairs. Senator Leyden said: “We worked together to secure peace in Northern Ireland under the Good Friday Agreement. “We will work together to ensure an orderly withdrawal of the UK from European Union, but UK are still an integral part of Europe.” Senator Leyden also wished Malta every success during its first presidency of the European Union, which the country will hold for the first six months of the year. He also welcomed the priorities of the

presidency including development of the single market, handling of the migration crisis and refugee resettlement and relocation schemes. He added: “Ireland is

playing its part as evident from the recent decision to accommodate Syrians in Ballaghaderreen.” Senator Leyden was speaking as the head of the Irish delegation

CIRCULAR ROAD, ROSCOMMON, CO. ROSCOMMON

w w w. s e a n d o y l e w i n d o w s . i e | e m a i l : i n f o @ s e a n d o y l e w i n d o w s . i e

to the Conference of Parliamentary Committees for Union Affairs (COSAC) which took place in Valetta on Sunday 22nd and Monday 23rd of January.

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Canvassing from altar? Letter to the Editor

Fianna Fáil Senator Terry Leyden pictured at the Conference of Parliamentary Committees for Union Affairs of Parliaments of the European Union (COSAC) in Malta.

Dear Editor, At 12 noon Mass recently in Castlerea, the priest introduced a lady from the Pro Life Group to, in my view, canvass the congregation on the future referendum on abortion in Ireland. Whether she was right or wrong is not the point, in my view the Holy Mass is not the time or place to try and canvass people towards an opinion on a possible referendum. The lady spoke of the natural time it takes for a baby to grow from conception to birth while she

Better hearing, much better prices Prior to entering the market, Blackberry Hearing’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 45-day 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 company’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 include “I can only say that the service was top class”. “We did not necessarily set out to be disruptive” according to John “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 peoples’ lives for the better at an affordable price is a really good feeling.”

offered her side of the debate. Speaking on the altar during Mass, nobody was going to stand up and ask her what answers she would give to the other side of the argument, such as unwanted pregnancies from rape or incest, or in such cases when there are fatal foetal abnormalities. Pro Life are a social conservative lobby group and, like all political groups and parties, should not be given the use of the church altar or grounds to push their points across. Yours sincerely, Name and address with Editor

Megan Munnelly, BSc Audiologist Hearing is one of those things that we all take for granted until it’s taken away. I have seen that many times and have witnessed the effect the loss of hearing can have on an individual’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.

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.

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Roscommon People Friday 03 February 2017

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Positive news on youth services The Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board will be providing a range of youth services on an interim basis following the withdrawal of funding to Youth Work Ireland for a number of projects across Roscommon/East Galway. At a special meeting of the GRETB in Roscommon Town on Friday morning, attended by Oireachtas members, CEO David Leahy confirmed that the organisation would be providing limited services in the coming weeks following the vacuum which was created after funding was withdrawn from Youth Work Ireland. Fianna Fáil TD Eugene Murphy has welcomed the news. Describing Friday’s meeting as “very positive,” Deputy Murphy said that Mr. Leahy confirmed

that the Department had been in contact and that limited services would be up and running in the coming weeks. “The issue was with the quality of services being provided by Youth Work Ireland and GRETB will now provide services on an interim basis for six months and there will be a complete analysis carried out on the provision of youth service for the county.” Deputy Murphy continued: “The GRETB are keen to look at this as a good news story with a new start – and that’s fair enough – but we need to guarantee that there is not a watered down or diluted provision of services to young people who really relied heavily upon the existing services.

“In the region of 120 young people a day used the services of The Phoenix Centre in Ballaghaderreen while the youth diversion project and the youth information centre in Roscommon Town was also very popular. “I welcome the positive attitude of the CEO of GRETB towards this new arrangements and I hope that the same quality of services and facilities are back up and running as soon as possible for young people throughout the region,” said Deputy Murphy. Also welcoming the development, Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice said that assurances were given that Ballygar, Ballaghaderreen and Roscommon Town would have services back up and running during the interim period.

newsbriefs Castlerea’s Food Hub to proceed Planning permission has been granted for the new food hub which will be located in Castlerea and which will be called An Chistin. Work is expected to commence on the project in the coming months. Cllr. Nigel Dineen, paying tribute to all involved, described the project as a combined initiative between Roscommon County Council, Castlerea Enterprise and Roscommon LEADER. He paid particular tribute to the “vision” of Castlerea businessman Benny O’Connell who has had a long held ambition to develop such a community facility. Cllr. Dineen: “This is a very good example of the type of innovation that is required to regenerate towns such as Castlerea throughout Co. Roscommon. “An Chistin will be a credit to the entrepreneurial spirit of all involved.”

Roscommon Lions Club’s Inaugural Charity Walk

Members of the Creggs senior team and management and special guests Kevin McStay, Roscommon senior football manager and Damien Comer, Galway senior footballer pictured at the Creggs GAA Dinner Dance. Picture: Andrew Fox

Roscommon Lions Club is organising its Inaugural Charity Walk fundraiser (5km/10km) for the construction of Safe Centres for Syrian refugee children in Lebanon and for other Lions Club charities on Sunday, 9th of April (Psalm Sunday) at 2 pm from Hannon’s Hotel, Roscommon Town. Registration is €10/individual and €20/family. Lebanon is much smaller than Ireland with a population of 4.5 million but it has around two million Syrian refugees. Of the two million refugees half of these are children of 3-8 years of age who have been traumatised by six years of Civil War in Syria. 300,000 of them do not have any schooling. For more information follow the event on Roscommon Lions Club facebook page.

Roscommon People Friday 03 February 2017

NewsPeople ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Advertorial –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Wedding Fair at Sheraton Athlone this Sunday At Sheraton, we understand the most important day of your life deserves the utmost care and sheer professionalism. Attention to detail is paramount! Your very own wedding specialist Erica will work with you to create a truly unique occasion that reflects your individual tastes and preferences – all you have to do is enjoy every moment with your family and friends. On Sunday, 5th of February, we are inviting you to come and

see all that weddings by Sheraton has to offer. With all areas of the hotel on show you won’t want to miss viewing our chic ballroom with striking Swarovski chandeliers, the romantic room that intimately hosts your wedding celebration. Experience the breathtaking two-storey bridal suite with floor to ceiling windows, the only place you want to wake up in as newlyweds. View our stunning rooftop gar-

den, an oasis of privacy that’s perched beside the iconic Sheraton Tower. The perfect place for your wedding drinks reception to really come alive. Filled with natural light for stunning photos, it lifts weddings at Sheraton Athlone to another level. There’ll be canapés, bubbles and the opportunity to sample the wedding dishes created by our Executive Head Chef, and start planning a menu to really delight your guests. Our Head Sommelier, will be there to help you plan a drinks menu to match, with wine and food pairings that sing together in harmony and cocktails or craft beer options that are bang on trend. Our Wedding Fair is just where it begins. Erica Kelly, our Wedding & Events Executive, will be delighted to show you everything that the Sheraton Athlone offers as a venue. Then relax and enjoy the fun as live music plays late in to the evening. RSVP today to be entered into the fantastic giveaway of two nights’ Engagement Getaway. Simply RSVP Erica today on 090-6451000 or email ekelly@ sheratonathlonehotel.com. The corks pop at 2 pm. See you there. For more info visit weddingsbysheraton.com

Roscommon People Friday 03 February 2017

Celebrating Valentine’s Day ...

Love is…Miriam’s Valentine’s guide < MIRIAM KERINS

Mother India Indian Restaurant & Takeaway The Square, Roscommon Tel. 090 6634973 / 6634976

Mobile: (086) 4145047 086 7917274 or 089 4429444

Now taking bookings for Valentine’s Day Gift Vouchers Available BRING YOUR OWN WINE

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Now taking bookings for Valentine’s Day Telephone: (043) 33 26098 / 33 26052 Email: info@keenans.ie Web: www.keenans.ie

The Old Stone House

ot that the other half needs an excuse to come across all romantic (yeah right) but Valentine’s Day is upon us, and so boys and girls, when dropping a subtle hint regarding what you’d like to see wrapped up in a red ribbon this season of amour, we thought we’d give you a few pointers...just to keep you in the good books!

For Her… Two of my personal favourite scents are Pure Poison by Díor; it’s a woody, orange blossom fragrance that’s quite light and, apparently it ‘incarnates seduction in its purest state…’ Oooh matron! The second is Estée Lauder’s White Linen, a perfume I’ve been wearing since my teens ‘cos I love it. It’s old-fashioned glamour, it’s crisp, it’s soft, it’s clean and it conjures up images of summer. If you feel that treatments are more her thing, why not book her on a pamper package spa day or a day at the local beauty salon; I mean, what a great start to spring; a manicure, a pedicure, a facial, a massage, or some hot stone therapy finished off with you picking her up and whisking her for lunch, all washed down with a bottle of bubbly and a box of choccies. Yum!

For Him… Whether he likes the timeless classics or he’s into the latest celebrity scents, we bet you’ll knock his socks off with Tom Ford’s Noir. Now it’s pricey but isn’t it time he made a bold statement, as in ‘I’m a mature, responsible, sexy man,’ and isn’t it time you helped him do it? With combined scents of patchouli and vanilla we bet this heady fragrance will turn your overall-wearin’-shyguy into an international man of mystery and intrigue. G’wan, spoil him. Now personally I love a beard and/or a good healthy moustache, but if your bloke has one of those chaotic, untamed, just came down from livin’ in the mountains set of facial follicles, then you need to get him groomed and quick, with a bit of beard balm. One that’ll soften the hairs allowing him to sculpt them into place will do the trick. According to my eldest, a hair stylist/barber, use the beard balm if you’ve got shorter facial scruff and use the oil if you’re rockin’ a bush, a la the sexy bartender from First Dates Ireland. Follow the instructions on the box, and, she adds, be sure to comb hair after application.

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Love on a Plate Join us for our Exclusively Created, 4 Course Menu with Bubbles this Valentines Night. Check out our Menu on Facebook. Reservations Essential Please contact us at 09066 37644

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Innovative, Individually Tailored Menus For your Functions, Parties & Business Events ATHLONE ROAD, ROSCOMMON 09066 37644; hannonshotel@gmail.com; www.hannonshotel.com

Roscommon People Friday 03 February 2017

NewsPeople Naughten for top climate conference Minister Denis Naughten will join a number of leading international agricultural sustainability experts at a major climate change conference organised by the Agricultural Science Association (ASA) which is being held in the Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise, Co. Laois (10.30 am-3.30 pm) on Wednesday, 8th February 2017. The ‘Addressing Climate Change in Irish Agriculture’ conference will feature a series of presentations and panel discussions chaired by RTE’s agricultural broadcaster, Damien O’Reilly and will culminate in a keynote address delivered by Denis Naughten, Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment.

Hopkins lobbies Zappone over Castlerea Centre Senator Maura Hopkins met with Education Minister Zappone on Tuesday in relation to withdrawal of funding by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency for counselling services in Cuan Aire Family Life Centre in Castlerea. Senator Hopkins said she made it very clear to Minister Zappone that she is not at all satisfied with the response received from Tusla in relation to the reasons for withdrawal of funding for this vital counselling service. Senator Hopkins added: “I have strongly emphasised to Minister Zappone that the modest counselling grant provided of approximately €8,000 per annum has been very important to vulnerable families and young people in Castlerea, Ballinlough, Williamstown, Ballaghaderreen, Ballymoe and Ballintubber. It is essential that it be re-instated as quickly as possible”.

Department to establish inter-agency group to support Syrian refugees Senator Frank Feighan has received confirmation that Department of Justice and Equality officials are to convene a meeting with all relevant agency and service providers to establish a formal inter-agency group to support the Syrian refugees coming to Ballaghaderreen. “I understand that this group will deal with all issues relating to the Emergency Reception and Orientation Centres (EROC) established in the town. “These issues will include education supports and from speaking to officials in the Department of Education, I understand that the Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board (ETB) will be providing language and cultural orientation training for adults. “I understand that the emphasis of this training will be on migrants gaining some understanding of English and an understanding of Irish culture and practical information on dealing with utility suppliers, banks, the education system, etc. “Out of the 36 children coming in March, thirteen are under 4 years of age, 19 of them are between the age of 5 and 12 and four of the children are 13 years old. “The formal inter-agency group to be set up will be addressing these and many other issues in advance of

Out of the 36 children coming to Ballaghaderreen in March, thirteen are under 4 years of age, 19 of them are between the age of 5 and 12 and four of the children are 13 years old.

the arrival of the refugees in March.” Meanwhile, in the Seanad last Thursday, Senator Maura Hopkins raised the necessity for proper resources and services to be put in place to support the people coming from Syria. Responding to Senator Hopkins, Minister David Stanton at the Dept. of Justice stated that the centre would “act as a hub for the important range of serv-

Fógraíonn Foras na Gaeilge sraith d’oícheanta eolais Tá áthas ar Fhoras na Gaeilge sraith d’oícheanta eolais a fhógairt leis na scéimeanna maoinithe atá ar fáil ón gcomhlacht thuaidh/theas don Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn. Beidh an chéad cheann acu seo ar siúl in Hannon’s Hotel, Baile Ros Comáin, Dé Máirt an 7 Feabhra ag 7.30 pm. Ar an oíche roinnfidh ionadaithe ó Fhoras na Gaeilge eolas faoi obair na heagraíochta, a scéimeanna maoinithe agus na tacaíochtaí atá ar fáil. Beidh deis ag an bpobal aiseolas a thabhairt maidir le cur chun cinn na Gaeilge sa cheantar agus ceisteanna a chur. Ag labhairt dó inniu dúirt Príomhfheidhmeannach Fhoras na Gaeilge, Seán Ó Coinn: “Tá ceantair áirithe, thuaidh agus theas, aitheanta againn óna raibh líon na n-iarratas ar ár scéimeanna maoi-

nithe éagsúla measartha íseal le blianta beaga anuas. Tá súil againn teagmháil a dhéanamh le pobail áitiúla sna seisiúin seo agus feasacht a ardú faoi na deiseanna maoinithe atá ar fáil dóibh. Cuirimid ar fáil raon leathan scéimeanna a d’fhéadfadh a bheith ina ndíol spéise go háitiúil ar leibhéil éagsúla agus mholaimis go láidir do dhaoine ar spéis leo an Ghaeilge a bheith i láthair.” I measc scéimeanna 2017 a lainseáladh le deireanas tá Scéim na nImeachtaí Óige agus Scéim na gCampaí Samhraidh. Cuireann Foras na Gaeilge maoiniú ar fáil freisin i réimsí an ghnó, na nealaíon, na meán agus na foilsitheoireachta. Téigh go suíomh corparáideach Fhoras na Gaeilge ag www.forasnagaeilge.ie le haghaidh liosta iomlán de na scéimeanna atá ar fáil.

Foras na Gaeilge announces series of information nights Foras na Gaeilge is pleased to announce a series of information nights to promote the funded schemes on offer from the north/south Irish language body. The first of these will be held in Hannon’s Hotel, Roscommon Town on Tuesday, February 7th at 7.30 pm. On the night representatives from Foras na Gaeilge will share information about the organisation’s work, their funded schemes and supports available. The public will have an opportunity to provide feedback regarding the promotion of the Irish language in the area and ask questions. Speaking earlier this week, Foras na Gaeilge CEO, Seán Ó Coinn said: “We have identified certain areas, north and south, from which the number of applications for our various funding

schemes has been relatively low over the last number of years. We hope to reach out to local communities through these sessions and to raise awareness about the funding opportunities available to them. “We provide a broad range of schemes which may be of interest locally on a number of levels and would strongly encourage people with an interest in the Irish language to attend.” Among the 2017 schemes recently launched are the Festivals Scheme, Youth Events Scheme and Summer Camp Scheme. Foras na Gaeilge also provides funding in the area of business, the arts, media and publication. Visit Foras na Gaeilge’s corporate website at www.forasnagaeilge.iee for a full list of funding www.forasnagaeilge.i schemes available.

ices that need to be delivered to these particularly vulnerable people. This includes medical services, language training, education, cultural orientation and social protection services.” Minister Stanton stated that he “has been very heartened by the welcome shown by the people of Ballaghaderreen towards the refugees and asylum seekers.”

Monster Auction in Lecarrow The committee of St John’s Community Centre, Lecarrow are delighted to announce their forthcoming rescheduled monster auction which takes place on Sunday, 12th of February from 2 pm sharp. David Diffley, chairperson of St John’s Community Centre said “this year we are offering an extensive collection and storage service well in advance of the date as we have a large storage facility off site.” He added: “We will call to your home free of charge and collect all items that are wished to be donated. As usual, all items of a saleable nature would be greatly appreciated and range from household goods, services, electrical items, livestock, fuel, vouchers, etc…” “Drop-off days at the community centre itself are Tuesday, 7th February from 7-9 pm and Thursday, 9th February from 8 -9 pm. “All funds raised will go towards the continuing maintenance and upkeep of St John’s Community Centre and we greatly appreciate the support shown to our previous auctions which were a great success.” To arrange a collection from your house or business, contact David on 086-8952283 or Arnold on 087-6269443.

South Roscommon Singers Circle South Roscommon Singers Circle hold their first Saturday session of the New Year in Murray’s, Knockcroghery, on this Saturday, 4th of February, kicking off around 9.30 pm. It’s a guest-free night, so all singers, storytellers, liars and listeners welcome. First-time visitors especially welcome.

Roscommon People Friday 03 February 2017

NewsPeople

From My Kitchen Table MIRIAM KERINS

Sexual consent – it’s a very black and white issue ’m delighted the Government has finally agreed to the inclusion of new provisions on sexual consent in the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill 2015. It’s way overdue! Now for those who may be unfamiliar with this Bill, it was published on 23rd September 2015, and to be honest, in an Ireland where one in every three women experiences an incident(s) of sexual violence in some manner, it’s a sad fact that only one in ten of them will report it to An Garda Síochána, resulting in an abysmal one to two per cent conviction rate. But first readers, what is consent? Well in my view it’s a black and white situation. However there appears to be a lack of clarity among certain individuals, and by that I mean rapists and abusers who’re managing to get conveniently confused, insisting their victim “wanted it.” And so, for those lowlifes, let me spell it out for you in easy steps…both people involved in a sexual occurrence must agree to it, with either person at any time during the occurrence being within their

moral and legal rights to put a stop to the activity. In addition, just because someone gives their consent to one part of the sexual encounter, it doesn’t mean they’re giving their consent to other behaviours/parts, and it doesn’t mean that just because they consented to have sex on one occasion they’ve consented to have it every time! An dtuigeann tú? Okay, let me simplify the above…‘No means No.’ However, this leads me onto another aspect of consent and this is why the inclusion is very important. You see, there is a major misinterpretation of ‘No’ in Irish society among abusers and it’s this…they appear to believe that unless the other person verbally shouts the word ‘No’ out loud, then it’s okay to proceed, greatly reducing the power of their victim. It’s absolutely not okay to proceed if someone is incapable of saying ‘No’ or if they’re so petrified or frozen they only manage to utter ‘No’ in a ‘feeble’ voice. But thankfully, the cultural conversations around rape

and sexual abuse are now being discussed. I was upset one day when someone in my company posed the question…“How do you know when a person is too drunk to have sex?” This got me thinking about the entire generation of sexual abuse survivors whose attacks and violations have been callously dismissed because they’d had a few too many drinks or wore so-called provocative clothing. These poor women (and men) are the ones who don’t refer to their violations as rape or sexual assault…why? Because they, (and society), blame themselves for being intoxicated. This leads me to another question surrounding the relationship that drinking alcohol and having sex may have, because having sex is not always non-consensual when people consume a few drinks; I mean plenty of adults have consented to take part in intimate relations following a drink or three; however, on the other hand, alcohol consumption may make it more difficult to convey

your feelings to someone, or, and to be fair here…for that someone to determine that you have indeed actually consented to what’s about to take place – but that doesn’t mean the abuser can blame the alcohol consumption for being the cause of their crime either. Look readers, given an EU-wide survey carried out last November which incredibly indicated 21 per cent of Irish people actually feel ‘having sex without consent is justified in certain situations,’ I’m glad any person who has a level of intoxication whereby they’ve been drinking and/or using drugs, end up vomiting, are unable to put one foot in front of the other, or those who are vulnerable due to a mental or physical condition will clearly not be in a position to consent, meaning this new legislation will hopefully go a long way to strengthening everyone’s understanding that No means No –and if someone is unsure if the other person is giving consent then they need to stop immediately.

Is our data being unnecessarily retained? Insurance brokers, along with lots of other organisations – banks, building societies and government bodies – gather and store data about us; and that’s fine, because this practice is needed in order to provide certain services. However, this week, as I was considering changing my poor old car, I decided to do a ring around and get a few insurance quotes regarding a car I had my eye on…this is when I contacted an online organisation and got a lovely, helpful young man who informed me the second I gave my name and date of birth that there was no need to tell him any more because he had all my details on file from “two years ago when you first came to us for a quote.” Have you now? Methinks, compliance measures may need to be reviewed at this online insurance broker, so I popped them off an email asking why they’d had

the temerity to keep my personal information for two years when they clearly only had a right to keep it for no longer than was needed, i.e. for the reason stated, which was to give me a car insurance quote, again, the only reason I supplied it. Furthermore, when I didn’t make a purchase from them my data should have been legally and responsibly deleted, not stored on file, and resurrected when I called again, but with a new file being set up in this instance. The organisation’s Head of Compliance responded with: ‘I refer to your recent experience with XXXX Insurance and I’m sorry you’ve had cause to complain. I have arranged for the issues raised to be investigated and we will reply to you as quickly as possible.’ Now I stressed that my complaint was not with the friendly young man who answered the

phone, he’d done nothing wrong, he was only doing his job trying to sell me insurance; however, I feel that those organisations who hold our personal data need to carry out regular audits with regard to how they store it, how long they hold it, who has access to it, and examine the procedures they have in place to protect it. I mean, how can this insurance company justify the retention of mine (and I’d say others’) personal data for two years when clearly there was absolutely no need to? I’m raising the issue with the Data Commissioner.

Farewell MTM, a feminist icon! Girlishly tossing her tam-oshanter into the air, Mary Tyler Moore’s aspirational ‘single gal about town’ embodied 1970s wannabe liberated career women across Ireland, giving them a ‘can do’ attitude. Decades later for me, as I watched re-runs, I came to believe her character Mary Richards had inspired me in some way to become a journalist…even coincidentally having a gruff Lou Grant(esque) type character as one of my very first news editors. Rest in peace, MTM.

newsbriefs Women’s Little Christmas Ball – a thank you The Roscommon branch of Down Syndrome Ireland would like to thank all the ladies who attended its fundraising event on the 6th of January in the Abbey Hotel. A great night was had by all. A big thank you must also go to the many local and national businesses who donated prizes for the raffle and to those who gave donations to the branch. A special thanks to The Heebie Jeebies; Alan and the gang have supported the branch over the last five years and the night would not have been the same without them. Plans for 2017 are already underway and the interview process has already begun to employ an Occupational Therapist and dates are being agreed for the sibshops, none of which would be possible without local support. The next fundraiser will see branch members bag packing in Dunnes Stores on Saturday, February 11th. This is a national event and will raise funds for both local and national projects. Once again, many thanks to all supporters and volunteers. Without your help, projects wouldn’t be possible.

Mindfulness classes in Glenamaddy Mindfulness classes are ongoing at St. Patrick’s Church sacristy, Glenamaddy on Thursdays from 8 to 9 pm. The classes are conducted by Dr. Hubert Murray who has expertise in the field of meditation and mindfulness. This group is suitable for all adults and a great way to start spring! All welcome!

Monster Table Quiz in Cuisle The Roscommon Ploughing Association is hosting a Monster Table Quiz in Cuisle, Donamon on Friday, February 10th at 9 pm sharp. Tables of four will cost €40 and there will be a range of spot prizes on the night. Refreshments will be served and all are most welcome to attend.

Coman’s Swimming Club table quiz Coman’s Swimming Club will host their annual table quiz in Hannon’s Hotel, Roscommon on Friday, February 10th at 9 pm. There will be prizes for first and second and a raffle on the night with spot prizes galore.

Roscommon People Friday 03 February 2017

NewsPeople PUBLIC NOTICES HSE WEST ROSCOMMON COMMUNITY SERVICES

ARE YOU EXPECTING A BABY? NOTICE OF RATES HAVING BEEN MADE

ANTE NATAL CLASSES consisting of four sessions are being held at:

COUNTY HEALTH DISTRICT OF ROSCOMMON

Venue:

Education Centre, Sacred Heart Hospital, Roscommon. Date Commencing: Wednesday 8th February, 2017 Time: 2pm – 4pm

Notice is hereby given that the County Rates have been made on the property thereto on the above named County Health District.

CLASSES ARE FREE PARTNERS ARE WELCOME

The Annual Rate on Valuation of the ordinary expenditure of the County Council for the service of the financial year ending 31st December 2017 is 7144 cent.

BOOKING PRIOR TO CLASSES IS ESSENTIAL For Further Information and booking, contact: Ms. Michelle Connaughton, Clerical Officer, Public Health Nursing Department, Roscommon Community Care Phone: 090 6637582

PUBLIC NOTICES

TEMPORARY CLOSING OF ROADS ROADS ACT 1993, SECTION 75 ROADS REGULATIONS 1994, ARTICLE 12 Roscommon County Council hereby gives notice of its decision to close the road referred to hereunder for the period and the reason specified. Road to be closed: The L-6030-18 from its junction with the L-6015-24 to its junction with the L-60301-0.

Pictured at the Creggs GAA Dinner Dance on Saturday night last were Kathleen McKeague, Brian Carroll and James McKeague. Picture: Andrew Fox

Applications for Heritage Bursaries The aim of the County Roscommon Heritage Plan is to create and promote an increased knowledge, awareness and appreciation of the natural, built and cultural heritage of County Roscommon, and to conserve it for future generations, in other words: notice – care – enjoy. Objective 1 of County Roscommon Heritage Plan is to collect and disseminate heritage information – ‘Notice’ – so as to facilitate the development of a comprehensive heritage database for the county and to make this information available to all. Under this objective, Action 1.3 is to establish a heritage bursary and sponsor annually one piece of third level research on an understudied aspect of the county’s heritage. Objective 2 of County Roscommon Heritage Plan is to promote best practice in heritage conservation and management ‘Care’ – so as to promote and advise on

best practice standards for heritage conservation and management within the county. Under this objective, Action 2.5 is to provide a small annual bursary for one community heritage project. “Roscommon County Council is now inviting applications for both bursaries”, said Nollaig Feeney Heritage Officer. Information sheets and application forms can be obtained from Roscommon County Council Customer Services, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon, phone 090 6632500 or email customerservice@roscommoncoco.ie. They can also be downloaded from the Heritage Section of www. roscommoncoco.ie. Bursary reports from previous years can be downloaded also. The closing date for receipt of completed application forms and accompanying information is 5 pm, Tuesday, 7th of March 2017. Projects must be completed by 31st October, 2017.

PUBLIC NOTICES

Alternative Routes: Traffic will be diverted towards the L-6015-24, L-1412-23, L-1412-0, L-1409-0, R-363-158 and L-6030-0 and visa-versa. Period of Closure: 13th February 2017 to 13th March 2017. Works will take place from 8am to 6pm. Reason for Road Closure: Laying of watermains along the public road as part of the Corracreigh Group Water Scheme Upgrade Contract. All necessary approach signage and diversion signage will be used at the required locations as per Traffic Management Plan. Residents will be contacted and notified directly by the Contractor in advance of the closure. Closures will be phased to ensure minimum disruption to locals. Map showing proposed closure/diversions are available on www.roscommoncoco.ie Ms Majella Hunt Director of Services Water Services Roscommon County Council Aras an Chontae Roscommon F42 VR98 2nd February 2017

The Rate Books are now in my custody and may be inspected by any person affected thereby, at the Offices Áras an Chontae Roscommon County Council between the hours of 10.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays. The said rates will be payable from and after publication of this notice. The above rates were made on the 30th January, 2017. Dated this 2nd February, 2017

Derek Caldbeck A/ Head of Finance Housing and ICT Roscommon County Council

COMMERCIAL RATES INCENTIVE SCHEME Roscommon County Council adopted a Commercial Rates Incentive Scheme effective from 01st January, 2017.

Community Heritage Bursary 2017 & Heritage Research Bursary 2017 Roscommon County Council is now inviting applications for two heritage bursaries. Information sheets and application forms can be obtained from Jacinta Carlos, Heritage Office, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon, phone 090 6637325 or email jcarlos@roscommoncoco.ie. They can also be downloaded from the Heritage Section of www.roscommoncoco.ie. Projects must be completed by 31st October 2017. The closing date for receipt of completed application forms and accompanying information is Tuesday 7th March 2017. Application forms should be addressed to: Heritage Office, Roscommon County Council, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon.

There are two elements to the scheme as follows: 1. An incentive for the occupation of vacant commercial premises. 2. An Early payment Discount of 5% for Rate Payers with a Rates Liability of up to €5,000 when paid in full on or before 30th June 2017. Both elements of the scheme are subject to Term and Conditions and full details are available at www.roscommoncoco.ie Derek Caldbeck A/ Head of Finance Housing and ICT Roscommon County Council

All enquiries to Jacinta Carlos, Heritage Office, PH 090-6637325 or email: jcarlos@roscommoncoco.ie. Community Heritage Bursary and Heritage Research Bursary are actions of the County Roscommon Heritage Plan ______________________ Martin Lydon, Director of Services, Roscommon County Council.

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Roscommon People Friday 03 February 2017

Healthy Living & Lifestyle Kathleen’s Mobile Footcare Provided in the comfort of your own home

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< MIRIAM KERINS

Whether or not you’ve made a formal decision to eat more healthily and get fit this spring, as in joined a gym or engaged a personal trainer, or whether you’re just ‘cutting down’ on the junk food and alcohol intake, we’d like to say well done on making a decision to look after yourself; even if that’s only swapping one of your mugs of coffee for a mug of water; sure it’s a step in the right direction. However, if you’d like to put a little bit more effort into getting your desired shape this spring, (whatever that may be), why not incorporate one or two of these simple changes and see how you get on? Ever heard of ‘choice architecture?’ Apparently, “it’s big in healthy eating circles” – according to my eldest. You do a total recce of your fridge and pop all the junk food to the back, moving all the ‘good’ food to eye level and to the front. Then get all of your fresh fruit and veg out of the vegetable drawer and pop them into nice colourful containers arranged on your table, that way, when you feel like a sugary snack, your attention and urge will instead be grabbed by the

ready-to-eat delicious fruit. Yeah…let me know how that works out for ya! If you plan to walk or run, it’s a good idea to buddy up, as in find a sucker, sorry, pal, partner or neighbour to exercise with you. You see, exercise can be boring so having someone to encourage and motivate you and keep you up to date on the latest gossip will always be a bonus. Reduce your salt intake. Now as someone who hasn’t used salt in 20 years, I can tell you it’s not that difficult to go without it. You can season food quite nicely using fresh or dried herbs such as black pepper, garlic, ginger, turmeric and coriander, etc. Add a few seeds such as linseeds (aka flax seeds) to your porridge, soups or yogurts; they’re gluten free and could help improve your digestion, lower those sugar cravings and, a big bonus, balance out those hormones. However, make sure to drink plenty of water because linseeds tend to absorb a lot of water and you don’t want to end up with constipation. These are just some suggestions, remember always consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet and exercise routine.

Counselling for positive mental health and healthy living < BILLY BROGAN

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

A lot has been said and written about mental health in the past number of weeks in papers and on TV, radio, social media and with politicians using it as a weapon for votes. There are many positives and negatives to this but the one huge positive is that it is raising awareness about mental health issues. Bressie, along with other celebrities, revealing their struggles with depression and living with it is great as it normalises it for many individuals who struggle daily. While this does not mean the issue goes away for those struggling with mental health issues and difficulty in talking about it, it highlights the fact that it can affect anyone. There are two approaches to mental health treatment, one being the medical model and the other being talk therapy. For many with mental health issues the first point of contact is the local GP to see what help is available. Many GPs acknowledge that they are not adequately trained and/or don’t have the time to give to someone. When you visit your local GP and discuss your symptoms you may receive a diagnosis and medical treatment for those symptoms. Your GP may also refer you to

Psychiatry and in some cases to a counsellor or psychotherapist. This latter approach is the talking model, where you talk about the struggles and what you are going through. Counselling involves talking to a professionally trained therapist over a period of time. It involves attending sessions lasting one hour on a weekly basis, generally for an initial period of six weeks. Committing your time and resources to therapy is an important part of the process. Often people may struggle for years with depression/anxiety and expect a one-session fix. Counselling is a commitment to a new way of living and thinking – in many ways it is like a reinvention of the person to a new person.

Who goes to Counselling? Counselling is for everyone. From students who struggle with the pressures of exams or going to college for the first time, professionals and individuals who struggle in work and relationships, the sportsperson who is playing in a big game to the worker getting promoted or being bullied in the workplace. These situations all bring different fears to the individual needing help and not knowing where to get it. When we have a flu or toothache

we don’t have an issue seeking help from doctors or dentists, we know these issues are treatable and will be helped by looking after them with rest and taking care of ourselves. Mental illness however is different and society today offers too many labels, which causes huge stigma. The truth is that with proper help all mental illnesses like depression, anxiety and stress are treatable. Often these are caused by past events in life such as being bullied or abused, low self-esteem or low confidence. Attending counselling is not a sign of weakness but an acknowledgment that I am struggling with an issue. It is saying that I want to learn how to deal with it better, be a stronger person and live more creatively with the issue that’s causing such stress. Issues dealt with through counselling are many and varied such as anxiety/depression, stress, relationship struggles, fears, phobias, abuse, anger issues, bereavement and loss. Research has shown that counselling and psychotherapy is the best way to deal with your stressors or issues. It offers a safe place to help understand the issues and offers greater insight and ways of dealing with what’s causing your stress. It’s the first step in managing YOU better. It takes time, so allow the process

time. It helps you take back control of your life. Swimming, gym work, running or walking, fishing and mindfulness are among the many hobbies and ways of dealing with physical stress. These are often the activities we struggle with engaging in when we stress and struggle. It is easier to re-engage when the issues are talked about with a professional therapist than not. When you learn to manage your issues in a better way, you no longer react to the events that once caused your stress but you act differently both in mind and body. You take charge of how you live and deal with issues as they happen. You are in control and make better life choices and decisions . Counselling is as yet not regulated by the Government but selfregulated by the Irish Counselling and Psychotherapy Assosiation so it’s important when choosing a therapist you get someone who is properly qualified to meet the standards set. For any further information required visit www.billybrogan. com or call 094 9659966 or 0860675433. * Billy Brogan BSC [Hons] Dip. Counseling Psychotherapy Cert. Reality Therapy. DHP-ADV-DHD. M.W.G.I.I. M.I.A.H.P M.I.A.C.P.

Roscommon People Friday 03 February 2017

Healthy Living & Lifestyle

Rev up your motivation! In a survey carried out in late December, we at Motivation found that whilst 69% of Irish people make New Year’s resolutions, the majority of which were focused on diet and exercise, 66% would be broken by the end of January. So here we are a couple of weeks into 2017, the weather is dull and cold, there are no major events on the horizon and many people say they are struggling with a lack of motivation. If you think about it though, the fact is we just don’t want to pay attention to food or exercise. It’s overwhelming and it’s easier not to go there. The reality is that if we want to achieve any sense of balance, energy and enjoyment in our lives, we must pay attention to our quantities of food, the amount of exercise we get, obtaining adequate sleep, and learning to cope with the various stresses in our lives. Thus, we go back to basics, i.e. we must change our behaviours. I know we ask that everyone do a lot of thinking about why they choose to eat a certain

way, or why it is that they choose not to exercise, but if you really want to regain ‘motivation,’ you must ACT; then you will FEEL, and then you will BELIEVE. The bottom line is, you can’t think your way into good action, but you can act your way into good thinking. Makes sense doesn’t it? If you are off track with eating, don’t spend a lot of time asking ‘why?’ Just make a menu and stick to it. Once you have done this for three or four days you will feel empowered, you will feel in control, and you will once again feel ‘motivated.’ ACT first, and then FEEL. Deep down, what holds all of us back in life is a feeling of inability to succeed. Especially when it comes to weight loss. Does the fact that you’ve tried 6 or 7 plans throughout your life ‘prove’ that you are incapable? No it does not. What happened in the past is that you focused simply on the food, not on yourself and the abilities you have. You are capable of being anything. Return

For weight loss that stays lost, you need motivation.

Call 1850 30 6000 Call 090 6479748

or visit motivation.ie

Unit 13 Inis Oir, Golden Island Local address one, Town Name, County Name Athlone, Co. Westmeath Local address one, Town Name, County Name email: athlone@motivation.ie

After Before to the goal you want to achieve e.g. lose 2 or 3 dress sizes or walk a 5 km road race, and start to act on it. Affirm that you will stick to your menu tomor-

Aimee has maintained her 2 stone 8lbs weight loss for

row, and go for a walk and get to bed earlier and don’t worry about the long term. Most of us simply want to feel in control of food, and want to improve our physi-

Some recommendations for a healthy lifestyle from Barry and his team at Zen Fitness and Leisure, Athlone Springs Hotel… cabbage, cauliflower, turnip, kale, watercress and Brussels sprouts. The more cruciferous vegetables you can consume the better. Rotate your foods. Eating the same thing too frequently will result in food sensitivities where you won’t derive the same nutritional value from the foods. Mix them and rotate on a daily basis. Eat breakfast straight after your morning workouts. Make sure you have breakfast within 30 minutes of your team workout; your body will need to calories/nutrients to recover.

Shopping tips Junk food: If it’s not in your shopping trolley it won’t end up in your kitchen press. Before going to the store, plan the meals/ingredients you will need for the week and bring this list with you. You should leave the store with everything on your list and nothing more. The following foods should

For weight loss that stays lost

6 years

Changing daily habits for better results People ideally need to drink one litre of water per 25kg bodyweight. If you are struggling, just commit to two litres of water a day. When shopping, your shopping list should be full of fresh vegetables/fruits/lean proteins so it’s best to shop every three to four days to ensure you always have fresh produce. Prepare your meals the night before. Preparation will be key and if you aren’t prepared with all your meals for the day you won’t succeed. You’ll need to make food preparation a habit. It gets easier and you’ll become more efficient at it. It will be worth it! Sleep: If you aren’t getting adequate sleep you won’t burn fat no matter how good your diet and training is. You need eight hours of sleep a night if you are to recover and control stress levels. Eat as many cruciferous vegetables as possible on a daily basis (two servings daily, minimum). These include broccoli,

• 82% of the weight loss stays lost. • We focus on why you eat, not just what you eat. • One-to-one consultations. • Personalised healthy eating plans.

always be available to you in your household: green coloured vegetables (spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, etc.), mixed coloured vegetables (peppers, onions, carrots, etc.), frozen vegetable packets, coloured fruits (orange, mixed berries, tomatoes), organic fish, organic lean chicken, red meat, organic eggs, whole oats avocados, Extra Virgin olive oil, fish oil, unsalted/untreated nuts. Cut out or cut down on the following foods/drinks: alcohol, fizzy drinks, juices, sweets, chocolates, cakes, bread, fast food, etc. Avoiding these foods will help you stabilise your blood sugar levels and help you lose fat tissue. Have two litres of water every day and have fruit as a snack. Have one ‘treat day’ per week (if necessary!). Follow us on facebook where we are doing a weekly healthy eating and exercise campaign. Contact us on 090-6445852, www.athlonespringshotel.com

cal health. It begins today. It begins with an ACT. Make a menu plan and write down everything you eat. Make an exercise plan (10 minutes a day is a

start), but stick to it. Make sure you are doing everything you can to get a good sleep. Work on today, and don’t worry about the next day until it has started.

For more information or to book an initial assessment, call Motivation Athlone on 090-6479748 or email Athlone@motivation.ie

Athlone Springs Hotel, Athlone, Co. Roscommon T.: 090644 5852. W. www.athlonespringshotel.com

Weekly membership €10 or €40 per month

Roscommon People Friday 03 February 2017

Healthy Living & Lifestyle HEARTFELT CARDIO SCREENING BY BPRO About Heartfelt Cardio Screening

Can Save Your Life

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 7th February 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 date: Tuesday 7th February from 10.45 am. 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

Great range of services at Vita House At Vita House we offer a wide range of counselling and psychotherapy services to individuals, couples, children and families. Our core programmes include Rainbows and Parenting when Separated. Additionally we run English classes for the New Irish community of Roscommon, an outreach programme for the Brazilian community, book club, a level 7 psychology course, and a number of one-day wellness workshops. We have been delighted with the success so far of some of our newer workshops, particularly Sarah Browne’s Nutrition Workshop and The Alexander Technique with Aisling Morgan. Sarah, a chef and registered dietician with over 10 years’ experience, recently held a cookery workshop for users of Roscommon Cancer Support Service, which incorporated health promoting and cancer protective ingredients, transforming them into delicious, nutritious meals. The Alexander Technique gives participants the op-

The Complementary Therapy Room at Vita House. Picture: Andrew Fox

portunity to explore their own muscle tension habits, and to become aware of posture and tension in the body so as to ‘help yourself’ and gain the benefits. Also new to Vita House, on Saturday, 25th of March next Colette O’Connor brings us Mindfulness and Emotional Freedom Technique (Tapping). Many people will be familiar with the concept of mindfulness. Emotional Freedom Technique is a practice of tapping with your fingertips on specific meridian points – it can be

learned by anyone, and applied to yourself wherever, whenever. EFT has been shown to alleviate issues such as depression, anxiety and insomnia, as well as physical pain. Well-known psychologist and regular at Vita House, Donal Spring returns in April for Part 1 of Know Yourself. Know yourself will focus on the Enneagram – a way of identifying your personality type can give great insight into why you behave the way you do, and how you relate to other people and person-

ality types, providing an opportunity for personal growth. As well as the core services based in Vita House are Roscommon Suicide Bereavement Liaison Service and Roscommon Cancer Support Service. Both the Cancer Support and Suicide Bereavement Liaison Services offer professional counselling as well as a selection of complementary therapies, which are free of charge to users. You can contact the office at info@vitahouse.org, or call 0906625898.

Something to Sing About - Do you enjoy to sing? We are recruiting new members every Wednesday night at 8pm in Hannons Hotel. Call 087 056643 for further info.

Introducion to Grief and Loss - Donal Spring Saturday 4th March 10 - 5pm Fee €50

Part funded by RCSS

IMPORTANT: PRE BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL FOR ALL COURSES AND WORKSHOPS DONATION OF €1 PER CLASS AND WORKSHOP

Roscommon People Friday 03 February 2017

Healthy Living & Lifestyle

Achieve your goals with our step by step guide! Exercise is great for both the body and mind and after the festive season everyone is on the path to having that beach body come summer. At Aura Leitrim Leisure Centre in Carrick-on-

Shannon, the Fit For Life programme has been developed to get you in the best shape of your life. Aura’s step by step programme plans out your monthly exercise routines, with regular time

with highly qualified staff, group exercise classes – and comes complete with nutritional advice via Aura’s Nutrifit series. Both Fit For Life and Nutrifit were developed with you in mind and is a complete no-nonsense, nofad, no-jargon approach to fitness and wellbeing. Everything you need to get started on your journey is included with step by step support along the way to keep you focused and allow you to achieve your goals. Best of all, it’s absolutely free to all members, new or existing – there really are no excuses left. (See our advertisement).

Aura Leisure Centre Attifinlay, Carrick-on-Shannon Co. Leitrim Phone: 071 9671771

www.auraleisure.ie

Pictured at the launch of the Ronan McCormack Challenge 2017 were Colette McNulty, Jimmy Maloney, Jackie McCormack, Katherine Dennigan, KDPT Fitness and Snapift, Bob McCormack and Willie Hegarty. Picture: Andrew Fox

Training for annual Ronan Challenge Ronan McCormack Challenge 2017 March 3rd & 4th Moonlight Run 5 & 10K Friday evening at 8.00 pm. Entry €20

Cycle Challenge Saturday Morning at 9.00 am with 2 Distances 65Km & 105 Km. Entry €30 €40 ENTRY TO BOTH Social night & Darts Competition on Saturday night, March 4th in Foxes Bar, Athlone Road. Entry €10, commencing at 8 pm

Contact: 086 1721181 ronanschallenge@eircom.net Event HQ Roscommon Leisure Zone, Lanesboro Road, Roscommon

Training is ongoing for the Ronan McCormack Challenge and new people are always welcome. This week sees the start of two new programmes: couch to 5K and couch to 65K. Training takes place from 1 pm from the County Council carpark and 7 pm from the Quad Centre on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Cycle training takes place on Saturdays and Sundays at 10 am from the Quad Centre. Bicycles available on request. Everyone is welcome.

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Wh e re K ids Le ar n and L o ve t o S w i m

Roscommon People Friday 03 February 2017

NewsPeople

Roscommon University Hospital has received a National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) Data Quality Award for achieving compliance with the NTPF’s hospital waiting list Data Quality Standards. Pictured is the NTPF’s Chairman John Horan (left) presenting the award to Roscommon University Hospital’s Josie Glynn at the NTPF’s inaugural symposium ‘Working Together for Patient Treatment’, held at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham. Pic: Conor McCabe Photography. ––––––––––––––––––––––– Advertorial –––––––––––––––––––––––

Services at Molloys Lifestyle Pharmacies & Honeybee Health Store It’s a New Year and time for a New You with 2 for 1 on all ‘Health 4 Life’ screening and testing services in Molloys Lifestyle Pharmacies & Honeybee Health Store. In a recent survey*, nearly half the Irish population reported having a health issue in the past 12 months and of those, nearly three-quarters of the population aged 65 and over reported having an issue in the same time period. A guiding principle of the Molloys Lifestyle Group of Pharmacies & Health stores has always been that ‘our health, is our greatest wealth.’ This has led to the development of a dedicated health screening and testing programme called ‘Health 4 Life’. By combining pioneering tests for some of the country’s most prevalent health complaints together with advice on how to treat and manage those conditions, the ‘Health for Life’ programme enables people to take charge of their own health. For a limited time, Buy 1 and Get 1 Health Screening FREE in Molloys Lifestyle Pharmacies & Honeybee Health Stores. As services vary by store, please call in advance to book an appointment for your health screening. RespiratoryAllergyTest-ImmunoCapThescreeningteststhetop10respiratoryallergensfoundinIrelandinbothadultsandchildrenincludingdustmites,petsandpollen.FoodIntoleranceUp to 1 in 3 people in Ireland may be suffering from Food Allergies. Could you be one of them? The majority of people enjoy a wide variety of foods with no side effects, however for a growing number of people, specific foods or ingredients may cause adverse reactions ranging from bloating, headaches to severe reactions. Find out how foods affect you with a Food Intolerance Test

Colm O’Neill and Louise Conneally Dowd (pictured on right) will be taking part in Kilbride GAA Club’s Strictly Come Dancing event, to be held in the Kilbride Community Centre, on 10th of March next. The various participating couples have begun rehearsing – and fundraising. Louise held a fundraising carwash at Hannon’s Hotel, Roscommon last Saturday last. Louise and Colm are pictured with members of Kilbride GAA Club. Louise would like to sincerely thank members of the public for their kind support of the event. Picture: Andrew Fox

Coláiste Mhuire students taking on Dúshlán 50! Gaeilge Abú

Ag athrú ár bhfógra go Gaeilge

I mbliana, Tá scoláirí na cúigiú bliana i gColáiste Mhuire ag glacadh páirt i gcomórtas Gaeilge d’arb ainm Dúshlán 50. Beidh 50 uair againn chun 50 tasc a dhéanamh a bhaineann leis an Gaeilge. Is í aidhm an comortais ná an Ghaeilge a scaipeadh, í a labhairt agus píosa craic a bheith againn. Thosaigh an chomórtais ag a 2 a chlog 2ú Feabhra agus críochnaíonn an comórtas ag a 4 a chlog ar an Déardaoin. Chláraigh ár múinteoir Iníon Nic Aonghusa muid agus táimid ag déanamh obair na gcapall ó shin! This year, 5th year students in Colaiste Mhuire are taking part in an Irish competition called Dúshlán 50. We will have 50 hours to do 50 challenges that link with the Irish

language. The aim of the competition is to spread the Irish language, speak more and have the craic in doing so. The competition began on Tuesday, January 31st at 2 pm and will finish at 4 pm on Thursday. Our teacher Ms. McGuinness registered us and since then we have been very active posting and tweeting our activities. We are hoping to get people to retweet and like our tweets that we will post on our Twitter page: @ColáisteM, @ sarahjscott_ss, @happygilmore223, @cathal246 @ciarawhyxox, @ MariaMi28084564, @_charlied_7, @ taraheve1, @emer17k Follow the #Dúshlán and check out our tweets, pics and actions as Gaeilge! We would love as many ‘likes’ and ‘retweets’ as possible!

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All-new Audi Q5 has arrived at Audi Athlone Audi Athlone has launched the allnew Audi Q5, with four powerful yet efficient TDI variants, with pricing starting at €48,350 for the 2.0 TDI 150 bhp SE. The range will also be available in a powerful 2.0 TDI 190 bhp S tronic quattro, priced from €54,850, which Audi Athlone expect to be the most popular variant. Masterfully redesigned, the Audi Q5 takes a sporty and taut stance on the street. A sculpturally flared singleframe grille with a solid frame dominates its aerodynamically flat front end. It is available with headlights that are either in LED or high-resolution Matrix LED technology with dynamic turn lights. Compared to the previous model, the new Q5 has grown in nearly all of its dimensions – 4.66 metres (15.3 ft) long, 1.89 metres (6.2 ft) wide and 1.66 metres (5.4 ft) tall with a 2.82 metre (9.3 ft) wheelbase – however, despite its growth, the weight

of the SUV has been reduced by up to 90kg due to the intelligent material mix of steel and aluminium used in the body, as well as indulging the driver and passengers with the best interior acoustics in its class. Two trim lines will be made available for the new Q5 in Audi Athlone – SE and S Line. Compared to the previous model, the list of standard equipment is more extensive than ever. Among the features included are xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights and LED rear lights, the Audi MMI Navigation with 7-inch MMI colour display, bluetooth and USB charging function, Audi drive select dynamic handling system, twin leather and front and rear parking sensors. The new Audi Q5 is available to order in Audi Athlone at Michael Moore Car Sales now. Call one of our dedicated Audi Sales team on 090-6403900.

Roscommon People Friday 03 February 2017

Weekend

PEOPLE

FACES AND PLACES

See pages 23 - 24

‘Among Things’ exhibition opens on Friday ‘Among Things’ is an exhibition of a selection of artworks as the culmination of a collaborative project between two artists, Karl Burke and Padraig Cunningham, and the creative group I Am Here, which will open at Roscommon Arts Centre from Friday, February 3rd. I Am Here is a creative and vibrant ensemble based in Boyle town supported by their parents and friends along with the staff and volunteers of the Brothers of Charity. Commissioned by curator Linda Shevlin and Roscommon County Council Arts Office, this project involved numerous and

varied workshops with the group covering sound and music, sculpture and clay moulding, painting, storyboarding for film along with camera and filming techniques. The exhibition opens in the gallery at Roscommon

Arts Centre on Friday, 3rd of February at 4 pm. All are welcome to attend. The exhibition continues until March 31st. Enquiries to Linda Shevlin, visual art curator at Roscommon Arts Centre: linda@lindashevlin.com.

Pictured at the Creggs GAA Dinner Dance on Saturday night last were Enda O’Rourke and Leonie Beirne. Picture: Andrew Fox

Celebrity Chef Neven for Kilronan Castle You have seen him on tv, now see him in person as he displays all his culinary skills to effortlessly produce his never-ending array of mouth-watering creations. It’s Celebrity Chef Neven Maguire, and he will be cooking up his treats amid the opulent surroundings of Kilronan Castle between Ballyfarnon and Keadue on the evening of Wednesday, 1st of March, 2017 at 8 pm. It is all in aid of Ardcarne Community Child Care Services and Cootehall National School. Not only will Neven be showing us how to prepare delicious dishes, there will also be a local food and enterprise exhibition from 7 pm where over 25 local food producers and businesses will display their products and show what is available locally. Tickets cost €20, which includes Complimentary Wine & Canapes. Tickets are currently on sale in Boyle Motor Works (McDonagh’s Garage), Surprises/Better Buys, Boyle, or by contacting Kilronan Castle on 071-9618000. A ticket for this wonderful event would be the ideal gift for Valentine’s/Mother’s Day. Award-winning chef Neven Maguire is Head Chef/owner of MacNean House & Restaurant in Blacklion, Co. Cavan. Neven

began cooking at 12 years of age in the kitchen of the restaurant which was then run by his parents. Neven took over MacNean House & Restaurant in 2001 and it is now one of Ireland’s top restaurants and luxury guest houses, consistently winning awards for its cuisine, wine offer and service. MacNean House & Restaurant recently won ‘Best Local Restaurant’ in the National Hospitality Awards 2016. Before taking over MacNean House & Restaurant Neven worked at some of the world s top restaurants, including Arzac, San Sebastian, Spain (3 Michelin Stars) and Restaurant Léa Linster, Luxembourg (2 Michelin Stars). One of Ireland’s most talented and innovative chefs, Neven has been named ‘Best Chef in Ireland’ at numerous awards. Neven has also won Best Food and Drink Blog in Ireland (see www.nevenmaguire. com). In 2016, he was awarded The Restaurants Association of Ireland’s ‘Mike Butt Award’ in honour of his contribution to the tourism industry. Neven received the prestigious award for his dedication to promoting Irish food across the world.

Roscommon People Friday 03 February 2017

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

Hamrock’s Athleague, Co. Roscommon Tel.: (090) 6663325 Saturday night, 4th February:

J + S Sound

Macra Kings and Queens… Pictured at the Northwest Macra’s Kings and Queens event which took place in the Sligo Park Hotel are Roscommon Queen Melissa Glynn from South Roscommon Macra Club and Roscommon King Daniel McDermott from Castlerea Macra Club. Pic: Darran Smyth

Monica celebrates her 21st!

Telephone: 090 6626225 Friday 3rd February:

Open Mic Night

– All welcome, sign up at 9pm Saturday 4th February:

Eimear Earley, Monica Lach and Shauna Hanley pictured celebrating Monica’s 21st birthday in Carthy’s Porterhouse. Picture: Andrew Fox

(Above) Kayleigh Forkin and Monica Lach pictured celebrating Monica’s 21st birthday in Carthy’s Porterhouse. Picture: Andrew Fox

Sunday 5th February:

Ciaran, Conor & Gary

(Right) Ewa Lipka, Emilia Krupinska, Tomasz Krupiński, Angelica and Slawomir Jurek pictured in Carthy’s Porterhouse on Saturday night last. Picture: Andrew Fox

Castlerea Musical Society presents ‘Dirty Rotten Scoundrels’ Castlerea Musical Society are proud to present the West of Ireland Premiere of the hilarious Musical ‘Dirty Rotten Scoundrels’

Blues Confidential

in the Enterprise Hub, Castlerea, from Wednesday, 8th of February until Saturday, 11th of February 2017 at 8 pm nightly.

This will be a 48th musical production for the society who will celebrate a remarkable 50th anniversary next year. This year’s musical is based on the 1988 American comedy film which starred the legendary Michael Caine and comic actor Steve Martin. It is set in the French Riviera and tells the story

of two men competing to swindle an American heiress of a considerable amount of money. There is a great twist in this story but suffice to say, in the best tradition of musicals, all will be revealed on the night of the show. The cast comprises of great musical talent from all around Castlerea and surrounding areas.

Tickets for this great show can be booked by calling 087-4676475. Tickets are €15 each and there will be special concessions on our opening night for OAPs and students with an admission price of €12 each. Family tickets are also available this year with special rates for two adults and two children.

(CCG) - 10 pm in Middle Bar

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

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Contact 087 4676475 to book

Castlerea Musical Society cast members busy rehearsing for their upcoming musical production.

Roscommon People Friday 03 February 2017

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

Pictured in P. Kelly’s on Saturday night last were Tina Kenny and Anna Fallon.

Pictured in P. Kelly’s on Saturday night last were Teresa Rowe, Aidan Murray and Louise Conneally Dowd.

P. Kelly’s & s e Fac Roscommon s e Plac Pics: Andrew Fox

Pictured in P. Kelly’s on Saturday night last were Vanessa and Zara Feeley.

Pictured in P. Kelly’s on Saturday night last were Stephanie O’Connor Shaw, Eithne Fannon and Catriona Farrell.

Pictured in P. Kelly’s on Saturday night last were Craig Tarmey, Aidan Devine, Jason Mannion, Darragh Mullen and Jade Grehan.

Pictured in P. Kelly’s on Saturday night last were Emma and Donna Feeley.

Roscommon People Friday 03 February 2017

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

GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghail manages to get his hands on the silverware despite the presence of several Oran stalwarts at the Oran GAA Dinner Dance in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon town recently.

Claire Curley and Oran captain Mike Dwyer with GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghail at the Oran GAA Dinner Dance in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon town recently.

Oran GAA Dinner Dance in the Abbey Hotel

GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghail pictured with members of the Ryan family at the Oran GAA Dinner Dance in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon town recently.

The Gunning family with Aogán Ó Fearghail at the Oran GAA Dinner Dance in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon town recently.

John, Padraic and Kevin Crehan with their family and GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghail at the Oran GAA Dinner Dance in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon town recently.

Enda and Audrey Morris with GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghail at the Oran GAA Dinner Dance in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon town recently.

GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghail pictured with members of the Oran Hurling executive committee at the Oran GAA Dinner Dance in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon town recently.

Hugh Rooney and extended family with GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghail at the Oran GAA Dinner Dance in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon town recently.

Roscommon People Friday 03 February 2017

NewsPeople SUNDAY GOSPEL REFLECTION Jesus came among us as light to scatter the darkness of a fallen world. As his disciples, we too are called to be “the light of the world,” he tells us in the Gospel this Sunday (see John 1:4–4, 9; 8:12; 9:5). All three images that Jesus uses to describe the Church are associated with the identity and vocation of Israel. God forever aligned his Kingdom with the Kingdom of David and his sons by a “covenant of salt,” salt being a sign of permanence and purity (see 2 Chron. 13:5, 8; Lev. 2:13; Ezek. 43:24). Jerusalem was to be a city set on a hill, high above all others, drawing all nations towards the glorious light streaming from her Temple (see Isa. 2:2; 60:1–3). And Israel was given the mission of being a light to the nations, that God’s salvation would reach to the ends of the earth (see Isa. 42:6; 49:6). The liturgy shows us this week that the Church, and every Christian, is called to fulfill Israel’s mission. By our faith and good works we are to make the light of God’s life break forth in the darkness, as we sing in this week’s Psalm. This week’s readings remind us that our faith can never be a private affair, something we can hide as if under a basket. We are to pour ourselves out for the afflicted, as Isaiah tells us in the First Reading. Our light must shine as a ray of God’s mercy for all who are poor, hungry, naked, and enslaved. There must be a transparent quality to our lives. Our friends and family, our neighbours and fellow citizens, should see reflected in us the light of Christ and through us be attracted to the saving truths of the Gospel. So let us pray that we, like St. Paul in the Epistle, might proclaim with our whole lives, “Christ and him crucified.” – Scott Hahn Ph.D., www.salvationhistory.

THE BRIDGE CLUB Roscommon Bridge Club: North/ South – 1st: M. & P. Mellett, 2nd: E. Kelly & M. Dermody, Gross: V. McManus & A. Rafferty. East/West – 1st: K. Dowd & P. O’Shaughnessy, 2nd: K. Kelly & L. Curley, Gross: V. Brennan & L. Brennan. Happy ‘71 Bridge Club: 1st: T. & M. O’Keeffe, 2nd: M. & P. Mellett, Gross: V. & M. Brennan. Ballymurray Bridge Club: Section A, North/South – 1st: H. Lynn & G. Relihan, 2nd: S. Farrell & F. Neilan, Gross: M. Fallon & M. Mullen. East/West – 1st: M. & A. Costello, 2nd: M. Lennon & E. Moran, Gross: G. Spillane & J. Devaney. Section B, North/South – 1st: C. Neilan & M. Regan, 2nd: M. Hanley & H. Earley, Gross: V. & P. Finneran. East/West – 1st: J. Hunt & A. Gaffney, 2nd: S. Melia & J. McGrath, Gross: G. Bannon & J. O’Gara. Kilbride Bridge Club: North/ South – 1st: J. Hunt & A. Gaffney, 2nd: P. Clogher & P. Dowd, 3rd: M. Regan & C. Neilan. East/West – 1st: B. Gillooly & F. Keane, 2nd: M. Fallon & M. Mullen, 3rd: M. Farrell & E. Dowling.

FRANKLY SPEAKING Unique appeal of the GAA Dinner Dance FRANK BRANDON’S UNIQUE TAKE ON LIFE ...

When I was a young lad and trying to get my place on the Creggs football team, the club dinner dance was a major annual event and even then was one of the most anticipated nights in what at that time used to be, for me, a busy social calendar. I was working (question mark!) in the Bank of Ireland in those days and even though I was posted in towns like Listowel, Dundalk, Sligo, Dublin and Ballinrobe, and had no car at the time, I was never going to miss out on the dinner dance. I can remember thumbing from all around the country but no matter where I was coming from, I always got to the Abbey Hotel in time for the annual celebrations. They really were the best of nights and I can still see Mick O’Roarke, Sean ‘Bags’ Keegan and others giving us wonderful recitations in the foyer, long after normal folk should have retired to their beds. Incidentally, Sean has been a little unwell the last couple of weeks and sadly couldn’t make last Saturday night’s dance, where he was greatly missed. The good news is that he is well on the road to recovery and should be up and about in no time – and we wish him well. Anyway, back to Saturday night and there we were again, all dressed up in our new suits and the ladies in their beautiful dresses and the excitement was building all week as we celebrated the most successful year in the history of our little club. 230 people, about four times the population of the village, turned out and now as the dust settles on this Monday morning (as I write), I have to say it was a night more than worthy of the occasion. MC on the night was the national treasure that is Willie Hegarty and as always he was highly entertaining and very witty and yet the sensitive way he handled the interview with the hugely impressive Galway footballer, Damien Comer, who had only two weeks ago lost his father, was one of the highlights of the night. We also had speeches from Roscommon team manager Kevin McStay, County Board Secretary Brian Carroll, major club sponsor, Michael Ward of Ward & Burke, local TD Michael Fitzmaurice, as well as some of our club officials. After the beautiful meal served by the staff of the

Pictured at the Creggs GAA Dinner Dance on Saturday night last were Niamh Brandon, Emma O’Rourke, Rachel McGrath and Leonie Beirne. Picture: Andrew Fox

Abbey, it was time to hit the floor to the music of the fabulous White Cakes. Some people are now beginning to wonder if I’m the manager of the Castlerea-based band as I praise them so much, but despite repeated applications for the position, I am not yet on the payroll and any praise they get is related only to their performances, which are always top class. Cheques to Crosswell, Creggs, please! Anyway, back to the function and I forgot to tell you that the team members got their league and championship medals from Kevin and Damien, (I collected my son Mark’s medals for him), Shane Dowd was the Young Player of the Year, James McKeague the Player of the Year, Jonathan Conroy was the very worthy Club Person of the Year – and if there had been a best dressed person on the night, (although I togged out quite well myself!) it would

Amateur sport in all its greatness One of the never-ending arguments that goes on and on is – which is better…rural or urban dwelling? There are many reasons to favour living in our towns and cities, including accessibility to public transport, more shops, pubs and restaurants, theatres, cinemas and clubs, and yet on Sunday, I realised, not for the first time, how lucky we are to live in Creggs. I found myself at a Junior Cup rugby match between Creggs and Ballinasloe, and while the result went against us – we went down on a 7-5 scoreline – the game itself was a true reflection of all that is good in ama-

teur sport. The whole-hearted commitment by both sides, but especially from our lads, was a credit to all involved and it was as good a game of rugby as you would see anywhere. The Six Nations competition is starting next week and the Sunday Independent devoted six or seven pages to the build-up and I know that we will all get totally wrapped up in it, but the reality is that the professional game is a long way removed from the hard graft and local pride that we see in the local club matches. I’m not going to talk about the fact that you can now have lads playing for international sides

who were born anywhere in the world, pretty much the same as the soccer, and while I don’t question their commitment, I think it reduces the impact of an international cap if the fellow beside you was born in New Zealand and only came to Ireland a few years ago. However, back to Creggs, and as the only rugby club in County Roscommon, it was great to be there on Sunday and to enjoy the blood and guts of a typical Junior Cup match. As I say, with the football going so well and the rugby club still going strong, it’s great to live in Creggs.

have to go to Johnny K, the deejay. That is my name for Roscommon supporter, John Keegan, but on Saturday night he looked resplendent in a wonderful maroon and white dickie bow and would have been a worthy winner of the best-dressed prize. I took a picture of him in the Galway coloured dickie bow just for proof that he actually wore it, as later on when the Connacht Championship heats up, he might just not admit to it. Back now to the dancing and I have to admit that I only got on the floor on my way to and from the bar. However it was a great night and it was fantastic to meet so many of our former teammates and schoolmates. I met Oliver King who introduced hurling to us back in the 1980s and who led us to a Junior County Final appearance in 1981, which we lost after a replay to Ballygar. I don’t know when we will have another county final victory to look forward to, hopefully it won’t be another 33 years, but let’s hope we don’t wait as long for the next Dinner Dance!

A trip to La La Land Finally for this week, as you may or may not know, I now work in what used to be, many moons ago, the Adelphi Cinema in Athlone, and if there is a colder place in Ireland I’d like to know where it is. To heat this place is very, very difficult. I wonder what it was like in the days of the cinema, but I’m sure it had none of the comforts of the modern multiplex developments. Last Monday night, Carol and myself went to Roscommon to watch La La Land and it was a really nice experience. The film was enjoyable enough, the cinema was lovely and warm, and, as I’ve said before, we should go more often. It’s a relatively inexpensive night out, it’s a great facility to have in a ek, locality and I promise ‘Till next we w no r fo e I will be back before By too long.

Roscommon People Friday 03 February 2017

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Naughten conﬁrms funding for new apprenticeships Minister Denis Naughten has confirmed that €20m in additional funding is to be made available for apprenticeships and traineeships. “This funding will ensure that 13 new apprenticeship schemes are delivered by the end of this year with another 120 apprenticeships and traineeship schemes to come on stream by 2020,” stated Minister Naughten. The Government’s Plan aims to deliver 50,000 apprenticeship and traineeship registrations by 2020. There are currently 27 apprenticeships in Ireland, in areas such as construction, engineering and the motor sector, while other countries have a much broader tradition of apprenticeship such as Germany where over 300 apprenticeships are available across a wide range of sectors. “This will offer an exciting career path for many young people who will get the chance to learn skills and get hands on experience while acquiring applied, technical skills within a variety of sectors,” stated Minister Naughten. “These skills are focused on ensuring that after they qualify young people can walk into jobs in areas where there are, and will continue to be, job vacancies.

Double win for Roscommon’s Young Entrepreneurs

Kyle McLoughlin and Desmond Dolan pictured with Louise Ward, CEO. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin.

< DAN DOONER

There was double joy for Co. Roscommon at the Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur Regional Final held at the Abbey Hotel last Friday with two of the three awards going to Roscommon entrepreneurs. The award winners were announced by Minister Denis Naughten, with Roscommon’s Kyle McLoughlin and Desmond Dolan picking up awards in the Best Start-Up Business and Best Business Idea categories respectively. The award for Best Established Business went to Nigel O’Reilly, Goldsmith, from Co. Mayo. The regional winners will now go up against 22 other

national finalists in a bid to become Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur and share in a €100,000 winners’ investment fund. Boyle native Kyle McLoughlin of Posude T/ A SubTeacher.ie took the award in the Best Start-Up category. SubTeacher.ie provides school principals with a resource which enables them to locate substitute teachers at short notice. Posude has also recently replicated the platform for pharmacies seeking locums. Kyle said he was delighted with the award: “I’m absolutely delighted and shocked, to be honest. The level of business ideas and people here is so high at these competitions. It shows the calibre of people and businesses in the West of Ireland.” Kyle explained just how SubTeacher.ie works: “Basically we have a platform which allows schools to find teachers at short notice. Schools can go in and

create positions as needed and update that information each week. The idea was developed with the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD) who have members in 550 schools nationwide.” Kyle said he was excited about the national finals and had high praise for the Local Enterprise Office. He said: “Louise Ward and everyone at the Local Enterprise Office has been phenomenal, not just through this process but in general. I find them very approachable and a very good first stop in getting started.” Desmond Dolan won the award for Best Business Idea in the pre-trading category for his innovative call manager solution, MistCalls. The business is aimed at business owners and provides a service which manages calls, giving owners and staff more time to focus on the business at hand.

Desmond, who hails from Carrick-on-Shannon, said it was a complete shock when MistCalls was announced as a winner. “I genuinely thought that they called out the wrong name! The whole thing has been a bit of a rollercoaster since Friday,” he said. Explaining how the idea of MistCalls came to fruition, Desmond said: “It was an idea that came about due to a problem we were having ourselves. It started as an idea on a napkin and now it’s turned into representing Roscommon, Galway and Mayo at Google Headquarters in the national final.” Desmond also paid tribute to the Local Enterprise Office and Louise Ward for the assistance he was provided in getting his idea off the ground. He said: “LEO and Louise have been a huge help because for the vast majority of people taking the jump it’s quite daunting.” Desmond highlighted the

importance of the work carried out by LEO in helping young entrepreneurs and business people with the early stages of business plans and the assistance provided to startup companies. Looking forward to the weeks ahead, Desmond added: “It’s going to be a fantastic experience. In two weeks I believe we are meeting the Taoiseach and the Minister for Enterprise and then our final pitch ahead of the national final on the Sunday (March 5th) is on the Thursday before.” Nigel O’Reilly, a goldsmith from Co. Mayo, won the award for Best Established Business for his business, which designs and makes fine jewellery for the fashion industry. The three regional winners will now go forward to the National Finals, which will take place at Google headquarters on Sunday, March 5th.

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Kyle McLoughlin and Desmond Dolan who were winners at Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur Regional Awards Ceremony in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon. Also in picture, from left: Eugene Cummins, CEO, Roscommon Co. Council; Cllr Tony Ward, Cathaoirleach, Roscommon Co. Council and Louise Ward, CEO, LEO Roscommon. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

Roscommon People Friday 03 February 2017

Business

Kyle McLoughlin and Desmond Dolan who were winners at Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur Regional Awards Ceremony in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon, pictured with Louise Ward, CEO LEO and Eugene Cummins, CEO, Roscommon Co. Council. Back, left to right: Deputy Eugene Murphy, Cllr. Kathleen Shanagher, Minister Denis Naughten, Cllr. Michael Creaton, Cllr. Tony Ward, Senator Maura Hopkins, Cllr. Laurence Fallon and Cllr. Paddy Kilduff. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

Winning smiles! Desmond Dolan and Kyle McLoughlin, who were winners at Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur Regional Awards Ceremony in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon. Also pictured left to right, back: Martin Lydon, Planning and Enterprise, Roscommon Co. Council; Deirdre Kenny, Enda Cannon, Anne Browne and Jeremy Cullen, all LEO Roscommon. Front: Louise Ward, CEO, LEO Roscommon. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

‘The country depends on people like you’ < DAN DOONER

There was high praise for young entrepreneurs at last Friday’s regional final at the Abbey Hotel in Roscommon. The event was attended by bright young minds from across Connacht as well as local County Council and Local Enterprise Office representatives and politicians including Minister for Communications, Climate Action & Environment Denis Naughten and Minister for State at Office of Public Works Sean Canney. Roscommon County Council CEO Eugene Cummins and Cathaoirleach Tony Ward were effusive in their praise with the former saying: “The country depends on people like you and will continue to do so.” Mr. Cummins added: “Sometimes I wonder how you come up with these ideas but it is because you think differently.” Mr. Cummins urged the entrepreneurs not to be too disheartened by any potential failure and encouraged them to seek out help from Local Enterprise Offices. He invited people with “good, bad and silly ideas” to share those ideas with the LEO staff in the hopes of providing inspiration for successful business ideas, saying: “Ireland needs ‘Walter Mittys’.”

Desmond Dolan, Nigel O’Reilly and Kyle McLoughlin who were winners in Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur Regional Finals, pictured at the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

Desmond Dolan who was winner in Best Business Idea category, pictured with Minister for Communications, Climate Action & Environment Denis Naughten, and Louise Ward CEO, LEO Roscommon. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

Kyle McLoughlin who was the winner in the Best Start-Up Business Category, pictured with Minister for Communications, Climate Action & Environment Denis Naughten, and Louise Ward CEO, LEO Roscommon. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

Minister highlights key role of small businesses Minister Denis Naughten presented the awards to the three winners – Kyle McLoughlin, Desmond Dolan and Nigel O’Reilly – and said he was delighted to be there as he continues his recovery from a recent biking accident. “I’m not as busy as I would like to be at the moment, but I am delighted to be here,” he said. The Minister was in good form as he alluded to the recent sale of Westport House and the presence of Mayo Co. Council representatives in the room. “Anytime you can get a Mayo man to come over the border after getting €50 million into his a*** pocket is a good day,” he said. On a more serious note, the Minister paid tribute to the regional finalists in Ireland’s Best Young

Entrepreneur and highlighted the importance of small business to the Irish economy. “The reason I was delighted to take on this invite is that the future of the Irish economy is down to every one of you here. The one thing we can do is to support people starting out in business…hopefully they will grow and develop,” he said. Minister Naughten said that government was “determined to support small business” before praising the work of the LEOs. “LEO drive the level of employment growth in rural areas. If you have an idea come to the Local Enterprise Offices. Thank you so much what for what you are doing and thank you for helping to drive employment growth” he said.

Roscommon People Friday 03 February 2017

FarmingPeople Roscommon Mart Report

(Serving Farmers for over 57 years)

Property Services Providers Licence No. 001373

Bullocks, Heifers & Dry Cows Each Friday at 11 a.m. -------------------

Special Spring Sale of Bullocks Friday, February 10th at 11 a.m. Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, February 2nd ----------------------

Special Spring Sale of Heifers Friday, February 17th at 11 a.m. Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, February 9th -------------------------

Special Spring Sale of Weanlings

Cattle Prices – Friday January 27th: There were good numbers on offer again this week with the trade for bullocks improving from the previous week. Prices for bullocks ranged from €2.23 per kilo up to €2.53 per kilo. Prices for heifers averaged from €2.25 per kilo up to €2.48 per kilo. There was better trade for dry cows with prices ranging from €1.62 per kilo up to €1.80 per kilo. There was a good attendance of customers anxious for stock resulting in a high percentage clearance of lots. Friday sales continue weekly for bullocks, heifers and dry cows. There will be a special spring sale of bullocks on Friday, February 10th at 11 am. Bookings accepted up to 5 pm today (Thursday, 2nd). Heifers and dry cows will also be available. Dry Cows made from €735 to €1350. Sample prices: Simm X 760 kgs €1350, Char X 685 kgs €1235, Char X 650 kgs €1165, Lim X 655 kgs €1075,Simm X 610 kgs €1070, Simm X 600 kgs €1065, AA 635 kgs €1030, BBX 610 kgs €990, Lim X 495 kgs €820. Heifers made from €370 to €595 over. Sample prices: Char X 435

kgs €1030, Char X 385 kgs €870, Char X 395 kgs €865, Char x 370 kgs €850, BBX 370 kgs €840, SHX 385 kgs €830, 2 Simm X 355 kgs €820, 2 Char x 322 kgs €800, Char X 305 kgs €675. Bullocks made from €380 to €840 over. Sample prices: Char X 775 kgs €1600, Char x 725 kgs €1590, Char X 570 kgs €1370, 2 Char X 560 kgs €1355, Lim X 535 kgs €1330, Char X 510 kgs €1265, Lim X 520 kgs €1230, HEX 500 kgs €1200, Char X 480 kgs €1115, AAX 530 kgs €1110, BBX 430 kgs €1020, Lim X 440 kgs €1100, Lim X 430 kgs €950, Char X 580 kgs €1470. Special sale of springers and suckler cows – Saturday, January 28th: There was a good entry of stock on offer at the special sale of springers and suckler cows held last Saturday. There was an excellent trade with a large attendance of customers resulting in a high percentage clearance of lots. Prices for springers ranged from €1000 up to €2040, while cows with calves at foot fetched from €1290 up to €1820. The next special sale for springers/suckler cows will be held on Saturday, February 25th at 12 pm. Bookings accepted

up to 5 pm on Thursday, February 16th. Sale of weanlings and suckler cows – Tuesday, January 31st: There were increased numbers on offer this week with an excellent trade all-round. Prices for heifer weanling ranged from €2.63 a kilo up to €3.29 per kilo.There was an improved trade for weanling bulls with prices averaging from €2.46 per kilo up to €3.30 per kilo. There as a good attendance of agents, exporters and farmers in attendance all actively sourcing stock. There will be no sale next Tuesday (7th). A special sale of weanlings will be held on Tuesday, February 14th at 5 pm. Bookings accepted up to 5 pm next Thursday (9th) There will also be a special sale for springers and suckler cows on Saturday, February 25th with bookings accepted until 5 pm on Thursday, 16th. Weanling heifers made from €350 to €705 over. Sample prices: Lim X 375 kgs €1080, Char X 320 kgs €1000, 2 Lim X 362 kgs €905, Char X 360 kgs €900, Char X 335 kgs €890, Simm X 350 kgs €875, BBX 285 kgs €860, Char X 280

Castlerea Mart Report

Tuesday, February 14th at 5p.m. Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, February 9th ---------------------

Special Sale of Springers & Suckler Cows Saturday, February 25th at 12 noon. Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, February 16th ------------

Lambs & Cast Ewes Each Wednesday at 11 a.m. Included in the Sale Wednesday, February 8th 20 Excellent Quality Hoggets and 2 and 3 year old Ewes In-lamb to Suffolk Ram due Mid-March -------------

Sheep Scanning Service Commencing Wednesday, February 8th – 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and each week thereafter

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

kgs €855, Char X 265 kgs €800, AAX 290 kgs €790, 2 Char X 275 kgs €785, Char X 230 kgs €745, Char X 215 kgs €690, Lim X 265 kgs €870. Weanling bulls made from €335 to €740 over. Sample prices: Lim X 505 kgs €1245, Lim X 460 kgs €1120,Lim X 390 kgs €1090, Char x 395 kgs €1030, Char X 350 kgs €990, Char X 365 kgs €980, Lim x 350 kgs €910, Lim X 250 kgs €825, 2 AAX 335 kgs €790, AAX 245 kgs €735. Sheep sale – Wednesday, February 1st: We had a small entry of sheep again this week. There was a similiar trade for the finished hoggets - making as high as €102.50. The trade for cast ewes was better than the previous week. Sales continue each Wednesday at 11 am for lambs and cast ewes. Sheep scanning service commencing next Wednesday (8th) from 9 – 10 am and each week thereafter. Sample prices - Hoggets: 51kgs €102.5, 45.5kgs €96, 40.4kgs €85, 42.3kgs €82. Cast ewes made from €55 to €118 per lot, ewe with two lambs at foot made €200 and ewe with one lamb at foot made €142.

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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

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BALLINASLOE

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The European Network for Rural Development and the European Council of Young Farmers (CEJA) jointly organised a conference on ‘Generational Renewal Through Rural Development’ in Brussels on Wednesday, 25th of January. Pictured at the event were Independent MEP Marian Harkin with (on right), Sean Finan, President, Macra na Feirme and (on left) Alan Jagoe, President, CEJA.

Thursday, January 26th: There were 650 cattle on offer last week with bullocks and heifers reporting a steady trade with prices similar to the previous week. Breeding stock and runners have noticed improvement in prices since Christmas while dry cows also reported a good clearance. In the weanlings rings heifer weanlings reported a very strong trade with strong export and farmer demand while the bulls have also witnessed increased prices in recent weeks with extra farmer and feedlot activity. Sample prices – bullocks: Ch 450kgs €1100, Ch 420kgs €1045, Ch 510kgs €1300, Lim 610kgs €1385, Lm 710kgs €1485, Lim 605kgs €1350. Heifers: Ch 390kgs €1100, Lm 410kgs €1050, Ch 460kgs €1175, Lm 470kgs €1170, Ch 540kgs €1280, Ch 585kgs €1305. Dry cows: Lm 685kgs €1270, Ch 710kgs €1315, Ch 780kgs €1345, Lm 690kgs €1235. Cows with calves at foot made from €1100 to €1500 per head. Springers made from €900 to €1520 per head. Calves: Young calves made from €80 to €500 for continentals with stronger runner type lots making from €350 to €710. Weanling bulls: Ch 280kgs €840, BB 250kgs €820, Lm 390kgs €1020, BBx 350kgs €1125, Lm 405kgs €1170. Weanling heifers: Ch 240kgs €920, Ch 285kgs €975, Lm 280kgs €855, BBx 330kgs €1080, Ch 320kgs €1035. Sales continue at Castlerea Mart today (Thursday, 2nd) with the usual sale of bullocks, heifers, cows, calves and weanlings. All sales commence at 11 am.

Castlerea Co-operative Livestock Mart Ltd. TELEPHONE: 094 9620300 email: info@castlerealivestockmart.com web: www.castlerealivestockmart.com PROPERTY SERVICES PROVIDERS LICENCE NO. 002249

THURSDAY WEEKLY:

SALE OF BULLOCKS, HEIFERS, COWS, CALVES AND WEANLINGS 3 RINGS IN OPERATION. ALL STOCK PRE-BOOKED. YARD OPENS AT 8 A.M. FOR ENQUIRIES CONTACT MART OFFICE OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR DETAILS

Keep your farm safe

GLAS Demonstration Monday, 6th February at 2.30pm On the farm of Tim Finneran, Fairymount, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon (Located close to Fairymount School) Focus of the Event: Practical Demonstrations on Coppicing existing Hedgerows, Planting a New Hedgerow & Planting a Traditional Orchard All GLAS farmers with these actions are welcome to attend www.teagasc.ie

Roscommon People Friday 03 February 2017

FarmingPeople

NewsPeople

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

Donal Dowd Hoof Trimming Service ● ALL CATTLE CATERED FOR ● DUTCH TRAINED ● SAFE & FULLY INSURED

Mobile: 087 9839284 ● KEEN RATES ● COVERING ALL AREAS

Noise from wind turbines on Sliabh Bán is causing local families to lose sleep, according to local activist, Mike de Jong. Pic: Andrew Fox

‘Like living in a world of alternative facts’ Activist responds to Sliabh Bán announcement < DAN DOONER

Western Forestry Co-op Your Local Forestry Co-op

FORESTRY INFORMATION EVENING Raferty’s Oakland Hotel, Glenamaddy on Wednesday, 8th February at 8pm 31 years in business as Ireland’s longest established Forestry Co-Op Come along and learn of the attractive grants and benefits of forestry ● Topics discussed will be afforestation and harvesting ● For local farmers and landowners ● Meet our team of foresters who will be on hand to answer all queries ● ●

087 - 6606043

Local activist, Mike de Jong has responded angrily to an announcement made by Coillte last Saturday that they have completed the first phase of recreational facilities as part of the Sliabh Bán wind farm. In a letter to the Roscommon People, Mr. de Jong described dealing with Bórd na Móna and Coillte regarding Sliabh Bán as “like living in a world of Donald Trump’s alternative facts.” Mr. de Jong also claimed that Coillte have not completed any further work on recreational amenities at the wind farm since a circular track was completed “before the wind turbines ever arrived”.

Reach your target market! 18,000 COPIES PRINTED WEEKLY

Local activist Mike de Jong.

Planning sought for solar farm near Roscommon town < DAN DOONER

KEEP YOUR FARM SAFE

In his letter, Mr. de Jong also highlighted issues with access tracks to a circular walk on Sliabh Bán. He wrote: “And to top it off they have done nothing about complaints they received about the dangerously steep access track to the circular walk and the tiny and poorly located picnic area they created at the start of the walk.” The activist, who is part of the Sliabh Bán Community Group, called on both Coillte and Bord na Móna to respond to complaints of wind turbine noise, which, he said “for some families has led to being woken up in their sleep.” Mr. de Jong suggested that “Coillte and Bord na Móna could publish a final plan for the amenities on the mountain or better still provide a public tour of the mountain which shows off the exercise and horse trails as contained in the original planning permission.” Mr. de Jong also urged Coillte to provide clarification on the development of viewing platforms and other recreational facilities on the mountain as well as the future location of ‘phase two’ of the amenity development.

Gaelectric Renewable Energy Developments has recently sought planning permission for a solar farm to be developed near Roscommon town. The company lists wind turbines at Skrine and Ballaghaderreen in Co. Roscommon as part of its current operational projects. The wind farm at Skrine made headlines in 2013 due to noise complaints from locals who lived near the turbines. According to Roscommon County Council at the time, Gaelectric had provided evidence that showed the noise levels were within generally ac-

cepted limits. Speaking about the proposed solar farm, which would be located at Creevyquinn, Gaelectric Development Manager, Michael Donnelly, told the Roscommon People: “It’s a 5 megawatt project. This is the equivalent of 900 homes powered by renewable energy.” As for local employment, Mr Donnelly added that, where possible, Gaelectric sought to employ local people and that most of the employment would be at the construction phase. He also added that solar farms with adequate coverage are unobtrusive but that noise surveys had been carried out as

part of the planning process. Mr Donnelly added: “We’re confident that we did our utmost to address every aspect of the planning application.” He also confirmed that the company had carried out consultations locally and that the response to the solar farm was mostly positive. Gaelectric is asking Roscommon County Council to allow it to build the solar farm development on a 34-acre site at Creevyquinn. The proposed area for the site is situated just outside Roscommon town between the N61 and Lanesboro Road. The development would include

a single-storey electrical substation building, electrical inverter and transformer stations as well as solar PV panels mounted on metal frames. New tracks would also need to be developed to access the solar farm. Last year, the Irish Solar Energy Association estimated that it cost approximately €6.8 million to develop a 5MW solar farm, or just under €1.4 million per MW. That price was expected to drop below €1.2 million per MW by 2017. The County Council is due to decide whether to give the proposal the go-ahead by March 22nd.

Roscommon People Friday 03 February 2017

PropertyPeople REA Seamus Carthy: deadline looming for rates appeal

PSRA Licence Number 002782

NO. 7 ANVIL COURT, ROSCOMMON TOWN

Prime Residential Investment situated off Church Street. 3 bed semi detached currently producing a rental income of €11,220 per annum. Split into a ground floor 1 bedroom apartment and a 1st floor 2 bedroom apartment, both with independent access.

The former Henry Street Medical Centre and Pharmacy situated in Roscommon Town.

Former Henry Street Pharmacy now available AMV: €120,000 _______________________________________

BALLYHAUNIS ROAD, CLOONFAD VILLAGE

Excellent opportunity to acquire 2.52 Hectares/ 6.2 Acres of good quality elevated land situated on the outskirts of Cloonfad Village and offering obvious potential. Immediate enquiries advised with final offers invited on or before Friday 10th February.

Seamus Carthy is now inviting enquiries to lease the former Henry Street Medical Centre and Pharmacy situated at Henry Street, Roscommon Town. The former medical centre extends to a net internal area of approximately 165 sq.m. (1,775 sq.ft.) over ground and the first floor and has the benefit of a lift and provides a reception area, 5 consultation rooms with scope for one further larger room if required, kitchenette and toilet facilities. Also, the former Henry Street dispensary/

pharmacy extends to a net internal area of approximately 81 sq.m. (875 q.ft.) over ground and first floor and comprises: the former pharmacy unit, fitted out for retail purposes, kitchenette, cellular offices and WC. Overall, the property is fitted out to an extremely high standard for its intended use and enquiries from doctors, dentist, pharmacists etc. are now invited. Contact sole letting agents REA Seamus Carthy, Roscommon Town 090 6630001.

Quality family home in Roscommon town

AMV: €50,000 _______________________________________

REA Seamus Carthy are now inviting final enquiries for a quality 4/5 bedroomed, two storey family home at number 1 Antogher Court, Roscommon Town. Antogher Court itself is a small housing estate of only ten, mainly owner-occupier, family homes. Open viewing this Thursday 4 pm – 5 pm or by prior appointment with sole selling agents REA Seamus Carthy 090 66 30001.

LISSEYEGAN, EGLISH, BALLINASLOE

REA Seamus Carthy advise that rates are an annual charge on non-domestic property and go towards funding the general provision of services of local authorities. We understand that Roscommon County Council currently have a rates income of €11.37 million and although this overall figure will not change going forward, the valuation office has now re-evaluated all commercial buildings to spread the way in which this figure is divided. Under this revaluation all commercial properties within Roscommon County Council will be valued for rates based on the estimated or hypothetical rental value of a premises as at 30th October 2015. The rates will then be determined as a fixed percentage of this rental figure. Roscommon are not the only county undergoing this process. Westmeath, Longford and Leitrim are currently being revalued also. Other jurisdictions including Limerick, Waterford and Dublin City Council have all gone through the process in recent years. Aishleen O’Toole of REA Seamus Carthy advised that she acted on behalf of a number of tenants for the Dublin City Council revaluation and secured large savings for these occupiers. Aishleen recently attended a meeting held by the Chamber of Commerce in the Abbey Hotel in relation to the rates revaluation and it became clear that there is confusion surrounding this issue and a lack of understanding. “The proposed certificates issued are quite confusing for tenants/occupiers, we have received many calls to our office from occupiers who fear that their rates have increased from say €4,000 per annum to €20,000 per annum. This is not the case. The total valuation figure that is stated at the end of your proposed certificate is to be divided by the multiplier which we expect to be in the region of 0.25”,” she said. Aishleen advised that it is imperative that you ensure the floor area stated by the Valuation Office is correct and that the Proposed Valuation Certificates are appealed. The deadline for submitting an appeal is the 21st February. If an occupier does not submit an appeal they are deemed to accept the figure stated in the proposed valuation certificate and these rates will become payable from 2018 onwards. Should you have any queries in relation to your rates please contact Aishleen or Seamus at REA Seamus Carthy on 090 663 0001 or email info@reacarthy.ie.

NO SALE NO FEE

Attractive 4 bed detached home on 0.56 acre, in need of fit out works – Kitchen, Fireplace etc. The property is situated in an attractive, picturesque rural location, convenient to the town of Ballinasloe and villages of Ballyforan and Ahascragh.

1% EX. VAT FOR ALL SALES €250,000 AND OVER (T&C Apply)

●

Property Sales ● Lettings ● Valuations

ATHLEAGUE, CO. ROSCOMMON. Tel. (090) 6663700. Mob. (086) 8985013

www.connaughtonauctioneers.ie

NEW TO THE MARKET No 2 O’Keeffe Park, Glenamaddy

AMV: €100,000 _______________________________________

3 - 6 MARKET COURT, BALLYGAR VILLAGE

Town Centre 2 & 3 Bedroom homes situated in the heart of this picturesque village, substantially benefiting from their exceptionally convenient location to all amenities, shops, schools, church etc.

AMV: No.3 & No. 4 €65,000 each No.5 & No.6 €60,000 each

ROSCOMMON TOWN. T: 090 66 30001 W: www.reacarthy.ie

Primely located residence in Glenamaddy Connaughton Auctioneers offer for sale, No 2 O’Keeffe Park, Glenamaddy, an attractive three bedroomed semidetached residence in good condition. Located to front of the development and standing on a large site with laid lawns and a large garden to the side of the property which has potential for an extension subject to planning permission. There is a garage to the rear of the property with mature hedging to side boundary and block wall to the front. O’Keeffe Park is within walking distance to the town of Glenamaddy and all amenities including national and secondary schools, shops etc. Features include: oil fired central heating, two bathrooms, solid fuel stove in kitchen (which assists heating) and driveway to the front with double gates. Accommodation includes, on the ground floor: porch to the front, reception hallway, sitting room, kitchen/dining room, bathroom/utility. First floor: three bedrooms and a bathroom. Viewing recommended. Contact the office on 090 666 3700 for further details.

PSRA Licence No. 001350

M.S.C.S.I

NEW TO THE MARKET

4 B/R Detached Residence

5 B/R Detached Residence

Coolagarry, Loughglynn, Co. Roscommon

Glentaun Road, Glentaun Village, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway

PRICE REGION: €85,000 • Prime 4 bed residence with outbuildings • Standing on c. 2.2 acres. • Recently re-decorated • Deceivingly large internally • Located approx. 1 mile from the Village of Loughglynn, just off Castlerea Road • Option to purchase additional c.18.9 acres of land • Enquires invited for immediate sale

PRICE REGION: €250,000 • Exceptional five bed residence with large shed to rear • Approx. 3 minutes from M6 Dublin/Galway Road • In showhouse condition with no expense spared • Attic floored & insulated, suitable for conversion with Velux windows • Natural gas piped heating • Adjacent to bus stop (approx. 12 buses per day & 8 trains to Dublin/Galway)

For further details and map contact the office on 090 66 63700.

Viewing highly recommended, strictly by appointment.

NEW TO THE MARKET 3 B/R Semi Detached Residence

17 Ballyclare Court, Ballyleague, Lanesboro, Co. Roscommon PRICE REGION: €100,000 • Newly decorated internally, ready to go • In the much sought after area of Lanesboro • Front of estate overlooking the River Shannon • Built-in wardrobes in all bedrooms • Large rear garden • Wired for alarm • Priced to sell For further details and information contact the office on 090 66 63700.

FINAL OFFERS INVITED ON LANDS TO LET • c. 28 acres at CARRICK, KILTOOM (For short term letting with no entitlements) • c. 36.7 acres at GLENAMADDY (For long term lease with entitlements of €3,300 per annum) • c.36 acres of Prime Land at COOLUSTY, ATHLEAGUE (For long term lease with entitlements of c€3,300 per annum)

WANTED LANDS FOR LEASING – ALL AREAS

Roscommon People Friday 03 February 2017

PropertyPeople

Final offers and viewings at The Barony David Diffley of Property Partners Earley Roscommon has this week advised that the final open viewing will take place at a quality three bedroomed semi-detached residence located at number 2, The Barony, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon next Monday (6th) from 3 - 4 pm. Final offers are due by 12 noon on Friday, 10th February with proof of funds. David said: “This is a quality three bedroomed mid terrace, two storey residence located in the select Barony development

2, The Barony, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon

adjacent to the centre of Strokestown. “The property offers spacious living accommodation throughout, together with the benefit of a low maintenance exterior which is situated in a quiet enclosure of only ten houses. The auctioneers now invite final viewings and final offers for immediate sale.” For further details, please contact David at Property Partners Earley Roscommon on 090 66 26579 or email ddiffley@propertypartners.ie.

PSA Licence number: 001481 PSRA Licence No. 001481

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

FOR SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION A QUALITY 4 B/R BUNGALOW RESIDENCE OF C. 1,800 SQ.FT LOCATED ADJACENT TO

CASTLECOOTE VILLAGE, ROSCOMMON, CO. ROSCOMMON Public Auction Thursday 16th February 2017 at 4 pm in Dalton’s Public House, Fuerty (unless previously sold)

6 luxury new houses available at Castlemanor Property Partners Earley Roscommon are this week pleased to offer, new to the market, six luxury five bedroomed detached houses for sale at numbers 46 - 51 in Castlemanor on the Racecourse Road in Roscommon. John Earley said: “The government’s Help To Buy Scheme for first time buyers will give a rebate of income tax of 5% of the purchase price at Castlemanor. The properties can be sold to the client’s desired level of finish throughout, and are currently at various stages

of completion. The Castlemanor development offers a spacious residential location conve-

Prime Fourmilehouse lands available at Earley’s John Earley of Property Partners Earley Roscommon is this week offering to the market a prime roadside holding of lands containing 13.16 acres set out in two lots located at Carrowbaun, Fourmilehouse, Co. Roscommon with the benefit of planning permission for a four bedroomed bungalow. The agents describe the lands as “A prime holding of lands located in a select agricultural district set out on opposite sides of the roadway with the benefit of planning permission for a four bedroomed bungalow residence thereon. (Planning ref no: PD 06/1643 & PD12/3033 and expiring on the 27th May 2017). The said lands can be sold in one or two lots should market interest dictate as follows: Lot 1: The entire, Lot 2: 9.26 acres, Lot 3: 3.90 acres with the benefit of planning permission. The auctioneers now invite immediate enquiries and all offers to sell.” To arrange maps or for further details contact John Earley FIPAV, Property Partners Earley, Stone Court, The Square, Roscommon on 090 66 26579, email jearley@ propertypartners.ie or log onto www.propertypartners.ie. Find us on facebook at www.facebook.com/propertypartners.earley.

‘Greenmount House’ for sale – great location Pat Hughes has informed the Roscommon People that his company have for sale this week, ‘Greenmount House’ on the Galway Road, Roscommon. The residence is a large, four bedroomed, two storey located in a prominent location and within walking distance to all local amenities. Viewing is highly recommended. For further details you can e-mail info@ pathughesauctioneers.com or phone 09066 27003.

Commercial unit at Henry Street Pat Hughes & Company has for sale or rent, a large commercial unit at Henry Street, Roscommon. The building is in excellent condition and located close to all amenities. Pat is confirming that the property can be sold or rented. For further details contact Pat on 09066 27003 or e-mail info@pathughesauctioneers.com.

nient to Roscommon town on the Racecourse Road, all of which are quality detached residences. “Overall, these are quality properties to come available in this exclusive development and the auctioneers now invite immediate viewings and enquiries. Prices from €130,000 - €210,000.” For further details, please contact John or David at Property Partners Earley Roscommon on 090 66 26579 or email jearley@ propertypartners.ie.

Carthy’s Sale of the Week Seamus Carthy of REA Seamus Carthy Roscommon Town confirmed this week the sale of Bridie’s Shop and B & B at Ballinagare Village, Co. Roscommon. Successfully trading as a Café and Bed & Breakfast accommodation, the property was sold as a going concern to a UK buyer. With a price of €150,000, Seamus Carthy was delighted with the sale stating that the marketing exposure offered to both national, UK and US buyers is ensuring sellers secure

• A quality 4 B/R detached bungalow residence of c. 1,800 sq.ft. • Standing on an a prime elevated site area of c. 0.55 of an acre. • Overlooking the renowned Blacks Lake. • Located in a select countryside location close to the award winning village of Castlecoote. • Builders finish throughout. BER: C3. Legal: Marie McManus, Messers Patrick J Neilan & Co, Roscommon. 090 66 26245. -------------------------------------------------------------------------

FOR SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION A PRIME HOLDING OF LANDS CONTAINING C. 22.7 ACRES SET OUT IN ONE LOT LOCATED AT

maximum sales prices for their properties. Considering selling? Contact REA Seamus Carthy today on 090 66 30001. We go about our business nice

and quietly but our results speak for themselves. Place your property in our upcoming USA property exhibition today – contact the office.

GORTEENCLOUGH OR CURRAGHMORE, ATHLEAGUE, CO. ROSCOMMON Public Auction Thursday 16th February 2017 at 4 pm in Dalton’s Public House, Fuerty (unless previously sold)

Large bungalow for sale at ‘The Walk’ Pat Hughes & Co offer to the market this week a large four bedroomed bungalow on a corner site and finished to a high standard. The residence is located at The Walk, Roscommon and is selling to every offer in excess of €200,000. Viewing is a must. To make an appointment to view please contact Pat on 090 6627003 or e-mail info@pathughesauctioneers.com.

Land and property available This week, Hughes & Company have for sale, new to the market, a large site with the benefit of outline planning permission. The site is located in one of the town’s most sought after areas and a short distance from all local amenities. Viewing is a must. Pat has confirmed that they will sell to every offer in excess of €75,000. For further details you can contact the office on 09066 27003. The company is also offering for sale, approximately five acres of land located at Bullinree, approximately two miles from Roscommon town. The lands have the benefit of a cattle pen, crush and river frontage onto the Hind River. For further details please contact the office.

Pat has also confirmed that the demand for rented land is greater than ever before. The company have recently leased land which was advertised over the last number of weeks at €275 per acre. If you are thinking of leasing your land, Pat is encouraging you to talk to him as the demand is great at present. All types of property are urgently required in and around the Roscommon area due to a lot of recent sales for disappointed underbidders. If you are thinking of buying or selling, contact Pat Hughes in confidenc and let him advise you, his advice is free. Call 090 6627003, email info@pathughesauctioeers.com or log onto www.pathughesauctioneers.com.

• A select holding of lands located in a much sought after farming area. • Direct access onto the famous River Suck. • An excellent opportunity for any would be purchaser to acquire a prime parcel of lands as seldom does such a farm come up for sale in this renowned farming district. LEGAL: BILLY BRANDON, MESSERS PATRICK J NEILAN & CO, ROSCOMMON. 090 66 26245. -------------------------------------------------------------------------

LANDS FOR LEASE C. 60.7 acres located at Rathconnor, Fourmilehouse and Mullymux, Roscommon with the benefit of entitlements. Good quality lands. Term: 5 years. Enquiries invited. -------------------------------------------------------------------------

LANDS TO LET C. 33 acres located at Ballybrogan, Lecarrow from now until the 1st November 2017. Enquiries invited.

Roscommon People Friday 03 February 2017

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.

BIBLE STUDY AN INVITATION: Come and listen to messages from the Bible (Told simply and without obligation.) EVERY SUNDAY 7-8pm in Hannon’s Hotel, Dublin Road, Roscommon. These studies are free and non-denominational.

Contact: 086 8489244

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

BLOCK AND BRICKLAYING

Padraic Cryan Block & Bricklaying • House & Commercial Developments CONTACT PADRAIC ON: 086 2867950 OR EMAIL padraiccryan@gmail.com

CAREERS CAREER ASSESSMENT, GUIDANCE & COUNSELLING Seamus O’ Doherty B.A., L.L.B., Post Grad. Dip in Ed, H. Dip in School Guidance & Counselling Specialist in: • Career Interest Assessment & Profiling • CAO, UCAS & EUNICAS applications • Subject Choice Assistance • Counselling, CBT and Mindfulness • Motivational Mentoring Contact: 085 1336201 Tulsk, Roscommon Evening & Weekend Appointments Available

CARS FOR SALE < FOR SALE: 2012 Audi Q3, 2.0 TDI. €16,950ono, Metallic grey, 1 owner, full leather, SatNav, Cruise Control, 18” alloys. Full service history, 189,000km, NCT 06/18. Contact: 086 2058874.

CHIMNEY CLEANING

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.

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.

CHIMNEY CLEANING POWER SWEPT No Mess Reasonable Charge ALSO AVAILABLE FOR POWER WASHING

TELEPHONE: 087 9657933 090 66 26752

CHIROPODIST

CAREERS CAREER ASSESSMENT & ADVICE

CHIMNEY CLEANING

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

COMPLETE CHIMNEY SERVICES

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

• Power brush and vacuum technology for cleaning chimneys, stoves, ranges and open fires • REMOVES UP TO 50% MORE THAN TRADITIONAL METHODS • Firebacks replaced and flues repaired • Can be cleaned from the bottom up • Chimney cowels and crow guards fitted

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

Kathleen’s Mobile Footcare Provided in the comfort of your own home

FAST, RELIABLE AND NO MESS

Kathleen Wynne

Tel: 087 2798704

Foot Care Practitioner

OUR DEADLINE IS STRICTLY 2.30PM ON TUESDAY

We cannot guarantee publication after this time

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

MCFHP, MAFHP

071 9637984 / 086 3562718

CHIROPRACTOR

DENTAL

ROSCOMMON CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC

Dental Design Studio

Specialising in:

• BACK PAIN • HEADACHES • NECK PAIN • LIMB PAIN

Phone: (086) 8433433

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

• 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

VHI and Laya Covered

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

DRIVING LESSONS

SYL’s

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

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

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

DOCKERY’S SCHOOL OF MOTORING • ROSCOMMON

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

(094) 98 80281/ (087) 2031909

JOHN DOORLY School of Motoring RSA REGISTERED AND FORMER DRIVER TESTER

Excellent pass rates

Learn to drive from approved Driving Instructor

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

SPECIAL RATES FOR BEGINNERS AND STUDENTS Gift vouchers now available

Call (085) 1348779

O TOW WI RN T TH EA

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE

TEL: 086 2387528 www.aclearsteerdriving.com

SYL’s School of Motoring

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

Contact: 085 1348779 COUNSELLING

DRIVING LESSONS

School of Motoring

ACCOUNTS

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

Learn to drive with ....

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

FARMING < ABATTOIR SERVICE AVAILABLE: Cattle, lambs and pigs. Ready for freezing. Home Cured and Honey Dry cured traditional bacon (not pumped with water) now available. Webb’s Butcher’s 094 96 20005 or 086 4094715. < LAND TO LET for horses. Roscommon/Westmeath area, available immediately. Owner can check daily. €50.00 per month, per horse. Tel: 085 1352687.

Roscommon People Friday 03 February 2017

Classifieds FENCING

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

GARDENING

EDDIE NAUGHTON FENCING SUPPLIES

DANGEROUS TREE REMOVAL SERVICE

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

Woodchipping & Shredding Splitting service also available Insured and c2 Registered Contractor

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

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

FOR SALE < FOR SALE: New complete double divan bed including leather base and headboard, memory foam pocket sprung mattress. Still in packaging. Retail €950, will sell for €240 including free delivery. Tel: 086 4438919.

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

PARKLAWN TREE SERVICES • Certified Arborists • Tree Surgery • Dangerous Tree Removal • Wood Chipping • Leylandii hedges reduced and shaped. Comprehensive insurance cover. I.S.A. member. Telephone: (086) 6077307/(086) 8125165. www.parklawntreeservices.com

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

HEALTH & WELL-BEING

● Amatsu Therapy ● Neuromuscular therapy

& orthopaedic sports massage

Appointments with Anne: Molloy’s Pharmacy, The Harrison Centre, Roscommon

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

Contact Walter on 087 9519873

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

Phone John on 087 2860428

GATES AND RAILINGS < TULLY GATES & RAILINGS: Highest quality wrought iron gates and railings. Also wooden gates. All budgets catered for. Made to spec, also selection in stock. Ring 086 0602173 for brochure.

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

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

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

Tattie Hoaker, Health Store, Goff Street, Roscommon

Phone: (086) 3614230

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

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

PLANNINGS

< SMALL SHOP UNIT to let in The Square, Roscommon. Central heating, good location.Tel: 087 4634888.

MUSIC TUITION

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

LETTINGS

< PIANO LESSONS FOR beginners in Roscommon town. Offering one-toone tuition. Contact 086 3953331.

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

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

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING & DECORATING CONTRACTOR For all your decorating needs

CONTACT JOHN 086 4679798

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, APK Architects and engineers Ltd., on behalf of our client, The Board of management of O’Connor Don National School, intend to apply for planning permission to Roscommon County Council for the construction of an extension to existing school building which consists of a general purpose storage room and associated site works at Cloonbonniff, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon. Signed: Patrick Lavin Agent APK, Architects & Engineers Ltd

PAINTING & DECORATING

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

Tel: (086) 8077313 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

The Planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, 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.

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

www.morrislohan.ie

PLANNINGS

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Thomas and Peter Varley intend to apply for planning permission to Roscommon County Council for the following development: To construct a New 3 Bay Slatted Cattle Shed and a Concrete Silage Base, together with all associated Site Works at Emlaghmore Td., Donamon, Co. Roscommon. Signed: P. Durkan & Associates, Telephone: 071-9630037 Mobile: 086-1600385 Email: padraicdurkan@ eircom.net

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Concept Design, 16 North Main Street, Bandon, Co. Cork (023) 8854904 on behalf of The Kepak Group intend to apply for Planning Permission for the following: (i) Demolish existing Security Hut, Vehicle wash area, gates and fencing to existing open sheep pins, (ii) Modifications to existing northern site entrance, car park entrance, security fencing, turnstile and barriers, (iii) Relocate existing gas tank and fencing, (iv) Construct a new extension to the northern side of the existing Sheep Lairage Building, (v) Existing doors to Beef Lairage Building to be moved from eastern elevation to northern elevation, (vi) Construct a new detached Security Hut, (vii) Construct a new site entrance at northern side of site along with security fencing, gates, turnstile and entrance barriers, (viii) Construct a new Vehicle wash area and hardstanding area with security fencing and gates to open sheep pins, (ix) Extension and modifications to existing car park along with all associated site works at Cloonykelly, Athleague, Co. Roscommon. Signed: Concept Design.

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 to the Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without condition, or may refuse to grant permission.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL Application is being made to Roscommon County Council for permission to retain changes to dwellinghouse, in variation to that previously Granted Planning Permission under Plannning Ref No 03/1015. The variations include the omission of 2 no Windows and retention of a Bay Window structure in lieu of a glazed Living Room projecting Structure on the South Elevation. Retain the relocation of a Feature Chimney moved to the front on the South Elevation, to match the Feature Chimney on the North Elevation. Retain Dormer Window to rear of dwelling. Retain the swapping of Door and Window positions to the Boiler house. Retain the increase in size of Double Garage with the addition of a Roller Shutter Door and the repositioning of the remaining Windows and Doors to the structure, in relation to the dwelling house at Lissagallan Td., (Cloverhill) Roscommon. Signed: Frank Muldoon. The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the Offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the Application may be made in writing on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within a period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Planning Authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

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

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, The Board of Management of Scoil Mhuire, Strokestown, intend to apply for planning permission to construct an extension of 272.7 sq.m consisting of 4 classrooms and toilets on a site which adjoins a Protected Structure namely the former Sisters of Mercy Convent, Dune Maeve House, together with associated site development works and services at Scoil Mhuire, Convent of Mercy Secondary School, Lisroyne, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon. Signed: The Board of Management of Scoil Mhuire, Strokestown The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, 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.

Roscommon People Friday 03 February 2017

Classifieds

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

PLANNINGS

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, APK Architects & Engineers, intend to apply on behalf of Castlerea St Kevins GAA Club for planning permission to Roscommon County Council at O’Rourke GAA Centre, Demesne Townland, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon. The development will consist of: 1. Demolition of existing spectator stand; 2. Construction of new spectator stand and to carry out all ancillary site works.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Morris Lohan Consulting Engineers are applying to Roscommon County Council on behalf of John Devine for planning permission to construct a four bay single slatted shed with lie back and pens floor area circa 186sq.m. and all ancillary site works at Clooneigh Td, Clooneyquinn, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon. Signed: Morris Lohan Consulting Engineers, Castle Street, Roscommon, Ph Office: 090 6627950, Andy 086 3646210, James 087 8228529, info@morrislohan.ie.

118 Abbeyville, Gaway Road, Rocommon. M: 0862102190, E: adam@apk.ie The Planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, 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.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Morris Lohan Consulting Engineers are applying to Roscommon County Council on behalf of John Conroy 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 Clooncullaan 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 the prescribed fee, €20, 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.

OUR DEADLINE IS STRICTLY 2.30PM ON TUESDAY We cannot guarantee publication after this time

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON! TEL: 090 66 34633 EMAIL: advertising@ roscommonpeople.ie

PROPERTIES TO LET/RENT/WANTED 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.

< ROSCOMMON TOWN: Rooms to let. Owner occupier sharing modern house. First let. Non smokers only. Phone: 086 3050328. < 2 BED APARTMENT TO LET in Lanesboro Large kitchen, large sitting room, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathroom. Partly furnished, €600 per month: Tel: 086 3223976. < 3 BED BUNGALOW FOR RENT: Beechwood (Lanesboro Road), outskirts of Roscommon town. Minimum 12 month lease. Tel: 087 2822534. (Please ring from Friday morning onwards)

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

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

SITUATIONS VACANT < PERSON REQUIRED to mind adult with special needs. Full training will be provided. Flexible hours. Phone: 087 4658758. < PART-TIME HOME CARE SUPPORT WORKERS REQUIRED to work with Older People in the Community. For an application form and for further information please contact the HR Section, RSG, Resource Centre, Derrane, Co. Roscommon. Tel: 090 6625852 or forward CV to: recruitment@ rsg.ie < PART-TIME BAR PERSON REQUIRED for pub, 5 miles from Roscommon town. Apply to Box No: 976, c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon. < PART-TIME SECRETARY REQUIRED: 3 miles from Roscommon town. Full working knowledge of word and excel is a must. Telesales experience would be an advantage but not essential. Immediate start. Contact: 086 8386008 or 090 66 63443. < PART-TIME BAR PERSON REQUIRED: Experience essential. Strokestown area. Reply to Box No: 977, c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon.

SITUATIONS VACANT < CARER REQUIRED in the Castlerea area. Please reply to Box No: 980, c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon. < CARER REQUIRED in the Boyle area. Please contact: 086 4425212.

TAXIS AND HACKNEYS

Pete’s Cabs

Roscommon

< MAN AND DIGGER REQUIRED to dig drains in field and on road. Tel: 087 3662900.

< EXPERIENCED FULLTIME CHILDMINDER AVAILABLE: References available. Roscommon town area. Contact: 087 4037839.

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

TAXIS AND HACKNEYS

Padraig Healy Car & Mini Bus Hire Wheelchair Accessible Call car direct

(086) 2714879

TOM KILDUFF CABS Tel: (086) 2544662 086 3821515

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:

SITUATIONS WANTED < EXPERIENCE CHILDMINDER AVAILABLE in Ballygar town. Providing a home from home environment. Level 8 in Early Childhood Care and Education. First aid training. Child protection training. Quality Awarness Certificate completed. 13 years experience working in the childcare industry with children aged 012 yrs. Please reply to Box No: 975, c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon.

TUITION

Lorraine Beirne 086 3688302

– Contact –

Peter Lynch 086 8400002 TOMMY GILLIGAN

CABS

TELEPHONE: 086 8099 503

JOHN BEATTIE

EMAIL: roscommonmathsgrinds @gmail.com

<CASTLEREA/TULSK: LEAVING/JUNIOR CERT Maths, Irish, French. ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE. Private tuition in your own home. Tel: 086 3282437. < FRENCH/GERMAN AND IRISH - Oral and written exam preparation. Higher Level and Ordinary Level from University student with proven results. Castlerea town. Tel: 087 3515985.

Cab and Bus Hire Roscommon

086 2670670

• SAORVIEW • FREEVIEW

BUS HIRE FOR ALL OCCASIONS

• Satellites • Aerials • Repairs • Installations • Upgrades • Relocations • Multi-room • Free to Air • Retuning • Home Moves • Free UK Channels • No Monthly Bills

KELLY’S EYE Taxi and Mini Bus hire.

PHONE: 087-2727888. TREES 4 LARGE TREES FREE to cut and takeaway. Ballygar area. Tel: 087 3132792 after 7pm.

TUITION GRINDS IN JUNIOR AND LEAVING CERTIFICATE BUSINESS AND ACCOUNTING Tutoring for college students in Business, Accountancy and Taxation.

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

Contact: Nuala McGowan on 086 0352849.

MAL HEVEHAN Telephone: 086 8100292 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. WANTED: Fallen trees for firewood. Ash, Beech, Birch, Sycamore and Whitethorn. Good price paid. We are safety certified and insured. Phone: 086 2437376.

TURF, FIREWOOD AND FUEL < 7 1/2 TONNE LOADS of screened turn, delivered. Discount on second load. Phone 087 1413238.

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

Quality Small Job Services For Home or Business

OIL BOILER SERVICE

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

Contact Maurice on 086 2538169 Gannon Environmental Services Ltd, Creggs

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

Contact: 087 6718564

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

FIREWOOD FOR SALE: Hardwood - Ash and Whitethorn. Tel: 086 2437376. < COAL FOR SALE: 20kg bags of household coal only €7 per bag delivered. Buy 20 bags, get 1 bag free. Contact Tom: 086 2628439.

CLASSIFIEDS CONTINUED ON PAGE 39

Roscommon People Friday 03 February 2017

Appointments BUSY OFFICE IN THE BALLAGHADERREEN AREA REQUIRES

RECEPTIONIST/ ACCOUNTS ASSISTANT WITH THE FOLLOWING SKILLS: • Proficient in Excel and Word • Knowledge of an accounts package would be of benefit • Exceptional phone manner as well as great interpersonal skills and planning skills with great attention to detail • Ability to work as part of a team as well as willing to work on their own initiative

PLEASE SEND YOUR CV TO: Box Number 974, c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon

CUSTOMER SERVICE EXECUTIVE Required for Wholesale Business in Roscommon Town Our busy office is currently seeking a professional, friendly person with excellent customer focus to join our team. POSITION REQUIREMENTS: • Provide exceptional Customer Service at all times • Ensure Customer queries and questions are dealt with efficiently and in a timely manner • Liaise and Assist with Operations, Sales Departments and Suppliers • Handle selected Customer Accounts • General Administration Duties SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE MUST HAVE: • Excellent communication, organisational and multi-tasking skills • High level of administration skills • Ability to deal with customers in a professional manner • The ability to work on own initiative as well as contributing to the team • An energetic and enthusiastic attitude

PLEASE FORWARD RESUME TO: businessroscommon@gmail.com

CARPENTERS, JOINERS, CABINET MAKERS REQUIRED Must have SafePass and Manual Handling Must be willing to travel

Contact: 086 1536956 BUSY ACCOUNTANCY PRACTICE IN ROSCOMMON TOWN REQUIRES

PLEASE SEND YOUR CV TO: Box Number 978, c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon

ST. CHRISTOPHER’S SERVICES LTD. APPLICATIONS ARE INVITED FOR THE FOLLOWING POSITION:

RECREATION OFFICER Permanent, Full-Time, Monday to Friday Location: Battery Road, Longford CRITERIA: • Minimum NFQ Level 7 in Sport and Recreation or recognised equivalent essential • Experience working with People with Intellectual Disabilities desirable SALARY APPLICABLE: Department of Health and Children Senior Supervisor/Instructor Salary Scale Salary will be commensurate with relevant experience.

Informal Enquiries: Pauline Davis, Services Officer. Tel: 043 33 41769 Applications are accepted on standard application form only. (Curriculum Vitae are not accepted) Application Form and details are available from: Human Resources Office, St. Christopher’s Day Centre, Battery Road, Longford. Tel: (043) 33 41769 Email: hr@stchristophers.ie Closing Date for receipt of applications: 3.00pm on Monday 20th February 2017 Shortlisting of candidates may apply, based on information supplied on the Application Form. Interviews will be held in late February. St. Christopher’s Services Ltd. is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

PART-TIME NIGHT PORTER REQUIRED APPLY TO: The Percy French Hotel, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon Tel: 071 - 9633300 or email: info@thepercyfrenchhotel.com

Sean Doyle & Sons Ltd REQUIRE ADDITIONAL SALESPERSON FOR

CONNACHT AREA We are a family owned business, established over 30 years that provide a range of services to the Construction industry. We specialise within windows and doors to the New Build and Refurbishment markets. We are currently looking for applications from profesional, well-manner, highly motivated individuals to join the next phase of our already successful campaign. Candidates must be ambitious, have excellent communication skills, motivated self-starter who is able to work on own initiative. Portrays a professional image at all times and understands the importance of delivering a first-class customer service experience. Fluent English is essential. Previous sales experience not essential.

Please contact

090 66 26753/01 4626671

Providing free, confidential and impartial information, advice and advocacy services to the public on social services, rights and entitlements. Community Employment Scheme - Eligibility for the post and pay scales are based on Community Employment criteria and subject to DSP funding and approval.

POSITION:

Roscommon & District Soccer League FÁS Project Information Support Worker

LOCATION: HOURS PER WEEK:

Roscommon Citizens Information Centre 19 ½ hours

EMPLOYER:

ROLE: • Provision of information advice and advocacy to the public • Data collection, analysis and recording • Assist in the development of a quality information service • Attending meetings and required training (QQI Level 6) • Liaise with community and state agencies • Administrative duties DESIRED SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE • Excellent communication skills • Ability to work on own initiative • Good level of IT • Customer service background • Good organisational skills • Ability to work as part of a team • A knowledge of social services Candidates seeking further information should contact Fiona on 0761 07 6380 or by email at fiona.kilmartin@citinfo.ie. A covering letter, together with Curriculum Vitae, with the names of two referees, should be clearly marked “Information Support Worker” and sent to: BY POST: Fiona Kilmartin, Roscommon Citizens Information Centre, Unit 17-18 Castle View, Castle Street, Roscommon BY EMAIL: Fiona.kilmartin@citinfo.ie Closing date for receipt of applications is 5.00pm on Friday 17th February 2017. Roscommon & District Soccer League FÁS Project is an equal opportunities employer. This position is funded and supported under the Employment Services Programme by the Department of Social Protection.

Fast growing and busy Financial Accounting and Taxation Services organisation, based in Co. Roscommon, seeks to fill the following positions, for immediate start:

1. RECEPTIONIST/ACCOUNTING OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR 2. PART-QUALIFIED ACCOUNTANT (3–5 years’ experience)

3. TRAINEE ACCOUNTANT (Possible starts also available in July 2017) Please forward Curriculum Vitae immediately, clearly stating the position applying for to: Integrité Career Management Services at

integritecareers@gmail.com EXPERIENCED WAITING STAFF REQUIRED

FOR BUSY RESTAURANT IN BALLINLOUGH • Must be well presented and good with people • Ensuring customer satisfaction • Performing basic cleaning tasks as needed or directed by supervisor • Filling in for absent staff as needed • Assisting with special events

CHEF DE PARTIE REQUIRED

THURSDAY TO SUNDAY To work alongside two top chefs in busy upmarket restaurant in Ballinlough. The ideal candidate will have worked in a fine dining restaurant for a minimum of 2 years. Must have references please, good English and willing to work weekends PLESAE REPLY TO BOX NUMBER 979, C/O ROSCOMMON PEOPLE, ABBEY STREET, ROSCOMMON

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

Roscommon People Friday 03 February 2017

FamilyNotices ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES COYLE Laurence (Larry)

MULHERN Padraig

Sleaveen, Roscommon and formerly of Carrowcrin, Kilteevan, Roscommon Who died on 7th February 2011 (6th Anniversary)

Buckfield, Castlecoote (6th Anniversary)

COYLE Niall Correal, Four Roads, Co. Roscommon

(7th Anniversary) Treasured memories of a loving son, who passed away 28th of January 2010

Quietly remembered everyday. May he Rest in Peace. Loving memories keep you near As time unfolds another year. Deep are the memories Precious they stay, No passing of time, Can take them away.

Lovingly missed by his wife BT and family. Anniversary Mass in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Friday 3rd February at 8am.

KELLY Con Marian Crescent, Lisnamult (formerly Tonlagee) (10th Anniversary) Who died on 6th February 2007

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

Sadly missed by his wife Galia and daughter Emily.

MERRIMAN Alice Ard-Na-Gréine, Roscommon 3rd Anniversary 4th February, 2014

We treasure all the years we shared And all the love you gave We will always love and miss you with every passing day.

Lovingly remembered by your family. Anniversary Mass on Saturday 1st April at 9.30am in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon.

CREFIN Tom Cherry Drive, Roscommon 3rd Anniversary of his death on 6th February 2017

Missed by his wife Jackie and friends here and in England. Anniversary Mass at the Sacred Heart Church in the morning of the 6th February at 10.30am. Love always, Jackie

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

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

A shadow walks beside us, Forever by our side, Always there to guide us, Ever since the day you died, It’s hard to see tomorrow, When someone you love is gone, It’s harder still to realise, That life must still go on. So always stay beside us, It’s nice to know you’re there, Thanks for all the memories, And the times we loved and shared, Your memory is our keepsake With which we will never part, God has you in His keeping We love you in our hearts.

Loved dearly and never forgotten by Mam and Dad. ~~~~~~~~~~~ In loving memory of

Niall Coyle (7th Anniversary) If we could have a lifetime wish and one dream come true, We would pray to God with all our hearts just to see and talk to you. A thousand words won’t bring you back, We know because we tried, And neither will a thousand tears we know because we cried. You left behind our broken hearts and precious memories too, But we never wanted memories, We only wanted you.

Loved and deeply missed by Irene, Fiona, Ena, Kieran, Noelle, Brian, Edel, Aine and Niamh, brothers and sisters-in-law. ~~~~~~~~~~~ In loving memory of

Niall Coyle (7th Anniversary) Gentle Jesus up above, Give uncle Niall a great big hug, Our uncle so gentle and always so kind. We cherish the memories you left behind.

Loved and sadly missed by your nieces and nephews. Anniversary Mass on

Saturday 4th February at 7pm in the Church of the Good Shepherd, Four Roads.

CASLIN Albert

Hevican Mary Bridget

Lisroyne, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon

Lisnamult, Roscommon (21st Anniversary)

Albert’s wife Vera, sons David and Dermot, daughters Sinéad, Aoife and Siobhán, adored grandchildren Helena and Samuel, niece Órlaith, son-inlaw Martin, brothers Ciaran and Aidan, sister Annette, nieces, nephews and extended family wish to acknowledge the many expressions of sympathy and gestures of kindness shown to us following the sad loss of our beloved Albert. We offer our heartfelt thanks to our relatives, neighbours and friends who called to our home, attended the Wake, Removal, Funeral Mass and shared stories of their cherished memories of Albert. A special word of thanks to all who travelled long distances and all of Albert’s dear friends from the fellowship for their kindness and support. To those who provided refreshments, made tea, helped with traffic management, sent Mass Cards or letters of sympathy, telephoned or helped in any other way we are very grateful. We would also like to thank Fr. Eamonn for his visits to our home and the beautiful Funeral Mass, Fr. Gannon who con-celebrated the Mass, the choir for the beautiful hymns; especially the soloists Emer and James, Pat and John McHugh who were the epitome of professionalism throughout and whose friendship and support made those difficult days a little easier, the Sacristan, Altar Servers, gravediggers and the Percy French Hotel for the lovely meal. We will be forever grateful to all the professionals who looked after Albert so well throughout his illness; Dr. Ciaran Regan, MacAuliffe’s Pharmacy, the Palliative Care team; especially Dee and Teresa who were a great comfort to us and Albert in his final days. As it would not be feasible to thank everyone individually please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our sincere gratitude. Month’s Mind Mass in Strokestown Parish Church on Saturday 4th February at 12.00pm.

In loving memory of a dear mother and grandmother Mary Bridget, who died 1st February 1996 R.I.P.

“Life is a book, Written over ages, It’s not what’s on the cover, But what’s inside the pages.”

Rest in Peace Albert.

Will those who think of her today A little prayer to Jesus say. Quietly today your memory is kept No need for words We will never forget. Our thoughts go back As they always do We treasure the memories we have of you.

Fondly remembered by your loving daughter Philomena and granddaughter Roseanne.

HANNON Maureen Goff Street, Roscommon Who passed away on January 26th 2002

Your mother is always with you She’s the smell of certain foods you remember, Flowers you pick and the fragance of life itself. She’s the place you came from, Your first home and she’s the map you follow with every step you take.

Always remembered and never forgotten by all the Hannon family. Acceptance of an advertisement or payment therefore is not to be taken as implying guarantee that the advertisement will be published. The right is reserved to refuse to insert any advertisement, without giving any reason; also to discontinue the publication of any advertisement previously published, without compensation for any loss or damage claimed for nonpublication. Publication of an advertisement cannot be guaranteed on a specific week or at all, whether or not a particular week has been stipulated by the advertiser, and the company will not be liable for any loss claimed by such omission, whether from all editions or any particular edition or editions of the paper. Right is reserved to alter any advertisement without liability for any compensation for such alteration. Further, the company does not accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement.

LAMBERT Mary, Michael and Thomas Clooneygrasson, Ballymoe (1st, 2nd and 31st Anniversaries)

In loving memory of Mary, who passed away on 31st January 2016, Michael who passed away on 25th January 2015 and their son Thomas, who passed away on 9th January 1986 WE REMEMBER THEM In the rising of the sun and in its going down We remember them In the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter We remember them In the opening of the buds and in the warmth of summer We remember them In the rustling of leaves and the beauty of autumn We remember them In the beginning of the year and when it ends We remember them When we are weary and in need of strength We remember them When we are lost and sick at heart We remember them When we have joys we yearn to share We remember them So long as we live, they too shall live For they are now a part of us as We remember them

Fondly remembered and sadly missed by Micheal, Hubert , Eamonn, John, Maura, Kathleen, Gerard, Kevin, Noel and their families. Anniversary Mass in St. Croan’s Church, Ballymoe, Co. Galway on Sunday 5th February 2017 at 10.30am.

FALLON Ellen (Nellie) and Johnny Muckinagh, Ballygar (16th and 15th Anniversaries)

In loving memory of Nellie, who passed away on the 21st September 2000 and Johnny, who passed away on the 21st January 2002 Forever in our thoughts and prayers.

Your loving sons Tommy, John, Joe and families. Anniversary Mass on Friday 3rd February in St. Mary’s Church, Ballygar at 7.30pm.

Roscommon People Friday 03 February 2017

FamilyNotices ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES DOLAN Caitriona

FANNON Lily

KEENAN Patrick

CUNNIFFE Sr Maria Goretti

FOX Patrick (Pakie)

RAFTERY Micheal

22 Beachgrove, Ardnagh, Co. Roscommon

Kiltultogue, Fourmilehouse, Co. Roscommon 1st Anniversary 26th January 2017

Ballymacfrane, Donomon

Convent of Mercy, Castlerea

Sheehaun, Curraghroe, Co. Roscommon

(3rd Anniversary)

The family of Caitriona would like to thank all who attended her Removal and Funeral Mass and especially those who travelled long distances to be with us. Thank you to those who telephoned, sent beautiful letters, Mass and sympathy cards. We would like to thank Fr. John Collins and Fr. Declan Shannon who officiated at the Funeral Mass. A special thank you to Fr. Byrne from Kilteeven who was present with Caitriona before she passed away in Roscommon University Hospital. We thank all our kind neighbors, relatives and friends who were a great support throughout this sad time. Thank you to Pat Smyth, Undertakers for his kindness and professionalism in organising the Funeral and providing the beautiful flowers. Also to the gravediggers who prepared Caitriona’s final resting place. Thank you to Enda, Caitriona’s brother who provided the beautiful music at the Funeral Mass. A special thanks to our relatives who did the readings. Thank you to Martha, Joe and Alan Farrell who catered for all the family, relatives and friends afterwards. A special word of thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff of Roscommon University Hospital and Galway University Hospital and the Palliative Care Team. As it wold be impossible to thank everyone individually we trust that this acknowledgement will be accepted by everyone in grateful appreciation. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass has been offered for your intentions. Ar dheis de go raibh a hanam dhilis

Caitriona’s Month’s Mind Mass will be celebrated in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Saturday 4th February 2017 at 7pm.

Will those who think of them today A little pray to Jesus say.

On this the First Anniversary of our dear mother’s death, we her family - Pat, Tom, Marie Rogers and Sandy Gately wish to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who sympathised with us at the time. Our thanks to all our extended families, relations, neighbours and friends who helped and supported us through Lilly’s final days. We thank those who visited our homes, travelled long distances, phoned, sent Mass Cards, letters, floral tributes and all those who attended her Removal and Requiem Mass. A heartfelt word of thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff of the Rosalie Unit, Aras Naomh Chaolin, Castlerea for their outstanding care given to Lilly during her illness and for the care, kindness and dignity shown to her and us in her final days. Thank you also to the Palliative Care team. Thanks to Rev. Fr. Leahy for the beautiful Requiem Mass assisted by Fr. Milton, Fr Mullaney, Fr. Poole and Fr. Donal Morris, whose personal recollections of Lilly touched our hearts. Thank you to Natalie and Hazel Murray who sang the hymns and to the Altar Servers on the day. Our sincere appreciation also to Tom and Pat Smyth for their professionalism and sensitivity while carrying out the Funeral arrangements. Thank you to the gravediggers who prepared mammy’s final resting place. Thanks to management and staff at Cuisle, Donamon Castle for the lovely meal after the Funeral. Please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our deep and heartfelt appreciation to all. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass has been offered for your intentions. May Lilly’s soul Rest In Peace

Anniversary Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Ballinaheglish on Sunday 26th February at 11am.

Remembered by Nancy and family. Anniversary Mass on Sunday 5th February at 10am in Clooneycolgan Church.

KEANE Helen (Lena)

HOARE Kathleen

Ballymaglancy, Castleplunket, Co. Roscommon (2nd Anniversary)

12 Circular Road, Roscommon

In loving memory of Helena who died on 6th February 2015 We hold you close within our hearts And there you shall remain. To walk with us throughout our lives Until we meet again.

Always remembered by Martin, Annette, Helen, Rosaleen and Margaret and all her family. Anniversary Mass on Saturday 4th February 2017 at 7.30pm in Ballinaheglish Church.

KEANE TONY (7th Anniversay)

Treasured memories of mammy, who passed away on 6th February 2015 Although we cannot hear her voice Or see her smile no more Our mother walks beside us still Just as she did before. She listens to our stories And she wipes away our tears She wraps her arms around us And she understands our fears. It’s just she isn’t visible to see with human eye But talk to her in silence and her spirit will reply. We feel the love she has for us We hear her in our hearts She’s left her human body but our souls will never part

Forever loved and deeply missed by your sons and daughters ~~~~~~~~~~~~

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

Always remembered by his brothers, Des and Martin, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephew and friends. Anniversary Mass in St. Paul’s Church, Kilmurray, Sunday 5th February 2017 at 10am.

NANA, It’s so hard to forget someone Who gave us so much to remember.

Pakie’s wife Bridie, his daughters Maura and Patricia and his son Noel, would like to thank most sincerely all those who sympathised with them on their sad loss of Pakie. Thank you to all those who called to their home, attended Smyth’s Funeral Home, Removal to St. Mary’s Church, Ballagh, Requiem Mass and Burial, many of whom travelled long distances. Thank you to all those who telephoned, sent Mass Cards, floral tributes and letters of sympathy. A special word of thanks to Fr. John McManus for con-celebrating Mass, all those who helped with the Mass, the Mass Servers, Teresa Costello for the beautiful music and singing, Tom and Pat Smyth, Funeral Directors for taking care of all the Funeral arrangements. A heartfelt thanks to all our family, friends and neighbours for their help and support and indeed those who offered their help. Also Dr. Sharkey who cared for Pakie over the years and Dr. Morris, all the staff at Tullamore Hospital and the Ambulance Crew involved in taking Pakie to hospital. To Mary Connolly for all the time and care you gave Pakie and your help and support to his family while caring for him and to Mary Parker, Public Health Nurse for all your care and support. We really appreciate the efforts everyone made and as it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, we hope that this acknowledgement will be accepted as a token of our appreciation. First Anniversary Mass will be offered for Pakie on 10th February at 8pm in St. Mary’s Church, Ballagh.

Sorely missed by all your grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.

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

An eternal memory Until we meet again Those special memories of you Will always bring a smile If only I could have you back For just a little while Then we could sit and talk again Just like we used to do You always meant so very much And always will do too The fact that you are no longer here Will always cause me pain But you’re forever in my heart Until we meet again

Sadly missed by Mary and family. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ DAD Your life was a blessing, Your memory a treasure… You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure… Hugs and Kisses

Loved and missed everyday your daughter Sandra ~~~~~~~~~~~~ SPECIAL GRANDDAD Loving and kind Gentle and true Those are the memories we have for you

Love from your grandchildren Darcie and Daniel. Anniversary Mass on Sunday 12th February in the Sacred Heart Home at 11am. Acceptance of an advertisement or payment therefore is not to be taken as implying guarantee that the advertisement will be published. The right is reserved to refuse to insert any advertisement, without giving any reason; also to discontinue the publication of any advertisement previously published, without compensation for any loss or damage claimed for non-publication. Publication of an advertisement cannot be guaranteed on a specific week or at all, whether or not a particular week has been stipulated by the advertiser, and the company will not be liable for any loss claimed by such omission, whether from all editions or any particular edition or editions of the paper. Right is reserved to alter any advertisement without liability for any compensation for such alteration. Further, the company does not accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement.

Extra Rural Social Scheme places for Roscommon Minister for Social Protection Leo Varadkar has confirmed that 18 extra Rural Social Scheme (RSS) places have been allocated to County Roscommon. The allocation to Roscommon Integrated Development Company increases the total number of places in the county from 149 to 167. The news was welcomed by Fine Gael Senators Frank Feighan and Maura Hopkins. Senator Feighan said that RSS schemes are “firmly embedded” in the social fabric of Rural Ireland, providing vital support to community groups, clubs and associations. He added: “The aim of these schemes are to provide income supplement in return for part-time work in the community. While taking part in this scheme, participants experience new opportunities to use and develop their skills while being involved in valuable community work.” Senator Hopkins said the Rural Social Scheme is so important right across County Roscommon. She said participants work on a wide range of projects such as village and countryside enhancement projects; caretaking at community and sporting facilities; social care and care of the elderly such as meals on wheels; community care for pre-school and after-school groups. Senator Hopkins encouraged anybody who may be interested in applying for the Rural Social Scheme to contact Roscommon Integrated Development Company (Roscommon LEADER Partnership) on 090-6630252.

Maura lobbies Leo… Senator Maura Hopkins has raised a number of concerns regarding the Rural Social Scheme Eligibility with Minister Varadkar. Senator Hopkins stated that “I have been informed that there is an extremely stringent means test review which has the potential to exclude certain participants with limited farm income earnings who are making a very valuable contribution on the scheme. “I am also aware the eligibility criteria excluding Jobseeker’s Benefit is resulting in many individuals not being able to take part in the scheme. It is extremely important that clarification is be provided as quickly as possible on the concerns I have raised.”

Roscommon People Friday 03 February 2017

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

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Roscommon People Friday 03 February 2017

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THANKSGIVINGS 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. A.C. 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. I.C.

THANKSGIVINGS PRAYER TO SAINT RITA (Patroness of Impossible Cases) O glorious St. Rita, your pleadings before the divine crucifix have been known to grant favours that many would call the impossible. Lovely St. Rita, so humble, so pure, so devoted in your love for thy crucified Jesus, speak on my behalf for my petition which seems so impossible from my humbled position. (Here mention your request). Be propitious, O glorious St. Rita, to my petition, showing thy power with God on behalf of thy supplicant. Be lavish to me, as thou has been in so many wonderful cases for the greater glory of God. I promise, dear St. Rita, if my petition is granted, to glorify thee, by making known thy favour, to bless and sing thy praises forever. Relying then upon thy merits and power before the Sacred Heart of Jesus I pray. Amen. M.H. 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). M.H.

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Royal Caviar crashes out at the last leaving Some Plan, blue, to come home alone.

This weekend’s action Racing in Ireland today is at Clonmel, featuring the Grade 3 Powerstown Novice Hurdle, with first away at 1.20 pm. Tomorrow’s meeting is on the flat at the all-weather in Dundalk with stalls opening for the first at 5.30 pm. Saturday’s racing takes place at Fairyhouse with the first away at 1.10 pm. On Sunday, racing is at Punchestown featuring the Grade B Grand National Trial Chase, the Grade 2 Tied Cottage Chase and the PP Hogan Memorial Cross Country Chase over the banks starting at 1.30 pm. The going is soft at Clonmel today and standard at Dundalk tomorrow night. On Saturday at Fairyhouse the ground is soft to heavy and soft at Punchestown for Sunday. In a week that saw the highs and lows of national hunt racing, Champagne West had the bottles popping last Thursday after giving Henry de Bromhead his first win in the Thyestes Chase at Gowran emulating his father, Harry, who won the race with Grand Habit 25 years ago. The 9–Y-0 gelding easily won by 7½l and 9½l from Ucello Conti and Bonny Kate and will now be aimed at the Blue Riband of chasing in Cheltenham, the Gold Cup. On Saturday at Cheltenham, the WP Mullins trained Un De Sceaux won the Grade 1 Clarence House Chase transferred from Ascot’s abandoned meeting. Enda Bolger met an unusual set back in the cross country race when 50/1 shot Urgent De Gregaine beat Cantlow by 3l with Any Currency 3rd another 21l away. In the Grade 2 Cotswold Chase the 2015 Grand National winner, Many Clouds, bravely got back up to pip Gold Cup favourite Thistlecrack by a head before tragically collapsing having suffered a massive internal haemorrhage. At Doncaster Vroum Vroum Mag and Paul Townend completed an across channel double for Willie Mullins in the Grade 2 Mares Hurdle accounting for Midnight Jazz and Coillte Lass by a head and 7l with a workmanlike performance. Saturday also saw the return of the locally owned Miss Mardan to the track at Naas after an absence of 398 days. The mare finish second to Augustin beaten 3l with the fav Mossback 1¾l back in 3rd. The 8-Y-O mare is owned by the B & M Partnership who are Brendan McDermott from Oran and ‘The Councillor’ Martin Connaughton from Athleague and could be seen out again at Naas on Saturday week, all going well. At Leopardstown on Sunday former stable companion of Faugheen, the Gigginstown owned Petit Mouchoir, now trained by Henry de Bromhead kept up the trainers good run winning from Faugheen’s stablemate Footpad with

Joseph O’Brien’s Ivanovich Gorbatov complete the frame. Mullins expects Faugheen will be back working this week and we can look forward to the pair meeting in Prestbury Park. Earlier De Bromhead won the other Group 1 race on the card but not as expected with Identity Thief who unseated at the 1st, but his other runner Some Plan who finished alone under Davy Russell after Bleu Et Rouge unseated at the 3rd and Royal Caviar crashed out when leading at the last.

Racing news There are 110 entries in the Aintree Grand National but Welsh National winner Native River is an unexpected absentee. There are 37 Irish trained entries 14 trained by Gordon Elliott who won the race with Silver Birch in 2007. Mouse Morris who trained Rule The World, now retired, to win last year’s race has 3 horses entered.

Cheltenham Watch Gavin Cromwell’s Jer’s Girl will go straight to Cheltenham probably for the OLBG Mares’ Hurdle. The trainer reports his 5-Y-O mare, last seen at Christmas finishing 5th behind Petit Mouchoir, in good shape as she builds up towards the Festival. The lightly raced American, the 2015 winner of the 4-Y-O maiden in Rockfield, holds a double entry for the festival in the 4m National Hunt Chase and the 3m Grade 1 RSA Chase for which he is 2nd co fav of 3 at 8/1 behind Bellshill at 7/2. Melon, an impressive hurdling winner in a Leopardstown maiden on Sunday, looks to be the making of an Irish banker in the opening race of the Festival having been backed from 10’s to 7/2 this week. Melon is trained by WP Mullins.

Point to Point view No action in the North this weekend but on Sunday there are 4 meetings in the south. The first at Oldtown in North Dublin with a midday start. Ballinaboola in Wexford near New Ross and Belharbour, overlooking the Atlantic, between Kinvarra and Ballyvaughan in Co. Clare both start at 1 pm and Tallow outside Lismore on the Cork/Waterford border is away at 1.30 pm. Tragedy struck the game last Saturday when up and coming young rider John J O’Connor was killed in a road accident outside Mallow. John, from Lismire in Co. Cork, rode 6 winners last season and finished runner-up in the novice championship. He rode at Rockfield last November finishing 4th in the novice riders race. He was only 20 years of age. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis.

Roscommon People Friday 03 February 2017

SportsPeople

The Roscommon senior footballers begin their Allianz National Football League Division 1 campaign against Tyrone in Omagh this Sunday. Pic: Andrew Fox

Marching north ... The Roscommon senior footballers get their Allianz National Football League Division One campaign up and running this Sunday when they take on Tyrone in Omagh at 2 pm. Kevin McStay and his troops couldn’t have asked for a tougher start to the new season and the bookies don’t give Roscommon much hope of gaining any points this weekend. Although Tyrone are newly promoted from Division Two, they are among the favourites for Ulster and All-Ireland honours this year. Mickey Harte’s

men will be expecting to get off to a winning start against a Roscommon team who are set for their second year at the top table of league football. If last year’s league campaign taught us anything, however, it’s that you write Roscommon off at your peril. Kevin McStay has named what appears to be a defence minded starting fifteen (see page 48) and will be hoping that his charges batten down the hatches and provide Tyrone with a tough opening day test. For full the full preview see pages 47 and 48…

Roscommon People Friday 03 February 2017

SportsPeople

SICK AS AROSCOMMON PARROT/OVER THE MOON & DISTRICT LEAGUE NEWS Soccer Results The Herald Premier Division Moore United 3 Shiven Rovers 1 Ballymoe FC 0 Castlerea Celtic 2 Brazukas 1 Ballinasloe Town 6 Skyvalley Rovers 3 Ballaghaderreen FC 5 Norio’s Takeaway Division 1 Cloonfad United 7 Kilkerrin United 1 Glen Celtic 1 Dunmore Town 1 CP Ajax 6 Loughglynn United 0 Dysart FC 4 Rahara Rovers 0 Lough Harps 2 Ballinasloe Town B 2 Killeen Sportsgrounds Division 2 Cloonfad United B 0 Roscommon United 6 Dunmore Town B 6 Skyvalley Rovers B 1 Hodson Bay Athletic 1 Strokestown United 4 Moore United B 1 Cam Celtic 5 Shiven Rovers B 5 Castlerea Celtic B 2

Creggs RFC Report

Dooner’s weekend predictions Congratulations to the mighty Dysart FC who have wrapped up the Division One title following a superb run of 15 wins out of 15 matches so far this season. Will we be celebrating the ‘Dysart Invincibles’ in the next few weeks? I wouldn’t bet against it.

Saturday, February 4th The Herald Premier Division Moore United v Ballinasloe Town. 7.45 pm The visitors can’t afford to lose this while Moore can put daylight between themselves and their nearest challengers this weekend. Prediction: Moore United. Narrowly. Killeen Sportsgrounds Division 2 Strokestown United v Shiven Rovers B. 7.45 pm The only question is

whether the home side can go the entire league campaign unbeaten. Prediction: Strokestown United

Sunday, February 5th The Herald Premier Division St. John’s Athletic v Ahascragh United. 11 am This weekend could be crucial for the home side. Prediction: St. John’s Athletic Brazukas v Ballymoe FC. 2 pm The visitors will be keen to get back on track as soon as possible and this is a decent opportunity. Prediction: Ballymoe FC Castlerea Celtic v Shiven Rovers. 2 pm There were hints that Castlerea were edging closer to the level they displayed last season. Last weekend’s win

over Ballymoe confirms it. Title challenge ignited. Prediction: Castlerea Celtic Norio’s Takeaway Division 1 (All matches 2 pm) Dunmore Town v Dysart FC (Champions) There will be no hangover for the champions. Prediction: Dysart FC Lough Harps v Loughglynn United The home side could close the gap on Cloonfad United in second place this weekend. Prediction: Lough Harps Rahara Rovers v Ballinasloe Town B Time is slipping away from Rahara, they must get a result here. Prediction: Draw Killeen Sportsgrounds Division 2 Cloonfad United B v Dunmore Town B. 11 am If the most recent formbook is anything to go by then the visitors should keep pace with the top three this

weekend. Prediction: Dunmore Town B Roscommon United v Skyvalley Rovers B. 11 am Roscommon need to keep their current run going. Simple. Prediction: Roscommon United Cam Celtic v Moylough ’79. 2 pm Should be a routine home win for a side in decent enough form. Prediction: Cam Celtic Hodson Bay Athletic v Castlerea Celtic B. 2 pm Athletic have been entertaining to watch this season and I’m expecting plenty of goals here. Prediction: Hodson Bay Athletic Moore United B v Ballinagare FC. 2 pm A home win is vital as Moore aim for promotion. Prediction: Moore United B

Brave Convent beaten by late strike Bank of Ireland Connacht Schools Senior Final SACRED HEART SCHOOL WESTPORT

CONVENT OF MERCY ROSCOMMON

Despite dominating the game, the Roscommon girls missed out in heartbreaking fashion to Westport in Headford last Friday afternoon. Despite totally dominating possession and creating a number of chances, Roscommon could not convert their chances and it was 0-0 at the break. Rachel Fitzmaurice broke the deadlock in the 60th minute for a deserved lead. But almost immediately Westport were level

with Sarah Ludden the scorer. There were chances for both sides after that and it looked like a draw was going to be the most likely result until Jennifer Chambers struck with only three minutes to go to break the hearts of the Roscommon side. Roscommon: M Kelly, A McGrath, E Irwin, P Farrell, K McPhillips, R Fitzmaurice, C Corcoran, S Scally, F Tully, G Whyte, S Cassidy. Sub: A Curley for Whyte.

THE GAIN LINE

Courageous Creggs bow out of Connacht Connacht Junior Cup Quarter-Final: Creggs 5 Ballinasloe 7. A measure of how far Creggs have progressed under the guidance of Head Coach Pat Cunningham is that when these teams met in the Cawley Cup at the start of the season they were hammered 64-0. Last Sunday, Ballinasloe were first to acknowledge their good fortune in progressing to the semi-finals, the game decided literally by the kick of a ball. It was apparent from a very early stage that this time around Creggs meant business. Destroyed in the set pieces in their previous encounter, on Sunday Creggs were markedly superior in the scrum and more than held their own in the lineout. In the loose exchanges the much vaunted visitors back row particularly no. 8 John Hayes and tight side Kieran Coughlan showed why they are so highly regarded but they still gave second best to the Creggs back row with no. 8 Kevin Brandon and his flankers Peter Lohan and Alan Brandon in rampant form throughout. Cunningham’s work was most evident in a well orchestrated defence where, but for a crucial lapse after 15 minutes, the Ballinasloe threat was snuffed out ag-

gressively and the home line was rarely threatened. Unfortunately for Creggs their one defensive lapse allowed right wing Robert Wakefield in for an easy try on the quarter hour and the conversion from his out-half Kealin O’Neill ultimately decided the match. Creggs continued to take the game to their opponents with prop Aidan Leech and second row Mike Blighe very much to the fore but wrong options at critical moments nullified this good work. Ger Heneghan was short with a couple of long range penalties but Creggs were finally rewarded for their efforts when Alan Brandon crossed in the corner just before half-time. The second half was a relentless but fascinating war of attrition with neither side able to add to their tally. Creggs lost Blighe to a curious yellow card at a stage when they were very much in the ascendancy. In the last few minutes Ballinasloe were down to 14 with replacement back row Johnny Parsons sent to the bin but they somehow held their line and their discipline and survived a few more heart stopping moments to hold out grimly to the final whistle. This was a disappointing

outcome for Creggs, they performed heroically in an absorbing old fashioned cup match of intense physicality but they must now regroup for the second half of the league campaign, returning to action in Ballinrobe on Sunday, kick-off at 2.30 pm. Creggs: K Gavin, G Heneghan, M Holland, T Callaghan, L Meehan, B Cleary, C Duignan, T Fleming, S O Higgins, A Leech, B Donoghue, M Blighe, A Brandon, P Lohan, K Brandon. Replacements: E Farrell, A Glennon. U-18.5 Connacht League Semi-Final: Creggs 13 Galwegians 3. Creggs have qualified for the final of the U-18.5 Division 1 Final after a hard fought win over Galwegians last Sunday morning at The Green. Creggs were doing well in the opening exchanges, despite being reduced to 14 following a yellow card in the first five minutes. However, as the first half wore on it was the visitors who were gaining the upper hand took the lead just before half-time, kicking a penalty in front of the posts after Creggs were given offside at the ruck. The second half saw a more determined and structured Creggs performance

Pictured is the Creggs U-18.5 side which was victorious in the Connacht League Semi-Final against Galwegians last Sunday.

and straight from the kickoff Adam Finnerty produced a great tackle, which set the tone for the rest of the half. David O’Gorman and Brian Maloney came to the fore at the set piece while Eoghan Coyle and Ronan Dowd marshaled the troops behind the scrum. For ten minutes Creggs laid siege to the ‘Wegians line but a couple of knock-ons at inopportune times and it began to look like it could be one of those days. 20 minutes into the second half, however, Creggs drew level from a penalty from Shane Purcell and this sparked a resurgence in the Creggs ranks. Dara Byrne and Danny Arnold carries took the game to the visitors and Shane Dowd’s kicking caused panic in the ‘Wegian’s defence.

One such kick deep into their 22 lead to hesitation, which Jason Hoare capitalised on to enable Cian Gately to touch down. Purcell converted to stretch the lead to 10-3 with just seven minutes left on the clock. Creggs weren’t finished there, however, and with three minutes remaining, Purcell laced up his shooting boots once more to strike a long-range penalty to add some gloss to the scoreboard. Creggs will face Corinthians of Galway in the league final on the weekend of February 12th. Day and time to be confirmed. U-15A League: Ballina 7 Creggs 8. Creggs came away from Ballina with a win last Saturday in the U15 league following a highly

entertaining and competitive encounter. The scoreline didn’t reflect the fact that both teams played well in this game and ran the ball at every opportunity. The first score of the game came ten minutes into the second half when Cian Glennon kicked a penalty for Creggs, however that lead was short lived as Ballina took the lead three minutes later when they scored a try from a cross-field kick which was converted leaving the home side 7-3 in front. With seven minutes remaining, Mark Purcell scored a try in the corner to give Creggs the win. Creggs: Ronan Lambe, Louis McCaffrey, Conor McNulty, Andrew Naughton, Cian Glennon, Darragh Kiernan, Ethan Glennon, Jack

Crehan, Luke Divilly, Lorcan Maher, Rory Callaghan, Kian Moran, Adam Donnelly, Tiernan O’Sullivan, Mark Purcell, Ben Finnerty, Brandon Kilcommons. Youth Rugby: Creggs U13s will play Sligo RFC at 11 am in Sligo on Saturday. The U-15s will travel to Westport RFC for a league game next Sunday. Training takes place tonight (Thursday) at 6.45 pm. Creggs U16s are also training tonight at 6.45 pm. Mini Rugby: Creggs Minis had a blitz in Carrick-onShannon last Saturday there were games from U-7s-U12s. Next weekend Creggs will welcome Monivea and Longford RFC to Creggs for a Blitz. Kick-off will be 10.15 am sharp and players are to be there at 9.45 am.

Roscommon People Friday 03 February 2017

SPORTING WORLD WITH DAN DOONER

@dan_dooner

Now the real games can begin! THE LEAD STORY Dan Dooner The meaningless pre-season tournaments are over for another year thank God and we can now look forward to more competitive action in the Allianz National Football League. However, don’t worry if it doesn’t go to plan for your county, the management team will insist that the championship was the aim all along! Last weekend Roscommon impressed in parts as they once again lost out to Galway. The really disappointing (but not unexpect-

ed) news came off the field as Neil Collins and Cathal Cregg confirmed that they would be unavailable this year. No county, apart from Dublin, can really afford to lose two players of that calibre and it comes as a blow for the Rossies ahead of the league campaign, whether they were braced for it or not. It will be a tough campaign too and Roscommon will do very well to survive in Division One this year. Elsewhere, the non-news headline that caught the eye last weekend came from the O’Byrne Cup in Leinster, where stand-in Dublin manager, Paul Clarke, had a pop at the media for describing the victorious third string Dublin team as, er, third string!

The week in numbers 12

5 3

red as The amount of points sco ve fight Creggs RFC put up a bra t Sunday against Ballinasloe las Cup. ior Jun t ach nn Co in the 7-5 in They narrowly lost out Green. the quarter-final at The as Martin Fleming, Thom nnon, Concannon, Gary Conca omas James Sharkey and Th the in 0s 18 hit all d ral zge Fit gue last Roscommon Darts Lea weekend. the Just three days left untiltballers foo ior sen on Roscomm n One begin their NFL Divisio e in campaign against Tyron Omagh.

Clarke, who took charge of the Dubs for the victory over Louth as a stand-in for Jim Gavin, said it was “disrespectful” to label the young Dubs in this way. The irony being that he is, in essence, a second string manager. Clarke was happy with the win and described his tenure as “better than Sam Allardyce with no money involved”. All joking aside, the real issue of course is the fact that the Dubs can jet off to Jamaica while a set of trialists see off a county team at full strength and preparing for the start of a league campaign this weekend. Dublin can hardly be blamed for taking advantage of their dominant position and I certainly don’t think

splitting the county in two is the answer – a ‘North Dublin’ selection would walk through Leinster anyway! However, something needs to be done in the province as the championship is becoming as meaningless as the O’Byrne Cup. It’s important to remember that Dublin weren’t always successful, and in fact were embarrassed on more the one occasion. The trick, as most top athletes will tell you, is to become comfortable being uncomfortable. Sometimes a county must ask awkward questions of itself in search of a better way of doing things. At some point Dublin did, and now they’re back from their holidays to face Cavan in their league opener.

People’s Champions of the Week We brought you the news some months back of Donamon cyclist, Daire Feeley’s big move to UC Monaco. Daire is enjoying life in the Principality so far and won the first race of the year last weekend.

Sporting week on Tweet Street Back Page Football @bpfootball Always worth remembering that Wycombe’s kit is made by our very own @ONeills1918 (Only a matter of time before Wycombe Wanderers are playing in the Championship!)

Trevor Finnegan @Trevorﬁnnegan They are actually playing Kid Rock at Anfield at half time. It actually couldn’t be any more depressing #LFC (A lack of Heavy Metal football was compounded by a lack of Heavy Metal on the PA system at half-time of Liverpool’s embarrassing FA Cup defeat to Wolves at the weekend.)

Gerry Keegan @Keegan1984 Everyone back Roscommon to win the u21 all Ireland. When Shane Dowd can’t make the panel the (sic) must have a serious team. #whatamug #joke (I followed Gerry’s advice and put a tenner on them…only noticed the hashtags after!)

The sporting brief Handball

Rossie Connacht wins! Roscommon had four representatives at the Connacht 2nd Level Colleges finals held in Mayo last Saturday. Fiona Tully (Convent of Mercy) took the Senior Singles with a routine twogame win over Laura Finn. Michael and Liam Egan won their Intermediate doubles match against Shane Lawless and Darragh Jordan 15-6, 13-15, 15-10. Meanwhile, Philip Halliday and Eanna Moran travelled only to find out that their Galway opponents had pulled out of their event. Elsewhere, in the Junior Doubles Semi-Final, Lisacul’s Denis Creaton and Sean Jennings enjoyed victory over Curraghboy’s

Philip O’Connor and Paul Kelly on a scoreline of 2117, 13-21, 21-13. Finally, in the Gael Linn All-Ireland Finals, Rory Carthy and Cara Kennedy went down fighting in the U-13 semi-final to the eventual winners from Kilkenny. The dynamic duo had beaten Clare pairing Rossa Keehan and Leah Minogue in the quarterfinals before losing out to Dominic Bolster and Amy Brennan in the semis.

Darts

Rua rule! An Bóthar Rua continue to lead the Roscommon Darts League following an impressive 6-3 win over Flanagan’s last weekend. Elsewhere, McDermott’s cemented their place in the top four with a 5-4 win over The Hollwood.

Last weekend’s results mean that An Bóthar Rua lead the standings by 13 points ahead of Dalton’s while The Forge and McDermott’s are further back in third and fourth places respectively. This weekend McDermott’s go head to head with An Bóthar Rua, The Forge play Flanagan’s and The Hollywood take on Creaton’s.

Athletics

Athlone students impress The Athlone Community College Athletics team enjoyed an impressive meet at Loughrea recently. Bea Drummond was the stand out performer as she qualified for Connacht schools. The minor boys also qualified for the Connacht schools as did Lisa

Gavin and Fiona Molloy (senior girls) and Helen Lynch (minor girls).

Pictured is Bea Drummond of the Athlone Community College Athletics team during the school’s recent meeting in Loughrea. Drummond qualified for the Connacht schools.

Golf

Roscommon Drive-in Roscommon Golf Club’s annual captains’ and president’s drive-in was hosted by president Paula

Connaughton and captains Annie Timothy and Tom Costello last week. Mary Lennon, Teresa McDermott and Michael Lennon won the front 9 in the scramble which followed with Ciara Ryan, Mary Mellett and Des Dowd claiming the back 9. Last week’s ladies’ 9-hole competition was won by Margaret Egan while Michael O’Connor won the mens’ seniors competition and Jackie Maxwell claimed the ladies’ seniors. Jackie was quite busy last week as she was also elected as chairperson of the ILGU Connacht branch. Well done Jackie! To Athlone next where Pat Ryan won the gents’ competition last weekend with 39 points. Ger O’Kennedy, meanwhile, took the Wednesday Open recently with 35. Sheila Geraghty was victorious in the most

Pictured at the Captains’ and President’s drive-in at Roscommon Golf Club were Paula Connaughton (president), Tom Costello (captain), Annie Timothy (lady captain).

recent 12-hole competition with 24 points. Finally to Carrick, where Tony McPhilips was the winner of the 9-hole

competition on January 19th with 25 points. Paul Reid claimed the competition last Thursday with 21 points.

Roscommon People Friday 03 February 2017

Seamus Duke ON SPORT Trepidation ahead of trip to Tyrone @SeamusDuke

It was a pity that Roscommon didn’t win the FBD League Final against Galway last Sunday but it’s not the end of the world. It was another very competitive game and better than any training session and Kevin McStay and his backroom team found out more about the players at their disposal in preparation for Sunday’s league opener. I was impressed with Galway and Kevin Walsh is building a very strong squad for later in the year. I am expecting them to be challenging for promotion to Division One and they will have a great chance of beating Mayo in the championship for the second year in

succession but that’s for another day. The shadow boxing is now over and Roscommon head into their second season in Division One with a very tough opening game on Sunday against Tyrone. The game is previewed in detail elsewhere this week but it is very hard to see Roscommon getting anything out of this trip up north. When Tyrone were promoted last year and before the draw was made, the one game I did not want to see was Tyrone away in our first game. Mayo or Dublin or Kerry would not fancy a trip to Omagh so if we get anything out of this game it would be an amazing result. But the beauty

of sport is that the underdogs do win from time to time and while Tyrone are a very good side they are not unbeatable. But the fact that they won the McKenna Cup for the 6th year in a row last Sunday will give them a huge boost too. What Roscommon fans will be looking for on Sunday is a good performance. There are so many changes on the team from even last year it will be a new start for everyone. Neil Collins and Cathal Cregg are huge losses but they will just have to get on with it now. I would be a bit afraid of the amount of scores that we have conceded in the last two games

and Tyrone is not the place to go if you have problems at the back. It is a long journey and even though I am looking forward to the league starting once again this trip will be made with a lot of trepidation. But one thing that always warms the heart are the hundreds (and in some cases, thousands) of Roscommon fans who will make the long journey to Omagh on Sunday and will follow the team around the country. They are great supporters, so loyal and dedicated, and every year brings new hope and it is fantastic to be looking forward to another season in Division One of the league. Bring it on!

Cup has lost its magic I think it is sad to see the way the FA Cup has gone over the years. Last weekend we saw a lot of shocks in the fourth round but they happened mainly because the so-called ‘bigger teams’ made loads of changes from their usual strongest starting line-ups. There may be some reason why a team who are chasing the Premier League or Champions League titles might make a few changes but why would the likes of Newcastle, Brighton or Leeds be making 8, 9 and 10 changes to their team? Would a good run in the cup not benefit their clubs? After all it’s only four of five games more. The ‘Romance of the Cup’? Not any more.

From the Internet Irish girls are less likely than boys to get their recommended amount of exercise, according to new research by Irish Life Health School Fitness Challenge. The research shows that the gender gap widens as boys and girls progress through school; in Transition Year, boys are 42% fitter than girls, as opposed to first year boys being 32% fitter than girls. Over a quarter of all Irish secondary schools signed up for the Schools Fitness Challenge in 2016, with 22,764 students taking part; 10,935 girls and 11,828 boys. Students also experienced a significant improvement in their fitness levels after just six weeks of exercise training, with first year boys (+11%) and fourth year girls (+14%) showing the biggest improvement levels overall. Dr Kate Kirby, Head of Performance Psychology at the Irish Institute of Sport, said that there could be a number of reasons for the reduced participation (which are the result of the lower levels of fitness) in girls compared to boys. Irish Life Health also surveyed PE teachers to get their views on their students’ participation in PE, and 96% of teachers believe that their students fake excuses to get out of PE class. The top excuse is students saying they aren’t well (63%), followed by students saying they forgot their gear (23%). A further 71% of teachers feel their students avoid PE as they are just uninterested in doing physical activity. The School Fitness Challenge, now in its fifth year, has been overseen by Professor Niall Moyna in the Centre for Preventive Medicine, Dublin City University with a total of 126,162 secondary school students taking part from 2012-2016. Moyna says that the “rigidity” of the current PE curriculum needs to change to short periods of physical activity that encourage senior cycle students – particularly girls to stay active. The School Fitness Challenge was created with the aim of making physical fitness a national priority and to encourage young people to be proactive in adopting a healthier and more active lifestyle. (Courtesy of the 42.ie)

Ireland face a tough test against Scotland in the RBS Six Nations this weekend.

Grand Slam not a dead cert! The Six Nations Rugby Championship begins this weekend and I am dismayed (once again) at the Irish rugby media who have got carried away altogether. According to many of these so-called experts, Ireland only have to turn up to win the Grand Slam. It’s madness. I would say that Scotland are rubbing their hands with glee this week listening to this rubbish. The only good thing about it all is that Joe Schmidt will not allow any of that kind of talk into the camp. But make

no mistake, the match this weekend against Scotland is a banana skin waiting to happen. Ireland will have to play out of their skins to win against the improving Scots who will be trying to make Murrayfield their fortress once again after a few barren years. If Johnny Sexton and Conor Murray stay on the field for the entire game and don’t get injured, Ireland can edge it by a couple of points. England play France and I expect the English to win that one. In the final game, Wales are in Rome and

should have few problems against Conor O’Shea’s side. The ‘bonus point’ system is in operation for the first time ever in this championship and it will be interesting to see how that works. I am not playing down Ireland’s chances but let’s see how Sunday goes before we make any bold predictions. The Lions are going to New Zealand this summer and that will give an added boost to the elite players and I am expecting some great rugby over the next few weeks.

Fed and Rafa serve up masterclass Tennis is not a sport that I watch that often but I tuned into the Australian Open final last Sunday morning and it was one of the best matches I have ever seen as Nadal and Federer battled it out. The intensity, the athleticism, the bravery, and skill of the two men was awesome as fortunes swung one way and then the other. When it was over and Federer had won it after five sets, the respect that the players had for each other in the post match speeches was a credit to them and their sport. It was certainly one of the greatest finals ever played and it was a pleasure to see it.

Roger Federer claimed the Australian Open following an epic win against Rafa Nadal in the final last Sunday.

Michael Day and Tadhg O’Rourke battle to win possession during last Sunday’s FBD League Final in Kiltoom. Picture: Andrew Fox

GAA wheels continue to move slowly I was on the road last Saturday and listened to a long interview on Newstalk with representatives of the Club Players Association and it made for very interesting listening. According to Anthony Moyles, who spoke very well, there is a huge crisis in holding on to players in the GAA between the ages of 18 and 21 and he reckons that the chaotic fixtures schedule is one of the main reasons for this crisis. Being involved here in Roscommon over many years I am not sure that there is a crisis, but there is no doubt that the fixtures calendar will have to be totally overhauled if the games are to survive and prosper into the future. On the one hand, we have Padraig Duffy the GAA Director General, who is proposing modest changes to the fixtures schedule at Congress and then we have the CPA who want sweeping changes to be made immediately. Anyone who has been in the GAA as long as Padraig Duffy will know that change has to come incrementally but in fairness to the CPA they want to change things immediately. I welcome the CPA but I am not sure that they will get their way. The wheels of change in the GAA roll very slowly. There is no doubt that changes are needed with regard to fixtures and the CPA will get their way in the end but it will take longer than they think. But if they are organised properly they can have a major impact.

Roscommon People Friday 03 February 2017

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Goals vital as Tribesmen retain title FBD Connacht SF League Final GALWAY

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ROSCOMMON

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< SEAMUS DUKE

Another good display from Roscommon, but another losing one, as Galway retained their title in this highly competitive and entertaining final played in Kiltoom last Sunday. Goals were decisive for Galway, but there were positives and negatives for both sides as they look ahead to the start of the season proper on Sunday. Roscommon once again played very well at times and particularly in attack, but the team are coughing up possession far too easily and it is leading to a lot of needless scores being conceded. It is something that they will have to address ahead of what is sure to be a very tough league campaign, which starts in Omagh this Sunday. Ultan Harney was very impressive at full-forward and

he battled hard all through. Donie Smith put in another super display and he kicked some excellent points. Cian Connolly was also impressive up front in the first half. Thomas Corcoran and Tadhg O’Rourke also did well at midfield at times. Further back Ronan Stack turned in probably his best display in a Roscommon jersey. Seanie McDermott was also impressive while Tom Fetherston and Niall McInerney had their moments although Barry McHugh and Danny Cummins got some vital scores for Galway throughout. But there is plenty of food for thought as the selectors ponder a starting line-up to take on Tyrone on Sunday. Last Sunday, Roscommon led by three points twice during the opening 14 minutes with Donie Smith (2, 1 free), Cian Connolly, Fintan Cregg, and Ciaráin

The ball spills out to the waiting arms of Roscommon’s John McManus as Thomas Fetherston and Seanie McDermott collide with Galway’s attacking duo of Barry McHugh and Danny Cummins. Picture: Andrew Fox

Paul Conroy retains possession for Galway despite the efforts of Seán Mullooly. Picture: Andrew Fox

Murtagh on target. Barry McHugh’s point in the 16th minute was followed three minutes later by a crucial Galway goal. Roscommon should have been awarded a free in the build-up but Galway swept downfield and after Paul Conroy and Sean Armstrong were involved in the move, Cillian McDaid shot past Darren O’Malley and the Tribesmen never lost the lead after that. Roscommon had further points from Ciaráin Murtagh (free), a wonderful right footed effort from distance from Seanie McDermott and a lovely Donie Smith effort before halftime. But Galway were dangerous when on the attack, and Barry McHugh (2) and Gareth Bradshaw points saw the score Galway 1-8 Roscommon 0-8 at half-time. Donie Smith and Cillian McDaid exchanged points on the resumption before the crucial second Galway goal arrived in the 43rd minute. Tom Flynn

made a great run but his shot was blocked, however the rebound fell to Danny Cummins who shot low and hard to the Roscommon net. The gap was now six points but Roscommon battled away. Three Donie Smith points in a row (one a beauty with his right foot) saw the gap back to three by the 53rd minute. Then, with 14 minutes to go, Galway’s Declan Kyne was sent off for a second yellow card offence but the Tribesmen were never in danger of losing. Barry McHugh pointed a ’45 before Roscommon had a great goal chance when Enda Smith’s effort was well saved by Rory Lavelle. Substitute Niall Kilroy’s free in the 64th minute was brief respite for Roscommon as Galway hit back with points from Danny Cummins, the outstanding Johnny Heaney, and Barry McHugh. Another Roscommon sub, Conor Devaney pointed in the 70th minute and in injury-time Gary O’Donnell and Kevin

Higgins exchanged points. It’s not the end of the world to lose this final as the real action begins for Kevin McStay and his men next weekend with a very tough trip to Omagh. But to lose a final to their Connacht rivals is not ideal preparation for the season ahead. On this showing Galway were impressive and Kevin Walsh is certainly building a very strong squad. They start their league campaign against Cork on Sunday and they are sure to be a major factor in the championship later in the year. Referee Liam Devaney from Mayo had a poor enough outing and both sides were frustrated at a number of baffling decisions throughout. Galway: Rory Lavelle; Liam Burke, David Walsh, Declan Kyne; Gary O’Donnell (0-2), Gareth Bradshaw, Johnny Heaney (0-3); Fintain O Curraoin, Michael Day; Tom Flynn (0-1), Paul Conroy, Cillian McDaid (1-1); Danny Cummins (1-1,1free), Bar-

ry McHugh (0-6, 2 frees), Sean Armstrong. Subs: Peter Cooke for O Curraoin (b/c 50), David Wynne for McDaid (58), Finian Hanley for Wynne (65), Paul Varley for Armstrong (67), Paul Mannion for Day (70), Cathal Sweeney for Heaney (70). Roscommon: Darren O’Malley; Seanie McDermott (0-1), Tom Featherson, Niall McInerney; Ronan Stack, Sean Mullooly, John McManus; Thomas Corcoran, Tadhg O’Rourke; Fintan Cregg (0-1), Ciaráin Murtagh (02, 1 free), Shane Killoran; Cian Connolly (0-1), Ultan Harney, Donie Smith (0-7, 3 frees). Subs: Enda Smith for Cregg (half-time); Davy Murray for McManus (half-time); Conor Devaney (0-1) for Killoran (half-time), Niall Kilroy (01, free) for Connolly (52), Kevin Higgins (0-1) for Corcoran (52), Niall Daly for D Smith (60). Referee: Liam Devaney (Mayo)

Roscommon People Friday 03 February 2017

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McStay: ‘Sloppiness in possession is costing us’ Kevin McStay was happy enough with his side’s preseason preparation but disappointed with the amount of possession Roscommon have been giving away of late. He said: “That’s the end of the pre-season now and it has been a very decent preseason. We have seen all the players that we wanted to see and I feel we are not far off playing a big game. “I have just said to the players that the turnovers are killing us. Unforced turnovers are costing us dearly and teams are feeding off it and it’s giving the opposition huge opportunities - mistakes we are making. I think we will come to terms to with it but today we didn’t mind the ball like

we should have done.” The Roscommon manager said that while the backroom team was happy enough with progress so far, he was disappointed to lose players to injury. He also confirmed that both Neil Collins and Cathal Cregg would not be part of his plans this year. He said: “We are happy enough where we are and we have the central positions well covered, I’m just disappointed that we do not have Diarmuid (Murtagh) and Cathal (Compton) for our opening game but they will be back soon. “Neil Collins and Cathal Cregg will not be on the panel this year. Neil is going to the USA (and Cregg is completing a PhD) so we

have to plan without both. But we have to look ahead. Tyrone away is as hard as it gets it will be very difficult for us but we are aiming to have two points on the

board after our first three games and if we could have two or three points after three games it would represent a good start for us,” he concluded.

Stat Attack Wides: Galway 8 (6 first half), Roscommon 8 (two first half) Red cards: Galway 1 (Declan Kyne, 2nd yellow), Roscommon: none Black cards: Galway 1 (Fiontain O Currain 50), Roscommon: none Yellow cards: Galway 4 (David Walsh, Danny Cummins, Declan Kyne 2), Roscommon: 1 (Cian Connolly) Man of the match: Johnny Heaney (Galway)

Thomas Fetherston wins this battle with Barry McHugh as he breaks to ball to clear the danger. Picture: Andrew Fox

Roscommon manager Kevin McStay and Galway manager Kevin Walsh speak briefly after the final whistle. Picture: Andrew Fox

Walsh looks to tribal reinforcements Kevin Walsh was understandably happy with Galway’s FBD League victory but admitted that his side struggled at times. He said: “It was a good competitive game, both sides did well at various times. We struggled at times but overall I think we

deserved to win it. But both teams are looking at players and we had six or seven players who never played championship before and also we have a few lads coming back as well. We had a few injuries today but look, it’s nice to win any competition that you

are in and we are happy to win it. Looking forward to Galway’s NFL Division 2 campaign, Walsh said he expected to have a stronger panel within the next few weeks. “We have more players to come back from colleges

and from the club scene too so overall we are not sure where we are but it is progressing every week and next week will see more progress hopefully in terms of the panel. We are trying to develop the panel and to be as strong as possible,” he concluded.

Shane Killoran with the assistance of John McManus manages to weave his way through the tackles of Gary O’Donnell and Tom Flynn. Picture: Andrew Fox

Roscommon People Friday 03 February 2017

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Shield silverware for Dockery’s troops Hastings Cup Shield Final ROSCOMMON

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WESTMEATH

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(AFTER EXTRA-TIME) < SEAMUS DUKE

Roscommon’s U-21 footballers completed their Hastings Cup campaign with a hard fought, one point win after extra-time in the shield final at Ardagh last Saturday. Westmeath were the better side by far in the first half and by the 28th minute they led by 0-6 to 0-1 and Roscommon looked out of sorts and well beaten in most sectors of the field. But points in injury-time from Hubert Darcy and Sean Conroy lifted their spirits and at half-time they were only three adrift, 0-6 to 0-3. Roscommon played much better on the resumption and by the 37th minute they were level after points from Cian McManus and Cian McKeon (2). A superb point from Westmeath sub Darren Giles edged them ahead in the 39th minute. Then in the 42nd minute tempers boiled over and there was a melee involving up to 15 players from each side. Referee Fergal Kelly red carded Westmeath midfielder Sam Duncan and issued yellow cards to Roscommon’s Aidan Brogan and Hubert Darcy in the aftermath. Despite being down a man, Westmeath looked the likely winners as they led by 0-9 to 0-7 with four

minutes left. But then in the 58th minute Hubert Darcy pointed from 30 metres, then Jack McDonnell sent the game into extra-time with a super score from 40 metres five minutes into injury-time. Extra-time saw the sides locked together again. Points from Lorcan Daly, Cian McKeon and Cathal Callinan put Roscommon three ahead but two Rob Curley frees saw the margin at just one by the end of the first period, Roscommon 012 Westmeath 0-11. Another Darren Giles point levelled the scores in the 4th minute of the second period but Cathal Callinan’s 40metre free with two minutes to go proved the winning score. Best for Roscommon were Aengus Lyons, Sean Conroy, Hubert Darcy, Cathal Callinan and Cian McKeon, After the game Roscommon manager Adrian Dockery reflected on his team’s performance. “It was a tough battle and to have a competitive game like that is better than any training session. It’s our last competitive game before we face Sligo in the championship. It wasn’t pretty but our lads hung in there all the way through. It looked like it was slipping away from

Ladies underage update The Roscommon U-14 squad completed their trial period with a challenge against Longford in Moydow last Sunday morning. The entire panel were tried out and the final panel will be drawn up during the week and girls notified. Fixtures for all inter-county teams are now uploaded on the Connacht LGFA website. They will also be made available in the local press over the next couple of weeks. The new courses and seminars are almost complete now. The next one is on Monday, February 6th which is the club mentor workshop. This takes place in the Fr Flanagan hall in Ballymoe and is for all coaches and club officials. It will be followed on Saturday, February 11th and Sunday 12th by Grab your Whistle level 1 which will take place in Hannon’s Hotel Roscommon town. Places are limited so early booking is advisable.

Connacht heartbreak for Convent Connacht Senior Camogie B Final PORTUMNA CS

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CONVENT OF MERCY ROSCOMMON Cathal Callinan (pictured in action last year against Sligo) was in good form as Roscommon U-21s claimed Hastings Cup Shield glory last Saturday against Westmeath. Pic: Andrew Fox

us a couple of times but we stuck at it very well. “There were positives and negatives. Our fighting spirit was very good but we gave the ball away a lot, which hurt us. But there was great character displayed and that’s good to see. “The side is starting to take shape and our style of play is also coming together but we have a few things to sort out and that’s what we will be working at over the next few weeks but it is nice to get a bit of silverware here today,” he concluded. Roscommon: Liam Cregg;

John Brennan, Michael Cox, Keelan Beirne; Sean Conroy (0-1), Aidan Dowd, John Duffy; Gearoid Keenan, Hubert Darcy (0-2); Aidan Brogan, Cathal Callinan (0-3, 2 frees), John Gannon; Aengus Lyons, Brian Stack. Cian McKeon (0-4, 3 frees). Subs: Cian McManus (0-1) for Gannon (26), Lorcan Daly (0-1) for Dowd (38), James Fetherstone for Keenan (48), Shane Dowd for McManus (53), Jack McDonnell (0-1), for Stack (59), Luke Kelly for Conroy (e/t), subs also used in extra time: Jack Casey, Jamie

Fahey, Mark Richardson. Westmeath: Kevin Fagan; Matthew Darling, Ronan Wallace, Peter Murray; Daire Conway, Mark Kelly, Boidu Sayeh; Liam O’Reilly, Sam Duncan; Shane Clavin (0-1), Ronan O’Toole (0-2, frees), Ciaran Shanley (0-1); Tye Adamson, Finbar Coyle (0-1), Brandon Carey. Subs used: Darren Giles (0-2, frees), Jack Reid (0-1), Rob Curley (0-2, frees), Conor Dillon, Eoin O’Brien, Ian McGovern, Jack Kearney. Referee: Fergal Kelly (Longford)

It was heartbreak for Convent of Mercy Roscommon, who saw this Connacht title slip from their grasp at Mountbellew last week. It was nip and tuck early on until Rachel Neilan scored a fine goal in the 15th minute for the Convent girls. With Rachel Fitzmaurice and Nora Brennan influential they led at half-time by 1-6 to 0-6. Portumna narrowed the gap to one early in the second half before Roscommon hit back with their second goal from Rachel Neilan to leave her side five ahead with ten minutes left. But Portumna came with a late winning run. Alannah Kelly scored

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their first goal before Eimear Fahy followed up with a second. Leah Rowe narrowed the gap to one with a pointed free with five minutes to go but Portumna had done enough to hold out. Best for Roscommon were Rachel Fitzmaurice, Nora Brennan, Leah Rowe, Grainne Whyte, Shauna Fallon and Rachel Neilan. Convent of Mercy Roscommon: F Tully; K Lavin, N Farrell, L Fitzpatrick; N Madden, M Tiernan, N Brennan; L Rowe (0-3), L Keenan (0-1); S Fallon (03), R Fitzmaurice, L Mullen; G Whyte (0-1), R Neilan (20), A McGrath (0-1). Sub: L Mannion for McGrath

Ladies blitz Offaly for perfect start Lidl Ladies National Football League Division 3 ROSCOMMON

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OFFALY

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Roscommon began their National Football League campaign under new manager Michael Finneran with a good win against Offaly at Cappincur last Sunday. Roscommon’s opening scores came from Laura Fleming and Jenny Higgins and once Natalie McHugh crashed home a great goal in the 10th minute Roscommon were in business. Two more Roscommon goals from Gillian Dufficy and Laura Fleming saw the visitors strengthen

their grip on this tie. Roscommon led by 3-5 to 15 at half-time with Helen Hensey scoring the Offaly goal late in the half. Offaly enjoyed their best spell after half-time and at one stage they reduced the margin to just three points but the vital score came from Joanne Cregg when she scored a brilliant solo goal to settle the encounter. Roscommon will play Tipperary in round 2 at Johnstown on Sunday next at 2 pm. Roscommon: Karin Rod-

Pictured is the Roscommon Ladies team which enjoyed a convincing win over Offaly in their opening National Football League game in Cappincur last Sunday.

dy; Caroline Gunning, Bronagh McHugh, Honor Ennis; Aisling McAuliffe,

Amanda McLoone, Sinead Kenny; Joanne Cregg (1-0), Laura Fleming (1-

2); Rachel Brady, Gillian Dufficy (1-1), Jenny Higgins (0-2); Rebecca Finan,

(0-1), Natalie McHugh (1-4), Caoileann Beirne (0-1). Subs: Sheila Brady

for Finan, Alice Kelly for Brady, Tara Taylor for Fleming.

Roscommon People Friday 03 February 2017

GAA PEOPLE Your weekend starts here Allianz NFL Division One: Tyrone v Roscommon on Sunday in Healy Park, Omagh (2 pm)

Seamus Duke’s Crystal Ball… Mayo v Monaghan in Castlebar (Saturday, 7 pm) This looks likely to be a tasty opener. Mayo return for another year and their first aim will be to stay in Division One for another season. They are still a formidable outfit but I have a feeling that Monaghan are waiting in the long grass and could spring a surprise here. Match odds: Mayo 4/9; Monaghan 9/4; Draw 15/2. Prediction:Monaghan.

Cavan v Dublin in Breffni Park (Sunday, 2 pm) The Dubs are back from their winter holiday and they might be a bit rusty against a Cavan side who will be jumping out of their skins at home against the All-Ireland champions. There will be a huge crowd at Breffni Park – where Dublin should edge it. Match odds: Cavan 11/4; Dublin 4/11; Draw 15/2. Prediction:Dublin.

Donegal v Kerry in Letterkenny (Sunday, 2 pm) A very long journey for Kerry but they should make it pay against a home side who are in transition after losing many of the great players who have served them so well in recent years. It will be a close run thing though. Match odds: Donegal 11/10; Kerry 10/11; Draw 15/2. Prediction: Kerry.

View From ... Tyrone It’s a ‘must win’ for Mattie Mattie Donnelly is willing to sacrifice self before team in order to play a part in Tyrone’s Division One campaign. Confidence and competition for places is high in the Red Hand camp and Donnelly sees this Sunday’s clash with Roscommon as “must win.” Speaking to the media earlier this week, he said: “We are building our panel nicely and there is serious competition for places – and that’s the way it should be. I enjoyed starting at centre half-back against Derry and I will play wherever I am asked. “The game against Roscommon is a must win game for us. We have to get two points. Our home record is not great in the league and we have to put that right. “Roscommon came up to Division One last year and performed very well so we know that we are in for a tough game but we will be hoping to take two points to start the year off on a positive note.”

SIDELINE VIEW

McStay’s rallying call to Roscommon fans < SEAMUS DUKE

With less than 72 hours to go to Roscommon’s Division One throw-in, manager Kevin McStay is counting on the county’s passionate fans to help the team cope with what he says “won’t be an easy ride.” “It’s fantastic to be in Division One but there is no easy game at all. The challenges come thick and fast and the standard of the

“

league has really improved over the past six to seven years. Every game is intense and hard-fought. But it is great to be involved,” he said. The Roscommon boss had a message for the Roscommon supporters who are expected to follow their team the length and breadth of the country again this year. He said: “To the supporters I would just say that this is not

team rebuilding, we have seen all the players we have, but I want them (the fans) to be patient. “I am confident that we are developing a very good team here in Roscommon. It may not happen for us this year but it is an ongoing project and I am really looking forward to working with these players over the new few years. We have the makings of a top class team here in Roscommon. I’m sure of that.”

‘We want to be in a position where we are making very few changes every week because the lads that are there are doing so well’ – Kevin McStay

Extensive work has been carried out on the Dr. Hyde Park pitch since Roscommon’s Connacht Championship semi-final win over Sligo last June. The pitch is expected to be ready for Roscommon’s first home Allianz National Football League Division One fixture against Donegal on Sunday, February 12th.

Sharing Hyde memories this Saturday night For just €20, Club Rossie are offering supporters the chance to buy a square on the Virtual Dr. Hyde Park pitch and share their memories of the venue. In advance of the official opening of the new pitch at Dr. Hyde Park,

Club Rossie will officially launch the ‘Buy a square of The Hyde’ fundraiser this Saturday, February 4th. The launch will take place in Down The Hatch, Roscommon town and is set to get underway from 9 pm. Special guest on the

night will be former Roscommon footballer, Gerry Lohan. Squares can be purchased at clubrossie.ie now or alternatively, from County Board offices on the Racecourse Road, Monday to Friday from 10 am to 4 pm.

SHORT PASSES… To win NFL Division One… It’s official – we’re this season’s Division One outsiders! Latest odds: Dublin 11/8; Kerry 9/2; Mayo 9/2; Tyrone 9/2; Donegal 14/1; Monaghan 16/1; Cavan 20/1; Roscommon 25/1. * Odds from BoyleSports

Farmers and football The national media – even the Farmers Journal – are keeping a close eye on last season’s Jekyll and Hyde team – the Rossies. In a recent end-of-year edition of the Farmers Journal, a contributor reviewed 2016’s sporting highs and lows in the farm publication’s excellent lifestyle magazine. Very fairly summarising Roscommon’s ups and downs, the columnist saved Roscommon’s blushes and just avoided calling the county’s football team the ‘Letdown of the Season’ – instead opting for golfer Shane Lowry’s ‘collapse’ from a winning position in the US Open! Meanwhile in the Sunday Independent last weekend, Dermot Crowe wrote about how Roscommon will be determined to rise again after “last spring’s false dawn.” Crowe suggests that Roscommon will strive for survival in the league, but not to the detriment of their championship. “If they fail to stay up in Division One, the view is that life will carry on, and that they may end up having a more fulfilling and meaningful year’s football by using the league to meet their own ends rather than trying to assert themselves in finer society.” – PH

Seamus Duke

McStay: ‘We have makings of a top class team’

evin McStay has refused

to look back in anger at missed opportunities in the FBD League and is instead placing his focus on the positives from a pre-season campaign which has seen quite a few changes in personnel in the Roscommon camp. McStay told the Roscommon People: “Looking back briefly to the games against Galway and Mayo, we had possibilities to win both games. We made errors at crucial times, but overall we played well and I am very happy with where we are as a group as we prepare for this Sunday’s game against Tyrone. There are a lot of positives for us and we are looking forward to getting started now.” Addressing the changes to the panel from last year, McStay said: “We

have a lot of changes from last year. Some happened naturally as lads retired – and some stepped away – but we have a very interesting age profile in our team now. We have only five players over 26 and all of the rest are in the 22 to 25 year age bracket. We have no U-21s on the panel, so while this is a young team, the players have had plenty of game time and we have seen them all over the past couple of years. We might be relatively young, but there is experience there too.” The Roscommon manager is in no doubt as to the stiff test that awaits his troops in Omagh this Sunday – but says that there’s nothing to fear. “This trip to Tyrone is a massive challenge for us. It would be a challenge for Dublin or Mayo or Kerry as well. Their (Tyrone) form is good

– and they are a good team, but let’s not get carried away. They came up from Division Two like we did last year and we intend to go there on Sunday and be ultra-competitive and that’s our aim for all our games in Division One this year. We want to be in the game coming into the final 15 or 20 minutes and see where that takes us,” he said, before outlining what he expects from those in Primrose and Blue this weekend. “What we are looking for on Sunday is that our 15 starting players play well and justify their selection. We want to be in a position where we are making very few changes every week because the lads that are there are doing so well. We will have a very strong starting 15 in mind for Sunday and 6 or 8 very good lads ready to come in as well. Our panel is coming together very nicely.”

Roscommon People Friday 03 February 2017

SportsPeople

INSIDE: A look ahead to the Allianz NFL opener in GAA People on page 47…

Tough Tyrone test awaits Roscommon Allianz National Football League Division 1 Tyrone v Roscommon on Sunday in Healy Park Omagh at 2 pm < SEAMUS DUKE

When the draw for the 2017 National Football League was made last autumn, the match that most counties would fear, away to Tyrone, came out of the hat first for Roscommon and the Primrose and Blue will be heading north on Sunday to open their league campaign in what is a very daunting prospect. This game would be a massive challenge for Dublin, Kerry or Mayo, never mind Roscommon, and Mickey Harte will be fielding his strongest team possible in a bid to open their campaign with a home win. The legendary manager may well be in his last season at the helm but his team have legitimate All-Ireland ambitions this year and Harte would even add to his legacy if the Red Hand were to win another Sam Maguire in 2017.

But that’s for the summer. Roscommon have had a decent pre-season but lost out to Galway and Mayo over the last two Sundays, which was a disappointment. There has been a big turnover of players from last year, some who retired, some who were not picked and some who have opted out. Neil Collins and Cathal Cregg are big losses to the team but Kevin McStay and his selectors will have to just get on with it. Tyrone will field a very strong team on Sunday. Niall Morgan is a top class goalkeeper while Justin McMahon has so much experience at full-back. It was interesting to see that Mickey Harte picked the outstanding All Star Mattie Donnelly at centre halfback last weekend in the McKenna Cup final. His link-up play with another superb performer, Peter Harte, was the springboard

for Tyrone’s super display in that final against Derry. Harte has a huge engine and will power forward at every opportunity. This could not be a tougher start for Roscommon but then again supporters will remember back to last year’s campaign and the long journeys to Newry, Killarney, Letterkenny and Cork when Roscommon were not given a chance and they returned each time with full points. What the fans will want to see is a competitive Roscommon who will put it up to the home side all through. A solid display would give the side great confidence for the rest of the campaign but unless Roscommon stop turning over possession they will be in trouble again on Sunday. It is only right to be optimistic before we start our campaign but one has to be realistic too. Tyrone won

their 6th McKenna Cup title in a row last weekend and they put Derry to the sword in an easy win. Travelling to Omagh is a tough ask but to play against a side that are expecting to win not only the Ulster title this year but the All-Ireland title as well is an even bigger task for Roscommon. I am hoping for a good Roscommon performance on Sunday but it is a bridge too far to expect them to win. I have often been wrong in the past and sincerely hope I’m wrong now too but it is hard to see anything other than a Tyrone win. If Roscommon came out of this fixture with a win it will be up there with the best league wins of all. It’s possible of course, but unlikely. Bookies Odds: Tyrone 2/9 Roscommon 7/2 Draw 10/1. Prediction: Tyrone

Tadhg O’Rourke looks set to continue at midfield for Roscommon this Sunday in Tyrone Pic: Andrew Fox

Roscommon name defensive ﬁfteen The Roscommon team to play Tyrone on Sunday was announced yesterday afternoon (Wednesday). There are a number of

changes to the team that was beaten by Galway in last Sunday’s FBD League Final in Kiltoom, most notably the return

of Colm Lavin as goalkeeper. Conor Devaney is named at left half-back and Seanie McDermott at centre half-forward.

Roscommon team to play Tyrone: 1 2 David Murray St. Brigid’s

5 Ronan Stack St. Brigid’s

Colm Lavin Éire Óg

Thomas Fetherston Oran

Niall McInerney St. Brigid’s

6 Seán Mullooly Strokestown

7 Conor Devaney Kilbride

Kevin Higgins Western Gaels

9 Tadhg O’ Rourke Tulsk

10 Niall Daly Pádraig Pearses

Donie Smith Boyle

Roscommon goalkeeper Darren O’Malley is set to miss out this Sunday as Colm Lavin returns to the team. Pic: Andrew Fox

11 Seán McDermott Western Gaels

Ultan Harney Clann na nGael

12 Enda Smith Boyle

Ciaráin Murtagh (Captain) St. Faithleach’s

SUBSTITUTES: Darren O’Malley (Michael Glavey’s), Paddy Brogan (Strokestown), Ciaran Cafferkey (Western Gaels), Cian Connolly (Roscommon Gaels), Tom Corcoran (Strokestown), Fintan Cregg (Elphin), Shane Killoran (Elphin), Niall Kilroy (Fuerty), John McManus (Roscommon Gaels), Brian Murtagh (St. Faithleach’s), Gary Patterson (Michael Glavey’s)