2017 02 24

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

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www.roscommonpeople.ie www.roscommonpeople.ie Abbey Street, Roscommon Tel. (090) 66 34633 Fax: (090) 66 34303

The Local Paper iles and athrooms Golf Links Road, Roscommon (090) 66 37620

February Specials

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

DERBY DATE! Volume: 516

Locals mobilise against wind farm threat

Large crowd attend meeting << Dan Dooner

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

Pictured at the Athleague Camogie Club Dinner Dance in Hannon’s Hotel on Friday night last were Niamh Conway, Laura Fleming and Sarah Fitzmaurice. Picture: Andrew Fox

Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan MEP

Standing up for the small farmer on CAP

E: lukeming.flanagan@europarl.europa.eu

www.twitter.com/lukeming www.facebook.com/lukemingflanagan

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A large crowd, which included Minister for the Environment Denis Naughten and local TDs Eugene Murphy and Michael Fitzmaurice, was in attendance on Monday night in St. Ciaran’s Hall in Castlecoote for a public meeting to discuss possible wind farm development in the area.

The meeting was organised by local councillors Orla Leyden and Ivan Connaughton in response to a recent Coillte advertisement seeking “interested parties for sustainable commercial development” on its lands in the area.

Cllr. Connaughton claimed that local farmers have already been approached. Cllrs. Connaughton and Leyden urged local farmers to stick with the community and resist offers.

Minister Denis Naughten confirmed that he had made his views known to Coillte while intimating that no new subsidies were currently available for wind energy projects.

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24 February 2017

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Roscommon People Friday 24 February 2017

NewsPeople Roscommon

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Jennifer Liddy and Sinead Neilan have commenced practice as

Funding for schools in Tibohine, Glenamaddy

Fine Gael Senators Frank Feighan and Maura Hopkins have both welcomed funding approval from the Department of Education for new facilities at Glenamaddy and Tibohine primary schools.

Funding has been approved for a new Autistic Spectrum Disorder Unit at St. Joseph’s National School in Glenamaddy. The facilities will include a classroom, ensuite toilet/shower area and an office.

Tibohine National School in West Roscommon has also got the funding go-ahead for a new Special Education Teacher (SET) room.

Senator Feighan: “These funding allocations represent great news for the Glenamaddy and Tibohine schools and works will proceed once the tendering process has been completed.” Senator Hopkins said she had been working closely with Tibohine NS on its needs.

On the Glenamaddy school, she added: “I am continuing to work with staff, Board of Management and Council officials on road safety issues in the immediate vicinity of the school.”

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.

Fuel smuggling ‘a threat to jobs’

Maeve’s an Emerald Star!

Pictured is Maeve Dervin (centre), Roscommon AC, who was presented with an Emerald Star award by Athletics Ireland in the Tullamore Court Hotel last Saturday, in recognition of her outstanding achievements in the 2016 season. Maeve is the current indoor and outdoor U-17 800m and 1500m Connacht champion; silver medallist in the U-17 national indoor 1500m; Connacht U-18 cross-country winner and silver medallist at the recent National B cross country U-17 championship in Waterford.

Maeve would like to thank Paul McNamara (AIT) who have mentored and encouraged her over the past seven years. Thanks also to her family, friends and members of Roscommon AC and the County Athletics Board who travelled to Tullamore for this momentous occasion.

Maeve would like to thank her coaches and fellow athletes in Roscommon AC and wishes them the very best in the upcoming Indoor Connacht Championship.

Senator Frank Feighan raised the threat of fuel smuggling to jobs in North Roscommon with Finance Minister Michael Noonan in the Seanad.

“I informed Minister Noonan, who was present for the debate in the Seanad that I had spoken to businesses and families in North Roscommon and Leitrim who make their living from the solid fuel trade – and they are increasingly worried about the real threats to business and jobs.

“There is growing anecdotal evidence to suggest that the solid fuel trade this side of the border is being affected by a combination of cheaper prices for similar products in the North and fuel smuggling.”

Minister Noonan said his officials would continue to engage on the matter.

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Pictured in the winners’ enclosure at Navan on Sunday were Brendan McDermott and Martin Connaughton (owners of Miss Mardan) and jockey Mark Bolger. Picture courtesy of Healy Racing Photographers (www.healyracing.ie)

When Martin and Brendan took on Michael…

Former councillor and one-time Mayor of Roscommon Martin Connaughton hasn’t lost his winning touch.

He was a political polltopper in his day and now he’s proving to be a winner in the world of horse racing too.

The Athleague man and friend Brendan McDermott (from Donamon) co-own a speedy mare called ‘Miss Mardan.’

There were great celebrations in Navan on Sunday when Miss Mardan won at 3/1, having been expertly

led home by jockey Mark Bolger.

“It was a great win” Martin told the Roscommon People. “She

beat a 4/11-on favourite which was owned by a multimillionaire, Michael O’Leary!” * See also ‘Horses for Courses’

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

Auction Property

I saw a property advertised for sale which is scheduled to be sold by way of public auction in the next few weeks. What happens if I am the successful bidder on the day? How long will I get to sort out any necessary finance? I am concerned about potential structural issues with the house itself. Should I arrange for the property to be surveyed by an engineer before the auction or can I do this afterwards?

There are a number of important issues to consider before you purchase a property at public auction. Once your bid is accepted you are then legally bound to purchase the property.

The Latin term “Caveat Emptor” meaning “let the buyer beware” is particularly relevant when buying a property at public auction. The seller of a property is under no obligation to disclose structural defects or otherwise concerning the property so it is essential that you satisfy yourself of the condition of the property before purchasing.

It would be prudent to ensure that all relevant checks and surveys e.g. a structural survey, are carried out by a qualified professional before bidding on any property at public auction.

I would also recommend that you discuss matters with your solicitor well in advance of the auction. Your solicitor will raise all necessary title queries on your behalf with solicitors for the vendor before the auction and will advise you accordingly. It is important to be aware of any potential title issue as this will obviously impact on your ability to sell the property in the future.

If you are not a cash purchaser, it is essential that you have the finance arranged to assist you in completing the purchase before the auction takes place. You will not be given any extra time by the vendor to sort out your finances after the auction.

If you are the highest bidder (after the reserve price is met) on the day of the auction the property will be sold to you.

You will be asked to immediately sign the contracts for sale and you will be obliged to pay a deposit of 10% of the purchase price. You will be asked to give one part contract for sale to your solicitor and the auctioneer will send the other part contract for sale to the vendor’s solicitor. The contract for sale will specify a date for completion of the sale when the balance monies must be paid and you will receive the keys. This will usually be a period of no longer than four weeks after the auction.

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

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

Byrne Carolan Cunningham SOLICITORS

Miss Mardan in action last Sunday.

Compiled by PAUL HEALY

Telephone Central Line 090 6478433 info@bccsolicitors.ie

Roscommon People Friday 24 February 2017

03

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Roscommon People Friday 24 February 2017

NewsPeople

Paul Healy’s week A column by Roscommon People editor

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

n the pub in Rooskey, on

grey Fridays brightened by the promise of the pension and companionship, the old men sat around the bar counter.

Most of them were of the land, decent, salt-of-the-earth types with rugged features, their hard hands a mirror on the lives they had led.

It was the early 1980s. Each Friday the men arrived in the pub direct from the post office.

In their pocket, an envelope with their pension – and in their hearts and minds, nostalgia for the past fused with the philosophical outlook old men have for the present and future.

They commandeered most of the bar counter, like giddy kids, caps laid to one side…ready to while away a few hours…gossiping and joking, reminiscing and idly speculating.

It was a Cabinet meeting with little confidentiality applying.

They mischeviously dissected all that was happening in Rooskey village, or all that they surmised was happening. And they foraged through the political drama of the week, Bad Charlie v Good Garret, or Charismatic Charlie v Dull Garret, depending on where their allegiance was.

Sport…politics…rumours… the land…people, and what they were alleged to have said or done…all were fair game for the men at the counter, with their craggy foreheads and their canny insights.

And they always got at least five minutes’ value out of talking about the weather.

I was behind the bar, serving them, and it was quite an education. I had a high regard for them.

High stool philosophers, they were.

I remember at one point in the early 1980s the price of a pint was 93 pence. There was speculation about another price rise.

One of the old men at the bar shook his head.

‘If it ever goes to a pound, I’ll

Having a drink after work in Hell’s Kitchen in Castlerea in the 1980s were Telecom workers Gerry Cafferky, Patsy Barnes, Pat Flynn and Mattie Egan. Photograph courtesy of Sean Browne.

not drink it.’

His motion was agreed unanimously.

I thought of these characters, and of the heyday of the Irish pub a few times in the past week or so.

Indeed I was reminded of those days when, much to my frustration, I encountered this week’s ‘Pint Baby’ story online. It seems social media went a bit crazy at footage from a pub in Clare – taken in 1997, but it looks like the 1970s – in which a baby sups from a pint of Guinness. This image reminded me of pubs in the past, not because we served pints to babies – but because of the drab décor, and also the sense that nobody present would blink an eye at a pint being held up to a child’s mouth. (We’ll leave it at that; different times!).

And how is the traditional Irish pub now? Still in a long-running battle for survival, I’m afraid.

I don’t pub-visit much these days and wasn’t aware until recently that several bars in the county are now closing on at least one night a week, usually Tuesday. It is an alarming trend.

For many years now we have become used to a majority of

pubs scaling back their opening hours, but the phenomenon of closed doors on a Tuesday night is sad, if entirely understandable.

The pub is under threat for all sorts of reasons. Obviously many of them will survive, particularly in bigger towns and cities, but many more will disappear, as Ireland continues to undergo significant cultural and social change.

And while I don’t ‘pub-visit’ that much these times, the last fortnight or so was an exception, and I did find myself at a few bar counters. And it was great; mainly because of the good conversation, the company, the social interaction.

Meanwhile, almost thirty years on since I was pulling pints in Rooskey and Strokestown, there are more older people in society – but less high stool philosophers. In many villages, the old men have long since ceased the great tradition. Lack of transport is a problem, so too the feeling that ‘nobody else will be out.’

For some of these elderly men, the companionship deficit must be huge. For some of them, pension or not, their Fridays are just grey.

I will finish with a story from The Kon Tiki, which my parents opened (near Rooskey) in 1970.

It was a Sunday afternoon. In those days, there was a great tradition of going to the pub after Mass. After an hour or two, Packie Joe was fairly well on it. A neighbour offered to give the bachelor a lift home. Down the avenue the kindly neighbour drove, turning right, then left, then right again into Packie Joe’s driveway. The neighbour waited until Packie Joe was safely inside.

The Good Samaritan then decided to return to the Kon Tiki to give a lift to some other locals.

He turned left, right and left and up the avenue. He parked up and walked in. The first person who greeted him at the bar counter was Packie Joe. In a stunning feat, Packie Joe had doubled back on foot, across the fields – the way the crow flies – and got back to the pub before the motorist!

Sitting at the counter and smiling, Packie Joe was drinking a bottle of Guinness.

It was tense for a minute or two – it’s been funny for over forty years.

Simon says: He just might…(in national interest) If you were involved in an accident that was not your fault contact Byrne Carolan Cunningham Solicitors for advice.

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

Ah, the modesty and selflessness of some politicians…

When Minister for Health Simon Harris – who, let’s face it, isn’t exactly playing a blinder – was asked if he would look for Enda Kenny’s job, he could have said: “Well, I’ve only been a senior minister for nine months…so while I’m flattered that you’ve

asked, I obviously don’t see myself as being qualified for the role of Taoiseach just yet.

Frankly, it’s a ridiculous proposition!”

Instead, what he actually said was: “Age to me is immaterial, I look to be judged on my job and the job that I am doing, and I am working as hard as I possibly can at that job.

“I try to provide leadership in whatever role I am given… there is no vacancy in the Fine Gael party. If and when one does arise I will consult with colleagues at that point.”

The riveting speculation about a possible Harris candidacy has the entire nation er…agog with speculation.

One homeless person in

Dublin confided to another: “Wow…things are finally looking up.”

On two trolleys in Portiuncula Hospital, two old but patient patients gave one another a thumbs-up on hearing that the beleaguered Minister for Health might build on his current momentum and actually go for the top job!

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Roscommon People Friday 24 February 2017

NewsPeople

Glanduff National School Enrolment and Information Evening Thursday, 2nd March at 6.15pm Refreshments served at 6.00pm Pictured at the Athleague Camogie Club Dinner Dance in Hannon’s Hotel on Friday night last were Jack, Claire, Lauren and John B. Flaherty. Picture: Andrew Fox

Two tickets to be won to see Neven Maguire at Kilronan Castle Celebrity Chef Neven Maguire will be cooking up his treats amid the opulent surroundings of Kilronan Castle between Ballyfarnon and Keadue on the evening of Wednesday, 1st March, 2017 at 8 pm.

Competition time!

y to one lucky reader. To We have two tickets to give awa ing question and send your enter, just answer the follow ition, Roscommon People, pet com re th entry to Neven Magui Monday, 27 of February Abbey Street, Roscommon by s@roscommonpeople.ie). (you can enter by email to new r full name and address Please ensure your include you and contact no. f Neven Maguire a native of?

Q: What county is celebrity che

It is all in aid of Ardcarne Community Childcare 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 30 local food producers and businesses will display their products and show what is available locally.

Tickets cost €20, which includes complimentary wine & canapes. There will be a raffle on the night with prizes including four hotel breaks.

Tickets are currently on sale in Boyle Motor Works (McDonagh’s Garage); Surprises/Better Buys, Boyle; Mulvey’s House of Gifts, Carrick-on-Shannon; Jenny’s Corner Shop, Cootehall; Knockvicar PO or by contacting Kilronan Castle on 071-9618000.

Enrolment forms available on the evening or by contacting the school

Telephone: 090 64 89317 Email: glanduffns@eircom.net Twitter: @glanduffns We invite you to come along to view our school and meet the staff.

Hopkins welcomes €5m for National Reserve

Senator Maura Hopkins has welcomed funding of over €5m for the National Reserve for 2017. She said the National Reserve is a very necessary support for young farmers and new entrants to farming.

She expressed disappointment that no access to the National Reserve has been provided for the Forgotten Farmer Group.

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Roscommon People Friday 24 February 2017

NewsPeople newsbriefs Roscommon Community Sports Park meeting The annual general meeting of Roscommon Community Sports Park will be held on Monday, 6th of March at 7 pm in Lisnamult Community Centre. All are welcome to attend.

Mental Health Report due ‘in early March’ A year late, but on the way…

Lisnamult February Draw results

<< Paul Healy

The Lisnamult Draw results for this month are as follows: €100 Róisín O’Brown; €100 Vita Whelehan; €50 Vilma Eakins; €25 Derry O’Donnell; €25 Josephine Hennigan and €25 Sr. Claire McGovern.

A year after it was scheduled to be completed, the long overdue review of mental health services in County Roscommon will be published next month.

Well, so we’re told…

I had already written a ‘Where is the elusive report’ article this week when, happily, I was forced into some late changes.

On Tuesday evening, at 7.26 pm, the email whizzed in from Senator Maura Hopkins (Fine Gael). The news, she reported, is that Minister Helen McEntee had informed her earlier on Tuesday that the report will be completed “in early March.”

Most readers will be familiar with this saga.

The report was commissioned in August 2015, after a series of concerns were expressed about mental health services in Roscommon. At the time, there were much-publicised concerns about a threat to facilities locally, allegations of assaults on staff, a shortage of staff, and significant budgetary cuts.

What was billed an external independent review of the quality, safety and governance of mental health services in Roscommon commenced on

Woodlands 5k/10k Run/Walk coming up

On Sunday, 20th of April, Loughglynn will once again host its annual Woodlands Run/Walk.

This annual timed event has proven to be a great success and this year’s proceeds will go to the CPR/Defibrillator project.

All are welcome.

Minister McEntee (left) and Senator Hopkins.

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.”

28th of August, 2015 and was due to be completed in March of 2016 – but, almost a year on, we’re still waiting.

Last October, the Government indicated that the long-awaited report would be completed within weeks, and given to the HSE by the end of 2016.

Politicians routinely issue press statements updating us on the absence of any update.

The politician on whom the spotlight largely rests when it comes to this issue is Minister of State for Mental Health Services, Helen McEntee.

Earlier this week, Senator Hopkins issued a statement saying that she had met with Minister McEntee “again” – and she attached a photograph for emphasis. Senator Hopkins said she had made it “very clear” to the minister that the report is urgently needed.

We thought that might be the only ‘news’ for this week…but then came Tuesday’s apparent breakthrough. Senator Hopkins: “Minister McEntee informed me on Tuesday…the report on mental health services will be completed in early March.

The Minister also advised me that the HSE has raised the issue of delay with the independent investigation team on a number of occasions. The investigators have explained that due to the large number of interested parties and the fact that many have relocated or retired, the interviewing process and the due process following this have been elongated.”

Assuming we see it in March – even if it will be one year late – it will be welcome. It was commissioned with good reason.

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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07

Roscommon People Friday 24 February 2017

NewsPeople

Pictured is Rang 1 with their teacher, Paula Ní Chuillinn, after their production of ‘Ceardlann Daidí na Nollag’ (Santa’s Workshop) at the Gaelscoil’s Christmas Concert.

Open morning at Gaelscoil de hÍde county, is holding an open morning on Saturday, 4th of March from 11 am-1 pm. Parents and children interested in enrolling in the school for September 2017 or 2018 are welcome to attend and learn what the Gaelscoil offers. The open morning provides an ideal opportunity to explore the school and its facilities firsthand, to meet the principal and other members of the school community and it also includes a formal address at 11.30 am.

Located at Cruby Hill, Galway Road, Roscommon Town, Gaelscoil de hÍde was founded in 2000 and it operates under the rules and regulations of the Department of Education and Science. It is a Catholic school. Irish is the medium of teaching in the school and it is also the means of communication between the teachers, children and Board of Management. The ethos of the school is to create a learning environment where the uniqueness of each child is nurtured.

Gaelscoil de hÍde offers a mixed school with boys and girls being taught together from junior infants to sixth class; supervision in the schoolyard from 8.30 am every morning; an afterschool homework club supervised by school staff; all mainstream subjects including German; interactive whiteboards in all the classrooms and a fully equipped computer room and tablets; three buses serving the school; collection from school to several childminding facilities; sport including swimming for all classes; debating and quizzes; music; large number of after-school activities, e.g. sport, golf, speech and drama, sean-nós singing, instrumental music, Irish and ceilí dancing. Life is very busy in the school and the children are exposed

to a very wide range of activities.

The Gaelscoil staged a concert over three nights at Christmas. All children were given a chance to perform on stage. The Gaelscoil’s traditional music group and choirs are preparing at the moment for the Féile Ceoil in the Dean Crowe Hall in Athlone. Rang 3 is preparing their drama for the Coirm Gael Linn and Rang 4 is preparing for the Féile Scoildramaíochta.

Our quiz teams were successful in the recently held Credit Union Quiz.

The Gaelscoil’s Green Schools Committee is meeting regularly and arranging a Fairtrade cake sale and planning Spring Gardening in the school garden. They hope to be awarded their 7th green flag

for Global Diversity later in the year. Speech and Drama examinations will be taking place in the school in March with the Leinster School of Music and Drama Fifth and sixth classes are enjoying their German classes and we were delighted to welcome Simone Remmers, a primary school teacher from Germany who is spending a week with us teaching German to all classes. Simone is the partner teacher in our current eTwinning project ‘Hallo Deutschland’, ‘Hello Ireland’ Ogolnoksztalcacych in Toruń, Poland.

We have links with several sports bodies and their representatives visit the school on a weekly basis to help us in the implementation of our

sports curriculum. Gaelscoil de hÍde would like to welcome you along to our open morning on Saturday,

4th of March to hear about the school and consider for yourself if it suits your needs.

For further information, email eolasgaelscoildehide@ gmail.com or phone Orla

at 090-6628860 for further information. Táimid ag súil le bualadh leat ag an

maidin oscailte.

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Junior Infants 2017/2018

Dia Aberto - Crianças Júnior (^MIɟ 3X[EVX] HPE 4V^IHW^OSPEO{[ M RMI X]POS (Junior Infants September 2018 also welcome)

Infants enjoying working on the tablets during English classes.

th Saturday,27 4th March, 2017 Saturday, February 2016 11 p.m.

11 a.m. a.m. -– 11 p.m.

Formal Address: 11.30 a.m.

See what our school has to offer your child Aguardamos com prazer dar boas vindas a todos de vocês 7IVHIG^RMI ^ETVEW^EQ] [ REW^I W^OSPRI TVSKM

Simone Remmers, a primary school teacher from Germany, pictured with Múinteoir Amy, the Gaelscoil’s German teacher and two pupils from Rang 6. The children in Rang 5 and 6 in the Gaelscoil learn German weekly and Simone spent a week recently in the Gaelscoil working with the children.

7

G

aelscoil de hÍde, the only Gaelscoil in the

Grúpa Ceoil (Traditional music group) Ghaelscoil de hide.

Tuilleadh eolais ó: Príomhoide: Orla Ní Chuinneagáin Fón: 090 66 28860 www.gaelscoildehide.ie eolasgaelscoildehide@gmail.com

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Roscommon People Friday 24 February 2017

NewsPeople

Pictured are (l-r): Abbie Doyle, Evan Donnelly, Megan Molloy and Jessica Keenan, 6th class finalists in the SEAI ‘One Good Idea’ competition.

Rahara NS Open Evening The staff of Rahara N.S. will host an Open Evening on Wednesday, 1st of March between 6 pm-7 pm. If your child is scheduled to start school in September 2017 or if you are contemplating changing schools, please come along and visit us before making your decision. This is a unique opportunity to come and see what our school has to offer your child.

Rahara N.S. boasts two mainstream class teachers and one Learning Support teacher. The low pupil-teacher ratio in Rahara N.S. is a huge advantage to pupils and allows teachers to easily identify individual talents and the unique needs of each student, which offers a more personalised educational experience.

Furthermore, we have the option of supervised play-time for all Junior and Senior Infant pupils from 2 pm-3 pm daily. This gives parents more flexibility as they only have one pick-up per day from Rahara N.S. We have also established an after-school Homework Club. This Homework Club is supervised by local Montessori teacher, Ellen Kenny and operates from 3 pm-4.30 pm, Monday to Thursday.

Between our extended Infant opening time and our after-school club, we truly are offering a great package to busy parents.

Although we are a small school we are indeed a very, very busy school. All pupils are afforded the opportunity to get involved in many initiatives. Most recently, four 6th class pupils, Megan Molloy, Evan Donnelly, Abbie Doyle and Jessica Keenan, were selected as one of the top 20 teams in Ireland in the SEAI ‘One Good Idea’ competition.

The ‘One Good Idea’ is a nationwide primary school project on energy efficiency and climate change. The pupils are coding a food miles tool, through Scratch. The tool will help people understand which fruit and vegetables have lower food miles. This is a challenging task and the pupils have been assigned a mentor by the SEAI. To date, they have coded the food miles tool on Scratch, composed a rap about food miles and created their own Facebook page called the ‘Fooderinos’. We look forward to their upcoming campaign and wish them luck in the semi-finals. The top six projects will be selected to go through to the finals in Croke Park in May 2017.

Sport also plays a very important role in our school. We have a large playing field, yard and indoor hall. The pupils have trainers for football, soccer, gaelic, tag-rugby, swimming and tennis lessons. Pupils enter into Cumann na mBunscol competitions and FAI Soccer Schools competitions. We also embark on History field-trips including Clonmacnoise, Strokestown House and the World War One Trench Experience in Cavan.

Our school tours have taken us skiing in the Dublin mountains, outdoor pursuits at Shannon Adventure Centre, Rooskey and a trip on the Viking Boat!

To give you a flavour of life in Rahara National School, please visit our website or follow us on Facebook. If you have any queries or require further details, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Come along on Wednesday, 1st of March between 6 pm-7 pm, to experience first-hand the welcoming atmosphere at Rahara N.S.

newsbriefs Agricultural Show AGM in Hannon’s The Roscommon Agricultural & Industrial Show committee will hold their AGM in Hannon’s Hotel at 9 pm on Thursday, March 2nd. All are welcome and new members are invited.

Dementia Carers Support Group meeting The February meeting of Dementia Carers Support Group takes place in the Melting Pot, Castle Court, Roscommon on Tuesday, 28th of February at 7 pm.

This partnership initiative by Family Carers, Ireland, Western Alzheimer’s and The Alzheimer Society of Ireland meets on the last Tuesday of each month and features information and advice on a range of topics of interest to those living with dementia.

February’s meeting will focus on rights and entitlements, fair deal and care in the home with guest speaker Clare Duffy, Social Policy Officer with Family Carers Ireland.

Brendan Coyle, Sleaveen, Roscommon who previously qualified as an accountant in 2010 and recently completed a Certificate in Advanced Taxation Planning and Advice (CAPTA) at Griffith College, Dublin.

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Roscommon People Friday 24 February 2017

NewsPeople

Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a Samaritan volunteer?

Information evenings coming up Everyone has it in them to be a Samaritans volunteer. To touch another person’s life when it really matters, either by giving them the space to talk through how they are feeling or by helping to keep the charity’s branches running so the service can be offered by others.

Athlone Midlands is making a call to members of the local community, to sign up to support people who might not have anywhere else to turn. If you have just a few spare hours a week they would like to

hear from you. Based at 3, Court Devenish, Athlone, the Athlone Midlands branch currently has 80 volunteers, but they are always looking to recruit more people to ensure they can continue to offer the service to the local community.

Samaritans offers round-the-clock emotional support for anyone feeling down, depressed, anxious or unhappy. The confidential service is offered by phone, email, text, letter and face-to-face.

Director Pierce Murphy said: “By working together to support people struggling to cope, our branch is a rewarding place to spend your time.”

New volunteer Helen said:

“Choosing to volunteer with Samaritans was one of the best decisions I ever made. I received extensive training, ongoing support and really valued having a mentor to guide me. It’s an amazing opportunity for personal development and growth too, as you discover things about yourself, as a Samaritan, that you weren’t previously aware of.”

Information evenings will be held on Tuesday, 28th of February at the Radisson Hotel, Athlone at 8 pm, Thursday, 2nd of March at the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon at 8 pm, and Wednesday, 8th of March at the Radisson Hotel at 11 am.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Ballaghaderreen

Pictured at the Dr. John Stafford Festival in Elphin on Sunday last were Maggie Regan, Maria Keane, John Keane, Celine Shannon and Emily Keane. Picture: Andrew Fox

Ballaghaderreen Tidy Towns invite everyone to the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Ballaghaderreen on Friday, 17th of March at 2.30 pm.

The theme for the parade is

‘Failte – A Town for All’ which is an appropriate theme given that the town is opens to different nationalities.

For further information and registration forms please contact Ballaghaderreen

Resource Centre, The Shambles, Market Street, 094-9862565, email ballaghparade@gmail. com or check out our Facebook page – Ballagh Parade.

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Roscommon People Friday 24 February 2017

NewsPeople BUSINESS PROFILE

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Roscommon People Friday 24 February 2017

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11

Christy and the Champions League trophy << Dan Dooner

It’s not every day the Champions League comes to Roscommon, but that’s exactly what happened on Monday morning when Christy Rattigan brought a giant replica trophy into the office.

“Liverpool have the real one in Anfield,” he said, before divulging exactly how he came to possess his own life-like replica of the giant trophy.

“I found it online and ordered it from Hong Kong.

Everyone wants a picture taken with it now!” Christy chuckled as he remembered Paddy Joe the barber’s reaction: “He said it might be the only trophy to come to Roscommon this year!”

The arrival of the cup was exciting news in itself but it wasn’t long before Christy was reminiscing about his own sporting accomplishments.

He said: “I ran three Dublin Marathons, ’84, ’85 and ’86

and was in around three and a half hours for each of them.

I remember coming to the finish line once and a man said he liked my runners. I told him I got them in Dunnes Stores for £6 and he looked down at his own which he said cost £200!”

Christy’s training regime was brutal and involved running the roads while wearing extra clothing and a pair of steel toe boots!

Now in his 60s, Christy is yet to slow down and said he started every day with

25 minutes of push-ups and sit-ups.

The fitness routine was very much in evidence as Christy zipped up his Liverpool jacket, hopped on his bike and cycled home with the European Cup.

Christy Rattigan proudly displays his replica Champions League trophy at the Roscommon People earlier this week.

Cloontuskert N.S. Cloontuskert National School –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Advertorial ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Cloontuskert National School Open Evening Cloontuskert National School are hosting an Open Evening on Tuesday, 28th of February between 6 pm-7 pm.

Our school is a mixed, catholic primary school, located in the village of Cloontuskert, approximately 4km from Lanesboro and Ballyleague.

A private bus service is available to transport the children to and from the local after-school study in Lanesboro.

Acting Principal Therese Concannon said: “We are a small school which works diligently to provide a broad and holistic education in a nurturing and caring environment. We take great pride in knowing all of our students personally and strive toward assisting each of them in reaching their full potential.

“There is a strong sense of community spirit here and a high level of co-operation between staff, pupils and parents.

“In our school, we embrace the Aistear framework and have adapted it for use throughout the school. Children are encouraged to develop their skills of oral language, writing, reading and numeracy through playful and positive interactions in a well-planned learning environment. We are fully equipped for this approach with exciting new resources available to all teachers to ensure its success within the school. Many of our Aistear themes are brought to life using a variety of methodologies such as the use of external speakers and school trips.”

Cloontuskert NS is a hive of activity, with the children participating in a broad range of educational endeavours. We were recently awarded first prize in the Lanesboro Community College, SciFest competition for the second year running.

ICT is an integral part of everyday life in our school. Classes have access to and are actively encouraged to use IT where appropriate.

The arts are well catered for in the school with the children playing a wide variety of instruments such as the tin whistle, keyboard, drums and guitar. Their talents are apparent during our Christ-

mas plays, concerts, musicals and other school productions.

Sport also plays a central role. Our facilities include a large playing pitch, basketball court and purpose-built playground. We have excellent soccer, GAA and rugby coaches and the children also participate in Hip Hop dancing and swimming lessons.

The children from Junior Infants to Fourth Class are excited to have recently registered for Athletics Ireland’s new Fit4Class programme which will introduce them to athletics in a fun, engaging and non-competitive environment.

Cloontuskert NS prides itself on being a Green School. We were awarded Roscommon’s tidiest school in 2015 and are currently striving for our 6th green school flag. The children look after our school garden, which grows flowers, vegetables and most recently pumpkins just in time for Halloween.

We invite you to our Open Evening on the 28th of February where we will be more than happy to answer any queries you may have. If you are unable to attend, please feel free to contact the school on 043-3321817 or email cloontuskertns@eircom.net. For further insight into school life at Cloontuskert NS, check out our website at www.cloontuskertns.ie.

Open Evening

Tuesday 28th February, 6:00 - 7:00pm Cloontuskert NS is a mixed, Catholic primary school, located in the village of Cloontuskert, less than 4km from Lanesboro and Ballyleague. A private bus service is available to transport the children to and from the school or to the local after-school study in Lanesboro.

We would like to invite you to our Open Evening on Tuesday, 28th February from 6 – 7pm where you can meet with the staff, parents and pupils who will be delighted to show you around.

If you cannot attend and want to enrol your child please contact the school .

Visit our website to find out more about our school

www.cloontuskertns.ie

043 3321817

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Roscommon People Friday 24 February 2017

BUSINESS PROFILE

Stop waxing and shaving and try laser hair removal at Therapie Clinic, Athlone T

here has never been a better

time to stop the misery of endless shaving, plucking, and waxing; they have their benefits, but their effects remain temporary.

Laser hair removal offers a much more permanent solution and it will actually save you money. It has been estimated that women will spend up to €10,000 over the course of their lifetime getting rid of unwanted hair.

Therapie Clinic, Athlone, is running the sensational one cent laser sale at present. This sale is a buy one area and get a second area for only one cent; phenomenal value. Therapie Clinic is also offering the lip area for €29 with the chin for one cent; any bikini area for €79 with underarms for one cent; and full legs and any bikini €149 with underarms for one cent (prices are per session).

Lisa Rohan, manager of Therapie Clinic Athlone, explains why February is an ideal time of the year to have laser hair removal, so your body is ready for the beach in the summer.

What are the benefits of having laser hair removal over waxing and shaving?

Lisa - People spend so much time and money shaving and waxing unwanted hair and this process has to be repeated every three or four weeks if they are doing it consistently. With laser hair removal, it is a simple process that is done every six to eight weeks. Your skin will be much smoother and the results are longer lasting compared to

shaving and waxing so you will get better bang for the buck.

Has laser hair removal gained in popularity?

Lisa - Definitely. There is huge demand for laser hair removal. We are very busy I am happy to say. We have extended our opening hours to try to facilitate all our new clients who are availing of the one cent sale. We have seen a huge rise in the number of men who are using our services. We have special offers and reduced prices for our male clients.

Can you describe the process that is taken when people call in for laser hair removal?

Lisa - We start the whole process off with a free 30 minute consultation where we explain to the customer in detail how everything works and how the areas need to be prepared. The hairs need to be dark. We will also patch test all areas you are having done on that day so you know exactly what to expect from your treatments and to let you feel the laser before you commit. A lot of our clients are concerned about the pain of the laser before they have it done so it is great to feel it for yourself before you start. The treatment can be used on all skin types and on all areas of the body, for both men and women.

Does laser treatment hurt?

Lisa - We use two types of lasers at Therapie Clinic; the Candela Gentle-

Left to right: Laura Raymond, Joanne Nolan, Lisa Rohan, Cathy Keane, Nicola Monaghan

LASE and the Soprano BLU lasers both of which have additional cooling devices to decrease sensitivity during treatment. Anyone who is unsure of getting laser hair removal should not worry because we offer pain free technology here at Therapie. It is perfect for anyone with sensitive skin.

All of the Therapie Clinic laser therapists are highly trained in performing the treatments; we take client comfort and safety very seriously and use the highest grade medical lasers. All lasers are FDA approved and have undergone rigorous trials to ensure patient safety. Therapie Clinic is the leader in laser hair removal not only in Ireland but in Europe, having carried out in excess of one million treatments to date using only the most advanced technology.

How long will a course of treatment take?

Lisa - It is hard to give an exact number of sessions as it depends on a number of factors, such as the area that is being worked on, how thick and dense the hair is, and your skin type.

People will see results from their first treatment. Usually a customer will have six treatments every six to eight weeks.

You also offer other services at Therapie?

Lisa - Yes. We provide anti-wrinkle injections here in our Athlone clinic too.

We are offering anti-wrinkle injections for one area at only €140; two areas at €250; and €300 for three areas. The anti-wrinkle injections are in big demand at present here. We have had to extend our skin clinics opening hours to facilitate the customer demand for

anti-wrinkle injections.

We have a new monthly lip filler clinic with prices starting from only €295.

Customers can also avail of advanced skin peels and skin treatments at Therapie Clinic Athlone.

How important is customer service and satisfaction to Therapie Clinic?

Lisa - It is top priority for us. We aim to provide all of our customers with a five star experience. The main feedback we receive from clients is the relaxed and friendly environment they have at Therapie Clinic, Athlone.

Customers see our staff like friends rather than therapists who are working which is a testament to the service the staff at Therapie Athlone provide. We believe we offer the best service and treatments for clients in Athlone. Customers say the Therapie experience is a life changing one and to hear that is very satisfying.

One of the great aspects of Therapie Clinic is that there is constant training and refresher courses to make sure our employees are up to date with their skills and knowledge. When a customer comes into us with any concerns or questions, the therapists are able to answer any query posed to them.

For more information or to book a consultation drop into Therapie Clinic, Garden Vale, Athlone visit www.therapieclinic.com, or call 0906 433606

Roscommon People Friday 24 February 2017

NewsPeople

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Roscommon People Friday 24 February 2017

NewsPeople

CUP CHAOS

Creggs made to play two semi-finals against different opponents! << Paul Healy

D

id you hear the one about the rugby team that qualified for the final of a competition by playing – and winning – two semi-finals against different opponents?

Our unusual tale begins…well, let’s start at the end of the Connacht Junior Rugby U-18.5 League.

The competition switches to knockout format after the league stage, with the top four teams moving into the semi-finals.

Creggs finished top of the league and took on Galwegians RFC in the semifinal. Creggs won 13-3 in Creggs. A notable scalp, a fine win…and now they could look forward to taking on Corinthians in the final.

However, all was not as it seemed! It emerged that NUIG had lodged an objection to Galwegians continuing in the competition on the Friday prior to the Creggs/Galwegians semi-final. NUIG claimed that Galwegians had played an illegal player in four games.

That NUIG objection was lodged fortyeight hours before Creggs were due to play Galwegians. The game went ahead and Creggs (unaware of any objection) won, thus qualifying for the final.

Galwegians were subsequently found guilty on the illegal player charge. NUIG were not directly affected, but Ballina, who had finished fifth in the league and

Underage rugby at Creggs RFC is on the crest of a wave at the moment…but the ongoing success story took a strange twist in recent weeks, as Paul Healy’s story reveals! Still, it had a happy ending, with Creggs’ U-18.5 team winning two semi-finals!

Our photograph, taken at a recent Creggs RFC press night, shows Mark Dowd with ‘ball in hand.’ Picture: Andrew Fox

therefore just outside the semi-final places, were. So now they lodged an appeal.

The authorities decided to remove Galwegians from the cup (not the league) and to promote Ballina into the semi-final place.

Creggs’ joint coach Dave Purcell told the Roscommon People: “The decision

was that Ballina would take the place of Galwegians and play Creggs in a new semi-final, in Creggs. I have never come across anything like it in all my years’ involvement in sport. The appeal from Ballina should never have been heard, not after we had already played our semifinal.”

Dave agrees that the manner in which Creggs were treated smacks of discrimination.

“I suppose there’s a feeling (in Creggs) that we’re the small club and that bigger clubs in Connacht have more clout.”

Dave and his management colleague, fellow Limerick man Pat O’Gorman, broke the news to the Creggs players at training.

“We asked them if they wanted us to fight this in the committee room or on the pitch. They are a great group of lads.

They have been in every league final from U-13 up…they weren’t afraid to face into a second semi-final. They said ‘we’ll play Ballina.’”

So the ‘second semi-final’, against new opposition, kicked off last Saturday in Creggs. The players and fans were well up for it and there was a great atmosphere at The Green.

Dave Purcell takes up the story: “It was a very tough game. Ballina are a good team, physically big, but we are probably a better rugby team.”

Creggs won 13-5, and that should mean they are safely into the final!

The achievement by the Creggs youngsters is all the more admirable when you consider that many of them are in their Leaving Certificate year. Now, following their unique double semi-final success, they look forward to meeting Corinthians in the final on Saturday week. Just the one final, that is!

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Friday, 27 January: NUIG put in an objection alleging that Galwegians have played an illegal player in four games. This is not, at this point, brought to the attention of Creggs RFC, or even addressed over that weekend.

Sunday, 29 January: The U-18.5 Connacht League Semi-Final goes ahead at The Green in Creggs. Unaware of any off-field ructions, Creggs beat Galwegians 13-3. Final d against Corinthians schedule th of 12 day, Sun on e plac to take February in Athlone.

Tuesday, 31 January: Galwegians found guilty as charged!

Wednesday, 8 February: An appeal by Ballina, who had finished fifth in the league, and therefore outside the semi-final placings, is heard.

Tuesday, 14 February: Connacht branch Competitions Committee declares Creggs/ Galwegians result void, and determines that Ballina will replace Galwegians and play Creggs in a ‘second semi-final.’

Wednesday, 15 February: Creggs are informed that they must play a new semi-final.

Saturday, 18 February: Creggs beat Ballina 13-5 to reach the final (again).

Saturday, 4 March: Creggs to play Corinthians in the final (barring any new drama!).

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Roscommon People Friday 24 February 2017

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Roscommon People Friday 24 February 2017

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Fr om My Kitchen Table Miriam Kerins

Degree or degradation? Sadly, some people don’t get the choice Let me start by briefing my lovely readers, especially parents, and tell you this week’s column contains an adult theme, because I’d like to share my opinion on last week’s new provisions to the Criminal Law Sexual Offences Bill (2015) which will criminalise the purchase of sexual services.

Now, while I’ve already written about the new provisions defining consent, this extra measure will criminalise the sex buyer rather than the seller…if you get my drift…and bear in mind I’m trying to keep the wording as readerappropriate as possible, folks.

Now, while I fully agree that nobody, not even the law, should ever impose on what consenting adults get up to – I mean, perish the thought the Government might start regulating our libidos and all that – however, I do think this provision regarding the so-called ‘oldest profession in the world,’ is a step in the right direction. I don’t believe for one minute that it will drive prostitution further underground, rather I feel and hope that it will protect those, especially the most vulnerable, who work in this type of industry. I say this despite singer/artist Kate McGrew, a career girl who describes herself as someone who works in “the sex industry,” (readers may remember Kate, aka Lady Grew from RTE’s ‘Connected’ reality series),

being quoted in an Irish Independent interview describing her working day as being “really just a lot of admin,” (seriously?), and slamming this piece of legislation as “a dangerous law.” Well, she doesn’t want her punters, sorry clients, penalised…I suppose.

Now I can see why Ms. McGrew, who’s part of the Sex Workers Alliance (SWA), isn’t too keen on this inclusion.

You see, as a woman who engages in sexual activities for money, Kate claims “I spend 14 days working out of the month, and it’s on the road”, adding “It’s nice that I can create my own schedule.”

Well, when put like that love, I wonder why I kill myself hard grafting all the hours God sends as a journo trying to pay my bills when all the while I could have been raking it in as a high class Madam!

I’m sorry, but looking at Ms. McGrew’s view of her profession, and remember I’m not condemning, nor am I condoning her, I feel she’s literally placed herself on some very dodgy ground here because, given the choice of degree or degradation, I’m sure most Roscommon women, me included, would opt for the degree! Look, maybe the ‘art of prostitution’ is seen as a legitimate career choice for Kate and for those like her who may view them-

selves as too haughty to flip a burger, stack a shelf, operate a till, answer a ‘phone or indeed, write a column, but the fact is, we cannot, and we should not, pretty up this dangerous profession because many poor unfortunate and vulnerable women (and men) fall into this lifestyle through poverty, lack of education leading to lack of opportunities, drug or alcohol addiction, or through being mercilessly pimped out by a sleazy, sicko human trafficker. We should never be seen to normalise the practise of selling sex to survive.

Again, I’m not condemning what Ms. McGrew does, she’s entitled to earn her living as she sees fit, nor am I shaming her for her career choices. However, while this legislation is trying to ensure the safety of those engaged in prostitution, and while 72 organisations, including the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre and the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation are in favour of it, the Government now needs to put in place intervention strategies for these ‘sex workers’ so that financial desperation, hunger, forced prostitution, trafficking and abuse, etc., are not key factors in their decision to ‘go on the game.’

Look, when any of these situations become the devastating and horrific alternatives to education and other opportunities, ensnaring women into a

Why I loved Lucy on First Dates Ireland I won’t lie; last week’s First Dates Ireland was difficult to watch. When I saw handsome 24-year old Dub Aidan and the gorgeous 27-year-old Lucy from Roscommon paired up I initially cheered…then cringed, especially when Aidan asked a bewildered Lucy…“So, what has you here?”

She’s waitin’ on a LUAS, love! Awkward or wha’?

We all know first dates can be very difficult but Aidan could have come up with better banter than “small table,” leading to the small talk drying up and then dying completely. However, I did feel a sting when Lucy rejected him and felt that if this was her intention, then she might have gone first and saved his blushes rather than allow him to say he’d like to see her again; then reveal he wasn’t her cup of tea.

That said, with my sensible mammy head on, I give full credit to Lucy, because, given Aidan’s response to her comments that he was “very nice” – and he was a gentleman, the date began

Aidan, from Dublin, was paired with Lucy, from Roscommon on RTE’s First Dates programme.

well with him holding her chair (and Lucy did acknowledge that fact) –I have to say Aidan’s reply, humorous though it was, of “What were you looking for then… an asshole?” when she said no, was kinda delivered in such a sour manner I think Lucy may perhaps have dodged a bul-

let. Dare I suggest, (I could be wrong), there was a distinct hint of acrimony to it; a, how-dare-you-reject-me tone that bit in and left me feeling vaguely uncomfortable, as if implying that saying “no” wasn’t okay, that asserting your right to want something else was childish…when it’s really a

sign of maturity. If you like a person but feel they’re not right for you, then you’ve got a right to say so, and, even though I felt Lucy might have spared Aidan’s blushes, my gut tells me she made the right decision and bowed out as graciously and as respectfully as she could. Respect, Lucy!

labyrinth of economic paralysis, then I strongly recommend our Government’s next inclusion should address human rights because if we fail to protect our most vulnerable, then this is an area that should clearly be scrutinised to its fullest.

Kate McGrew

Is Late Late Show that desperate for viewers?

that Nobody knows better than mehave ws sho t cha and ine RTE magaz al “a history of covering controversin ofte ics,” top and tter ma subject emoleading to booking and securing s tive and indeed highly contentious, I guests. You see, among other rolemany was a celebrity guest booker forbut my years at the state broadcaster; te jaw hit the floor when I heard a La ted Late Show researcher had invi John ler dea g dru ed vict con and g thu mme Gilligan onto the flagship progra ding to “highlight some issues surroun your legal battles.”

Look, the Late Late may well be draw struggling to fill screen time and ariviewers, but giving airtime to nefnsible, ous jailbirds is incredibly irrespousting. insensitive and downright disg

newsbriefs

Solstice Choir needs your vote!

Roscommon Solstice Choir has been nominated for the People’s Choice Award at the EPIC Awards 2017.

The EPIC Awards, which receive nominations from right across Britain and Ireland have been in existence since 2010 and were established by Voluntary Arts who aim to promote opportunities for creative participation.

The Roscommon Solstice Choir need your help to win the award, however, as members of the public are invited to vote. Voting is easy, simply go to www.voluntaryarts.org/ epic-awards-people’schoice-voting and select Roscommon Solstice Choir as your choice, enter your email and complete the simple question and then vote. You can also vote by following the link on the Roscommon Solstice Choir Facebook page! The voting closes on March 5th.

The choir is very proud to be nominated and is now asking everyone in Roscommon, families, friends and fans to help them win this prestigious award.

Buckley is new boss of OPW

Roscommon Town resident Maurice Buckley has been appointed as new Chairman of the Office Of Public Works.

Mr. Buckley was CEO of the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI).

The appointment of Mr. Buckley as chairman of the OPW was announced by Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe.

Welcoming the appointment, Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice said: “It’s a challenging position and among other things a lot of work remains to be done with regard to flood relief in this area. We have unresolved problems at Lough Funshinagh, Ardmullen, Cordell, Athleague, Bushfield, Castleplunkett and Boyle.

“We still have major problems with work that is needed immediately on the River Shannon. There are also serious problems to be solved in East Galway and South Galway and Taughmaconnell and in several other areas.

“I wish Maurice Buckley well in his new role but there is much work to be done and I look forward to working with him in the coming weeks and months,” he concluded.

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Roscommon People Friday 24 February 2017

NewsPeople

Lions Club Briquette project is rolled out throughout county It is that time of the year again when Roscommon Lions Club, Bord na Mona, St. Vincent de Paul and Shannonside Radio partner up to run the Briquette project, now in its fourth year, for families in need throughout County Roscommon.

Tom Kelly’s warehouses on the Racecourse Road, Roscommon were bustling with activity this week with the sound of lorries, tractors, trailers and vans getting the annual countywide fuel briquette project underway. Bord na Mona delivered over 2,000 bales of briquettes purchased at a very favourable price. The briquettes were collected by St. Vincent de Paul Conference volunteers from Castlerea, Rooskey, Elphin, Boyle, Strokestown and Roscommon and will be distributed to those homes in need of fuel assistance.

Michael McNeela, President of Roscommon Vincent de Paul Conference said: “The need this year is as great as usual with many enquiries around the project.”

Padraic Nolan was on site with his tractor forklift to load the briquettes and volunteers from Roscommon Lions Club and the St. Vincent de Paul were also on hand to do some manual loading.

Noel Connolly, President, Roscommon Lions

MOUNT TALBOT N.S. Enrolment & Information Evening Thursday, 2nd March, 2017 7.00pm-8.00pm ALL ARE WELCOME For further information contact: TEL: 090 66 24014 Email: mounttalbotns.ias@eircom.net

Lions Club members and St. Vincent de Paul volunteers pictured in Roscommon on Monday.

Club said he wished to thank the organisations and volunteers involved, as well as Roscommon Lions Club, the St. Vincent de Paul and Shannonside Radio Charity Appeal, who all contributed financially to the project.

“This is a great initiative and a very successful partnership and collaboration among

local and regional bodies that has many beneficiaries countywide creating warmer homes for those in greatest need of support.

In particular, I would like to thank the generosity of the public who contribute to out fundraising efforts that make projects like this possible.”

Music session in Hamrock’s

There will be traditional music session held in Hamrock’s Bar, Athleague, Co. Roscommon on this Friday night, 24th of February starting at 10 pm ‘till late. All musicians, singers, storytellers, etc., are welcome on the night.

Come along and enjoy the ceol, caint agus craic. There will be a raffle on the night with spot prizes to be won.

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Roscommon People Friday 24 February 2017

NewsPeople

Wind farm threat opposed

A large crowd attended a public meeting in Castlecoote regarding the proposed wind farm. Picture: Andrew Fox

Coillte advert sparks response in Castlecoote << Dan Dooner

A large crowd, which included Minister Denis Naughten and local TDs Eugene Murphy and Michael Fitzmaurice, was in attendance on Monday night in St. Ciaran’s Hall in Castlecoote for a public meeting to discuss possible wind farm development in the area.

The meeting was organised by local councillors Orla Leyden and Ivan Connaughton in response to a recent Coillte advertisement seeking “interested parties for sustainable commercial development” on its lands in the area.

The organisers believed that this advertisement opened the door for wind turbines to be erected in areas close to the townlands of Aghagad, Aghagower, Bracklin, Carrowkeel, Cornaveagh, Cremully, Aghagad Beg, Derryhippo and Leam.

Cllr. Leyden welcomed those present before introducing a video clip of an existing wind farm located at Gaybrook in Cootehill, Co. Cavan, during which there was audible shock from those present at images of turbines in close proximity to homes.

Cllr. Ivan Connaughton claimed that local farmers have already been approached and that a similar wind farm “is what is planned for this area.”

Cllr. Connaughton added that farmers would have a “major part to play” in resisting plans for such a project, saying: “if no farmers have signed up, this can be nipped in the bud.”

Cllrs. Connaughton and Leyden urged local farmers to stick with the community and resist offers which contained

“hidden facts” such as inheritance tax issues and long-term contracts.

Ted Kelly, who was part of a group which fought against a similar development in Dysart, said: “They (developers and planners) will try anything. We spent €60,000 on professional people to prove that we were right and they still didn’t listen to us!”

In May 2016, Mr. Kelly and the group in Dysart were told they had two weeks to prepare for a four-day oral hearing with Bord Pleanala in Athlone. According to Ted, the hearing was cut short: “It only lasted three days because the only ones able to answer any questions were us.”

Minister Denis Naughten confirmed that he had made his views known to Coillte while intimating that no new

Working group gets ! down to work , Cllr.

meeting Since Monday’s public ed that a rm nfi co s ha Orla Leyden en put in place working group had be et last me to d ise and had organ night (Wednesday). uld discuss This working group wo on ing alternative uses focus tivities ac r oo td ou d an m touris e had been and Cllr. Leyden said sh e and isl Cu th bo th wi in contact view to a th wi e stl Ca n mo Dona e area into th ng mi for possibly trans capital of “the accessible tourism Ireland.” w has The working group no y such an t en es pr to s ek two we submission to Coillte.

subsidies are currently available for wind energy projects.

He did however admit that “all the eggs were in the one basket” when it came to wind energy due to policies dating back to 2009, but said that wouldn’t be the case going forward.

When questioned about guidelines, which Ted Kelly said “had been promised for five years”, Minister Naughten responded by assuring those present that he had “made it crystal clear” that such guidelines would address issues such as “community engagement, noise, flicker and setback distance.”

Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice and Cllr.

John Keogh picked up on the issue of setback distance during the course of the meeting and both stated that a preferable setback ratio would be 10:1, meaning that turbines 100m high would need to be erected 1 km from local homes.

Deputy Fitzmaurice, Deputy Eugene Murphy and those councillors present were adamantly opposed to any proposed wind farms.

Deputy Fitzmaurice described wind farms as a “white elephant” and “uneconomical” before saying “Councils love them because of the great rates!”

Senator Terry Leyden vowed to fight wind farm developers “on the hillsides, in the village, in Europe, in Creggs, in Derryhippo…” before adding: “This will be an election issue. If they back this, we won’t back them.”

Roscommon IFA President, John Hanley, warned local farmers to be “awful careful” when dealing with any approaches before asking Cllr. Orla Leyden whether Coillte had been asked about the project.

Cllr Leyden said: “Coillte is remaining tight-lipped” before adding that the purpose of the public meeting was to develop a working group and to “look for alternatives to wind farms for this area.”

Minister Denis Naughten, Cllr. John Keogh, Cllr. Orla Leyden and Cllr. Ivan Connaughton pictured at the public meeting in Castlecoote regarding the proposed wind farm. Picture: Andrew Fox

Cllr. Ivan Connaughton and Cllr. Orla Leyden show the proposed area on a satellite image. Picture: Andrew Fox

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Roscommon People Friday 24 February 2017

NewsPeople

Lismoil N.S.

80th Birthday Celebration Thank You

Curraghboy, Athlone. Co. Roscommon

Kathleen Devine would like to thank all the terrific friends and neighbours for her recent 80th birthday celebrations and thoughtful gifts.

The celebration was held in Gilmore’s bar Ballygar and many had travelled to be there, Kathleen enjoyed the event very much.

Enrolment & Information Evening Thursday 2nd March, 7-8pm

If this time is inconvenient for you, please contact or call to the school.

Open Evening & Enrolment at

Phone 090 6623373

E-mail: aidanns.ias@eircom.net Website: lismoilns.scoilnet.ie/blog

Businesses: Reach your target market!

18,000 copies printed weekly

Feevagh N.S. Pictured at the Athleague Camogie Club Dinner Dance in Hannon’s Hotel on Friday night last were Maeve Tiernan and Katie Lavin. Picture: Andrew Fox

Progress on N5 project Senator Frank Feighan.

Senator Frank Feighan has received confirmation from the CEO of Transport Infrastructure Ireland, Martin Nolan, that Roscommon County Council has submitted the business case for the N5 Ballagh to Scramogue Road Project to the Department of Transport.

The business case, Environment Impact Statement and CPO

documentation for the project have all been completed.

The road project, which is 33.4km in length, extends from the tie-in point of the N5 Ballaghaderreen Bypass to Scramogue and bypasses the settlements of Frenchpark, Ballinagare, Tulsk and Strokestown.

Senator Feighan said: “The Council is now seeking approval

from the Department of Transport to submit the planning application to An Bord Pleanala for planning consent.

“Significant funds of more than €100m are required to complete this project and I have appealed to Transport Minister Shane Ross to make the funding available.”

Feevagh, Dysart, Co. Roscommon Parents and children are invited to come along to Feevagh N.S. on Tuesday 28th February from 7.00 to 8.00pm to meet with staff and view our school & its facilities.

If this date does not suit or should you have any enquiries prior to that date we may be contacted on 090-6622200 or feevaghns@gmail.com

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011217_Rosommon Herald & People Car.indd 2

WE LOOK AT THINGS DIFFERENTLY Loans are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply.

If you do not meet the repayments on your loan, your account will go into arrears.

This may affect your credit rating which may limit your ability to access credit in the future.

Credit Unions is the Republic of Ireland are regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland.

coroscommoncus.ie 07/12/2016 11:45

20

Roscommon People Friday 24 February 2017

NewsPeople Star of Instagram visits Hodson Bay << Dan Dooner

A fitness model boasting ‘the world’s best bum’ paid a visit to Hodson Bay Hotel last week as social media star, Jen Selter, arrived in Athlone as part of an Irish tour which saw her appear at a Dublin tech summit.

Selter has amassed over 32 million followers on social media and boasts her own website which offers fitness and nutrition tips to her legions of fans.

Jen was suitably impressed with the warm welcome she received and there are plans for future visits to Athlone.

What Jen tweeted… @deekeegan you are too sweet!! Happy to be in Athlone for the night!

Fitness model, Jen Selter, has amassed over 10 million followers on Instagram.

Pictured at the Athleague Camogie Club Dinner Dance in Hannon’s Hotel on Friday night last were Niamh Mulhern and Ciara Moran. Picture: Andrew Fox

Letter to Editor

A&E: Denis should put ‘gun to head’ of Kenny ­– or successor Frenchpark, Co. Roscommon Dear Sir, I have written to the Roscommon People in the past about the bravery of two men in July 2011. One voted with his party and one voted for his constituents. The braver man that night voted with his party, I believe. Just because he was wrong does not mean he was not brave. The other man took the populist view and, although it was right, it did not require the bravery of the first man.

Minister Naughten, two constituency colleagues have called for you to be brave now. Deputy Fitzmaurice and Senator Leyden have called for you to “put a gun to Kenny’s head” – (Roscommon People, 10/2/17). It is time.

Even though not a party member, I know you hold allegiances to Fine Gael, but the people of Roscommon returned you to the Dáil last year as their hero. Prove it, go beyond populism and be truly brave. Threaten to pull the trigger. You have nothing at all to lose. Win and the county wins, lose and you’re going to be returned time and time again to the Dáil by a county that respects you.

You had an accident over Christmas…

surely you must, like every other person who does, see the futility of driving past an A&E that is barely a decade old but closed. You had to go to an A&E in another county, a facility which is overstretched and understaffed because of the cuts your boss made. Portiuncula is doing the job of two hospitals. That is not safe.

We are now nearly six years without a vital service. It is time for its restoration. It’s time for you to be brave.

As the Taoiseach comes under increasing pressure – he may even have announced retirement plans by the time this letter is published – you have no better time to put this case forward, and for any incoming leader to know that the people of Roscommon are still angry. The general consensus is that we have another General Election coming up. Why not ensure you let Fine Gael know they will not gain a seat in this county while the A&E remains closed?

By putting the gun to the head of Mr. Kenny or his potential replacement, you are bringing an important issue to the fore again, and showing your support. The people, Minister Naughten, are still angry, and we look to you to speak for us.

Yours sincerely, Mark Farrell

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Roscommon People Friday 24 February 2017

‘Roscommon Hospital needs this C A H – ’ e ic v r e s w e n

to make on our Oireachtas membersproject in tal Acspi Ho on mm sco this ss Ro gre ek we pro y This erated calls sure that the tion Committee (HAC) reitSimon its entirety. alth being He for the Minister for “Currently arrangements are rile Ste al ntr nts to Ce me a e tru ins vid al pro gic to Harris made to send sur ) as part Roscombut ng, ani cle for a Services Department (CSSD Unit cul tiun Por ds to be of the Medical Rehabilitation mon University Hospital nee own our in e vic project. able to have this ser we underning ctio fun ly ful a g vin “The Rehabilitation Unit, in April Ha l. hospita ign ther des fur to the out ng for l goi ica is crit nd, sta CSSD unit is uld sho and ld e.” cou ntr SD Ce y CS Da 2017 and the development of the cation” nt from be part of this design specifi The HAC want a commitme d. l be sai wil rne SD By CS erie the t Cllr. Val the Minister tha ittee met Hospital y rsit ive Un on The Hospital Action Comm mm sco Ro in t December d as part of the Minister for Health las it and the within two years – delivere RehabiliUn tion ilita new hab for Re when the the enabling works CSSD were discussed. dependent tation Unit.

The HAC said: “We are

Carrick to host Collins lecture A special commemorative evening, marking the visit of Michael Collins to Leitrim, will take place on Friday, March 3rd in the Bush Hotel, Carrickon-Shannon, beginning at 8 pm. The meeting will feature a number of guest speakers, who will highlight the visit of Collins to Drumlion, Carrickon-Shannon and the surrounding areas, one hundred years ago.

The period marked a time of political revolution, marked by the election of Count Plunkett in the North Roscommon bye-election in the ‘Election

of the Snows’ in February 1917, followed later that year by the election of Joe McGuinness, in the Longford bye-election.

The meeting which has been organised by members of the Michael Collins Carrick-on-Shannon branch of Fine Gael, with the support of the Collins 22 Society, will be chaired by former Deputy, Senator and member of Leitrim County Council, Gerry Reynolds. The meeting is open to all members of the public with the emphasis very much on the history and heritage of that period.

newsdesk

What’s making the news this week ...

Anger over threat to bus route Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice has called on all politicians, “especially those in rural Ireland and the West in particular” to resist threats to bus routes locally.

Reacting to the presentation of a discussion document by Bus Eireann to unions on Monday, Deputy Fitzmaurice said there are three routes proposed for closure, including one from Athlone to Westport.

Deputy Fitzmaurice said that there was “great talk” about developing rural Ireland at a high profile launch in Ballymahon recently, yet possible bus route closures are now mooted.

“If the National Transport Authority has to revert to subvention to keep these routes open then so be it. I am calling on all public representatives in rural Ireland, and in the West in particular, to support the call that there be no bus route closures.”

Meanwhile, Senator Frank Feighan has already raised the bus service threat directly with Transport Minister Shane Ross.

Senator Feighan said: “Routes like AthloneWestport provide a lifeline to many people living in rural areas

and I have highlighted the vital social need of these bus services with Minister Ross.

“Bus Éireann’s plan to go on a cost-cutting programme could end up damaging what are very important services for rural Ireland.”

His Fine Gael colleague, Senator Maura Hopkins, spoke on the issue in the Seanad on Wednesday.

She pointed out that the threatened Athlone to

Westport route services many towns, villages and locations in Roscommon such as Kiltoom, Knockcroghery, Ballymurray, Roscommon Hospital and the town of Roscommon, as well as Ballymoe, Castlerea and Ballinlough in the west of the county.

Senator Hopkins stated: “It is not good enough that the people who use these services are being told that this route could be closed.”

Sinn Féin in bid to abolish mandatory retirement Sinn Féin will be calling for the abolition of mandatory retirement age when their Bill is debated in the Dáil today (Thursday).

Spokesperson for Roscommon Sinn Féin Claire Kerrane said: “Every year workers are forced to retire for no other reason than their age.

“This Bill seeks to put an end to this discrimination and to give workers choice when it comes to their retirement.

“There are a number of exemptions in this Bill for those who work in security-related employment such as An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces.

“Instead of being obliged to retire without any choice whatsoever at 65 or 66 years old, workers will be able to decide if they would like to retire immediately or continue working.

“This Bill will also address two major pension issues. It will end the current practice of those forced to sign on for Jobseekers payments at 65 for one year until they are eligible for the State Pension at 66. It will give people who have insufficient contributions for the State Pension an opportunity to continue at work to make up the additional contributions to avoid a reduced pension if they so wish.

“I am calling on both Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil to support this Bill for the benefit of all workers.”

Cllr. Tony Ward, Chairman of Roscommon County Council, Senator Terry Leyden and Minister Denis Naughten prior to the start of a public meeting in Castlecoote on possible plans to locate a wind farm in the area. Picture: Andrew Fox

Ronan McCormack Charity Challenge Plans are continuing for the annual Ronan McCormack Charity Challenge will take place this year on the 3rd and 4th of March in Roscommon Town.

This event is organised in memory of Ronan McCormack, who died in a road accident in May 2010, aged 26.

In the last four years an amazing total of €108,815 has been raised for nominated charities to help provide their services.

The event consists of three activities spread out over two days. On Friday night, March 3rd, there will be a 5/10 km fun run/walk, held in Roscommon Town for all ages and abilities. Entry fee is €20 and event will start at 8 pm.

On Saturday, March 4th, there will be a 65/105 km cycle, again for all ages and abilities. This event will start at 9 am. Entry is €30 – however if people think the are fit and brave enough to take part in both the run and cycle, combined entry fee is just €40.

On the Saturday night, in the more relaxed surroundings of Foxe’s Bar, the annual darts competition will take place.

The Event HQ for the weekend is Roscommon Leisure Zone on the Lanesborough Road. Businesses and service providers are invited to support the event by taking a table at their EXPO 17, where they can promote themselves to athletes and onlookers on the night.

The charities that will benefit from the 2017 event include Pieta House West, Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation, Roscommon Special Olympics and Burrenview Child Development Centre, Galway.

Participants can register for both events at Active. com or by picking up a registration form at one of the trainings.

Full details are available by emailing ronanschallenge@eircom.net or by phoning 086-1721181.

Also check out the Facebook page, RonanMcCormackCharity Challenge.

Students showcase BT Young Scientist projects to experts Three Roscommon students had the chance to showcase their innovative science project when they attended a mini Science for Development Fair at the headquarters of one of the country’s leading overseas development agencies, last week.

Ruth McDermott, Abby Malully and Siofra Mahon (pictured) from Scoil Mhuire gan Smal in Roscommon, were in Dublin last week to re-display the science project they had submitted to this year’s BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, at a mini exhibition hosted by Gorta-Self Help Africa.

The transition year students discussed with staff from the development agency how their invention could be implemented in developing countries.

Development experts gave students their views and feedback on their Condensation Tree, a device that aims to address the challenge of access to clean water in developing countries.

Ruth, Abby and Siofra were amongst ten ‘BT Young Scientist Exhibition projects invited to the mini-exhibition.

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Roscommon People Friday 24 February 2017

NewsPeople

Todor the trainerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s photographic passion < Dan Dooner

Bulgarian native, Todor Tilev, arrived in Ireland back in 2002 and has been working in Hodson Bay Leisure Centre for the past ten years.

Todor is a highly qualifed sports coach and personal trainer and has many international qualifications to his name.

As if that wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t impressive enough, however, Todor is also an extemely accomplished photographer and has won dozens of photography awards over the last 20 years.

After buying new equipment some years ago, Todor decided to start taking his photography more seriously and began entering competitions in newspapers and magazines.

Since then, he has won numerous awards including Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choice and Picture of the Day in Practical Photography magazine. He has also reached the finals of some of Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most prestigious photography awards. His pictures have also appeared on postcards, calendars, educational courses, websites, newspapers, TV and magazines.

Todorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s picture of Tullan Strand, Bundoran, Co. Sligo was a finalist in the competition â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Love your Coastâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; organised by Taisce last year.

Todor Tilev displays some of his photographs with the help of his daughter, Thea, and his partner, Narin.

Todorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s picture of Lough Inagh, Connemara, Co. Galway finished as runner-up in the Irish Met Society Photography Competition 2016.

Pop-Up event on Further Education Cllr. Kathleen Shanagher, a member of the GRETB board, has invited people who are interested in Further Education and apprenticeships to call to the Pop-Up shop which will be open on the Main Street in Roscommon town on Friday, 24th of February from 10 am to 3 pm. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Staff from the GRETB (Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board) will be attending and students on mid-term will have an opportunity to check out information on PLC courses and new apprenticeships which have been announcedâ&#x20AC;? Cllr. Shanagher advised.

The event will showcase the vast range of courses available in Roscommon town and county.

GRETB provides an excellent variety of professional courses in areas as diverse as Office Administration, Information Technology, Manual & Computerised Accounts, Good Manufacturing Practice, Heavy Goods Vehicle Driving (HGV) Rigid and Artic, Bus Driving, Forklift Truck Operator, Apprenticeships and many more.

Courses take place in Roscommon town, Boyle, Castlerea, Strokestown and Ballygar and cater for people who are unemployed or who wish to change career or upskill.

Courses are provided FREE of charge to the unemployed.

To apply for FREE GRETB training courses you can apply online at www.gretbtraiingcentre.ie, email: recruit@gretbtrainingcentre. ie or call 091-706200. The full range of courses that are available in Roscommon can be found on the fetch website: www. fetchcourses.ie.

Celebrating First Holy Communion and Confirmation

Budgeting for their special day Remember the most important part of any budget is planning. Always ask the important question: How much can I afford to spend?

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just go out and buy a pony and a castle for your little darling, figure out how far your funds can realistically go. Trying to compete with others is cer-

tainly not what the Sacrament of Holy Communion is about anyway!

The next question is also important: How much do I want to spend? Take into account the dress/suit, veil, rosette, bow tie and shoes.

The next step is planning what happens after the ceremony. Is it back to a venue or back to your own

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On their big day the last thing they need is to feel uncomfortable, and the last thing you want is to be worried about it.

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23

Roscommon People Friday 24 February 2017

People

Faces and places

See pages 24 - 26

Pictured in The Red Parrot on Saturday night last were members of Kilbride Ladies GAA. Picture: Andrew Fox

Launch of 2017 Roscommon Drama Festival: Page 25 And the prizes go to…

Prize-winners pictured with Roscommon County Council CEO Eugene Cummins; Cllr. Tony Ward, Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council and Caroline Egan, chairperson of Roscommon Drama Festival. Picture: Alan Hunt

At Thursday’s launch of Roscommon Drama Festival, chairperson Caroline Egan invited Cathaoirleach of Roscommon, Cllr. Tony Ward, to present the children who won prizes in the story writing competition to collect their awards.

The following children were recipients: Cormac Petrie, Knockcroghery NS – Best Overall; Eva Greene, Roxboro NS – 1st Overall, 6th Class; Scott Lawrence, Knockcroghery NS – 2nd Overall, 6th Class; Michelle Rogers, Ballymurray NS – 1st Overall, 5th Class; Conor Kelly, Tisrara NS – 2nd Overall, 5th Class.

Best from each school: Harry Gately, Ballymurray NS; Anna Higgins, Fuerty NS; Nathan Barry, Scoil de Híde; Cormac Dolan, Kilteevan NS; Heather O’Sullivan, Knockcroghery NS; Lucy Tucker, Lisaniskey NS; Jack Donnelly, Roxboro NS; Lauren McTiernan, Scoil Bhríde, Fourmilehouse; Siena Prior, Scoil Mhuire, Roscommon; Ruth Gannon, Tisrara NS.

24

Roscommon People Friday 24 February 2017

night life • Bars • Nightclubs • Cinema • Social • Arts Macra na Feirme’s Wild West Night

Hamrock’s Athleague, Co. Roscommon Tel.: (090) 6663325 Friday night, 24th February:

Comhaltas Seisiún Saturday Frank night, 25th February: Nelson

Macra na Feirme is an Irish, voluntary rural youth organisation. The organisation provides a social outlet for members in sport, travel, public speaking, performing arts, community involvement and agriculture.

This year Galway and Roscommon Macra have come together to bring

you the ‘Wild West Barn Dance’, on the 4th of March at 8.30 pm, in Gullane’s Hotel, Ballinasloe.

There will be a live band on the night – ‘The Whole Hog’.

The night will also feature a Jiving Competition, with Judge Gerard Hickey.

There will also be a DJ, prizes for Best Dressed,

finger food and a raffle.

This promises to be an excellent night of dancing and craic, one not to be missed!

Tickets are only €10 and can be purchased from any members of Galway or Roscommon Macra.

For more information contact Diarmuid on 0877908036.

Telephone: 090 6626225 Saturday 25th February:

Back to Basics Tour

featuring Greg Clifford, Ian Brennan & Barry Jay Hughes Pictured in The Red Parrot on Saturday night last were Mark Dowd and Maura Lohan. Picture: Andrew Fox

The Red Parrot

Sunday 26th February:

Pictured in The Red Parrot on Saturday night last were Rochelle Mullaney and Alan Lohan. Picture: Andrew Fox

Hickory Wind

- 6pm in Middle Bar Pictured in The Red Parrot on Saturday night last were Jessica O’Gara and Jennifer Fannon. Picture: Andrew Fox

Pictured in The Red Parrot on Saturday night last were Lorna Flynn, Elaine Molloy and Aisling Manning. Picture: Andrew Fox

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

Beer of the week!

JJ Harlows supporting Irish Micro Breweries Pictured in The Red Parrot on Saturday night last were Ann and Gary Caulfield. Picture: Andrew Fox

Pictured in The Red Parrot on Saturday night last were Margie and Vincent Collins. Picture: Andrew Fox

25

Roscommon People Friday 24 February 2017

night life • Bars • Nightclubs • Cinema • Social • Arts

Gala launch for 2017 Roscommon Drama Festival The 2017 Roscommon Drama Festival was officially launched last Thursday evening. The evening started with an opportunity for the large gathering to mix and mingle and admire the impressive new County Council Headquarters, which is being commonly referred to as ‘The People’s Building’, while enjoying tea or coffee served by the Council staff and delicious finger food sponsored and provided by Declan and Mary Molloy of Molloy’s Bakery and Fine Food Emporium in Abbeytown, Roscommon.

The formal part of the evening began with Caroline Egan, the chairperson of Roscommon Drama Festival committee, welcoming everyone to the launch. She assured the gathering that this year’s festival would match the high standard which we have come to expect and gave a brief overview of the plays and groups who will perform over the nine nights from Friday, 3rd of March-Saturday, 11th of March in Roscommon Arts Centre.

Ms. Egan thanked the Chief Executive Eugene Cummins and his staff for making the fine facility available and for their welcome and hospitality.

She expressed her appreciation and thanks to the sponsors of the festival, to Averyl Dooher and her staff at Roscommon Arts Centre, and to the local media for the publicity they provide. She thanked Declan Molloy for sponsoring and providing the finger

Ward’s words of praise

Members of Roscommon Drama Festival Committee pictured with dignitaries at Thursday’s launch. Photograph: Alan Hunt

food and Alan Hunt for taking the photographs. She had a special word of welcome for the children who had participated in the story writing competition, their parents and teachers and to Cormican’s School and Art Supplies for sponsoring vouchers for the overall winners. The chairperson expressed her gratitude to Cathaoirleach Cllr.

Tony Ward for taking time out of his busy schedule to launch the festival.

Chief Executive Eugene Cummins

extended a welcome to all present and said that he was pleased that the launch was taking place in Áras an Chontae and he invited members of the public to visit at any time. He paid tribute to the Drama Festival Committee for their hard work, which contributes so much to the community, and he assured them that Roscommon Co. Council would always support them. He thought it was a great idea to involve the young people and it might

kindle in them an interest in drama.

It is a wonderful outlet to go to a play and become totally absorbed into the world of the play, he noted.

Booking for Roscommon Drama Festival at Roscommon Arts Centre on 090-6625824. The full festival line-up is available to view at www. roscommondramafestival.com/www. roscommonartscentre.ie or pick up a copy of the festival brochure from the arts centre.

Cllr. Tony Ward said that he was delighted to be invited to launch the Roscommon Drama Festival 2017. He added his welcome to all present especially the children who were being presented with their awards (see page 23).

He complimented all the children who had participated in the competition, as well as their teachers and parents who had encouraged them.

Cllr. Ward congratulated the Festival Committee on the tenth anniversary of the revival of the festival and complimented the committee members, past and present, on establishing the festival as one of the premier cultural events in the county. He said that the support of the arts was one of the functions of the Council and he was pleased that there was a close working relationship between the staff of the Arts Centre and the Festival Committee.

He was delighted to inform the gathering that funding was being allocated to expand and improve the facilities at the Arts Centre.

He was pleased to formally launch Roscommon Drama Festival 2017 and he hoped that the hard work of the committee would be rewarded with full houses and excellent presentations.

Roscommon Drama Festival Thank you to our Sponsors & Promotors

• AIB Bank

• McCranns Bar, Castle Street.

• Aoife O’Dowd

• McGuinness Total Health Pharmacy

• Bear an Raille

• Magnum’s Fast Food & Restaurant

• Carthy’s Porter House

• Marie & Pat McCrann

• Casey’s Centra, Supermac’s & Filling Station

• M.J Farrell Jewellers

• Casey’s Garage, Roscommon • Cerena Consulting Ltd.

• Molloy’s Artisan Bakery, Abbeytown • Molloy’s Carry Out, Main Street

• Charlie O’Brien, Rosmed Pharmacy

• Noel Naughton, Painting & Decorating Contractor

• Claddagh Optical

• Norio’s

• Cllr. Domnick Connolly

• Cllr. Orla Leyden

• Comfy Café

• Paul Biesty, Acorn Life

• Connaughton Fuels

• Pepper Mill Restaurant

• Cormican’s School & Arts Supplies

• P. Kelly’s Bar

• Curtain Centre

• Regan’s Gastro Pub & Restaurant

• Denis Naughten T.D.

• Rogue & Co.

• Dermot Hughes Cars

• Roscommon Arts Centre

• Donnellan & Co

• Roscommon Chamber of Commerce

• Doorly’s Corner House

• Roscommon Credit Union Ltd.

• Down the Hatch

• Roscommon Drama Group

• ETL Giftware & Accessories

• Roscommon Herald

• Eurona Brisknet

• Roscommon Lions Club

• Foxes Bar

• Roscommon Co-operative Livestock Mart

• FBD Insurance

• Roscommon People

• Fleming’s Supervalu

• Roscommon Signs

• Future Flowers

• Roscommon Yoga Studio

• George Bannon Sports Shop

• Satara Ladies Boutique

• Gleesons Townhouse & Restauraunt

• Seamus Hunt, Sports Therapist

• Glenamaddy Drama Festival

• Sean Cox Electrical

• Hannon’s Hotel

• Service Matters

• Hynes Pharmacy

• The Skin Clinic, Derrane

• J.J. Harlows

• Time Pieces

• J.J. Ward & Sons, Topline

• Timothy’s Londis Plus

• John Finn Electrical EXPERT

• Ulster Bank

• Keane’s Centra, Athleague • Klassic Cleaners • Le Petites Tartres, Athleague • Mahon Sweeney Solicitors

Thanks to all the other sponsors who supported us over the past ten years Please support local businesses

26

Pictured are Paul Clabby, sponsored by Timothy’s Londis, and Threasa Rowe, sponsored by Pat Kelly’s, Roscommon.

Roscommon People Friday 24 February 2017

Pictured are Pamela Donlon, sponsored by McNulty’s Furniture, Roscommon, and Emmett Corcoran, sponsored by Casey’s Centra, Roscommon.

Pictured are Louise Connelly-Dowd, sponsored

by Callington Ltd, and Colm O’Neill, sponsored by Fergus Hanley Hardware, Ballyleague.

Kilbride does Strictly!

O

anticipated ‘Kilbride Does Strictly’ dancing showcase will take place at the Fourmilehouse community hall – on behalf of Kilbride GAA. MC for the night, the much-loved RTÉ personality Marty Morrissey, will surely bring great excitement to the event.

This event is unique in that as well as having local participants from the parish, the dancers hail from throughout the county, from Kilmore to Four Roads and beyond.

For the past three months, the 28 dancers have

been busy practising in a bid to wow the audience with their nifty moves.

All dancers have been busy fundraising and great momentum has been building towards the ultimate night.

Tickets for the event have been selling fast and there are only a small number remaining. Tickets are on sale from committee members and the event is strictly over 18s only. For more information, contact kilbridestrictly@gmail.com. Doors open at 7.30 pm on the night and patrons are advised to arrive early to guarantee a seat. The night promises to be one not too be missed!

Pictured are Fergal Fannon, sponsored by Clash, and Aine O’Connor, sponsored by Cohan Refrigeration.

Pictured are Laura Casey, sponsored by Frank’s of Ballybeg, and Damien Feeney, sponsored by Mark Neary & Padraig Finan.

Pictured are Brenda Feerick, sponsored by Cllr.

Valerie Byrne, and Sean Moylan, sponsored by Tulsk Fuels.

Pictured are Emma Shally, sponsored by Little Rascals Daycare, and David Hickey, sponsored by Aurivo.

Pictured are Rochelle Mullaney, sponsored by The Red Parrot, and Alan Lohan, sponsored by Lohan Agricultural Contractors.

Pictured are Kathy O’Reilly, sponsored by The Skin Care & Hair Spa, Roscommon, and Frank Beattie, sponsored by Liam Tully Plumbing.

Pictured are Thomas Hanley, sponsored by The Percy French Hotel, and Laura McCormick, sponsored by Kreative Hair Supplies.

Pictured are Kate Farrell, sponsored by Paul Foxe, Accountant, and Jimmy Horan, sponsored by James Horan Construction.

Pictured are Joanne Reynolds-Rogers, sponsored

by P & R Agricultural Contractors, and Dara Feely, sponsored by Glancy’s Pub, Cortober.

n Friday, 10th of March, the much-

Pictured are Thelma Keenan, sponsored by ADS Doors, and Tommy Joe Hennigan, sponsored by Rhattigan’s of Kilrooskey.

Advertisement sponsored by Roscommon People

Pictured are Jackie Comiskey, sponsored by Treacy Décor, and Paul Naughton, sponsored by Waldron Family Meats.

27

Roscommon People Friday 24 February 2017

NewsPeople SUNDAY GOSPEL REFLECTION We are by nature prone to be anxious and troubled about many things.

In Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus confronts us with our most common fears. We are anxious mostly about how we will meet our material needs – for food and drink; for clothing; for security for tomorrow.

Yet in seeking security and comfort, we may unwittingly be handing ourselves over to servitude to “mammon,” Jesus warns.

“Mammon” is an Aramaic word that refers to money or possessions.

Jesus is not condemning wealth. Nor is he saying that we shouldn’t work to earn our daily bread or to make provisions for our future.

It is a question of priorities and goals. What are we living for? Where is God in our lives?

Jesus insists that we need only to have faith in God and to trust in his Providence.

The readings this Sunday pose a challenge to us. Do we really believe that God cares for us, that he alone can provide for all our needs?

Do we believe that he loves us more than a mother loves the infant at her breast, as God himself promises in this week’s beautiful First Reading? Do we really trust that he is our rock and salvation, as we sing in the Psalm?

Jesus calls us to an intense realism about our lives. For all our worrying, none of us change the span of our days. None of us has anything that we have not received as a gift from God (see 1 Cor. 4:7).

St. Paul reminds us in the Epistle that when the Lord comes he will disclose the purposes of every heart.

We cannot serve both God and mammon. We must choose one or the other. Our faith cannot be partial. We must put our confidence in him and not be shaken by anxiety.

Let us resolve today to seek his Kingdom and his holiness before all else – confident that we are beloved sons and daughters, and that our Father in heaven will never forsake us.

– Scott Hahn Ph.D., www.salvationhistory.com (and courtesy of Sacred Heart Church)

THE BRIDGE CLUB Roscommon Bridge Club Anthony McCormack Memorial (1st session) – 1st: L. Shine & L. Curley, 2nd: M. McDermott & K. Holmes, 3rd: M. & P. Mellett.

Happy ‘71 Bridge Club 1st: K. Dowd & C. McGrath, 2nd: T. Smyth & L. Shine, Gross: T. Murphy & J. McGrath.

St. Coman’s Bridge Club North/South – 1st: B. Weir & P. Pierse, 2nd: M. McDermott & A. Kilduff, Gross: M. Hickey & G. Spillane. East/West – 1st: O. Fahy & A. Murray, 2nd: S. Gregory & J. O’Gara, Gross: V. Clarke & K. Jones.

Ballymurray Bridge Club Section A North/South – 1st: H. Lynn & G. Relihan, 2nd: A. Kilduff & M. Fallon, Gross P. & V. Finneran. East/West – 1st: C. Browne & K. Kelly, 2nd: M. & A. Costello, Gross: C. Neilan & M. McDermott. Section B North/South – 1st: G. McDermott & A. Igoe, 2nd: M. Dolan & A. Carney, Gross: F. Neilan & K. Blighe.

East/west – 1st: S. Gregory & S. Macken, 2nd: A. Hewitt & M. Dolan, Gross: S. Farrell & M. Law. Kilbride Bridge Club North/South – 1st: K. Dowd & J. Hunt, 2nd: A. Gaffney & B. Moran, 3rd: T. Moran & M. Kelly. East/West – 1st: P. Donoghue & B. Gillooly, 2nd: M. Regan & G. McDermott, 3rd: M. Fallon & M. Farrell.

frankly speaking Frank Brandon’s unique take on life ...

Following in footsteps of The Dubliners (and the man from Moldova) M

any is the time we would bemoan

that there is nothing on; no party, no nothing, nowhere to go (although I am happy enough to go to Mikeen’s), but the weekend just gone by was like the old tale of the two buses – you wait ages for one and then a second one appears at the very same time.

And so it was that on Friday night, a load of the staff from this newspaper and whatever the likes of me is called (Editor’s note: We’re happy to go with ‘Valued freelance columnist’) headed to P. Kelly’s to have a dram or two and bid adieu to Martina as she headed off to pastures new with the HSE. I told you all about Martina last week, but somehow it escaped my attention until Friday night that the renowned radio commentator and well-known GAA personality, Willie Hegarty, is her brother, and she told me she is rightly proud of the bould Willie.

We had a lovely night in Kelly’s, good drink, good food, and great craic, and I ran into Jack the Higher who was there along with a large gang from the Council, who were also bidding farewell to a work colleague. However, I left early-ish, as I was due to fulfil a promise I made to my nephew David over the Christmas period. David plays All-Ireland rugby up in the Capital city with Old Belvedere and I had long wanted to go and see him in action, and so, on Saturday morning, myself and Carol found ourselves on the 9 am Bus Eireann service from Athlone (no free travel yet) and bound for the lovely Anglesea Road venue, where Belvedere were to host their cross-town neighbours, Clontarf.

My trips to Dublin are not complete without a visit to Eddie Rocket’s for the Power Rocket

breakfast, (don’t tell my heart specialist, my nutritionist, my dietician, or my wife – only kidding, she was there) and as usual it was well worth waiting for. Duly fortified, it was off to Belvo for the game. Sadly Clontarf were way too strong for the home side and won well; David, however, was brilliant in defence, with a number of tremendous tackles, including at least two try-saving ones, but he was to pay the price for his heroic defending when he went off in the second half, suffering from concussion.

We didn’t get to see much of him in attack as Clontarf bossed them in the pack, but as we left I could certainly say he is plenty good enough to play at that level – and if the rest of the team showed as much defiance and commitment, they might have done a good deal better.

Anyway, after the game we had a look in the clubhouse but, as it was packed to capacity, we decided to give a miss to the post-match celebrations and headed to De Brun’s in Castleknock where we had a bite to eat. The place has a good reputation, and in fairness to it, it lived up to our expectations. Then it was out to our daughter Lisa’s house, where we got ready for the night and shortly after 8 pm we were settling down in an already crowded O’Donoghue’s on Baggot Street, a pub made famous by the fact that The Dubliners set out on their musical journey many years ago from within its hallowed walls.

And the good news for me, as it’s at least 40 years since I was last in there, was that very little has changed – the first thing that hit us was the sound of traditional music being played by a large group of musicians just inside the front door, and the place itself had hardly changed at all. We managed to get ourselves seats at a little table, and I enjoyed a number of top quality pints of Guin-

ness; by now there was live music in the three different downstairs bars, and a gentleman with long grey hair (he reminded me of someone), bombarded us with the peculiar sounds he was able to knock out of his mouth organ. I would have to admit I have heard better, but in a pub where a true Dub told me he could feel Ronnie Drew and Luke Kelly’s presence, I was not going to run down any musician and felt privileged to be back in a place where musical history was made a few decades ago.

Time is catching up with me and, unusually, I pulled out of O’Donoghue’s before closing time, and was back in bed not too long after midnight, but I have to say I enjoyed one of my rare visits to the Capital and – even though I know it won’t happen – I resolved to go back again before too long and sample some more of the exceptional nightlife. The other great thing about towns and cities is the availability of public transport, and once again it highlighted the huge problems the people of rural Ireland face with the drink-driving laws.

Now I do not advocate drink-driving in any way, but as most rural areas have neither buses nor taxis, it is very difficult for lonely people to get out to socialise, and maybe a little leniency with the drink-driving laws might be of some help. Minister Shane Ross is trying to get an absolute nil drinks limit in and I think he should leave it as it is; it has always been my opinion that speed is a bigger factor in the many road accidents that ruin so many lives.

Anyway, a man from Moldova drove us home and, in fairness to him, he knew his way around the city the same as if he was a bred, born and reared Dub.

And finally…

The truth about Enda and me It’s yet another Monday morning and as I drove from Creggs to Athlone I realised for the first time that I have something in common with our Taoiseach, Enda Kenny.

Both of us are about to become pensioners, but apart from us both having the free travel, that is where the similarity, sadly, ends.

After working for close on fifty years, since 1968, I will get the weekly sum of €233, almost the full contributory pension, until I depart this mortal earth; Enda will get an annual sum of €124,000, almost two and a half thousand a week, until he too passes on along

– with a little matter of a lump sum of close to €400,000. Now, if you know me, you will know that I would not be the slightest bit jealous (well maybe a little bit) about Enda’s good fortune, as he has given the people of Mayo, and latterly Ireland, a lot of his time and indeed his life since he was first elected to the Dáil in 1974.

However, those people who feel he should be allowed to pick and choose when he steps down as leader of Fine Gael are totally misguided, as even the dogs on the street know he is now a lame duck Taoiseach – and, in a time

of huge political instability, that’s the last thing we need; in my opinion he should go now and not waste any more time. He can console himself with his lump sum and maybe his beloved Mayo might even win the Sam Maguire.

Finally for this week, and back to Dublin, where obviously the building boom is back again.

It was amazing to see the number of high rise cranes dotted all over the city. It was reminiscent of the Celtic Tiger years at their best and, especially in the docks area, building seems to be going on everywhere.

It’s no wonder we are being told that things are on the up and up, and all I can do is hope it doesn’t go belly up, like it did last time round. We’ll wait and see.

‘Till next week, Bye for now

28

Roscommon People Friday 24 February 2017

FarmingPeople Information meeting in Roscommon Mart

Roscommon Mart in conjunction with Bank of Ireland Roscommon and Roscommon Leader Partnership will hold a meeting in the Mart Canteen on Thursday March 2nd at 9 p.m. Topics included: SBCI Agriculture Cash Support Scheme and Agri Digital Skills Training for Farm Families. All are welcome. Enquiries 090 6626352

Castlerea Co-operative Livestock Mart Ltd. Telephone: 094 9620300 email: info@castlerealivestockmart.com web: www.castlerealivestockmart.com

PROPERTY SERVICES PROVIDERS LICENCE NO. 002249

Thursday 23rd February:

Sale of Bullocks,Heifers, Cows, Calves and Weanlings Including sale of

12 Dairy Springing Heifers 3 Rings in operation All Sales commence at 11 AM All stock Pre Booked Yard opens at 8 AM Forthcoming Sales: Thursday 2nd March

Included in sale of

Bullocks, Heifers, Cows, Calves and Weanlings an entry of 15 AA breeding heifers

FOR ENQUIRIES CONTACT MART OFFICE OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR DETAILS

Donal Dowd

Hoof Trimming Service

l All cattle catered for l Dutch Trained l Safe & Fully Insured

Mobile: 087 9839284

l Keen Rates l Covering all areas

Dead & Worn-Out Animals Contact

TOM ROGERS

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

Your LOCAL Collector Guaranteed lowest price

Dead & Worn-Out Animals Contact

JOHN GREENE BALLINASLOE

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

Keep your farm safe

Ploughing finals set for Clooncullane

Meeting on Wednesday The 23rd Roscommon Ploughing Championships will be held on the farm of Peter Kelly in the townland of Clooncullane near Tulsk on Sunday, April 2nd. This site is situated at Simpsons Cross approximately 4km from Tulsk village and 6km from Strokestown.

A meeting of Roscommon Ploughing will take place in Devine’s Lounge in Clashganny, Tulsk at 9 pm next Wednesday (March 1st).

All local groups and businesses are invited to attend this meeting.

In the year 2000 Mr. Peter Kelly provided the Association with an excellent site

on the Castleplunkett road, which many people have fond memories of. This year, he has come up trumps again with another excellent site.

The site has ample car parking as well as an area for trade stands.

Meanwhile, the Roscommon Novice Ploughing will take place on Saturday, March 18th on the lands of John Hanly in Kilbegnet.

Anyone wishing to be the main sponsor for this year’s Roscommon Ploughing Championships or having a trade stand on April 3rd should contact Jim on 0872755738 or Ger on 086-4113617.

Roscommon IFA warning to dog owners over savage sheep attacks Roscommon IFA’s County Sheep Chairman says he has received a number of calls from people “around the country” who are reporting attacks by dogs on their flocks.

With the country’s 30,000 sheep farmers preparing to lamb down 2.5 million ewes over the coming three months, Mr. Michael Glennon said this is a very busy and anxious time for sheep farmers.

There is clear evidence that sheep flocks are more vulnerable to dog attacks at this time of year.

Mr. Glennon said: “Unfortunately, I am taking calls on a frequent basis from sheep farmers around the country who have suffered attacks.”

Mr. Glennon said marauding dogs can inflict horrendous damage on a sheep flock.

“A number of dog attacks have been highlighted in recent weeks, where major financial losses have been incurred. There are far too many dog owners not taking the responsibility that goes with owning a pet.

Dog owners have an ob-

(Serving Farmers for over 57 years)

Property Services Providers Licence No. 001373

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

-------------------

Special Mid Spring Sale of Bullocks

Friday, March 3rd at 11 a.m.

Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on this Thursday, February 23rd Also Heifers & Dry Cows ---------------------

Special Mid Spring Sale of Heifers Friday, March 10th at 11 a.m.

Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 2nd Also Bullocks & Dry Cows -------------------------

Special Springtime Sale of Weanlings

Tuesday, February 28th at 5p.m.

Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on this Thursday, 23rd February ---------------------

Show & Sale of Weanlings

ligation to have their dog under control at all times.”

Mr. Glennon issued a stark warning to all dog owners that they are fully responsible for ensuring that their pets are under control at all times. They are liable for any losses as a result of dog attacks, with serious financial and legal consequences. He said farmers have a right to protect their sheep flock and can shoot a dog worrying, or about to worry their flock.

Statistics collated by IFA

indicate that the problem of dog attacks on sheep may be in the order of 300 to 400 attacks per annum, with 3,000 to 4,000 sheep injured and killed. Data on dog attacks gathered by the IFA shows an average of 11 sheep killed or injured per attack.

IFA has a Protocol to help farmers who encounter a dog attack on their sheep flock. It is an easy-to-follow, 10-point Plan of Action covering what a farmer should do following a dog attack or sheep kill.

Castlerea Mart Report There were 680 cattle on offer this week and the strong trade that has prevailed in recent weeks was maintained and in certain cases for forward or short-keep stores, prices were improved.

The weanlings with strong farmer demand and renewed exporter activity reported a very good clearance while the breeding stock recorded some fancy prices for the top quality lots. Cull cow numbers remain strong also – with good demand – while calf numbers have risen also.

Sample prices – bullocks: Ch 470kgs €1200, Lm 465kgs €1135, BBx 500kgs €1400, Lm 520kgs €1315, Ch 595kgs €1305, AA 560kgs €1300, Lm 810kgs €1845, Ch 660kgs €1480.

Heifers: Ch 410kgs €1270, Ch 425kgs €1125, Ch 480kgs €1295, Lm 485kgs €1250, Ch 525kgs €1295, Lm 515kgs €1240, Ch 430kgs €1110.

Dry cows: Ch 750kgs €1415, Lm 720kgs €1375, Si 705kgs €1275, Lmx 715kgs €1305, Ch 610kgs €1010. Cows with calves at foot made from €1210 to €2040 for a Ch cow and her Limousin bull calf at foot. Springers made from €700 to €1940 per head.

Calves: Dairy cross calves made from €15 to €125 per head with Hereford, Aberdeen Angus and continentals making from €180 to €670 for the top quality continental lots.

Weanling bulls: Ch 290kgs €1070, Lm 260kgs €800, Ch 260kgs €800, Ch 360kgs €1145, Ch 440kgs €1120, Lm 445kgs €1090. Weanling heifers: Lmx 250kgs €745, AA 240kgs €725, BBx 355kgs €1065, Ch 325kgs €1020, Ch 345kgs €930, Ch 420kgs €1115.

Sales continue at Castlerea Mart. All sales commence at 11 am.

Tuesday, March 7th at 5 p.m.

Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 2nd --------------

Special Sale of Springers & Suckler Cows

Saturday, February 25th at 12 noon.

------------

Lambs & Cast Ewes

Each Wednesday at 11 a.m.

Included in sale Wednesday, March 1st – 20 Excellent in Lamb Suffolk X Hoggets In lamb to P.B. Char Ram due 8th March onwards and 10 Excellent Hoggets in Lamb to PB Char Ram due 1st March onwards.

--------------

Sheep Scanning Service

9 a.m. to 10 a.m ------------------------FREE Agri Digital Skills Training for Farm Families now available.

Learn how to register for Farm Schemes and Banking Online.

For further info contact 090 6630252

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

Find us on facebook

29

Roscommon People Friday 24 February 2017

FarmingPeople

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Roscommon Mart Report

Pictured are (l-r): ICSA Roscommon chairman Ger Grehan, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Michael Creed TD and ICSA sheep chairman John Brooks from Taughmaconnell, at the ICSA AGM and Annual Conference which took place on 16th of February in Portlaoise.

Roscommon IFA ‘very strong on €200 support for suckler cows’ Mr. John Hanley, Roscommon IFA County Chairman, said the IFA is very strong in its view that vulnerable low-income sectors like suckler farming must be strongly supported and prioritised for increased targeted direct supports of up to €200 per cow.

He said Agriculture Minister Michael Creed and his Department cannot continue to ignore the severe income crisis in livestock.

Saying no to proposals to try and improve suckler incomes is not an option.

Please phone for enquiries

Mr. Hanley said: “IFA has not proposed a straight coupled support of €200 per cow involving a reduction in basic payments.

Based on the exceptional low-income levels of €13,000 a year in suckling, it is essential that direct supports for suckler cows are increased. This can be financed through a combination of CAP Pillar I, Pillar II and national funding.”

Mr. Hanley pointed out that when IFA first proposed a strong targeted direct payment for sheep

farmers, there was also a very negative reaction from some Government sources. However, since his appointment, Minister Creed has overseen the new €25m sheep welfare scheme introduced in the last Programme for Government.

Mr. Hanley said our one million head suckler cow herd is vital to the beef and livestock sector. It provides the marketing image on which our quality beef exports and access to the higher-priced retail market outlets are secured.

Mr. John Hanley, Roscommon IFA County Chairman

Friday, February 17th: There were good numbers on offer again this week with a brisk trade for bullocks with lots averaging from €2.27 per kilo up to €2.57 per kilo and the majority of lots sold. There was also a lively trade for heifers with prices ranging from €2.37 per kilo up to €3.15 per kilo. There was a good entry of dry cows with prices ranging from €1.65 per kilo up to €2.32 per kilo.

Sales continue tomorrow (Friday) for bullocks, heifers and dry cows. A special mid-spring sale of bullocks will take place on Friday, March 3rd at 11 am.

Bookings accepted up to 5 pm today (23rd).

Dry cows made from €740 to €1590 per lot. Sample prices: Char X 860 kgs €1590, Lim X 800 kgs €1515, Lim 685 kgs €1475, Char X 795 kgs €1450,Lim X 690 kgs €1320, BBX 700 kgs €1125, Simm X 660 kgs €1060, Char X 640 kgs €1040,Fr 605 kgs €850, PTX 495 kgs €860.

Heifers made from €435 to €1255 over. Sample prices: Char X 595 kgs €1850, BAX 630 kgs €1640, Char X 710 kgs €1540, Char X 480 kgs €1510, Char X 465 kgs €1462, 2 Char X 500 kgs €1335, Simm X 485 kgs €1275, Lim X 515 kgs €1270, Char X 405 kgs €1185, AAX 520 kgs €1205, AAX 480 kgs €1150, Char X 410 kgs €1125.

Bullocks made from €580 to €850 over. Sample prices: Char X 615 kgs €1460, Char X 710 kgs €1450, Lim X 600 kgs €1450, BBX 580 kgs €1160, Lim X 575 kgs €1160, AAX 615 kgs €1220, Char X 545 kgs €1240, Lim X 545 kgs €1380, Char X 505 kgs €1300.

Sheep sale – Wednesday, February 22nd: We had a small entry of sheep this week. There was a similar trade for the finished hoggets with hoggets making as high as €110. The trade for cast ewes was on a par with the previous week. We had a large entry of in lamb ewes this week and we had a full clearance.

Sales continue each Wednesday at 11 am for lambs and cast ewes. Sheep scanning service every Wednesday from 9 am to 10 am.

Sample prices - Hoggets: 54kgs €110, 62.6kgs €110, 49kgs €108, 50.8kgs €108, 46.5kgs €106, 46.7kgs €104, 49kgs €100, 39kgs €83.

Cast ewes made from €70 to €130 per lot. In lamb ewes made from €112 to €163 per lot. Ewe with two lambs at foot made €158.

Reach your target market!

1 8 , 0 0 0 c o p i es printed weekly

30

Roscommon People Friday 24 February 2017

PropertyPeople

Connaughton Auctioneers’ March Property Auction Connaughton Auctioneers are hosting a multi-property auction on 10th of March next, in Gleeson’s Townhouse, The Square, Roscommon Town at 2 pm.

Auctioneer Ivan Connaughton said: “Our auction in March will be the first of four auctions to be conducted by Connaughton Auctioneers in 2017. With an increase in

activity in the property market consistently over the past 18 months, we have witnessed a large volume of sellers wanting to sell their property by public auction for a number of reasons including certainty of sale, a clear timescale when their property will be sold and in many other cases such as relocation and executor sales.”

For details of said properties, call Ivan on 090-6663700 or 086-8985013. (As advertised in previous weeks, all current and new clients selling their property with Connaughton Auctioneers can avail of our reduced fees of 1% plus VAT for properties of €250,000 and over. Terms & conditions apply).

Bids in excess of €120,000 sought for Roscommon residence

Convent Court, Convent Road, Roscommon

Townhouse with rental income

Pat Hughes & Co. Ltd. Auctioneers and Valuers have a two-bedroomed townhouse for sale on a corner site at Convent Court, Convent Road, Roscommon. The residence is currently rented, generating an annual rental income of €7,800 and is finished to a high standard. Tenants are not affected by the sale.

Offers in excess of €120,000 are being considered. This property is the ideal investment opportunity, and viewing is highly recommended.

For further details please contact the office on 0906627003 or email info@pathughesauctioneers.com

Pat Hughes & Co. Ltd., Auctioneers and Valuers are delighted to welcome to the market Greenmount House – a large twostorey four-bedroomed detached residence at Stonepark, Galway Road, Roscommon.

Accommodation consists of a sitting room, dining room and kitchen. Upstairs consists of four bedrooms and a bathroom.

While the house is in need of some modernisation, it is structurally sound and located on a large elevated site of circa half an acre located close to all amenities.

The company are accepting offers in excess of €120,000. Viewing is highly recommended.

For further details please contact the office on 090-6627003 or email info@ pathughesauctioneers.com

Week Auction Next

• 4 bed semi- detached house with parking to the front and side access.

• 5 mins walk from the town centre and 30km from Athlone.

• Being sold with tenant in place.

• Tenant in situ for the past 9 years.

AMV: €70,000

ALSO FOR AUCTION

Breegogue, Boyle, Co. Roscommon 4 bed detached - AMV: €55,000 29 Riverwalk, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon 2 bed apartment - AMV: €27,000 Market St, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon Retail Unit - AMV: €40,000

OVER 40 PROPERTIES FOR SALE IN OUR ‘WILD ATLANTIC WAY’ SPRING PROPERTY AUCTION, FRIDAY 3RD MARCH 2017 AT 2PM, HARBOUR HOTEL, NEW DOCK ROAD, GALWAY

Top quality lands at Lysterfield, Curraghboy

Top quality lands at Ballinagard Road Pat Hughes & Co. Ltd., Auctioneers and Valuers, are confirming that the company have circa 10 acres of top quality agricultural land with

42 CLUAIN FRAOIGH, LANESBOROUGH ROAD, ROSCOMMON

a four-bay hayshed for sale at Ballinagard Road, Roscommon.

Pat will accept offers in excess of €100,000.

For further details or

for any enquiries please contact the office on 090-6627003 or email info@pathughesauctioneers.com

Pat Hughes & Co. Ltd., Auctioneers and Valuers are delighted to welcome new to the market circa 18 acres of top quality agricultural land for sale at Lysterfield, Curraghboy, Co. Roscommon. The lands are located a short distance off the main Rahara to Curraghboy Road.

Most of the lands are of top quality with access to a roadway on three sides. This would be an ideal opportunity for local farmers wishing to increase their holdings or for someone looking for a nice compact farm of land located convenient to the village. This property has development potential subject to planning permission being granted.

For further details or for any enquiries please contact the office on 090-6627003 or email info@pathughesauctioneers.com

PSRA Licence No. 001350

l

Property Sales l Lettings l Valuations

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

NEW TO THE MARKET BY PRIVATE TREATY

COOLAGARRY, LOUGHGLYNN, CO. ROSCOMMON Price Region: €85,000 • Recently decorated four bed residence • On large site c. 2.2 acres with outbuildings • Located approximately 1 mile from Loughglynn Village on the Castlerea Road • Deceivingly large internally • Driveway extends to rear of property

NEW TO THE MARKET BY PRIVATE TREATY

GLENTAUN VILLAGE, BALLINASLOE, CO. GALWAY Open to offers

• Exceptional 5 bed residence in show house condition • Excellent location 3 minutes from M6 Dublin/Galway on the outskirts of the Town Centre • Large garage to rear c.20’ x c.10’ • Close proximity to all public transport • Attic floored & insulated with velux windows (suitable for further conversion) • Viewing highly recommended

M.S.C.S.I

REMINDER PUBLIC AUCTION

NEW TO THE MARKET FOR SALE

ARDKEEL, ROSCOMMON TOWN, CO. ROSCOMMON

E, THE SQUARE, GLEESON’S TOWN HOUS 10TH AT 2PM H RC MA , ROSCOMMON

F.P.P. on c.4.8 acres with l, • Four bed residence – Briarfield, Lisacu for dormer residence mmon.

Co. Rosco Reserve €85,000 – 17 i-detached residencemmon. sem bed ee • Thr esboro, Co, Rosco Lan , urt Co lare lyc Bal Reserve €105,000 7.11 acres with 2 bedk, al • Residenti Farm c.3 Carrigeen, Frenchpar & ar ntu Ma – nce reside Co. Roscommon.

Reserve €190,000 c.1 acre with F.P.P. for bot, • Prime Building Site onakilleg, Mount Tal Clo nce ide res er dorm Co. Roscommon.

Reserve: €15,000 ry, ed lands, Coolagar es • C.18.9 acr of mix scommon.

Loughglynn, Co. Ro,000 Reserve: €45 3 no. ng sites with F.P.P. for • Three prime buildiArdsallagh More, Athlone s use ho two storey .

Road, Roscommon Reserve: €120,000 n bungalow, Roselaw • Attractive three bedar, Co. Galway. lyg Bal ve, Dri Reserve: €120,000

C. 50 ACRES OF LANDS TO LET CUILEENIRWAN, DYSART, CO. ROSCOMMON • First time letting • Short term (11 months) • With entitlements of c. €6,535 • Located just off the Dysart/Athlone Road Enquries invited

Quality 3-bedroom bungalow finished to a very high standard by the present owners with benefit of large workshop to the rear. The residence is situated on half an acre site within walking distance to the town centre.

Price Region: €155,000

FOR SALE C. 31 ACRES ARGICULTRAL LANDS

FEARBREAGUES, KNOCKCROGHERY. CO. ROSCOMMON Excellent quality elevated Agricultural lands located 5 miles from the village of Knockcroghery and Roscommon town. The said lands offer exclusive road frontage with site potential subject to planning permission.

For further details and maps call the office on (090)6627878.

Church Street, Roscommon town, Co. Roscommon TEL: 090 6627878 FAX: 090 6627877 E-mail info@oates.ie Website: www.oates.ie

FOR SALE QUALITY 4 BEDROOM BUNGALOW

JAMESTOWN, BALLYFORAN, CO. ROSCOMMON

Quality 4 Bedroom Bungalow situated in a quiet countryside area located one mile from Four Roads Village and twelve miles each from the towns of Athlone, Roscommon and Ballinasloe. Situated on a landscaped three quarter acre site, this fine property is finished to a high standard by its present owners.

Accommodation comprises of 4 large Bedrooms, (master En Suite), Sitting Room, Kitchen, Dining Room with solid fuel stove, Utility and family Bathroom.

Price Region: €185,000

FOR SALE

“Killeen”, LANESBORO STREET, ROSCOMMON TOWN, CO. ROSCOMMON This 4-bedroom bungalow located on Lanesboro Street, Roscommon offers potential buyers a unique and rare opportunity to acquire a very sizeable residential site a short walk away from the town centre, schools and amenities. Set amongst mature hedges and trees the residence offers a wonderful balance between privacy and convenience. While the house is in need of modernisation the property offers huge potential for development either of the existing dwelling alone or with another (subject to planning permission). The 0.24 acres originally represented two sites which were amalgamated to provide a large lawn to the side with parking area as well as gardens to the front and rear.

Price Region: Price on Application The Manse, Northgate Street, Athlone, Co. Westmeath TEL: 090 6477500 FAX: 090 6477546 E-mail athlone@oates.ie Website: www.oates.ie

31

Roscommon People Friday 24 February 2017

PropertyPeople Earley’s sell prime Castlecoote bungalow at auction for €150,000 Auctioneers & Valuers NO. 1 ABBEY ST., ROSCOMMON. TEL 090 66 27003. FAX 090 66 26296 EMAIL info@pathughesauctioneers.com Web: www.pathughesauctioneers.com

*****URGENTLY REQUIRED *****

• All types of property are urgently required in and around the Roscommon Area. Due to a lot of recent sales Hughes & Company require properties for disappointed under bidders.

If you are thinking of buying or selling contact Pat, let him advise you his advice is free.

Please contact the office on 09066 27003 or e-mail info@pathughesauctioneers.com -------------------------------------------------------

New to the Market for sale at Lysterfield, Curraghboy, Co. Roscommon

• Circa 18 acres of top quality Agricultural Land. The Lands are located a short distance off the main Rahara to Curraghboy road. Most of the lands are of top quality with access to a roadway on three sides. The lands have the benefit of their own electrical supply.

This would be an ideal opportunity for local farmers wishing to increase their holdings or for someone looking for a nice compact farm of land located convenient to the Village. The lands are elevated leaving them suitable for development potential subject to planning permission being granted.

For further details please contact the office on 090 6627003 e-mail info@pathughesauctioneers.com -------------------------------------------------------

For Sale by private treaty or public auction at a later date circa 56 acre Residential farm at Carrowkeel, Dysart, Co. Roscommon.

The Residence is a three bedroomed farmhouse in need of modernization. All of the lands are of top quality and can be sold in one or more lots to suit.

For further details please contact: Legal: Liddy Neilan Solicitors, Abbey Street, Roscommon. Ph. 09066 27498 • Lot 1 – The Entire Property. Residence and Circa 56 acres • Lot 2 - Residence on circa 20 acres • Lot 3 - Circa 14 acres • Lot 4 – Circa 15 acres • Lot 5 – Circa 8 acres

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For sale at Porteen, Dysart

• Circa 20 acres for the reps of the late Michael Naughton deceased. The Residence is a two bedroomed farmhouse in need to total modernization. The lands are located in a number of different lots.

Legal: Mr. John Glynn, Solicitor, Patrick J Hogan Solicitors, Dunlo Street, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway. Ph. 09096 42110

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For Sale

Circa 2 acres of Turbary at Castlesampson Circa 2 acres of Turbary at Ballyforan Both Bogs are of excellent quality. Contact the Office for further details on 09066 27003

Property Partners Earley, Roscommon are pleased to report that they conducted another successful public auction on Thursday last of a primely-located fourbedroomed bungalow residence of c. 1,800 sq. ft. selling under the hammer for a very satisfactory price of €150,000.

The property was substantially completed and stood on an elevated site area of c. 0.5 of an acre overlooking the local Blacks Lake.

The auction was held in Dalton’s public house, and was very well attended as reported by John Earley who conducted the auction.

The property opened at €80,000 and after a very

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

NEW TO THE MARKET

A HIGHLY ATTRACTIVE 4 B/R DETACHED RESIDENCE OF C. 1,300 SQ.FT LOCATED AT

competitive bidding contest between five bidders with 28 bids recorded, the property was knocked down to a local solicitor in trust for the figure of €150,000.

John Earley commented: “The price achieved was a very good result for such a property and it highlights the improved market conditions in the general area.

As a result of this sale, we now require similar properties for disappointed

under-bidders and cash clients. We offer a free presales appraisal for your property.”

For further details of any of the withdrawn properties or for a free appraisal of your property contact John Earley, FIPAV or David Diffley, MIPAV, TRV of Property Partners Earley, Roscommon on 090-6626579, email jearley@propertypartners.ie, or log onto www.propertypartners.ie.

Final offers above €280,000 sought for prime farm at Mullymux Prime Strokestown lands available John Earley, FIPAV of Property Partners Earley, Roscommon is this week offering new to the market a compact parcel of lands containing c. 25.06 acres located at Cloonastiallas, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon.

The auctioneers describe the lands as “a prime parcel of lands set out in one main lot…this sale offers neighbouring land owners a prime opportunity to acquire a manageable holding of lands in this select farming district and the auctioneers now invite immediate enquiries and all offers after €100,000 to sell.”

To arrange maps or for further details contact John Earley, FIPAV, Property Partners Earley, Stone Court, The Square, Roscommon on 090-6626579, email jearley@propertypartners.ie or log onto www.propertypartners.ie. Find us on facebook at www.facebook.com/ propertypartners.earley.

John Earley, FIPAV of Property Partners Earley, Roscommon is this week inviting final offers after €280,000 for a renowned and superior quality dual-purpose farm of lands containing c. 41 acres (with the benefit of entitlements and greening payments passing of c. €2,400 per annum), located in the townland of Mullymux beside Roscommon town.

John describes the farm as “one of the finest parcels of quality limestone lands all set out in permanent grass to come on the market recently in a superb location just off the main N61 Boyle route and only c. 4km from Roscommon town. The said lands are set out in one lot and must be of interest to all clients wishing to acquire a superior holding on lands. We now invite final viewings and final offers after €280,000 for immediate sale.”

To arrange maps or for further details contact John Earley, FIPAV, Property Partners Earley, Stone Court, The Square, Roscommon on 090-6626579, email jearley@ propertypartners.ie or log onto www. propertypartners.ie.

Townhouse: Your last chance to bid!

Pat Hughes & Co. Ltd. Auctioneers and Valuers are confirming that they are at an advanced stage of negotiations for the sale of a three-bedroomed detached townhouse located on a large site at Ardanagh, Roscommon.

The property is in need of total renovations. Pat will accept offers in excess of €60,000.

For further details contact the office on 090-6627003 or email info@pathughesauctioneers. com

CELTIC AVENUE, ROSCOMMON TOWN, CO. ROSCOMMON Price Guide: €150,000 ono to sell.

A quality 4 B/R detached bungalow residence located in a highly select and mature residential development beside Roscommon town centre. The said property offers spacious living accommodation throughout with the benefit of a large mature site area with a detached garage of c. 200 sq.ft standing thereon . The auctioneers now invite immediate viewings and all offers to sell.

BER: D2.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

NEW TO THE MARKET

A CHARACTER 2 B/R COUNTRYSIDE RESIDENCE WITH OUTBUILDINGS LOCATED AT

KILTULTOGE, FOURMILEHOUSE, CO. ROSCOMMON STANDING ON C. 1 ACRE.

Price Guide: €50,000 ono to sell.

• An attractive countryside residence in need of renovation throughout.

• The said property is situated in a peaceful countryside setting.

• Holding excellent potential due size and location.

• Useful storage sheds/workshops of c. 2,400 sq.ft in total.

• BER: exempt.

Legal: Sean Mahon, Messers Mahon Sweeney & Co, Roscommon.

090 66 26102.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

NEW TO THE MARKET

A PRIME PARCEL OF LANDS CONTAINING C.15.7 ACRES SET OUT IN TWO LOTS WITH 3 B/R RESIDENCE AND FARMYARD STANDING THEREON LOCATED AT

RATHMORE, FOURMILEHOUSE, CO. ROSCOMMON.

A quality parcel of lands in a good agricultural district c.6.5 km from Roscommon town.

The said lands are all of top quality Standing on the said lands is a 3 B/R residence in need of modernisation Farmyard comprises of 2 number storage sheds, cattle crush and pen and 2 bay hay shed. The said lands can be sold in one or more lots as set out below: • Lot 1: Entire.

• Lot 2: Residence standing on c. 0.5 acres.

• Lot 3: Lands to the rear of the said residence

of c. 11.6 acres.

• Lot 4: Stand alone field of c. 3.6 acres.

BER exempt.

The auctioneers now invite all offers for immediate sale.

Legal: Messers PA Connellan & Co, Bawn St, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon. 071 96 33009.

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LANDS FOR LEASE – new letting

c. 52 acres of well fenced, fresh lands located at Triala Dillon, Curraghroe, Roscommon with the benefit of mains water and private pump supply, cattle crush and pen, 3 bay hayshed for storage. Can be let in one or more lots should market interest dictate. Suggested lease terms: 5 – 6 years. Usual letting terms apply.

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Farmhouse and top quality lands

Pat Hughes & Co. Ltd. Auctioneers and Valuers have for sale by private treaty or public auction at a later date, circa 56 acre of land and a residential farm at Carrowkeel, Dysart, Co. Roscommon.

The residence is a three-bedroomed farmhouse in need of modernisation. All of the lands are of top quality and can be sold in one or more lots to suit.

For further details please contact the office on 090-6627003 or email info@pathughesauctioneers.com

•

LANDS TO LET

c. 7 acres located at Caggle, Strokestown from now until the 1st November 2017.

Enquiries invited for the above and other lettings available on our books.

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WANTED URGENTLY – LANDS SUITABLE FOR FORESTRY

We urgently require lands suitable for forestry to fulfil a large European order. Top prices paid. Replies in confidence to the office.

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WANTED – WANTED – WANTED

Lands from c. 300 – 500 acres wanted for dairy purposed.

Replies in the strictest of confidence to the office.

32

Roscommon People Friday 24 February 2017

Business

Kilronan Castle wins ‘Best Hotel Accommodation’ award

With over 30 years’ experience, Aengus Oates Financial Services provides expert financial advice and bespoke financial solutions to our highly valued clients

Aengus Oates Financial Services Plan your future today

Tel. (090) 6627878. Mobile (086) 2573358

info@oates.ie • www.oatesfinancialservices.ie

For a confidential chat, ring Aengus on (086) 2573358

CIE Tours International 27th Annual Awards of Excellence: ‘Best Hotel Accommodation’ – Kilronan Castle.

Michelle Coghlan is pictured with (l-r) Elizabeth Crabill, Chief Executive Officer, CIE Tours International and Vivienne Jupp, Chairman, CIE.

At a reception in Dublin City Hall on Monday, 20th of February, awards were presented to 99 winners at the 27th CIE Tours International Awards for Excellence

by Vivienne Jupp, Chairman and Elizabeth Crabill, Chief Executive Officer, CIE Tours International.

Thirteen overall category winners from around the country were chosen according to customer feedback.

The winners included Kilronan Castle in County Roscommon, which won a ‘Best Hotel Accommodation’ award.

The Chief Executive of CIE Tours International, Elizabeth Crabill, told the gathering that 2016 was another excellent year with revenues up to €100 million and over 320,000 bed-nights booked across Ireland.

‘Roscommon’s favourite local broadband provider’

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Pictured are Fuerty National School who won 1st (B) place in the Roscommon Credit Union Table Quiz Finals. Pictured were Anna Murray (teacher), Fiona Murray, Anna Higgins, Eva Rogers and Josh Reddington, Fuerty National School. Also pictured were members of Roscommon Credit Union Alec Dempsey, Mary Flynn and John Devaney, Chairman of Roscommon Credit Union. Picture: Andrew Fox

Fast, reliable, friendly CONTACT TONYA ON 090 66 34319 sales@eurona-brisknet.ie www.mybroadband.ie

Your business is our business ...!

The Roscommon People is committed to promoting local businesses If you have a business-related story that you would like us to highlight or would like your business to be profiled, Please email news@roscommonpeople.ie and/or call 090 66 34633

Pictured are staff and students from Kilteevan National School who were runners-up in the Roscommon Credit Union Table Quiz Finals. Also pictured were members of Roscommon Credit Union, Patrick Mulleady and John Devaney, Chairman of Roscommon Credit Union.

Picture: Andrew Fox

Gleeson’s honoured as Good Food Ambassadors Mary and Eamonn Gleeson of Gleeson’s Townhouse & Restaurant in Roscommon Town have been honoured with a Good Food Ireland International Ambassador Award. Both Eamonn and Mary Gleeson have given willingly and freely of their time at many food events for Good Food Ireland and Tourism Ireland both in Ireland and overseas, to ensure that the reputation of Irish food continues to grow and grow. The Good Food Ireland family does an enormous amount of work to raise Ireland’s gourmet profile. Gleeson’s have been part of the Good Food Ireland teams that have catered for events over the years in The US and British Ambassadors residences in Dublin and the Web Summit. “We are proud to receive this award in recognition for our work promoting great Irish food internationally. We wish to thank Good Food Ireland for this honour – it means so much to us,” said Eamonn Gleeson.

SPAR stores honoured

Five Roscommon SPAR and SPAR Express stores were awarded one of retail’s highest honours at the annual SPAR 5 Star Awards. SPAR and SPAR Express retailers from across Ireland attended the awards ceremony, which was held at Killashee House, Co. Kildare and hosted by BWG Foods, owners and operators of the SPAR brand in Ireland.

The SPAR 5 Star Awards, held in association with the Excellence Ireland Quality Association, were given to SPAR and SPAR Express stores that demonstrated outstanding industry excellence following a year of comprehensive inspections, visits from mystery shoppers and audits.

194 stores received 5 Star Awards including a special group of 96 stores which received recognition for winning 5 Star Awards for five years in a row, including: SPAR Corrib Oil, Castlerea and SPAR Express Corrib Oil, Roscommon. The other stores to receive awards were; SPAR Express Corrib Oil, Boyle, Towey’s SPAR Express, Ballaghaderreen and Walsh’s SPAR Express, Roscommon.

Pictured at the annual SPAR 5 Star Awards in Killashee House Hotel, Kildare were from left, John Casey, SPAR Retail Operations Advisor and Pat Towey, SPAR Express Ballaghaderreen. Picture: Colm Mahady / Fennell Photography

Pictured at the annual SPAR 5 Star Awards in Killashee House Hotel, Kildare were Eric Shally, SPAR Regional Manager and Paddy Smyth, SPAR Express Corrib Oil Roscommon and SPAR Corrib Oil Castlerea. Picture: Iain White/ Fennell Photography.

33

Roscommon People Friday 24 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

McGowan ACCOUNTANCY SERVICES Catering for: • Individuals • Sole Traders, Partnerships & Companies • VAT, RCT, PAYE/PRSI, Financial Control, Completion of annual tax returns First consultation FREE, can meet clients outside office hours Provides training for start your own business and basic computers and accounting. Also training in Thesaurus accounting products

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

alcoholics anonymous ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS MEETINGS ST. COMAN’S CLUB, ROSCOMMON

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

bouncing castles ROSCOMMON CASTLES

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

Phone No: (087) 4136355

block and bricklaying

Padraic Cryan • House & Commercial Developments Contact Padraic on: 086 2867950 or email padraiccryan@gmail.com

careers Career Assessment & Advice

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

Contact: Abbeyside House, Abbey Street, Roscommon.

Tel . 090-6630760.

Email: abbeysidehouse@ eircom.net Facebook: www.facebook. com/careersgraceoreilly Opening Hours: 9 am - 5.30 pm, Mon-Fri.

the most read newspaper in county roscommon!

chimney cleaning

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

chimney cleaning

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.

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

Block & Bricklaying

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

The local paper!

careers

COMPLETE CHIMNEY SERVICES

• 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

FAST, RELIABLE AND NO MESS

Tel: 087 2798704 CHIMNEY CLEANING Power Swept No Mess Reasonable Charge

Also available for power washing

Telephone: 087 9657933 090 66 26752

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

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

• Home visits • Insoles and Orthotics prescribed

Kathleen’s Mobile Footcare

Provided in the comfort of your own home Kathleen Wynne mcfhp, mafhp

Foot Care Practitioner

071 9637984 / 086 3562718

FOOT CLINIC ROSCOMMON – MOLLOYS PHARMACY (Monday to Saturday) Also available in Boyle & Athlone -------Treating chiropody and all aspects of Foot Pain.

Orthotics prescribed

By Appointment Only – Tel 087 2982214 Catriona Byrne DIP CHFP

chiropractor

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

divorce computers DC Computer Services Providing IT services for Homes, Businesses & Schools. Home Callouts. No Fix No Fee. PC Maintenance – Upgrades, Repairs, Virus & Spyware removal.

Network Solutions – Cabling, Hardware & Software Installation & Maintenance.

Contact David Conboy Tel: 087 7496459 Email: info@dccomputerservices.ie Web: www.dccomputerservices.ie

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

Our deadline is strictly 2.30pm on Tuesday We cannot guarantee publication after this time the most read Newspaper in county roscommon!

<<Divorce or Separate in weeks: Couple use qualified mediator instead of Solicitors and Barristers saving thousands on legal fees. All documentation prepared for court. Contact Galway Divorce and Separations, tel: 087 3727283.

driving lessons

john doorly School of Motoring RSA Registered and former Driver Tester

driving lessons

SYL’s

School of Motoring

Learn to drive from approved Driving Instructor Special Rates for beginners and students Gift vouchers now available

Call (085) 1348779

O TOW WI RN T TH EA

L

Accounts

SYL’s School of Motoring

Have you a licence to tow a trailer?

Car/Jeep & Trailer Training available

Contact: 085 1348779

Paul McStay DSA/ADI (UK) RSA

MIAM ROSPA Approved Driving Instructor Former BSM Driving Instructor and UK advanced Met. Police Driver.

GIFT VOUCHER CARDS AVAILABLE Castlerea & Roscommon

Excellent pass rates

EDT Lessons Available

Car - 12 edt lessons Car & Trailer (B&E) Trucks - rigid, artic & CPC

Telephone: (094) 96 20099 Mobile: (086) 8936012

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE

TEL: 086 2387528

www.aclearsteerdriving.com

This driving School conforms for the new RSA regulations & legislation

Learn to drive with ....

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

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

34

Roscommon People Friday 24 February 2017

Classifieds farming

<<ABATTOIR SERVICE AVAILABLE: Cattle, lambs and pigs. Ready for freezing.

Home Cured and Honey Dry cured traditional bacon (not pumped with water) now available. Webb’s Butcher’s 094 96 20005 or 086 4094715. <<FOR SALE: Round bales of hay/silage. Rahara area.

Tel: 087 9970008. <<Straw for sale: €18.

Also round bales of Silage.

Tel: 086 1945562. <<for sale: 100 bales of good quality June silage.

Scramogue/Strokestown area. Tel: 086 2244614.

For Sale: British Fresian and Jersey X Fresian incalf heifers and second calf cows. Also maiden heifers. Contact: 086 8599443.

Farmland and farmers required for contract rearing of replacement heifers for groups of 15 animals to 40 animals.

Contact: 086 8599443.

Calves for Sale: Large selection of fresh calves weekly.

Contact: 086 1996367. <<LAND FOR LEASE: Circa 29 acres. Lecarrow area. Tel. Francis 087 2837222.

CALVES FOR SALE: Large selection of calves available weekly. Can be delivered. Milk replacer also for sale. Contact: Darragh 086 - 8713864.

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

Tel: (086) 1500207 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

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

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

for sale <<FOR SALE: New complete double divan bed including leather base and headboard, memory foam pocket sprung mattress. Still in packaging. Retail €950, will sell for €240 including free delivery. Tel: 086 4438919. <<FOR SALE: Good quality dark wood dining table and six leather chairs. As new. Extends to seat ten.

Must collect. €500. Tel. 089 - 2344270.

W. Mannions Furniture Glenamaddy Tel: 094 96 59004 February - Massive Clearance Sale • End of lines suites and new stock • Dining sets to clear • Bedding - all makes & sizes, 100 in stock.

• Electrical, gas and electric cookers/fridges/ dryers - all reduced to clear • Lighting • Giftware 100 new mats and rugs all at rock bottom prices.

Don’t miss out Mannion’s well worth a visit

gardening GATELY GARDENING

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

WALTER BEGLEY

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

Contact Walter on 087 9519873

gardening Dangerous Tree Removal Service

health & well-being

Mindfulness & Meditation

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

Contact Maurice on 086 2538169

Gannon Environmental Services Ltd., Creggs

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

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 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

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

MINDFULNESS & MEDITATION

5 week CBT Mindfulness Course l Amatsu Therapy

l Neuromuscular therapy

& orthopaedic sports massage

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

Tel: 087 2721757

Starting TUESDAY 7th march TIMES: 10am and 7.30pm sessions VENUE: Roscommon Primary Care Centre, Golf Links Road, Roscommon Facilitator: Patricia Blighe BSc., H.Dip. This 5 week course demonstrates how our thoughts, emotions, behaviours and our physical reactions all interact together.

TO BOOK CALL/TEXT PATRICIA ON

086 8394323

www.facebook.com/ AOBTherapies Vouchers available on-line

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

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

plannings

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

Roscommon Physical Therapy Clinic

We are now located at: 2 Castleview, Castle Street, Roscommon F42 C902

www.aobtherapies.com

SEAMUS HUNT

physical therapist

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

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

Tel: (086) 8077313

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 Full planning permission is being sought from Roscommon County Council to upgrade existing entrance with a new bell mouth entrance onto the public road to facilitate access to existing forestry plantation and all ancillary site development works at Ballymartin Beg, Roscommon.

Signed: Kathleen Wilson Quinn.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

personal and social

Our deadline is strictly 2pm on Tuesday

<<GENTLEMAN WOULD LIKE TO MEET lady companion. Roscommon/Athlone area. Please reply to Box No: 981 c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon.

We cannot guarantee publication after this time

the most read Newspaper in county roscommon!

Tel: 090 66 34633

plannings

Morris Lohan

Consulting Engineers Castle Street, Roscommon Phone: 090 66 27950 • Planning Applications • ASSIGNED DESIGN & CERTIFIER ‘New Building Regs’ • BER Ratings ‘Domestic & Commercial’ • STRUCTURAL & CONDITION SURVEYS • FIRE DESIGN CERTIFICATES

www.morrislohan.ie

Roscommon County Council We, Michael & Hazel Walsh intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for demolition of existing derelict dwelling & boundary walls, proposed relocation of vehicular entrance, construction of a dwelling house, domestic garage/fuel store, proprietary treatment system, percolation area and associated works at Liswilliam, Dysart, Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon.

This planning application may be inspected or purchased at the offices of the planning authority during its 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 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application by the Planning Authority.

Signed: Stephen Blake.

Architectural Services, Trihill, Ballinamore Bridge, Ballinsloe, Co. Galway.

087 635 8949 sblake2006@gmail.com

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I wish to apply to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for an extension to an existing house, a new storage/fuel shed, and all ancillary works at Fearagh, Ballymurray, Co. Roscommon.

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.

Signed: Gerry Cassidy.

35

Roscommon People Friday 24 February 2017

Classifieds

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

plannings

plannings

Roscommon County Council Tully, Loughlynn, Co. Roscommon.

I, Patricia Lilly, intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for Planning Permission to demolish existing dwelling house all as per drawing documentation submitted together with all ancillary site works and services.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to demolish two dwellinghouses and existing commercial premises and to erect a new commercial premises together with ancillary site works at Castlerea & Demesne Townlands, Main Street, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

Signed: Patricia Lilly.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Katie Glynn, Willow Outdoor Pre-School intend to make application to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to erect classroom, toilets and construct outdoor playground with suitable children’s equipment connection to existing services on site, associated services and site development works at Antogher Road, Ardnanagh, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon.

Signed: Gaynor Architectural + Design Services Ltd., Architects, Fallon Avenue, Roscommon. Phone: 090 6626974 / 086 8115449.

The Planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours.

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €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 are applying on behalf of Strokestown GAA Club for planning permission to construct a 2.4 meter high site boundary fence and associated site works at Lisroyne Townland, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon Signed: Declan Dolan, DND Design Ltd., Tel: 087 9677456

That the planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

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.

Signed: Brendan Cooney (Michael Cooney & Sons Ltd.)

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Louis Carroll intend to make application to Roscommon County council for planning permission to demolish conservatory to side of dwelling, and extension to rear, refurbish and extend existing single storey dwelling, connect to existing services on site, associated services and site development works at Culliaghy, Co. Roscommon.

Signed: Gaynor Architectural + Design Services Ltd., Architects, Fallon Avenue, Roscommon. Phone: 090 6626974 / 086 8115449.

The Planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours.

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €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 I, Helen Lyster, am applying for permission for construction of an agricultural storage shed and all associated site works at Toberpatrick Td., Strokestown, Co. Roscommon Signed: Brandon O’Brien Ltd., (Agent), Consulting Engineers, 11 Abbey Street, Roscommon.

Tel. 090 6625005

That the planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

plumbing plumber available for: Installation and repair services of plumbing, heating systems and oil boiler servicing.

All work guaranteed.

Covering Athlone, Ballinasloe and South Roscommon areas.

Tel: 089 2396383

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.

<<ONE BEDROOM APARTMENT to let. Own sitting room and kitchen. All mod cons. Fully furnished. Private entrance. Knockroe, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon. Tel. 086 3907719. <<TWO DOUBLE ROOMS to let, (one ensuite). Knockcroghery village. New house. All mod. cons. Tel. 087 6455777. <<one bed apartment to let. Athlone Road, Roscommon. Phone 087 8048853. <<one-storey, 2-bedroomed house to let.

Roscommon town. Fully furnished. Quiet location. Tel. 086 1563970.

houses To Let -

• 3 b/r Residence in Glinsk Village • 6 B/R Lanesborough Street Roscommon town • 4 b/r Shannongrove Lanesborough, Co. Roscommon Wanted – Wanted 1 b/r Apartment

For Further Details: Tel.: 087 2233223

psychic DOLORES PSYCHIC MEDIUM CLAIRVOYANT

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

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

reflexology

Reflexology

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

Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon

Tel: 087 2264951 Find us on facebook

septic tanks

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED Drains/Sewers Cleaned Permit no: NW CPO - 09 - 03267 - 03

TAxis and hackneys

Padraig Healy Car & Mini Bus Hire Wheelchair Accessible

Call car direct

(086) 2714879

HUGH KILDUFF Hackney Service (086) 2479829

Pete’s Cabs

Roscommon

<<Part-time bar person required for pub, 5 miles from Roscommon town. Apply to Box No: 983, c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon.

situations wanted <<Experienced childminder available fulltime. Playroom set up for toddlers and pre-school children.

Home-cooked dinners and snacks provided. FETAC Level 5 and Occupational First Aid completed. For more information, tel. 086 7316358.

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. <<Ca s t l erea / T u l s k : 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. <<HOME TUITION in Biology and Ag. Science from qualitified teacher. Available to travel. Tel. 087 7828311.

• SAORVIEW • FREEVIEW

– Contact –

Peter Lynch 086 8400002 Tommy Gilligan

Cabs

Telephone: 086 8099 503

JOHN BEATTIE Cab and Bus Hire Roscommon

086 2670670

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.

GRINDS IN JUNIOR AND LEAVING CERTIFICATE BUSINESS AND ACCOUNTING

tv

Telephone Michael Haverty: 086 8381227 or 086 1997815

situations vacant

tuition

Bus hire for all occasions

KELLY’S EYE Taxi and Mini Bus hire.

Phone: 087-2727888.

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

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 and Whitethorn. We are safety certified and insured.

Phone: 086 2437376.

FIREWOOD FOR SALE: Hardwood - Ash and Whitethorn. Tel: 086 2437376.

turf, firewood and fuel <<BLACK, HOPPER turf at bargain price. Tel. 090 6621090. <<LOADS OF last year’s wellseasoned shed-stored turf.

Sold in various lots. OAP discount. Tel. 087 1413238.

thankgivings 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 prayer, not mine, Amen. Say this prayer for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. Never known to fail. C.O.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 prayer, not mine, Amen. Say this prayer for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. Never known to fail. G.C.G. Unfailing Prayer to St. Anthony “Blessed be God in His Angels and in His Saints” Oh Holy St. Anthony, gentlest of Saints, your love for God and Charity for His creatures, made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers. Miracles waited on your word, which you were ready to speak for those in trouble or anxiety.

Encouraged by this thought, I implore you to obtain for me (request). O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms; and the gratitude of my heart will ever be yours.

Amen. A.D.

family circle FAMILY CIRCLE DATE: 18/02/2017 FIRST PRIZE €50: Mick Coleran c/o K. Collins SECOND PRIZE €25: Jack Campbell c/o K. Collins THIRD PRIZE €20: Harry Bryan c/o Murray’s Pub 8 RESIDUAL PRIZES OF €10 EACH: Bernadette Carr c/o K. Hoare; Oisin Naughton c/o K. Colllins; Kathleen Gordon; Jackie Langan c/o K. Collins; Bernie Egan c/o K. Hoare; Gladys and Kevin c/o K. Hoare; Noel Coyle c/o K. Hoare; David Kilduff c/o K. Hoare.

5 PROMOTORS PRIZES OF €5 EACH: Kathleen Hoare; Bridie Glennon c/o Supervalu; Mary Mulhern; Kathleen Finan; Kathleen Hoare.

TOTAL PRIZES: €200

36

Roscommon People Friday 24 February 2017

AtYourService /FamilyNotices crash repairs

| Insurance Repairs | Restoration Work | Paint Repairs | Colour Matching | Panel Replacement | Valeting | And much more Rathra, Tibohine, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon T: 094 98 72870 M: 087 6077277 E: wreck.amended@yahoo.ie

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

useful services <<Plaster available : small jobs, dry lining, garden walls, sheds, old walls replatered. Good Rates.

Phone: 087 2519912. <<MAN AVAILABLE for painting, gardening and all kinds of odd jobs. Glenamaddy/Creggs/Castlerea area. Phone: 086 2200520.

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

useful services

HEALY’S General & Farm Labour

acknowledgements and anniversaries LECKY John

FINNERAN (nee Burke) Mary

Ballinderry, Four Mile House.

Who died 27th February 2016

Cloonlyon, Ballygar, Co. Galway and Formerly of Ballyglass, Williamstown, Co. Galway.

• Lawns • Gardens • Powerwashing • Firewood & Log Splitting • Turf saved and brought home No job too big or too small

Contact Vincent on 083 4130827

Glamorous Dogs Fuerty, Roscommon

Keshia Casey

Professional Dog Groomer

(087) 2731228 <<MAN AVAILABLE FOR CHIMNEY REPAIRS, Roofing, RE-ROOFING AND ALL TYPES OF WORK: Roof lights fitted, re-roofing, facia board and gutter repairs, roofing, flat roofing, timber, slating, tiling, stone work, chimney repairs, Insurance claims handled, attic conversions, lights, general building, etc. All types of farm work, repairs to sheds, cattle crushes, yards, concrete, fencing and painting. Contact: 087 9188170. <<FURNITURE REMOVALS DELIVERY SERVICE: Household and office furniture removals. Large and small loads to all areas. Phone for free quotation: 086 2649313. Email: homemoversrc@gmail. com <<Safe Electric Registered Electrician available for work. Small jobs a speciality. Call 087 4634888 anytime. <<ELECTRICIAN AVAILABLE: Rewires, first and second fix new houses, fuse board upgrade. All farm buildings and sheds, security lighting and garden lights. Tel Tom on 086 0815802. <<ELECTRICIAN AVAILABLE: Safe electric registered. All work considered.

No job too small. Phone Paul on 086 2553153 anytime or email: p0862553153@gmail.com <<Shane Naughton Roofing contractor Roofing, slating, tiling, 1st and 2nd fixing and flooring.

All aspects of carpentry and building undertaken. Tel: 086 3155329.

On the 1st Anniversary of John’s death, his wife Pauline, daughters Geraldine, Joanne and Jenny, his sons-in-law Scott, Paul and Enda, and his grandchildren would like to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to all those who sympathised with us on our recent sad loss.

Thank you to all our neighbours, friends, everyone who visited, prepared food, telephoned, sent cards and offered support to us at such a difficult time. A special thank you to the ladies that organised refreshments at John’s removal and to those that travelled long distances to be with us.

Thank you to all the doctors, nurses and staff who took care of John during his illness.

A special word of thanks to John’s home-help Celia, Dr. Cormac Small, Dr. Bob Rutherford, Dr. John Keenan, Dr. Claire Quinn, Community Palliative Care nurses, RSG Derrane and McGuinness’s Pharmacy who all took such good care of John.

Our very sincere gratitude to Fr. Raymond Browne for celebrating Mass, his kind words, prayers and his unending support.

To the gravediggers who prepared John’s final resting place with such care and to Tom and Pat Smyth for their calm professionalism, we thank you.

As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our heartfelt appreciation.

The holy sacrifice of the mass will be offered for your intentions.

Anniversary Mass Sunday 26th February at 10 am St. Brigid’s Church, Four Mile House

I, Brian and the extended Finneran and Burke families wish to thank most sincerely all those who sympathised with us at the time and following Mam’s recent passing.

We thank all those who called to the house, attended the funeral home and her removal to the church, funeral mass and burial, those who travelled from overseas, those who came from long and short distances, those who telephoned, texted, sent cards/notes/letters of sympathy, mass cards, enrolment certificates, floral tributes and those who made donations to the two chosen charities.

Sincere thanks to her doctor Dr. Martin Daly and his team, the public health nurses Ann Conneally and Ann Marie Mannion and all the medical personnel who had any dealings with Mam over the past number of years. A heartfelt thanks to her loving carers Brid, Kathleen, Carmel, Heather, Catherine Folan, Catherine Mac, Mary, Josephine, Pat and Rose who cared for Mam so well in recent years and to the HSE Home Care Services, Western Alzheimer’s, The Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland and their co-ordinators.

Thank you to Fr. Breslin and Fr. O’ Toole for her beautiful funeral mass, to Canon McLoughlin for attending on the evening of her removal, the mass servers, readers, eucharistic ministers, the choir for their beautiful music and singing, to those who helped prepare the church and to anybody who helped in any way to beautify Mam’s funeral mass.

We thank the undertaker David Moran for his professionalism, the grave diggers and all who helped prepare Mam’s final resting place so beautifully, to those who carried the coffin and to Gerard for his rendition at the graveside. Sincere thanks to all that called to the house in the final days leading up to Mam’s passing and to pay their respects following her passing, to those that kept vigil by her bedside, to those who brought food and refreshments to our home, cooked meals and endeavoured to cater for the multitudes that visited.

Thanks to Garda Pat Regan and to all those who helped in any way at our home both inside and outside in the days leading up to her passing and for the duration of her reposing at home. Affirming thanks to her own family and her extended family.

A very special thanks to our exceptional neighbours, relatives and many friends who visited Mam regularly throughout her life and especially in recent years.

Your kindness, thoughfulness and neighbourly deeds will never be forgotten by us. We thank all those who joined us for refreshments in both Tierneys on the evening of her removal and in the Mattie McDonagh Centre following on from her interment.

We thanks Tierneys, Fallons and Delicious Catering for your professionalisim and service, the Mattie Mc Donagh Centre committee for the use of their premises and the Ballygar Ladies Group for their help preparing the centre and serving the food.

It would be impossible for us to impart thanks and appreciation to everyone who communicated kindness to us at the time leading up to, and following Mam’s passing.

Please accept this Acknowledgement as a gesture of our profound appreciation and gratitude. The holy sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for all your intentions.

Mary’s Month’s Mind mass will take place in St. Mary’s Church, Ballygar on Saturday the 25th of February at 12pm.

HUNT Tessie Antogher Road, Roscommon (died February 26th 2016) wife of the late Seamus and mother of the late Treasa. R.I.P. On the first anniversary of Tessie’s death her children Máirín, Tom, Miceál, Caitlin, Seamus, Cathal and their families, her 25 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and their extended families wish to thank most sincerely all who touched their lives in so many ways during this time, through support, kindness and love.

We are deeply grateful to so many members of our extended family, wonderful neighbours and friends who joined us in celebrating Tessie’s long life of 96 years. Today we would like to acknowledge those who attended in such huge numbers at the house, at her removal from Smyth’s Funeral Home, her funeral Mass in the Sacred Heart Church Roscommon and those who accompanied her on her final journey through Roscommon to her resting place beside Seamus in St. Coman’s Cemetery.

The numerous cards, consoling letters of sympathy, masses offered in remembrance, phone messages, floral tributes and the many personal memories of Tessie you shared with us brought healing, joy and laughter in the midst of our sadness and tears. We are truly grateful to Dr. Alex Robinson and Dr. Oliver Clinton who were with us within minutes of Tessie’s sudden death and took care of everything.

Our heartfelt thanks to Fr. Eugene McLoughlin who called to the house, led the prayers at her removal and delivered a moving homily capturing the essence of Tessie’s life, to Monsignor Travers and the other concelebrants and to the choir who helped us to celebrate her life by singing so beautifully.

We are indebted to Pat Smyth for attending to the arrangements in such a sensitive, compassionate and professional manner.

We acknowledge the staff and Tessie’s friends in the Sacred Heart Home Daycare facility where she spent many happy days and also her wonderful team of carers who helped us in so many ways. In remembering Tessie we also remember Seamus her beloved husband of almost 60 years and her daughter Treasa with whom she is now reunited. We ask you to accept this acknowledgement as our tribute for the wonderful generosity of spirit shown to us.

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass has been offered for your intentions.

Finally we are also filled with gratitude to the Lord for Tessie’s long and healthy life, for her unwavering faith, and for her unconditional love for her family. May her light continue to be a beacon in the lives of all she loved so dearly.

“I líonta Dé go gcastar sinn” Anniversary Mass in Knockcroghery Church on Saturday 25th February 2017 at 7pm

Family Notices

Call into our office Abbey Street, Roscommon Phone: (090) 66 34633 Email: advertising@roscommonpeople.ie Our deadline is strictly 2pm on Tuesday

We cannot guarantee publication after this time

37

Roscommon People Friday 24 February 2017

FamilyNotices acknowledgements and anniversaries DUFFY Martin (6th Anniversary) In loving memory of Martin Duffy Culleen, Knockcroghery and Derryneil, Ballydangan, Athlone, Co. Roscommon Who passed away on 23rd February 2011, RIP

Another year has passed away, So many things have happened, We wanted you to share.

So many times we thought of you and wished that you were here.

Your memories are so precious, Your presence missed so much, You will always be remembered and loved by all of us.

Sadly missed by wife Marie, daughters Amanda and Martina, sons Loughlinn and Michael, grandchildren Kate, Hannah, Matthew, Ebha, Isobella, Anthony and Adam, daughters-inlaw Martina and Louise, brothers, sisters and families.

Anniversary Mass in Knockcroghery Church on Saturday 25th February 2017 at 7pm.

SMITH Katie Corrocot, Mount Talbot, Co Roscommon 3rd Anniversary Died 28th February 2014

We hold you close within our hearts And there you shall remain To walk with us throughout our lives Until we meet again So rest in peace dear Katie And thanks for all you’ve done We pray that God has given you The crown you’ve truly won.

Always in our thoughts Forever in our prayers From: All the family.

MANNION Jack (11th Anniversary) 24th of February 2017 Carton, Kilteevan, Roscommon

BRADY Aisling Curreen, Rathcline Road, Lanesborough.

Treasured memories of a beloved and dearly missed daughter Who passed away on the 28th of February 2015 (2nd Anniversary)

I lost a father with A heart of gold How much I miss him can never be told.

He shared my troubles And helped me along If I follow his footsteps I will never go wrong I miss you from your fireside chair Your loving smile and gentle air Your vacant place no one can fill I miss you father and always will

Loved and missed so much by daughter Sharon and Granddaughter Shauna.

CONNAUGHTON Paddy (19th Anniversary)

Your name is often mentioned Our thoughts are with you still You have never been forgotten And by us you never will.

Lovingly remembered by his wife Bridie, sons Michael, Eamon, Patrick and Tommy, daughters-in-law Maureen, Evelyn, Gerardine and Corina and grandchildren.

Anniversary Mass in Clooneycolgan Church on Sunday 26th February at 10am.

FEATHERSTON Tom and Margaret Ballinapark, Donamon Who died on 19th April 1992 and 28th February 2007 Your precious memories are our keepsake, With which we will never part, God has you safely in His keeping But we have you forever in our hearts.

Always loved and remembered by their family.

Anniversary Mass on Sunday 19th March in Clooneycolgan Church at 10am.

Our lives go on without you, But nothing is the same, We have to hide our heartaches, when someone speaks your name, Sad are the hearts that loved you, Silent the tears will fall, Living our lives without you, Is the hardest part of all.

Loved always, forever in our hearts and always in our minds, Mammy, Daddy, Michelle, Family and Friends.

Anniversary Mass for Aisling and her grandmother Mai Gray (The Green) on Sunday, 26th February at 11.30am in St. Mary’s Church Lanesbrough, Co. Longford.

CARROLL Patricia Ballinaboy, Roscommon Who passed away on 23rd February 2011 (6th Anniversary)

SNYPE Mike Hollywell, Roscommon (15th Anniversary) In loving memory of a dear father who died on February 26th 2002 RIP

It was a sudden parting Too bitter to forget, We who loved you dearly, Are the ones who can’t forget.

We often sit and think of you, And think you could not say goodbye, Before you closed your eyes.

Your life was one of kindly deeds.

A helping hand for others needs, Sincere and true in heart and mind, Beautiful memories left behind.

The blow was hard, The shock severe, To lose both parents within a year.

Tired eyes are sleeping, Willing hands are still, The ones who worked so hard for us, Are resting at God’s will.

Our family chain is broken now, And nothing seems the same.

You will be looking after each other, Until we meet you both again.

Always remembered by your loving family, relatives, friends and neighbours.

Dad’s Anniversary Mass is on Saturday 25th February at 7pm in Derrane Church.

‘May his gentle soul’, Rest in Peace.

You can only have one mother, patient, kind and true; no other friend in all the world, will be the same as you.

When other friends foresake you, to mother you will return, for all her loving kindness, she asks nothing in return.

As we look unpon her picture, sweet memories we recall, of a face so full of sunshine, and a smile for one and all.

Sweet Jesus, take this message,to our dear mother up above; tell her how we miss her, and give her all our love.

Always loved and sadly missed by her family and friends.

Anniversary Mass on Sunday 5th March at 10am in St. Joseph’s Church, Kilteevan.

MONAGHAN Mary Edmond, London and formerly Gallowstown, Roscommon (3nd Anniversary)

KING Sarah Ann

MURRAY Patrick

(Died 27th February 1997)

Four Mile House, Roscommon (10th Anniversary) 21st January 1996 25th February 2007 Blossomed on earth to bloom in Heaven

If roses grow in heaven, Lord Please pick a bunch for me, Place them in my mother’s arms and tell her they’re from me, Tell her I love her and miss her, and when she turns to smile, please place a kiss unpon her cheek and hold her for a while.

Because remembering her is easy, I do every day, but there’s an ache within my heart that will never go away.

Always remembered and missed by her daughter Teresa, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

CONNAUGHTON Thomas

Those we loved don’t go away, they walk beside us every day, Unseen,unheard, but always near, Still loved, still missed and very dear.

Sadly missed by all his family.

Anniverary mass in St Patrick’s Church, Knockcroghery on Friday 24th February at 7pm.

(9th Anniversary)

Missed always by your loving sister Kathleen and family xx.

Remembered always by your loving parents, brother and sisters.

Anniverary mass in Four Mile House Church on the 25th of February at 8.15pm.

NAUGHTON Sean (2nd Anniversary)

Boston USA and formerly Sandfield, Knockcroghery, Roscommon.

Died 13th February 2015

BEIRNE Kathleen

We have a memory, dear sister, we cherish our whole life through, but the sweetness will live forever. As we treasure the memory of you.

Think of Patrick as living in the hearts of those he loved, For nothing loved is ever lost.

And he is loved so much.

In loving memory of our sister Kathleen, late of Cloonbrackna Court and Ballymacurley, Roscommon, who died on February 27th 2008 RIP Deep are the memories, Precious they stay, No passing of time, Can take them away.

Always remembered by Patsy and Maureen.

Masses offered.

It’s the anniversary Of the day that we lost you And for a time it felt as though Our lives had ended too.

But loss has taught us many things And now we face each day With hope and happy memories That help us on our way.

And though we’re full of sadness That you’re no longer here Your influence still guides us And we still feel you near.

FALLON Eileen Ardkieran, Cloverhill, Roscommon (Passed away in January 2017) The Fallon family thank most sincerely all those who offered sympathy and support on our sad loss of Eileen. Thank you for all who called to the family, provided refreshments, attended the removal, funeral Mass and burial, those who travelled long distances and those who sent Mass cards and messages of sympathy.

We wish to especially thank Fr. Francis Glennon, Fr. Joseph Gormley and Fr. O’Gorman who concelebrated the Mass, and to Fr. Donal Morris who attended the removal. Thank you to Fr. Francis Glennon and to Fr. Con Mullaney who visited and prayed with Eileen so often.

Thank you to all the members of Cloverhill, Clooneycolgan and Ballinaheglish Choirs for their uplifting music and singing at the Mass.

Thank you to the neighbours and friends who prepared Eileen’s final resting place.

A special word of thanks to the staff of Sonas Nursing Home, Cloverhill, who cared for Eileen so well over the years, and were so attentive and supportive to Eileen during her final weeks.

Thank you to Smyth’s Funeral Directors for their assistance at this sad time.

As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our sincere gratitude. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions.

Month’s mind Mass will be celebrated on Saturday 25th February at 8.00 p.m. in Saint Patrick’s Church, Cloverhill

MONAGHAN Mary Edmond, London and formerly Gallowstown, Roscommon (3nd Anniversary) who died February 2014

What we shared will never die It lives within our hearts Bringing strength and comfort While we are apart.

Lovingly remembered and dearly missed every day by his loving wife Ann, Denise, Gerard, Shane and Aine and all his loving family.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, March 3rd at St Mary’s Church, Ballygar at 7:30pm.

MARY Quietly today your memory is kept, no need for words, We will never forget. No longer in our lives to share, but in our hearts you are are always there

Sadly missed by your brother Simon, Ann, Simon Jnr. and Shane Doyle.

38

Roscommon People Friday 24 February 2017

AtYourService blinds

Brendan Doolin

Also Wooden Venetians, Velux Window Blinds.

Tel: (090) 66 30521 Mobile: (086) 8115928

chimney cleaning

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

Fergal 086 1016899 chimney repairs

Chimney Problems

Elite Chimney Repairs • Lining • Relining • Rebuilding • CCTV Camera Inspection

Cathal Dooley 087 6579064

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

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

chimney repairs

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

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

9673336 2678350

Mob: 086 Email:

info@athlonechimneyrepairs.ie

insulation

farming

Dead & Worn-Out Animals Contact

JOHN GREENE BALLINASLOE

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

carpentry

Gary Jameson

cleaning

windows/doors Showroom:

Racecourse Road, Roscommon WE SUPPLY & FIT Double & Treble Glazed Windows & Doors, Patio Doors, French Doors, Porches and Conservatories Wide range of composite doors

Thermally efficient and high security with reinforced frames offering quality without compromise.

Telephone: 090 66 33026 www.roscommonwindows.ie

tv

Cellulose, Sheepswool, Fibreglass, SIGA Airtightness New Buildings & Retrofit Call in or contact us for free advice and quotes

Unit 2, Ballybrit Industrial Estate, Galway

091 768 768 info@ecowise.ie

www.ecowise.ie window/doors

Window And Door repairs • Door Handles • Door Locks • Letterboxes • Window Hinges • Patio Door Repairs • Misted and Double Glazed Units • Reseal Windows and Doors

Contact David Martin on (087) 9959417

uPVC WINDOW AND DOOR PARTS NOW IN STOCK TO SUIT ALL BRANDS

• Handles • Hinges • Locks • Letter Boxes • Double Glazed Units supplied and fitted Fully insured

ROSCOMMON WINDOWS Racecourse Road, Roscommon 090 66 33026

Munsboro, Roscommon • Fitted Kitchens & bedroom units • Doors, Timber Floors • Stairs • Attic Conversions and all internal woodwork

(086) 0708833 tarmacadam

Donamon

Tarmacadam LTD Specialising in Kerbing, Tar and Chips and Tarmacadam.

Machine or hand laid.

All types of drainage/ septic tank upgrades and new percolation.

Contact (086) 4007158 glass works

Boyle Glass

Ballinameen, Boyle, Tel: 071 96 68368 - Stained Decorative

and Frosted Glass - Double Glazed Units - Bevelled Glass/ Mirrors - Glass Shelves/Table Tops - Painted Glass Splashbacks - Balcony Glass

- stove glass - Fire Rated Glass Find us on DoneDeal/boyleglass

Cleaning Services • Roscommon • Carpets & Upholstery Cleaning • Leather Suites • Window Cleaning • Rental Cleaning • POWER WASHING Fascias & Soffits • Gutters & Down pipes • Drive ways ‘paths and patios’ CAR VALETING

KEEN and COMPETITIVE PRICES ROSCOMMON, WEST of IRELAND and BEYOND!!

M: 086 3912396 Ph: 090 66 62892

2nd Fix Carpentry

Bonded Bead Cavity Wall Insulation

Stephen Hoare

Viewing made easy

Visit us at

FREE TO AIR TV

www.cleananddryireland.com

Saorview and Free to Air in one great box RTE 1 HD, RTE 2 HD, TV3, TG4, RTE News Now, BBC News HD, Sky News, BBC 1, 2 & 4 HD, UTV HD, Channel 4 HD, Channel 5 HD, CNN HD, Yesterday, Drama, Your TV, Bike, Fashion One, CBS, Pick, Spike, Really, Irish TV, Showbiz, Keep It Country, True Movies, Movies 4 Men, Film 4, Talking Pictures, Horror Channel, Children’s Channels, Music Channels OVER 100 CHANNELS TO WATCH No more losing channels with our channel update feature Subscription Prices from €170 Free!!

Ring Tony on 087 2283235

ATHCARD(ALT).q:Layout 1 05/03/2007 home maintenance

CARPET AND UPHOLSTERY CLEANING: • Carpets and Suites (fabric & leather) • Mats • Large rugs • Tiled floors • Carpets dry immediately Covering Roscommon / Leitrim / Sligo Homes / offices / pubs, etc

Tel: John Higgins/Gerard Cuffe 086 2328291/087 1689521

log houses

CLEW BAY LOG HOUSES 20:42

Page 1

4 Bed House from €70,000

House & Garden Maintenance

Somers AlanAlan Somers

Cluain Árd, Ardsallaghmore, Roscommon. Tel: 090 66 27970 Mobile: 086 816 1651 Email: aboutthehouse@imagine.ie

Cluain Árd, Ardsallaghmore, Roscommon.

Tel: (090) 66 27970 Mobile: (086) 8161651 Email: aboutthehouse@imagine.ie

Powerwashing - House, Driveway, Roof Complete Painting Service DIY Solutions

Chimney Cleaning Service NOW AVAILABLE

2 Bed House from €14,000

3 Bed House from €35,000

Prices include double glazed windows and doors.

Wall thickness: 68mm, 44mm and 34mm

Tel Brian on 098 42501 or 086 8478376 or contact Ruth on 086 7913744 (Frenchpark)

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!

Our deadline is strictly 2pm on Tuesday We cannot guarantee publication after this time

39

Roscommon People Friday 24 February 2017

AtYourService/Classifieds/Appointments Appointments

for hire

T: 090 660 0102 or 087 104 6390 handlsuppliesireland@gmail.com

Trailer Rental Available F RO M

€50 y Per da

• Car Transporters • Tipper Trailers • Large enclosed Box Trailers • Flat Bed Trailers

Les Petites Tartres Café Restaurant Main St, Athleague l Tel: 090 6663343

Chef & Cook required

Minimum 3 years experience. Tel. 090 6663343

Advanced Resin Plywood Solutions

Specialised Trailer Flooring: • Trailer Flooring • Horsebox Replacement Panels • Concrete Formwork & Shuttering • Boat & Marine Decking • Outdoor Flooring & Walkways • Event Stages & Flooring • Bar and Workshop Flooring & Worktops

plant hire

Limited

Athlone Road, Roscommon

ALL EXCAVATIONS AND GROUNDWORKS CATERED FOR

• Foundations • Pipe-laying • Percolation areas • Sewerage treatment tanks • Garden landscaping, fencing • Large amount of top quality topsoil for sale delivered or collected • Dumptrailer and low loader work carried out

FREE QUOTATIONS GIVEN TOP QUALITY WORKS GUARANTEED CALL TOMMY ON 086 8255196 OR JASON ON 087 9754393 OR EMAIL: tommyacresplant@yahoo.ie

tiling

cleaning

P A T L Y O N S Tiling Contractor

CRYSTAL CLEAR CLEANING and POWER WASHING

Golf Links Road, Roscommon

(086) 8125140 (090) 66 61402

For free consultation/Quote

BATHROOM REMODELLING

Complete start to finish service including:

– Plumbing – Electrical – Carpentry – Tiling - Drylining

Accessible Bathroom Remodelling for elderly and disabled - No job too big or too small - All repair work carried out

ROSCOMMON ALLEN GLYNN

• Window Cleaning • Carpets & Upholstery • Power Washing Service • Fascia, Soffit, Gutters • Driveways, BrickPaves, Yards, etc • Removal of Red & Green Algae • Chimney Cleaning

Contact: Allen Glynn (086) 4087492

driving lessons

Roscommon Driving School 087 2295551

The ideal candidate will have: • Excellent IT literacy • Excellent communication skills • IT industry experience • Customer service experience • Accounting software experience The successful candidate will be required to work 25 to 30 hours per week. Salary & other benefits are negotiable.

Please apply with a cover letter and CV via email only to jobs@myitdepartment.ie

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for the following posts:

CASTLEREA SWIMMING POOL SUMMER SEASON 2017

Plant Hire & Civil Engineering Ltd

Due to continued growth myITdepartment invite applications for an Administrative Assistant based in our Roscommon offices

TEMPORARY DUTY MANAGER TEMPORARY LIFEGUARDS Application forms and full particulars may be obtained from the Human Resources Department, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon, e-mail: humanresources@roscommoncoco.ie telephone 090 6637145 or visit www.roscommoncoco.ie Candidates may be shortlisted on the basis of information supplied on application form.

Ardcarne Garden Café Chef / Manager Required Ardcarne Garden Centre, Boyle has a vacancy for a Chef / Manager at their busy Garden Centre Café.

Please apply by email, outlining your suitability and experience, including your CV. The successful applicant(s) must be available to take up this position with immediate effect.

Ronan O’Conghaile Ardcarne Garden Centre Boyle, Co. Roscommon Tel: 07196 67091 Email: info@ardcarne.ie

Canvassing will disqualify.

Is fóstóir comhionannais deiseanna í Comhairle Chontae Roscomaín

Repair directory

Do you provide a repair service?

To be included in a new Repair & Reuse Directory for County Roscommon please contact: E-mail: sdempsey@roscommoncoco.ie or tel: 090 6637 260 Closing Date: 24th March 2017 Categories will include - but are not limited to: • Domestic Appliances • Musical Instruments Repairs • Furniture Repair & Upholstery • Watches & Jewellery Repairs • Leather & Shoe Repair • Lawnmower & Garden Machinery • Computer & Mobile Phones • Reuse outlets such as Charity • Clothes Alterations Shops & Second Hand Shops • Bicycle Repairs & Servicing

FREE

LIST

ING!

This directory will be available to the public FREE OF CHARGE!

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

Our deadline is strictly 2pm on Tuesday

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 5.00p.m. on Thursday 16TH March 2017.

Roscommon County Council is an equal opportunities employer.

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40

Roscommon People Friday 24 February 2017

Donie Smith will be hoping to shoot down Mayo in MacHale Park on Saturday night. Full preview on page 46. Pic: Andrew Fox

Campaign kick-start?

Rossies face old rivals in Castlebar

41

Roscommon People Friday 24 February 2017

Sporting World with Dan Dooner

@dan_dooner

Some things never change… except the weather!

The Lead Story Dan Dooner The issue of player participation has raised its head once again, with everyone from Joe Brolly to a member of the Laois County Board having their say.

Brolly described the dropout rate in Gaelic games as “a national disgrace” while Portarlington man, Kieran Levy, bemoaned the influence of other sports in the town. To be fair to Levy, he did clarify his comments but he certainly won’t

be the last ‘GAA man’ to make them.

We are in a bit of a quandary on this island. On the one hand, it’s magnificent to be able to boast about a wide variety of athletes excelling at a number of sports.

On the other, we probably don’t have the population, or at least the weather, to maintain it.

Let’s take soccer for example, the FAI employ a technical director, the brilliantly named Ruud Dokter. Dokter urged the football association to make the switch to summer soccer so that young players could benefit from playing more regularly and on better surfaces. Common sense.

However, a problem arises due to the fact that Gaelic games are

The week in numbers

157

Mick Kilroe hit an impressive check-out in on last weekend’s Roscomm e tur fix e gu Darts Lea and between McDermott’s .

Dalton’s

8 5

The Cavan/Monaghan s League lost three player to red cards as they were beaten 3-0 by the Roscommon & District League in Lecarrow.

The Roscommon darts team had five games to spare as they retained the Pete Donlon Cup the following a 7-2 win over rts Da t tric Dis & Ballymahon . nd eke we t las e gu Lea

also played throughout the summer, which means that young players involved in a number of sports are over-played or must make difficult decisions. This problem is a constant source of stress in some households as kids are taxied around the county to various matches. It’s not fair on the kids and it’s certainly rough on the parents and guardians too.

Unfortunately, whereas countries like the US have the option of dividing the year into various sporting seasons, Ireland does not. Therefore, sporting bodies such as the GAA, FAI and others must come together to lay-out underage fixtures in a way which means that young players can

play their sports of choice for as long as possible without suffering from premature burn-out.

Of course, any sporting calendar would have to run from March to November and there would still be no guarantee that the weather would play ball.

Surely though, there is a way of integrating sports fixtures into one master plan for kids?

Perhaps more blitzes rather than rigid league campaigns or shorter training sessions and matches on alternate weeks?

There are, of course, no easy solutions but if we don’t start addressing these issues now young players will be finishing by their late teens, through burn-out, injury or disillusionment.

Sporting week on Tweet Street

People’s Champions of the Week The Duda family had every reason to be proud following the recent Irish Minor Schools Championships at the National Aquatic Centre in Dublin. Three Duda siblings, Fiona, Scott and Philip performed brilliantly at the event: Fiona (8) brought home a gold medal in her freestyle event and silver in the 50m backstroke.

Scott (7) finished fifth overall in his age group while smashing his own personal best.

Philip (11) took home silver in the 50m backstroke and bronze in his freestyle event.

Fachtna Ó Ceallaigh @Fachtna_Kelly

Idea for a TV program: “Tee with Tyrants”. Rory McIlroy travels the world playing golf with various despots. (Social media picked up on Rory’s round with Trump.)

Colm Parkinson @Woolberto

In the sporting diary ....

Winter League in Athlone The semi-finals of the Men’s Winter League in Athlone take place this Saturday (25th) February from 11.30 am.

Fintan Cregg stands to attention for the national anthem before Roscommon’s Allianz NFL game against Donegal but are players turning their back on sport at an earlier age? Picture: Andrew Fox

Captains’ Drive-In in Carrick Captain Anthony Noone and Lady Captain Noeleen Moffatt will drive Carrick’s golfing year off to a formal start on this Sunday (26th).

I can see why some co. boards don’t want media at meetings when 1 man’s silly comment can make national headlines like that. Beyond belief (Laois assistant treasurer, Kieran Leavy’s comments grabbed the headlines earlier this week.)

David McIntyre @DaveMcIntyre And breathe…holy sh*t what a game. @kdkilbane77 has passed out. (Man City and Monaco played out a thrilling Champions League tie.)

The sporting brief Captain Tom Donohoe and Lady Captain Noirin O’Rourke of Athlone Golf Club were cheered on by a huge gathering of members, family and friends as they drove off from the first tee.

Over eighty members turned out for the 12-hole Scramble which preceded the Drive-In. Afterwards a delicious buffet was laid on by caterers Anthony and Lisa.

Darts

All set for semis!

The league section of the Roscommon Darts League came to a close last weekend with An Bothar Rua clinching top spot despite a 5-4 defeat to The Forge.

Elsewhere, Dalton’s clinched second spot and they will face An Bothar Rua in the Cup semifinals while McDermott’s entertain The Forge in the other tie.

The Hollywood will take on Creaton’s for a place in the Shield final against Flanagan’s.

Golf

Spring Leagues and Drive-Ins! We start out weekly golf roundup in Athlone where Rena Harney, Terry Carmody, Catherine Lenehan and Anthony O’Connor won the fourball which preceded

the recent Captains’ Drive-In. To Boyle, where the Spring League is in full bloom. Peggy Feely and Kevin O’Connor have qualified for the final from group one while Vincent Egan and Lewis Shaw have completed a clean sweep of group three.

There are still spots up for grabs in group two and group four.

In Castlerea, the Ladies Breast Cancer 9-hole competition has entered its third week and rounds can be played all week. Even if you cannot play, donations would be gratefully received.

Round two of the Spring League in Carrick was won by Charlie Farrell and Albert Noone with 47 points. Leo Mulvey, Joey Casey, Pat Conlon and Tommy Flynn are still the overall leaders on 94 points.

Finally, John Lennon was number one following last Sunday’s competition in Roscommon. Meanwhile, Seamus O’Reilly won the seniors’ competition and last week’s ladies

9-hole was won by Kay Ruane.

Handball

Tully to face Casey!

Fiona Tully had an excellent win in her first ever Ladies Open quarter-final as she defeated Kilkenny’s Ciara Mahon in Curraghboy last Saturday 21-5, 21-18.

Her semi-final opponent will be Cork’s Catriona Casey, the premier female player in world handball.

Rikki O’Gara was beaten 7-21, 13-21 against Moycullen’s Martin Mulkerrins in the second round of the 40x20 Men’s Open.

In the 40x20 Junior Doubles County Final, Lisacul’s Sean Jennings and Denis Creaton defeated St. Coman’s’ Oisin Naughton and Darren Beatty after three games last Friday night.

Elsewhere, Ger Walshe comfortably beat Mayo’s Michael

Heraty 21-7, 21-8 to win the 40x20 Emerald Masters Connacht final last Friday in Sligo.

Denis Creaton had a busy weekend winning the County Junior Doubles title before travelling to Kiltimagh to outclass Sligo’s Michael Browne in their Over 35 ‘B’ Connacht final.

Caoimhe Shanagher had a very good win in the 3rd Level Colleges Ladies ‘B’ final, beating Shona Ruane 21-4, 21-11.

Roscommon had a superb day in the 40x20 Juvenile A and B Connacht finals held in St. Coman’s last Sunday winning all five of the grades they contested.

This included wins for the three doubles pairings of Rory Carthy and Irslam Yakhyaev, Philip Halliday and Eanna Moran, and Dylan Hanley and Magomed Yakhyaev.

Shauna Clogher and Carragh Kennedy, Eoghan Carthy and Evan Corrigan also emerged victorious.

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Roscommon People Friday 24 February 2017

SportsPeople

Visitors ‘caught short’ as Rossies progress Cavan/Monaghan down to eight as RDFL march on Oscar Traynor Cup Last 16 Roscommon & District League

3

Cavan/Monaghan League

0

< Seamus Duke

Roscommon advanced to the last eight of the Oscar Traynor Cup when they easily accounted for Cavan/ Monaghan in a bizarre game played at Lecarrow last Saturday night, in which the visitors ended up with only eight players.

The Cavan/Monaghan side had three players sent off, one in the strangest of circumstances by referee Eugene Deering, who also showed five yellow cards to the Cavan/Monaghan side and two to the Roscommon team.

The visiting side lost their discipline in the second half but it must be pointed out that Roscommon were by far the better team overall and they deserved their win.

Enda Concannon’s team now face a long trip to Donegal to play the Inishowen league in the quarter-finals in a few weeks’ time.

Played on a bitterly cold but dry night, it was Cavan/Monaghan who looked more dangerous in the first ten minutes but after that

Roscommon took over.

The visitors had a few half chances before the home side stamped their dominance on the game with Enda Kenny and Joe Woods strong at the back, Darragh Concannon pulling the strings in midfield and Gregory Grogan outstanding in attack.

Having missed a couple of chances, Roscommon went ahead in the 39th minute. A lovely exchange of passes between Darragh Concannon and Peter Farrell set up Gregory Grogan at the far post and he made no mistake from 12 yards. Roscommon went in at halftime deservedly leading by that well taken goal.

The second half was well contested for a while until Cavan/Monaghan lost their discipline. In the 53rd minute, Cavan/Monaghan’s captain Enda Hession was shown a second yellow and the exchanges became fractious and tetchy after that.

Then in the 67th minute we saw a second sending off in truly bizarre circumstances. During a break

in play, Cavan/Monaghan player Gar Hession went behind the goals to relieve himself. It was spotted by the linesman who reported it to referee Deering, who promptly showed a straight red card. After checking afterwards, the player should have asked the referee’s permission and what he did is actually a straight red card offence in the rules!

With Cavan/Monaghan now down to nine men, Roscommon had even more space and they made the visitors pay. In the 74th minute, Peter Farrell set up Gary Canavan who scored at his second attempt, and as he wheeled away to celebrate he clashed with the Cavan/Monaghan goalkeeper Jamie Smith who was shown a straight red and now his side were down to eight players.

The rest of the tie was a non-event as Cavan/Monaghan tried to keep Roscommon at bay and they succeeded until deep into injury-time when Peter Farrell poked the ball home from close-range. It was a comprehensive win for Roscommon but the couple of hundred people present had never seen anything like the circumstances of that second Cavan/Mona-

This weekend’s action

Horses for Courses

by Tom Red

Racing in Ireland today is at Thurles, featuring the Grade 3 Michael Purcell Novice Hurdle with first away at 1.55 pm. Tomorrow’s meeting is on the flat at the all-weather in Dundalk with stalls opening for the first at 5.30 pm/6 pm. Saturday’s racing takes place at Fairyhouse with the Bobbyjo Chase, a Grade 3 National trial and a Grade 3 Juvenile Hurdle, first away at 1.45 pm. Gordon Elliott may run Don Poli in the Bobbyjo Chase. On Sunday, racing is at Naas with 3 graded races, the Grade B Novice Handicap Chase, a Grade 2 Novice Hurdle and Grade 3 Chase with racing away at 2.20 pm.

The going is soft to heavy at Thurles today and standard at Dundalk tomorrow night. On Saturday at Fairyhouse, the ground is soft to heavy and soft, soft to heavy in places at Naas for Sunday.

One to watch this weekend is Girly Girl stepping up to 3 miles in the novice chase at Thurles. She finished well over 2m 5f at Fairyhouse and only has Daisy’s Gift to beat who may not quite get the 3 miles.

Miss Mardan won the opening M’dn Hurdle at Navan last Sunday for the Councillor and the Referee as forecast here last week at odds of 11/4. The 8-Y-O mare owned by Martin Connaughton and Brendan McDermott beat outsider King’s War and odds on favourite Broken Soul by 4l and 5l. She was bred at the Ardkeenagh Stud in Tulsk by Jack Conlon and all going well will run again at Limerick next month.

The winner of the 4-Y-O maiden at Rockfield in November Poli Roi, sold for €300k,

ghan sending off.

After the game, the Roscommon manager Enda Concannon reflected on a good win for his side and a place in the last eight.

“I thought we were by far the better team. After the first ten minutes when we started playing like we can we were by far the more superior team. The three red cards they got made it easier no doubt but sometimes teams get complacent when the opposition lose players but it was very important that we kept our discipline.

“When you have extra men it is important to get the ball down and pass it. I was a bit wary for a while because the play was up and down the field but once it settled down we were well in control.

“We have a tough game in prospect now (away against Inishowen) but there will be no easy games at this stage of the competition. The eight teams left are all good sides and we will prepare properly for it. We are improving every game and we will go up there and give it a real go,” he concluded.

Roscommon: Noel Fallon, Jack Higgins, John Connaughton, Enda Kenny, Joe Woods, Domnic Bligh, Gregory Grogan, Gary Ca-

took a small step to pay back Gigginstown winning the bumper at prohibitive odds of 2/7 by 2l and 15l from Impact Factor and Ballyhome.

The Sandra Hughes trained Acapella Bourgeois easily accounted for his 7 rivals in the Ten Up Novice Chase at Navan on Sunday when leading pillar to post to win by 32l and 11l from Road to Respect and Haymount under Roger Loughran. For his efforts handicapper Noel O’Brien gave the 7-Y-O an increase in rating of 15lb up to 158, 2lb short of Min. Word of caution Hughes says her horse won’t go to the Cotswolds if the ground is good, too fast for the horse.

Three time Grade 1 winner Apple’s Jade had to play second fiddle to Limini at Punchestown yesterday. The Gigginstown Gordon Elliott mare led over the last but was collared by Ruby Walsh’s mount who won by 2l with Rock On The Moor 14l back in third. Both mares remain on target for the Mares Hurdle at Cheltenham but Limini could transfer to the Champion Hurdle like Annie Power last year.

A blast from the past as the Gunners Syndicate’s, of which local butcher John Harte is a member, Seabass appears in the entries for the hunter chase in Fairyhouse on Saturday after an absence of over a year.

Racing news

Gigginstown won the Grand National last season with the now retired Rule The World trained by Mouse Morris and this year they supply 3 of the top 5 in the handicap.

Straight the weights were announced, Gor-

Dominic Blighe displays great balance as he turns away from the challenge of Simon Douglas. Picture: Andrew Fox

navan, Peter Farrell, Darragh Concannon, Ronan Curran. Subs: Andy Higgins for Curran (72), Cormac Clogher for Canavan (80), Joe Hunt for Bligh (83), Thomas Hurley for Grogan (86).

Cavan/Monaghan: Jamie Smith, Sarto Quigley, Enda Hession, John McAree, Mark Thornton, Simon Douglas, Mark Mulligan, Bryan Dolan, David McEntee, Dean Connolly, Gary Hession, Mark Smyth.

Subs: Kevin Loughan for Dolan (54), Ronan Stirratt for Mulligan (67), Corey

Smith for Connolly (75).

Referee: Eugene Deering.

Stat Attack

Goals – Roscommon: Gregory Grogan (39), Gary Canavan (74), Peter Farrell (90 +2).

Cavan/Monaghan: none.

Red cards - Cavan/Monaghan: 3 (Enda Hession 53 - 2nd yellow, Gary Hession 67 and Jamie Smith 74 both straight reds), Roscommon none.

Yellow cards - Cavan/Monaghan: 5 (Enda Hession 2, Simon Douglas, Ronan Stirratt, Dean Connolly), Roscommon: 2 (Darragh Concannon, Gregory Grogan).

Man of the Match - Gregory Grogan (Roscommon).

Winner Limini challenges Apple’s Jade over the last flight.

don Elliott said top weight Outlander, 11st 8lb, would not run. Now the O’Leary’s say Don Poli, 11st 7lb and Empire Of Dirt, 11st 8lb, will not run either. Henry de Bromhead’s Champagne West, 11st 9lb, and John Kiely’s Carlingford Lough, 11st 6lb, are next in the weights.

Cheltenham Watch

The ante post favourite for the Gold Cup, Thistlecrack, is out for the season following heat in his leg as a result of a tear on a tendon. His stablemate New River replaces him at the head of the market.

Housesofparliament will probably be out for the season including Cheltenham’s Triumph Hurdle, he was one-time antepost favourite. Joseph O’Brien’s 5-Y-O, 7th in the St Leger, suffered an injury

when disappointing at Leopardstown recently behind Mega Fortune.

General news

After a fall in Navan on Sunday, Jonathan Burke is probably out for the rest of the season with damaged tendons in his shoulder. Injury prone Burke fractured vertabrae and fractured a fibula in separate falls last year.

Point to point view

Racing in the North at Farmaclaffey in Co. Armagh this weekend and with the cancellation of Grennan and Killaloe, Sunday sees only two meetings in the south, the first in Co. Carlow at Borris House off at 1 pm and at Bandon in Co. Cork away at 1.30 pm.

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Roscommon People Friday 24 February 2017

SportsPeople

SICK AS ARoscommon PARROT/OVER THE MOON & District League news Soccer Results

This week’s awards Week

FAI Oscar Traynor Trophy Roscommon & District Football League 3 Cavan/ Monaghan League Football League 0

Performance of the

ommon & District This week’s award goes to the Rosc last eight of the to d resse prog h whic League side A composed the Oscar Traynor trophy last Saturday.n/Monaghan.

Cava over win 3-0 a and ce performan

Norio’s Takeaway Division One Loughglynn United 0 Ballinasloe Town B 2 Killeen Sportsgrounds Division Two Cloonfad United B 0 Cam Celtic 1 The Herald Challenge Cup Round 1 Shiven Rovers B 1 Strokestown United 3 Ballinagare FC 0 CP Ajax 3 Rahara Rovers 0 Cloonfad United B 2 Moylough ’79 2 Dunmore Town 0 Castlerea Celtic B 0 Hodson Bay Athletic 3 Cloonfad United 2 Skyvalley Rovers B 0 Moore United B 1 Kilkerrin United 1 AET. (Moore United B won 4-3 on penalties) Glen Celtic 1 Dunmore Town B 3

Bizarre moment of the week 1

man last Saturday Referee Eugene Deering was a busyr Traynor game Osca the of ge char took he night as red cards in Lecarrow. Mr Deering issued threebut I’m sure one in e gam the of se cour the t throughou ory! ‘Relief’ all round particular will live long in the mem . blew tle whis as the final

Bizarre moment of the week 2

Pictured is the Roscommon & District League Oscar Traynor side which beat Cavan/Monaghan in Lecarrow last Saturday to set up a quarter-final tie against the Inishowen League. Pic: Andrew Fox

Dooner’s weekend predictions

L

ast weekend’s predictions were very

accurate and so it would be nice to continue that form as we reach the business end of the season...

Friday, February 24th

Norio’s Takeaway RDFL Division One Glen Celtic v Ballinasloe Town B (8 pm) Ballinasloe were comfortable enough in the reverse fixture and they’re in good form lately.

Prediction: Ballinasloe Town B Killeen Sportsgrounds Division Two Cloonfad United B v Moore United B (7.30 pm) Moore will consolidate second spot this season.

Prediction: Moore United B Strokestown United v Dunmore Town B (7.45 pm) The home side still aiming to finish a glorious

Creggs RFC Report

season unbeaten.

Prediction: Strokestown United

Saturday, February 25th The Herald Premier Division Castlerea Celtic v Skyvalley Rovers (7.30 pm) Celtic are once again playing like champions and I fancy them to overtake the top two in the final straight.

Prediction: Castlerea Celtic Moore United v St. John’s Athletic (7 pm) The home side will need to win this to stay ahead of Castlerea.

Prediction: Moore United

Sunday, February 26th The RDFL Challenge Cup Round 1 Cam Celtic v Dysart (2 pm) Hard to see beyond Dysart here.

Prediction: Dysart FC Lough Harps v Roscommon United (2 pm) Entertaining game here with Harps edging it.

Prediction: Lough Harps The Herald Premier Division Ahascragh United v Shiven Rovers (2 pm) Shiven will be safe from relegation.

Prediction: Shiven Rovers Ballinasloe Town v Ballymoe FC (2 pm) Huge weekend for both clubs. The home side could throw a massive cat amongst the pigeons here.

Prediction: Ballinasloe Town Brazukas v Ballaghaderreen FC (2 pm) The away side have improved over the last few weeks while Brazukas are inconsistent.

Prediction: Ballaghaderreen FC Norio’s Takeaway Division One Cloonfad United v CP Ajax (2 pm)

er, Wayne Shaw, The sight of Sutton United goalkeep n’s FA Cup Sutto g durin ut dugo the in pie a g eatin ned amid a defeat to Arsenal. Shaw has since resig ion. tigat inves ng betti

I expect goals here with Cloonfad edging it.

Prediction: Cloonfad United Kilkerrin United v Dunmore Town (2 pm) Dunmore have already hammered United this season and will be favourites here.

Prediction: Dunmore Town Killeen Sportsgrounds Division Two Castlerea Celtic B v Hodson Bay Athletic (2 pm) Hodson Bay just scraped past Celtic the last time out. This depends on how well Athletic travel.

Prediction: Draw Moylough ’79 v Skyvalley Rovers B (2 pm) Will Skyvalley finish the season without a win?

At the moment it looks likely.

Prediction: Moylough ‘79 Shiven Rovers B v Ballinagare FC (2 pm) Home advantage should swing this.

Prediction: Shiven Rovers B

THE GAIN LINE

Creggs qualify for League final…again!

Connacht U-18.5 League Division 1 Semi-Final: Creggs 13 Ballina RFC 5.

Creggs found themselves in the unusual position of having to play a second semifinal to qualify for the U18.5 League final and overcame a strong Ballina outfit in front of a large crowd in Creggs last Saturday afternoon.

Ballina started the game brightly and took the initiative in the first few minutes. They were awarded a penalty after only 5 minutes when the home side were penalised for going off their feet at the ruck. However, Craig McCormack struck the post and Creggs were let off the hook.

Creggs began to take control of the ball and found success out wide through Joseph Hoare, Dara Byrne, Tim Lambe and Mairtin Quinn. Despite Ballina’s impressive drift defence, Creggs were on the scoreboard after 25 minutes when Shane Purcell converted a penalty in what was the host’s only score of the half.

Things improved in the second half when a Purcell kick-off was gathered by Cian Gately, who was just stopped short of the line, and that set the tone for the remainder of the game.

Another Shane Purcell penalty stretched the lead to six after 7 minutes of the sec-

ond half. However, it was Ballina who got the first try of the game when Pat Howley went over in the corner, leaving the scoreline 6-5 with 14 minutes remaining.

Creggs dug deep and it was a try ten minutes from time that secured the victory. A training ground move from the lineout worked to perfection with O’Gorman releasing Ronan Cahill who went over in the corner. Shane Purcell kicked the difficult conversion and to ensure Creggs were two scores ahead and comfortable in the closing period.

After this win Creggs now go forward to the Connacht U-18.5 League Final against Corinthians RFC. It will be played on Saturday, March 4th at 12 noon. The venue has yet to be confirmed.

Creggs: Aaaron Glennon, Danny Arnold, Melvin Conteh, Dan Butt, Brian Maloney, David O’Gorman, Oisin Keenan, Mathew Curley, Michael Kelly, Rian Biesty, Ronan Cahill, Edward Clinton, Cian Gately, Eoghan Coyle, Shane Purcell, Jason Hoare, Dara Byrne, Mairtin Quinn, Domhnail Forrest, Tim Lambe, and Amuray Duarte.

Connacht Junior 1 League: Creggs 8 Loughrea 7. Creggs snatched victory from the jaws of defeat with a late try from winger Luke Meehan. The

late score denied a gutsy Loughrea side in Friday night’s league game at The Green.

Loughrea led 7-3 heading into injurytime but Creggs piled on the pressure and eventually created a chance out wide for Meehan to crash through a number of tackles for the match-winning score.

Loughrea had given everything in a concerted defensive effort and were unlucky to lose to a Creggs team, which made a lot of uncharacteristic errors. The hosts opened brightly but spurned a couple of penalty chances in the early stages of an eminently forgettable first half.

Creggs had the benefit of the wind in the second half but were rocked when Loughrea capitalised on sloppy handling to touch down under the posts for a converted try. The home side hit back with a Brian Cleary penalty in the 48th minute, but Loughrea defended superbly until being finally outflanked for Meehan’s vital late try.

Creggs play Castlebar at The Green next weekend.

Creggs: Shane Dowd, Luke Meehan, Tom Callaghan, Michael Farrell, Brian Cleary, Chris Duignan, Aidan Leech, Sean Óg Higgins, Mike Blighe, Brian Donoghue, Eoghan Farrell, Alan Glennon, Peter Lohan, Kevin Brandon, Alan

Brandon, Brian Coady, Enda Tully, Barry Egan and Stephen Crehan.

Connacht Junior 2 League: Creggs 5 Galwegians 27. Creggs suffered a heavy defeat in last Saturday evening’s Connacht Junior 2 League encounter against a very strong Galwegians team which played some sparkling rugby to run in five tries.

Creggs captain Enda Tully scored a fine try for Creggs to leave Galwegians 15-5 ahead midway through the second half but the Galway City team broke through for two late tries to run out easy winners at the end of a lively contest played in ideal conditions at The Green.

Creggs: Aidan Geraghty, Philip Leech, David Feeney, Barry Egan, Thomas Greene, Stephen Crehan, Brian Coady, Enda Garvey, Eoghan Cahill, Seamus Collins, Kevin Raftery, Graham Curran, Edward Clinton, Mark Hester, Damien Nolan, Enda Tully, David Hoare, Rory O’Donoghue and Declan Nee. Mini Rugby: Last weekend, Creggs Minis visited Buccaneers RFC for an U7 to U-12s blitz. This weekend, training will take place in Creggs on Saturday at 11 am.

Creggs U-11 boys and U-12 girls teams travelled to Galway last Saturday evening to play at half-time in the Pro-

12 Connacht v Dragons game against Monivea RFC. Both games were very well contested and the kids had a great time. Thanks to all the coaches and parents that travelled on the evening.

Youth Rugby: Connacht U-13 League: Creggs 40 Buccaneers 12. Creggs U-13s produced some fine rugby last Saturday morning to overcome Buccaneers on a scoreline of 40-12.

Tries from Jack Fleming, Ciaran Purcell, Shane Walsh, Aidan Hoare and Tadhg Lyons and a conversion from Cormac Dolan secured the win for Creggs.

Also prominent were Michael McAteer, Tomas Tiernan and Edimar Filho who were very strong up front and DJ Hession, Aodhan Looby, and Senan Lambe who were excellent both in attack and defence.

Training continues next Wednesday at 7 pm.

U-14s: Creggs will take on Corinthians RFC in the quarter-finals of the Connacht U-14 Cup this Saturday in Galway with a 12.30 pm kick-off. All support welcome. Training continues next Wednesday at 7 pm.

U-16s: Creggs will play Corrib RFC in the Connacht U-16 Cup next Sunday in Creggs at 12 pm. Training continues on Friday night at 7 pm.

44

Roscommon People Friday 24 February 2017

@SeamusDuke

Seamus Duke On Sport

Rossie response to national media?

Both sides will play it down this week and understandably so too, but any competitive game between old rivals Mayo and Roscommon will always have an edge, and this Saturday night’s game at MacHale Park will be no different.

This is an eagerly awaited local derby but the painful fact for Roscommon fans is that for most of the past two decades, Mayo have held the whip hand especially when it comes to the championship. Any win against Mayo, including this Saturday, would

be a huge achievement for Roscommon and would be a major boost to the confidence of our young team ahead of what is going to be a very difficult remainder of the league campaign.

The two points would be vital and the boost to the side

would be even more important. The match is given far more preview space elsewhere in the paper this week but make no mistake, it will be another very difficult game for Roscommon.

The national media seem to have made up their minds

about Roscommon and some of the coverage has been inaccurate, and in some cases, unfair over the past two weeks.

All the management and the players can do is to keep their heads down and work as hard as they can. It may well be the case that Roscommon will

Must-win game for Irish rugby

St. Mary’s in Sigerson shock

Despite the fact that it was a quiet enough weekend there was some very exciting GAA fare on the TV and online. The Sigerson Cup final produced a major shock as St. Mary’s Belfast beat the mighty UCD in the final in Ballyhaunis. St. Mary’s have only 850 students in their college and they deservedly beat UCD, who have 35,000 students. UCD didn’t see fit to give Niall McInerney or Sean Mullooly any game time either which I found very strange.

Then on Sunday I looked at both the All-Ireland Junior and Intermediate club football finals online courtesy of an initiative by AIB. Well-known GAA journalist and PR guru Liam Horan did the interviews and Mike Finnerty did the commentary and it was a huge success. The football might not have been great but both were very close and there was only three points in the junior game and one in the intermediate game.

The junior and intermediate club championships in football and hurling are a brilliant idea and the streaming of the finals on the Internet was a huge success. It is the way of the future and watch it catch on very quickly.

Cats a spent force as Wexford bloom The latest round of hurling league games have produced some very interesting results. Tipperary look a class apart and even at this early stage look the team to beat again. Wexford are the new talking horse and the arrival of Davy Fitzgerald has really given them a huge boost. Can they challenge in Leinster this year?

In contrast, Kilkenny look a spent force. How often have we said that in the past twenty years? Never! But on the evidence of the first two rounds of matches it may well be that the greatest era in the history of hurling may well be over for the Cats.

Dublin, hammered in their first game, came back to score a great win against Cork. Galway and Waterford went down badly last weekend and have a lot to do.

Closer to home, Roscommon lost again but according to all reports were a huge improvement on their round one display against Wicklow. The next game is a tough one against the impressive table toppers Meath but there is still hope that the games against Derry and Mayo are winnable. The team is without some very strong players this year, not least the inspirational Micheal Kelly, so there is room for optimism yet.

be relegated but it would be nice to see some fair coverage especially from Newstalk and others who went over the top last weekend. There will be over 10,000 people there on Saturday night and a live national TV audience too. The best of luck to all concerned.

On Saturday Ireland play France in round three of the Six Nations Championship at the Aviva Stadium. The French are always well worth a look and you can never predict how they are going to play but this is a game that Ireland must win if they want to banish memories of Scotland and more importantly, have a chance of winning the championship this season. It could be a very close game but I am expecting Ireland to win it.

Roscommon and Mayo will go head to head for the second time this year on Saturday night in Castlebar. Pic: Andrew Fox

Going through the motions at GAA congress This weekend the annual GAA congress will take place and there are some very interesting motions down for discussion.

If the Club Players Association had their way, none of the motions put down by Padraig Duffy would be discussed but it would appear that they are going to go ahead as planned.

Firstly, the proposals for a new roundrobin top eight to replace the quarter-finals is a motion I would disagree with.

Never again would you see a team like Tipperary play in the All-Ireland semifinals like we saw this year. It would lessen the chances of any shock results and would ensure that the strong teams would get even stronger.

The proposal to play both All-Ireland finals in August is a good idea in my book, it takes far too long to run the championships off anyway. It would leave September for the club competitions which

would be a good idea.

Extra-time in all championship games is a good idea although the provincial councils will, no doubt, have serious objections on financial grounds.

There are a few others including one which would see the requirement of a two thirds majority to change rules reduced to 60% which makes sense to me.

But listening to Liam Griffin of the CPA on the national media this week it would appear that there is disquiet among club players about those motions.

If the motion about the “super eight” is passed it will impact on club fixtures.

I think it would be wise for the GAA to listen to the CPA and what they have to say because they are going to have to listen to them in the long run anyway.

It will be very interesting indeed to see what gets through this Saturday and what doesn’t.

‘Being AP’ was riveting TV! I stumbled across one of the best sports documentaries that I have ever seen last Sunday night on BBC2 called ‘Being AP’, which was made in 2015.

It followed Tony McCoy for the last year of his legendary career. It was an outstanding window into the life of a sporting legend and a rare insight into what makes someone like him tick.

Even though he had the support of his wife and family and indeed his agent for all of his career, Tony McCoy was the first to admit that he was a totally selfish person.

“It was all about me and it could not be any other

way,” he said a number of times in the programme.

He was so single minded in the pursuit of winners and success that he shut everything else out.

In fact, his wife Chanelle (herself a successful business person) was prepared to leave him at one stage he was so driven in his obsession with winning and being successful. The despair that McCoy reached when it dawned on him that he was going to be a jockey no more was palpable and it was fantastic insight into what people must do to be successful at the very top in sport. It was riveting TV.

First soccer silverware this Sunday Manchester United manager, José Mourinho, will be hoping to clinch the League Cup this Sunday in Wembley.

This Sunday, the first trophy of the English soccer season will be handed out when Southampton meet Manchester United in the League Cup final at Wembley.

It may not have been on top of Jose Mourinho’s list of priorities when he took over at the start of the season but it would be a big achievement for him to

put at least one trophy on the sideboard in his first year in change.

It is a one off game of course and anything can happen. The vast majority of soccer fans will be praying for a Southampton win but with the number of big name players in the United side it would be a surprise if they do not win it.

It’s not easy ‘Being AP’. Jockey Tony McCoy shared his story in a BBC documentary recently.

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Roscommon People Friday 24 February 2017

SportsPeople

Down in control against improved Rossies Allianz National Hurling League Division 2B (Round 2) Down

1-21

Roscommon

1-16

< Robbie McConn

Roscommon hurlers made the long journey to McKenna Park, Ballycran on Sunday last to play Down in the second round of the Allianz Hurling League 2B, and a goal from Down sub Gareth Johnston with five minutes to go settled what was a competitive clash.

In good weather conditions and on a good pitch, Roscommon, playing with a slight breeze in the first half, had the better of the early exchanges. Robbie Fallon pointed from play in the first minute and that was followed by a brilliant point from Cathal Kenny from the right wing. After ten minutes, the Rossies led by five points to three with points from Jason Kilkenny, Naos Connaughton and Robbie Fallon.

Down settled into the game after that and scored four unanswered points. However, Roscommon rallied near the end of the first half scoring four points of their

own, two from Naos Connaughton, and a point each from Jason Kilkenny and Robbie Fallon. The visitors went in at half-time leading by 0-9 to 0-8.

The second half was an evenly contested affair with both sides trading points and level on five occasions. Half way through the half, Down started to pull away despite Roscommon’s best efforts.

Gareth Johnson was introduced as a sub and found the back of the Roscommon net with five minutes to go.

In fairness, Roscommon battled on but a goal from Adrian Murphy on the stroke of full-time proved too little, too late. Roscommon showed a big improvement from their display the previous week and they played very well at stages.

But they also gave away a lot of scoreable frees and Down’s Danny Toner punished them with ten points from placed balls.

Best for Roscommon were Michael Beirne, Shane Curley, Jason Kilkenny, Rob-

Camogie team lose out in opener Littlewoods National Camogie League Division 3 Dublin Roscommon

Shane Curley scored 0-2 as Roscommon’s hurlers showed signs of improvement against Down in Ballycran last Sunday. Pic: Andrew Fox

bie Fallon and Naos Connaughton. Best for Down were Danny Toner and Conor O’Prey.

Roscommon’s next game in the league will be at home to Meath in Athleague on Sunday, March 5th at 12.30

pm.

Roscommon: Jerry Fallon; Michael Beirne, David Loughnane, Pat Nolan; Shane Curley (0-2, 2 frees), Eamon Flanagan, Peter Kellehan; Conor Coyle, Hugh Rooney; Adam Finnerty,

John Coyne (0-1), Jason Kilkenny (0-2); Cathal Kenny (0-1), Robbie Fallon (0-6, 5 frees), Naos Connaughton (0-4). Subs: Adrian Murphy (1-0) for Kenny, Gearoid Egan for Coyle, Gary Fallon for Robbie Fallon.

A young Roscommon team in transition lost out to the hosts in the opening round if the league played at Blanchardstown IT last Saturday.

Dublin were quick from the blocks and a goal from Aoife Bolger saw them establish an early lead. But Roscommon responded well with a couple of frees converted

by Kelley Hopkins and a goal scored by the same player saw Roscommon into the lead in the second quarter and the sides went in level at half-time.

Dublin were the better side in the second half as Roscommon tired.

A string of unanswered points and a second goal from Ciara Carolan saw

2-10 1-6 the home side come out seven point winners in the end.

Roscommon play Clare in round 2 at a home venue on Sunday next. The venue to be announced later in the week.

Roscommon: Caroline Connaughton; Meabh Tiernan, Rachel Dolan, Eimear McNally; Joanne Beattie, Elaine Daly, Eala Coyle; Kelley Hopkins (1-5), Rachel Fitzmaurice; Chloe Whyte-Lennon, Rebecca Brennan, Niamh Watson; Julie Healy, Susan Spillane (01), Fiona Connell. Subs: Michaela Fallon for Connaughton, Shauna Keenan for Whyte-Lennon, Bridget Moylan for Connell, Emer Earley for Beattie.

GAA Fixtures Friday, February 24th Adult Football League Division 3 (Tansey Cup) At Johnstown: Elphin v Clann na nGael. 8 pm Saturday, February 25th Adult Football League Division 4 At O’Rourke Park: Oran v Castlerea St. Kevin’s. 3 pm Sunday, February 26th Adult Football League Division 4 (2 pm) At Mulhern Park: Fuerty v Clann na nGael. 2 pm At Lisnamult: Roscommon Gaels v St. Croan’s At St. Dominic’s: St. Dominic’s v St. Brigid’s At Pairc an Phiarsaigh: Strokestown v Pádraig Pearses Adult Football League Division 5 (2 pm) At Kilglass: Kilglass Gaels v St. Joseph’s At Michael Glavey’s: Michael Glavey’s v Kilbride At Ballyleague: St. Faithleach’s v St. Barry’s At Ballyforan: St. Aidan’s v St. Michael’s At Kilmore: Kilmore v Ballinameen At Abbey Park: Boyle v Tulsk Lord Edwards

The Roscommon Ladies battled for a deserved draw against Meath last Sunday.

Downey spot on as ladies earn point Lidl Ladies Football National League Division 3 Meath Roscommon It’s a win, a loss and a draw for the Roscommon ladies footballers in the National

1-12 2-9 League after this hard fought draw at the Meath GAA Centre of Excellence

last Sunday.

Roscommon, without ace attacker Natalie McHugh, were the better side in the opening quarter and a Joanne Cregg goal saw Michael Finneran’s charges take command. With Jenny Higgins, Aisling McAulliffe, Joanne Cregg, Sinead Kenny and Bronagh

McHugh playing well, Roscommon led by 1-7 to 0-7 at half-time.

Meath were back on level terms when Emma White converted a penalty early in the second half. Roscommon were back in business when they scored a penalty of their own when sub Jenny Downey was on target. Ros-

common were three points up coming into the last ten minutes but the home side finished stronger and three unanswered points saw them earn a share of the spoils.

Roscommon: K Roddy; C Gunning, A McLoone, R Brady; A McAuliffe, B McHugh, S Kenny; J Cregg, T Taylor; C Beirne,

G Dufficy, J Higgins; R Finan, A Kelly, S Brady. Subs: C Manning, N McHugh, A Beades, J Downey, R Corcoran, E Fannon, M Freyne, E Hegarty, R Mullanney, N Dolan, R Fitzmaurice, S Farrell.

Roscommon play Down in Round 4 in Kilglass on Sunday at 2 pm.

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Roscommon People Friday 24 February 2017

SportsPeople

Old rivals meet under Saturday night lights Allianz National Football League Division One

Mayo v Roscommon at Elvery’s MacHale Park, Castlebar on Saturday at 7 pm < Seamus Duke

Thomas Corcoran plucks the ball from the air to win possession for Roscommon during January’s FBD meeting of Roscommon and Mayo in Kiltoom. Picture: Andrew Fox

It’s a clash of the old rivals under the lights in Castlebar on Saturday night as Roscommon go in search of their first league points of the season against a Mayo side who were poor in their opening match against Monaghan but who came good in the second half to beat Kerry in Tralee in round two.

Mayo are now such an experienced and battle hardened team that they could put that bad display against Monaghan behind them in round one to recover in the game against Kerry. In contrast, an inexperienced Roscommon team missed three goal chances against Tyrone, which handed them the initiative, and against Donegal in round two they should have got at least a draw.

However, the fact is that Roscommon have been competitive in both their opening games, which is

encouraging. But they will have to put points on the board if they want to have any chance of avoiding the drop down to Division Two. That’s the reality.

The Roscommon defence played well against Donegal and I presume that Thomas Fetherston and Sean Mullooly will man the central positions. Niall McInerney, Seanie McDermott, Ronan Stack and John McManus are also likely starters in defence. Hopefully Davy Murray will be back in contention after his concussion against Tyrone.

At midfield, Thomas Corcoran and the available again Cathal Compton will put pressure on Tadgh O’Rourke and Kevin Higgins. Up front: Conor Devaney, Fintan Cregg, Cian Connolly, Ciaráin Murtagh, Shane Killoran, Enda and Donie Smith will all be in contention. Diarmuid Murtagh is also a welcome addition to the panel this week after recovering from his

recent injury.

Mayo will welcome back Brendan Harrison and Colm Loftus to their panel but there is uncertainty as to whether Lee Keegan, who won an All-Ireland club medal with Westport last Sunday, will be available for duty. Despite the fact that Mayo will be short a number of players including the O’Shea brothers, Tom Parsons and Barry Moran, they will still be able to field a very strong team. Household names like David Clarke, Keith Higgins, Colm Boyle, Paddy Durcan, Donal Vaughan, Kevin McLoughlin, Cillian O’Connor, Jason Doherty and Andy Moran are all likely to start and this will be a huge mountain to climb for Roscommon and an indication of Mayo’s strength in depth.

Roscommon desperately need league points and a win here would be a marvellous way for them to open their league account. Mayo,

Roscommon manager Kevin McStay pictured with Mayo manager, Stephen Rochford, following the FBD League in Kiltoom back in January. Pic: Andrew Fox

on the other hand, have the cushion of those two valuable points gained in Tralee and they will be looking at this game as another chance to copper fasten their Division One status for another season.

However, the beauty of sport is it’s unpredictability and we have seen in both the football and hurling leagues, very surprising results even at this early stage. Roscommon will probably have to catch Mayo on an off day for them to win, but the fact

that they have been competitive in both their games so far gives them a great chance on Saturday. Most of the pundits will be going for a comfortable Mayo win and the bookies give Roscommon no chance at all.

It is probably too much to expect Roscommon to go to Castlebar and win. But we all live in hope!

Match odds – Mayo: 1/6 Roscommon: 9/2 Draw: 12/1.

Prediction: Mayo.

League Round-up

Smyth and Darcy among the goals League Division 1 (O’Rourke Cup) Pride of place this week goes to St. Croan’s, who beat defending county champions St. Brigid’s by 3-12 to 2-10.

It was a day to remember for Croan’s and for Shane Smyth who scored three goals.

Pádraig Pearses started their campaign with a 4-12 to 1-12 win against Kilmore at home. Hubert Darcy scored two goals while Niall and Ronan Daly scored a goal each.

Local rivals Elphin and Strokestown finished honours even at Orchard Park: Elphin 2-8 Strokestown 1-11. A late free from Frankie Cregg earned a share of the spoils for the home side.

Finbar Cregg and Derek Moran scored the Western Gaels goals as they

beat Roscommon Gaels in Lisnamult by 2-9 to 2-7. The game saw the return to action of former county senior player, Mark Healy, for Roscommon Gaels.

Johnny Dunning scored an early goal for Clann na nGael as they beat Tulsk at Johnstown. Tulsk were excellent in the second half but they just fell short by two points in the end: Clann 1-11 Tulsk 1-9.

League Division 2 (O’Gara Cup)

Castlerea edged out Creggs in a thriller by 1-10 to 0-12. Ger Heneghan scored an early penalty for Castlerea but the junior champions fought all the way to the finish and were unlucky not to share the spoils.

Boyle were impressive as they beat

Éire Óg by 4-15 to 0-9 at Abbey Park.

Enda Smith, Darren O’Connor, Dylan East and Cian McKeon all scored goals for the winners.

Michael Glavey’s were also impressive beating St. Dominic’s by 2-18 to 1-8.

St. Faithleach’s, who had two goals from Darragh Hussey, were too good for Oran at Rockfield and that game saw the return to action of Diarmuid Murtagh.

League Division 3 (Tansey Cup) There were good wins for St. Aidan’s against St. Michael’s, Shannon Gaels against St. Barry’s, Kilglass against St. Ronan’s, and there was a draw between Kilbride and Ballinameen.

Hubert Darcy scored two goals as Pádraig Pearses started their league campaign with a win over Kilmore. Pic: Andrew Fox

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Roscommon People Friday 24 February 2017

GAA PEOPLE Your weekend starts here Down Local derbies always have memory lane… special edge! < Seamus Duke

H

aving attended

Roscommon v Mayo games for so many years there is nothing to beat local rivalry, and Roscommon and Mayo is certainly up there with the most intense of those. Matches between Roscommon and Mayo always have that special edge to them and this Saturday will be no different.

It is amazing that of all the games between the

neighbours that I have been at, the ones that I can recall with the most affection over the years are the few times that Roscommon actually beat Mayo in league or championship! What’s seldom is wonderful. Of course, I have banished from my mind the many, many times that we have returned from MacHale Park (and Hyde Park) with our tails between our legs having been taught a lesson by the Mayo men.

Memories of Connacht final wins in 1972, 1979,

Seamus Duke’s Crystal Ball…

Donegal v Dublin on Sunday in Ballybofey at 2 pm The Dubs take their long unbeaten run on the road and Donegal will go into the game on a high after a good win against Roscommon. Dublin scraped a draw with Tyrone but they look to be far too strong for a Donegal side in transition.

Match odds: Donegal 5/2 Dublin 2/5 Draw 15/2.

Prediction: Dublin

Kerry v Monaghan in Killarney on Sunday at 2 pm Kerry collapsed in the second half against Mayo and Sunday’s result will depend on how strong a team that they can field. Monaghan were super against Mayo but were poor against Cavan the last day. This might be closer than a lot of people think but you have to fancy the home side.

Match odds: Kerry 2/5 Monaghan 5/2 Draw 15/2.

Prediction: Kerry

1980, 1991 and 2011 are very clear in the mind and Rossies everywhere will quickly remind you of those great championship days. However, the reality is that for most of the last two decades, Mayo have been the dominant force.

The fact that Roscommon have not beaten Mayo (or Galway for that matter) in the championship since 2001 remains a painful reminder of our place in the pecking order.

In the league, Roscommon have not been in Division One that often in the past 20 years but Roscommon fans will travel in the hope that they can witness what would be a sensational win. Even though there are only two league points at stake, there is far more than that to this game in reality. Two Mayo GAA legends, Kevin

Connacht SFC Final 2011 at Dr Hyde Park Mayo 0-13 Roscommon 0-11

There’s always an edge to local derbies as Roscommon and Mayo have shown in the FBD League this year. Pic: Andrew Fox

McStay and Liam McHale, will patrol the sidelines for Roscommon. They would desperately love to mastermind a win in Castlebar even though it is only February. The boost a win would give Roscommon players would be far more valuable than just the two points on offer. Defeat will

totally written off in this game and Paddy Power says that Mayo are 1/6 favourites to win it. Mayo’s long run of domination against Roscommon in league and championship has to come to an end some day. Why not on Saturday night?

McInerney looking forward to Mayo test We are well

“

Tyrone v Cavan on Sunday in Omagh at 2.30 pm

capable of going to Castlebar and winning!’

< Seamus Duke

Tyrone are flying after a win and a draw and they can continue their unbeaten run against Cavan who are struggling. Mattie Donnelly will be back for Tyrone and that will strengthen them further. Anything other than a comfortable home win would be a surprise.

Match odds: Tyrone 1/3 Cavan 3/1 Draw 8/1.

Prediction: Tyrone.

I

View From ... Mayo Mike Finnerty (Mayo News sports editor and Radio and TV commentator) “Games between Roscommon and Mayo are always eagerly contested and I am predicting a very close game this Saturday. I think that the bookies odds of 1/6 for Mayo are crazy to be honest. I think it will be much closer than that. Mayo have played one half of football so far in this league, the second half against Kerry and that’s it.

“Mayo are without the two O’Shea brothers, Barry Moran and Alan Dillon and Tom Parsons is suspended.

Alan Freeman is gone from the panel and there are a lot of players missing and they are not firing on all cylinders, that’s for sure. I know Roscommon have an inexperienced team but they will be fired up against Mayo and I am expecting a huge challenge from them.

“The fact that Kevin (McStay) and Liam (McHale) are on the line will add spice to it and they would love to lead Roscommon to a win. Mayo have a poor recent record in the league at home and they will be hoping to set that right this weekend. But I genuinely think that there won’t be much in it to be honest.”

mean that the relegation trap door for Roscommon would open a little wider. It would also confirm Mayo’s position as top dogs once again. It’s a huge game make no mistake.

There will be at least 10,000 people there and it is also on national TV too. Roscommon are being

Niall McInerney is looking forward to Castlebar on Saturday. Pic: Andrew Fox

t has been a very busy few months for Niall McInerney. Last Saturday, UCD lost in the final of the Sigerson Cup and while he didn’t take part in the final (a strange decision), he has become a mainstay in the Roscommon defence over the past few years and probably the most improved player on the Roscommon senior team.

Niall is looking forward to the game against Mayo and stresses the need for two points.

He said: “We have played well in our opening two games but we have nothing to show for it and we need to get two points and it doesn’t matter whether it’s Mayo or anyone else that we are playing, we have to get a win. I feel that we are well capable of going to Castlebar and winning.

“The spirit in the Roscommon camp is very good and the training with Kevin and Liam

is very enjoyable this year and David Joyce (who does the physical training) has been brilliant and a breath of fresh air. The training is tough but very enjoyable and hopefully the results will start to flow shortly. There are a number of younger players who came into the panel like Tadgh O’Rourke and Shane Killoran and they are doing well and have added a lot to the group.

“We would love to stay in Division One. It’s where the best teams are and there is more media attention, bigger crowds and a better standard of football. Mayo will be hard to beat - we had a very tight game with them in the FBD League a few weeks ago. Going to Castlebar will be tough but if we want to stay in the division we have to win and we can do that. Last year, Mayo came to Dr Hyde Park and won easily so we are under no illusions as to what is ahead of us but we are in with a good chance of winning it and I am looking forward to the game,” he concluded.

Mayo began their five in a row run of Connacht senior titles with a narrow two point win against Roscommon in atrocious conditions at Dr Hyde Park. Cillian O’Connor, in his first season at senior level, was the Mayo hero that day, scoring eight frees, but Roscommon were in the game right up to the final whistle.

The amazing thing to note about the teams is the number of players that are still playing for Mayo today and the number of players who have left the Roscommon panel.

Roscommon: Geoffrey Claffey; Seanie McDermott, Niall Carty, Sean Purcell; David Keenan, Peter Domican, Donal Ward (0-1); Michael Finneran, Karol Mannion; Senan O’Grady, Kevin Higgins, Cathal Cregg (0-1); Conor Devaney, Senan Kilbride (0-1), Donie Shine (0-8). Subs: Cathal Dineen for Ward, Darren McDermott for O’Grady, Stephen Ormsby for Dineen, Enda Kenny for Kilbride, Ger Heneghan for Devaney.

Mayo: Robert Hennelly; Keith Higgins, Alan Feeney, Tom Cunniffe; Richie Feeney, Donal Vaughan, Trevor Mortimer; Aidan O’Shea, Seamus O’Shea; Kevin McLoughlin (0-1), Alan Dillon (0-1), Andy Moran (0-1); Cillian O’Connor (0-8), Alan Freeman, Jason Doherty.

Subs: J Kilcullen for A O’Shea, Ger Cafferkey for A Feeney, Enda Varley (0-1) for Doherty, Ronan McGarrity for S O’Shea, Peader Gardiner (0-1) for McLoughlin.

Referee: Michael Collins (Cork).

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Roscommon People Friday 24 February 2017