2017 03 03 by Roscommon People

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

R F

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

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

Athleague Camogie Club Dinner Dance

03 March 2017

The Local Paper

In This Week’s Issue

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

e Half Pric Deals

No centre of excellence: PAGE 17

SHEERIN’S RADIO ‘RANT’

Byrne Carolan Cunningham

Big GAA talking point: PAGE 19

-----Solicitors-----

FINE GAEL SHOWDOWN?

T: 090 64 78433

Tommy Dillon receives ashes from Fr. Paddy Mooney at St. Patrick’s Church in Glenamaddy yesterday morning. Fr Mooney and his Pastoral Council set up an innovative ‘drive thru’ service for parishioners on Ash Wednesday. See page 14. Picture: Andrew Fox

Dr. Malgorzata Wawrzynek, PhD

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

Standing up for the small farmer on CAP

E: lukeming.flanagan@europarl.europa.eu

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

Finn Electrical

Unit B, (First Floor), Monksland Business Park, Monksland, Athlone, Co. Roscommon

DELIVERING KEROSENE & HEATING OIL TO YOUR HOME

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

25% off all Eau Thermale Avene Skincare range

Goff Street, Roscommon Tel. 090 66 25573

Spring Clean your home!

Large range of Vacuum Cleaners, etc. in stock

Feighan: ‘I’ll be back’ – PAGE 12

New GP Practice

Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan MEP

Tel. 094-9622710 / 094 9622244 Mobile: 086 3685680

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

ANOTHER HEALTH MESS

March Specials Vanitiy Units & Shower Doors

Please see our Column on Page 2 AND Advert INSIDE

Pages 24 - 25

Volume: 517

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

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

For appointment,

T: 090 6504920 M: 086 1704244 W. www.surescanstudio.ie l Pregnancy Scans l Gender Scan l 3D/4D Scans

Frances’

Finishing Touches

Abbey Street Medical Centre Roscommon Town Public and Private patients welcome

Free Car Park available at rear of surgery

P: 087 4039793

Suppliers of all types of: • Stone • Sand & Gravel • Topsoil • Readymix • Plant Hire

For keenest quotes CALL

071 96 33222

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Now Delivering Contact 090 66 38000

Quit Smoking in 2016 One Session Smoking Cessation Therapy €90 Call Billy 094 965 9966 086 067 5433

www.motivatehypnosis.com

Mgf Electrical Supplies Ltd.

Henry Street, Roscommon.

Tel: 090 6625644

Email: Info@mgfelect.com For all your Electrical Wiring, Accessories and Lighting Supplies Bell LED Lamp stockists Agent for Northcliffe Lighting

E: wardbrosltd@gmail.com

• Industrial • Commercial • Domestic

Flooring/ Furniture

New Clarins Skin Illusion Ultra Fine Powder Blush

Casey’s

The Square, Roscommon Telephone: 090 6626270

Full NEW range ch of Chairs & Cou ck o Covers in st

WARD BROS QUARRY

t/c apply please see instore for details.

Sale now on Athlone Road, Roscommon

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

Hynes Pharmacy Castle Street, Roscommon.

Tel. (090) 66 34147

Roscommon People Friday 03 March 2017

NewsPeople Roscommon

Painting Services

Professional Painters & Decorators

People WATCHING

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

Learn to Understand and Accept Yourself Overcome Anxiety, Fears & Phobias, Stress, Trauma and Low Energy

Henry Schwab

Solution focused therapy

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

Call: Henry Schwab on 071 96 62114 www.henryschwabhealing.com • schwabhenry@gmail.com calm, relaxed and in peace with yourself

newsbriefs Student art exhibition at Civic Offices Roscommon Community College is delighted to present ‘The End of the Line’, an exhibition of First and Second Year Art. The exhibition will take place on Wednesday, March 8th from 6-7 pm in the new County Council building in Roscommon. All are welcome for what promises to be a very exciting event in our community’s calendar!

Childcare Committee shortlisted in Awards

Roscommon County Childcare Committee have been shortlisted as finalists for the 2017 HR Leadership & Management Awards where the winners will be announced on Thursday night, 2nd of March in Dublin.

Daffodil Day in Castlerea

Daffodil Day 2017 is March 24th. This year there are two outlets on the day in Castlerea – The Square and SuperValu. Anyone wishing to help, please contact Angela Webb on 087-2250425.

Fostering information event in the Abbey

Fostering First Ireland are hosting an information event in the Abbey Hotel today (Thursday, 2nd) from 11 am to 1 pm. If you are thinking about fostering, this event will highlight the support FFI can provide every step of the way. For more information, contact 01-4171944 or www.ffi.ie.

k alorhk haNyour kitchen, aNloBeautify MarM ∙ kitchens ∙ Simplify ∙ kitchens ∙ your life . . .

Margaret Sexton pictured with former Miss World, Rosanna Davison, last year.

Local baker and chef appear on Nationwide Margaret Sexton, a local baker who won The National Brown Bread Baking Competition in association with the National Ploughing Association and the ICA in 2015, appeared on RTE’s Nation-

wide programme last Friday evening. Margaret, whose brown bread has been stocked in Aldi Stores all over Ireland, was joined in last Friday’s episode by Hannon’s Hotel chef, Stephen Dowd.

Lifetime award for Rossie Michael Former CBS student honoured Roscommon native Michael Conry has been honoured with a lifetime achievement award for thirty years of extensive study into Ireland’s cultural and industrial heritage. A respected soil scientist by profession, Michael received the award at the Industrial Heritage Association of Ireland annual award ceremony, hosted by ESB in its Head Office on East Wall Road in Dublin. Based in Carlow, he has published nine books on industrial heritage issues and

Michael Conry received the Industrial Heritage Association of Ireland Lifetime Achievement Award at ESB Head Office in Dublin. Pic: Alan Murphy

has always been highly regarded by his peers for his generosity in sharing his knowledge, expertise and experience. Michael received his early education in Bishop Hodson’s Grammar

∙ EST. 2003 ∙ 1st for Quality, Service, Value & Design 1st for Quality, Service, Value & Design

School, Elphin and Roscommon CBS After graduating in agricultural science from UCG and UCD in 1958, he was appointed a Research Officer in An Foras Talútais.

Keane on Nevmaessinve…

NEW STATE OF THE ART SHOWROOM

OPENING MARCH 2017 GOLF LINKS ROAD, ROSCOMMON

GOLF LINKS ROAD, ROSCOMMON Call today for a free consultation Call today for a free consultation t: 090 6627449 m: 0874171056 t: 090 6627449 m: 0874171056 e: info@lohanfittedfurniture.ie www.lohanfittedfurniture.ie www.lohanfittedfurniture.ie

There was a huge amount of praise accredited to Roscommon County Council at the recent Portrun Development Association Ltd. AGM in relation to the Flood Relief work carried out by the Council. Roscommon County Council have completed roadworks in both Portrun and the approach road to Cloonmore which were extensively flooded during heavy rainfall at the end of 2015 and early 2016. The level of Lough Ree rose to record levels not seen in recent times and local residents were forced to abandon their cars and use tractors in order to access their dwellings. The Council carried out extensive work to have the level of the roads increased over the last number of months to prevent a similar scene as experienced in 2015/16. Speaking at the AGM, outgoing chairperson Eamon Spillane complimented Roscommon County Council on their cooperation and singled out Eugene Dwyer, Ivor Kilcline, Anthony McDermott and Denis White for their assistance following on from representations made by Portrun Development Association and its Flood Relief sub-committee. Mr. Spillane advised the large attendance that this was “a prime example of a local authority responding to the needs of a community.” The AGM was an opportunity for the attendees to hear about the activities of the association for the forthcoming year and the progress to date. A new committee was also established which saw the election of Gerry Hanlon to chairperson of the association. Mr. Hanlon paid tribute to the outgoing chairperson and congratulated the former committee on their work during the previous year.

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

Lost Inheritance

∙ EST. 2003 ∙

NEW STATE OF THE ART SHOWROOM OPENING MARCH 2017

Council praised at Portrun Development AGM

Garda John O’Connor, Roscommon Community Policing Unit, presenting a cheque for €1,310 to Oliver McGuinness, accepting on behalf of Mayo/Roscommon Hospice. The money was raised by holding a raffle at the Annual Harvest Gathering and through hosting a Coffee Morning in conjunction with the RAD Garda Diversion Project, Abbey Street, Roscommon.

Some months ago I was fortunate to receive an inheritance of a vintage car from my late uncle. It was quite a valuable car and my uncle knew that I loved it and would treasure it dearly. However, it was kept in my late uncle’s garage and the executor of his will refused to give me the car until probate was complete in the estate. Unfortunately, a fire broke out in the garage last week and the car is destroyed. I am devastated, please advise me. When a person makes a will they appoint an Executor to carry out the directions of the will. The Executor is obliged by law to preserve, protect and administer the estate of the deceased person strictly in accordance with the terms of the will. Such an obligation to preserve and protect the assets of the estate means that the Executor is obliged to ensure that all assets are adequately protected until they are distributed. In fulfilling this obligation an Executor should make sure that all assets required to be insured are insured for their market value. I expect that the Executor was prudent and took out an insurance policy to cover the assets of the estate to include the vintage car. I would recommend that you discuss this matter with the Executor who must ensure that any relevant claim form is filed with the insurance company in question. You will in due course receive the value of the vintage car to exclude any potential salvage value.

We had a response to our Neven Maguire competition – with hundreds of entries. Congratulations to the lucky winner of two tickets – Marie Keane of Antogher Road, Roscommon!ed We hope you enjoy Neven in Kilronan Castle last night (Wednesday).

Telephone Central Line 090 6478433

Compiled by PAUL HEALY

info@bccsolicitors.ie

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

Roscommon People Friday 03 March 2017

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AT RANGE VOLKSWAGEN PASS DI H/L 150HP 161 Volkswagen Passat 2.0T C/L 161 Volkswagen Passat 1.6TDI T/L Sports Model 161 Volkswagen Passat 1.6TDI 1.6TDI 161 Volkswagen Passat C/L BE DI 151 Volkswagen Passat C/L 1.6TSports 151 Volkswagen Passat 1.6 TDI C/L 142 Volkswagen Passat 1.6TDI C/L 141 Volkswagen Passat 1.6TDI rt 141 Volkswagen Passat CC Spo 141 Volkswagen Passat TDI C/L 131 Volkswagen Passat 1.6TDI 132 Volkswagen Passat TDI HP 2012 Volkswagen Passat CC 140 C/L 140 HP DI 2.0T at Pass gen swa Volk 2 201 2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI T/L 2011 Volkswagen Passat 1.6TDI C/L 2011 Volkswagen Passat 1.6TDI Extras 2010 Volkswagen Passat 2.0TDI 2010 Volkswagen Passat 1.6TDI H/L 2009 Volkswagen Passat 2.0TDI

JETTA RANGE VOLKSWAGENa 2.0T DI C/L 162 Volkswagen Jett 161 Volkswagen Jetta TDI H/L matic 161 Volkswagen Jetta H/l Auto 151 Volkswagen Jetta TDI C/L 141 Volkswagen Jetta TDI C/L 132 Volkswagen Jetta TDI C/l 2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI C/L 2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 2010 Volkswagen Jetta 1.6TDI

LF RANGE VOLKWAGEN GO 1.6TDI Allstar 171 Volkswagen Golf 150HP 161 Volkswagen Golf 2.0TDI H/L 161 Volkswagen Golf 1.6TDI 151 Volkswagen Golf 1.6TDI 5Dr 141 Volkswagen Golf TDI 5Dr 131 Volkswagen Golf TDI A/T 2012 Volkswagen Golf 1.6TDI C/L as A/T 2012 Volkswagen Golf 1.2TSI Extr 2012 Volkswagen Golf 1.6TDI 5Dr 2011 Volkswagen Golf 1.6TDI 2010 Volkswagen Golf 1.2TSI 2009 Volkswagen Golf 2.0TDI

POLO RANGE VOLKSWAGENBea ts 1.0 (770KMS) 162 Volkswagen Polo 162 Volkswagen Polo 1.4TDI 5Dr 1.0 5DR 161 Volkswagen Polo Lounge 151 Volkswagen Polo 1.4 TDI 141 Volkswagen Polo 1.2TDI 131 Volkswagen Polo 1.2TDI 2012 Volkswagen Polo 1.2 C/L 2012 Volkswagen Polo 1.2 T/L 2011 Volkswagen Polo 1.2 T/L 2010 Volkswagen Polo 1.2 C/L 2010 Volkswagen Polo 1.6TDI 2009 Volkswagen Polo 1.4 TDI C/l

WAS

2005 2006 2008 2010 2010 151 2007 2011

2.0 TDI 140BHP 1.9 TDI 2.0 TDI 1.6 TDI SE 1.4 TSI 3DR 2.0 TDI SE 150BHP Quatro 1.6 PETROL 3DR 1.6 TDI

5500 7000 9000 11500 11950 27000 7000 13000

3500 5000 7000 9500 8950 25000 4950 10950

2010 2008 2005 2006 2006 2007 151 2012 2010 2008 2008 2008 2008 2012 2007 2006

A4 2.0 TDI 2.0 TDI SE 143BHP 1.9TDI GREY 1.9TDI BLACK 1.9TDI BLACK 2.0TDI QUATTRO A4 2.0TDI A62.0TDISE 170HP A5 2.0 SE 170 BHP A6 2.0 TDI AUTO A5 1.8T EXTRAS A6 2.0TDI Automatic 2.OTDI A6 2.0 TDI SE 174BHP A4 TDI auto A4TDI 130HP

15000 12500 5000 7000 7000 10500 29000 24500 17000 10000 13500 11000 12500 23500 9000 7500

13000 10500 3000 5000 5000 8500 27500 22500 15000 8000 11500 9000 10500 21500 7000 5500

161 161 161 151 151 141 141 2012

Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TDI C/L 150HP Volkswagen Golf 1.2 TSI Volkswagen Golf SV C/L Volkswagen Golf 1.6TDI C/L Volkswagen Golf 2.0 TDI H/L 150 HP Volkswagen Jetta 1.6TDI H/L Mitsubishi Pajero 3.2 Exect 5 seater Com (333 Tax) Ford Galaxy 7 seater TDI

161 161 151 141 141 2012 2012 2009 2008

VW CADDY7SEATER PASSAT ESTATE 1.6 GOLF ESTATE 2.0 150H/L TOURAN 1.6TDI GOLF PLUS LIFE FORD GALAXY FORD GALAXY A/T GALAXY 1.8TDCI GALAXY 1.8TDCI

27500 31000 26500 27500 19950 19950 22500 13000 10500

25000 27500 24000 25000 17500 18000 20000 10500 8500

2010 2008 2012 2008 2007 2011 2006 2002

116 D SPORT 3DR 116 D SE EXTRAS 520 D TOP SPEC 2.0 520 D 2.0TDI AUTO 520 D 2.0 TDI 320D ESTATE 2.0TDI 318i PETROL 520i PETROL 2.2 AUTO

11500 9500 26000 11500 9500 14500 5500 3500

9500 7500 24000 9500 7500 12500 3500 1800

152 2012 2010 2008 2006 2007 2007

BERLINGO 1.6HDI BERLINGO 1.6HDI BERLINGO 1.6HDI BERLINGO BERLINGO PICASSO 1.6 7SEATER C4 1.6 DIESEL

13000 10500 7500 5500 4500 6500 5500

11000 8500 5500 3500 2500 4500 3500

142 141 131 2011 2010 2006 2012 132 2011 2011 2009 2008 2008 2008 2007 2005 2008 2012 2008 2005 2004

FIESTA AUTO FIESTA 1.25 ZETEC FIESTA 1.25 FIESTA 1.25 FIESTA 1.25 FIESTA 1.4 DIESEL FOCUS 1.6 DIESEL FOCUS ZETEC 1.6 FOCUS 1.6 DIESEL FOCUS SALOON 1.6 FOCUS 1.6 DIESEL FOCUS SALOON 1.6 FOCUS 1.4 PETROL FOCUS 1.4 PETROL FOCUS EST 1.6 PETROL FOCUS 1.4 PETROL KUGO 2.0TDI GALAXY 1.6 7SEATER GALAXY 1.8 7SEATER GALAXY 1.9 7SEATER GALAXY 1.9 7SEATER

16500 13500 12500 9500 8500 5500 13500 15500 9500 10950 8500 7000 6950 6500 5000 3950 9500 20000 11500 4950 4500

14500 11500 10500 7500 6500 3500 11500 13500 7500 8950 6500 5000 4950 4500 3000 1950 7500 18000 9500 2950 2500

AUDI A4 & A5 & A6 RANGE

27500 25500 24500 26500 23500 22500 19500 18950 19950 14950 14950 13950 16500 11950 12500 9950 10500 9500 8500 7500 22500 22500 23500 18500 14950 13950 12500 10500 8500 26500 24500 20500 17500 15500 13500 13500 13500 12500 10950 9950 7500 17500 16950 14950 14950 13500 11950 10950 9950 8500 8000 8000 6500

NOW

AUTOMATIC CARS RANGE

7 SEATER & ESTATE CARS

BMW RANGE

CITROEN RANGE

FORD RANGE

28500 22500 25000 21000 22500 18500 32500 + VAT 20000

YEAR MODEL

WAS

NOW

2012 2011 2009 2008 2007 2008 2008 2012 2008 2007 2008 151

MONDEO 2.0TDI MONDEO 2.0TDI MONDEO 1.8TDI MONDEO 2.0TDI MONDEO 2.0TDI MONDEO 1.8TDI S-MAX 7SEATER C-MAX 1.6 C-MAX 2.0 AUTO TRANSIT T260 TRANSIT COMBI TRANSIT T270

13500 11500 11500 9500 9500 7500 7000 5000 6500 4500 7000 5000 7000 5000 15000 13000 9000 7000 6950 4950 9500+VAT 7500+VAT 20500 18500

2008 2008 2006 2005 131 2011 2011 2012 2011 2008 2008 2007 2010 2007 2007 2006 2009 2007 2008

ACCORD 2.0 PETROL ACCORD 2.2 DIESEL CIVIC SE 1.8 PETROL CIVIC 1.7 PETROL 1x35 JEEP 1x35 JEEP 4x4 1x35 JEEP I40 1.7 DIESEL I40 EST SANTFEA 7SEATER SANTFEA SANTFEA 4x4 SANTFEA TUCSON TUCSON SANTFEA 7SEATER I30 1.6 DIESEL 7SEATER 2.0 ACCENT 1.4 PETROL

6500 8950 4950 5500 18500 15500 13500 13500 16500 10500 8500 8000 12500 5959 4000 6500 8500 5500 4000

4500 6950 2950 3500 16500 13500 11500 11500 14500 8500 6500 6000 10500 3950 2000 4500 6500 3500 2000

2008 2010 2007 2008 2006 2005 2007

CEED ESTATE 1.6 SORENTO SPORTAGE CARNIVAL CREW CAB PICANTO 1.1 PETROL E270 E200 1.8 PETROL

7500 7500 6500 8500 4000 5000 8000

5500 5500 4500 6500 2000 3000 6000

2014 2008 2006 2006 2008 2004 131

PAJERO 3.2 LWB 5 Seater Com (333 Tax) PAJERO PAJERO LEATHER PAJERO SPORT 2.5TDI GRANDIS 2.0 TDI GRANDIS PETROL 7 SPACE STAR

12500 10000 8950 8500 3950 8500

2007 131 2011 2008 2010 2012 2008 2011 2006 131 2010 2008 2011 141 2007

ALMERA 1.5 PETROL MICRA 1.2 PETROL MICRA 1.2 PETROL NAVARA AUTO 2.5 NAVARA AUTO 2.5 NV VAN PRIMASTAR NOTE VAN PRIMASTAR QUASHQUI 1.5DSL QUASHQUI QUASHQUI QUASHQUI JUKE 1.5 TIDA 1.6 PETROL

5450 3450 10500 8500 7000 5000 10500 8500 14500 12500 13500 11500 7000+VAT 5000+VAT 6000+VAT 4000+VAT 4500+VAT 2500+VAT 18950 16950 14000 12000 9500 7500 15500 13500 18500 16500 4700 2700

152 2012 2012 2010 2009 2009

Peugeot 2008 1.4 DSL Peugeot 508 Active HDI A/T Peugeot 308 1.6DSL Peugeot 3008 SX 1.6DSL Peugeot 308 1.6HDI Peugeot 207 1.4 5Dr

HONDA & HYUNDAI RANGE

KIA RANGE

MITSUBISHI RANGE

NISSAN RANGE

PEUGEOT RANGE

TOYOTA RANGE

161 Toyota Avensis 1.6 DSL 141 AURIS 1.4 16500 131 AURIS 14500 131 AVENSIS 1.6 16500 2012 AVENSIS 2.0 14000 2010 AVENSIS 2.0 DSL 2009 AVENSIS 2.0DSL 2008 AURIS 8500 2007 AURIS 1.4 6950 161 AVENSIS 1.6 24500 2011 AVENSIS 12950 2011 AVENSIS 2.0 11000

32500+VAT 10500 8000 6950 6500 1950 6500

16500 13500 9500 10500 6500 6500 21500 14500 12500 14500 12000 9000 8000 6500 4950 22500 10950 9000

CARS UNDER €8,000 2011 Ford Fiesta 1.25 5DR 2011 Ford Fiesta 1.6 DSL 2011 Renault Clio 1.2 4DR 2010 Peugeot 5008 MPV 7 Seater DSL 2009 Volkswagen Polo 1.4TDI 2009 Ford Focus 1.8DSL 2009 Ford C Max 2008 Audi A4 2.0TDI 2008 Nissan Qashqai 2007 Volkswagen Sharan TDI 7 Seater CARS UNDER €6,000 2010 Opel Zafari 1.7DSL 7 Seater 2009 Vauxhall Vectra 1.9DSL 2008 Toyota Corolla 1.4 2008 Ford Focus 1.4 2008 Volkswagen Jetta 1.6 2008 Peugeot 207 1.6DSL 2007 Volkswagen Golf 1.9TDI 2007 Volkswagen Polo 1.4TDI 2007 Audi A4 TDI ( Auto) CARS UNDER €5,000 2007 Mazda 1.6 DSL 2007 Ford S Max 1.6TDI 2007 Volkswagen Jetta 1.6 2003 Volkswagen Passat 1.9TDI CARS UNDER €4,000 2007 Kia Rio 1.4 2007 Opel Corsa 1.2 2007 Kia Sportage 2.0DSL 2006 Opel Zafari 1.6 7 Seater 2006 Volkswagen Golf 1.9TDI Plus 2005 Volkswagen Golf 1.9TDI ( Auto) 2002 Mitsubishi L200 5 Seater Comm CARS UNDER €3,000 2007 Seat Ibiza 2007 Ford Transit Connect 2007 Toyota Avensis 1.6 2007 Volkswagen Passat 1.6 Petrol 2007 Renault Megane 2006 Mitsubishi Colt 1.3 2006 Toyota Avensis D4D 2006 Volkswagen Golf 1.9TDI 2006 Peugeot 407 1.6DSL 2006 Volkswagen Passat 1.9TDI 2005 Ford Focus 1.6 2005 Volkswagen Passat 1.9TDI 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe DSL ( Auto) 2005 Skoda Superb 1.9DSL 2005 Opel Astra 1.4 Petrol 2004 Volkswagen Touran 1.9TDI 7 seater 2002 Mitsubishi Pajero 2.5TDI CARS UNDER €2,000 2008 Hyundai Accent 1.4 petrol 2006 Fiat Ducato DSL Van 2006 Nissan Almera 2006 Ford Mondeo 2.0 2006 Alfa Romeo DSL 2006 Toyota Avensis D4D 2005 Suzuki Liana 2005 Volkswagen Bora 1.9TDI 2004 Peugeot 1.1 5DR 2004 Opel Zafari 7 seater DSL 2004 Ford Fiesta 1.1 5DR 2004 Audi A4 TDI 2004 Nissan Micra 1.0 2003 Mitsubishi Colt 2003 Volkswagen Golf 1.9 TDI 2002 Seat Alhambra 1.9TDI 7 Seater 2000 Volkswagen Golf 1.9TDI Estate 1998 Hinda Civic 1.5

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Roscommon People Friday 03 March 2017

NewsPeople 7th SON FAITH HEALER AIDAN WRYNNE

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www.faithhealer.ie is now attending

ROSCOMMON TOWN & BALLAGHADERREEN EVERY MONDAY ALSO HOLDING CLINICS IN COUNTIES WESTMEATH AND LEITRIM Aidan has consistent success in the treatment of: Back pain, arthritis pain, skin rashes, digestive problems, colic/reflux, migraine, warts/verrucas, asthma, sinus and many more AIDAN IS HAPPY TO DISCUSS IN CONFIDENCE ANY QUERIES YOU MAY HAVE

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Byrne Carolan Cunningham Solicitors Athlone, Moate, Lanesborough & Galway

Tel: 090 647 8433 * MOTOR ACCIDENTS See ur See oour Column in column on Business e2

pag

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

Paul Healy’s week A column by Roscommon People editor

paul@roscommonpeople.ie

Wednesday/ Thursday Maybe they – whoever ‘they’ are – need to give these recurring storms more intimidating names. ‘Doris’ just didn’t sound scary enough. Does anyone know a Doris who is in any way offensive or troublesome? The first Doris I ever heard of was Doris Day, and she was a real sweetheart, described in her acting prime as ‘a girl next door.’ In any event, Storm Doris was one hell of a storm. We finished last week’s Roscommon People at about 10 pm, then went home to relax after the end of our working week. I knew there was a storm on the way, but wasn’t expecting this window-rattling, door-shaking, bin-disturbing, dog-frightening, tree-bending monster of a storm. It kept me awake most of the night, and, like all good storms/ heavy rainfalls, it had a rhythmic beauty. There’s something very appealing about the sound of rain against your windows at night; nothing wrong with a bit of howling wind either. However, Storm Doris went beyond being atmospheric; it raged with such ferocity that you wondered if the windows would shatter. Next morning, there were some reports of damage and you have to feel for those people who suffered. I heard reports of some buildings being damaged; numerous trees were knocked and hundreds of people were left without electricity. We got off very lightly. I was amazed to find our bins intact. Astonishingly, the trampoline was still in the garden and hadn’t somersaulted over the fence and landed on some unsuspecting sheep in the field behind us. These storms have been coming in quick succession in recent years. I don’t remember us having that many storms years ago. We certainly didn’t give them nice names. A Storm Ewan apparently followed in the footsteps of Doris over the weekend, though it didn’t make any impact in these parts. I have just googled Doris Day and am glad to note that the Hollywood superstar is still alive.

But, oh dear, the Daily Mail website says she had a dark side. So, maybe those storm names are chosen wisely after all! (Still, that Ewan McGregor seems like a nice chap).

Friday Like a champion boxer who’s long past his prime but still dreams of reliving former glories, the Late Late Show staggers on…in apparent self-denial. Occasionally, it still produces special moments; too often however, it’s tedious at best, sometimes even an embarrassing mess. In its heyday, it paraded superstars from Hollywood and Alisters from Ireland and Britain. Now we are expected to make do with the hosts of gardening and cookery shows, Katie Hopkins is a firm favourite of the researchers and even a despicable crook like John Gilligan is asked if he could kindly check his diary. There was a time when the invites went to the Hollywood actors who play gangsters – not to the actual gangsters. Friday’s offering was just dismal. As Graham Norton dusted down his couch for the latest influx of superstars, poor Ryan was left with a line-up that can’t have delighted anyone; bar, perhaps, Ray D’Arcy. Philip Boucher-Hayes, never

likely to use one word when three is an option, spoke earnestly about food; dour-faced politician/writer Mannix Flynn spoke for too long; there was a discussion billed as ‘a unique insight into what it is to be deaf in Ireland today’ – and a quite lengthy preview of a major art exhibition. It tells us something about the decline of the Late Late Show when a bus driver in the audience is the star of the show. No doubt sean-nós singer Sean Keane’s appearance saved the day for many viewers, but if I was in the audience, I’d have asked that bus driver for a lift back into town long before the end.

Saturday The Scots have been whipping boys in rugby for too long. It is not their natural status. They have had great players and great teams in the past. It has been encouraging, in recent seasons, to see the Thistle bloom again. I was glad to see Scotland sweep to victory over Wales in the first of today’s big sporting events. Later, Ireland impressively defeated France, keeping our chances of winning the Six Nations Championship very much alive. Johnny Sexton made a classy return; his drop kick in wet conditions was magnificent.

I got the first ten minutes of Mayo v Roscommon with Willie and a decidedly frustrated analyst, Gay Sheerin; the remainder, I watched on eir Sport. Roscommon were consistently off the pace of this game; far too often Mayo players were able to move upfield without a hand being lain on them. What was very clear was the difference between the teams in terms of power and sheer physical strength; Roscommon players spilt possession too often, were brushed aside too easily. On the positive side, we battled to the end, got some fine scores, and created at least four goal-scoring opportunities. It was a bruising experience but it will stand to these lads and they will learn much from it. Later still, more sport with an unusually flat and dour Match of the Day. The day’s games just hadn’t yielded much to get excited about. Perhaps, in the week in which Leicester’s number-crunchers cruelly turfed out title-winning miracle worker Claudio Ranieri, it was apt that we got a soulless, uninspiring Match of the Day. Claudio might have kept Leicester up. Even if they were relegated, he should have been spared the gallows. A sad footnote to a fairytale. The show will go on, but Claudio – and loyalty in football – have left the building.

Just smile Warren…what could go wrong? Sunday/Monday In Warren’s house that morning, the excitement was palpable. Warren had been a superstar, now he was something of a recluse. Or, as he saw it, more of a forgotten hero. The movie industry never wrote or called. Now, they had called, and he was back. The world would be watching. The Oscars people had remembered him. And Warren would present the ‘Best film’ award. ‘I’m actually nervous!’ he jested to Faye, over dinner, when they discussed the invite. They were in a very fancy restaurant; Har-

rison Ford had been turned down for a table. ‘Nervous? Oh just smile and read out what it says on the envelope!’ said Faye. On the morning of the Oscars, he looked in the mirror. Proud. You’re so vain, you probably think this night is about you, he whispered to himself, laughing. Backstage at the Oscars, he was nervous all over again. ‘But you’ve been in movies for sixty years’ Faye said, reassuringly. ‘You’re a sex symbol!’ ‘Was…!’ he quipped back. ‘Hey, I want to be sure that when people google me when I’m gone, it’s gonna be for my movies – or, er…my sex appeal – not because I came out

of retirement one year, fell over a step at the Oscars or read out the wrong result!’ Faye laughed. ‘Or gave you the wrong name and got you to read out the wrong result!’ Warren quipped. Faye laughed, then grimaced, then laughed again. ‘For God’s sake, Warren, just smile and read out what it says on the envelope, you old smoothie!’ He heard the presenter call their names out. He was back. He took a deep breath. The world was watching. ‘Just smile and read out what it says on the envelope…’

Roscommon People Friday 03 March 2017

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VOLKSAGEN TOUAREG RANGE 171 Volkswagen Touareg V6 Commercial A/T €45,500 + VAT 2010 Volkswagen Touareg 2.5TDI Commercial A/T €11,000 + VAT 2009 Volkswagen Touareg 3.0 V6 Commercial A/T €10,500 €10,500 2008 Volkswagen Touareg 2.5TDI Passenger 2007 Volkswagen Touareg 2.5TDI Commercial €7,500 2006 Volkswagen Touareg 2.5TDI Commercial €6,000 VOLKSWAGEN AMAROK RANGE 162 Volkswagen Amarok V6 3.0 Highline A/T €39,500 + VAT 162 Volkswagen Amarok V6 2.0 TDI Highline180HP(300KM) €33,500 + VAT 161 Volkswagen Amarok V6 2.0 Highline 180HPA/T €37,500 VOLKSWAGEN CRAFTER RANGE 171 Volkswagen Crafter 3.0MWB €24,500 + VAT 151 Volkswagen Crafter 3.0MWB €18,500 + VAT 131 Volkswagen Crafter 3.0MWB High Roof €16,500 + VAT 2012 Volkswagen Crafter 3.5 LWB high Roof €15,000 + VAT 2011 Volkswagen Crafter 3.5 LWB High Roof €10,500 + VAT 2009 Volkswagen Crafter 3.5 LWB Fridge Van €9,000 + VAT VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN RANGE 161 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0TDI Sp ( Full leather) €29,500 161 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0TDI L/ L €27,500 152 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0TDI L/L €24,500 151 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0TDI L/L €24,000 €22,500 141 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0TDI L/L 131 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0TDI €21,000 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0TDI €18,000 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0TDI 140HP Sports €14,500 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0TDI €12,500 ESTATE CAR RANGE 161 Volkswagen Passat 1.6TDI Estate Extras €26,500 152 Volkswagen Passat 1.6TDI Estate Extras €23,500 151 Volkswagen Passat 1.6TDI Estate Extras €22,500 141 Volkswagen Passat 1.6TDI Estate Extras €19,500 131 Volkswagen Passat 1.6TDI Estate Extras €18,500 2011 Volkswagen Passat 2.0TDI Estate Extras €10,500 2007 Volkswagen Passat 1.6 Petrol Comf Estate Extras €6,500 2006 Volkswagen Passat 1.9TDI Estate Extras €6,000 SKODA RANGE 162 Skoda Yeti 2.0TDI €24,500 162 Skoda Octavia 1.6TDI Ambition €22,500 162 Skoda Fabia 1.0 5Dr €14,500 151 Skoda Yeti 2.0TDI €21,500 151 Skoda Superb 1.6TDI €23,500

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Roscommon People Friday 03 March 2017

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The group which attended the launch of the International Pike competition in Lanesborough. Picture shows: (front row) Minister Denis Naughten, Cllr. Tony Ward, Cathoirleach, Roscommon County Council, Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran TD, Cllr. Orla Leyden, Sam Denniston, Joe O’Reilly. Back row: Jason Carr, Michael Galvin (Camlin Anglers), Philip Gordon & Alan Farrell, Lough Ree Angling Hub, Cllr. Mark Casey, John Devaney (Inland Fisheries Ireland).

World’s top anglers coming back to Lough Ree After the success of last October’s World fishing championships on Lough Ree, the Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council Tony Ward and Minister Denis Naughten welcomed news this week that some of the top international predator anglers are returning to Roscommon this June for a second major event. Minister Naughten and Councillor Ward were on hand in Lanesborough for the announcement that €10,000 in prize-money is being offered to attract the leading fishermen of the world back to the slipway in Ballyleague marina on June 24th and June 25th next. “This competition will be restricted to just 80 boats” Michael Galvin of the Camlin and District Angling Club announced. The Camlin club is running the competition for the Lough

Ree Angling Hub which is once again promoting local tourism accommodation and facilities in front of an International audience. “Thanks to Roscommon County Council, we have already started to promote this competition in France and Dublin at major angling shows” Alan Farrell of the Lough Ree Angling hub confirmed. “Next we hope to spread the word to one of the largest angling shows in Europe to be held in Rotterdam and we will work hard to bring the world’s top anglers to the county.” To register or get more information on the International competition, email: loughreeanglinghub@gmail.com or telephone Debbie at the angling hub office in Ballyeague at 04333 21734.

Feighan’s case for the Defence…

Fine Gael Senator Frank Feighan

Fine Gael Senator Frank Feighan has said that the new Defence Forces recruitment campaign will offer fantastic opportunities to young people to serve in a wide range of missions and operations at home and overseas. “The 2017 recruitment drive, announced by Minister with Responsibility for Defence, Paul Kehoe, will target an intake of 860 personnel, including general service recruits, apprentices and cadets. “This is a great opportunity for young men and women who are interested in pursuing a career in the Defence Forces. “Further details on this recruitment campaign and how to apply are available on the Defence Forces website, www.military.ie.”

Roscommon People Friday 03 March 2017

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39 refugees to arrive in Ballaghaderreen on Tuesday << Paul Healy

An initial group of 39 refugees are due to arrive in Ballaghaderreen on Tuesday next, March 7th. The Syrian refugees will be accommodated in the former Abbeyfield Hotel, pictured right, now an Emergency Reception and Orientation Centre (EROC). Fine Gael Senator Frank Feighan has paid tribute to the “huge goodwill” of the local community in Ballaghaderreen. Senator Feighan said: “Huge work

Hopkins ‘not convinced services will be in place’ << Dan Dooner

Senator Maura Hopkins has said she is concerned about the readiness of the Emergency Reception and Orientation Centre in Ballaghaderreen, which is due to welcome the first group of Syrian refugees next week. Senator Hopkins has stated that she is in constant contact with An Tanaiste and Minister for Justice, Frances Fitzgerald as well as Minister of State for Justice, David Stanton and Minister for Health, Simon Harris. While preparations are ongoing, the Fine Gael Senator has voiced some concerns. She said: “A further meeting will take place this week of local service providers in order to co-ordinate service provision. “I have visited the centre regularly since January, most recently I met with Jacqueline Mullen, (operations manager) last week. She informed me that there will be fifteen to twenty local people employed at the centre from the beginning of March, along with goods and services sourced from local businesses.

“The Galway Roscommon Education and Training Board have advertised for positions to deliver adult English language support programmes along with a temporary teacher to support children of primary school age. I have also been informed that a mobile health clinic is to be provided initially on site upon the arrival of the refugees in March.” Senator Hopkins continued: “While preparations are progressing, I remain concerned that these refugees will be arriving to the centre in a matter of days and I am not convinced that all of the necessary services and resources will be in place in time. “I have emphasised to An Tanaiste, Minister for Health, Simon Harris and Minister of State for Justice, David Stanton that we must see additional funding and resources in place to properly care for the needs of these people who have been through very difficult circumstances as a matter of urgency. I need to see evidence of the proper additional services and resources being put in place immediately.”

has been carried out already by the relevant agencies and the local community to ensure that these Syrian people will be given as much assistance as possible.” It is understood that a second group of 40 refugees is scheduled to arrive a week later, on March 14th. Another group are scheduled to arrive in midApril. It is estimated that 26 men, 18 women along with 35 children under 18 years of age will be located in Ballaghaderreen. Education supports are being put in

place. Meanwhile, Senator Feighan says he has been informed by the HSE that funding has been provided for the appointment of a Health Liaison worker who will provide specialised support to those refugees who have experienced trauma, torture or sexual violence.

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Senator Maura Hopkins has said she is concerned about the readiness of the Emergency Reception and Orientation Centre in Ballaghaderreen which is due to welcome the first group of Syrian refugees next week.

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newsdesk

What’s making the news this week ...

Volunteers sought in Roscommon for ‘Wish Day’

20 local volunteers are needed in Roscommon on Wish Day, which takes place on Friday, 31st of March to celebrate and support the work of Make-AWish Ireland. The call for volunteers is to support Make-A-Wish Ireland’s flagship fundraising day. Volunteers are simply asked to give a few hours of their time to sell wristbands and badges for €2 each in their local area. Make-A-Wish is funded entirely through donations and fundraising. To support the ongoing happiness they give to children and their families from Roscommon and throughout Ireland, Make-A-Wish needs the help of volunteers in Roscommon to continue their important work. Irene Timmins, Head of Fundraising for Make-A-Wish said: “Last year in Roscommon we were able to make memories for three brave local children and their families. The value of these memories is truly immeasurable. “We are approaching our 2,000th wish for Irish kids, which would not be possible without our volunteers. All we are asking is a few hours from the people of Roscommon on Friday, 31st of March to

sell some of our wish bands and badges, which cost €2 each, with 100% of proceeds to Make-A-Wish.” Wish Day will take place across Ireland on 31st March and Make-A-Wish volunteers will be located throughout Roscommon, including Castlerea and Roscommon Town. To sign up to volunteer visit www.makeawish.ie or contact Daragh on (01) 2052011/ volunteer@ makeawish.ie

Make A Wish Ireland’s Wish Day with Head of Fundraising Irene Timmins, Volunteer Co-ordinator Daragh Wallace and Events Co-ordinator Emma Horgan.

(L-r): Karyn Cronin (Youth Work Ireland), Jasmina Byrne (UNICEF Office of Research), Caroline Duignan (Galway and Roscommon Children and Young People’s Services Committees, Tusla), Minister of State David Stanton TD, Dr. Geoffrey Shannon, Margaret Griffiths (National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals) and Gillian Baker (ISPCC) at the ‘Keeping Children Safe Online’ conference organised by Galway and Roscommon Children and Young People’s Services Committees, Tusla.

Conference on internet safety for children and young people In the week of Safer Internet Day, 200 parents and professionals working with children gathered in NUI Galway to discuss online safety for children and young people and hear about the supports available for parents and professionals. ‘Keeping children safe online – a collaborative approach to internet safety’ was organised by the Galway and Roscommon Children and Young People’s Services Committees (CYPSC) and featured a

keynote address from Dr. Geoffrey Shannon, Galway native and Ireland’s Special Rapporteur on Child Protection. Dr. Shannon said: “The importance of this issue cannot be overstated. No one government department or non-governmental organisation, working on its own, will be able to provide the supports to ensure our children are safe online. Events like this are a great way to encourage the collaboration that will be needed to

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.”

achieve this. Ideally, I would love to see services co-located so that professionals from different disciplines will be able to work side by side toward this end.” Caroline Duignan, Coordinator of the Roscommon CYPSC said: “When I meet with children and young people of all ages across Galway and Roscommon one of the issues constantly raised is internet safety. The Internet Safety Sub-Group was set up to address these concerns.”

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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Naughten supporting Monday’s Energy Action Fuel Poverty event The Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment, Denis Naughten, said he has secured €100 million for energy efficiency projects, as he announced his endorsement of the Energy Action Conference, which is to be held in Croke Park on Monday next, 6th of March. He made his comments

when he met a delegation from Energy Action and leading energy providers. Speakers at this year’s conference include Fr. Sean McDonagh, the internationally renowned eco-theologian and author, Dr. Brenda Boardman, Emeritus Fellow, Environmental Change Institute,

Oxford University and pioneer of fuel poverty research, Professor John Sweeney, President of An Taisce and contributor to the Reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007, and Jim Gannon, CEO of the Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland.

Bobby urges companies in Roscommon to support Daffodil Day Leading Irish businessman Bobby Kerr, who is now one year cancer-free, is urging corporates to play a part in supporting the thousands of Irish people affected by cancer in communities across Ireland. Daffodil Day takes place on March 24th this year and businesses in Roscommon can help raise funds by hosting a workplace event and raising much-needed funds for people affected by cancer. Last year four companies in Roscommon made a difference to cancer patients by participating in Daffodil Day. There are plenty of ways to support Daffodil Day, from company fundraisers such as cake sales and coffee mornings, to team members donating their time to sell daffodils. Mr. Kerr, Chair of Insomnia coffee chain and Newstalk broadcaster, was diagnosed with head, neck and mouth cancer in 2015. In early 2016 he received the all-clear from his doctors after undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment. Mr. Kerr said: “When I heard I had cancer, my world fell apart. I didn’t know what the future had in store. But luckily for me years of cancer research had developed

newsdesk

What’s making the news this week ...

HAC welcomes developments at hospital

Eamon Rogers, a urologist based in Galway, will be seeing his first patients in Roscommon towards the end of February. The HAC has welcomed the news. “This is a great development for the hospital as it will enable patients here to be seen locally instead of undergoing the ordeal of smart ways of treating the disease and this ultimately travelling to Galway” Cllr. saved my life. Valerie Byrne said. “On March 24th, Daffodil Day, companies in RoscomTheatres in Roscommon mon can all play a role in helping to stop cancer by fund- will be available to Dr. ing continued investment into cancer research and also Rogers to carry out his supports to help the thousands of people who will receive work, including day cases. that cancer diagnosis this year.” Cllr. Byrne also stated that To get involved register online: www.cancer.ie/daffo“the sterilisation of equipdildayatwork, email corporate@irishcancer.ie or call the ment is essential for this Corporate Partnerships team on 01 231 6625. service to be developed and

Cllr. Valerie Byrne

the Central Sterile Services Department (CSSD) that we are looking for as part of the Medical Rehabilitation Unit project is essential.” Another recent development at the hospital is the

appointment of Mary Garvey as the new Manager and the Hospital Action Commitee would like to welcome her to her new role when she takes it up later in the year. The HAC added: “The state-of-the-art endoscopy unit is continuously very busy and the Hospital Action Committee has sourced a specialised camera in the USA that will be bought to further develop the work of Dr. Deirdre Jones, Consultant Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon in the area of skin cancers.”

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Building Creative Communities –Roscommon County Council welcomes major creativity initiative Enabling creativity in every community is a core pillar of the Creative Ireland Programme, an ambitious five-year initiative, from 2017 to 2022, which will place our strongest assets – our culture and creative communities - at the centre of public policy. In 2016, Roscommon County Council demonstrated their unique capacity to activate and support community engagement and participation in marking the Centenary year through a wide range of arts, culture and heritage initiatives. Creative Ireland aims to build on this success by leading on the development of a dedicated Culture and Creativity plan for Roscommon, based on the premise that participation in cultural activity drives personal and collective creativity, with significant implications for individual and societal wellbeing. 2017 will see a special focus on children and young people with the specific objective of fast-tracking the Charter for Arts in Education, which will significantly increase access and participation for children in high quality arts and culture experiences. A network of highly experienced arts officers, heritage officers and librarians has been set up across all 31 local authorities to lead on each county’s Creative Ireland Programme and a series of public meetings will be held over the next four weeks to share ideas, develop collaborations and explore opportunities for increased investment in local arts, culture and creative industries. Additional funding to support the initiative will

be made available through the Creative Ireland Programme in 2017 with the potential for further investment over the next four years. Majella Hunt has been appointed Creative Ireland coordinator for Roscommon County Council. In addition, all the agencies of Government, including national cultural institutions, state agencies, Government Departments, organisations, individuals and communities will be activated to embed creativity across all aspects of their work – and use that creative potential to foster collective wellbeing and social cohesion. Roscommon County Council and the Creative Ireland national team will host an open meeting on Monday 6th March 2017 from 6.30 – 8.30 p.m. at Áras an Chontae, Roscommon to share details about the Programme and to explore opportunities to increase access, engagement and collaboration in the local arts and creative industries in County Roscommon Speaking in advance of the public meeting, Eugene Cummins, Chief Executive, Roscommon County Council said that Creative Ireland is an opportunity to be “occasionally absent” from the mundane and the norm, to “enter” into a world of creativity and imagination, and to “return” with hope and ideas for a better place where creative communities can flourish. Full details of the Creative Ireland Programme are available at creative.ireland.ie or on Facebook (CreativeIreland) and Twitter (@creativirl).

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL warmly invites you to attend an open meeting and discussion about

Creative Ireland 2017 – 2022 a major new culture and creativity initiative of the Government of Ireland to get communities actively engaged with arts, culture and heritage.

John Concannon from Creative Ireland will make a presentation followed by workshops on Creative Roscommon on Monday 6th March 2017 from 6.30 – 8.30 p.m. at Áras an Chontae Roscommon

An artist’s impression of the Subtropical Swimming Paradise, viewed across the lake, at the ‘Center Parcs Longford Forest’ development near Ballymahon

‘Opportunities for local contractors at Center Parcs project’ Senator Frank Feighan has highlighted the job opportunities on offer to local contractors at the Centre Parcs development near Ballymahon following the awarding of the first major works contract at the site. “Center Parcs is a €233m development which will see the construction of a forest holiday village with a capacity for up to 2,500 guests. It’s estimated that 750 jobs will be created during the construction phase, with 1,000 permanent jobs when the holiday complex is complete. “Limerick-based Roadbridge Civil Engineering & Building Contractors have just been awarded the contract to carry out the infrastructural work

and are now seeking the services of sub-contractors. “This is a great opportunity for local firms to express an interest in working on this major project. The Roadbridge company has said that 60% of its work on site will be sub-contracted, so clearly there are lots of opportunities for many people living in this region. “The infrastructural work will include earthworks, road and path networks, utilities and the installation of a drainage system. “It’s expected that these works will commence in May and those who want to be considered for employment can email their expressions and CV to Roadbridge at: centerparcs@roadbridge.ie.”

Roscommon People Friday 03 March 2017

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20 years of Service that Matters! E

stablished in 1997 by Vincent Collins, Service Matters began life with one customer, one van, one employee and one garage at the back of Vincent’s house. Fast-forward 20 years and the business now boasts four locations around the country, a fleet of vehicles the envy of the industry, a major head office operation in Roscommon town at an impressive 30,000 square feet, and a customer base the length and breadth of Ireland, North and South. This major enterprise is now supported by an ever-growing workforce of over 70 people. Back in 1997 Vincent recognised an opportunity in the hygiene rental business for an Irish company to offer best quality products, coupled with excellent service week-in-week-out. That is the platform on which the business was established and remains central to how the company operates today. “We know our customers are at the heart of what we do. Whatever product or service we are providing we make sure to do it in the best way possible;

Service Matters, Golf Links Road, Roscommon was established by Vincent Collins (right) in 1997.

that has been the key to our success. We started out providing a floor mat rental service, which we still do today. However, we have added a few more strings to our bow since then and offer complete washroom services as well as specialising in workwear and uniforms for all industries, from garages and restaurants, right through to cleanroom manufacturing garments and food trade standard clothing,” says Vincent.

The workwear and uniform side of the Service Matters business offers both leasing and laundry services as well as selling garments to customers. Vincent states: “Our exclusive range of workwear and casual wear has really gathered steam in recent years, our range has evolved to include everything from high vis PPE and technical clothing right through to stylish casual wear; all

being sold from our thriving retail business in Roscommon. Shoppers can buy direct in store, where our expert staff are on hand to advise them, or they can visit us online at www.qualityworkwear.ie.” To celebrate 20 years in business in Roscommon Service Matters are having an anniversary sale both instore and online. They are offering 10% off everything in store for the entire month of March. On top

of this, all visitors to the store in March will be entered into a free prize draw for a pair of top of the range Dike boots or their choice of Engel jacket and trousers. This is a totally free draw for everyone coming into the shop in March. Don’t miss the opportunity to grab a great deal at Service Matters this March as they celebrate 20 years of success in Roscommon and across the country.

Roscommon People Friday 03 March 2017

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Past Pupils of the CBS

Past Pupils Union Launch

Thursday, March 2nd In the School Hall at 7pm All welcome

POLITICAL PEOPLE

Feighan sets sights on Dáil return ‘I’m in a better space…and I’m running again’ << Paul Healy

The next election: See Paul Healy’s preview – PAGE 20 In a move which will surprise many political observers – not least in his own party – Frank Feighan is preparing to challenge for a Dáil seat once again. The Roscommon People can exclusively reveal that Feighan, now a Senator, is planning to seek a Fine Gael nomination at the next General Election. Senator Feighan, who admits that his career was badly damaged by the Roscommon Hospital controversy, confirmed his intentions on Tuesday. “Yes, as of now I am aiming to run in the next General Election. I will seek a nomination. I am in a better space now.” News of Feighan’s comeback bid suggests that the former TD will be going head to head with Senator Maura Hopkins at Convention level. Feighan served as a Fine Gael TD from 2007 to 2016, but his career had imploded in 2011 after he supported the Fine Gael-led Government at the time of the highly controversial closure of Roscommon A&E. Prior to last year’s General Election, the then Deputy Feighan announced that he would not be seeking re-election. At the time, he said: “This is a personal decision which is one I have not taken lightly but one I feel is taken in the best interest of my party and my constituency.” Feighan became a figure of huge controversy from mid-2011 and the anger directed at him over the hospital controversy left him bruised, politically and personally. Many people assumed he had quit politics for good, but after Feighan sat out last year’s election, Taoiseach Enda Kenny appointed the Boyle native to the Seanad. Feighan was frank (no pun intended) about the hospital issue and his current standing with the public when he spoke to the Roscommon People on Tuesday.

Guess who’s back…Senator Frank Feighan has his sights set on a Dáil comeback…meaning the Boyle man and party colleague Senator Maura Hopkins will be going head to head.

“Of course the hospital controversy affected me. I was subjected to a lot of abuse. I went from shock to hurt to anger…maybe I didn’t always react well. Look, I am in a much better space now. I am encouraged by how people are treating me now. People are nicer…and I think people have genuinely seen the work that I have done on the hospital over the last five years. I am pleasantly surprised at the change in people’s mood. I am re-energised by it.” Senator Feighan (54) confirmed that Fine Gael members who attended a recent party meeting

in Roscommon Town displayed strong support for Leo Varadkar succeeding Enda Kenny as party leader. “Yeah…there was a meeting of the Roscommon/Castlerea electoral area. The chairperson asked for a show of hands on who those present would support as leader. Perhaps surprisingly, for a rural area, it worked out about 80% for Varadkar and 20% for Simon Coveney.” Feighan, very much a Kenny loyalist, says the Taoiseach has his full support for as long as he wishes to remain as party leader.

Paddy likes to know…about HAC thinking!

Cllr. Paddy Kilduff

Recent public statements by the Hospital Action Committee have left one Fianna Fáil councillor almost – but not quite – stuck for words. Cllr. Paddy Kilduff claims that the HAC has “lost its sense of outrage” since Fine Gael took over responsibility for Roscommon Hospital from Fianna Fáil. “I can’t get over the softening of the HAC’s position” Cllr. Kilduff, somewhat mischeviously, said this week. “At first I thought the HAC had taken a complete vow of silence regarding the hospi-

tal. Now, following recent public pronouncements from the HAC, I realise that they haven’t taken a vow of silence, they’ve just stopped shouting about the A&E Unit that this county lost under Fine Gael’s watch. “I read and hear about the HAC welcoming certain developments at the hospital. Now I also welcome all that’s good for the hospital, but I am truly amazed at the HAC’s silence about the ‘elephant in the room’ – A&E. “I will remind the HAC that when Fianna Fáil were in

power, the HAC kept roaring and shouting about the threat to A&E. “Of course Fianna Fáil not alone put the A&E in, we kept it open too. The HAC never stopped roaring and shouting about it, and to be fair, they were probably entitled to. Now, after Fine Gael closed it, there isn’t a word from the HAC about it!” It remains to be seen what the HAC thinks of Cllr. Kilduff’s attack. This week the HAC welcomed recent developments at the hospital, while also renewing their call for

a Central Sterile Services Department to be provided as part of the Rehabilitation Unit which is earmarked for the hospital. Whether relations between the HAC and Cllr. Kilduff can be rehabilitated or not remains to be seen. * Separately, the HSE informed Cllr. Kilduff on February 20th – in response to a motion that he placed at HSE West Forum level last September – that there are no plans to re-open the Accident & Emergency Department at Roscommon Hospital.

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Who will follow in Aisling’s footsteps? Launch of Roscommon Rose of Tralee The Roscommon Rose of Tralee Centre are delighted to announce their 2017 competition for the search for the International Rose of Tralee is in full swing with the official launch and announcement of details of the 2017 Roscommon Roses, escorts and sponsors taking place at the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon at 8 pm on Saturday, 4th of March. Friends, family, local businesses – everybody is invited and welcome to come along to the Fortfield Suite. Details of the Roscommon Rose of Tralee Rose Ball & Selection Night will be announced. Tickets for this year’s event will go on sale on the night and tickets will be sold on a first-come firstserved basis. This year’s Rose Ball and Selection Night promises to be an experience not to be missed and will see the winner go on to represent Roscommon at the International Rose of Tralee Festival in Tralee in August. Our current Roscommon Rose, Aisling McNeill, has had an amazing year to date and has just returned from Belarus on charity work with fellow 2016 Roses. A number of local business in Roscommon Town and businesses in County Roscommon have come on board to support and provide valuable sponsorship. All sponsorship is welcomed by the Centre and anybody interested in giving any assistance to the Roscommon Rose of Tralee Centre are invited to get in contact with the 2017 committee – Chairperson Yvonne Corrigan-Donohue, Treasurer Sinead McDermott, Secretary Sharon Byrne.

Curraghboy National School Curraghboy N.S is holding their

enrolment evening on March 15th, from 6.30pm-7.30pm Any questions, please ring on

(090) 64 88293

Roscommon Rose Aisling McNeill pictured with International Rose of Tralee presenter, Daithí Ó Sé in Tralee last August.

Parents and future pupils welcome

Roscommon People Friday 03 March 2017

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Tori Fleming receives a blessing from Fr. Paddy Mooney. Picture: Andrew Fox

Traffic ‘Psalm’ in Glenamaddy!

Members of the public pictured in a queue to receive a blessing for Ash Wednesday. Picture: Andrew Fox

Innovative Fr Paddy’s ‘drive thru’ blessings << Dan Dooner

Billy Comer prepares to make his way home after receiving a blessing. Picture: Andrew Fox

St. Patrick’s Church in Glenamaddy heralded the arrival of Lent on Ash Wednesday by introducing a ‘drive thru’ blessing service for those parishioners who were unable to attend Mass yesterday evening. Fr. Paddy Mooney and his assistants, Breda Keaveney, Pastoral Council Secretary and Sacristan, Bridie McLoughlin provided the traditional ashes through car windows as motorists queued up from 8 am yesterday morning. A mini media circus descended on the town as curious locals cruised into the church grounds to receive their blessings. Local volunteers directed traffic in and out of the church as parishioners steered cars, vans, tractors and even bicycles through the drive thru service.

Pictured at St. Patrick’s Church, Glenamaddy were Breda Keaveney, Pastoral Council Secretary, Fr. Paddy Mooney and Bridie McLoughlin, Sacristan, St. Patrick’s Church, Glenamaddy. Picture: Andrew Fox

Observing Lent, at home and abroad! << Ailish Beirne

Yesterday, Wednesday the 1st of March, was Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. In commemoration of the forty days Jesus spent fasting in the desert, we give up something we love for that period of time. Different countries around the world celebrate Lent in different ways. For instance on the last Sunday before Lent begins, Denmark

celebrates by eating cream and jam-filled buns and children dress up in costumes! Meanwhile, in Greece, Greek Orthodox Christians give up all meat and animal products during Lent. In Poland, Shrove Tuesday is called ‘Sledziowka’ (Sledz meaning herring) and various dishes of herring are served throughout the day. In Mexico, the final Friday of Lent is devoted to Our

Lady. Altars are set up in churches and homes in her honour. On the fourth Friday, fruit drinks and ice cream are given to passers-by in honour of the Samaritan woman who gave Jesus water at the well. In Ireland, our fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, and our abstinence from meat on all of the Fridays of Lent, reminds us that Lent is a penitential season.

There are numerous other traditions and rituals practiced throughout Lent. Even though many people still celebrate Lent with passion and pride in Ireland, do you think the meaning behind Lent isn’t sufficiently appreciated? Many people believe this to be the case. Throughout the years the decline of younger generations participating in Lent or attending Mass is becoming more and more

evident. Older generations tend to have a better understanding of Lent and what it stands for, primarily because of the strong Catholic ethos that prevailed over the decades. Today, many people participate in Lent not because they are necessarily aware of what the Lenten period is about, but just so they can join in “giving up something” – as evidence of their self-control!

Some people would argue that the practice of giving up something for Lent is becoming more of a social undertaking rather than the traditional religious one. If you observe Lent – and for whatever reason you do – good luck with your abstinence! * Ailish Beirne, a Transition Year student at the Convent of Mercy, Roscommon is currently on work experience with the Roscommon People

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To mark Fostering Awareness Week, Tusla’s local fostering team is running information sessions at a number of locations around Roscommon. To find out more about fostering come along and meet a fostering social worker on: Pictured at the Athleague Camogie Club Dinner Dance in Hannon’s Hotel were Chloe Whyte Lennon and Evan Tully. Picture: Andrew Fox

Eleventh Heaven for Abbey Hotel!

The Abbey Hotel, Roscommon were delighted to receive the news on Monday last that they secured a remarkable 11 nominations in the upcoming Irish Restaurant Awards which will take place on March 28th in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Sligo. Abbey Hotel Manager Tom Grealy explained: “This is a great boost for the Abbey Hotel and indeed a reflection of the dedication and commitment of our hardworking staff. A sincere thank you to all members of the public who voted for us. “11 nominations across a broad selection

of categories is a huge accomplishment. The introduction of our new cocktail menu, a wider selection of world wines, authentic locally sourced produce and our hugely popular and diverse evening bar food menu have proved to be a winner with our growing customer base. It’s also nice to see us getting nominatated in some new categories this year such as Best Cocktail, Best Gastro pub/cafe and Best Digital Marketing. “We look forward with great anticipation to the Restaurant Awards Regional Final at the end of March in Sligo.”

Friday 3rd March, 11am – 12pm in Boyle Health Centre, Elphin Street, Boyle Friday 3rd March, 11am – 12pm in Roscommon Primary Care Centre, Golf Links Road, Roscommon Friday 3rd March, 11am – 12pm in Monksland Primary Care Centre, Old Tuam Road, Monksland

For further information call: 090 663 7529 or visit www.fostering.ie.

Murphy voices concern over approach on wind farms PCP from

€473

. p e r we e k RVICING. YEARS SE s e d lu Inc

Fianna Fáil TD for Roscommon/Galway Eugene Murphy has expressed concern over what he deems a ‘cloak and dagger’ approach to a proposed wind farm development in the Roscommon Town area. Deputy Murphy attended a meeting in Castlecoote Community Centre to discuss a potential windfarm development in the area including Aghagad, Aghagower, Bracklin, Carrowkeel, Cornaveagh, Creemully, Aghagad Beg, Derryhippoo and Leam. “At this stage the proposal details are not known and Coillte are not releasing any information to me or indeed even to the Minister for Communications Envi-

ronment and Natural Resources Denis Naughten who was also at the meeting and the Minister acknowledged that he knew nothing of any proposed wind farm in these areas. “The mood in the room was one of shock and

anxiety that Coillte and a currently un-named wind farm development company could be working behind the scenes and under the radar on this project without the knowledge of anyone in Roscommon County Council or even

the Minister’s office. I am very anxious that there seems to be cloak and dagger situation in relation to the development of wind farms. There is little information in the public domain and I will endeavour to put pressure on the Government to be open and transparent in relation to any wind farm development proposed in this area,” said Deputy Murphy. The Fianna Fáil TD stressed that legislation and regulation of planning surrounding wind farms needs to be updated as a matter of urgency and the setback area should be set at least 1000m to 1500m from any residence.

Roscommon People Friday 03 March 2017

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Fr om My Kitchen Table Miriam Kerins

We need to protect our children from premature sexualisation I

must have missed the memo informing me that it has now apparently become the ‘norm’ for 9-year-old little girls to ‘sext’ explicit images of themselves to little boys. Well, if you were to believe Caroline O’Sullivan, Director of Services at the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC), you could be forgiven for accepting that this horrific craze has now morphed into a major trend, especially as it’s “becoming more a feature of the organisation’s daily work.” And, as the ISPCC is doing great work, and appear to be on top of their game, I do believe and trust Caroline, and I’m now highly disturbed that sadly, the sexualisation and exploitation of young, vulnerable, innocent little children may have reached epidemic proportions in this country – and I have to say…enough is enough. This is a serious issue for me because as a grandparent I witness my 10-yearold little angel being bombarded by pop culture and its daily messages; some of which are good, some cool and fun, and some, deranged, dark

and downright unhealthy; with the latter forcing many young kids to grow up too quickly, often leading to them (through absolutely no fault of their own), having a total disregard for their personal sense of decency and safety, tragically falling into a dark, distressing arena where porn has possibly become the norm. Now, while I think my mobile ‘phone is the greatest invention since penicillin, as it keeps me up to date with what’s going on in the world, enables me to work from anywhere and has lots of other wonderful benefits, I’d have to question why any 9-year-old child would need such a device, especially with the potential consequences, (given this latest ISPCC revelation), being severely damaging to their mental health and wellbeing. Okay, I understand a mobile ‘phone is a convenient way of keeping tabs on your kids, and, in an emergency situation, your child can easily and quickly reach you…great! But, OMG parents, you really need to ask yourselves this question…

is your young kid ready for all the dangerous pitfalls that come with this wonderful, convenient method of communication? Clearly the poor kids sending sexualised selfies of themselves are not! Sadly, there is no legal age setting out when a child may possess a mobile ‘phone, therefore it’s down to the parents to set the boundaries regarding when they feel the time is right. And, carrying out a quick poll of my own friends who have young kids, and, posing the question to my eldest daughter (parent of my 10-year-old granddaughter), it seems that Confirmation (12/13 years) is the popular time; and that’s reasonable enough. Yet, given recent revelations where it’s reported that a school staff member ‘referred to a 9-year-old girl sending nude photos of herself to boys in her class,’ parents are giving in to the pester power of their little cherubs, and the downward age of under ten is more the case because, quite simply, it’s bloody hard to say no to certain things when your child is being subjected to peer pressure

It’s stupid season at the White House! Well folks, it seems as if last week, President Chump, sorry Trump, and his advisors were acting like a pack of back row hooligans, further escalating their petty attacks against the meeja by showing us that The Donald will wield the might, and use the prerogative of his position and power to silence and belittle those who dare to disagree, scan, study or scrutinise him when he banned such credible organsiations as CNN, the BBC, The Guardian, the New York Times, and others, from attending an off-camera press briefing. Now, while I can’t believe I’m writing about this oppressor again, because I feel that in sinking low enough to do so and grant Trump any sort of publicity, what I’m really doing is contributing to the decline of my own intellect – seriously folks, I have to wonder, what is Trump’s main objective, because basic PR maintenance and the responsible running of a country it ain’t. You see, by aggressively hand-pick-

President of the United States, Donald Trump.

ing members of the press, I now feel that Trump and Co. have tentatively walked the backalleys of stupidity and thuggery, and, even though the Beeb’s very polite Washington bureau chief, Paul Danahar, sympathetically said: “We understand there may be occasions when, due to space or circumstances, the White House restricts press events

to the established pool” – it’s clear it stung. If it were me, and Trump had refused The Roscommon People entry, while I’d have had to graciously take my lumps (like other reporters), my smiley face would soon freeze into a rictus of revenge! Yeah Donald…hell hath no fury like a newspaper woman scorned!

and aggressive commercialism by advertisers. And, while we all appreciate that mobile ‘phones and the internet can provide educational tools and interesting apps for our kids, on the other hand, dare I ask, how can it be hard for any parent to say no to blatant exposure to potential online bullying, predatory creeps, and sexsploitation? God knows I’m no Mary Poppins, but, should my 10-year-old granddaughter be allowed a mobile ‘phone tomorrow, I’d suggest to her mother, the decision-maker, (who would probably tell me to butt out), that she give her a seriously dumbed down version of one, as in, it could only send text messages as opposed to picture messages, and her contact list would be locked down so tight it would only contain close family members’ numbers. I believe that as parents/grandparents, we all have a vested interest in protecting our children from premature sexualisation, because, to do otherwise would be quite literally contributing to damaging the innocence of their childhood.

What about the borders of the future, Enda? The countdown is on, and, as weome enter March, Brexit is set to becing a reality, with the Brits triggere Article 50. This will be the tim when ourselves and the rest of two Europe will officially enter into s, years of separation negotiation orce. culminating in an April 2019 Div Now sadly readers, this will also up mean that the annual Booze Run ! North will cease, I kid you not You see, while Enda and Theresa waffle on about ‘No return to I’m borders of the past,’ I have to say ir bull, personally sick of hearing the we’re ieve bel I e, stag because at this the all familiar with the borders ofthem, ugh thro d live ve we’ e past; sur Enda so enough with the lip service ect exp to at wh ut abo us tell and Tell from the borders of the future. be us what’s facing us, because toyou honest, no matter how much we’re blather and cackle, the fact is, ially not idiots and know that essent Ma Markel and her flunkies will ions have the final call in how us min separate our assets and live ourna lives, and methinks, it ain’t gon be purty!

newsbriefs Nice one, Michael! Michael Conneally, Boyounagh Bridge, is the new captain of Mountbellew Golf Club for 2017. Michael is a member of Glenamaddy Golf Society and the first ‘Glan’ person to become captain of Mountbellew Golf Club!

Church Gate Collection

A Church Gate Collection will be held in Drum and Curraghroe Churches on Saturday and Sunday, 4th and 5th of March in aid of Roscommon SPCA.

Ballaghaderreen Market coming up

The next Ballaghaderreen Community Market takes place on Saturday, 11th of March from 10 am until 3 pm. Anyone wishing to book a craft or car-boot/bric a brac stall should contact Linda on 089-4447788.

Roscommon support for Trócaire sought

Last year people throughout Roscommon helped to raise €245,809 to support Trócaire’s annual Lenten campaign through the Dioceses of Clonfert, Ardagh & Clonmacnois and Elphin, allowing the charity to support hundreds of thousands of people living in devastating poverty. Ash Wednesday (March 1st) marked the start of this year’s Lenten Campaign with almost one million Trócaire boxes being delivered across Ireland. Trócaire boxes are available from parishes throughout Roscommon, through trocaire. org or by phoning 1850 408 408. People can also download a free Trócaire box app for their mobile phones or tablets. The app is available from the Apple App Store or Google Playstore.

Roscommon Tidy Towns AGM

Roscommon Tidy Towns will hold its AGM on Wednesday, 8th of March at 7 pm in Gleeson’s Townhouse. All welcome.

Coffee Morning in JJ’s for Daffodil Day

This year Daffodil Day is on Friday, 24th of March. To begin fundraising in Roscommon Town, a Coffee Morning will take place in JJ Harlow’s, The Square, Roscommon on Friday, 10th of March from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm. All proceeds will go to the Irish Cancer Society for Daffodil Day. Support would be much appreciated.

Roscommon Active Retirement Group – trip to West Cork

Roscommon Active Retirement Group invite you to join them on a five-day trip to Clonakilty, West Cork from Monday, 24-Friday, 27 April. Included is B&B, evening dinner, three day-trips. Price is €275 pp sharing. Call 086-8435562/0861925411.

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HSE abandons plans for ‘health facility for children’ in Roscommon Town • No funding • Over a year in planning • Murphy asks Minister to explain << Paul Healy

Plans by the HSE to locate a major new health centre in Roscommon Town – where a ‘School Age Team’ would provide a range of services for children with disabilities – won’t now proceed due to lack of funding. It had been intended that up to forty people would work in the facility. Fianna Fáil TD Eugene Murphy has now called for the Minister for Health Simon Harris to immediately clarify why extensive planning went into sourcing a premises for the services – only for the project to collapse due to lack of funding. The HSE selected a ‘preferred location’ for the mooted facility over a year ago, but now says no further action will be taken at this point. The HSE, having spent well over a year exploring options on the future provision of social care in Roscommon, says the mooted project cannot proceed due to a lack of funding. The HSE currently provides a range of services in the Roscommon Town area, in different locations. In late 2015, the HSE commenced the process of seeking out a suitable premises in the Roscommon area to accommodate a ‘School Age Team.’ The Roscommon People has established that the HSE requested terms on various premises in the Roscommon area when “exploring the future provision of social care services.” The HSE engaged with a number of interested parties and in December 2015 a substantial section of an existing prominent premises in Roscommon Town was chosen

‘Another health setback in Roscommon’

tion that a planned Deputy Murphy says the revela n Town will not new health centre in Roscommo ng in light of rryi now proceed is particularly wo health services l nta me into iew the external rev now due in early is ich wh n mo com Ros nty in Cou lth setback”, hea er oth “an March. Concerned at be used as a not st mu iew rev this t he noted tha g services. stin exi “beating stick” to downgrade ernal review must ext the for e “The March deadlin ependent report be adhered to. I expect this ind of the services ical crit to be negative and highly vices in Roscommon as it is clear mental health ser nt to see this wa ’t are in a crisis mode, but I don stick to justify ting bea a report being used as s. vice ser downgrading e psychiatrist posts “We also need to have full-tim mon as there com Ros nty Cou made available in trists providing a are currently only locum psychia ing negatively act imp is disjointed service, which Helen McEntee on patients and staff. Minister acute psychiatric nal also needs to provide additio pital as they are beds in Roscommon County Hos y.” operating at maximum capacit

as a ‘preferred location.’ The Roscommon People understands that between 33 and 40 staff would be located in the centre if the project were to proceed. While some of these personnel are already working for the HSE in other locations, most would be new appointments. Drawings seen by the Roscommon People indicate that the new health facility – over 11,000 sq. ft. in area – would cater for children of national school going age and also for older children. Drawings of the proposed layout show Assessment Rooms, a Physio Room, a Therapy Suite, a Pyschology Room, Family

Interview Rooms, offices for social workers, various meeting rooms, etc. However, in a response to queries from the Roscommon People, the HSE has cast doubt over whether or not the new health facility will ever get off the ground. The HSE says there is no funding in place at present for the project. The HSE confirmed to the Roscommon People that it had sought terms on “various premises” in the Roscommon area as part of exploring plans for the future provision of social care services in Roscommon. The HSE added that “no further action will be taken at this point.”

HSE respons Roscommon e to People “The HSE ha

d expl future provision ofored seeking terms for our social care serv Roscommon. ices in “Whilst terms on va Roscommon area rious premises in the action will be takewere requested, no further “There is no fundinn at this point. an arrangement. g in place at present for such “We cannot provid this time as it woul e any further information at d be commercially sensitive.”

Murphy slams HSE, calls on Minister Harris to provide clarity << Paul Healy

Fianna Fáil TD for Roscommon/ Galway Eugene Murphy has called for the Minister for Health Simon Harris to immediately clarify whether or not plans for a new HSE health facility in the county town have now been stalled due to budgetary issues. Responding to confirmation by the HSE that “no further action will be taken at this point” after an 11,000 sq.ft. premises was chosen as a preferred location for vital health services for children, Deputy Murphy said it is “outrageous” that an apparent lack of funding should at this late stage in the saga now threaten the provision of services for young people with disabilities. Commenting on the Roscommon People story, Deputy Murphy said: “It is a very worrying development to see so much time, energy and

taxpayers’ money going into the groundwork and preparatory works to acquire a premises, negotiate a lease and set out terms, etc. – only to end up seeing it going nowhere.” On the as of now stalled plans to accommodate a School Age Team which would provide services to children with disabilities, Deputy Murphy said: “The HSE has advised me that they did explore the possibility with a number of landlords but have now advised them that they won’t be progressing with the lease at this time. “I also understand that all of the funding required to pay the therapists and clinicians on the School Age Team for Roscommon is in place – so will we now have a situation whereby children with disabilities will be neglected and not be able to access these services because of the issue of a building?

“The HSE has dragged this matter out for long enough now and put the issue of a building and lease on the long finger. There are numerous available and suitable buildings in Roscommon Town and I am sure a solution could be reached. “It is outrageous to think that the issue of a building or a lease can be used as an excuse not to provide a service to children with disabilities and I will be seeking urgent clarification on this issue with the Minister for Health,” said Deputy Murphy. Deputy Murphy said that it was a typical response from the HSE as a lack of funding and budgetary issues is the standard reply to problems in all areas of healthcare. “I see the same thing happening with the provision of home care packages for people in counties Galway, Mayo and Roscommon with many families now losing vital

hours they had previously been allocated. I raised this issue recently in the Dáil when I highlighted a number of cases in the constituency whereby people had requested additional hours due to a loved one’s condition deteriorating but the HSE actually took home care hours away from them rather than allocating extra hours.”

Fianna Fáil TD for Roscommon/ Galway Eugene Murphy

Roscommon People Friday 03 March 2017

NEWSFeature

The Ardcarne Graveyard committee pictured outside Ardcarne Church recently (l-r): Tony Bambrick, Treasurer/PRO; Jim Reynolds, Chairman; Seán Lynch; Margaret McQuaid; Anne McQuaid; Joe McQuaid and Ian Gillespie, caretaker. Missing from photograph: Eileen Bambrick, John Bambrick, Peter Higgins, Colm Lenehan, David Gillespie, Patricia Lynch, Mary McQaid and Fr Brendan McDonagh.

25 years on the ‘graveyard shift’ in Ardcarne

The famine memorial statue, which was donated to Ardcarne by the late Canon Henry Tonra.

News Feature By Dan Dooner

Recently Dan Dooner travelled to Ardcarne in the north of the county to meet with the hard-working graveyard committee, which takes care of four graveyards in the Parish of Ardcarne, including two in Ardcarne itself and two in Kileenan. The committee has been in operation for 25 years this year having begun work restoring the four graveyards in 1992.

pulled into the carpark at Ardcarne Church on a wet and miserable Sunday afternoon. I was met by the Ardcarne Graveyard committee who were led by PRO Tony Bambrick. Tony is very passionate when it comes to the committee’s work and it was he who had invited me to Ardcarne. The committee took me on a tour of the stone church, which was built in 1750. The church boasts beautiful stained glass windows, the most famous of which is the first commission of the Irish artist, Evie Hone. This window was dedicated to the memory of Colonel and Mrs. Kirkwood, who lived in nearby ‘Woodbrook’. The Kirkwood family and the King Harmons of Rockingham had a close association with the church. I was even given access to the seating area which was once reserved for such noble families. Committee member Ian Gillespie, Who is also a member of the Church of Ireland Select Ves-

try, said: “It was warmer up here due to heating system in the church. The wealthy families would sit here for services where they would look over the rest of the congregation.” The organ is another beautiful feature of the church. The instrument was made by Telford and Telford of Dublin and donated by Mr. Bartley Walker in memory of his mother. Jim Reynolds and Ian Gillespie took me up into the rafters via an ancient staircase and wooden ladders. We looked out in all directions from a roof which has been rebuilt several times over the last few centuries. It’s clear that the church remains a central part of the landscape of the area. My tour of Ardcarne was to finish in the neat graveyard where Seán Lynch, Jim and Tony proudly displayed a quarter century of hard work. This work, which started back in October 1992, has resulted in a complete transformation of the graveyard. Experts such as Dr. Kieran O’Conor from NUI Galway were brought on board to oversee the project and the clearing away of weeds and bushes was carried out between 1993 and 1999 by Fás workers. Tony said: “The graveyard was completely inaccessible with bushes and weeds. Up until recently the ground was easily flooded also but we have alleviated this with the help of a local landowner who has allowed us to place a sump on his land. “If it’s one regret I have it’s that we didn’t take pictures when we were starting out! My advice would be to take plenty of pictures when starting a project like this!” Tony also said the committee learned a lot from the original chairman, Sean J. McQuaid. “Mr. McQuaid was a great fun-

The Ardcarne Graveyard committee has carried out extensive work on the church and graveyard.

draiser and we honed our skills from him at the very beginning. Three members of his family remain active members on the committee: his wife Mary and daughters Anne and Margaret. “We must also pay tribute to previous members of the Ardcarne graveyard committee and particularly the original committee, whose hard work has been continued throughout the years,” he said. The work has been painstaking over the years and as well as vital work to the groundwork, the

committee has also refurbished railings and other features throughout the graveyard. “That’s all been repaired or replaced,” Jim Reynolds says as he points out the neat rows of black railing. Tony highlights the altar which stands near a dividing wall and describes further planned improvements: “We would like to put memorial benches in parts of the graveyard and carry out some further drainage work to affected areas and work will be carried out in the car park. None of this work

is possible without the committee at grassroots and the support from the local community and Roscommon County Council,” he said. Indeed the entire committee praised the support of members of the Parish of Ardcarne and the elected members of Roscommon County Council and both houses of the Oireachtas who have provided financial support to the many refurbishment projects over the last 25 years. It was nearly time to leave,

but before I did, Tony and Jim showed me where victims of the famine and French prisoners of war were thought to be buried. This is a place of substantial history, which the bronze famine statue at the front of the church donated by the late Canon Henry Tonra can also attest to. The hard work of the committee has enabled this site to prosper and with the right support, the landmark church and historical graveyard will be here long into the future.

Roscommon People Friday 03 March 2017

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Goalkeeper turned poacher A fair charge from Gay – or a below the belt tackle? << Paul Healy

Was Gay Sheerin’s remarkable outburst about the new Roscommon GAA management either warranted or wise? The new management team are only the proverbial ‘wet week’ in place and already they are being publicly condemned. Of course this isn’t straightforward. Sheerin is perfectly entitled to his opinion, and he did raise some legitimate points during his riveting, heartfelt and passionate contribution on Shannonside on Saturday (see extracts below). And I guess it’s generally good to hear a radio analyst speaking their mind. And Sheerin has credibility. After all, he’s had a distinguished GAA career, as a player, manager, selector, etc. But many people will feel that Sheerin went over the top on Saturday, and that his fierce criticism was untimely, given that Kevin McStay has only started out as manager of Roscommon. Many may also feel that any valid points that Sheerin made were overshadowed by the personal nature of some of what he said, especially his repeated inferences that he did not want a Mayo presence on the Roscommon sideline. To be fair, once you got over the initial shock of the ferocity of Gay’s attack on Kevin McStay/Liam McHale, you realised that, as emotional as his analysis was, there was a structure to what he was saying. I think his central arguments were as follows: (A) That questions simply must be asked about why Roscommon are missing so many of last season’s squad (Sheerin blames the new management, alleging that half the players don’t want to play for them); (B) He insists that Roscommon should be showing a greater hunger for staying in Division One, instead of giving the impression that we are

indifferent about our league fate, or indeed resigned to being relegated; (C) Most controversially of all, Sheerin makes it clear he’d much prefer to see a Roscommon man in charge –in fact he bluntly states “I do not like to see Mayo men on the sideline of a Roscommon team.” I’m not sure this analysis is fair. Firstly, I think many Roscommon supporters are deluded about our exact place on the football ladder. On a really good day, we may be top eight material, and we are certainly working towards being at that level consistently. But it is too easy to condemn our players when they lose Division One matches. We lose a league match by a few points…and the armchair critics, even the ones attending games, start droning on about Roscommon being no good, etc. That is too simplistic. People need to remember how surprised/delighted we all were when Roscommon won promotion to Division One. Have people forgotten that we progressed through the leagues much quicker than expected? When we got into Division One in 2015, many supporters feared that we would lose heavily to many of the big teams. As it turned out, and with Roscommon clearly more advanced in their preparation than most of our opponents, we won four league games last season. That, of course, then led to heightened expectations! The reality is that, last Saturday aside, Roscommon have done very well in Division One. Leaving out the NFL semi-final against Kerry, Roscommon have been competitive in nine of their ten Division One games since the start of 2016. Even last Saturday, while not exactly competitive, we went down with our boots on. In truth, Roscommon are probably an upper Division Two team just now, or maybe a lower Division One team. And by the way, this season really needs to be all about the championship. In Irish society these days, the temptation is to jump in and criticise, when a bit of patience and realism would go a long way. Boring maybe, but fairer? What would be so wrong with giving this squad and management time to build – without subjecting them to the distraction of kneejerk criticism? I do accept that there is public disquiet about the absence of so many players from last year. But are we going to go on about that all year? Kevin McStay was

selected by the County Board, ratified by the clubs. He picked his panel. There are guys missing, for a variety of reasons. If, as Gay Sheerin asserts, some of the missing players would be on the pitch or bench if Fergal O’Donnell was still involved, we might well ask: Why won’t they make themselves available for Roscommon and work with whoever is manager? Do they not like Mayo men on the sideline either? We have entrusted a manager with selecting a panel and managing the team. We should judge the outcome of this in the fullness of time – not after three NFL games. If the McStay era is a success, it’s a success – if it fails, it fails. Let’s give it time. Even by Roscommon standards, starting the manager-bashing after just three league games is a bit early. Yes, fans should have their strong views, and there will be the traditional robust pub talk, but let’s not start another exhibition of washing dirty linen in public, Roscommon GAA style. The players and management should be supported at the start of a new season. Give them their two or three years – give them a fair wind, a chance. This ‘rant’, notwithstanding the valid issues raised, was over the top, unfair and untimely. And Gay…does it matter where a manager is from? Until quite recently, you were selector with Kerry man John Evans when he was Roscommon manager. So, easy on Kerry, heavy on the Mayo? Besides, Kevin McStay has lived half his life to date in Roscommon! Gay Sheerin pictured on right.

‘I’m going to get nailed for this rant’ Roscommon GAA manager Kevin McStay and selector Liam McHale came in for fierce criticism from former Roscommon player, manager and selector Gay Sheerin during a Shannonside FM broadcast on the Roscommon v Mayo match in MacHale Park last Saturday night. Sheerin, who was co-commentator alongside Willie Hegarty, did not hold back as Roscommon lost by 1-19 to 0-14…

What Gay said…at half-time

Gay Sheerin.

“…I think that Kevin McStay and Liam McHale are not the people to bring Roscommon on. They have no inter-county experience at senior level and that’s the facts of it. When Kevin McStay went for the job last year he looked for Fergal O’Donnell as joint team manager, which diluted the thing. We only lost one player the whole year last year and that was Conor Daly, who went to America. If I was in charge of Roscommon I would have been annoyed at that but Conor Daly came back and he hasn’t appeared since.” Sheerin went on to allege that just 51% of the thenRoscommon players supported the appointment of McStay last October. He noted that “we have lost 10 players.” “We have a half-back line sitting at home, the Dalys, and we have three or four more that would be able to

“

‘I do not like to see Mayo men on the sideline for Roscommon’

help out these lads here. We have let too many fellows go. We let Donie Shine go…Donie Shine was a good Roscommon player, he gave everything for Roscommon and I have seen that from the sideline and from the terraces. “The simple fact is that players are not stupid and we have lost too many players and the reason seems to be from the management side of it. At the start of the league Kevin McStay said that we haven’t a lot of work done. That’s his fault. We should have a lot of work done.” Mr. Sheerin said that both Kevin McStay and Liam McHale have given indications that relegation to Division Two (if it happens) won’t be a major concern and that Roscommon can build from there. “That’s a load of rubbish. You stay in the top division.”

What Gay said…at full-time “I’m laying the blame for this at Kevin McStay’s door. I don’t care what anyone says about Gay Sheerin mouthing on the radio, but I look down there on the sideline

and I don’t see a Roscommon man and if there was a Roscommon man there a lot of those players would not have walked. “Fergal O’Donnell got a lot of abuse last year and I would have questioned a lot of his tactics but at the end of the day Fergal O’Donnell is a Roscommon man and he wants Roscommon players playing and they would be down there on the bench today and they are not. “I’m getting phone calls from people in America asking what’s happening to our Roscommon team. If 49% of the players do not want the manager I don’t know what to say and the County Board have asked no questions (as to) why all those players were let go. You need experience when you are in Division One. “There will be people standing at the bar with their pints of Carlsberg or Guinness in their hand listening to this saying Sheerin is talking through his arse and that if players want to play for Roscommon then they would play but I know every single one of those lads and I know what makes them tick and a Roscommon jersey makes them tick. I’m sure if 49% haven’t faith in the manager the other 51% are losing it. “I’m going to get nailed for this rant but I’m only telling it the way I see it and I am giving an honest assessment and I have to say that I do not like to see Mayo men on the sideline for a Roscommon team. I fought for years against Liam McHale and Kevin McStay, playing against them. And they hated me and they hated Roscommon. And they can’t have got that love (for Roscommon), there’s no way, because I couldn’t get that love for them.”

Roscommon People Friday 03 March 2017

NewsPeople

What they have … they hold?

deed whenever it takes place – Naughten and Fitzmaurice, as matters stand, looks safe as houses. The Fitzmaurice camp was dismayed that Naughten outgunned their man by over 4,000 votes last year, but Fitz should be safe in any upcoming poll. The destination of seat number three is not so clear. Even allowing for Fianna Fáil’s capacity for surprise – not to mention infighting – Murphy’s solid start has surely put paid to any speculation that his place on the ticket next time around isn’t guaranteed. Fianna Fáil may run a second candidate, but Murphy will be there. And he will be hard enough to unseat.

One year on from the last general election, and with a new one a possibility at any time, PAUL HEALY assesses the state of play in Roscommon/Galway…

xactly one year on from the last general election, the three sitting TDs in Roscommon/Galway constituency all look well placed to retain their seats in the event of the current Government collapsing any time soon. An already fragile Government set-up became even more precarious in recent weeks when the Maurice McCabe scandal destabilised the administration and brought forward – largely because of concern that an election might be imminent – the political demise of Taoiseach Enda Kenny. Barring a new audacious ‘Houdini Act’ by the wily Kenny, Fine Gael will be selecting a new leader in the coming months, and while that may settle FG nerves, it could also bring the next election closer. Fianna Fáil, who largely control this delicate situation, have committed to supporting the Fine Gael-led minority Government for at least two more Budgets, but there is every possibility that Micheál Martin’s party will pull the plug much earlier, not least if they see Fine Gael recovering (in the polls) from their current woes. In any event, the general election that gave birth to ‘new politics’ took place on the 26th of February, 2016 – and the next one could well happen before this year is out – so what is the lie of the political land in Roscommon/ Galway?

t is hard to believe that it is over a year since Fianna Fáil made that dramatic decision to add Roscommon GAA star Shane Curran to the party’s ticket. That move electrified the campaign locally and actually contributed in the end to Eugene Murphy making it to the Dáil for the first time (Murphy won a seat for Fianna Fáil, partly boosted by public sympathy over how he was treated). Meanwhile, at the higher ‘end of the table’, Denis Naughten destroyed all-comers, topping the poll with almost 14,000 first preferences. 2014 bye-election hero Michael Fitzmaurice was the other winner, retaining his seat and ensuring that, quite uniquely, this constituency returned two Independent TDs. One year on, and my view is that all three sitting TDs have acquitted themselves well – or certainly done their re-election prospects no harm. Murphy hit the ground running and has a relatively high profile – especially for a first-time TD – in a resurgent Fianna Fáil.

…but all to play for at next election!

Clockwise, from top: Deputies Denis Naughten, Michael Fitzmaurice and Eugene Murphy celebrate with family, friends and supporters at last year’s General Election results. Picture: Andrew Fox.

That said, most of the initial focus after Election 2016 was on Fitzmaurice and Naughten, both of whom skilfully underlined their status as particularly influential Independents, by taking centrestage in what would prove to be marathon Government formation talks. Displaying impressive political skill, Naughten effectively controlled the talks about talks and, in a stunning political achievement, he managed to reunite with Enda Kenny, secure a place in Cabinet and become a key Government player – and all while comfortably keeping mutterings of discontent about his softened status on Roscommon A&E at bay. Fitzmaurice, then a member of the Independent Alliance, also showed considerable political acumen over the period of negotiations on Government formation. However, Fitzmaurice ultimately withdrew from the Alliance and opted against supporting the new minority administration. The suspicion remains that Fitzmaurice, in withdrawing from talks at the eleventh hour, had decided he would prefer to lobby for constituents as an opposition TD than as part of the new administration (in which he would have had to settle for ‘junior status’ to Naughten). In any event, Fitzmaurice, with his blunt analysis and ‘let’s get straight to the point’ style, has developed a bigger profile than ever and is a very familiar presence in the media, his regular appearances on radio and

television being a very obvious example of his energetic ‘24/7’ approach to political life. As an opposition TD, Fitzmaurice has the advantage, if we can call it that, of being able to give out about everything and lay blame in various directions – and, while this sometimes frustrates political opponents and commentators alike, his forthright style is almost certainly resonating with voters and he is, in short, frequently articulating the views of the frustrated ordinary person in rural Ireland. Naughten, whose suitability for Cabinet no-one ever really doubted, has taken to his ministerial role with assurance and energy. He will be watching the upcoming Fine Gael leadership battle with interest. I understand that Naughten is close to both Leo Varadkar and Simon Coveney. As an aside, I think Coveney can defeat Varadkar and succeed Kenny. Whoever is the new Fine Gael leader will be well disposed towards Naughten. Naughten will run as an Independent in the next election but I expect him to rejoin Fine Gael in the coming years and to figure in many Governments in the future. Murphy has done well since being elected, building his profile all the time, getting involved in putting Bills forward, developing a slick PR machine, being ‘visible’ locally and in the Dáil, and even stepping into the Ceann Comhairle’s chair from time to time. If an election was held any time soon – in-

eading the challenge to the sitting trio will be Fine Gael, who have to be smarting at their failure to win a seat last time around. The major difficulty for them just now is that Denis Naughten is effectively wearing their shoes. Senator Maura Hopkins has emerged as the prospective new force in the party locally. That said, in an interesting development, Senator Frank Feighan has exclusively revealed to the Roscommon People this week that he is planning to contest the next general election (see story on page 12). Hopkins wasn’t far away last time (first preferences: Murphy 6,813; Hopkins 6,812 – after distribution of transfers, Murphy subsequently won with about 800 to spare) and she will be in the hunt again next time. Feighan says he is planning to seek a nomination for Fine Gael as well, and there are strong indications that Sean Finan, who has quite a high profile as national President of Macra, will also throw his hat into the ring. Roscommon/Galway is pretty unique because two high profile Independents between them amassed an amazing 52% of the first preference vote in 2016, with Fianna Fáil on just over 19% (but still winning a seat) and Fine Gael on just under 15%. Nationally, Fine Gael are currently able to manage a poll rating in the mid-20s, but in Roscommon/Galway they have to contend with the Naughten factor. Sinn Féin, currently riding high in the polls nationally, cannot be ruled out in Roscommon/Galway. Claire Kerrane polled just over 3,000 number ones last year. The party will expect to build significantly on this next time around. Taking a seat would still constitute a shock, but they are moving in the right direction. The big imponderable of course relates to whether or not newcomers arrive on the scene. It will be unusual if someone prominent, beyond the 2016 line-up, doesn’t emerge. A high profile candidate (independent or party) could change all current predictions. But, just now – with Hopkins leading the chasing pack – sitting TDs Naughten, Fitzmaurice and Murphy are in pole, or poll, position. * Above analysis is as matters stand this week. Political ‘health’ warning applies: (A) Anything could happen and (B) This is Roscommon, where voters traditionally lie in the long grass between elections, clutching their ballot papers with relish!

Weekend

Roscommon People Friday 03 March 2017

People

Faces and places

See pages 23 - 25

g n o m a ‘ s ’ JJ ’ d n a l e r I best in ! c i s u m e for liv

o) for the ndhill, Co. Slig id it was tra (S e nu Ve e Th d and Caitlín sa prestigious awar evement to be in such iler hi << Dan Doon ac derful ’s is a won n that JJ Harlowven- lustrious company. ugan, co-proprietor) ow kn s ay w al ic We’ve “For Brian (M oter Dave t’s best live mus one of Connach k it was made official at and Brian Kelly and our promition for the ues and last weeMusic Venue of the Year McLynn this is brilliant recogne something do. There ar the IMRO Live . hard work they e shortlist is Awards in Dublinmon town venue was like 11,500 venues and then th lin is a sepThe Roscom onnacht section of the regions as Dub vote then 25 over the five ic eC shortlisted in th akes it one of the top five arate region. It goes to a publ ,” she said. ed m st ch tli hi It or w . , sh ce ds be in ar to ov aw so it’s brilliant ratulated Galway venue, music in the pr venues for live JJ’s was among 25 other Caitlín cong award but vowed that at th also means . lly na tio e Quays, on the na Th xt year. ed venues nominat r, Caitlín McConn, was JJ’s would be our to win it ne sing out on is to m rie of re op t en “We’ Co-pr The disappointm was shorthappy last week: understandably as some pretty stiff com- the Best Live Music Venue minated for thrilled! There waces like The Quays and lived however, as JJ’s was noe Irish Respetition with pl who are so well estab- ‘Best Pub in Connacht’ in the awards will st week.th Th Matt Molloy’s azing to be shortlisted.” taurant Awards la e Radisson lished. It was amainst eventual winners The take place on March 28 at th ag up alway), JJ’s went Blu in Sligo. ), Monroe’s (G Quays (Galway estport, Co. Mayo) and Matt Molloy’s (W

Proprietors Caitlín McConn and Brian Mugan pictured at JJ Harlow’s. Picture: Andrew Fox

Athleague Camogie Club Night Out: More on pages 24/25 Pictured at the Athleague Camogie Club Dinner Dance in Hannon’s Hotel were members of the Athleague Minor Senior Ladies team. Picture: Andrew Fox

Roscommon People Friday 03 March 2017

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

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

Country Comfort All parties catered for

The Bridge House

Telephone: 090 6626225

Athleague

Friday 3rd March:

Thursday, 2nd March

Dance Classes continue

(8.30pm - 10.30pm) Learn to Jive, Waltz, Foxtrot. Friday, 3rd March

Music by:

Olivia Douglas Adm: €10

Big screen with Sky Sports and Setanta Sports. Enquiries: (090) 66 63534/(087) 8133406/(087) 6598078

PJ’s

Castlecoote, Co. Roscommon Tel: (090) 66 63066

Poker Classic Proceeds to help fund

Fleadh Cheoil

Pictured at ‘Dirty Rotten Scoundrels’ in The Hub, Castlerea recently were Claire Callaghan and Lisa Bruen. Picture: Andrew Fox

Sean Mone is Singers’ guest on Saturday The next session of South Roscommon Singers Circle takes place in Murray’s, Knockcroghery, this Saturday, 4th of March. Special guest on the night will be our old friend Sean Mone from Keady, Co. Armagh. Sean is best-known as a singer of self-composed songs, mostly humourous – ‘The Transit Van’, ‘Rosie

Black’ and ‘Articles Two & Three’, etc., but also some serious classics like, ‘New Holland Grove’ and ‘Rosaleta and Jack Campbell.’ Don’t miss this opportunity to share the company of one of the legends of the traditional singing circuit. The singing starts around 9 pm and admission is free.

in Castlecoote,

Saturday, 4th of March at 9.30pm

Saturday 4th March: 8pm 10pm in Middle Bar

Blues session with

Strange Brew

AV DJ Set

Valuable Prizes, Refreshments Served. Spot Prizes. Tickets €20 Follow us on facebook

10pm - Close in Back Bar Sunday 5th March:

Ciaran, Conor & Gary

PJ’s to host Poker Classic Pictured at the Dr. John Stafford Festival in Elphin were Eva, Gerald, Gillian and Carol Greene. Picture: Andrew Fox

Dr. John Stafford Festival

(ccg) - 6 pm in Middle Bar

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

Beer of the week!

Solstice Choir needs your vote! Roscommon Solstice Choir has been nominated for the People’s Choice Award at the EPIC Awards 2017. 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’s-choice-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.

– All welcome, sign up at 9pm

GoldFinch

Fuerty.

PJ’s of Castlecoote will play host to a Poker Classic this Saturday (4th of March), starting at 9.30 pm. The Poker Classic is a fundraiser for the Fleadh Cheoil which is set to take place in Castlecoote, Fuerty on Easter Sunday and Monday (April 17th and 18th). This Saturday there will be great prizes up for grabs as well as refreshments and spot prizes. Tickets are €20 for what promises to be a great night.

Open Mic Night

Pictured (above) at the Dr. John Stafford Festival in Elphin were Emma Benson, Niamh Clancy and Aoife Guckian. Picture: Andrew Fox Pictured (right) at the Dr. John Stafford Festival in Elphin were Gráinne Brady and Daniel Brady. Picture: Andrew Fox

JJ Harlows supporting Irish Micro Breweries

Roscommon People Friday 03 March 2017

NewsPeople

frankly speaking

SUNDAY GOSPEL REFLECTION In today’s Liturgy, the destiny of the human race is told as the tale of two “types” of men – the first man, Adam, and the new Adam, Jesus (see 1 Corinthians 15:21-22; 45-59). Paul’s argument in the Epistle is built on a series of contrasts between “one” or “one person” and “the many” or “all.” By one person’s disobedience, sin and condemnation entered the world, and death came to reign over all. By the obedience of another one, grace abounded, all were justified, and life came to reign for all. This is the drama that unfolds in today’s First Reading and Gospel. Formed from the clay of the ground and filled with the breath of God’s own Spirit, Adam was a son of God (see Luke 3:38), created in his image (see Genesis 5:1-3). Crowned with glory, he was given dominion over the world and the protection of His angels (see Psalms 8:6-8; 91:11-13). He was made to worship God – to live not by bread alone but in obedience to every word that comes from the mouth of the Father. Adam, however, put the Lord his God to the test. He gave in to the serpent’s temptation, trying to seize for himself all that God had already promised him. But in his hour of temptation, Jesus prevailed where Adam failed – and drove the devil away. Still we sin after the pattern of Adam’s transgression. Like Adam, we let sin in the door (see Genesis 4:7) when we entertain doubts about God’s promises, when we forget to call on Him in our hours of temptation. But the grace won for us by Christ’s obedience means that sin is no longer our master. As we begin this season of repentance, we can be confident in His compassion, that He will create in us a new heart (see Romans 5:5; Hebrews 8:10). As we do in today’s Psalm, we can sing joyfully of our salvation, renewed in His presence. – Scott Hahn Ph.D., www. salvationhistory.com (and courtesy of Sacred Heart Church)

THE BRIDGE CLUB Roscommon Bridge Club Anthony McCormack Memorial – 1st: M. Kearns & B. Ferguson, 2nd: M. Brennan & L. Brennan, Gross: M. & P. Mellett, 3rd: L. Shine & L. Curley. 1st Session: M. McDermott & K. Holmes, 2nd Session: K. Dowd & P. O’Shaughnessy. Happy ‘71 Bridge Club 1st: K. Holmes & G. Neilan, 2nd: K. Dowd & C. McGrath, Gross: V. & M. Brennan. Ballymurray Bridge Club Club Pairs 1st Session – 1st: J. Hunt & A. Gaffney, 2nd: P. & V. Finneran, 3rd: P. Murray O’Brien & B. Fallon. Kilbride Bridge Club North/South – 1st: M. Farrell & E. Dowling, 2nd: P. Dowd & G. McDermott, 3rd: B. Gillooly & F. Keane. East/West – 1st: A. Gaffney & J. Hunt, 2nd: L. Hussey & M. Hussey, 3rd: M. Kelly & K. Burke.

Frank Brandon’s unique take on life ...

Those were the days… now it’s sad to see my Alma Mater close I

n September this year, if God grants me the health, or I suppose even if he doesn’t, it will be a full fifty-four years since I first climbed the steps into the hallowed halls of Cistercian College, Roscrea – also known as Mount St. Joseph’s – as a terrified 12-year-old gasun, who up ‘till then had never been away from home, except to spend a week or two with my aunt and uncle, funnily enough, also in the county of Tipperary. Roscrea, at the time, had the reputation of being a school for the rich and the elite, and maybe it was. There is no doubt, however, that the annual fees would have been a huge burden on the finances of my national schoolteacher father. Somehow I managed to get a partial scholarship, which took some of the pressure off my father. And so, on the back of the partial scholarship, I found myself taking my place amongst the sons of the rich and the famous and starting off on a career that, I have to admit, never turned out the way the teachers in C.C.R. might have hoped for or envisaged! Life as a boarder in an all-boys school run by Cistercian priests probably conjures up all kinds of horrific images, but nothing could be further from the truth. The five years that I spent there were, truly, five years that I really enjoyed; however, were you to meet any of my teachers – I’m sure some of them must be still alive – they would tell you that I might have enjoyed myself a little bit too much. Everything was well structured, from morning prayers, to classes, dinner, recreation and study. For me, the two areas that I really threw myself into were dinner and recreation! The food was simple enough fare, with my two favourite dinners being slumgullion, which was a kind of a stew and shepherd’s pie, which was and still is, a pie made of mince meat, onions, and mashed potatoes. It was on Mondays though when we had jacket potatoes along with some type of meat or fish, that I made my mark. For some reason, even though I was as thin as a rake, I could eat spuds to beat the band and many is the time the after meal grace couldn’t be said until I had finished eating.

Cistercian College, Roscrea – also known as Mount St. Joseph’s

Rugby and hurling were the big sports in Roscrea along with a great athletic history, but for me at that time, soccer was my main love. It is still a source of great pride to me that in my final year, the Creggs Thunderbolts soccer XI won the schools senior league, under, of course, my captaincy. I also managed to get caught crossing the wall to the out of bounds shop across the road, I got punished for smoking a few times, a couple of times for skipping study and academically my main claim to fame was that I came last in the gold medal debate – a very prestigious debate, which was won by my first cousin, Leo Crehan. Anyway, my five years flew by and for the most part I enjoyed my time there. I also learned something that has stood to me all my life and that is that most people accept you for what you are and not what you have, although to my eternal shame, when my father arrived down to visit me in his brand new Vauxhall Viva NIM 3, I asked him to park up at the guesthouse, for fear the sons of the Mercedes and BMW owners would see it. I have never forgiven myself for doing that to my dad, who was justifiably proud of his new car.

My brother Billy followed me to Roscrea a few years later and his son James is, along with being the number 8 on the college rugby team, also presently there studying for the Leaving Cert and several other local lads also came through the Tipperary college. And so, a week or so ago as I watched the evening news on the telly, I was saddened to see that my old Alma Mater is closing its doors and will no longer be functioning as a secondary school. Now, I won’t pretend that I was the most active past-pupil of all, and in fact I have never gone back to pay a visit to the school since I left (50 years next September), but I am very sad to hear of its forthcoming closure and I will certainly go back for a last look before it closes its doors for the last time. It’s ironic that having waited 100 years to win the Senior Cup in Leinster schools rugby, it’s closing down two years later. I’m told that there is some type of movement, from the past-pupils, to try to come up with a plan to save the school but, as of now, C.C.R. is soon to be a thing of the past and I for one, am sorry to see it go.

I wanted a different kind of six-pack As a man whose only interest in a six-pack in my younger days was in the ones that had corks on the top of them, I have found out this weekend (a bit late) why I never had a huge appeal to the opposite sex. According to Stephen Barrett, an exercise physiologist (whatever that is), young lads now have a massive emphasis on building

their upper body because of the perception that this is the physique that the opposite sex likes. He says the effort to get rippling muscles and sculpted physiques can sometimes lead to depression and eating disorders as it may not be possible for everyone to look like an Adonis. Apparently looking good in selfies has become vitally important and weightlifting and

powerlifting has become the norm for the younger male generation. The bottom line is that care needs to be taken in trying to get the perfect body so I will boil the kettle now, have the coffee and a bun or two and carry on as I have done for more than sixty years. As they say: there’s no point in closing the stable door, when the horse is long gone.

Rossie criticism amazes me! On Saturday evening I watched Mayo and Roscommon do battle in a Division One league match in Castlebar (on telly of course) and I am amazed at the level of criticism being levelled at the management team by some Rossie supporters. I thought Mayo were very good, stronger than Roscommon physically, and there is no doubt that they will be back again at the business end of things when Sam Maguire is being handed out next September – and I would not be one bit surprised if they were to win it. The funny thing is that David Clarke, the Mayo goalie,

made four wonderful saves to deny Roscommon goals and Keith Higgins made another. If they had gone in, and bearing in mind that all 14 Roscommon points came from play, it would have put a very different perspective on the performance. One of these days they will convert all the goal chances they are creating (hope it won’t be in the summer against Galway) but in the meantime, I think they are doing well in a very difficult league. All I can say about Mayo is they must have nightmares over dropping goalie Clarke for that All-Ireland final replay – they would surely be All-Ireland champions now if he had been left in goal.

Great night of music at the Abbey Finally for this week, Jimmy Kearney of the well-known and very popular Lancers band, has asked me to remind everyone out there that the annual fundraising dance for the Lourdes Invalid fund takes place in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon next Monday night at 9 pm. Music will be provided by The Lancers, Frank Nelson, Patsy McCaul, and Carmel McLoughlin, all of whom are amongst the cream of Roscommon bands. There will be a raffle and spot prizes on the night and admission is only €10. I have mentioned many times the great work the Lourdes invalid fund does and I ask you all to dig out the dancing shoes and get to the Abbey on Monday next (6th March). The show will start and finish on time so even if you have to go to work on Tuesday, you will have plenty of beauty ‘Till next week, sleep – no Bye for now excuses!

Roscommon People Friday 03 March 2017

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

Pictured at the Athleague Camogie Club Dinner Dance in Hannon’s Hotel were Mark Donnelly, Eileen, Elaine, Paula and Tom Daly. Picture: Andrew Fox

John Troy, Guest of Honour and Geradline Beattie, Chairperson of the Roscommon Camogie Board pictured presenting the Minor Player of the Year Award to Bríd and Peter Tiernan on behalf of their daughter Eva. Picture: Andrew Fox

Faces & Places Athleague Camogie Club Dinner Dance in Hannon’s Hotel Pics: Andrew Fox

John Troy, Guest of Honour pictured presenting the Senior Player of the Year Award to Niamh Farrell. Also pictured are Josephine and Seamus Farrell. Picture: Andrew Fox

Pictured at the Athleague Camogie Club Dinner Dance in Hannon’s Hotel were Kelley Hopkins and Elaine Daly. Picture: Andrew Fox

Faces & Places

JJ Harlow’s Roscommon Pics: Andrew Fox

Pictured in JJ Harlow’s, Roscommon on Saturday night last were Laura McCormack, Mary Cunningham and Natalie Joyner. Picture: Andrew Fox

Pictured in JJ Harlow’s, Roscommon on Saturday night last were Sandra Oates, Claire Cregg and Rachel Conlon. Picture: Andrew Fox

Pictured in JJ Harlow’s, Roscommon on Saturday night last were Ann Joyner, Paula Mullens and Teresa O’Malley. Picture: Andrew Fox

Pictured in JJ Harlow’s on Saturday night last were Leona Fallon, Deirdre Fallon and Mary Rohan. Picture: Andrew Fox

Pictured in JJ Harlow’s on Saturday night last were Rhona Hunt and Will Crean. Picture: Andrew Fox

Roscommon People Friday 03 March 2017

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

Pictured at the Athleague Camogie Club Dinner Dance in Hannon’s Hotel were members of the Athleague Camogie Senior Ladies team. Picture: Andrew Fox

Faces & Places Athleague Camogie Club Dinner Dance in Hannon’s Hotel Pics: Andrew Fox

Pictured at the Athleague Camogie Club Dinner Dance in Hannon’s Hotel were Liz, Ned and Chloe Lennon. Picture: Andrew Fox

Pictured at the Athleague Camogie Club Dinner Dance in Hannon’s Hotel were Mark Donnelly and Elaine Moran. Picture: Andrew Fox

Pictured at the Athleague Camogie Club Dinner Dance in Hannon’s Hotel were Sarah O’Roarke and Hollie Gavin. Picture: Andrew Fox

Faces & Places

Pictured in JJ Harlow’s on Saturday night last were Caoilfhionn Thompson, Catriona O’Rourke and Erica Delaney. Picture: Andrew Fox

JJ Harlow’s Roscommon Pics: Andrew Fox

Pictured in JJ Harlow’s, Roscommon on Saturday night last were Laura McCormack, Mary Cunningham and Natalie Joyner. Picture: Andrew Fox

Roscommon People Friday 03 March 2017

Motoring People

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161 Renault Captur Intense 1.5 DCi 90bhp S/S ECO Ivory/Black (€180 tax) 10 km €18,950 Per Week Deposit €66.50 €3,800

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Roscommon People Friday 03 March 2017

Motoring People

Mercedes-Benz powers Annalise’s road to Olympics As she begins preparations for the next Olympic Games in Tokyo, Irish silver medal winner Annalise Murphy has taken delivery of a new, top-of-the-range Mercedes-Benz Vito Mixto. Supplied under an exclusive sponsorship arrangement, the extra-long 190 horsepower Vito is equipped with features fit for an Olympic star. Wrapped in a subtle, yet eye-catching silver and grey livery, the Vito Mixto will be an asset to Annalise as she prepares for glory at the games in 2020. Commenting, Annalise said “I am delighted to have renewed my association with Mercedes-Benz and excited to get my new Mixto on the road. The continued support gives a major boost to my training regime and ensures that my plans for success in Tokyo are off to a wonderful start.”

Gift Vouchers Available

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Slight fall in new car sales T

he Society of the

Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) has issued the official 171 car sales figures for January. Car sales figures for the month of January show that 171 registrations are -1.7% (39,019) compared to January 2016 (39,722). Light Commercials are currently -2.4% (6,394) compared to January last year (6,555), while HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle)

registrations are -6.3% (456) for January in comparison to the same time last year (487). The accompanying SIMI/ DoneDeal Quarterly Motor Industry Review of 2016 highlights the strong economic performance of the Motor Industry last year, with growth in registration figures seen across all counties along with the upbeat nature of business confidence and investment

reflected in commercial vehicles despite a softening of the market towards the latter half of 2016. Jim Power, Economist and author of the Review said: “Looking ahead to 2017, while the outlook for car sales is a bit more difficult to predict than last year, the projected growth in personal disposable incomes and the availability of credit provide solid support for car sales. How-

ever, the impact of Brexit and the increased volume in imported used cars are other issues that may impact on new car sales this year. Overall, though, numbers should be fairly close to last year with perhaps a slight decline of around 3 per cent in new car sales in 2017, which would imply new car sales of around 142,000.” Last year the industry continued to generate

strong returns for the Exchequer with a total VRT and VAT take of €1.5 billion (26.8% ahead of 2015) from new and used car sales alone. SIMI also issued New Vehicle Registration data for January 2017 which show that 171 new car registrations have had a steady start as anticipated, finishing just -1.7 per cent lower than the total for January last year.

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Roscommon People Friday 03 March 2017

Motoring People

Ford launches new sporty ST-Line range F

ord has launched a new ST-Line model

range in Ireland, featuring vehicles with sporty styling. Inspired by Ford Performance, they are offering a range of powerful and efficient EcoBoost petrol and TDCi diesel powertrain options. The ST-Line is available on some of Ford’s most popular models: the Fiesta, Focus, Mondeo and Kuga. ST prices start from €21,350 for the Fiesta with the 100PS engine. Delivering a bold and sportier exterior and and enhanced interior styling inspired by Ford’s Fiesta ST and Focus ST performance models, the new ST-Line range is designed for customers who aspire to the sporty image of Ford’s acclaimed ST models. That’s drivers that do not require the full performance

delivered by optimised ST engines and chassis with sports technologies. The ST-Line line-up is offered with a range of powerful engines including Ford’s multi-award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine; sport suspension and body styling; unique alloy wheel designs; and sport seats, sport steering wheel and alloy pedals for the interior. “With our new ST-Line range even more customers can experience sporty style and driving dynamics inspired by our most exciting Ford Performance line-up ever, that includes models such as the Focus RS, Fiesta ST200 and Ford GT supercar” said Ciarán McMahon, managing director of Ford Ireland. “With its sporty looks, extra powered engines and good value, I am sure our new ST-Line range will appeal to

a broad range of buyers.” The new Ford ST-Line models are available only with high-power engine derivatives that complement the enhanced driving dynamics delivered by sport suspension. For example, the Fiesta ST-Line model boasts Ford’s award-winning 1.0 litre EcoBoost petrol engine with higher power outputs of 100PS and 125PS. For the Focus ST-Line, diesel powertrains on offer include a 120PS 1.5 litre TDCi or a 2.0 litre 150PS option. “The new ST-Line range will offer customers a chance to enjoy the famous fun-to-drive characteristics and great looks of Ford’s performance models in an exciting and affordable package with a broad range of petrol and diesel engines,” concluded McMahon.

Over half of motorists pass at first attempt If you’re thinking of learning to drive for the first time this year, it can be an exciting yet daunting experience. Carzone’s 2016 Motoring Report findings recorded that almost a third (29%) of Irish motorists took to the wheel at the age of 17, with the majority (41%) learning to drive between the ages of 17-20. You may know all of the theory and rules of the

road, but getting behind the wheel for the very first time is a completely different story. The first time you sit in the driver’s seat you’ll be nervous; it’s only natural and the only way to overcome this is through practice! Practice appeared to make perfect for over half (57%) of Irish motorists who boasted of passing their test first time round. So good luck!

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Roscommon People Friday 03 March 2017

Motoring People

Younger drivers fuelling record SUV sales?

otivated by a

strong social conscience and keen to rent, stream and share goods and services, the Millennial generation’s revolutionary approach to spending is changing how companies, including carmakers, do business. And their fresh thinking is influencing the cars they want to drive in ways you might not expect. More than four in five out of those who’ve reached young adulthood so far this century believe SUVs have become more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly during the last five years. Having shed their gas-guzzling reputation, SUVs are now on the shopping lists of one in four Millennials in the market for a new car. Ford is introducing an all-new fully electric SUV, engineered to deliver an estimated range of at least 300 miles (480 km) – enough to drive from London to Paris. The company introduced three new SUVs in

Europe last year, and the new zero-emission model will be one of five arriving by 2020. “SUV sales are rising faster than any other type of vehicle in Europe, and eco-conscious Millennials are a driving force behind growing SUV demand. Last year, Ford’s SUV sales outpaced even this rapid industry growth,” said Roelant de Waard, vice president, Marketing, Sales & Service, Ford of Europe. He adds: “Customers are discovering the fuel-efficiency offered by advanced engines like our new 120 PS 1.5-litre TDCi diesel that meets the latest Euro Stage 6 emissions requirements and delivers 115 g/km CO2 in the new Kuga, and the multi-award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine in the Ford EcoSport.” Sales of Ford’s SUV models in Europe – the compact EcoSport, medium-size Kuga and full-size Edge – grew 31

per cent in 2016 compared to 2015. Last year was the best ever year of sales for the Kuga and EcoSport. Interestingly, SUV registrations were up 21 per cent across Eu-

rope in 2016, accounting for more than one quarter of all the new vehicles registered. While most social networking groups are dominated by the millen-

nial generation, it’s not only younger drivers that are defying expectations with their choice of car. Ford data shows that the average age of customers buying hot hatchbacks,

the high performance versions of small and medium sized cars, not surprisingly increased by more than 10 per cent between 2010 and 2016. Last year Ford perform-

ance car sales – including the Fiesta ST, Focus ST and Focus RS hot hatchbacks, as well as the Ford Mustang, grew by 60 per cent for the second year in succession.

Ford celebrates 100 years in Ireland

n just a few months it will be exactly 100 years since Henry Ford established the Ford factory on the Marina in Cork City, and Ford Ireland plans to mark the centenary through a number of exciting initiatives in 2017. The Ford Motor Company was set up in the State of Michigan in the US by Henry Ford in 1903. True to his roots, just 14 years later Henry opened the first purpose-built Ford factory to be located outside of North America at the Marina in Cork. Commenting on the centenary, Ciarán McMahon, the Managing Director of Ford Ireland, told the

Roscommon People: “Ford has a unique heritage in Ireland, not only through the company’s close family links with Cork but also through the Cork Ford factory and of course many decades of much-loved Ford cars and vans on Irish roads. And we are still to the forefront in the automotive sector in Ireland with the widest network of dealers, providing employment, directly and indirectly, to some 1,000 people across the country. “The factory is sadly no more, but Ford remains one of the best-selling brands in both the car and van market in Ireland,” he added.

Pictured at the Ford family memorial in Henry Ford’s ancestral village of Ballinascarthy, Co. Cork, is Ford Ireland Chairman and Managing Director, Ciarán McMahon, with the ‘old and new’ of Ford: an original Model T and the new Ford Mustang which was launched for the first time in righthand drive in Ireland during 2016.

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Roscommon People Friday 03 March 2017

Motoring People

New technology could save you €500 pothole damage I

Kelly Trucks Ltd. receiving their award at the Irish Auto Trade Awards 2017. James Kelly, Patricia Kelly, James Kelly, Eithne Flynn, Niall Tracey, Danny Madden and Eamon Lohan (Connacht/Ulster HCV Aftersales Main Dealer of the Year Kelly Trucks Ltd.) are presented with the award by Bobby Kerr at the Irish Auto Trade Awards 2017 at the CityWest Hotel.

March Specials

Pre-owned Cars & Vans + Guaranteed peace of mind motoring 2016

2016 Ford Focus st2 2.0 TDCi 180ps m6 fwd 5 Dr ................. €30,000 2016 Ford Mondeo 1.6 Dsl 5 Dr Zetec ....................................... €26,950

2015

2015 Opel Corsa 1.5 Excite 90ps ................................................... €13,950 2015 Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi Titanium ............................................. €19,900

2014

2014 VW Tiguan 2.0 Tdi Trend 7 fun 11bhp .............................. €21,800 2014 VW Golf 1.6 Tdi 250 90bhp ................................................. €16,950 2014 Ford Focus 2.0 Tdci Powershift Titanium 115ps .......... €18,500 2014 Ford Focus 1.6 Tdci Titanium 95ps ................................... €16,950 2014 Ford Focus 1.6 Tdci Edition 95ps ..................................... €15,500 2014 Ford Focus 1.6 Style 5 Dr ....................................................... €15,900

2013

2013 Toyota Yaris 1.0 vvt 1 sport ................................................. €11,900 2013 Seat Ibiza 1.2 Style st ............................................................. €10,900 2013 Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi Edge 95ps ........................................... €14,900 2013 Ford Mondeo 1.6 Style 5 Dr .................................................. €14,900 2013 Ford Fiesta 1.25 Style 5 Dr .................................................... €12,500 2013 Ford Focus 1.6 dsl 4 Dr ......................................................... €13,900

2012

2012 VW Passat 1.6 Tdis Bluemotion 4 Dr ................................. €13,950 2012 Ford Focus 1.6 Tdci Zetec 95ps ......................................... €13,950 2012 Ford Fiesta 1.25 Style 60ps ................................................... €10,950 2012 Mondeo 2.0 Tdci Titanium 140ps ..................................... €15,500

2011

2011 Renault Fluence Dsl ................................................................. €8,950 2011 Kia Ceed 1.6 Crdi 2 ecodynamics 5 Dr ............................ €10,300 2011 Ford Kuga 2.0 Tdci Zetec 4wd 140ps ............................... €17,000 2011 Ford Focus 1.6 Tdci Zetec 115ps ....................................... €11,900 2011 Ford Focus 1.6 Tdci style 90ps ............................................ €10,500 2011 Ford Focus dsl from (choice) ............................................. €10,500 2011 Ford Mondeo 2.0 dsl ............................................................... €8,900

2010

2010 Ford Focus Zetec 1.6 Tdci 109bhp 5 Dr ............................. €9,000 2010 Lexus IS 220 S-Design ddsl 4 Dr ....................................... €11,950 2010 Renault Clio 1.2 16v e85 Dynamique ec02 ....................... €5,950

2009

2009 Opel Vectra 1.6 16v Club .......................................................... €5,000 2009 Opel Insignia 2.0 Cdtis 130ps ............................................... €8,900 2009 Nissan Qashqai 1.5 Dci se .................................................... €10,900 2009 Ford Focus 1.8 Tdci Ghia 115ps (choice) ........................... €9,900 2009 Ford Fiesta 1.25l Steel ............................................................... €7,500 2009 Toyota Corolla 1.4 D4D Terra Dsl ......................................... €8,500 2009 Skoda Superb 1.9 Tdi comfort ............................................ €10,900

2008

2008 Renault Laguna ........................................................................... €6,950 2008 Vauxhall Vectra 1.9 Cdti Design 118bhp 4 Dr ................ €7,000 2008 Toyota Auris 1.4 vvt T3 ............................................................ €6,900 2008 Peugeot 308 1.6 Hdi s 90bhp 5 Dr ........................................ €5,900 2008 Ford Mondeo 1.8 Tdci 100bhp 5 Dr Estateman ............. €6,500 2008 Ford Focus 1.6 Tdci Zetec 109bhp 5 Dr ............................. €6,500 2008 Ford Mondeo 1.6 4 Dr ............................................................... €4,500

Commercial

2013 Ford Transit 260 swb fwd ...................................................... €13,900 2012 Ford Transit Connect swb ........................................................ €8,500 2011 Ford Transit 350 lwb ................................................................ €10,950 2011 Ford Transit 260 lwb 115ps 13m/r 5dr ............................. €10,500 2011 Kia Sorento gse automatic van ........................................... €15,500 2010 Ford Transit t280s 85 fwd 5dr ................................................. €8,000 2009 VW Crafter 35 mwb hr 100kw Tdi 6sp ................................. €5,900 2009 Ford Focus 1.8 Tdci style 115ps van ................................... €6,000 2008 Mercedes-Benz Vito 109 cdi ka/k ........................................ €6,950 2008 Ford Transit 115 t350 ef rwd 5dr ........................................... €5,500

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n parts of Europe (but

thankfully not here in Ireland) this winter is expected to set records as being the worst ever. Against this backdrop some drivers could be forgiven for thinking that as temperatures finally rise they can now dream of spring and Easter getaways. But freezing temperatures, ice and snow will most likely lead to more cracked and potholed roads. In fact across Europe, bad road surfaces contribute to more than a third of all accidents every year. In 2011, 20 million potholes were reported in Europe but only half were filled, and at an estimated cost of more than €1.2 billion. In Britain, a pothole damage claim is received by local authorities every 17 minutes, with claims averaging €508. We have no such figures for Ireland, but one local authority told me a couple of years ago (and I didn’t get it confirmed) that there can be more claims liability for them if they repaired potholes poorly, than not repairing it at all. However, new technology is on the horizon that could avoid costly car repairs with the help of an ingenious crowd-sourced virtual pothole map, which Ford for the first time revealed last week. It has being researching this for some time and testing is due to start later this year. The map would show drivers, in real time, on in-car displays, where potholes are, how

bad they are, and suggest alternative routes. “A virtual pothole map could highlight a new pothole the minute it appears and almost immediately warn other drivers that there is a hazard ahead,” said Uwe Hoffmann, research engineer, Advanced Chassis Control Technologies, Ford of Europe. “Our cars already feature sensors that detect potholes and now we are looking at taking this to the next level.” Ford cars including Galaxy, Mondeo and S-MAX, already use on-board sensors for ‘Continuously Controlled Damping’ with ‘Pothole Mitigation’ that detects potholes using sensors and adjusts the suspension to help reduce any potential damage. Engineers are now researching also using cameras and embedded modems, at a Ford Research and Innovation Centre in Germany. Together, these technologies would gather detailed information on the potholes and beam it to the cloud – where it can be made available to other drivers in real time. Further research is also exploring the use of an active suspension system designed to massively reduce the severity of bumps and rough road surfaces. Ford already tests new cars on a nightmare 1.9-kilometre (1.2-mile) road at Lommel Proving Ground, in Belgium, using replicas of some of the world’s worst potholes.

Roscommon People Friday 03 March 2017

2017 is an exciting year for the Renault Group with four new models launched recently and a number of the range refreshed, including the Dacia range and new Clio.

New Megane and Scenic models

The all-new Mégane Range is available in three body styles – the Hatch, Grand Coupé (saloon) and Sport Tourer (estate) offering something for everyone. Both the Sport Tourer and the Grand Coupe versions are longer and have a longer wheelbase than the hatchback, which helps provide more room in the cabin, especially for passengers in the rear seats. The Megane Sport Tourer is priced from €20,490 and the Grand Coupe from €21,990. The Grand Coupe offers a new top of the range Signature trim level, which includes full leather interior and LED headlights. The additional arrival of the distinctive fourth generation all-new Renault Scénic and Grand Scenic provides a great sales

boost for the brand. The new Scenic models offer a range of efficient petrol and diesel powertrain options, including Hybrid Assist version. They also offer unique-in-segment technologies and 8.7-inch portrait touchscreen infotainment and navigation system. Unprecedented 20-inch wheels as standard across the range and they have a 5 Star Euro NCAP rating. 22,000 Scenics sold in Ireland since 1996, and pricing starts from €26,000 for all-new Scenic and €28,400 for the Grand Scenic. The arrival of the fourth generation Scénic signals the complete renewal of Renault’s all-new family car line-up, alongside the Kadjar and the all-new Mégane trio, means that the French manufacturer now claims to have the youngest model range on sale in Europe. The Clio which came in at number four in the Bsegment after the first ten days of January has had its first refresh since 2012 when the brand’s new styl-

ing identity was launched. Its more appealing than ever with full-LED lighting signatures, redesigned front top and lower grille and interior upgrades including upgraded upholstery across all trim levels. The new Clio also comes in four new body colours.

Dacia is king

The Dacia brand which continues to shock Irish motorists with its ridiculously affordable range of cars, has proved to the market that by doing the maths, you can own a brand new car for a lot less than a second hand car or get more bang for your buck than other established brands. Coming in at 2.8% share

for a brand less than 5 years launched is a great success story for the Group. Dacia has now refreshed its entire range of cars, including new Duster, new Sandero, new Sandero Stepway and new Logan MCV.

Vantastic European LCV leaders

Renault is Europe’s best selling and multi award winning LCV range. The popular Trafic was the best-selling model for Renault, followed by Master and Kangoo. The award-winning LCV range combined with the very attractive 5-year warranty makes Renault LCV a very affordable proposition for businesses of all sizes.

Honda brings road-legal MotoGP superbike to Ireland O ne of the most expensive

and rarest road-going motorbikes in the world will make its public Irish debut at the Carole Nash Irish Motorbike and Scooter Show in Dublin this weekend (March 3rd-5th). The Honda RC213V-S is a road-legal version of a MotoGP racer. It costs around €230,000, has a top speed of more than 300kmh and was developed to be closer in specification and riding feel to a grand prix bike than any other road-going motorcycle ever produced. Every RC213V-S is hand built over three days in a specialist ‘boutique’ factory area of Honda’s Kumamoto factory. Only 190 have been built and specialist technicians are trained to prepare and service the bikes everywhere they are sold. The frames are made by famed race team and Honda parts manufacturer Moriwaki. Carole Nash Irish Motorbike and Scooter Show organiser Ruth Lemass said: “This is truly and incredible attraction for enthusiasts and visitors in general. Honda took three years to develop this incredible machine and it is a privilege to be able to showcase it to our visitors at the show.” The Honda RC213V-S is

available in either standard 157bhp road trim or 212+bhp race kit trim. Weighing in at 170kg dry, it sports a titanium race exhaust, a nine-stage traction and wheelie control, Ohlins TTX gas forks, Brembo calipers, Marchesini magnesium wheels, Honda Racing Corporation four-level brake control engine and carbon fibre throughout. The bike also features a button to adjust engine modes, engine braking and traction control. A first for Honda on a road-going sports bike. The footrests are six way adjustable and the readout displays are race-bike quality, using full colour TFT technology.

Jenny Reynolds, Director, Honda Ireland said: “We’re delighted to have the exceptional RCV 213V-S limited production motorcycle on the Honda stand at the ‘Carole Nash Irish Scooter and Motorcycle Show’. The RCV 213V-S epitomizes the spirit of Honda. Closer in concept, specification and riding feel to a MotoGP racer than any previous road legal motorcycle it is a must see for anybody attending the show.” The organisers say that for stunning displays of truly amazing motorbikes and spectacular live action entertainment for all the family, visit The Carole Nash Irish Motorbike & Scooter Show at the RDS in Dublin, March 3rd-5th.

You can bank on Renault The French carmaker points out that Renault and Dacia continues to be Ireland’s fastest growing network with 28 dealerships nationwide (and this will be capped at 30), all of which operate a branch of its own bank. Renault says that the availability of finance through it’s own bank was also a key factor in the success of the two brands, as was Renault’s unique five year warranty which is available across the entire range of Renault vehicles. Renault Bank celebrated five years in Ireland in September 2016.

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Renault expands youthful and impressive range

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Motoring People

151 MERCEDES S CLASS L AMG BLACK .............................. €81,995 151 AUDI A4 2.0 TDI SLINE BLACK EDT .............................. €31,950 151 VW CADDY 1.6 VAN .......................................................... €14,195 151 VW GOLF 1.6 HI LINE ........................................................ €21,495 141 PEUGEOT 508 1.6 DIESEL ................................................ €16,495 142 VW GOLF 1.6 TREND ......................................................... €16,500 141 VW GOLF 1.6 TDI ................................................................ €14,750 131 BMW 520D F10 M SPORT .............................................. €23,995 161 FIAT FIORINO VAN 25 MILES ............................................. €9,752 2011 OPEL ASTRA VAN ................................................................. €5,495 2012 FORD FOCUS TITANIUM .................................................. €10,495 2010 FORD FOCUS TITANIUM .................................................... €8,495 2009 FORD FOCUS 1.6 TDI .......................................................... €6,495 2010 VW JETTA 1.6 TDI ................................................................. €8,495 2012 VW PASSAT ESTATE HI LINE ............................................ €12,955 2009 BMW 318 M SPORT AUTO ................................................ €9,950 2008 BMW 520D SE AUTO .................................................... €7,995 ALL CARS COME WITH 12 MONTHS WARRANTY AND ROAD SIDE ASSIST AND HOME START

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Engine Mileage Year Price

Alfa Romeo Mito 1.6 JDTM VELOCE 1.6 Citroen C4 Grand Picasso Grand C4 Picasso 1.6 HDI VTR Plus EGS 5DR 1.6 Citroen C4 Grand Picasso 1.6 BLUEHDI 120 S&S VTR+ 1.6 Citroen C4 Picasso 1.6 HDI 90 VTR NEW MODEL €190 TAX /LOW MILEAGE 1.6 Fiat 500l 1.3 MULTIJET POP STAR 85HP/LOW MILEAGE/LOW TAX/LOTS OF SPACE 1.2 1.5 Ford Fiesta 1.5 TDCI ZETEC PARKING SENSORS/ LOW ROAD TAX Ford Focus 1.6 TDCI STYLE 95PS NEW MODEL/ LOW MILEAGE 1.6 Ford Focus 1.6 TDCI ZETEC 115PS 1.6 Ford Focus 1.6 TDCI ZETEC 115PS ESTATE 1.6 Ford Focus 1.6 TDCI Style 90BHP 5DR 1.6 Ford Focus 1.6 TDCI ZETEC 115PS 1.6 1.6 Ford Focus 1.6 TDCI STYLE 95PS NEW MODEL/ LOW MILEAGE Ford S-Max 1.6TDCI ZETEC 115PS 1.6 1.6 Honda Civic 1.6 I-DTEC ES€180ROAD TAX / 12 MONTHS WARRANTY Hyundai i30 1.6 CRDI DELUXE 90HP 1.6 Kia Carens 2.0 CRDI EX 7 SEATS 2.0 Kia Rio 1.5 CRDI EX LOW TAX DIESEL/VERY CLEAN CAR 1.5 1.7 Kia Sportage 1.7 CRDI 1 2WD/LOW MILEAGE/ LOW TAX Opel Astra 1.3 CDTI Exclusiv Ecoflex 5DR 17” ALLOYS 1.2 1.2 Opel Corsa 1.2 CDTI ECOFLEX A/C SE 95PS 2.0 Opel Insignia 2.0 CDTI ECOFLEX () S S/S 130PS Peugeot 308 1.6 HDI 92 ACTIVE €180 TAX/ SAT NAV 1.6 1.5 Renault Laguna 1.5 DCI 110 PRIVILEGE ESTATE 1.4 Renault Scenic 1.4 16V SPORT/ONE OWNER 1.9 Skoda Octavia 1.9 TDI Ambiente 105BHP 5DR 1.6 Skoda Superb 1.6 TDI CR S 103BHP 5DR 2.0 Toyota Avensis D4D TR 05DR 1.4 Toyota Corolla 1.4 VVT-I TERRA NEW NCT 1.4 Toyota Corolla 1.4 VVT-I LUNA 1.6 Volkswagen Golf 1.6 TDI MATCH 105PS 1.9 Volkswagen Jetta 1.9 TDI COMFORTLINE 2.0 Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TDI DSG HIGHLINE VARIANT

43,000 123,034 24,200 24,000 28,000 38,800 27,500 35,000 70,000 107,000 39,300 27,500 41,045 58,100 80,000 120,549 140,000 28,720 110,000 44,000 96,500 24,000 144,000 98,800 105,000 145,000 149,000 130,000 80,000 61,000 125,000 98,000

2011 2007 2015 2013 2013 2014 2015 2013 2013 2008 2014 2015 2014 2013 2013 2008 2008 2014 2010 2013 2012 2015 2008 2007 2009 2012 2008 2006 2008 2011 2008 2011

€8,950 €3,950 €20,500 €13,750 €10,450 €11,500 €16,250 €13,250 €11,500 POA €14,250 €16,250 €19,950 €13,252 €12,450 €5,250 €4,750 €19,250 €7,450 €9,950 €10,450 €15,250 €4,950 €2,950 €8,850 €8,950 €5,250 €2,450 €5,750 €11,950 €6,450 €13,250

Ballydangan, Athlone, Co. Roscommon.

Telephone: 090 9673411 / 087 232 2230. Fax: 090 9673411. Website: www.naughtonsgarage.ie

Roscommon People Friday 03 March 2017

Motoring People

Woman wins car for her disabled brother in Galway A

Present at the car handover were (L-R) Conor Dixon, Renault Ireland & Kevin Troy of Renault who were delighted to hand Kathy Shine the keys to a brand new Renault Captur. Kathy won the car for her Galway-based disabled brother. Advertorial

selfless Dublin woman has won a new car for her disabled brother. And Renault Ireland representatives tell us that they are delighted to give away a brand new 171 Renault Captur to the lucky winner of a recent Late Late Show competition. Kathy Shine, the Late Late Show viewer competition winner, revealed how she prayed to her deceased mother in a bid to secure the new car for her brother Mike, who is stricken with MS. Kathy from Walkinstown in Dublin won a Renault Captur worth €20,000 from 200,000 entries and she says she turned to the power of prayer in a bid to win the car so she could sell it so that her brother, Mike, could update his disability van. Speaking to Ryan Tubridy after the win on The Late Late, an emotional Kathy, accompanied by Mike and his wife, Joan, said: “I was lying in bed watching the show. I’d already sent in the coupon for the competition. “You walked over to the drum with all the entries and I sat upright in bed and I said, ‘Mum’, my mother died 20 years ago but I

still have her around me, and I said, ‘Mum, I am begging you please let him pick out my card so I can give the car to Michael to update his disability van.’ “When you pulled out the card and said ‘Kathy’ I thought, ‘Oh no! Why has someone called Kathy won it?’ and then you read out ‘Kathy Shine, Green Park, Walkinstown…’” Mike was diagnosed with MS when he was 29 and while medication had helped the disease go into remission for 20 years, it re-emerged with a vengeance. He is now very disabled and wheelchair-bound, has use of his right hand and can speak, but does so slowly. Joan, who Kathy described as “an angel”, gave up her job to look after Mike full-time at their home in Galway. Kathy, who doesn’t drive, said that she hoped Renault would give Mike the money to update his van directly. However, in an extra happy ending to the story, Renault very generously gave Mike an extra €5,000 to help to kit out his current van to make it suitable for his needs.

A trio of outstanding offers from Kinahan Commercials Ltd! Authorised MercedesBenz commercial vehicle dealership Kinahan Com-

mercials, based in Moate, Co. Westmeath, is offering some fantastic offers

across the Mercedes-Benz LCV range. First up is the Vito Clas-

sic, which comes with a recommended retail price of just €17,995 excluding

taxes and charges – with unrivalled standard specification including: air-con-

ditioning, multi-function steering wheel, twin rear doors, twin sliding doors,

Kinahan Commercials Ltd. The Vito Classic €17,995*. • • • •

Air-Conditioning Muti-Function Steering Wheel Twin Rear Doors Plus much more

Test Drive the new Vito NOW!!

As Standard! Available now from Kinahan Commercials Ltd. *T&C‘s apply. Excludes taxes & charges.

MAIN MERCEDES-BENZ Dealer DEALER Main Mercedes-Benz FOR THE GALWAY REGION For the Roscommon Region

Contact Ger Ger on 086 0447624 / 090 6481326 andand email: sales@kinahan.ie Contact on 086 0447624 / 090 6481326 sales@kinahan.ie Dublin Road, Moate, Co.Co. Westmeath web: www.kinahan.ie Dublin Road, Moate, Westmeath www.kinahan.ie

Kinahan Commercials Ltd. Dublin Road, Moate, Co. Westmeath P: (090) 6481326 W: www.kinahanmercedes-benz.ie 20029961.indd 1

27/10/2016 12:51

full partition, attention assist, crosswind assist, tyre pressure monitoring, twin driver and passenger airbags, Bluetooth radio, front fog lamps, remote central locking, immobiliser, twin passenger seat, hill-start assist and electric windows. The Vito Classic is available in the 109KAL model only in arctic white. Meanwhile, the Mercedes-Benz Vito is available with an Outstanding Options Package. The pack includes: air-conditioning, reversing camera, Audio 15, multi-function steering wheel, electric mirrors, colour coded bumpers, full wheel covers and interior chrome pack. Price available from Kinahan Commercials Ltd. For the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter which celebrated its 21st production year last year, Kinahan’s are offering the following: up to €1,000 cashback and over €1200 worth of options for €21 including; upgraded radio with 14.7cm TFT display (Audio 15), cruise control, leather steering wheel, multi-function steering wheel and adjustable steering column. Terms and conditions apply to all offers. Contact Kinahan Commercials Ltd. for full details.

Roscommon People Friday 03 March 2017

Motoring People

All-new Citroen Dispatch wins What Van? award

Multi-award winning Peugeot 3008 SUV

patch has picked up a major accolade in the UK. The new mid-size panel van was named joint winner of both the overall Light Commercial Vehicle of the Year prize and the Medium Van of the Year trophy at the 2017 What Van? Awards. What Van?’s panel of experienced judges considered the model to be “an outstanding new van that has come to the market this year”, adding that the New Dispatch “breaks new ground in the largest and most important sector of the market.” James Dallas, Editor of What Van?, commented: “The Citroen Dispatch represents a big step up compared with its predecessor in terms of quality, refinement and practicality. It should propel the brand to the forefront of what is a very competitive market sector. The new Dispatch brings useful innovations to the market and it now stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the best medium vans on offer.” The What Van? Awards are voted for by an expert panel of judges who use their combined decades

of experience to decide the winners. The awards highlight the best products, companies and services in the industry, and reward those making the biggest difference to van operators and drivers. The design of the New Citroen Dispatch was inspired by the world of passenger cars and SUVs. Its styling is fluid and practical, with the all-new modular platform allowing new Dispatch to be available in three lengths. Its practicality is illustrated

by an optional hands-free function for the sliding side doors and numerous improvements in the cabin that make the life of the driver significantly easier. Besides useful everyday functions like hands-free entry and start, the new Dispatch also features technology such as Mirror Screen smartphone connectivity that brings the van right up to date. Louise Murphy, Citroen Ireland’s Marketing Director, said: “We are delighted that What Van? Magazine

has voted New Citroen Dispatch as the best new light commercial vehicle. In a highly competitive market to gain industry recognition on such an important new product is very important to us.” The all-new Citroen Dispatch van, which went on sale recently offers customers a compelling and competitive product range with exceptional capabilities and efficiencies. It also looks very well with the latest brand identity and robust and modern design.

n atVa ? 20

winning new Peugeot 3008 is now on sale in Ireland, with first vehicles arriving in Peugeot Dealer showrooms this March. Featuring the latest-generation Peugeot iCockpit with digital instrumentation as standard across the range, the all-new Peugeot 3008 SUV is a sophisticated and stylish vehicle that combines efficiency and high-levels of safety and technological equipment. The range starts from €25,995 plus delivery related charges for the entry level model, the Access 1.2 130bhp PureTech petrol version. Des Cannon, Managing Director at Gowan Distributors Limited, Peugeot

Importers in Ireland said: “A huge sales success in Europe already and with 17 international awards under its belt, demand for the new Peugeot 3008 is outstripping supply in every country where it has already been launched. Over 100,000 units have now been ordered in just 4 months, breaking records for the company. Furthermore, the brand’s objective of moving upmarket is now clearly coming into fruition, with 86% of sales to date attributed to level three Allure, level four GT Line and the range-topping GT trims. Together with the new Peugeot 5008 SUV, arriving this summer, we now look forward to increasing our performance in the all-important C-SUV segment.”

he eagerly-awaited, multi-award

he new Citroen Dis-

WA DS R

WINNER LCV of the Year

Roscommon People Friday 03 March 2017

PropertyPeople Connaughton Auctioneers holding property auction on March 10th Connaughton Auctioneers are hosting a multi-property auction on Friday, 10th of March next in Gleeson’s Townhouse, The Square, Roscommon Town at 2 pm. Featured properties will include a fourbedroomed residence in Lisacul, a prime building site (with planning permission) in Mount Talbot, circa 18.9 acres of mixed lands in Loughglynn and three prime building sites with planning for

PSRA Licence Number 002782

three two-storey houses at Ardsallagh More, Athlone Road, Roscommon. Also on offer will be a three-bedroomed semi-detached residence in Lanesboro and and a three-bedroomed bungalow in Ballygar. Auctioneer Ivan Connaughton reports a “huge level of interest” in the auction. For more details, call 090-6663700 or 086-8985013.

Prime Galway Road property available at Earley’s David Diffley, MIPAV, TRV of Property Partners Earley, Roscommon is this offering to the market a quality 3 terraced style residence of c. 1,018 sq. ft. for sale at Ard Ri, Galway Road, Roscommon town, Co. Roscommon. David describes the property as “a spacious three-bedroomed residence finished to a very high standard throughout located in the established Ard Ri development on the Galway route. “The property boasts spacious living accommodation throughout over two floors with a spacious rear garden and unrivalled location beside Roscommon town.” Accommodation comprises of reception/hallway,

Ard Ri, Galway Road, Roscommon town

sitting room/dining room, kitchen, WC, first floor, three bedrooms with master ensuite and bathroom. The auctioneer invites viewing and all offers to sell. Price guide: €120,000 for immediate sale. For further details or to

arrange a viewing, contact David Diffley, MIPAV, TRV of Property Partners Earley, Stone Court, The Square, Roscommon on 090-6626579 or email ddiffley@propertypartners.ie or log onto www. propertypartners.ie.

website is one of the best platforms to advertise any property on a worldwide basis. For a free property appraisal or to include your property for sale in the exhibition, contact either John Earley, FIPAV or

David Diffley, MIPAV, TRV of Property Partners Earley, Stone Court, The Square, Roscommon on 090-6626579, email jearley@propertypartners.ie, or log onto www.propertypartners.ie.

Forthcoming London Exhibition Property Partners Earley, Roscommon are this week advising patrons of their forthcoming London Exhibition and are pleased to advise that listings are progressing well. “As property prices are still very affordable in this region, consequently we have enjoyed a huge enquiry and sales from the UK as they recognise the excellent value to be found in all areas. “They are drawn to Ireland in particular for lower cost or living, and also the great value for money to be found. The Property Partners brand is one of the best recognised in property and the propertypartners.ie

Earley’s need farms and also land suitable for forestry John Earley, FIPAV of Property Partners Earley, Roscommon urgently requires land suitable for forestry to meet a large European order. Top prices paid. Also, we urgently require farms – having sold a number of farms recently, we now require lands for cash clients and disappointed under-bidders. In particular, we require lands in the general Tulsk area, Strokestown and Elphin areas. Replies in confidence to Property Partners Earley, Roscommon on 090-6626579, email jearley@propertypartners.ie.

Luxurious family home in Longford REA Seamus Carthy are delighted to present to the marketplace a luxurious family home with detached double garage, elegantly set on a most prime elevated 1.08 acre landscaped site, situated at Dring, Co. Longford. A modern family home built in 2005, the property is finished to a high specification throughout with quality fixtures and fittings. This superior family home comprises at ground floor level, a hugely impressive welcoming hallway, a living room, dining room, kitchen, utility, sitting room, lounge leading to outdoor veranda, shower room and bedroom one. At first floor, we have thee bedrooms, all en-suite including the master bedroom which runs from the front to the back of the house and comprises of large double bedroom leading to walk in wardrobe/

Brooklawn, Lower Deerpark, Boyle

4 Bedroom Detached Storey and a Half traditional style Residence set on what is considered a most prime elevated and mature site on the outskirts of Boyle Town. Immediate Enquiries Advised.

AMV: €95,000.

dressing room, leading to fully tiled ensuite bathroom. Externally, we have a large detached double garage. With its winding avenue gently elevating to this imposing two storey home, a quality family home on a quality site is now available. Viewing comes strongly recommended and both viewings and offers are invited. Contact REA Seamus Carthy, Roscommon town today 090 66 30001

10 Lisnaree, Strokestown, County Roscommon Quality 3 bedroom semi detached home in walk in condition. The property offers excellent value for money. Viewing is strongly recommended and immediately advised.

AMV: €70,000.

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

Roscommon People Friday 03 March 2017

PropertyPeople ht Final offers soug ing on old bank build

y Hughes & Compan t tha ing rm nfi are co ed they are at an advanc ns tio tia go ne of ge sta B for sale of the old AI ch Bank located at ChurPat Street, Roscommon. al in the property at present ders. is confirming that fin with a number of bidyou ls tai de er offers are now being For furth 5 pm on 090accepted by contact the office on o@ th of March. inf ail em Friday, 10 or 3 00 t 6627 Pat is confirming thast pathughesauctioneers. ere int of lot a there is

Strong interest reported in Greenmount House Pat Hughes & Co. Ltd., Auctioneers and Valuers are delighted to report strong interest in Greenmount House – a large two-storey four-bedroomed detached residence at Stonepark, Galway Road, Roscommon, which was advertised last week. The company are considering offers in excess of €120,000. They are hop-

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

CELTIC AVENUE, ROSCOMMON TOWN, CO. ROSCOMMON

ing to conclude sale soon. For further details please contact the office on 090-6627003 or email info@pathughesauctioneers.com.

Attractive bungalow

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.

Final offers on The Old AIB Bank, Church St. Roscommon By Friday 10th March 2017 at 5.00 p.m. . Final offers t 5.00 p.m a h c r a M th Friday 10

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

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

For Sale by private treaty or public auction at a later date Circa 56 acre Residential farm at

Carrowkeel, Dysart, Co. Roscommon

Hughes & Company are confirming that they are at an advanced stage of negotiations with the old AIB Bank located at Church Street, Roscommon. Pat is confirming that they have had a lot of interest over the last number of weeks with final offers now been accepted.

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

For Sale Circa 66 acre Residential Farm at

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.

Glenballythomas, Tulsk, Co. Roscommon

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

For Sale “Greenmount House” Galway Road, Roscommon

Generating a lot of interest. Most of the lands are of top quality with the benefit of a range of out offices including a 5 Bay Slatted Shed, Silage Base, Hay Shed and various other stores. Theresidence is a three bedroomed farm house. The property has excellent road frontage and is located only a short distance off the main Frenchpark to Tulsk road in a renowned farming area. The lands can be sold in one or more lots to suit. Viewing is highly recommended. Pat is encouraging local farmers to talk to him, this is an ideal opportunity to increase your holding.

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

To Let New To The Market

A strong interest in Greenmount House which was advertised last week. The Company are hoping to conclude a sale in the coming weeks. Offers in excess of €120,000 are being considered. For further details or to make an appointment to view phone 090 6627003 or e-mail info@ pathughesauctioneers.com

Circa 56 acres of top quality Land to let on a 5 year lease with entitlements located convenient to Roscommon Town. The land comes with a range of out offices including, a sheep shed, sheep handling facilities and a slatted shed. All of the lands are fenced and have been maintained to a high standard.

For further information contact the Office on 090 6627003 or e-mail info@pathughesauctioneers.com

Hughes & Company have an attractive four-bedroomed bungalow for sale at The Walk, Roscommon. The residence is on a large corner site with large garage to the rear. The residence is in excellent condition. Pat is accepting offers in excess of €180,000 for this fine property. For further details you contact the office on 090-6627003 or email info@pathughesauctioneers.com.

Commercial building – with an apartment!

At Henry Street, Roscommon Hughes & Company have for sale a large commercial building with a modern two-bedroomed apartment on the first floor. Pat is encouraging interested parties to have a look at this fine property which is located in a prominent location close to all amenities and suitable for various types of enterprise. The building is in excellent condition and well located. Viewing is highly recommended. For further details or to make an appointment to view, phone 090-6627003.

Top quality land!

Pat Hughes & Co. Ltd., Auctioneers and Valuers, are confirming that the company have circa 10 acres of top quality agricultural land with a four-bay hayshed for sale at Ballinagard Road, Roscommon. Pat will consider offers in excess of €100,000. Hughes & Company have for sale at Corboley, Roscommon circa 10 acres of top quality agricultural land with excellent road frontage suitable for development, subject to planning permission being granted. Pat is accepting offers in excess of €80,000 for these lands.For further details you contact the office on 090-6627003 or email info@pathughesauctioneers.com. Pat Hughes & Co. Ltd., Auctioneers and Valuers are reporting strong interest in 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. 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. This property has development potential subject to planning permission being granted. New to the market with auctioneer Pat Hughe is circa 56 acres of top quality land to let on a 5-year lease with entitlements, located convenient to Roscommon Town. The land comes with a range of out-offices including a sheep shed, sheep handling facilities and a slatted shed. All of the lands are fenced and have been maintained to a high standard. For further information contact the office on 090-6627003 or email info@pathughesauctioneers.com.

For sale in Dysart

For sale at Porteen, Dysart, Co. Roscommon Hughes & Company are offering a circa 20-acre residential farm. The lands are located in a number of different lots with a two-bedroomed farmhouse on the lands. Pat is accepting offers in excess of €120,000 for this property which has great potential. For further details you contact the office on 0906627003 or email info@pathughesauctioneers.com.

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. Legal: Marie McManus, Patrick J Neilan & Co, Roscommon. 090 66 26245.

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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 on the main Roscommon/Tulsk road close to the local Fourmilehouse church and community centre. The said lands are all of top quality and must be of interest to neighbouring farmers wishing to increase their existing holding. Standing on the said lands is a 3 B/R residence in need of modernisation The said farmyard which is set to the rear of the residence 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. 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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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 situated in a peaceful countryside setting. • Holding excellent potential due to 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.

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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.

Roscommon People Friday 03 March 2017

FarmingPeople IFA happy with ministerial move on calf exports

IFA President Joe Healy has strongly welcomed the positive decision from Agriculture Minister Michael Creed to reduce inspection charges on calf exports by 75% from €4.80 to €1.20 per head. He said this is a very positive boost to the live export trade for calves and comes at a vital time when calf sales are reaching their peak. Joe Healy said IFA has been working hard to reduce charges on live exports and this decision by Minister Creed is worth about €1,100 on each load of calf exports.

Local farm groups protest over threat to Regional Veterinary Lab The ICSA and IFA were represented at a rally in Athlone yesterday (Wednesday) aimed at trying to maintain the Regional Veterinary Laboratory services at Coosan. Roscommon IFA County Chairman, John Hanley

said: “Department of Agriculture Regional Veterinary Laboratory services are a highly regarded and vital support for farmers throughout the country. The focus of the Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed and his officials

must be on the enhancement of services to farmers in all regional sites.” Mr. Hanley said farmers have made enormous investments in progressing the health status of the national herd, which benefits the agri-sector and wider

rural economy. Strong meaningful state diagnostic support is a vital component and the Minister must enhance this service for all farmers. Mr. Hanley said farmers rely on the quality and independence of the service provided by the strategically located regional veterinary laboratory structure. Mr. Hanley said the local regional veterinary labo-

ratory is best equipped to deal with the changing dynamics of farming and challenges from new and emerging diseases. “The lab and staff in Athlone, with their local knowledge, close interaction with farmers and vets and key industry stakeholders, and ease of access for samples is the only approach that can provide the necessary support to farmers.”

Castlerea Mart Report

Serving Farmers since 1985

THINKING OF FORESTRY:

• Tax Free Annual payment up to €635/ha • Full grant to cover planting costs • Harvesting/Forest Roads/Felling License • Group Forest Insurance Scheme

Colm Freyne BSc (Forestry) Galway/Roscommon Ph: 087-6606043

Call in to our office at the Mart in Ballinrobe or call:

Tel: 094 9542668 www.westernforestry.com

Donal Dowd

Hoof Trimming Service

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

Mobile: 087 9839284

Roscommon IFA members pictured at the protest.

Walk in a farmer’s shoes on Pat’s farm! Pat Joyce is a suckler farmer located between the village of Trien (just outside Castlerea) and Williamstown. He has being making great progress on his farm over the last number of years. Most of his farm is reseeded and he has built a slatted shed in the last 12 months. Now he has decided it is time to stop spending money and see if he can get a return on his investment. He runs a herd of approximately twenty suck-

ler cows. His aim is to increase cow numbers to thirty, sell the best of the weanlings and keep the remainder as stores or beef. He hopes to achieve this with minimal increase in costs. You might ask how this is possible. The plan is to try and get as much use out of grass as he can. He finds that he has the ability to grow large amounts of grass but he does not have the stock at present to utilise it. This farm walk will give

you the opportunity to see at farmer level how to make the best use of fertiliser, make excellent quality silage, get some stock out in the spring time and what can be achieved when grass is well managed. The walk takes place on Pat’s farm on Tuesday, March 7th at 12 noon to discuss all of the above and more. Look forward to seeing you all there! (Meeting point Trien village at 11.30 am).

l Keen Rates l Covering all areas

Dead & Worn-Out Animals Contact

TOM ROGERS

email: info@castlerealivestockmart.com web: www.castlerealivestockmart.com

Farm Walk Improving Profit from Grass

Contact

A farm walk

JOHN GREENE

will be held on the farm of

BALLINASLOE

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

Your LOCAL Collector Guaranteed lowest price

Lowest price guaranteed Daily collection

Keep your farm safe

Castlerea Co-operative Livestock Mart Ltd. Telephone: 094 9620300

Dead & Worn-Out Animals

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

Thursday, February 23rd: There were 700 cattle on offer this week and despite the recent inclement stormy weather conditions, trade has held firm for most categories of stock on offer. Prices for both bullocks and heifers were strong with a good attendance of buyers present while the weanlings noticed increased demand also this week. Increased numbers of suck calves on offer this week with a good clearance reported, while the dry cows and breeding stock also reported good clearances. Sample prices for bullocks: Ch 400kgs €1135, Ch 430kgs €1105, Ch 505kgs €1255, Lim 540kgs €1245, Ch 550kgs €1370, AA 560kgs €1280, Ch 710kgs €1440. Heifers: Chx 495kgs €1235, Chx 470kgs €1210, Ch 430kgs €1155, Ch 560kgs €1475, Ch 500kgs €1355, AA 575kgs €1295. Dry cows: Lm 755kgs €1405, Lm 645kgs €1245, AA 740kgs €1300, Si 750kgs €1335, Her 450kgs €800. Cows with calves at foot made from €1180 to €1850 per head. Springer cows made from €720 to €1240 per head. Dairy cows made from €1050 to €1100 per head. Calves: Plain dairy cross type calves made from €5 to €40 per head while British Fr. bulls made from €65 to €110 per head and beef cross calves made from €150 to €560 for continentals types. Weanling bulls: Ch 295kgs €980, Lm 290kgs €845, Lm 400kgs €1225, AAX 400kgs €1140, Ch 470kgs €1150. Weanling heifers: BBX 290kgs €915, Ch 255kgs €810, Ch 355kgs €975, Ch 300kgs €925, BBx 305kgs €910. Sales continue at Castlerea Mart. All sales commence at 11 am, with three rings in operation.

Pat Joyce, Moorefield, Williamstown on Tuesday, 7th March, 2017 (Meeting Point: Trien Village at 11.30am)

Focus of the Event: • Paddock Set-up • Making quality silage • Maximising grass usage

Tom Kellegher Regional Manager

All are welcome www.teagasc.ie

PROPERTY SERVICES PROVIDERS LICENCE NO. 002249

THURSDAY WEEKLY:

SALE OF BULLOCKS, HEIFERS, COWS, CALVES AND WEANLINGS

(FOR SALE ON THURSDAY 2ND MARCH 15 AA BREEDING HEIFERS IN CONJUNCTION WITH OUR USUAL SALE) ALL SALES COMMENCE AT 11 A.M. 3 RINGS IN OPERATION YARD OPENS AT 8 A.M. ALL STOCK PRE-BOOKED. FORTHCOMING SALE AS AND FROM THE 20TH MARCH

BULLOCK SALE WILL RESUME ON MONDAYS FOR ENQUIRIES CONTACT MART OFFICE OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR DETAILS

Roscommon People Friday 03 March 2017

FarmingPeople

NewsPeople

Call for greater flexibility from banks Roscommon IFA Farm Business Chairman Mr. Pat Leonard has said that the banks must show greater flexibility on loan duration for the agri-cashflow loans, based on the individual circumstances and repayment capacity of the farmer. He said: “The roll-out of the low cost agri-cashflow loans has been a very positive initiative for farming at the start of 2017. High demand clearly shows the requirement for competitively-priced working capital for farmers. However, IFA has identified a number of issues of concern to farmers in the approach of the banks. Decisions are being made on loan duration and eligibility criteria that appear not to be within the spirit of the loans. “In particular, IFA is concerned that banks are of-

fering only short-term financing (12-24 months) for working capital purposes. This will be an entirely inappropriate timeframe for repayment for some farmers, and may make these farmers, who are most in need of the scheme, ineligible as a result. For these farmers, the debt that they are hoping to finance has built up over a number of years and cannot be repaid over a short period of time.” He concluded: “IFA has written to the banks and SBCI outlining our concerns in this area and have asked the SBCI, in its oversight role, to engage with the banks to address this. It is critical that farmers are able to access this low-cost funding and repay it in a timeframe that is appropriate to their farm enterprise.”

Roscommon Mart Report Friday, February 24th: There was a positive trade for all stock again this week. Bullocks averaged from €2.19 per kilo up to €2.65. Heifers fetched from €2.31 per kilo up to €2.87 per kilo. A nice number of dry cows on offer with prices averaging from €1.62 per kilo up to €1.92 per kilo. There was high clearance of lots with a good attendance of customers. Special sale of bullocks tomorrow (Friday, March 3rd) at 11 am with 79 pens on offer, also heifers and dry cows. Special sale of heifers next Friday (March 10th) at 11 am. Bookings accepted up to 5 pm today (Thursday 2nd). Please note: No sale on Friday, March 17th (St. Patrick’s Day). Dry cows made from €795 to €1490 per lot. Sample prices: Lim X 775 kgs €1490, BBX 755 kgs €1420, AAX 815 kgs €1420, Char X 735 kgs €1380, Ch 665 kgs €1265, Lim X 645 kgs €1140, Char X 655 kgs €1000, Lim X 490 kgs €900, Limx 610 kgs €1025. Heifers made from €435 to €1255 over. Sample prices: Lim X 645 kgs €1440, Lim 480 kgs €1215, BBX 510 kgs €1195, Char X 495 kgs €1120, AAX 495 kgs €1100, Lim X 380 kgs €1050, HEX 360 kgs €910, 2 BBX 382 kgs €820, Char X 310 kgs €800, Lim X 320 kgs €920. Bullocks made from €345 to €850 over. Sample prices: Simm X 765 kgs €1500, Char 580 kgs €1400, Char X 515 kgs €1365, Lim X 540 kgs €1340, Char X 475 kgs €1210, Char X 440 kgs €1080, Char 420 kgs €1060, AAX 350 kgs €860, Lim X 290 kgg €635. Tuesday, February 28th: There was a large entry of top quality weanlings on offer at last Tuesday’s sale. There was an excellent trade for bulls with prices averaging from €2.50 per kilo up to €3.50 per kilo. Weanling heifers averaged from €2.49 per kilo up to €3.05 per kilo. There were a good number of exporters, farmers and agents in attendance. Show and sale of weanlings on Tuesday, March 7th at 5 pm. Bookings accepted up to 5 pm today (Thursday, 2nd). Weanling heifers made from €345 to €620 over. Sample prices: BBX 380 kgs €1000, BBX 345 kgs €965, Char X 365 kgs €955, Char 295 kgs €900, Simm X 310 kgs €870, AAX 315 kgs €850, Char X 305 €825, BBX 290 kgs €810, Lim X 285 €840, Lim X 240 kgs €720. Weanling bulls made from €345 to €760 over. Sample prices: Char X 465 kgs €1200, Lim X 450 kgs €1160, Simm X 460 kgs €1145, Char X 325 ks €1030, Lim X 425 kgs €1105, Char X 410 kgs €1145, Lim X 360 kgs 950, 2 Lim X 322 kgs €900, Lim x 290 kgs €880, Lim 270 kgs €800, AAX 300 kgs €900. Sheep sale – Wednesday, March 1st: We had a larger entry of sheep this week. There was a better trade for the finished hoggets with a top price of €113.50. The trade for cast ewes was similar to the previous week. We had a large entry of in-lamb ewes this week again 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 for hoggets: 52.8kgs €113.5, 50.9kgs €112, 50.3kgs €111, 54kgs €110, 52.8kgs €110, 50.5kgs €110, 47.1kgs €107, 48.3kgs €106, 45.8kgs €106, 44.3kgs €102, 45.8kgs €101.5, 45.3kgs €100. Cast ewes made from €45 to €134 per lot. In lamb ewes made from €125 to €186 per lot. Ewe with two lambs at foot made from €180 to €200.

(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 This Friday, March 3rd at 11 a.m. 80 pens on offer 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 ---------------------

Show & Sale of Weanlings Tuesday, March 7th at 5 p.m. Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 2nd --------------

Special Sale

Springers & Cows with Calves at Foot Saturday, March 18th at 12 Noon Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 9th ------------

Please note no Sale on Friday March 17th- St. Patrick’s Day -----------------

Lambs & Cast Ewes

Each Wednesday at 11 a.m. Included in sale Wednesday next March 8th 30 Excellent Quality Breeding Ewes - 1st, 2nd & 3rd Crop in lamb to Charollais & Suffolk Rams due 14th March 27 Scanned with Twins & 3 with Triplets --------------

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

Information Meeting (Mart Canteen)

Topics: SBCI Agriculture Cash flow Support Scheme Agri-Digital Skills Courses for Farm Families Speakers from Bank of Ireland & Roscommon Leadership Partnership Board tonight Thursday, March 2nd at 9 p.m.

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

Callaghan slams ‘blatant dumping’ Cllr. Liam Callaghan has this week said that he is very disappointed with the amount of blatant dumping of waste and household goods in public areas. Cllr. Callaghan expressed his frustration after visiting an area in Kilmurry between Rathmoyle cross and Ballyglass. Cllr. Callaghan explained that this a quiet rural road with beautiful mature trees and it is being used for fly dumping on a regular basis. The area is littered with all kinds of rubbish such as household toys, black bags and much more. “It amazes me that some people go to the bother of filling their cars and vans with rubbish like this and only 10 minutes from here there is a recycling centre in both Ballaghaderreen and Castlerea. The charge for the service is very reasonable.” Cllr. Callaghan feels the people responsible for the

dumping live quite close to the area and says they are showing total disrespect to the local community and the residents of the area. “I have been in contact with the Litter Warden who has indicated that they will try and establish who is responsible for the litter and include the area in the national clean-up programme.”

Cllr. Liam Callaghan

Naughten crackdown on illegal dumpers Minister for the Environment Denis Naughten is set to launch a major new initiative to crack down on the scourge of fly tipping across the country. Minister Naughten has secured funding that will be used to target illegal dumpers using covert surveillance and smart technology including aerial imagery from drones and satellites. The installation of CCTV cameras and better enforcement and prosecution actions will also form part of the new crackdown. Minister Naughten secured €2 million in Minister for the Environment Denis Budget 2017 specifically for the recruitment of Naughten

extra enforcement officers at the Environmental Protection Agency, but his new crackdown will be funded separately under the Environment Fund. The funding will be available to community groups and state agencies who will work in partnership to clean up and prevent illegal dumping. The use of ‘Smart Enforcement Interventions’ will prove to be a key tool in the fight against fly-tipping. Smart Enforcement Interventions include the use of aerial imagery from unmanned aerial vehicles, CCTV (covert/ overt), satellite imaging and smart phones technology.

Roscommon People Friday 03 March 2017

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Pictured is Gavin Whitaker, CleanStream Solutions, presenting the ‘Sustainable Water Achievement Award’ to Brendan Gordon of BioFriendly. BioFriendly, which manufactures sewage treatment systems in Loughglynn, Co. Roscommon beat off competition from Dublin Airport, Manor Farm and Tegral at the recent Green Awards which were held in the Clayton Hotel, Dublin.

LEO Roscommon announces plans for ‘Local Enterprise Week’ Event runs from 5th-10th March

The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Ms. Mary Mitchell O’Connor T.D. has welcomed plans by the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) to host more than 380 inspiring events around the country for an estimated 14,500 start-ups, aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners during Local Enterprise Week 2017. The focus of Local Enterprise Week is to increase awareness of the range of LEO supports and services available to micro and small enterprises. Running from March 5th to 10th, all 31 LEOs, including LEO Roscommon will be celebrating Local Enterprise Week with a range of events for start-ups, aspiring entrepreneurs and small businesses in their area. Entrepreneurs of all ages will have the opportunity to participate in workshops, semi-

nars, advice clinics and one-to-one mentoring in areas such as: business, website and social media review, Intellectual Property, Public Procurement, Enterprise Europe Network (EEN), Health & Safety, etc. Local Enterprise Week officially kicks-off on Sunday, March 5th with the national final of Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur (IBYE) competition in Google Headquarters in Dublin. IBYE, which is an initiative of the Local Enterprise Offices and supported by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and Enterprise Ireland, achieved an unprecedented number of entries across all 31 LEOs with more than 1,800 young people competing for the €2 million IBYE investment fund. Local Enterprise Office Roscommon is represented in the IBYE National Final by Des Dolan, MistCalls, (Best Business Idea Category) and Kyle McLoughlin, Posude T/A Sub-Teacher.ie (Best Business Start-Up Category). Louise Ward of the Local Enterprise Office Roscommon said that Local Enterprise Week was the ideal ‘shop window’ to show the wide

range of supports on offer to start-ups, sole traders and small businesses in Co. Roscommon. She said: “Local Enterprise Week, which takes place from March 5th to 10th, is a collaboration on a local and national scale between LEOs, local business communities, Government Departments, other units within Local Authorities, and State support agencies. We hope these events will inspire and motivate hundreds of entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs in Co. Roscommon. Small businesses continue to be the backbone of our local economy, with huge potential to grow and create jobs.” Details for all events can be found at www. localenterprise.ie/roscommon and Local Enterprise Office Roscommon is strongly advising businesses to book well in advance. Contact LEO Roscommon: T: 09066 26263 or 09066 37100; E:localenterprise@roscommoncoco.ie

Food for thought: AIB’s breakfast briefing…

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 at an AIB Breakfast Briefing in Horan’s Restaurant, Roscommon, were: Noel Feeney, Agri Consultant; Damien Lohan, Accountant; Michael Hegarty, AIB Business Customer Advisor; Barbara Taylor, Head of AIB Roscommon, Leitrim and Sligo and Pat Naughton, Accountant. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

AIB held a very successful breakfast briefing in Horan’s Restaurant, Roscommon with a specific focus on the new Strategic Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) Agriculture Cashflow Support Loan. The event was hosted by Barbara Taylor, Head of AIB Roscommon, Leitrim and Sligo with an informative presentation delivered by Barry Hyland, AIB Agri Advisor. The new loan scheme, administered by AIB on behalf of the SBCI, aims to support farmers experiencing short-term financial pressure due to price and income volatility.

Roscommon People Friday 03 March 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

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

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

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

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

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

the most read newspaper in county roscommon!

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

Chimney Services

Chimney Cleaning Latest Chimney Cleaning Technology Suitable for cleaning of: Open fires, Stoves, Insert Stoves & Ranges – No Mess – No Fuss “Just a Clean Sweep” Professional and Reliable Service Please contact: 085 8122407 or roscleansweep@gmail.com For quotation and appointment.

CHIMNEY CLEANING Power Swept No Mess Reasonable Charge

Also available for power washing

Telephone: 087 9657933 090 66 26752

driving lessons

DC Computer Services

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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

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RSA Registered and former Driver Tester

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computers

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

Career Assessment, Guidance & Counselling

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

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chimney cleaning

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chiropractor roscommon chiropractic clinic Specialising in:

• back pain • headaches • neck pain • limb pain

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Roscommon West Business Park, Circular Road, Roscommon. David Connor

BSC (Hon.) Chiro. MSc. Chiropractic Association of Ireland

VHI and Laya Covered

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

Dental Dental Design Studio • Natural Cosmetic Dentures • Palate Free Dentures • Flexible Dentures • Repairs & Re-lines • Express replacement of lost/broken dentures

Patrick Lynch Clinical Dental Technician

Henry Street Medical Centre Roscommon Telephone: 090 66 65917 087 228 8780

divorce <<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.

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Learn to drive with ....

Car Available for Tests Gift Vouchers

Roscommon Driving School

(094) 98 80281/ (087) 2031909

CONTACT: (090) 66 61102

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

Accounts

SYL’s School of Motoring

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

Contact: 085 1348779 cars 2008 Volkswagen Golf, 1.19 c.c. T.D.I. 5 door 97,000 miles, Taxed until May 2017, Metallic black alloys wheels with air conditioning. N.C.T until May 2018. Full service history. Price €6350. Phone: 087 1240137

Road Safety Authority Approved Driving Instructor

farming

<<ABATTOIR SERVICE AVAILABLE: Cattle, lambs and pigs. Ready for freezing. Home Cured and Honey Dry cured traditional bacon (not pumped with water) now available. Webb’s Butcher’s 094 96 20005 or 086 4094715. <<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. CALVES FOR SALE: Large selection of calves available weekly. Can be delivered. Milk replacer also for sale. Contact: Darragh 086 - 8713864.

Roscommon People Friday 03 March 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 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

5 week CBT Mindfulness Course

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 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

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

SEAMUS HUNT

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

Roscommon Physical Therapy Clinic 18 years experience in treating babies to adults Physical Therapy CranioSacral Therapy Medical Dry Needling Prescription Orthotics Pilates – Small Classes Can we help you? Call us today to enquire Ph. 090 663 0009 Like us on Facebook www.rosptc.com We are now located at: 2 Castleview, Castle Street, Roscommon F42 C902

plannings

holistic

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

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

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

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.

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.

Roscommon People Friday 03 March 2017

Classifieds 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.

<<TWO DOUBLE ROOMS to let, (one ensuite). Knockcroghery village. New house. All mod. cons. Tel. 087 6455777. <<To Let: House in Castlemanor, Roscommon. All Mod Cons. References essential. Tel: 087 9008817

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)

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

septic tanks

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

Telephone Michael Haverty: 086 8381227 or 086 1997815

situations vacant SOUS CHEF REQUIRED

For busy hotel, bar & restaurant in the midlands Minimun 8 years experience required. Fluent English and a good understanding of European Cuisine. Salary: €30,000p.a. 40 hoursp.w. Apply to: Keenans Boutique Hotel, Bar & Restaurant, Tarmonbarry, Co. Roscommon. Email: info@keenans.ie

WAITING STAFF REQUIRED

Part-time waiting staff required, no experience necessary, must be available to work weekends and during holiday periods, excellent English essential. Applications by CV only Apply to: The manager Keenans Boutique Hotel, Bar & Restaurant, Tarmonbarry, Co. Roscommon. <<Office Administrator required for busy GP Surgery in Athlone. Reply with CV to Box No. 985

Strokestown Bar requires

Part-time Staff

Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon

Mainly weekends

Find us on facebook

Apply to Box no. 984, c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon.

Tel: 087 2264951

<<Part-time bar person required for pub, 5 miles from Roscommon town. Apply to Box No: 986, c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon. <<Childminder wanted: To mind two young children either in childminders home OR in children’s own home. Phone: 087 3282507

situations wanted <<Experienced childminder available fulltime./Part time. 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.

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

TAxis and hackneys

Padraig Healy Car & Mini Bus Hire Wheelchair Accessible

Call car direct

(086) 2714879

Tom Kilduff Cabs Tel: (086) 2544662 086 3821515

Pete’s Cabs

Roscommon

TAxis and hackneys

Tommy Gilligan

useful services

• SAORVIEW • FREEVIEW

Glamorous Dogs

Cabs

Telephone: 086 8099 503

JOHN BEATTIE Cab and Bus Hire

Peter Lynch 086 8400002

Mal Hevehan Telephone: 086 8100292

Roscommon

086 2670670 Bus hire for all occasions

KELLY’S EYE Taxi and Mini Bus hire.

Phone: 087-2727888. tuition GRINDS IN JUNIOR AND LEAVING CERTIFICATE BUSINESS AND ACCOUNTING Tutoring for college students in Business, Accountancy and Taxation.

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

Contact: Nuala McGowan on 086 0352849. <<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.

– Contact –

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

<<HOME TUITION in Biology and Ag. Science from qualitified teacher. Available to travel. Tel. 087 7828311.

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.

family circle FAMILY CIRCLE DATE: 25/02/2017 FIRST PRIZE €50: Jakie Langan c/o K. Collins SECOND PRIZE €25: Kathleen Finan Celtic Avenue THIRD PRIZE €20: Margaret Fallon c/o K. Collins 8 RESIDUAL PRIZES OF €10 EACH: Jane Brennan c/o K Finan, Bridget Finneran c/o K. Collins, Regina Parker c/o K Hoare Kate and Mary c/o K. Hoare Denis O’ Shea c/o Maru Barry Pat Tully, Ballymurray, Catherine Berry, Athlone, Michael and Orlaith c/o Mary Hicks 5 PROMOTORS PRIZES OF €5 EACH: Kathleen Collins; Kathleen Hoare, John Igoe, Denis and Mary, Denis O’ Shea TOTAL PRIZES: €200 Total Receipts: €307

Fuerty, Roscommon

Keshia Casey

Professional Dog Groomer

(087) 2731228 We buy any car, jeep and trucks. We also take away old vehicles. Tel: 085 8276994

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

Contact: 087 6718564

crash repairs

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

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

useful services

HEALY’S General & Farm Labour • Lawns • Gardens • Powerwashing • Firewood & Log Splitting • Turf saved and brought home No job too big or too small

Contact Vincent on 083 4130827 <<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.

crash repairs

Roscommon People Friday 03 March 2017

FamilyNotices acknowledgements and anniversaries DEMPSEY Matty 1st Anniversary Stonepark Roscommon In loving memory of a dear father who died on 2nd March 2016

When I am gone release me, let me go, I have so many things to do Be happy that we had so many years. I gave you my love, you can only guess, How much you gave me in happiness. I thank you for the love you have shown, but now it’s time I travelled alone. So grieve awhile that we must part, and bless the memories in your heart. I won’t be far away, for life goes on, and if you need me, call and I will come. Though you can’t see or touch me, I’ll be near, and if you listen with your heart you’ll hear, all my love around you, soft and clear. And when you must come this way alone, I’ll greet you with a “Welcome Home”.

Loved always and forever in our hearts and always in our minds. Remembered by your loving family, relatives, friends and neighbours Anniversary Mass on 5th March at 12.15 in Sacred Heart Church Roscommon. May his gentle soul rest in peace.

LOHAN Tom, Delia and Kathleen (McCarthy) Mote Park, Roscommon

In loving memory of our parents, Tom and Delia and our sister Kathleen, whose anniversaries occur around this time Time may pass and fade away, but silent thoughts and memories stay.

Always remembered by their loving families. Anniversary Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Knockcroghery on Saturday 4th March at 7.00pm.

Hegarty Johnny Glinsk, Castlerea, Co. Galway Who passed away on the 1st of March 2016 (1st Anniversary) RIP

It seems like only yesterday, you took me by the hand, and placed on it a special ring, a golden wedding band, together on life’s Journey, We shared happiness, laughter and tears, and I would not trade anything, for all those special years. When I sit alone sometimes, and think about our life, and all those happy years, We were as man and wife. The years we spent together, keep within my heart, for they hold special memories, which will never let us part.

Lovingly remembered by your wife Kathleen.

Our lives go on without you, But nothing is the same, We have to hide our heartache, When someone speaks your name. Sad are the hearts that love you, Silent the tears that fall, Living our lives without you, Is the hardest part of all. You did so many things for us, Your heart was kind and true, And when we needed someone, We could always count on you. Them special years will not return, When we were all together, But with the love within our hearts, You will walk with us forever.

McCANN, Mary (nee Hanley) Banada Bridge, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon and formerly of Treanboy, Ballymoe, Co. Galway

The family of the late Mary McCann wish to express our thanks and appreciation to everyone who sympathised with us, gave Mass Cards, or attended Mary’s Mass and funeral. Our deepest gratitude to our wonderful friends and neighbours who gave so generously of their time and to those who brought food and helped in so many ways to ease the burden of Mary’s loss. A special word of thanks to the traffic coordinators and caterers whose tireless work was so much appreciated. We recognise the special efforts people made in travelling long distances so close to Christmas. Thanks also to Mary’s former colleagues who shared their fond memories of Mary when she worked in St. Patrick’s Hospital, Castlerea. A sincere word of thanks to Fr. Dan O’Mahony, who was assisted by Fr. Paul Kivlehan, who ensured that Mary’s funeral Mass was so appropriate, personal, and memorable. Thanks also to the other priests whose presence and support were greatly appreciated, especially at such a busy time of year. To all who took part in the Liturgy, we offer a special word of thanks. We will be forever grateful to the medical and nursing staff of Sligo University Hospital, to Dr. Finan and the Doctors of the Intensive Care Unit, the Palliative Care Unit, the Admission staff and especially to the nursing staff of the I.C.U. who cared so diligently and caringly for Mary during her illness and were so thoughtful to the family during those very difficult days. Thanks to Tom Sharkey of Sharkey’s Funeral Directors whose professionalism and warmth was so reassuring and helpful to us. We sincerely hope that each and every one of you accept this acknowledgement as a small token of our heartfelt gratitude. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions.

NOLAN Annie (Nan) 1st Anniversary

Fondly remembered by your grandchildren: Aoife, Roisin, Laura, Sean, Eimear, Aislinn, Conor, Lewis, Kayleigh, Nicole, Niamh and Patrick A silent thought, A quite prayer, For a special person, In God’s care,

Sadly missed by your brother in law John. –––––oOo ––––– Anniversary Mass in St. Michael’s Church, Glinsk on Sunday, 5th March at 10.00 am

Lisnamult and Dingle, Co. Kerry.

The family of the late Michael O’ Connor, Lisnamult and Dingle, Co. Kerry, wish to thank all those who sympathised with them in their recent bereavement. Thank you to all who sent Mass cards, letters of sympathy and floral tributes. Thank you to our kind friends and neighbours who formed a Guard of Honour on both days. Thanks to the staff of Roscommon Hospital and Sacred Heart Home who took such great care of our Dad. Thanks to Dr. Padraic Brennan, Dr David Harrison and Valerie Morris who attended to Dad in his own home. Thanks to the carers who took such great care of Dad in his own home. Thanks to the people who travelled a long distance. Thanks to Fr Eugene McLoughlin and Fr Sean Beirne for a beautiful Requiem Mass. To Fr Eugene McLoughlin who gave a lovely Homily of Dad. Thanks to the Soloists Alannah Healy, Mike Thomas and the choir for their beautiful singing. Thanks to Donlon’s Undertakers, Ballyhaunis and the gravediggers for their professionalism. As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for the intentions of all.

Month’s Mind Mass on Saturday 4th March at 7.00 pm in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon.

MURRAY Donald (Don)

Remembered with love, Fiona, Marty, Carmel, Pat, Cathy, Rod, Padraig, Noli, Paula, Morris, Sean, Siobhan and Stephen A smile for all, A heart of gold, The very best this world could hold, Never selfish, always kind, These are the memories you left behind.

O’CONNOR Michael

The family of the late Annie Nolan wish to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all those who supported us during our sad bereavement. We wish to acknowledge with gratitude all those who called to our home, attended the removal , funeral mass and burial. Thanks to those who travelled long distances, those who sent Mass cards, letters of sympathy and floral tributes. We are extremely grateful to Dr. Cunningham and his staff for the expert care they provided and the kindness shown to Nan over the years. Thanks to palliative care for the compassion and support shown to Nan. We offer our heartfelt thanks to our neighbours and friends who overseen the traffic management and those who brought food and refreshments and helped to cater for all those who called to our home. Thank you to the gravediggers and the Glinsk Choir. Sincere thanks to Tom and Dolores Dowd for the professional way in which they dealt with the funeral arrangements and providing refreshments after the funeral. Thank you to the Civil Defence and Roscommon Tool Hire for directing traffic and providing lighting. Sincere thanks to Fr. Larry for the celebration of the beautiful and dignified funeral Mass. A special word of thanks to her carers Brid and Maureen. Please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our deep appreciation and gratitude, as it is impossible to thank everyone individually. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for the intentions of all.

1st Anniversary Mass Saturday, 4th of March At 7.00pm.

London and formerly Ballyleague, Roscommon. Don passed away in London on January 15th 2017.

Deeply regretted by his wife and daughters in London, his brothers Aidan, Kieran, Lurgan and pre-deceased by his parents Tommy and Kathleen and his brother Jarlath.

Month’s mind Mass in the Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague on March 5th at 11am.

GALVIN John Cloonloughlin, Mount Talbot, Roscommon (15th Anniversary) In loving memory of a dear husband and father who died on March 8th 2002 R.I.P.

No special day is needed, For us to think of you, You are always in our thoughts, No matter what we do. Your resting place we visit, And say a little prayer, But no one knows the heartache, As we turn and leave you there.

Sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife and family. Anniversary Mass in Tisrara Church on Sunday, March 5th at 11am.

Roscommon People Friday 03 March 2017

FamilyNotices acknowledgements and anniversaries HANNON Hannah and Francie Antogher Road, Rosccommon

20th March 2015 and 19th April 1977 2nd Anniversary and 40th Anniversary Forever in our thoughts and prayers

Missed and always remembered by your children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and extended family. Anniversary Mass at Sacred Heart Church, 20th March at 8.00am

MCMANUS Evelyn Athlone Road, Roscommon Town Who died 1st March 2014

You are always close beside us, in everything we do, You were our greatest treasure, God’s gift to us was you.

Lovingly remembered by her husband, Noel, daughters Deirdre, Rebecca and Judith.

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

KEEGAN Bridie Muff, Castlecoote,Roscommon (19th Anniversary)

thanksgivings MCMANUS John and Nancy Late of Elphin Street, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon

18th and 2nd Anniversaries Always remembered and sadly missed by their loving family. Anniversary Mass on Saturday March 4th in the Church of the Immaculate Conception Strokestown at 12 noon.

REGAN Joe The Laurels, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon. (3rd Anniversary)

REGAN Etta Clooneenheartland, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon Died 2nd March 2015 (2nd Anniversary)

GROGAN Ger-Michael Who died 10th March 2002 R.I.P. (15th Anniversary)

Will those who think of Ger-Michael today, A prayer to Jesus and Mary say.

Greatly loved and sadly missed by Mum and Dad, brother, sister, sister-in law, nephews, niece, aunts, uncles, relatives and friends. Anniversary Mass in the Sacred Heart Church Roscommon on Tuesday 7th March at 10.30am.

COYNE Teresa

In loving memory of our dear Aunt Bridie who died on 6th March 1998 Our hearts are full of memories. With pride we speak your name. Although life goes on without you, It will never be that same. Those special days will not return, When we Were altogether, but with love and memories in our hearts, You will walk with us forever.

Sadly missed by her nephews Canon Joe, Kevin, niece Moria, niece-in-law Bernie, nephew-in-law Christy and grandnieces and nephews. Anniversary Mass on Sunday 5th of March 2017 at 11.30am in Fuerty Church.

Phone: (090) 66 34633 Email:

advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

Ros Memorials Headstone, Memorial & Gravestone Specialists

Knockcroghery, co. roscommon

Pat: 087 7799076 Paul: 086 6052649

• Headstones • Kerbed Memorials • Grave Site Care • Headstone Cleaning • Monument Levelling • Gravestone Repair

The happy hours we once enjoyed How sweet their memory still But death has left a vacant place This world can never fill. How dearly we loved you And prayed you might live But Jesus just beckoned and we had to give. God gave us strength to bear it And courage to fight the blow What it has meant to lose you God alone will ever know.

- Loved and always missed by Pearl, Robert, Joanna, Hazel, Gillian and Abby. -------------------The hand of time keeps moving, The years have slipped away But in our hearts and memories You are with us every day.

- Loved and missed by Mick, Mari, Pauline and all the family. Anniversary Mass in Kilglass Church on Sunday, March 5th at 10.30 a.m.

Turville, Roscommon. (9th Anniversary) Died the 7th February 2008 You can only have one mother, patient kind and true; No other friend in all the world, Will be the same to you. When others friends forsake you, to mother you will return For all her loving kindness, she asks nothing in return. As we look upon 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.

Lovingly remembered by all her family. Etta’s 2nd Anniversary Mass, and her son Joe’s 3rd Anniversary Mass is on Sunday March 5th at 10.30am in Sacred Heart Church, Kilglass.

As I sit in Heaven and watch you everyday, I try and let you know with signs, I never went away. I hear you when you’re laughing and watch you as you sleep, I even place my arms around you, to calm you as you weep. I see you wish the days away, Begging to have me home, So try and send you signs, So you know you’re not alone. Don’t feel guilty that you have life, Life that was denied to me, Heaven is truly beautiful, just you wait and see! So live your life, laugh again, Enjoy yourself, be free. Then I’ll know with each breath you take, You’ll be taking one for me.

Missed everyday by Joe, Anne, Adrian, Linda, Matthew, Adrianna and Mark. x Anniversary Mass on Saturday 4th March at 7.00pm in St. Patrick’s Church, Athleague

KELLY Mickie 8 Jubilee Close, Roscommon 9th Anniversary - 6th March

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 always there.

Sadly missed by your friend Simon, Ann, Simon Jnr and Shane Doyle.

CARR Michael Caldra, Strokestown

In loving memory of Michael Carr, Caldra, Strokestown Died March 2nd 2001 The hands of time keep turning The years have passed away But in our hearts and memories You are with us every day.

Lovingly remembered by your beloved wife Genevieve, Emma, Ruth, Michael, Fergal and James.

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

Phone: (090) 66 34633 Email:

advertising@roscommonpeople.ie Our deadline for receipt of Family Notices is 2.30pm on Tuesday. We cannot guarantee publication after this time.

THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times, for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. F.N. THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times, for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. M.C. THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times, for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. M.F. THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times, for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. J.P.W Prayer for Special Request Pray for 3 days. Publish on the 3rd day. See what will happen on the 4th day. Oh! Dear Mother of God, Our Lady of Conception Aparecida! Oh! Saint Rita of Cassia and Saint Jude worker of miracles and helper of impossible causes pray for me. Saint Expedite, Saint of urgent causes. Saint Edwiges the Saint of the needy, you know how desperate I feel, please ask Jesus to help me. (Here mention your request). May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored and glorified for ever. Pray 1 Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be... Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. S.G.

Roscommon People Friday 03 March 2017

AtYourService blinds

Brendan Doolin

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

chimney cleaning

Chimney SWEEP

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

• Relining • Rebuilding • CCTV Camera Inspection

Cathal Dooley 087 6579064

20 Years Experience Free Insurance Quotes Nationwide Service Stoves and Ranges Fitted All Work Guaranteed

JOHN GREENE BALLINASLOE

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

carpentry

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

(086) 0708833 tarmacadam

Donamon

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

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

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!!

Viewing made easy

• Doors, Timber Floors • Stairs • Attic Conversions and all internal woodwork

Stephen Hoare

M: 086 3912396 Ph: 090 66 62892

Munsboro, Roscommon • Fitted Kitchens & bedroom units

Fergal 086 1016899

Elite Chimney Repairs • Lining

Dead & Worn-Out Animals Contact

cleaning

windows/doors

2nd Fix Carpentry

fergalkelly@live.com

Chimney Problems

farming

Gary Jameson

• 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

chimney repairs

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

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!!

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

Ring Tony on 087 2283235

log houses

CLEW BAY LOG HOUSES

public notice

4 Bed House from €70,000

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

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)

St Brigid’s GAA club wish to make an application for a licence to host the All-Ireland & All Nations Shearing and Wool Handling Championships in accordance with Part XVI of the Planning and Development Act 2000. The event is to be hosted in Newpark, Kiltoom, Athlone, Co.Roscommon. This competition will be hosted in conjunction with the Irish Sheep Shearers Association on the June Bank Holiday weekend. This event was previously held in the St. Brigid’s GAA Club grounds in 1997 and draws approximately 18,000 visitors over the course of the three days, including 1,000 international visitors. The competition features competitors from Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, France, New Zealand and Northern Ireland and will culminate in the All Nations event on Sunday afternoon. The event includes side shows, night entertainment and stalls, which take place in marquees erected by the organizing committee. The event will take place on 2nd, 3rd & 4th June 2017. An application to host this event is being made to Roscommon County Council. This application will be available for inspection at the offices of Roscommon County Council during office hours and any person may make a submission or observation in writing in respect of this application within 3 weeks on the receipt of the application to Roscommon County Council. St Brigid’s GAA club are willing to work with all the stakeholders involved in order to ensure that the All-Ireland & All Nations Shearing and Wool Handling Championships is a safe and successful event.

Roscommon People Friday 03 March 2017

AtYourService/Classifieds/Appointments for hire

veterinary

veterinary supplies & services

All Creatures

T: 090 660 0102 or 087 104 6390

-VETERINARY CLINIC & Shop -

handlsuppliesireland@gmail.com

Trailer Rental Available F RO M

€50 y Per da

• Car Transporters • Tipper Trailers • Large enclosed Box Trailers • Flat Bed Trailers

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

Party Entertainment

Lanesboro Street, Roscommon. Tel: 090-6626898 Web: www.allcreatures.ie www.facebook.com/allcreaturesroscommon

Lisagallon, Cloverhill, Roscommon Tel: 0906665555 Fax: 0906627653 • Digital X-Ray Facility • In house Blood Analysis • Small Animal Ultra-Sound • Gas Anaesthetic • Veterinary Kennel’s facility •24hrs Emergency Vet on call Clinic Hours: 2pm – 7pm Mon – Friday Office Hours: 9am – 7pm Mon - Friday PLEASE CALL TO ARRANGE AN APPOINTMENT

Services available:

Shop Opening hours: • Gas Anaesthetic Monday to Friday, • Digital X-Ray 8.30am to 8.00pm; Saturday, 9am to 6.00pm • Bovine & Equine Scanning After hours emergency • In-house Blood Testing 087 2596055 - 24 hours • Grooming • All your Dosing & Mineral Requirements

Please ring to make an appointment Group

Member of

Fred The Party Professor Available for all your entertainment needs An ideal option for adults, children or both Ideal for Communion & Confirmation Parties This is a show you can afford to see but cannot afford to miss!

M. 086 727 2600

Email:fredtheparty professor@outlook.com

SportExtra

plant hire

Horses for Courses

by Tom Red

Plant Hire & Civil Engineering Ltd

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

DOG KENNELS

WE ARE NOW TAKING BOOKINGS CALL TODAY TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT new Luxury heated kennels available now Our kennels are located behind veterinary practice at Cloverhill, just outside Roscommon town. We have 6 large single kennels and 4 double kennels. The security and safety of your pet is our top priority. We have automatic security gates and high security fences around the whole exercise area and safety gates for added security to the main kennels, plus each kennel is fitted with individual security locks to keep your pet safe. Your pet will be cared for by our own veterinary nurse Sarah Louise. We cater for any special requirements your pet needs, medication, diet etc.

ALL PETS MUST HAVE FULL UP TO DATE VACCINATIONS INC, KENNEL COUGH PRIOR TO THERE STAY WITH US. PROOF WILL BE REQUIRED 10% Discount on vaccinations when booking into our kennels

To arrange a booking please call our office on 090-66655555

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!

This weekend’s action

Racing in Ireland today is at Powerstown Park, Clonmel with first away at 2.15 pm. Tomorrow’s meeting is on the flat at the all-weather in Dundalk with stalls opening for the first at 5.30 pm and is followed by greyhound racing at 9.30 pm. Saturday’s racing is at Proudstown Park near Navan, with the first away at 2.10 pm. On Sunday, racing is at Leopardstown with 3 graded races, the Grade 2, Boyne Hurdle and Ten Up Novice Chase and the Grade 3 Flying Bolt Novice Chase, again starting at 2.10 pm. The ground is heavy, soft in places, at Clonmel, heavy in Navan on Saturday with standard going at Dundalk tomorrow night. Soft to heavy going is expected at Leopardstown on Sunday. In the bumper today, Alighting, a half sister to Don Poli, looks the business but don’t write off Nicat’s Benefit who looks a good value e/w chance on foot of her 3rd to Chanbord du Lys and Moonbeg Chit Chat who runs in an earlier race.

Racing news

There are still 95 horses left in the Grand National following the withdrawl of 8 Gigginstown horses including, as expected, top weights Don Poli, Empire Of Dirt and Outlander. O’Leary is still represented with Thunder and Roses, Rogue Angel, Wounded Warrior, Measureofmydreams and Road to Riches. Carlingford Lough is now top weight and David Pipe’s Vieux Lion Rouge is favourite in the ante-post market.

Cheltenham Watch

JP McManus’s first choice jockey, Barry Geraghty, will miss this year’s festival after cracking 6 ribs and suffering a collapsed lung when he received a kick from another horse after a fall from Charli Parcs on Saturday at Kempton. Charli Parcs is still on course for the festival. Gordon Elliott is sending over a team of about 30 horses and Willie Mullins reckons his will be about 40. The Irish will do well to retain the Prestbury Cup which they won last year, 15 to 13, following the disqualification of Any Cur-

rency and promotion of Josie’s Orders in the cross countryrace. TV personalities Phil Tufnell, and Hector Ó hEochagáin have been named non-playing captains. Enda Bolger, king of the cross country, trains 5 of the 27 in the Glenfarclas Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. His Cantlow is the ante-post favourite but he is also represented by Auvergnat, Love Rory, Colour Squadron and Quantitativeeasing. There are 12 Irish entries and the winner will have to deal with Mouse Morris’ First Lieutenant and Gordon Elliott’s Cause Of Causes, WP Mullins’ Alelchi Inois and Peter Maher’s Ballyboker Bridge who never runs a bad race. Rocky Creek, Sausalito Sunrise and Any Currency look the best of the home team. The French entry Urgent De Gregaine, who beat Cantlow over the course and distance, has only a “50-50” chance of running. There are 36 entries in the Champion Bumper, 17 of them from Ireland. Carter McKay will spearhead Willie Mullins’ team of five. As of yet Gigginstown has no runner in the race, but this could change. Gordon Elliott has the very impressive recent Fairyhouse Fayonagh entered, might be worth an ante post bet if the odds are right. These are two races in which the Irish have a great interest and more to the point a great record.

General news

Flemenstar, formerly trained by Peter Casey, could make a return to competitive action later this month according to his trainer Tony Curran on the 19th March at Navan. All things going well the four times Grade 1 winner may be seen at the Punchestown Festival.

Point to point view

Action on Saturday in Tyrella, Co. Down starts this weekend at 1.30pm. Sunday sees 3 meetings in the south, the first in Co. Limerick at Lemonfield near Patrickswell, at Lismore in Waterford, and at The Pigeons between Athlone and Ballymahon. The meeting at Lemonfield is away at 1 pm with Lismore and The Pigeons, between Ballymahon and Athlone, an hour later at 2 pm.

Roscommon People Friday 03 March 2017

Appointments Collins Boyd Construction Limited Galway Road, C.o Roscommon

Racecourse Business Park, Racecourse Road, Roscommon CountyPhotos is Ireland’s leading School Photography Company.

Specialists in Portrait and Group photography for Primary, Secondary school and Pre-schools, the company has built up a strong reputation over the last 36 years.

We wish to recruit

Seasonal Packers / General Operatives Responsibilities of Successful Candidates will include: • Customer order fulfilment for the school year period • Packing Photographs • Framing Photographs • Packing Proof cards • General office duties The successful candidate must have the following: • Excellent customer service and organisational skills • Self motivated with the ability to work as part of a team • Forward thinking individual with commitment to success • Strong personal drive and high levels of professionalism Full training will be provided. Please send C.V. via email to daragh@countyphotos.ie

Ballinasloe Credit Union (Our Lady of Lourdes) Ltd. is now inviting applications for the following position

CEO (Ref BCU CEO 2017)

Ballinasloe Credit Union is a progressive, modern financial services provider, with over 18,000 members. We are based in Ballinasloe, Co.Galway, and boast total assets of €100 million with over €37 million loaned to members. Ballinasloe’s vision is to provide for the financial needs of members in a co-operative and professional manner. Our core value is to serve our members and the community, whilst striving to maintain the highest professional standards. A unique opportunity has arisen within Ballinasloe Credit Union to provide direction and leadership towards the achievement of this vision. Principal Responsibilities of the Role: The CEO will report to the Board of Directors and will be primarily responsible for the management, operation and day-to-day administration of the Credit Union’s office and its staff, ensuring it performs and operates to the highest standards. He/she will act at all times within the policies as laid down by the Board, the governance and rules of the Credit Union, the Credit Union Act 1997 (as amended), and within the ethos/philosophy of the Credit Union as outlined in its 10 operating principles. Key Responsibilities: • Provide overall direction and leadership in the management of the Credit Union, including compliance with legal and regulatory requirements • Develop and implement the strategic and business plans in association with the Board • Ensure high quality internal controls are in place to safeguard the assets of the Credit Union • Manage the performance of the credit union and its staff to maximise both the service and financial return to members • Responsible for the accurate presentation and review of all financial accounts and reports for the board • Review investments and meet with investment advisors and investment committee • Oversee day to day operations in the Credit Union, including all staffing arrangements and requirements • Assist the Board in formulating policies on all aspects of the business and review these policies every year and recommend changes to the board for approval • Ensure that all Money Laundering guidelines are adhered to, and compliance with all legislation, regulations and guidance including data protection and employment law • Prepare risk; register, appetite and tolerance statement • Ensure that the Credit Union is in compliance with all health and safety regulations and policies • Devise and monitor targets and performance standards for the volume and quality of loans in Ballinasloe CU, provide assistance to improve performance where necessary • Support the Board of Directors in any undertakings pertaining to the Credit Union The successful candidate should have the following: • 10+ years experience within financial services is desirable • Appropriate third level degree or equivalent experience • Customer focus with an emphasis on delivery, proven problem solving capabilities • Excellent interpersonal, leadership and relationship building skills • Successful track record of managing a team The position is based in Ballinasloe Co.Galway How to Apply: Applications including CV and cover letter by email addressed to: recruit@pinta.ie Applicants should state clearly the reference number BCU CEO 2017 Closing Date for receipt of applications is 20th March 2017 Ballinsloe Credit Union (Our Lady of Lourdes) Ltd is an Equal Opportunities Employer

FINANCIAL CONTROLLER DESCRIPTION Collins Boyd Construction Limited are seeking to recruit an experienced Financial Controller. Company: Collins Boyd Construction Ltd, a design-build construction company currently has a requirement to recruit a financial controller for our Roscommon office. The company offers selected client’s an integrated design-build service within the residential and commercial construction sectors. We are currently looking for an experienced Financial Controller to join our team in Roscommon. You will be responsible for all aspects of financial matters in Ireland and lead the finance team. You will act as an advisor to our Contracts Manager and provide useful financial information and analysis. The successful candidate will be required to work on a range of projects, including commercial, residential, pharmaceutical and mixed use developments. This company believes in investing in their staff and providing continued support to facilitate career progression and longevity within their practice. Duties and Responsibilities: • Prepare monthly accounts, estimates, budgets, forecasts and all other monthly or periodic reporting requirements in accordance with regulatory & corporate requirements, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting. • Plan and manage the annual statutory audit ensuring that corporate deadlines are met. • Manage the preparation of all Revenue tax filings ensuring they are completed accurately and timely; manage all tax requirements. • Manage all aspects of cash flow, including purchasing, timely, accurate projections, customer invoicing, accounts receivable, accounts payable and receipts. • Ensure accurate, timely and cost effective payroll data collection and payroll processing for all employees. • Quality Management • E-Tenders & Tender Document compilation Requirements: • Financial (QFA) qualification preferred or equivalent • 5 year’s Experience of Financial and Construction Accounting in a similar role in a construction firm • Excellent verbal and written communication skills • Deadline focused, ability to organise and prioritise, use own initiative and accept responsibility • Strong IT skills, including advanced level Microsoft Excel, MS Office, • Coll-soft Payroll, Big Red Book or similar Accounting Package experience would be beneficial. • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. • Team Leadership and motivational skills • Full Drivers Licence and their own transport Salary: Excellent remuneration package commensurate with candidate’s experience. Location: Roscommon Town Please forward your CV by email at jmurtagh@collinsboydeng.com before Wednesday the 8th March 2017.

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for the following posts. Panels will be formed from which permanent & temporary positions may be filled. • Panel A will be confined to eligible applicants from the Common Recruitment Pool. • Panel B will be an open competition and may include internal and external eligible applicants.

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER SENIOR STAFF OFFICER STAFF OFFICER Applications are also invited from suitably qualified candidates for the following post. A panel will be formed from which permanent & temporary positions may be filled. This panel may include applicants from the Common Recruitment Pool and external eligible candidates.

ASSISTANT STAFF OFFICER Application forms and full particulars may be obtained from the Human Resources Department, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon, e-mail: humanresources@roscommoncoco.ie telephone 090 6637334 or visit www.roscommoncoco.ie Candidates may be shortlisted on the basis of information supplied on application form. The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 5.00 pm on Thursday, 30th March 2017 Canvassing will disqualify. Roscommon County Council is an equal opportunities employer. Is fóstóir comhionannais deiseanna í Comhairle Chontae Roscomaín

Ardcarne Garden Centre, Roscommon Town Horticulturist Required Ardcarne Garden Centre, Lanesboro Road, Roscommon Town has a vacancy for a Sales Assistant with a Horticultural qualification. The successful candidate will work flexible hours and weekends as part of a busy team. A friendly, enthusiastic manner and passion for plants and growing are essential. They will also be a good communicator, energetic and ideally have experience using a forklift. Please apply in writing, enclosing your current CV, to Mary Frances Dwyer, Ardcarne Garden Centre, Boyle, Co. Roscommon.

Closing date for applications is 6th March 2017

Roscommon Suicide Bereavement Liaison Officer Vita House, Roscommon and Boyle Family Resource Centre, in association with the HSE, wish to recruit a part-time Suicide Bereavement Liaison Officer (14 hours per week) for the county of Roscommon and environs. The main objective of the service is to provide a prompt and proactive support to families after a suicide loss. Applicants should have a degree (or equivalent) in a relevant clinical area such as counselling, psychotherapy or psychology; professional accreditation in their relevant field by, for example, IACP, IAHIP, ICP, PSI, etc. and 3 years’ relevant post-qualification experience. For job specification and details, please see: www.vitahouse. org/job-opportunities . To apply, please send cover letter, CV and copies of relevant qualifications and accreditation to: Marian Keigher, Director of Services, Vita House, Abbey Street, Roscommon. Or email: mkeigher@vitahouse.org Closing date for applications is 5pm Wednesday 15th March 2017.

Best Wishes to Ivan and team to recruit an Kepak Athleague are looking from all at Kepak Athleague.

Experienced HR Generalist for Maternity Cover on a part time basis This busy role encompasses a wide range of HR responsibilities including recruitment, training, performance management and employee relations. You will work closely with site management at all times providing support and advice when necessary. In addition to the above, main responsibilities will include maintaining personnel files and all associated required paperwork, reporting to head office on key issues, and working closely with Health & Safety when necessary. Experience in equivalent position is necessary, with a good knowledge of employment law, excellent communication skills and proficiency in IT. This is a very fast paced role so the ability to prioritise is essential. This is an excellent opportunity for the successful candidate to gain invaluable experience in a challenging and rewarding environment. If interested in the above position, please forward your CV and letter of application to: Claire Finneran, HR Generalist, Kepak Athleague, Athleague, Co. Roscommon. Closing date for applications: Friday 10th March 2017.

SportsPeople Roscommon People Friday 03 March 2017

Time to stand together

Roscommon braced for Kingdom invasion The Roscommon team line up for the national anthem ahead of last Saturdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Allianz NFL match against Mayo in Castlebar. Full report and reaction insideâ&#x20AC;ŚPic: Andrew Fox

Roscommon People Friday 03 March 2017

36 SportsPeople

Roscommon People Friday 03 March 2017

SICK AS A PARROT/OVER THE MOON Roscommon & District League news

This week’s awards

Soccer Results The Herald Premier Division Castlerea Celtic 4 Skyvalley Rovers 1 Moore United 7 St. John’s Athletic 4 Ahascragh United v Shiven Rovers, postponed. Ballinasloe Town v Ballymoe FC, postponed. Brazukas v Ballaghaderreen FC, postponed.

Game of the Week

Moore United’s 7-4 win over St. John’s Athletic sent them one point clear at the top of the Premier Division. It also provided huge entertainment for those present!

Norio’s Takeaway Division 1 Glen Celtic v Ballinasloe Town, postponed. Cloonfad United v CP Ajax, postponed. Dunmore Town v Kilkerrin United, postponed. Killeen Sportsgrounds Division 2 Cloonfad United 1 Moore United 3 Strokestown United 2 Dunmore Town B 0 Castlerea Celtic v Hodson Bay Athletic, postponed. Moylough ‘79 v Skyvalley Rovers, postponed. Shiven Rovers v Ballinagare FC, postponed.

Performance of the Week

It may have been a fairly routine 2-0 win at home for Strokestown United last weekend against Dunmore Town B, but it clinched the second division title for United.

The Challenge Cup First Round Cam Celtic v Dysart FC, postponed. Lough Harps 4 Roscommon United 1

Fixtures

Moan of the Week

Not that I was too disappointed by Leicester City beating Liverpool but as Sir Alex once said about Leeds United… those Leicester City players cheated their former manager!

Sunday, March 5th The T P Brennan Connacht Cup 2nd Round (2 pm) Aughanagh Celtic v Ballaghaderreen Shiven Rovers v Claremorris FC Cloonfad United v Carbury FC The T P Brennan Connacht Shield 2nd Round (2 pm) Galway Bohs B v Cloonfad United B Dynamo Blues v Cam Celtic

Ronan Curran makes a great tackle to deny possession to Jack Quigley during Roscommon’s 3-0 win over Cavan/ Monaghan in the round of 16. Picture: Andrew Fox

Dooner’s weekend predictions

Storm Ewan assisted 100%

last weekend...but we’ll take it! This weekend sees the Roscommon & District League travel to Buncrana to take on the Inishowen League in the quarterfinals of the Oscar Traynor Cup. There’s no doubt that this is a huge test for the Rossies but they have shown an ability to produce results against the odds already in this campaign. We wish them the best of luck!

Saturday, March 4th

John Connaughton in action for Roscommon during the 3-0 win over Cavan/Monaghan in the round of 16. The RDFL will need to be at their best this Sunday against Inishowen. Picture: Andrew Fox

Creggs RFC Report

The RDFL Challenge Cup Round 2 Ballinasloe Town B v Dunmore Town B (7.45 pm) Mid-table Division One takes on mid-table Division Two and it’s Ballinasloe Town who should come out on top. Prediction: Ballinasloe Town B

Killeen Sportsgrounds Division 2 Strokestown United v Castlerea Celtic B (7.45 pm) Congratulations to Strokestown United who won the Division Two title last weekend. They should wrap up their campaign unbeaten. Prediction: Strokestown United

Sunday, March 5th FAI Oscar Traynor Cup Quarter-Final Inishowen League v Roscommon & District Football League (12.30 pm) Tough fixture this for Roscommon and while they have done brilliantly to get this far, they will find the going difficult up north against Inishowen. The Ulster side have a wide catchment area in the north west to choose from and have been

impressive once again in this competition. They have comfortably beaten Sligo/Leitrim (3-1) and Cavan/ Monaghan (7-3) as well as Donegal (2-1). Terence Doherty is their danger man and RDFL will have a difficult task in keeping him quiet. I hope I’m wrong but this may be a bridge too far for a Roscommon side which has brought pride to the league this term. Prediction: Inishowen League The RDFL Challenge Cup Round 2 Moore United B v CP Ajax (2 pm) A good yardstick for Moore United B following their recent promotion to Division One. This will show them how much work lies ahead this summer! Prediction: CP Ajax

Hodson Bay Athletic v Moylough ’79 (2 pm) I was speaking to a couple of Hodson Bay stars earlier this week as they took a break from a serious strength and conditioning session. Confidence is high at the club. Prediction: Hodson Bay Athletic Norio’s Takeaway Division 1 Dunmore Town v Kilkerrin United (2.30 pm) Dunmore have already hammered United this season and will be favourites here. Prediction: Dunmore Town. Killeen Sportsgrounds Division 2 Roscommon United v Skyvalley Rovers B (2 pm) United should bounce back from last week’s disappointment. Prediction: Roscommon United

THE GAIN LINE

Creggs set for final date with Corinthians Creggs U-18.5s will take on Corinthians RFC of Galway in the Connacht U-18.5 Division 1 League final this Saturday morning in Dubarry Park, Athlone at 11.30 am. All support would be very welcome for our youth side contesting their

fifth consecutive league final, having contested every league final since U-14 level. They are playing the team that beat them last May in the U-17 league final and will hope this time they can get over the line and become Connacht League

champions. Having had to play two semi-finals to reach this stage we wish our U-18.5s team the best of luck. Mini Rugby: Creggs U-8s, U-9s, U-11s and U-12s will train in Creggs this Saturday at 11 am. Creggs U-10s will

take part in a Connacht Blitz in Ballina RFC with players to be there at 9.45 am as kick-off will be 10.30 am sharp. Youth Rugby: The weather last weekend played havoc with fixtures throughout the province and so it proved for

Creggs U-16s, who had their cup match against Corrib RFC called off last Sunday Morning. The match has been refixed for this Sunday at 12 pm in Creggs. Creggs U-14s will play Corinthians RFC in their re-fixed

U-14 cup game next Saturday. Time to be confirmed. Training continues on Wednesdays at 7 pm. Creggs U-13s are training every Wednesday at 7 pm. Creggs U-15s and U-16s will train this Friday night at 7 pm.

Roscommon People Friday 03 March 2017

Sporting World with Dan Dooner

@dan_dooner

‘Super Eight’ just a fancy name for top tier The Lead Story Dan Dooner Last week, GAA Congress passed the motion to create a ‘Super Eight’ format for the quarter-finals of the All-Ireland series from 2018 on. So, what can we expect from the new format and just how will it affect the counties already lagging behind? One only has to look at how soccer and rugby have been affected by changes to formats and competitions to see the potential harm this motion will do to under-funded counties that are falling further behind. Silverware usually follows silver, with very few exceptions.

In fairness, the GAA was at a crossroads before last week’s Congress. There has been increasing criticism of club and county fixtures and Gaelic Football certainly isn’t the spectacle it once was. Therefore, it is easy to see why change was needed. However, in my opinion, the creation of a Super Eight format will mean the creation of a ‘Super Eight’, a cartel of the eight most powerful counties, which will leave the so-called ‘weaker’ counties on the outside looking in. If this were to happen, then we may as well abolish the provincial championships. I tend to agree with what Armagh man, Aidan O’Rourke, said in yesterday’s (Wednesday) Irish Independent: ‘Only radical reform can serve all

interests’. A Super Eight will only serve teams who already qualify for the quarter-finals consistently. How long before the AllIreland Super Eights becomes a stand-alone championship played home and away from May to August, while new tournaments are created for counties below the top tier? We can already name six of the eight teams that would appear in such a championship. It will most likely be made up of teams who are constant fixtures in Division One of the NFL. The top tier has existed in league and championship football for a number of years now, all the GAA has done is put a fancy name on it for 2018 while further alienating those counties already struggling.

Will the new ‘Super Eight’ format edge the likes of Dublin and Mayo even further ahead of the so-called ‘weaker’ counties?

In the sporting diary ....

People’s Champions of the Week

St. Patrick’s Open in Carrick On St. Patrick’s weekend (Friday 17th to Sunday, 19th March) Carrick Golf Club will host the first Open Competition of the season with a Ladies and Gents Single Stableford Open. €15 for visitors and €10 for members. Book online or by calling the club 071 9667015.

The girls in Castlerea CS have done it again! The Cadets team clinched the U-16 C Girls League Final against St. Catherine’s of Killybegs on Tuesday. The Roscommon side clinched their second All-Ireland title of the year on a scoreline of 40-30 and brought yet more basketball silverware back to the county. Congratulations to players and management on yet another wonderful success for Castlerea CS!

Sporting week on Tweet Street Laois Camogie @laois_camogie

The sporting brief Darts

Darts finals The Roscommon Darts team travelled to the West County in Ennis last weekend to take part in the INDO All-Ireland intercounty tournament. Having beaten Wicklow and Limerick 7-5 in the group stage, Roscommon came up against a strong Donegal side in the last 16. Following the first four games, both sides were locked on two games apiece. Donegal then took control, however, and the eventual runners-up ran out 7-2 winners. Donegal were beaten by Offaly (7-6) in the final. Roscommon were captained by Thomas Concannon, who was outstanding all weekend and was a semi-finalist in the singles event. The rest of the panel also performed admirably with Ciaran Hickey enjoying his debut and impressive performances from JP Feeney, Damien McGovern and James Sharkey. A disappointing end to the tournament but plenty of positives to take home and the future of Roscommon Darts

looks bright. Closer to home and this week sees the cup and shield semifinals taking place. McDermott’s take on The Forge and Dalton’s entertain An Bothar Rua in the cup while The Hollywood welcome Creaton’s for a chance to take on Flanagan’s in the shield final.

Golf

Castlerea tees off! This Sunday sees the start of the golfing year in Castlerea with a Drive In hosted by cap-

tain Pat O’Connor, lady captain Evelyn Curley and president, Canon Joe Fitzgerald. The Drive In tees off at 2.30 pm and will be followed by a 3 ball scramble. Meanwhile, the ladies Spring League enters its final week with all proceeds going to Breast Cancer Research. Well done to all those who braved the elements for such a worthy cause. To Carrick next, where round four of the Spring League takes place from this Saturday (4th) to next Thursday (9th) and is a

singles event. If you’re playing in Athlone don’t forget to enter Kevin’s ‘Better the Score’ competition to qualify for St. Patrick’s Day. There is also a 12-hole competition running until Easter in Athlone and best two scores count. Finally to Roscommon where the men’s Winter League was won by John Carr and Michael Healy. Of the other recent action, only the ladies 9-hole competition went ahead, with first place going to Kate Walshe on 21 points.

All-Ireland U16 Championship H/T Laois 9-9 Meath 0-0 Laois playing with a strong wind. (Storm Ewan was racking up the scores last weekend.)

Jacqui Hurley @jacquihurley I should really be a grown up about this, but the 5 year old in me is still laughing that his name is Fartass!! #IREvFRA #u20s #rterugby (Ahem. The French brought wind of a different variety on Friday night.)

rob&dave Kearney @boringkearney The beauty about having a home game is that you can stick a wash on before the game and it’s done by the time you get home #SixNations (Another advantage to playing France at the Aviva.)

The week in numbersrs have 4

10 Pictured are the winners of the Winter League at Roscommon Golf Club (L-r): Tom Costello (captain), Micheal Healy (winner), John Carr (winner), Michael Connaughton (sponsor).

footballe The Roscommon senior this year’s in ing four games remain Will they be in e. On n isio Div L Allianz NF the division next year? stponed in There were ten games po League last t tric Dis & on mm the Rosco Doris and Ewan. s rm Sto to e du d en ek we nours won by The number of major ho makes them ich wh d, ite Un Manchester in English the most successful club football.

Roscommon People Friday 03 March 2017

Seamus Duke On Sport Mayo give Rossies a harsh lesson @SeamusDuke

The gap between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have nots’ in Gaelic Football was plain for all to see in MacHale Park last Saturday night when Roscommon were swatted aside by a Mayo side who were not in anything approaching top gear. It was another harsh lesson for our young team, who are putting in a huge effort but after three games they have nothing to show for it. Against Tyrone and Donegal, Roscommon were competitive, at MacHale Park we were never at the races. The reality is that relegation is now staring Roscommon in the face unless we can pull some sort of a rabbit out of the hat in our next two or three games. I was at the game on Saturday so I didn’t get to hear the Shannonside broadcast until Sunday. So many people contacted me about it since the game and I have to say that while some of Gay Sheeran’s comments on the tactics employed during the

game were accurate, his assertions about a lack of passion in the Roscommon team management and Kevin McStay and Liam McHale in particular, were very harsh and unfair. He is right to say that far too many experienced players had left the panel and that we are suffering as a result but to suggest that Kevin McStay and Liam McHale are not good enough for the job simply because they are from Mayo is very unfair. Kevin McStay managed a St. Brigid’s team full of Roscommon footballers to win an All-Ireland club title and Liam McHale has been a selector with at least three or four counties in recent years. Gay himself served as a selector with an outside manager for four years. Roscommon and Kerry had many a hard tussle down through the years yet he had no problem serving under John Evans - nor should he have had either.

Hurlers face table-toppers This weekend the Roscommon hurlers face a very tough third round game in the national league when they face Meath in Athleague. The Royals are on top of the table and have been putting up huge scores. Roscommon will be up against it. We wish Johnny Kelly and his team the best of luck.

From the Internet Some Interesting reaction to the passing of the new fixtures proposals at GAA Congress last weekend: “It’s a bit disappointing. It is going to improve the stronger teams and the weaker teams are forgotten. There was an opportunity to benefit the so-called weaker teams but I suppose it is the first step on the ground to getting an elitist group. It is very disappointing for our GAA society and I don’t think there is any place for it to be honest.” Well-known coach Pat Flanagan didn’t mince his words when asked his opinion on the championship changes that are coming down the line. “We’ll survey the whole inter-county playing body and see what they say. Let them make their decision and then we will act on their behalf. It’s disappointing that the players’ opinions were ignored and I think you’ll see reaction over the next week.” (Dermot Earley) A storm is brewing between the Dermot Earley led GPA and the powers-thatbe in Croke Park. “I think we’re cutting off our nose to spite our face by taking the game out of the shop window for five months. I think we need more, rather than less.” RTE pundit Pat Spillane fears Gaelic Games will lose ground to rugby and soccer following the decision to bring forward the Sam Maguire and Liam MacCarthy Cup deciders to August. “They are perfectly entitled to do that but we’re not going to run the GAA by Twitter.” (GAA Director General Padraic Duffy) Social media criticism of the GAA by players won’t influence GAA director general Padraic Duffy one way or the other. (Courtesy of The HoganStand.ie)

The last thing we need in Roscommon football is another big row just a few months after the last one. Everyone is entitled to their opinion but what positives would there be in replacing the team management now and bringing back players who have not trained for three or four months? Gay says that 49% of the players did not want Kevin McStay but that has never officially been put into the public domain. I’d like to hear that clarified once and for all. In his interview with myself and other local journalists before Christmas, Kevin McStay said that not one player who he approached turned down the chance to play for Roscommon this year. The row last year between Kevin McStay and Fergal O’Donnell was a disaster for Roscommon football and the fall-out is really beginning to take effect now, but it is what

Mixed emotions on Congress motions It was remarkable that all of Padraic Duffy’s major suggestions went through Congress last weekend. I don’t think that people have considered the implications of what the changes will mean. The new ‘super eight’ will be very exciting for the eight counties who are involved but for the rest it will be the same old story. It will mean that the top eight will probably have to play

it is and we are where we are and we have to deal with it. We have a young and inexperienced team now and clearly we are out of our depth in this division but starting a row now won’t help. The management are in a dilemma now. A couple of more defeats like the one that we suffered last weekend in Castlebar will sap the confidence of the players and the pressure on the team management will grow with the championship approaching. Kerry are coming this weekend and while it is a daunting prospect, The Kingdom are not unbeatable and they have shown they have a soft centre against Mayo and Monaghan. Whether Roscommon are able to exploit it on Sunday is another question. I still think we have a chance of winning. We have to win it if we want to have any chance of staying in the division. Let’s hope the rancour dies down as well.

Conor Devaney shrugs off the challenge of Jason Gibbons during the Allianz NFL Division One game between Roscommon and Mayo at MacHale Park last Saturday. Picture: Andrew Fox

Ireland on course for English showdown

GAA Congress passed motions including a new ‘Super Eight’ to replace All-Ireland quarter-finals in 2018.

four or five weekends in a row and that will only suit the stronger teams with the bigger panels. The playing of the All-Ireland final in August is also a huge change but people will have to get used to it. It would be like having Christmas Day in November but if it makes more room for the club championships then so be it. The fact that there

will be extra-time in all championship games except in provincial and All-Ireland finals is also a good move. It was interesting to see that the GPA came out last week against the main proposals but it was too late. Where were they over the past 12 months when all this was being discussed? However, the biggest threat to small rural clubs in the GAA happened almost without

notice at the weekend. A motion which would have players over the age of 16 being allowed to play in adult competitions was rejected and while that might not seem too important on a grander scale, it will have huge implications for many small rural clubs particularly at junior level. Many of these clubs are struggling to field teams as it is. This rule will make it even harder.

The Irish rugby team are still on course for a championship showdown with England in a few weeks’ time but after a great win against France at the weekend they should be warned about the dangers of going to Cardiff and taking Wales for granted. The Welsh were very unlucky against England and Scotland and they will be very determined to lower Ireland’s colours. It is a game fraught with danger. But back to last weekend and the worth of Johnny Sexton to this Irish team was shown again last Saturday. I was one of those who thought that Paddy Jackson was unlucky not to have been picked. But Sexton showed just what a great player he is, and he and Conor Murray ran the show against France. If Ireland keep their heads and don’t get carried away they are good enough to beat Wales and set up that championship decider but there is a lot of rugby to be played before that happens.

A lot done, Mour to do! As a Man United fan, I watched the match last Sunday and it was steal for United as Southampton were much the better team over the course of the game, but Ibrahimovic was the difference in the end. You can say what you like about Jose Mourinho but he is a winner. The first competition he contested he won and that bodes well for the future. However, he didn’t look happy last Sunday as he knows he has still a mountain of work to do to turn United into a really good team. Without Ibrahimovic last Sunday, United could have been beaten 5-0 and some of their players are simply not good enough. What are they going to do when their centre forward is not able to play in every game as he has done this season? The facts are that they are almost totally reliant on a 36-year-old which is not a great position to be in. It was nice to win the EFL Cup but there are much tougher tests ahead.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic fired Manchester United to the EFL Cup last Sunday. Zlatan scored two as United beat Southampton 3-2.

Roscommon People Friday 03 March 2017

SportsPeople

Hurlers face difficult Royal test Allianz National Hurling League Division 2B (Round 3)

Roscommon v Meath on Sunday in Athleague at 12.30 pm << Seamus Duke

Roscommon hurling manager, Johnny Kelly. Pic: Andrew Fox

Roscommon hurlers face another tough test on Sunday when they meet table-toppers Meath at Athleague. Roscommon were very disappointing in their opening game against Wicklow but they improved considerably in defeat against Down in round 2. Roscommon manager Johnny Kelly says that he wants to see another improvement in the performance this weekend but that there are a number of injuries that are not helping with preparations. He said: “We have had a lot of injuries in the past few weeks and that is not helping us but I have to say

that after a bad start to the campaign against Wicklow we made a big improvement in the match against Down and that was encouraging. We gave away a few soft scores late on in that game that cost us in the end. “This will be a very tough game for us. Meath are in the Leinster Senior Championship and they are a few steps ahead of us in terms of their development but what we want is to improve our performance from the Down game and see where it takes us. “I am hoping that Padraig Kelly will be back and able to take some part in the game. Alan Moore is back from suspension and Cathal Dolan may also be

available so that’s positive. We are hoping for a good display and we will need to play at our very best to trouble Meath but we are looking forward to the challenge,” he concluded. Being short so many experienced players has been a drawback for Roscommon in this campaign so far and this will be a huge challenge against the reigning Christy Ring Cup champions. But an improved performance will give Roscommon confidence ahead of the crucial games against Derry and Mayo. At home, Roscommon can give it a rattle, but Meath look a cut above and they should maintain their unbeaten run. Prediction: Meath

Scoil Mhuire take Connacht title! Connacht Colleges SFC ‘C’ Final Scoil Mhuire Strokestown

2-9

Ballyhaunis CS

0-7

Scoil Mhuire Strokestown turned in a superb display to capture the Connacht title in Ballintubber last Saturday beating a strongly fancied Ballyhaunis side in a game that started late because of

All Star Dublin footballer, Ciaran Kilkenny, presented St. Aidan’s U-14s with their Division 2 County medals and the U-16 players with their Division 3 medals last recently in Ballyforan Hall.

mix-up with regard to the venue and the referee Barry Judge. The first half was an evenly contested affair with the scores at 0-3 each after 25 minutes with the outstand-

ing Callum Fahey scoring all the Strokestown points. But Strokestown pushed on before the break and two Cian Corcoran frees and a well-taken goal from Callum Fahey helped the Roscommon lads to a 1-6 to 0-4 half-time lead. Ballyhaunis stayed in contention with a couple of pointed frees on the resumption but in the 36th minute

Strokestown grabbed a vital second goal from Robert Regan. It was the score that ended the game as a contest and Strokestown held out for a well deserved win. Best for Strokestown were Callum Fahey, Robert Regan, Cian Corcoran, Keith Murphy, and Gerry Galvin. Strokestown: Dylan Jordan; Dylan Carbin, Thomas Mur-

ray, Stephen Lennon; Aaron Convey, Gerry Galvin, James Bennett; Cian Corcoran (0-2), Kevin Shiel (01); Mikey Kavanagh, Keith Murphy (0-1), Tony Lavin; Robert Regan (1-1), Callum Fahey (1-4), Andrew Fahy. Subs: Niall Higgins for Fahy (35 mins), Alex Gleeson for Convey (60 mins), Darragh McGuire for Lavin (53 mins).

Ladies remain on course with Down win Lidl Ladies National Football League Division 3 (Round 4) Roscommon

3-8

Down

0-6

Roscommon ladies eventually saw off the challenge of Down at Elphin last Saturday but the 11 point margin was not a fair reflection of the play as Down were competitive for much of the game and they missed two penalties in the first half as well. However, Roscommon were clinical in front of goal and they deserved their win. Natalie McHugh was Roscommon’s best player and she scored the first of her two goals in the 25th minute and it helped Roscommon to a four point half-time lead. Another well-taken goal from McHugh after the break settled the game as a contest. Sinead Kenny added a late goal to copper fasten a deserved win. Roscommon are

now in a good position on the league table with games against Leitrim, Limerick and Wexford to come. Best for Michael Finneran’s side were Natalie McHugh, Tara Taylor, Joanne Cregg, Sinead Kenny and Rebecca Finan. Roscommon: K Roddy; C Gunning, A McLoone, R Brady; A McAuliffe, B McHugh, S Kenny (10); J Cregg, T Taylor; A Kelly, G Dufficy (0-1), J Higgins (0-1); R Finan (0-3), N McHugh (2-3), J Downey. Subs: R Fitzmaurice for Brady, N Dolan for Gunning, C Beirne for Dufficy, R Mullaney for B McHugh, M Freyne for Finan, A Beades for Cregg, R Corcoran for Kenny, S Brady for Downey, E Hegarty for N McHugh, E Fannon for Higgins.

GAA Results Friday, February 24th Adult Football League Division 3 (Tansey Cup) Clann na nGael 2-12 Elphin 0-12 Sunday, February 25th Adult Football League Division 5 St. Faithleach’s 2-9 St. Barry’s 0-5

Underage update Saturday, March 4th The Pepper Mill Minor Hurling Championship (4 pm) At St. Dominic’s: St. Dominic’s v Oran At Pairc an Phiarsaigh: Pádraig Pearses v Four Roads U-16 Football League Division 4 At Johnstown: Clann na nGael v Michael Glavey’s. 5 pm U-14 Football League Division 2 (3.30 pm) At Strokestown: Strokestown v Kilbride At O’Rourke Park: Castlerea St. Kevin’s v ElphinBallinameen At St. Dominic’s: St. Dominic’s v Kilmore/Shannon Gaels U-14 Football League Division 3 (3.30 pm) At Nash Park: Western Gaels-Frenchpark v Oran At Tulsk: Tulsk Lord Edwards v St. Faithleach’s At Michael Glavey’s: Michael Glavey’s v St. Aidan’s U-14 Football League Division 4 (3.30 pm) At Abbey Park: Boyle v Roscommon Gaels At James Timothy Park: Éire Óg v St. Croan’s At Johnstown: Clann na nGael v Pádraig Pearses Sunday, March 5th Minor Football League Division 1 (11 am) At Kiltoom: St. Brigid’s v Clann na nGael At Strokestown: Strokestown v Roscommon Gaels At Pairc an Phiarsaigh: Pádraig Pearses v Castlerea St. Kevin’s Minor Football League Division 2 (11 am) At Rockfield: Oran v St. Faithleach’s At TBC: Elphin-Ballinameen v St. Ciaran’s At Kilmore: Kilmore/Shannon Gaels v Tulsk Lord Edwards Minor Football League Division 3 (11 am) At Kilbride: Kilbride v Kilglass Gaels/St. Barry’s At Abbey Park: Boyle v St. Aidan’s At Western-Gaels: Western-Gaels v St. Dominic’s Minor Football League Division 4 (11 am) At Michael Glavey’s: Michael Glavey’s v St Michael’s/St. Ronan’s At James Timothy Park: Éire Óg v St. Croan’s

Roscommon People Friday 03 March 2017

Allianz National Football League Division 1: Mayo 1-19 Roscommon 0-14

Next-door neighbours The Verdict Seamus Duke

oscommon footballers, competitive against both Tyrone and Donegal, were simply

blown away by a powerful Mayo outfit in this one-sided league match played before a huge

Teams & scorers Mayo: David Clarke; Donie Newcombe, Keith Higgins, Donie Vaughan (0-1); Stephen Coen, Colm Boyle, Paddy Durcan; Jason Gibbons (0-1), Diarmuid O’Connor (0-1); Fergal Boland (0-2), Cillian O’Connor (1-4, 1-0 pen, 1 free), Conor O’Shea (0-1); Andy Moran (0-1), Kevin McLoughlin (0-1), Evan Regan (0-1, free). Subs: Lee Keegan (0-2) for Boyle (28 mins, black card), Colm Loftus (0-2) for Moran (50), Brendan Harrison (0-2) for Vaughan (53), Shane Nally for Boland (55), Michael Plunkett for O’Shea (60), Liam Irwin for Regan (67). Roscommon: Colm Lavin; David Murray, Sean Mullooly, Niall McInerney; Ronan Stack, Seanie McDermott, John McManus; Shane Killoran, Tadgh O’Rourke; Enda Smith (0-1), Ciaráin Murtagh (0-2), Fintan Cregg (0-1); Donie Smith (0-3), Tom Corcoran (0-1), Conor Devaney (0-3). Subs: Ciaran Cafferkey for Killoran (24 mins, black card), Kevin Higgins for Cregg (44), Gary Paterson for McDermott (54), Niall Kilroy (0-1) for Stack (59), Brian Murtagh for Devaney (62), Cian Connolly for D Smith (67). Referee: Joe McQuillan (Cavan).

David Clarke saves Enda Smith’s shot at goal. Picture: Andrew Fox

crowd at MacHale Park on Saturday night. Any doubts about the gap between the top sides in the country and those counties further down the food chain were dispelled once again, as the home side coasted to a very easy victory. This latest result condemning Roscommon to a third league defeat in a row and now relegation seems inevitable for Kevin McStay’s men unless there is a miracle over the next few weeks. Roscommon did well in the first ten minutes, but once Mayo started to flex their muscles and open up, it was curtains for the visitors, who battled bravely but who were totally overwhelmed and overpowered in all departments. In fact, after Cillian O’Connor’s penalty in the 38th minute, which saw the gap between the

Donie Smith wrestles with Donie Newcombe to win possession. Picture: Andrew Fox

TIME ADDED ON…

Match Day Tweets

Media watch

Roscommon GAA @Roscommon GAA 00mins 1st half Roscommon: 0-0(00) Mayo: 0-0(00) (It started evenly enough!)

Roscommon GAA @Roscommon GAA Full time Roscommon: 0-14(14) Mayo: 1-19(22) (70 minutes is a long time in Castlebar.)

The official attendance was 11,657 at MacHale Park, Castlebar last Saturday. Pic: Andrew Fox

Lee Keegan made a return to Mayo colours as Stephen Rochford’s side stormed to a 1-19 to 0-14 victory over Roscommon in Division One of the Allianz Football League. Cillian O’Connor’s second-half penalty helped the hosts to an eight-point win with Keegan coming off the bench to score two points, while Roscommon are still searching for their first point of the campaign. Six days after winning an All-Ireland club title with Westport, Keegan was called into action earlier than expected when Colm Boyle was shown a black card after 30 minutes. He was one of 12 different scorers for Mayo as they claimed their second win of the competition. (the 42.ie)

Roscommon People Friday 03 March 2017

Allianz National Football League Division 1: Mayo 1-19 Roscommon 0-14

are streets ahead teams increase to nine points, the game was over as a contest and Mayo were in second gear as they free wheeled to victory. There were problems all over the field for Roscommon but principally at midfield and in defence. The kick-out strategy (if one exists) is not working at all, and at one stage in the first half Roscommon lost eight kick-outs in a row. It meant that Mayo had oceans of possession and they were able to score almost at will. The difference in the power and strength of the Mayo players in the tackle was also a major factor. Too often Roscommon players were brushed aside as Mayo drove on. Six years at the top in the game has meant that the Mayo players are conditioned to the maximum and Roscommon simply couldn’t cope. There were some positives. There were a couple of missed goal chances and a total of 0-14 was a good one. But even if those goal chances were scored it would not have made any difference as it must be remembered that Mayo shot 15 wides and missed a few goal chances themselves. Nevertheless, Enda and Donie Smith, Ciaráin Murtagh and Conor Devaney did well up front and never gave up the fight. Further back, there were problems aplenty but Niall McInerney was superb at corner back. He had a great battle with Andy Moran who was called ashore eventually. But Mayo’s strength in depth is phenomenal. They could use two All Stars off the bench (Lee Keegan and Brendan Harrison) and three of their subs (including Harrison

and Keegan) scored two points apiece. They still have Aidan and Seamus O’Shea and Tom Parsons to come back into their team as well. It’s an embarrassment of riches! The chasm that exists between Roscommon and the likes of Mayo is enormous. Apart from that, Roscommon have lost too many players from the panel in the space of 12 months. There is no team in the country that would be able to withstand the loss of 10 players and be able to compete. The lads that we have are doing their best but it’s an almost impossible task for them to compete at this level at the moment. The savage and totally unfair criticism of the management, which was thrown at them from one particular quarter at the weekend, does not help anyone. I would make that statement regardless of what management team was in place. Are we going to descend into another major row only a few months after the last one? What usually happens in Roscommon is that we get totally carried away when we win a few games. Then when we lose a few games the knives are out immediately. It makes absolutely no sense so let’s calm down. It doesn’t get any easier though. Kerry are next up and Roscommon will have to sort out some sort of a kick-out strategy because that has hurt the side in all three games so far. We are still no closer to solving the midfield conundrum either and surely it’s time to see what Thomas Corcoran can do in that sector. It’s worth a try to see how he gets on. The news that Niall Daly is now off the panel is very disappoint-

ing. We can ill afford to lose players of his strength and ability. The Mayo game is now over and next Sunday Roscommon face Kerry in Dr Hyde Park. Kerry have now lost two games out of three and need the points. It will not be easy, but it is not an impossible task for Roscommon. We saw Donegal grabbing a draw with Dublin last Sunday and Monaghan going to Killarney and winning. The Roscommon players and management must put their heads down and work as hard as they can. It’s not a great situation to be in but people will have to try and have patience. But we cannot get away from the fact that this was a disastrous outing for Roscommon. So many times we have travelled to MacHale Park over the years and come back with our tails between our legs and this was another bad, bad day. Rule Mayo out in 2017 at your peril.

“

Key Moments Seamus Duke First Half Roscommon started well and points from Shane Killoran, Donie Smith and Fintan Cregg gave them a 0-3 to 0-1 lead after 7 minutes. Roscommon lost eight kick outs in a row and did not score for a further 17 minutes as Mayo tacked on eight points without reply. Black cards for Shane Killoran (Roscommon) after 25 minutes and Mayo’s Colm Boyle after 28 minutes for separate incidents. Ciaran Cafferky and Lee Keegan were the respective replacements. The cheer for Keegan’s introduction was the biggest of the evening. Enda Smith and Sean Mullooly had goal chances saved by David Clarke before half-time as the home side took a 0-11 to 0-6 lead into the break.

Half-time review Once Mayo got motoring at midfield it was one-way traffic and despite the couple of missed Roscommon goal chances, Mayo dominated the first half.

Second half James Gibbons and Tadgh O’Rourke battle for possession. Picture: Andrew Fox

The game in quotes

“The essential difference is power. In a football sense, we are well able to score and create chances but the five or six years of conditioning that they (Mayo) have and their natural fitness levels are way ahead of where we are.” – Kevin McStay (Roscommon manager) “It was a very solid performance from us tonight and certainly much better than we produced in our first two games. We were happy with our return but we kicked 15 wides - we have still work to do in that department.” – Stephen Rochford (Mayo manager)

“This is an uphill struggle and everyone knows that but every single game is important to us. There is plenty of learning to be done and we learned a little more tonight.” – Kevin McStay “Morale in the group is very good. We were disappointed with what happened in our first game against Monaghan but in the second half against Kerry, and again tonight, we are happy with how we played. We certainly upped it a gear tonight but we are nowhere near full tilt yet.” – Stephen Rochford

“Mayo were just at a different level than us tonight and were totally deserving of their win. We didn’t do well with the kick-outs, Mayo had two big men out there and we had to try and go shorter and that put us under further pressure.” – Kevin McStay “We have a huge game coming up against Dublin next weekend and we have to get ready for that and it will surely get the best out of the group.” – Stephen Rochford “Niall Daly has left the panel and that’s all I can say about that. We have to move on and turn our attention to Kerry next weekend.” – Kevin McStay

In the 37th minute, Evan Regan was hauled to the ground by Seanie McDermott and Cillian O’Connor fired the resultant penalty past Colm Lavin. Roscommon battled away but the game was over. Conor Devaney kicked and Tom Corcoran hit scores as Roscommon reduced the margin to seven (1-13 to 0-9) by the 53rd minute. Mayo were in cruise control. Three subs, Lee Keegan, Colm Loftus and Brendan Harisson all kicked two points each. Donie and Enda Smith, sub Niall Kilroy, and Ciaráin Murtagh were all on target for Roscommon in the final quarter but it was all too little, too late.

Full-time review It was a non-event after Mayo got that early goal and despite a very commendable battling display by the Roscommon attack, the game was long over before Joe McQuillan blew the final whistle.

Division One at a glance

Stat Attack

Donegal 2-5 Dublin 1-8

Wides:

Mayo 15 (7 first half ), Roscommon 10 (3 first half )

A late free converted by Michael Murphy salvaged a draw for the home side at Ballybofey. It was a very poor game but it was very exciting as the sides struggled in the poor conditions. That late free was of the very, very soft variety but Donegal will not worry about that. They now have three very valuable points on the board.

Frees awarded:

Roscommon 17 (7 first half ), Mayo 14 (9 first half )

Red cards:

None

Black cards:

Mayo 1 Colm Boyle (28), Roscommon 1 Shane Killoran (25)

Yellow cards:

Mayo none, Roscommon 4 (Sean Mullooly, Tadgh O’Rourke, Enda Smith, Cian Connolly)

Monaghan 2-8 Kerry 1-10 Excellent goals from Gavin Doogan and Jack McCarron saw Monaghan inflict a second home defeat of the league on Kerry in Killarney. It was a win that puts Monaghan top of the table and Kerry are now certain to be involved in a relegation battle which will start at Hyde park on Sunday next. The Tyrone v Cavan game was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch.

Scores from play: Mayo 0-17 Roscommon 0-14 Man of the Match: Cillian O’Connor (Mayo) Ciaráin Murtagh uses a hand pass to spread possession to the wing. Picture: Andrew Fox

Attendance:

11,657

Roscommon People Friday 03 March 2017

SportsPeople

Roscommon out of lives as Kerry arrive Allianz National Football League Division One (Round 4)

Roscommon v Kerry on Sunday in Dr Hyde Park at 2 pm << Seamus Duke

Roscommon will be hoping to put last Saturday night’s game against Mayo out of their minds as they take on Kerry in Dr Hyde Park this Sunday. With three losses against their name, this is a must-win game for Roscommon if they are to entertain any notion of avoiding relegation to Division Two. Another loss for Kevin McStay’s men here will see them in an almost impossible situation in the Division One table. Kerry themselves have not exactly been pulling up any trees in this division so far. After a good win against Donegal in their opening game, The Kingdom have come unstuck in two home games against Mayo and Monaghan and now they must win this game if they are to retain any interest in contesting a league final, which would be their ambition. A win for Roscommon would leave Kerry in a relegation dogfight and that is certainly not in the script for Eamonn Fitzmaurice and his players. The visit of Kerry to Dr Hyde Park is always an

appetising prospect and it will be interesting to see how Roscommon react to what was a poor display against Mayo. Kerry are certainly not as physical as Mayo, but they possess a dangerous looking attack, even without the Dr Crokes players, and Roscommon may well have to adopt a defensive strategy to curb the Kerry forward division. Roscommon have lost out on their own, and on the opposition kick-outs in all three league games so far and that will have to be addressed this week. It is likely that David Moran and Anthony Maher will be at midfield for Kerry on Sunday and kicking the ball out long to them will put Roscommon under pressure. They are a very accomplished pairing and Kerry will be expecting them to provide a platform for their attack on Sunday. Roscommon will probably have to go short and try and work the ball forward from there. Roscommon have been struggling in defence when teams run straight at them and a sweeper will probably be needed to prevent Kerry’s quicksilver at-

Enda Smith and the Roscommon forward line will be hoping to turn chances into scores this Sunday against Kerry. Pic: Andrew Fox

tackers from getting too much room on Sunday. The likes of Paul Geaney, Darren O’Sullivan, James O’Donoghue and young Jack Savage will cause untold damage if they get free rein. Midfield is still a problem for Roscommon and maybe it’s time to see what Tom Corcoran has to offer in that department from the start. It may not be the solution, but we have to try it. The Roscommon attack-

ers have been doing well and have been creating plenty of chances. The return of 0-14 against Mayo was a good one, in what was such a heavy defeat and we have a number of excellent forwards and hopefully a couple of the goal chances will hit the back of the net on Sunday. The Smiths, Ciaráin Murtagh and Conor Devaney will hopefully give the Kerry defence plenty to think about.

The two defeats suffered by Kerry at home have been unexpected and Kerry supporters and team management will be hoping for a reaction from their team, which makes this a dangerous tie for Roscommon. But Roscommon players have shown a huge appetite for hard work since this league started and even in defeat they have kept battling on to the finish. The pendulum of luck will surely

swing in Roscommon’s favour soon. The value of a win against Kerry would prove a huge boost to the team. Kerry will be expected to win this league game on Sunday and the odds favour them strongly. However, Roscommon are always capable of doing something when least expected and hopefully the sight of the green and gold jersey with the home crowd behind them will

spur Roscommon players on. I would dearly love to see Roscommon put the criticism that they have got since last Saturday behind them and score what would be a famous win on home soil. I think that Roscommon have a great chance, but realistically Kerry look to be too strong, especially up front. Match odds: Roscommon 3/1 Kerry 1/3 Draw 8/1. Prediction: Kerry narrowly.

View from…Kerry << Paul Brennan (Sports Editor of the Kerryman Newspaper)

Killian Young challenges Ciaráin Murtagh during last year’s Allianz NFL SemiFinal between Kerry and Roscommon at Croke Park. Pic: Andrew Fox

There will be a unique connection between Roscommon and Kerry this weekend in the press box at Dr Hyde Park as Kilbride man, Paul Brennan, who is the sports editor of The Kerryman, will be in attendance to cover the game for his Kerry readers. He says that this is a game that Kerry would have been targeting as a winnable one all along but now after losing two home games, there are doubts creeping in about the team in The Kingdom. He said: “Kerry were very poor last Sunday against Monaghan and a lot of Kerry people were taken aback by that. They scored only two points from play and one of those came from a defender. It was a very flat display and after a bad second half against Mayo, people are wondering what’s going on. Kerry won in Letterkenny in the first round but they

took their foot off the gas late on and let Donegal back into it. So there is a worrying trend there. There is no sense of panic yet but this game against Roscommon now is of the must-win variety. “There are a number of players coming back which is positive. David Moran was back last week and Anthony Maher came on as a sub. Darren O’Sullivan was back after his club All-Ireland win and Bryan Sheehan was also back, although he will be suspended this weekend. Donnacha Walsh will be back this weekend after suspension as well but the Killarney players are still absent so it’s swings and roundabouts with regard to the panel. “This would be a game that Kerry would expect to win normally but it is a dangerous fixture now in the circumstances. Roscommon’s results have been poor and their backs will be to the wall, which will make them dangerous opponents. It’s a big game for both

sides, although the few draws that we have seen in Division One have ensured that there is not much between the teams in the table. Kerry would be looking at it from a point of view that a couple of wins would put them in a good position and still in with a chance of making the top two. “Having said that, a loss would be very worrying for Kerry and I expect to see a reaction from them on Sunday. Kerry have been trying out young players like Jack Savage and Jack Barry and they have a good attack with Paul Geaney and Darren O’Sullivan. If David Moran and Anthony Maher are fit enough to start at midfield, it should give Kerry an advantage and they will be expecting to win at Hyde Park but it will not be easy. “I am looking forward to travelling up to Roscommon at the weekend to see the family and go to the match. It’s been a while since I have been in Dr Hyde Park,” he concluded.

Roscommon People Friday 03 March 2017

GAA PEOPLE Your weekend starts here

A year is a long time in football!

<< Dan Dooner

ast February in Killarney seems

like a long time ago now. An energetic and attacking Roscommon team sliced through Kerry in their own back yard on the way to a historic win. The visitors played with fizz and finesse and left The Kingdom that day as heroes. Fast forward 13 months and Roscommon sit rooted at the foot of the Division One table as former managers and selectors line up and take aim. This wasn’t in the script when the Rossies embarked on the great Division One adventure last year and it has been difficult to take. The problem is one of managing expectation and if those dissenting voices pay closer attention to Kevin McStay then life will become a little easier and a little less disappointing. Say what you want about players leaving the panel and the lack of points Roscommon have accumulated in Division One this term, McStay has being intimating since January that this was going to be a tough league campaign and a steep learning curve. The last 13 months have provided Roscommon football with a harsh

reality check and last Saturday was a continuation of that process. The likes of Mayo and Donegal and even Tyrone have been performing at the top table for years and it shows, even when they’re not at their best or ‘in transition’. Kerry are another one of those top table giants and Roscommon may even face another tough lesson this Sunday. However, while the Roscommon players must learn harsh lessons on the pitch, those looking on would do well to learn from the mistakes of the past. Changing managers and backroom teams hits the reset button but doesn’t generate new players or guarantee the return of old ones that have left. Neither does it expedite the learning process every team must go through at the top level of Gaelic football. It’s always darkest before the dawn and perhaps this relatively young Roscommon team just have to grit their teeth and take notes, while they learn these harsh lessons. One thing’s for sure, whatever happens this Sunday, another row and more controversy is certainly not what Roscommon football needs and negative vibes emanating from the terraces or elsewhere won’t improve anyone.

Seamus Duke’s Crystal Ball…

Cavan v Donegal on Saturday in Kingspan Breffni Park at 7 pm This looks a tight one. Cavan were idle last Sunday and need to pick up some points. Ryan McHugh and Michael Murphy were once again to the fore as Donegal drew with the Dubs in Ballybofey. There have been a number of draws in this division so far and this may well be another. Match odds: Cavan 1/1 Donegal 11/10 Draw 13/2. Prediction: Draw

Dublin v Mayo on Saturday in Croke Park at 7 pm Mayo tails are up after that good win against Roscommon but their chances here will depend on how strong a team Dublin are fielding. Mayo look very strong in defence and at midfield but they may be found wanting up front. There won’t be much in this one but the Dubs are hard to back against, especially at home. Match odds: Dublin 4/7 Mayo 7/4 Draw 15/2. Prediction: Dublin

Tyrone v Monaghan on Saturday at Healy Park Omagh at 7 pm Tyrone will hope that the floods abate to allow them to face Monaghan in an interesting clash at Omagh. Monaghan are flying high after a good win in Killarney but with Mattie Donnelly back for the home side they look good for the points on their home patch. Match odds: Tyrone 2/5 Monaghan 5/2 Draw 8/1. Prediction: Tyrone

Did you know?

Roscommon meet Kerry for the 24th time in league football at Dr Hyde Park on Sunday. The record is 15 wins for Kerry 5 wins for Roscommon and 3 draws. The sides have met 6 times at Dr Hyde Park since 1972 with Roscommon winning three times and Kerry three. The last clash of the sides at Dr Hyde Park was 25th February 2001 when Roscommon won by 0-11 to 1-5. Roscommon goalkeeping coach Declan O’Keeffe was between the posts for Kerry that day and Kerry team manager Eamonn Fitzmaurice lined out at centre half-back and indeed Kerry mentor Liam Hassett lined out at full forward on that Kerry team. Roscommon have won on the last two occasions the fixture was played at Dr Hyde Park: in 2001 and 1998.

Niall McInerney enjoys a warm reception following Roscommon’s win in Killarney last February. Pic: Andrew Fox

SIDELINE VIEW

The Roscommon side who beat Kerry in Fitzgerald Stadium last year by 0-14 to 1-10 was as follows: Darren O’Malley; Seanie McDermott, Neil Collins, Niall McInerney; David Murray, Niall Daly, Ronan Stack; Enda Smith (03), Ian Kilbride; Fintan Cregg (02), Conor Daly, Conor Devanney (0-2); Ciaráin Murtagh (0-2 ), Cian Connolly (0-1), Cathal Cregg (0-4) Subs: Cathal Shine for Kilbride, Sean Purcell for C Daly, Ronan Daly for C Cregg, and Cathal McHugh for Connolly (63 min)

Seamus Duke

Devaney remains upbeat despite recent run If there is any hint of negativity about the Roscommon camp after three defeats then there was certainly no sign of it when I spoke to Conor Devaney on Tuesday evening. Despite the heavy loss to Mayo, the Kilbride attacker says that the mood in the Roscommon camp is very positive and that if Roscommon produce a big performance that they are capable of, they can win the match against Kerry at Dr Hyde Park. He said: “We know that we were outclassed on Saturday night last against Mayo. We did well in the first ten minutes or so but after that Mayo were five or six points the better team all the way through. We had a couple of goal chances when Enda (Smith) and Sean (Mullooly) missed but you have to score those against a team like Mayo and it was not to be. “But despite that defeat the mood is very good in the camp and we are all looking forward to training this week. I have to say that I am really looking forward to this game on Sunday. Kerry will come not alone hoping to win but to put up a big score as well and we are saying that is not going to happen. We will have to produce a big performance to win it but I thank that performance is

in our team. “We haven’t had much luck in terms of the campaign so far although I’m a big believer in making your own luck. But this time last year everything was going great and all the chances that we were making were being converted. It’s the opposite so far this year but if we keep working hard we can turn it around. We have made plenty of goal chances in our three games so far and on Sunday next we have to score the chances we get. If we do we’ll not be far away. “The pressure will be on Kerry next Sunday as they are expected to come to Roscommon and win and no one will be expecting us to do anything. But we will enjoy the training this week and get stuck in on Sunday. A win would be huge for us and would turn around our league campaign. It would be brilliant to Conor Devaney believes Roscommon can still turn their league around, starting this Sunday against Kerry. Pic: Andrew beat Kerry in Hyde Park. The pitch was campaign Fox great the last day and we are determined to do well. A win would really open up our league campaign and we are really looking forward to it. We went to Killarney last year and beat them and there is no reason why we cannot beat them again on Sunday. I firmly believe that,” he concluded.

‘There’s a big performance in this team!’

Roscommon People Friday 03 March 2017

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