2017 06 16 by Roscommon People

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

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

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Cuisle Holiday Centre celebrates 20 years

16 June 2017

Pages 18 – 24

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

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Businessman and racing enthusiast JP McManus departs in style from the Roscommon Racecourse on Tuesday evening last and (in picture on right) is pictured with Frank Berry (left) and Michael Finneran (centre), Manager of Roscommon Racecourse. Picture: Andrew Fox

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Roscommon People Friday 16 June 2017

NewsPeople ROSCOMMON

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People WATCHING Film fest and family fun at Scoil Bhríde! S

coil Bhríde, Fourmilehouse is

hosting a fun-filled family day out with activities to suit all ages in aid of their construction fund. Monies raised on the day go towards the construction of a resource room and facilities for the special needs pupils of Scoil Bhríde. The parents, teachers and pupils of the school would like to extend a warm invitation to all families in Roscommon and surrounding areas to join them on Saturday, June 24th in Kilbride Community Centre from 12-6 pm for what promises to be an action-packed day! Activities will include bouncy castles, face painting, novelty events and races, penalty shootout, ride-on tractor races, kiddies’ disco, to men-

tion a few. The highlight of the day will be a pedal-powered cinema with over 80 cyclists taking to their bikes. The pupils of the school have chosen a family favourite, Zootropolis. Organisers are also holding a raffle and silent auction on the day with fabulous prizes to be won and bid for including a handcrafted wooden model kitchen specially commissioned for the event, hotel stays, spa breaks, boys/girls bike and much much more. Follow us on Facebook to track our funding progress and a full listing of activities on the day! www.facebook.com/scoilbhridefilmfest.

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Students and staff at Scoil Bhríde in Fourmilehouse are gearing up for a unique fundraiser on June 24th. The event will take place at Kilbride Community Centre and will include a family fun day and a pedal-powered cinema and will aim to raise funds for a new resource room. Pic: Andrew Fox

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Sinead Gannon from Roscommon has been announced as a finalist for this year’s Rock ‘n’ Run Idol contest. The five finalists from Dublin, Louth, Roscommon, Down and Limerick were selected by an expert panel of judges who managed to narrow the wide pool of entries to five inspirational men and women. All finalists are currently training hard to take part in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Dublin Half Marathon & 10k race on 13th of August. The finalists are also battling it out in a public vote to become the Rock ‘n’ Run Idol and win an all-expenses paid trip to take part in Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas. The general public are now invited to vote for the winner by going to RocknRollDublin.com and reading the incredible entries from the 5 finalists. Voting continues until 7th of July at 11:59 pm GMT and the winner will be announced shortly after. The winner will receive an all-expenses paid trip to the Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon & Half-Marathon in November, the

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

FARMERS, WILLS AND TAX MATTERS I read your recent column regarding tax relief for famers with interest. I own a large farm and I want to make a will leaving everything to my only child. I have about €400,000 in savings with my bank and my farm is worth around €600,000. I believe that my daughter will qualify for Agricultural Relief on the farm. Is there any way that she can also qualify for Agricultural Relief on my bank savings? As you may be aware a child may inherit up to €310,000 from their parents without being liable for tax. Any inheritance valued in excess of this amount will be taxed at a rate of 33%. If your daughter qualifies for Agricultural Relief then the value of the agricultural property you are passing to her in your Will will be reduced by 90%. Example: You estimate the farm to be worth €600,000. If your daughter qualifies for Agricultural Relief the farm will be valued at just €60,000 for tax purposes. It is imperative that your daughter liaises with her Accountant to secure the best tax planning advice so as to ensure that she will qualify for Agricultural Relief in due course. To answer your main question, I note that you expect your daughter to inherit a cash sum in the region of €400,000 from you. Your daughter may also qualify for agricultural relief on this proposed cash inheritance should your will be drafted in a particular manner. My advice would be to include a clause within your will providing for the bequest of this sum of money to your daughter on the condition that the whole or part thereof be invested in agricultural property with two years of the date of issue of the grant of representation in your estate. Should your daughter invest this cash bequest in agricultural property in compliance with this condition then the cash bequest will qualify for Agricultural Relief and will be written down accordingly for tax purposes. The valuation date for tax purposes will be the date of investment in agricultural property. As this is a conditional bequest, i.e. the money is bequeathed to your daughter on the condition she invests it in agricultural property, the bequest will fail if your daughter fails to so invest the funds. In light of this, it is imperative that your will provides for an alternative clause to protect this bequest to your daughter. 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

world’s largest night-time running event, which takes place on the Las Vegas Strip at night. For more information about Affidea Rock ‘n’ Roll Dublin Half Marathon or to register for the event, visit RunRocknRoll.com/Dublin or follow @ RnRDublinHalf on Twitter. Compiled by PAUL HEALY

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Roscommon People Friday 16 June 2017

NewsPeople MEET OUR TEAM

Gabriel Lynch (Mote Park, Co. Roscommon)

Owner/Sales

Join Lynch Flooring for 10 anniversary celebrations! A thriving family business which is at the heart of commercial life in Roscommon celebrates its 10th anniversary this weekend. The anniversary celebrations at Lynch Flooring, Golf Links Road, Roscommon, begin today (Thursday, June 15th) and continue on Friday and Saturday. Gabriel and all the team at this fabulous state-of-the-

art flooring business look forward to meeting their loyal customers and friends during the course of the 10th anniversary celebrations. To mark the big milestone, Lynch Flooring is holding a series of celebratory days. Customers will have a chance to win a €500 holiday voucher as well as a host of other prizes. In keeping with the ethos at Lynch Flooring, and re-

flecting the company’s role in the community, there will be a real family element to the upcoming celebrations, with special attractions for children, including face-painting, bouncy castle and other treats! Watch out too for very competively priced top of the range products and lots of special anniversary offers!

Shane Dunne (Lisacul, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon)

Timber Floor Fitter/ Sales Executive

Lynch Flooring, Golf Links Road, Roscommon celebrating 10th anniversary.

briel u from GaGo A thank yo lf Links prietor of Lynch Flooring,

Gabriel Lynch, pro to thank the public for their Road, Roscommon, wishes fantastic support. wonderful support from Gabriel says: “We have had ade and I want to take this t dec our customers over the pas nk everyone for that support. We tha ely cer sin to ty uni al ort opp our relationship with our loy look forward to continuinge. and growing customer bas this opportunity to thank the “I would also like to take oring and a special thank you of dedicated staff of Lynch Floir great support.” course to my family for the

Avril Beirne (Scrine, Co. Roscommon)

Accounts

Lynch Flooring caters for private houses, businesses, schools, nursing homes, etc.

All your ﬂooring needs covered! Trevor Finneran (Lisagallon, Cloverhill, Co. Roscommon)

Sales Executive

Rory Byrne (Clonark, Athlone, Co. Roscommon)

Carpet Fitter/ Sales Executive

Lynch Flooring is a modern, state-of-the-art 5,000 sq. ft. premises which adjoins McNullty’s Furniture in a prime location in Roscommon Town, featuring excellent (and free) parking. Lynch Flooring is the unrivalled one-stop shop for all your flooring needs. It caters for private houses, businesses, schools, nursing homes, etc. Customers can browse in modern showrooms, viewing the highest quality products from the superb range on offer. Lynch Flooring stocks all the leading brands and also provides a free measuring and advice service. When you call to Lynch Flooring, you are guaranteed personal and friendly attention which is backed up by expert knowledge of brands and trends, and it’s that combination that has proven so popular with thousands of satisfied customers. For example, in the luxury vinyl tile market, Lynch Flooring stock the very popular brands of Karndeen and Camaro. Gabriel says vinyl tiles are proving hugely popular in kitchens, conservatories and hallways. Very competitive pricing is also something Lynch Flooring is renowned for! Because of the extensive quantity of in-store stock, orders can be processed and delivered in a timely and efficient manner, with no delays. (Opening hours: 9.30 am-6 pm, Monday to Saturday inclusive).

How success story unfolded A native of and resident in Mote Park, Roscommon, Gabriel Lynch is from a well-known local family. Married to Annmarie (nee Mulhern), the couple have two children, Ella (11) and Ryan (7). Annmarie, a Strokestown native, is a well-known florist. Gabriel first ventured into the flooring business over 25 years ago, with McNulty Furniture, gaining invaluable experience over the years. Subsequently he purchased the flooring/carpet sector of the McNulty business – and Lynch Flooring was born. Launching in 2007, Lynch Flooring made an

immediate positive impact as customers responded to a professionally run local business where the highest standards apply. The success of Lynch Flooring in the years since has been testament to the expertise and professional service provided by Gabriel and his dedicated team. Lynch Flooring provides local employment and prides itself on its commitment to and support for the local economy as well as for local community organisations and charities.

Roscommon People Friday 16 June 2017

NewsPeople

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK Abbey Business Park, Circular Road, Roscommon

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Pictured at the Roscommon Races on Monday evening last were Theresa Kenny and Annette McDermott. Picture: Andrew Fox

paul@roscommonpeople.ie

Goodbye Enda, hello Leo.

Riding high in the opinion polls and with Labour in disarray under their derided leader Jeremy Corbyn, Theresa May confidently called a snap election, played her Brexit joker and waited for the public to shout snap! But they couldn’t be trusted to do the right thing either. Democracy isn’t what it used to be, or certainly not what it was until recently. The voters are revolting, in every sense of the word. Can no electorate be trusted any more? Is anyone safe? Is it even safe for ‘Queen Miriam’ to go before the Irish people in the next Presidential election? That sound you hear in the background is Leo shoving the election posters as far into the attic as they will go.

Sunday It’s one of the great, simple tributes to the GAA – and maybe they should make a ruthless television advertisement based on the phenomenon. I’m talking about that moment when the television viewer switches over from watching a GAA match to catch up with soccer on another channel. I’m a soccer enthusiast, but I have no problem admitting that this particular channel switch is usually accompanied, initially at least, by a drop in adrenaline! It happened again on Sunday. The Galway/Mayo game climaxed in great excitement and tension. It was a thoroughly entertaining match. When it ended, thirty amateur heroes experienced contrasting emotions as their drained bodies finally rested. The Galway men savoured the enormity of their achievement, last year’s surprise mugging of Mayo now followed up by a declaration of real intent, and arguably a credible claim on top status in the province. The Mayo players were no less heroic; as ever, they had emptied themselves physically and mentally to the last whistle, until they were like soldiers who had to be dragged from the battlefield and told that their territory had fallen. Switching from Salthill to The Aviva Stadium was like leaving a lively party and wandering into a Chess Convention. We frowned at the scoreline – Ireland 0 Austria 1 – and adapted our senses to allow for the more pedestrian fare and the apparent lessening in intensity. It’s probably not a fair judgement – after all, they are completely different sports – but that initial switch from gaelic football (even the massed defences’ version) or hurling to soccer seldom enough shows the latter in the better light!

Dermot Hughes of Dermot Hughes Car Sales, Roscommon and his brother, John Hughes, speaking with racehorse owner JP McManus after The Dermot Hughes Car Sales Handicap Hurdle Race of €20,000 took place at Roscommon Races on Tuesday. Picture: Andrew Fox

I struggled with the soccer the previous evening too, when I abandoned Scotland v England with twenty minutes to go. It was 0-0 and quite boring, so I switched channels. When I switched back later, it was 2-2, so that served me right I suppose. I presume this sort of thing happens to other people too. It’s the classic ‘I’ll put the kettle on and miss a goal’ manoeuvre. Sometimes you can try and turn it to your advantage and vary the technique as a means of trying to will a goal in. An example: I had to abandon the television midway through the second half in the Ireland/ Austria game to drive into Roscommon Town. I listened to the commentary on Newstalk,

but the waiting (for an Irish goal) was torture. So I turned the radio off for five minutes, then turned it back on, and sure enough, Ireland had equalised, had a goal disallowed, and co-commentator Kevin Kilbane was screaming for a penalty. Considering that we were 1-0 down with five minutes to go, I was delighted that Ireland salvaged a point, through a combination of Jon Walters’ persistence and my turning the radio off. A little while later, back at the telly, for once I found Eamon Dunphy more tiresome than insightful or entertaining. Wes Hoolahan is a really talented playmaker, but hardly deserving of the mythical status which RTE pundits have afforded him.

To my knowledge, none of the very top teams in the Premier League ever came calling for Wes. Listening to Dunphy in full know-all mode, you’d be forgiven for thinking that punditry’s gain has been football management’s grevious loss. Anyways, I’ll always keep faith in the soccer, even if it can sometimes compare poorly to the GAA. As for the GAA itself, despite its faults, it remains a wonderful part of our lives. Last Sunday, Galway and Mayo both did enough to suggest they can have long summers. This Sunday, Roscommon enter the fray against Leitrim, and already the adrenaline is rising in both counties. As Eamon Dunphy might say, “It’s Championship, baby!”

Roscommon People Friday 16 June 2017

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McGoriskâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pharmacy Beauty factory is almost here! Join Xpose regular Tara at Sheraton Hotel

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Check childcare supportsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Families in County Roscommon will benefit from more affordable childcare in September and should now take time to check out their rights, according to Senator Frank Feighan. Â He said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I now encourage parents to take

the time to study the increased supports which are available and prepare for the autumn, by checking out the new website affordablechildcare.ie or by talking to staff at your local childcare centre.â&#x20AC;?

Join Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top blogger and make-up expert Tara Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Farrell (whom most of you will know from her regular spot on Xpose), who is hosting on Sunday, 25th of June from 1 pm-4 pm in the Sheraton Hotel for the ultimate Ladies day out. The day will comprise of a fashion show by Olivia Danielle and Athlone Towncentre. This will guarantee everyone their summer fashion fix. In addition to the fashion show we will have make-up with the amazing Ciara and Jen from Matte to Metallic, Estee Lauder Skin essentials with our expert Susan and tips and tricks Top blogger and make-up expert Tara Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Farrell with Sarah (formerly products from Benefit at our LancĂ´me Teint Idole with Urban Decay). professional to So Sue station. We will be officially me, Pippaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Blank canvas Get dressed to impress launching Benefit palette all available at our as the winner of the most cosmetics with a pop-up stylish lady will win a shop and brow demos on pop-up store. Pop into Nails by Anna prize valued at over â&#x201A;Ź700 the day. on the day at her nail sponsored by Olivia Be ahead of the stations and have your Danielle, LancĂ´me and make-up trends with perfect foundation match Sirana Spa. all of the bestselling

Enjoy a glass of bubbly on arrival followed by pastries and refreshments served to your table. Your luxury goodie bags valued at over â&#x201A;Ź90 will include products from Benefit, Estee Lauder, Ren, Bioderma, Blank Canvas, NYX, Rimmel, Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Occitane, Vita Liberata, Cailyn, Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Oreal, theBalm, Vichy, Blank Canvas and Revolution, to name a few. There will be spot prizes for the best questions on the day from Benefit, Estee Lauder, Spot light teeth whitening, theBalm, Aimee Connolly and LancĂ´me â&#x20AC;&#x201C; so get thinking, ladies! All proceeds from the raffle on the day will go to the Westmeath Hospice. Tickets priced at â&#x201A;Ź50 (includes goodie bag worth over â&#x201A;Ź90) are on sale at McGoriskâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pharmacy. Call 0906484384. Booking group rate also available. Looking forward to seeing you all there.

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Lunch ďŹ t for a King this Fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day at Gleesonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s REAL & REMARKABLE 5HDO SURGXFH UHPDUNDEOH Ă DYRXU ZKHWKHU \RX IDQF\ D KHDUW\ EUHDNIDVW D TXLFN ELWH VRPHWKLQJ FOHDQ DQG JUHHQ RU JRLQJ ÂśDOO RXWÂˇ IRU VRPH VHULRXV Ă DYRXU \RXÂˇOO Ă&#x20AC;QG LW KHUH

Open seven days a week from 7.30AM â&#x20AC;&#x2122;til 9PM.

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ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S TIME FOR SOME REAL R&R

Fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day is quickly approaching. While Fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day perhaps doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t garner the same attention as Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still a day to be celebrated. Get the family together and treat Dad this Fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day, 18th of June, to a meal fit for a king at Gleesonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Restaurant and Rooms. More and more these days, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s becoming harder to get the whole family together around one table to enjoy a meal and catch up. The only way it seems to get people together is to mark an occasion, so make this occasion all about Dad! And the rest of the family will be spoilt for choice too. Will they opt for the traditional Roscommon lamb with all the trimmings or a lighter option of salad? Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t leave it there, remember to leave room for dessert, with homemade sweet treats. To book, call 0906626954 or pop into Gleesonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Restaurant and Rooms on Market Square, Roscommon town. Browse their menus online at www. gleesonstownhouse.com.

Treat Dad this Fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day, 18th of June, to a meal fit for a king at Gleesonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Restaurant and Rooms.

Roscommon People Friday 16 June 2017

NewsPeople

Douglas Hyde Conference 2017 – What Price Culture? Its community, economic and social values The role of culture and arts to our national identity has long been recognised and championed at national level. Nevertheless, if reports are to be believed, we perform poorly as a country in the European league of investment in the culture and arts. The Douglas Hyde Conference this year, taking place in Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon 13th – 15th July, takes up discussion of this challenging issue. The conference questions the real value we place on the cultural agenda and whether the very visible and tangible efforts made at a local level to promote our cultural heritage policies and programmes, with their economic and social links are recognised.

The conference, organised by Roscommon County Council, supported by the Northern & Western Regional Assembly and the Western Development Commission joins forces this year with the Lakes & Legends Festival to bring a more coordinated approach to the programming and highlight the rich heritage and historical region of Ballaghaderreen. Programme links have been developed with the Roscommon Leader Partnership, the Library Services and centenary and commemorative lectures in relation to the North Roscommon Election of 1917 and local figure of William Partridge to provide broader engagement with the conference. The programme reflects the

ongoing purpose of the conference to provide a forum for public debate, bringing speakers to the heart of our own communities while retaining dedicated lectures to the founding inspiration and cultural legacy of Douglas Hyde. This year’s conference is being convened and chaired by former County Librarian, Roscommon County Council, Richie Farrell. Full details of the programme, schedule, speakers, conference fees and contact information available on www.roscommoncoco. ie/en/Services/Arts. Email: dhydeconference@roscommoncoco. ie Copies available at Civic Offices, Libraries and outlets throughout the county.

Douglas Hyde

conference 2017 comhdháil an chraoibhín

Deirdre O’Gara,Curator Douglas Hyde Centre,Portahard, Frenchpark and former County Librarian, Roscommon County Council, Richie Farrell who will chair the Conference. Picture: Maeve Farrell.

Leyden dismay at Government’s wind farm plan  DAN DOONER

Cllr. Orla Leyden said that she is dismayed at the Government’s decision not to increase the mandatory setback distance for high powered wind turbines from the current 500 metres from homes. While turbines will have to be built a distance of four times the height of the turbine from residences, she said that this simply does not go far enough. Cllr. Leyden, who made a submission to the Department’s Wind Energy Guidelines, sought a minimum distance of ten times the height of the turbine from residences. She said: “I’m really disappointed in Minister Naughten and Minister Coveney who had the opportunity to put safeguards in place to protect rural communities threatened with industrial wind farms and failed to do so. They have completely ignored the detrimental impact of shadow

flicker on residents living beside wind turbines with those affected saying they can’t sit in their gardens or work or relax in their homes with the constant battering of the flicker in the afternoon and evening.” She added that she was also concerned as to how the noise levels are to be monitored, how robust the system of monitoring is and ultimately who will be responsible for enforcement. Cllr. Leyden said: “Many people in Sliabh Bán are negatively impacted by noise emission from the industrial wind farm on the mountain and their concerns have not been addressed to date. This is not acceptable.” Cllr. Leyden has called on Minister Naughten to go back to government and increase the set back of wind turbines to residences to at least ten times the height of the turbine and to bring in legislation through his department to cease all subsidisation of onshore wind energy in Ireland.

What Price Culture? Its community, economic and social values 13th – 15th July ballaghaderreen. co. roscommon

Pictured at the Roscommon Races on Monday evening last were Caroline Duncan, Paddy Killian and Lena Duncan. Picture: Andrew Fox

Roscommon People Friday 16 June 2017

NewsPeople

European acclaim for Percy French Festival 2017 event to host prominent speakers For the second year running The Percy French Festival has received the prestigious EFFE (Europe for Festivals, Festivals for Europe) award. The award is presented by the European Festivals Association to acknowledge exciting and innovative festivals across the continent. This award once again highlights The Percy French Festival as an outstanding event in the cultural calendar. The Percy French Festival is one of only nine festivals in Ireland to receive the award. This year’s festival, ‘Towards a Third Republic’ takes place from Wednesday, July 5th to Friday, July 7th, and will feature noteworthy speakers such as former Minister for Justice, Michael McDowell; Eoin Ó Broin, TD for Dublin Mid-West; Dr. Brian Griffin; award-winning newspaper columnist, Sam Smyth; Croatian Ambassador, Ivan Masina and many more. Music in the afternoon will be provided by Michael Hurley and Kathy Eastwood with ‘Essentially French’; Peader McMahon & Friends with ‘21st Century French’ and Jack & Mac with ‘Percy French meets Jack & Mac’. This year’s festival promises to be another highly informative instalment, which will turn a European eye on the republic and consider what might lie ahead. Castlecoote House will play host to The Percy French Festival from Wednesday, July 5th to Friday, July 7th. For more information log email info@percyfrench.ie or contact 0906663794.

SPRING SAVINGS HUSQVARNA TS 38 Ride-on Lawnmower with 38” cutting width designed for homeowners who want an affordable user-friendly ride on mower with collector. The compact and ergonomic design makes it a perfect choice for mid-sized gardens with narrow passages and tight areas. Equipped with a Briggs & Stratton engine and manual transmission.

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Lisbrock, Kiltoom Athlone Ph: 090 648 8037

Blackberry Hearing – 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 includes “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.” 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.

I have seen how hearing loss can affect people’s quality of life and especially communication with their families. I always aim to provide first class hearing assessments with quality after-care and Blackberry Hearing ethically does so, which is hugely important to me. Hearing loss is very personal and can be truly isolating. Listening to the person with hearing loss is key. The pathway of hearing assessment and hearing aids is something I see through from start to finish as it’s fantastic to see how an individual’s life benefits from the intervention of hearing aids and communication tips.

Call us to book your FREE appointment or ﬁnd out more Hearing Aids from

€499* per ear with grant

Hearing Aids from

“Amazing prices with fantastic service” €999* “The consultation was thoroughly professional”per ear John Ryan and Dave Gleeson founded Blackberry Hearing last year to address the shockingly high cost of hearing aids. Providing quality hearing solutions at about 40% of the price of other retailers has meant that hundreds of people, who may otherwise have been unable to afford hearing aids, have had their lives changed for the better.

Bernadine Kilbride, Audiologist

without grant

Rosmed McGorisk’s Pharmacy, Pharmacy Clonbrusk, Athlone. Tel: 09064 70001 Golf Links Road,

Roscommon Dolan’s Medical Hall, Tel. 666 5524 Main 090 Street, Moate. Tel: 09064 81115

Call us now on 01 6978470 to ﬁnd out if you are eligible for the grant

Roscommon People Friday 16 June 2017

NewsPeople

House.Of.Hair. – Strokestown’s new, exclusive Hair Studio Stephanie Brennan from Scramogue recently opened House.Of.Hair., an exclusive hair salon which is located in the heart of Strokestown. The fabulous premises is located at the rear of the busy, landmark Centra Supermarket on Elphin Street. Parking is free. House.Of.Hair. is an AlterEgo Italy exclusive salon, essentially meaning that only the best in AlterEgo colour and styling products are used from start to finish. Proprietor Stephanie is passionate about

giving customers a true salon experience and believes this can only be achieved by using the very best of salon grade products. Stephanie is also a big believer in giving each client a relaxed experience and accordingly the policy at House.Of.Hair. in Strokestown is to always ensure that maximum time is given to each client for each treatment. No client is ever hurried or rushed, on the contrary they feel totally relaxed! Being in House.Of.Hair. is precisely what it should be: a positive, relaxing experience. Catching the eye immediately is

the impressive custom-made reception desk which was made by Stephanie’s partner, Ben. Ben produced this striking desk from recycled pallets, in keeping with Stephanie’s personal design. Proprietor Stephanie Brennan would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone for the massive support she has received since opening in February. She wishes to thank her family, friends and new and old clients. Stephanie invites everyone to call into House.Of.Hair. and looks forward to seeing you in the salon!

Stephanie Brennan pictured at House.Of.Hair. Picture: Andrew Fox

Make-up Artist, Emer Katelyn (Carney) pictured in the beauty room at House.Of.Hair. Salon in Strokestown. Emer also offers eyelash extensions and luxury brand Bellamianta Spray Tans Pictures: Andrew Fox.

The striking interior of the beautiful new hair salon in Strokestown. Picture: Andrew Fox

Ladies & Gents STROKESTOWN, CO. ROSCOMMON. TEL. 087 174 1407. Proprietor:

We offer each client a relaxed experience and the highest quality hair care

Stephanie Brennan

HAIR DESIGN

Stephanie Brennan Proprietor/Head Stylist Stephanie has over ten years’ hairdressing experience. She trained in Galway and has since worked in well-known 5-star salons locally, notably working within a wedding team that managed many wedding parties nationwide and styling hair for wedding shoots for photographers such as Philip Knight. She has a ﬂair for creative styling and specialises in cutting, colouring and upstyles.

Pamela Monaghan Canty Senior Stylist Pamela and Stephanie had also previously worked together before Pam joined House.Of.Hair. and she has been a great addition to the salon. Pamela has 15 years’ hairdressing experience in high proﬁle salons in the Longford area. She trained with Peter Mark in Dublin and specialises in cutting, all aspects of colouring and also gents’ cuts.

Caitlin Flanagan

One-stop shop for all your hair and beauty needs

Junior assistant Caitlin is currently completing her Leaving Cert exams in Scoil Mhuire, Strokestown. She assists the stylists with all shampooing/colouring/bookings, etc. She hopes to pursue a career in the hair/beauty sector.

Soon to be stockists of world renowned luxury brand, Moroccan Oil Coming soon: Watch out for our special offers for Grad students

Facebook page House. Of.Hair. is updated weekly with latest news and offers

Open Tuesday-Saturday every week with late appointments/ out of hours available on request

Emer Katelyn (Carney) Make-up Artist Emer is a native of Elphin, Co. Roscommon who has a Diploma in Make-up Artistry, having studied in LA College of Creative Arts in Dublin. Emer also offers eyelash extensions and luxury brand Bellamianta Spray Tans. She has worked in a number of local salons and is now bringing her talent and expertise to House.Of.Hair., where she meets clients by appointment.

Roscommon People Friday 16 June 2017

NewsPeople

Opportunity to apply for funding for environmental projects Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Denis Naughten is making €460,000 available to community groups, schools and individuals nationally to encourage environmental projects in the community such as allotments and community and school gardens. 0 Minister Naughten is encouraging Roscommon groups and schools to apply for their share of this funding before the deadline on 23rd of June. Minister Naughten stated: “Last year Roscommon received more than €17,000 under this fund for environmental projects from school gardens and tidy towns work, to awareness exhibitions and workshops and environ-

PUBLIC NOTICES

NOTICE Have your Say in the preparation of the new Athlone Joint Retail Strategy – Make a Submission

mental clean-up projects. These projects leave a positive lasting legacy for us all to enjoy so I am calling on all Roscommon groups, schools and communities to apply this year under the scheme for their share of this increased funding.” Eligible projects are those that will support and complement, at a local level, national environmental policies such as those on Waste, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Air, Water and Sustainable Development. Groups seeking funding for eligible projects in Roscommon are invited to make an application directly to Roscommon County Council. Completed application forms should be returned by 5 pm on the 23rd of June, 2017.

Pictured at the Athleague Fair & Festival Party in the Park were Colm and Maggie Fitzgerald. Picture: Andrew Fox

Exciting times for early school leavers! Youthreach offers second chance in education Roscommon Town Youthreach, under the admin-

istration of Galway, Roscommon Education and Training Board (GRETB) offers opportunities for early school leavers to complete their education, gain qualifications and access the world of work.

Aimed at young people between the ages of 15 and 20, Youthreach offers a second chance at secondary education to those who left school early without a qualification. Young people leave the

Roscommon Town Youthreach

Exciting times for Early School Leavers in Roscommon Town. Roscommon Town Youthreach, under the administration of Galway, Roscommon, Education and Training Board,GRETB, offers opportunities for Early School Leavers to complete their education, gain a qualification and access the world at work.

• Are you between the ages of 15 -20? • Did you leave school early without a qualification? At Roscommon Youthreach the emphasis is on addressing the individual needs of the student, creating an environment which enables them to re-engage with education, make career choices and access courses. Small class sizes, highly qualified staff and a varied, interesting programme make Roscommon Town Youthreach an exciting and progressive opportunity .One to one support is available. Students engage in many extra-curricular activities, Sports, Gym, Residential and day trips, students also carry out fund raising for the local community. While on the programme students engage in work placements, allowing them to sample various positions which in turn can help with future career decisions. All this while receiving a Training Allowance. If you are ready to re-engage with education and make a positive difference in your life, why not contact Cormac on 090 6630497 or youthreach.ie

education system for a variety of personal reasons and can then find it difficult to return. At Roscommon Youthreach the emphasis is on creating an atmosphere of trust in order to help students work towards third level education or employment. The emphasis is on addressing the individual needs of the student in order to create an environment which enables them to re-engage with education, make career choices and access courses. Highly qualified staff and a varied, interesting programme make Roscommon Town Youthreach an exciting and progressive opportunity. Anne McGuinness of Youthreach Roscommon says that the programme has been very successful. “Currently we offer the Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) 2-year course but that is flexible and other courses can be provided

depending on the current cohort of students. “We have had huge success stories, youngsters who didn’t see a future or a plan initially can go on to gain further education or employment opportunities as long as they are willing to grasp this second chance at education.” Smaller class sizes mean more attention to individual students and one to one support is also available. Students are also encouraged to become involved with their local community. While on the programme students also engage in work placements, allowing them to sample various positions which in turn can help with future career decisions. So if you are ready to re-engage with education and make a positive difference in your life, why not contact Cormac on 0906630497 or youthreach.ie to find out more.

Roscommon and Westmeath County Councils are in the process of preparing the first joint retail strategy for Athlone and Monksland/Bellanamullia (Ahtlone West). The new Retail Strategy will guide the development of new retail floorspace in the area and strive to support existing retailing and define future retail policies. The Councils now seek the input of local persons, groups and any other parties with an interest in the planning and development of retailing in Athlone and Monksland/Bellanamullia (Athlone West). The Councils encourage and welcome participation and would like you to have your say. Once comments are received a Draft Joint Retail Strategy will be produced and made available for further public consultation before it is finalised by the Elected Members of the Councils. You can make a submission/comment by email to either of the following mailboxes: athloneretail@roscommoncoco.ie or athloneretail@westmeathcoco.ie Alternatively, submissions may be in writing to either: Forward Planning Section Planning Department Roscommon County Council Áras an Chontae Roscommon Co. Roscommon, F42 VR98 or Administrative Officer Westmeath County Council Civic Centre Church Street Athlone Co. Westmeath, N37 P2T5 All submissions should be marked – “Submission on the Athlone Joint Retail Strategy”. Submissions must be made by 16.00 on 13th July 2017.

WEDDING BELLS ...

Spirit Clothing and Spirit Kids Stock Clearance Summer Sale begins LONGFORD & ROSCOMMON

ST A R TS 19 th JU N E A T 10 am OFF UP TO 50%

Spirit Clothing and Spirit Kids, Harrison Centre, Roscommon (and also Longford) have just starting their massive no-nonsense stock clearance sale. Every time Spirit Clothing and Spirit Kids run this eagerly-awaited sale, people flock from all over to grab a real bargain or simply stock up for the coming months. This year’s summer sale is especially good as they have everything in the kids’ stock at 50% off and similar amazing price knock-downs in the men’s sections. They also have a large range of jeans clearing from as little as €25, in all sizes. With brands like Jack & Jones 6th Sense, Mish Mash, Kingpin, Eto Jeans, Enzo, Outrage, Vichi, Superdry, 11 Degrees, Sik Silk Timberland, etc. you’ll be spoilt for choice. Spirit Clothing continue to run their suit promotions where you can pick up a quality two or three-piece suit suit from only €169. Don’t forget this stock clearance sale will last for only three weeks so make sure you get in early to get the best deals and the shop is open every Sunday from 1 pm to 5 pm along with late opening on Fridays. Check out spiritclothing.ie for more information.

Pictured are Trisha Keegan, Creggs and Gerry Grant, Dublin who celebrated their wedding in the Abbey Hotel Roscommon last Sunday. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Roscommon People Friday 16 June 2017

NewsPeople

Plans to enhance Boyle after Council buys Royal Hotel  PAUL HEALY

Roscommon County Council says a project aimed at enhancing the centre of Boyle will progress within the next year. This follows the Council’s purchase last week of the Royal Hotel site in the town. The Council said it has no firm

proposals for the development of the site but can confirm that it is envisaged that a project to enhance the centre of Boyle town will be progressed through the planning process within the next twelve months. Responding, Senator Frank Feighan said he is looking forward to a wide-ranging consul-

The former Royal Hotel, Boyle, Co. Roscommon. Picture courtesy of realboyle.com

tation process with local organisations. Senator Maura Hopkins said proper consultation with the community is essential. Complimenting the Council’s role in the development of Lough Key Forest Park and King House, Senator Feighan expressed confidence in the local authority’s approach. While he accepts a hotel project isn’t planned, he says the move places the need to have a hotel in Boyle on top of the agenda once more. “Boyle has seen the loss of two hotels, and combined with a number of planning permissions for hotel projects being refused, we must strive to look at all options to address this deficit in key infrastructure.” Senator Maura Hopkins said that it is important that development works on the former Royal Hotel in Boyle involves proper consultation with the community of Boyle in order to make the best use of this space for the benefit of further developing the area’s tourism potential.

HELP SHAPE AN IRELAND FOR ALL JOIN FIANNA FÁIL TODAY TEXT

CALL

join to 57782 01-664 9234

VISIT

ﬁannafail.ie

Alternatively, you can apply by POST to Fianna Fáil Headquarters, 65-66 Lower Mount St., Dublin 2, D02 NX40. Standard netw work text and call rates wo r apply, calls from landlines charged at local rate.

We’re 5 years old and you’re invited to our party At your local Dacia dealer from Tuesday 13th to Saturday 17th June 2017 Test-drive any Dacia from 13th–17th June and be in with a chance to WIN a Dacia Sandero Stepway Special Edition.

SEAN WHITE CAR SALES ROSCOMMON ROAD, ATHLONE, WESTMEATH TEL 09064 92887 WWW.SEANWHITECARSALES.IE

dacia.ie

Finance example: Sandero Alternative SCe 75, RRP €10,490. Deposit €0. Term 36 monthly payments of €197. APR 4.9%. Total cost of credit €1,046 inc doc & completion fee €75 each. Optional ﬁnal payment €4,301. Excess mileage plus excess wear-and-tear charges may apply upon return of vehicle. Offer is made under a hire purchase agreement. Subject to lending criteria. Terms and conditions apply. See Dacia.ie [Warning: You will not own these goods until the ﬁnal payment is made]. Dacia Bank is a trading name of RCI Banque Branch Ireland and is authorised and regulated by the French banking authority and supervised by the Central Bank for conduct of business purposes. For a chance to win the New Dacia 172 Sandero Stepway SE Summit Special Edition 1.5 dCi 90 to the value of RRP €17,290, you must test-drive any Dacia car between 13th–17th June. You must be a Dacia customer to enter this competition. There will be 1 winner nationwide. The winner will be announced before 17th July. The prize is non-transferable and there is no cash alternative. Colour/make/model as supplied by the Promoter (Dacia Ireland). The winner will assume responsibility for the car upon handover of the prize and is solely responsible for motor tax and insurance. Winner must have a valid driving licence and show proof of this upon handover. Winner may be required to show evidence of motor tax and insurance prior to handover of prize. Entrants must be aged 18 years or older as at date of entry and a resident of the Republic of Ireland in order to qualify as the prize winner. Full terms and conditions apply.

Roscommon People Friday 16 June 2017

NewsPeople PUBLIC NOTICES

TEMPORARY CLOSING OF ROADS ROADS ACT 1993, SECTION 75 ROADS REGULATIONS 1994, ARTICLE 12 Roscommon County Council intends to close the road set out in the schedule hereunder for the period and the reason specified. Road to be closed: L2023 at Brideswell Village for a distance of approximately 200m from its junction with R363 Athlone-Dysart road to its junction with L7636 (adjacent to O’Connell’s Pub). Period of Closure: 10.00 am Wednesday 26th July 2017 to 10.00 pm on Monday 31st July, 2017. Alternative Routes: Via L7636 (adjacent to O’Connell’s Pub) and R363 Reason for Closure: To facilitate Brideswell Pattern Festival. Objections may be made in writing to the undersigned in respect of the proposed temporary road closure to arrive not later than 5pm on Friday 23rd June, 2017. Eugene Dwyer Head of Roads & Transportation Roscommon County Council Áras an Chontae Roscommon F42 VR98

Roscommon County Childcare Committee are now inviting applications for

Childminding Development Grants Roscommon County Childcare Committee Ltd in collaboration with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs are delighted to announce they are seeking applications for the Childminding Development Grant initiative 2017. If you are a new or existing Childminder and would like more information, please check out the Roscommon CCC website at www.roscommonchildcare.ie. Alternatively, contact us on 094 9622540 or send an email to louise.woods@roscommonchildcare.ie to request an application pack. Closing date for receipt of applications is Friday 30th June 2017

Locally owned ... in the heart of the community

PEOPLE PLATFORM An Open Letter to Minister Denis Naughten Creevyquinn, Roscommon Dear Minister Naughten, I feel compelled to write to you after hearing the decision to grant planning permission for a 34-acre solar farm at Creevyquin townland, Roscommon. It is scheduled to be built across the road from houses lived in by my family and neighbours, about a mile from the town. Fifteen families from the neighbourhood showed their disapproval of this solar farm project by signing a petition aimed at stopping it going ahead. However, we were not listened to. It seems to me that residents expressing their views is a waste of time. Let me make it quite clear to you minister, I do not want a solar farm in Creevyquin. It is my strong view that residential areas such as Creevquin are totally inappropriate locations for the size and scale needed for solar farms. In this case, Roscommon Co. Council has allowed the go-ahead for this large-scale development, a decision which I believe to be against the wishes of the majority of the community. I have no objection to the building of solar farms, however, there is an appropriate place for them and it’s not across from family homes. We can already view wind farms in Sliabh Ban in Strokestown from our front gardens. With regard to the solar farm, please do not give the excuse that we will not see them. Minister, in ‘The Irish Examiner’ on January 9th, 2017, in relation to solar farms, you stated “we need to start bringing people with us” instead of “bulldozing ahead and telling people we are going to do this, that, or the other.” You promise “this will not happen on my watch.” Again, in The Irish Examiner on April 28th, 2017 it is reported that solar panels are being introduced into four remote areas of bogland in Roscommon, Kildare and Offaly. Creevyquin is not a remote bogland. It is a thriving residential community expanding year after year with a strong tradition of families helping each other in times of need. You are the Minister of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. I am asking you to stand together with us, the residents of Creevyquin, now – so that this totally unsuitable development will not go ahead. Yours sincerely, Evelyn Killeen McCrann

Deputy Fitzmaurice responds to criticism from Fine Gael In last week’s ‘People Platform’, Fine Gael activist Gary Stephens accused Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice of using alleged rumours about Roscommon A&E for his own political advantage. Deputy Fitzmaurice, wrote Mr. Stephens, is a backbench TD “who deals in rumours” and who should stop using the hospital for political gain. Deputy Fitzmaurice has submitted the following response: Dear Editor, In reply to Gary Stephens’ letter last week, I wish to make the following points: * Gary must be suffering from amnesia as it was Fine Gael and Enda Kenny who

Stephanie Brennan pictured at House.Of.Hair. Picture: Andrew Fox

Small businesses in Roscommon: Some encouraging signs… Here at the Roscommon People, Roscommon’s locally owned newspaper, we’re thrilled to see a quite sudden and very welcome surge in instances of new businesses opening throughout the county. Times are still very difficult for small businesses but it’s extremely encouraging to note that four or five new businesses have opened in Roscommon Town in the past six weeks or so as well as some new enterprises springing up in other parts of the county. Just four months ago Scramogue woman Stephanie Brennan (pictured) took the plunge in Strokestown and now her House.Of.Hair. hair salon is receiving great support from the local community.

We spoke with Stephanie this week and on page 9 of today’s Roscommon People we feature this terrific local success story. Towns like Strokestown were badly hit during the recession and it’s really positive to see young entrepreneurs showing courage by opening their own businesses. People like Stephanie are to be congratulated and deserve the support of the local community. Also this week (pages 3 and 56) we feature the 10th anniversary celebrations at the state-of-the-art Lynch Flooring, Golf Links Road, Roscommon. Lynch Flooring started out in 2007 (in the same year as the Roscommon People) and proprietor Gabriel Lynch and his team

closed the A&E Unit at Roscommon County Hospital in 2011. * It is rich for Mr. Stephens and Fine Gael to make accusations about broken election promises after what happened with regard to Roscommon County Hospital during the 2011 election campaign. * Many undertakings on health services locally which I sought and were agreed in the negotiations for The Programme for Government last year have not been delivered upon. For example, demands such as for a 24-hour air ambulance service and several improvements in the area of mental health services have not been delivered. * I never stated at any time that the reopening of Roscommon A&E was up for negotiation but the rumours to that effect came from members of his own party. * My decision to sit on the opposition

have now built up a huge customer base both locally and from further afield. Indeed the regular influx of customers from adjoining counties to businesses like Lynch Flooring is a huge positive for Roscommon Town as a whole. It’s great to see local businesses such as Lynch Flooring successfully trading through difficult times and emerging stronger than ever. It’s been a great success story and we say ‘Happy Birthday’ to Gabriel, Annmarie and the team at Lynch Flooring! As ever, the Roscommon People encourages our 80,000 readers to shop locally…support our local employment providers and keep ‘local money’ in circulation locally! – PH

benches last year came about because I am a man of my word and the Government could not deliver on a number of red-line issues and promises I made to the people who voted for me. I was not going to compromise for the sake of a few extra euro and the promise of a state car. With the chaos that exists at UCHG on an ongoing basis there could still be a role for Roscommon A&E in the future and I will continue to fight for local health and other services as I promised the people of this constituency that I would do. I think that Mr. Stephens’ use of the phrase ‘I had to laugh’ at the start of his letter is most unfortunate as it is people’s lives that we are talking about here. Yours sincerely, Michael Fitzmaurice, TD

Your say, our say….in everyone’s favourite local newspaper!

Roscommon People Friday 16 June 2017

NewsPeople MS Ireland Church Gate Collection

Pictured at the 20th anniversary celebrations of Cuisle Holiday Centre in Donamon, Co. Roscommon were Thomas Lannon, Cllr. Orla Leyden, Karen Jones and Michael Myles. Picture: Andrew Fox

This weekend, 17th-18th of June, Co. Roscommon branch of MS Ireland is holding its annual church gate collection at Mass times at the following churches: Ballinamore Bridge/Toghergar, Ballygar, Ballymoe, Glinsk and Newbridge. As this is their main source of income, they are asking for the public’s usual generous support to ensure they can continue the work which began nearly forty years ago in this area. (See also page 46).

‘Walks for Wheelchairs’ project in pipeline  DAN DOONER

Cllr. Orla Leyden paid tribute to Cuisle Holiday Centre earlier this week as the resort celebrated its 20th Anniversary while also highlighting the ‘Walks for Wheelchairs’ project, which has recently been submitted for outdoor recreational funding. Speaking to the Roscommon People, she said: “Cuisle is a fantastic facility which is of great benefit to the local community as both a venue and employer.”

Addressing the ‘Walks for Wheelchairs’ project, she added: “I am excited about the project that was submitted recently for outdoor recreational infrastructure funding at Stoneham’s Lake which, if approved by the Department, will increase the compliment of accessible recreational amenities in this rural area close to the Irish Wheelchair Association National Holiday Centre at Cuisle and enhance the Suck Valley Way. “This is in addition to the additional 30 metres of accessible an-

gling platform being developed at Stoneham’s Lake (Linn Ban lake) this summer with funding awarded by Inland Fisheries Ireland to the Suck Valley Development Cooperative working with the Suck Valley Angling hub.” Cllr. Leyden recognised the support by Coillte for both projects and also thanked Minister Naughten for facilitating a meeting with Coillte senior staff in Roscommon town recently which was attended by members of the Castlecoote Donamon Creggs Rural Tourism

and Environmental Community Action Group. Cllr. Leyden stressed that the opposition of the local group to an industrial wind farm in the area was made very clear to Coillte when they met the semi-state body. Describing the meeting as “very positive”, Leyden acknowledged Coillte’s assistance to date and expressed her gratitude for its support for the ‘Walks for Wheelchairs’ project and permitting access via their lands to the development.

Pictured at the Roscommon Races on Monday evening last were Maeve Grealy and James Keegan. Picture: Andrew Fox

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Roscommon People Friday 16 June 2017

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POLITICAL PEOPLE

Ben there, Dunne that: Meeting the Taoisigh… Forget substance, think style, forget policy, think personality! As Leo Varadkar becomes Ireland’s 14th Taoiseach, People Editor PAUL HEALY, who has met every holder of the Office of Taoiseach since 1979 (except for Garret), presents a tongue-in-cheek reflection on his first impressions of each one… Whether I liked it or not, I met every Taoiseach we’ve had over the past 38 years (except for Garret). Charles Haughey (1979-’81; 1982; 1987-‘92): A bit of a boyo, as you may have heard. There was a period in the late 1980s and early ‘90s when we stretched the expenses account at the Roscommon Champion and covered the annual Ard Fheis of both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. The Fianna Fáil ones were the most exciting, because of the Haughey factor. After Haughey’s address at the 1991 Ard Fheis in the RDS, Sean Doherty invited myself and photographer Gerard O’Loughlin to a reception upstairs. When an exultant Charlie made his grand entrance later, we actually switched our attention from the free bar and watched as his presence commanded the attention of guests. When Sean Doherty introduced us, I had a few starry-eyed moments chatting to Charlie. He never mentioned the fact that Ben Dunne called to Kinsealy that very month and handed CJ over 200,000 pounds in cheques. Ben: ‘There’s something for yourself…’ Charlie: ‘Thanks big fella…’ I detected no tension between Sean Doherty and Charlie Haughey in that post-Ard Fheis bar. A few months later, Sean brought Haughey crashing down, when ‘The Doc’ implicated ‘The Boss’ in the 1982 phonetapping scandal. Garret Fitzgerald (1981-’82 and 1982‘87): I never met him, but respected him from afar.

Leo Varadkar was elected as Ireland’s youngest ever Tasoieach on Wednesday.

Albert Reynolds (1992-’94): Interviewing Albert in the Longford Arms Hotel, I was rather chuffed when he took a phone call from Gerry Adams while in my presence. “That was Gerry” Albert casually said when their chat ended. Later, I interviewed Albert in the Taoiseach’s Private Office. He was just back a day or two from the funeral of Virginia Clinton, mother of Bill, then the American President. “She was a great card player” Albert mused. High office couldn’t change Albert – he was wonderfully ordinary. Many people in this area will remember the famous marathon Fianna Fáil Convention of 1992. The hall in Ballyleague was packed, warm and stuffy, and the progress was slow. There was the usual pandemonium at the doors, with people trying to gain entry. A prisoner of procedure inside, Taoiseach Albert could take no more; so he climbed out through a window from a side room and made his getaway. He promptly took ‘forty winks’ in his car while the formalities continues inside the hall. If it was now, the unconventional Taoiseach would be judged and

photographed all over social media. John Bruton (1994-’97): A mighty man to drink a pint. He opened a bypass in Longford, flanked by fellow dignitaries and the wider public. After the formalities, a couple of hundred guests were invited to a celebration function in the Annaly Hotel. It was late afternoon, early evening. I watched as the Taoiseach of the country, holding court at the top table, drank five pints over dinner. He could hold his drink; he held office for three years, more often than not with commendable assurance. Bertie Ahern (1997-2008): Charlie was on to something when he described Bertie as ‘the most cunning.’ In many ways he was an actor; certainly he was all things to all people for a long time. Except towards the end, when things had begun to turn sour, Bertie was adored by the man and woman in the street. And it was ‘in the street’ that I saw Bertie’s X Factor work its magic. Canvassing in Roscommon, in campaign after campaign, he devoured the streets at high speed, smiling, winking, kissing babies and always holding a head of cabbage up for the

photographer when he got to the vegetable stall in Main Street. Everyone he met seemed to love him, but the meeting was always a fleeting one; there was never time to have a serious chat with Bertie, which, looking back, was probably just as well. Brian Cowen (2008-2011): He popped into the Roscommon People offices, then located in the Harrison Centre, in the summer of 2008. He was friendly without being particularly charismatic. Cowen chatted briefly about the economy and the newspaper industry. I specifically remember him NOT saying: “The economy is about to crash, there won’t be a soft landing after all, the IMF are on my speed dial and we’re all banjaxed!” Enda Kenny (2011-2017): The first time I met him was after hours in a Dublin hotel when he was a mere TD. He was very sociable. In 2011, he was still good craic, but now a new persona had to be created, a new level of gravitas adopted. Most of them do it. In the years that followed, we saw different versions of the man; including the ‘How’s she cutting?’ Enda and also the ‘International Statesman’ Enda. I had always liked him and, as a personable West of Ireland man who got the top job, he would always have been well received in Roscommon…until, You Know What happened. When You Know What happened, everything changed. I met him a few times, and we even had our photo taken together on one of his campaign visits to our office. I only interviewed Enda once; it was about a year before he became Taoiseach. I asked him that day for his thoughts on Roscommon Hospital. His response was vague! Later, when he became Taoiseach, You Know What happened. This was one man who wouldn’t be holding cabbage plants aloft in Roscommon Town for a while. In saying that, I would acknowledge that Enda did a lot of things right as Taoiseach, and, no more than Bertie, he had a fair bit of cunning. And so, with no expectation that he’ll escape from a party convention via a window, drink five pints in public in the afternoon, or accept a €200,000 gift from a kindly businessman, it’s over to Leo…

The DUP: Who knew that hardly anyone (across the water) knew?  PAUL HEALY

Dramatic revelation: It seems, the Ian Paisley rants apart, that our friends in (mainland) Britain weren’t listening at all… Weren’t listening or paying any attention that is – for decades – to all the chat from the DUP and the other serial contrarians in The North. For years the various sides up North have been arguing and squabbling and agitating and spinning (happily the killing has been replaced by

talking). To add a bit of colour and drama, some of the protagonists have even dressed in traditional costumes before either taking part in marches or forming a protest at the other side’s plans to stage a march. In between bouts of paranoid arguing and sometimes ludicrous name-calling, the factions up North have actually formed power-sharing structures, showing the world they can run their own affairs, only for these precarious outbreaks of democracy to be undermined by petty rows

which in turn are invariably followed by a collapse of ‘the institutions.’ These recurring collapses of ‘the institutions’ are then followed by marathon late-night talks as the warring groups sheepishly flirt again. Just as a new usually hoax deadline nears and Tommy Gorman’s voice threatens to give in, a new agreement is reached and the watching world heaves a sigh of relief. Well, we thought the world was watching all those rows and reunions since The Good Friday Agreement

paved the way for democracy over death, but it turns out that we were wrong! If last week’s British General Election has taught us one thing (more than one if you’re Theresa) then it is this: The Brits don’t give a damn about The North! We know this because once it emerged that the humiliated Conservative Party will need the support of the DUP to remain in power in Westminster, significant ignorance of who the DUP are was exposed. Thousands

upon thousands of ordinary British people turned to Google last weekend to find out more about the DUP. I am sure it would have been the same if it was the SDLP or UUP that Theresa May was bedding down with. Many, many years ago the comedians and impressionists from the golden age of British variety got great mileage from impersonating Ian Paisley, but it’s clear now that this is about as far as the ordinary British person’s knowledge of The North went.

Roscommon People Friday 16 June 2017

NewsPeople Coffee Morning for parents in Roscommon County Childcare Committee

NEWS…at a glance

Roscommon County Childcare Committee are hosting a coffee morning for parents on Wednesday, the 21st of June in Roscommon CCC, Knock Road, Castlerea from 10 am12 pm. This is an informal morning where you can meet and network with other parents. The staff of Roscommon CCC will facilitate a discussion on the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) and the National Childcare Programmes. Book your place by contacting Majella on 094-9622520 or send an email to majella.mcgovern@roscommonchildcare. ieby the 20th of June. We looking forward in seeing you there.

Salsa babies at the Arts Centre!

A thank you from Hospice Roscommon/Mayo Hospice sincerely thank all the volunteers who helped with the recent national sunflower days for hospice in Roscommon & Mayo areas. Grateful thanks also to all the stores for their co-operation and all who gave so generously to the cause. Your kind and generous support is greatly valued and acknowledged. All monies raised go directly to support local hospice palliative care services to help those in need in the local community. The service is free to all who need it. If you would like to become a volunteer or help by ‘regular giving’ by donating €10 per month, please call 0949388666. Your help would mean so much to so many.

Lisonuffy Cemetery survey: Help sought All the headstone inscriptions in Lisonuffy Cemetery are being recorded and placed on a database. Volunteers are needed to assist in the project. Anyone interested in helping can contact 087-9074869 or 087-1252361. The survey will commence on Friday, 16th of June and

Meatloaf: Michael Fitzmaurice, TD; Guns N’ Roses: Grace Curley & Shane Curley; Tina Turner: Anouska O’GradyLohan; Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton: Frank Brandon & Jacinta Hanley; Dire Straits: Tom Connolly; Liam Gallagher: Darragh Connelly; Sister Act: Dympna Hurley, Emma Curley, Bobby Jennings & Edel Maloney. Tickets (€10) are available in local shops or on the door.

Pictured in O’Rourke’s, Creggs on Saturday night last were Eve Smyth and Laura Curley. Picture: Andrew Fox

end on Saturday, 17th of June. The inscriptions data will be available on the Internet when the process is completed.

Creggs Lip Sync Challenge is this Saturday night! Creggs NS Parents Association present ‘Lip Sync Challenge’ in Creggs NS school hall on Saturday, 17th of June at 9 pm. The full list of acts are – Queen: Bobby Jennings; The Supremes: Eve Smyth, Laura Curley, Kate Hanley; House of Pain: Eugene Hanley; 5ive: Conor Gore, Gerry Keegan, Enda Conneran, Shane Dowd & Noel Gately; Cher: Elaine Hanley;

Roscommon Arts Centre’s relaxed and informal music performances for little ones are back this Saturday (17th) with Salsa music for little ones. These great little concerts are aimed at children from birth, right up to 3 years old, with one performance for 0-18 month olds and another for the slightly more boisterous 18 month3-year-old groovers! Professional musicians Stephanie Pawula and Gilles Gary’s performances will be full of the infectious rhythmic swing of salsa music as you and your little one relax on one of our comfy couches or explore the space as you get moving with your toddler around the floor. Bossa Nova Babies (0-18 months) takes place at 12 pm and will last approximately 40 minutes and our Bossa Nova Boppers (18 months-3 years) are welcome at our 2 pm show. These family friendly events are designed to be informal and relaxed. Buggies welcome – you can feed during the show and there’s even a changing mat on hand, if needed! A wonderful bonding experience, babies go free to this event. One adult ticket is €10, with additional tickets priced at just €5 each. Pre-booking advisable on 090-6625824. This programming initiative is in partnership with The Hawk’s Well Theatre, Sligo.

Threen NS 5K Fun Run The Threen NS 5K Fun Run will be held on Sunday, 25th of June starting at the school at 12 pm. Registration will take place from 11 am. Admission costs €10 per person or €20 per family. Your support would be greatly appreciated.

To send news to your local newspaper…email news@roscommonpeople.ie

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Roscommon People Friday 16 June 2017

NewsPeople

Goals galore as stars ‘Play for Paul’ A great crowd gathered at Western Gaels GAA Club recently as the ‘Play for Paul’ charity match was played out between a team of Over 30s and a team of Under 30s featuring some stars of the past and present. Paul Higgins sadly passed away last April following a brave 15-year battle with cancer. Paul was an inspirational and influential figure on and off the pitch and the big crowd present last weekend was testament to this. As for the game itself, the U-30s’ forward line featured Fintan Cregg, Niall Higgins, James Gallagher, Finbar Cregg and Paul’s sons and joint captains, Ryan and Jack Higgins. This exciting attack was well served by Kevin Higgins and Cathal Shine at midfield. There was no blanket defence present in Frenchpark and at half-time the score was 3-7 to 2-7 in favour of the U-30s. However, this ‘youthful’ side were almost blitzed by a vintage Over 30s performance on the resumption, with Ted Moore in particular causing the U-30s all sorts of problems. Moore hit an incredible 2-8 in a man of the match display. Match commentator Enda Beirne did well to keep count of the scores in the second half as goals galore had Sky Sports bidding for the rights for next year’s action! In the end it was the U-30s who edged it despite a wonderful display of attacking football from the Over 30s. The organisers offered sincere thanks to everyone for their generosity and support over the last few weeks, particularly Martin Dowd of Finesse Medical, who sponsored playing kits; and Western Gaels who supplied the facilities. A raffle also took place in the Chariot Bar and a full list of winners is available on the Facebook page ‘Play for Paul’. All proceeds are going to the Mater Oncology Ward.

Action from the Play for Paul charity match in Frenchpark. Pic: Michael McCormack

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Roscommon stalwarts Michael Finneran and Sean McDermott share a joke during the Play for Paul charity match. Pic: Michael McCormack

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U-30s joint captains Ryan and Jack Higgins; referee Vivian Hardiman and Over-30s captain Ultan Mulleady pictured before the Play for Paul fundraiser in Frenchpark. Pic: Michael McCormack

Roscommon People Friday 16 June 2017

Cuisle Holiday Centre - 20th Anniversary Celebration

Wishing Cuisle Holiday Centre continued success

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Cuisle – A unique Accessible holiday centre celebrates 20th anniversary

Wishing Cuisle Holiday Centre continued success

Bertie Glancy SEAFOODS

Telephone: 093 60545 email: glancy@outlook.ie Wishing Cuisle Holiday Centre continued success Rosemary Keogh, CEO, Irish Wheelchair Association, Ursula Nugent, Guest Speaker (Co. Tyrone) and Jean Coleman, General Manager, Cuisle Holiday Centre pictured at the Cuisle Holiday Centre’s 20th Anniversary celebrations in Donamon. Picture: Andrew Fox

 DAN DOONER

“It’s the synergy of the mix between the staff, the volunteers, the guests and the local community that make Cuisle such a unique place.” Those were the sentiments of Cuisle Holiday Centre’s General Manager, Jean Coleman during last Thursday’s 20th anniversary celebrations. Jean was addressing a large crowd of guests which included Irish Wheelchair CEO Rosemary Keogh; Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice and Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Tony Ward. Senators Terry Leyden and Maura Hopkins and a number of councillors were also present. Cuisle Holiday Centre officially opened its doors in 1997 and since then it has become renowned nationwide and indeed further afield as being

a unique facility which caters for people with disabilities. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice paid a glowing tribute to those involved in running the centre. “Throughout the country, there is incredible work being done (by IWA) in different places. “You have a place that twenty years ago set off on a journey. It is known far and wide. It is known for people that need respite, for helping those people and for the friendliness. It’s the staff that make this place,” he said. Deputy Fitzmaurice also highlighted the employment opportunities Cuisle has provided to the local community. Roscommon Cathaoirleach Tony Ward described Thursday as a “joyous day” and thanked the staff at Cuisle, stating that they should be “complimented right across the

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Members of Athlone Irish Wheelchair Association pictured at the 20th anniversary celebrations of Cuisle Holiday Centre in Donamon, Co. Roscommon. Picture: Andrew Fox

Celebrating 20 years at Rosemary Keogh, CEO of the Irish Wheelchair Association

uisle Holiday

Centre, located in the picturesque grounds of Donamon Castle, Co. Roscommon, is Irish Wheelchair Association’s (IWA) fully accessible National Holiday Centre. Providing holidays for people with disabilities has always been an integral part of IWA since our beginnings in 1960. In 1995, IWA began to explore the possibility of developing a national accessible holiday facility at Donamon Castle in Roscommon. The project involved an extensive refurbishment of an existing building which was kindly provided by the

Divine World Missionaries. In June 1997, Cuisle, which means ‘Pulse of Life’ Holiday Centre, was officially opened by President Mary Robinson. Since then, IWA has extended the range of amenities and facilities available to guests and today, Cuisle is one of Ireland’s most popular holiday destinations for IWA members, people with physical disabilities and their families. Voluntary groups and many of our friends from other disability organisations and representative groups ensure an annual trip to Cuisle is included in every holiday calendar.

On an annual basis Cuisle provides holidays for over 1,800 people, highlighting the continued popularity of Cuisle among our members and other guests who travel the length and breadth of Ireland, and from overseas, to spend some quality time here. Over the past 20 years, Cuisle has hosted weddings, conferences, retreats, fundraising events, sporting activities and so much more. Cuisle has become a vibrant and central part of the local community as well as an important holiday destination for people with disabilities, their families and friends.

Many special bonds have been formed and treasured memories made amongst the magnificent grounds which surround the castle. Love stories have begun at Cuisle, many happy afternoons have been spent at our accessible fishing bays along the River Suck, family and community celebrations are welcomed in the Castle Restaurant and there’s many a night the world has been put to rights over a pint in Harry’s Bar. With en-suite bedrooms, leisure suite, hair salon and Ireland’s first accessible outdoor gym, Cuisle has become the perfect

place to escape, unwind and relax. Often when a person with a disability, their friends or family, looks to organise a holiday, concerns over access, supports and other requirements, big and small, can make it seem impossible. Irish Wheelchair Association understands this, which is why facilitating and supporting cherished time away is such an important part of our culture. Over many years, through our staff and volunteers in branches and centres all around the country, IWA has been supporting, providing and

Roscommon People Friday 16 June 2017

Cuisle Holiday Centre - 20th Anniversary Celebration

place everyone can be proud of board” for providing such a unique service. Tyrone woman Ursula Nugent also spoke at the event. Ursula has been a regular guest at Cuisle and she had high praise for the facilities. She said: “I first heard of Cuisle from another guest who visits from Northern Ireland. I then looked it up on the Internet and

thought the place was perfect because it had everything I needed. I particularly like the leisure facilities because we don’t have them up North. We can use the facilities independently under our own steam. We can use the hoist to get into the Jacuzzi and it can really help you relax. It helps the muscle tone which

improves my cerebral palsy. I think the facilities in Cuisle are second to none,” she said. She also spoke about some of the many outings she has enjoyed at Cuisle, trips made possible by the transport facilities at the holiday centre. Although if Ursula has her way, a trip to Galway might be on the cards!

“The accessible transport is great, I would like to suggest that we go up to Galway the next time – but I don’t want to put pressure on anyone!” According to Ursula, Cuisle has also helped her to develop confidence; something which was very much in evidence throughout her speech on Thursday afternoon.

She said: “I might seem confident here today but I’m really not that confident and Cuisle has helped my confidence and built my self-esteem.” Ursula concluded with a glowing tribute to the “highly dedicated” staff, before officially kicking off Cuisle’s 20th birthday party.

Wishing Cuisle Holiday Centre continued success

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Wishing Cuisle Holiday Centre continued success

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Paddy Kilduff T.: (086)2568570 E.: paddy@kilduff.ie Pictured at the 20th anniversary celebrations of Cuisle Holiday Centre in Donamon, Co. Roscommon were back row (l-r) Senator Terry Leyden, Eugene Cummins, CEO, Roscommon County Council, Rosemary Keogh, IWA CEO, Tony Cunningham, Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice, Jean Coleman, Manager, Cuisle Holiday Centre and Cllr. Laurence Fallon. Front row (l-r) Cllr. Tony Ward, Chairman of Roscommon County Council and Ursula Nugent, guest speaker (Co. Tyrone). Picture: Andrew Fox

Roscommon People Friday 16 June 2017

Cuisle Holiday Centre - 20th Anniversary Celebration Wishing Cuisle Holiday Centre continued success

There from the very beginning! Bernie’s 20 years of service at Cuisle

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allinaheglish woman Bernie King is the longest serving member at Cuisle, having started back when the holiday centre first opened up in 1997. It’s a job she still enjoys. She said: “It’s interesting most of the time. It’s always busy with lots of people coming and going since the beginning and every day is different (laughs). I enjoy my work here – most days!” Bernie also reminisced about the holiday centre’s humble beginnings. “When I started it was just being developed really, it was the same as it was when the priests owned it. Since then all the rooms have been converted to en-suites and there have been a lot of improvements. The bar has been opened and the dining room has been renovated. There has been a lot of change and a lot of progress since 1997,” she said.

Bernie King, who is Cuisle’s longest serving member of staff, pictured cutting the cake with Ken Caulfield and Miriam McNamee who began their romance seven years ago when they met while on holiday in Cuisle. Picture: Andrew Fox

Does Bernie remember her first day? “I do remember my first day: it was myself and four men I think. I had worked in dining rooms before and had the most experience. It was busy and we were just thrown in; ‘40 people! Away you go!’ “(Since then) we have had (plenty of) training for the dining room and for health and hygiene,

manual handling and first aid. We cover both ends, even though we work in the dining room we have trained to work with people with disabilities first and foremost,” she said. As you would expect, it’s a job which involves meeting a great number of people and for Bernie, that’s another pleasing aspect of her work. “I’ve made many friends from the very beginning

from all over Ireland, England and the rest of the world, and I still keep in touch with them. Staff members, management and guests from everywhere really,” she said. While last Thursday was a very proud day for the entire staff, Bernie is still surprised at just how quickly the time has passed. “I probably couldn’t believe I had been here for

twenty years really! It was part-time work at the start and those twenty years have gone by very fast!” she said. Cuisle has seen remarkable improvements in the last twenty years but there is no fear of its success being taken for granted as long as hard-working Bernie is there to remind everyone of just how far the holiday centre has come.

Wishing Cuisle Holiday Centre continued success Your Local Councillor in Roscommon/Castlerea Electoral Area Wishing Cuisle Holiday Centre continued success

Finn Electrical Goff Street, Roscommon

Tel. 090 66 25573

Members of Roscommon Resource & Outreach Centre pictured enjoying Cuisle Holiday Centre’s 20th Anniversary celebrations in Donamon. Picture: Andrew Fox Some of the people who attended the Cuisle Holiday Centre’s 20th Anniversary celebrations in Donamon on Thursday last enjoying a dance. Picture: Andrew Fox

Wishing Cuisle Holiday Centre continued success

Cllr. Laurence Fallon BALLAGH, KNOCKCROGHERY, CO. ROSCOMMON.

090 6488232 086 8575512 cllrlfallon@roscommoncoco.ie

Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice pictured speaking at the 20th anniversary celebrations of Cuisle Holiday Centre in Donamon, Co. Roscommon. Also pictured is Ursula Nugent, guest speaker (Co. Tyrone). Picture: Andrew Fox

Some of the people who attended the Cuisle Holiday Centre’s 20th Anniversary celebrations in Donamon on Thursday last enjoying a dance. Picture: Andrew Fox

Roscommon People Friday 16 June 2017

Cuisle Holiday Centre - 20th Anniversary Celebration

Ken Caulfield and Miriam McNamee pictured attending the 20th anniversary celebrations at Cuisle Holiday Centre in Donamon, Co. Roscommon, Ken and Miriam began their romance seven years ago when they met while on holiday in Cuisle. Picture: Andrew Fox

Love continues to blossom at Cuisle!  DAN DOONER

en Caulfield and Miriam

McNamee met at Cuisle seven years ago and have been regular guests ever since. They’re also well used to the media at this stage, having appeared in the Irish Times last week! They were on their way to enjoy a

delicious buffet lunch in the restaurant at Cuisle but kindly agreed to stop and chat about what the holiday centre means to them. Miriam is from Ratoath in Co. Meath and explained how she came to meet Ken. She said: “I’ve (been coming) here seven years, it’s where I met my boyfriend Ken at the Ataxia holiday.

Ataxia is part of my condition and they have an annual holiday (which was stopped due to lack of funds). I come down here three or four times a year on respite breaks. It’s like my disability goes away, the staff make you feel so normal if you like.” Miriam told me that the staff always have time for visitors and that nothing was ever too much trouble.

“Among all the people who came here today you won’t see anyone with a long face. Everybody has a smile and that’s because everybody here makes Cuisle, the members, the staff, everybody!” Ken is from Donnycarney in North Dublin and has been a visitor to Cuisle since 2004 and has thoroughly enjoyed his regular visits.

“Over the last 14 years I have been here roughly three times a year, usually with Friedreich’s Ataxia Society, which is now Ataxia Ireland. “The people here are very nice and we look forward to coming down. It’s a break above anything else and the care provided here is excellent from everyone,” he concluded.

Roscommon People Friday 16 June 2017

Cuisle Holiday Centre - 20th Anniversary Celebration Wishing Cuisle Holiday Centre continued success

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Duty manager Noel Brennan (seated on right) pictured with fellow staff members at Cuisle Holiday Centre’s 20th Anniversary celebrations last Thursday. Pic: Andrew Fox

Noel has helped raise the bar at Cuisle

MAURA HOPKINS KINS

 DAN DOONER

Seanad Spokesperson on Arts, Heritage and Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Development

Brennan arrived at Cuisle sixteen years ago with a wealth of experience in the hospitality sector. He arrived in the middle of renovation work which transformed the centre’s bedrooms into modern en-suite rooms. “I had to clamber in under the scaffolding to do the interview! Sometimes you look around and think of where it’s come from and where it is now,” he said. Most of the financing for Cuisle’s remarkable makeover has come from the local community and from staff members themselves.

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Cllr. Michael Mulligan & Family The Square, Ballaghaderreen Contact me on (087) 7799781

uty manager Noel

“We (staff) would often raise a lot of money each year and that would go directly into the centre. We got a new floor two years ago and you had people coming in for functions, local people, and they were complimenting us on it and we said ‘Well that’s down to you guys, you bought the raffle tickets and attended the fundraisers’” said Noel. Cuisle’s transformation runs deeper than just bricks and mortar, as Noel explains: “When I started here sixteen years ago it was very disability-focused and you only came to Cuisle because you had a disability. “Coming from a catering background and looking

at the grounds around the place and with two young kids…you’re bringing them to places and you’re getting the vibe of ‘Eat up, pay your money and go’. I started to think ‘Why aren’t we catering more to the local community?’” Noel told me that he and a former colleague approached management with a proposal to make the centre more family friendly. Nowadays there’s a different vibe and it has become a venue for all manner of family and community events. Serving behind the bar and working closely with guests has given Noel an insight into their daily

lives. The duty manager said he even used a wheelchair in various situations in his early days at Cuisle so that he could experience the centre from a guest’s point of view and therefore discover what improvements could be made. He added: “You want to do more because you learn the stories of the people who come here regularly. They nearly have to fight for everything they get. You want them to come to Cuisle to forget about these problems and to have a week off. “There was a man from Kerry here for one week

a few years ago and the group leader was trying to get his group to bed one night and they wanted another drink at last orders. So of course we gave him another drink and the group leader came back and was maybe a little frustrated and the man from Kerry said: ‘Ah relax, I’ll go back to being disabled tomorrow!’ “I just thought that it summed it up nicely. He was here and having a bit of craic and away from the daily grind. That’s what we try and do. Let people be themselves with no expectation and no judgement; just come and enjoy it!”

Wishing Cuisle Holiday Centre continued success Wishing Cuisle Holiday Centre continued success

Cllr. NIGEL

DINEEN INDEPENDENT

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

Emma and Kathleen Brady, Athlone, pictured at the 20th anniversary celebrations of Cuisle Holiday Centre in Donamon, Co. Roscommon. Picture: Andrew Fox

Congratulations to Cuisle Holiday Centre on their 20th anniversary. Pat The Baker would like to commend all of the staff at Cuisle for all of their good work over the past twenty years and wish them success in the future.

Roscommon People Friday 16 June 2017

Cuisle Holiday Centre - 20th Anniversary Celebration

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Members of Athlone Irish Wheelchair Association pictured at the 20th anniversary celebrations of Cuisle Holiday Centre in Donamon, Co. Roscommon. Picture: Andrew Fox

Association provided an outlet for Mary

Wishing Cuisle Holiday Centre continued success from Michael, Maria and family

MICHAEL

Fitzmaurice

Athlone woman looks back on 28 years  DAN DOONER

thlone woman Mary

Gaynor has been a member of the Irish Wheelchair Association for the past 28 years and it all started with a trip to Kerry. She said: “I went to do voluntary work with them and now I’m a member! A friend of mine was asked would she go on a holiday and she didn’t want to go because she didn’t know anyone else so she said ‘If I can get you to come would you?’ and I said I would. So I went on a holiday to Kerry

and came back the following week and was asked to go to a meeting, and I was voted onto the branch committee. I was on that for 22 years,” she said. Mary’s husband Jack was in the army but sadly passed away in 1988. Mary needed an outlet and the Athlone Wheelchair Association was there to provide one. “I’m 83 and the wheelchair association has made it for me because my husband and I went everywhere together and so I’d no friends when he went. When we went out we had friends but then they had their

partners and so then I didn’t bother going,” she said. So what does Mary think of Cuisle Holiday Centre? “Oh it’s brilliant! Sure there was never anything like it. We come down here once a year and then if there’s any (special) occasion we come down to it. We spend the week here (each year). “When we started out we didn’t even have a room to bring people to. We borrowed a bus the first year and the following year we saved and bought a bus. £28,500 our first bus cost us, but we begged,

It’s a labour of love for Monica  DAN DOONER

onegal woman Monica Hughes lives in Kiltoom, Co. Roscommon and has been working with the Irish Wheelchair Association for the past 17 years. She has a background in nursing and currently manages IWA centres in both Athlone and Roscommon. She said she always enjoys taking groups to Cuisle Holiday Centre. “I’ve been fortunate that I’ve always brought groups here even when I was working in Clane in Co. Kildare or in Lucan in Dublin. So I’ve been coming here seventeen years and I have a passion for it. “The fact that somebody with a disability can have a holiday as well as anybody else and there are no limitations and their needs are catered for in a fun and loving way…it’s great

for both the service users and their families,” she said. So what makes Cuisle so appealing to guests? Monica believes it comes down to accessibility: “The food is fabulous, the atmosphere is good, the craic is good and all your needs are catered for. That’s where it’s lacking in terms of accessibility in hotels; access issues just aren’t a problem here,” she explained. Monica cited Tyrone woman Ursula Nugent as a prime example of just how important Cuisle is to guests from across the country. She said: “Ursula is a young person, she’s very articulate and like every other person wants a place in her community. They (people with disabilities) want to go on holidays and want to do the same things as able-bodied people. “A facility like this just caters so aptly for somebody like

Ursula and then the disability doesn’t really become an issue: it’s her, it’s a person, it’s Ursula, that’s all you see. The day-to-day barriers that you might encounter are taken away and she has such a good time then and that’s the big part of (being) here. It’s having fun, not seeing disability, it’s your ability to take part and do what you can do.” As for her own job, Monica enjoys going to work each day. “For me, being so passionate about the service, it gives me a reason to get up and go to work in the morning and no day is like a workday. We’re blessed with the calibre of staff because this is the sort of job that you need to love, you just can’t walk into work in the morning and say ‘I’ll just mingle on here’. You need to have a real love of people and it’s never like work then,” she said.

borrowed and stole and we got the money,” she laughs. Things have improved since then however and the numerous wheelchair accessible buses parked outside Cuisle last Thursday were testament to the great strides that have been made across the country. Nowhere are those improvements more evident than at Cuisle.

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Wishing Cuisle Holiday Centre continued success

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Roscommon People Friday 16 June 2017

Cuisle Holiday Centre - 20th Anniversary Celebration

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Glen Campbell on song in the kitchen!  DAN DOONER

ffaly native and Cuisle

Head Chef, Glen Campbell, has lived in Roscommon for the past twenty years, having trained in Athlone and DIT Cathal Brugha Street. Glen, who is married to Leitrim woman Sheila, has previously worked at The Bridge House in Tullamore and Gleeson’s in Roscommon Town. He kindly took time away from his busy kitchen this week to tell the Roscommon People about the fantastic collective effort he has witnessed at Cuisle since starting there six years ago. “I’ve a great team working with me from management down to people on the floor and we work well as a team and that’s what it’s all about I suppose. “There are four chefs and ten dining room staff, some of them would be part-time. We can cater for up to 100 in the restaurant and we’ve a private dining room which can hold up to 30 people,” he said. It’s a demanding job which requires Glen and his team to pull together in order to serve guests from across Ireland and further afield. Glen explained: “We cater for everything from our regular guests who come from different groups and with different disabilities from

around the country and from the UK. They (UK visitors) fly into Knock and we pick them up. We also cater for Weddings, Communions, Christenings, Confirmations, any family occasion really. We’ve had a few companies who’ve used the centre for team building weekends, we’ve had barbeques and after-wedding parties – you name it, we’ve done it!” So how does Glen’s dedicated team maintain their impeccably high standards? “We aim to do good food well so we use the best local produce and we make all our own desserts on site, we don’t buy anything in and we also make dishes from scratch. “It can be challenging at times because we have different people with different needs and dietary requirements but we treat everyone the same and facilitate any special requirements,” he said. Glen concluded our chat by highlighting the fact that the hard work often goes beyond the kitchen. He said: “I’ve a great manager in Jean Coleman and the IWA as an organisation is good. It can be difficult at times, as we need a lot of funding. It involves a lot of fundraising ourselves. As staff that’s part of our job and we fund-raise through- Head Chef Glen Campbell hard at work in the kitchen at Cuisle Holiday Centre. Pic: Andrew out the year.” Fox

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Pictured at the 20th anniversary celebrations of Cuisle Holiday Centre in Donamon, Co. Roscommon were back row (l-r) Mary McConn, Peggy Fallon, Pat McGuire and Mary McGuire. Front row (l-r) Shirley Fallon, Ursula Nugent, guest speaker (Co. Tyrone) and Bernie King. Picture: Andrew Fox

WEEKEND PEOPLE Roscommon People Friday 16 June 2017

ANYONE SEE MARTY MORRISSEY? As Roscommon prepare to play Leitrim on Sunday, PAUL HEALY says that while we might be indifferent to the GAA at times, ‘normal service resumes’ once the championship starts… graced the game with distinction. As young lads, we would surely have enjoyed gaelic football anyway, but we were particularly drawn to the game because of Roscommon’s prowess in that era. For thousands of Roscommon people of all ages, the 1977-’80 period was a happy time, fondly remembered now for the enormously satisfying trips to Hyde Park and other venues. Success with swagger. The best of times.

lease just throw in the ball, ref! First: a confession. I won’t pretend that it means quite as much to me now as it used to, because it doesn’t. Not quite as much, but it still means a lot! That doesn’t mean that I should be condemned, it’s just that life got in the way. So I am always happy enough to admit that I don’t get to every game, that I don’t know every player…because that’s just the way it is. Life is made up of phases, and sometimes we dip in and out of areas of interest. Career challenges, children, even middle age comes along! And yet…come championship time – even for those of us who can’t rhyme off the FBD results or claim to have been at every NFL game – all the magic just comes rolling back!

hile the hairstyles and shirt collars may have been appalling, overall the late 1970s were memorable for Roscommon GAA fans. Of course we were spoilt. I can only really comment from the perspective of my generation. Roscommon won the Connacht senior football titles of 1977, ’78, ’79 and ’80. We won the National Football League in 1979, the All-Ireland U-21 title in 1978, and reached the All-Ireland Senior Football Final in 1980. I was a teenager in Rooskey during all of this strutting on the national

asily beating Mayo and Galway couldn’t last, of course. It made no sense! Getting to four successive All-Ireland semi-finals made no sense! Along came barren times, what I labelled the ‘decade of despair’ in my role as sports reporter with the Roscommon Champion. Post-1980, we didn’t win another Connacht title for the remainder of the decade. Finally, in 1990, Martin McDermott led us out of the abyss, following up with a successful defence of the Connacht title the following year. Young, and with less commitments than now, I invested a huge amount of emotion in the GAA in those years, as a fan and as a reporter. So did thousands more – then and now. Many of them have never ‘switched off’ in the way that I sometimes have. There was no switching off in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Supporting Roscommon was a glorious anguish. There was the

There’s a close rivalry between neighbouring counties Roscommon and Leitrim which will manifest itself again on Sunday. Picture: Andrew Fox.

GAA stage. My memory of that great era is that we probably took this annual competing for honours for granted. As young lads we weren’t likely to listen to the sage advice of older folk. I’m not sure that I realised it was a special era. It was as if one day I was 12, and then

when I woke up as a 13-year-old and continued into teenagehood, Roscommon were routinely beating all before them in Connacht – and putting up big scores too. I thought that was normal. We had no fear of Galway or Mayo. We played with power and determination,

but – unless my mind is playing tricks – most of all, we played with swagger. We were stylists. True, we largely abandoned that approach in the 1980 All-Ireland Final, but any fair verdict on that great team will surely acknowledge that it was made up of a gifted set of players who

Continued on page 26 –>

Roscommon People Friday 16 June 2017

WeekendPeople

Frank Brandon Lip sync fever to hit Creggs Next Saturday night sees one of the most talked about events for many years taking place in the school hall when the eagerly-awaited lip sync concert, featuring some of the best-known people in the parish, including personality of the year, Tom Connolly; D.J. Bobby; former ‘Karaoke Queen’, Dympna Hurley; local TD, Michael Fitzmaurice and several more luminaries (nearly wrote lunatics) will raise funds for the Sunshine Room in Creggs National School. The Sunshine Room is an extraordinary achievement for a small rural village and deserves any support it can get, so this time no excuses, be at the school on Saturday night for 9 pm. From what I’ve seen in rehearsals, it will be woeful (Ed – wonderful?) entertainment. Jacinta Hanley and I will be giving Kenny and Dolly’s ‘Islands in the Stream’ the once over, and thanks to John Corcoran’s menswear, I will definitely win the ‘best turned out horse’ prize in my splendid tux. * Staying on local issues, and the funds from this year’s Barrie Harris Walk were distributed among several worthy charities in Mikeen’s on Saturday and just over €12,000 was handed over. See my report and Andrew Fox’s photogaphs elsewhere in Weekend People.

FRANK BRANDON’S

unique take on life ...

Bring on Connacht final build-up! When it comes to Gaelic football, I am the first to admit that I believe that the backdoor system has robbed the provincial championships of the real edge that knockout matches used to bring. I am very happy to say that Sunday’s game in Salthill between Galway and Mayo had an edge to it, one that I hadn’t seen in a long time.

It was a full-blooded, fully committed encounter and, as a Galway man, while it was great to win it, I will say there can be little doubt that we had a huge share of luck. Mayo played with fourteen men for most of the game after Keith Higgins was sent off, but even though they were numerically inferior

they probably should have won the game. They will still play a big part in the destination of this year’s Sam Maguire. As for Galway, it was a good win but realists will know they have a lot of work to do and the Rossies, should they get past Leitrim on Sunday, will relish the prospect of taking on the

Tribesmen in the Connacht final on July 9th. We had outrageous craic in our border village last year with both Galway/Roscommon games and I can’t wait for something similar this time round as the Gerry Keegan-led Rossies look for revenge. It will be some month!

Time to get real about childhood obesity! It’s a strange Tuesday morning for me as, while Tuesday has always been my day off, it’s now one of three, as I’ve gone back to a three-day working week. After having yesterday (Monday) off as well, it feels like I’ve had a long bank holiday weekend. There’s nothing wrong with that, but it takes some getting used to! Anyway, I’m up early and with no work, I find myself parked in front of the telly at 8.30 am. I’m watching the Lions losing to the Highlanders in New Zealand by a solitary point. Of course we support the Lions as a single unit, but it’s only natural to look out for our own. Although looking at the Irish players in action I don’t think too many of them improved their chances of making the test team. Athlone’s Robbie Henshaw was probably the pick of the Irish but even he is facing an uphill battle to claim a test place. I have to admit, it was strange watching TV at that hour and I don’t think it will become a regular habit. I usually buy a daily newspaper so as soon as

the game was over I hit Mikeen’s (shop, not pub – for a change!) and got myself a Daily Mail. There was a headline that claimed two-thirds of Irish adults are either overweight or obese. Now as a long-time member of both clubs, it is easy to regard these facts as a bit of a joke. In fairness, at my age, I will hardly change my habits, but nevertheless the extra weight contributes to heart disease and diabetes, both of which feature prominently on my health CV. As I say, I might be past redemption, but very

worryingly, more than a quarter of girls aged between 5 and 9 years of age are overweight. Surely parents, teachers, youth club leaders, politicians and everyone else should be trying to do something about those startling statistics. Great care should be taken to steer these kids, who are the future of the country, onto healthy and wholesome diets. Meanwhile, 22% of boys in that age group are overweight as well, so there is an enormous problem facing our young children and action must be taken. As for me, it’s time to put down the pan and have a belated Tuesday morning breakfast of rashers, sausages, eggs and a few slices of Kelly’s white pudding – maybe not what the doctor (the dietician, nutritionist, or fitness instructor) ordered, but exactly what’s required to kick-start my day.

‘Till next week, Bye for now!

ANYONE SEE MARTY MORRISSEY? Continued from page 25 –> added responsibility of following the fortunes of the great club side, Clann na nGael, another team which, like Roscommon, tested the emotions and hearts of supporters. There really was no feeling like the feeling you got on the morning of a big match, whether it was a trip to Castlebar or Galway, or maybe a Connacht final in the Hyde. In many ways it was a different Ireland, even as recently as the mid-1990s. The pubs were packed on the Friday and Saturday before the big game, as anticipation grew and nervous debate developed. The towns and villages were adorned with flags and bunting. Shannonside began to go out and about and host special preview programmes. Marty Morrissey or Michael Lyster might appear in the Main Street, staring into a camera in front of the Bank of Ireland. We were excited early in the week and often irrationally confident about our prospects. By Thursday or Friday the nerves took hold, and we were petrified at the prospect of defeat. We imagined how the game might unfold. We dared to visualise Tony McManus bearing down on goal. We sought reassurance from friends and neighbours. We called into Paddy Joe (the barber in Roscommon Town) and placed huge faith in his words of wisdom. By Friday we were making arrangements about how we would travel and with whom. We loved the morning of the match; all things were still possible.

When the referee threw the ball in, our hearts were in knots; now we had no control, now we wanted it to be the beginning of the week again. ears of near-misses and occasionally heavy defeats and infrequent joy. Then, in 2006, something extraordinary happened. A peerless campaign by our minors led to All-Ireland glory. The memory of the joy and emotion and pride in Ennis (and later in Roscommon Town) will live with everyone. We don’t need to go all the way, to actually win finals, in order to fully savour and appreciate what is so special about the GAA, and specifically about the championship. Just embarking on the journey is usually enough. After all, most campaigns are doomed, but that reality can’t diminish the excitement and expectation at the start, or the madness of the journey, wherever it takes us. The championship just takes hold of us, sets off on its mystery tour and brings us with it.

here were some savage tight games between Roscommon and Leitrim in the early 1990s. A great and often bitter rivalry was created. It was powerful stuff. To this day, even if recent meetings have seldom been that close, there’s mighty rivalry on the pitch and in the stands. Sometimes very sparky in the stands. Nothing would delight Leitrim more than

to get one over on Roscommon. And the great passion that the underdogs, Leitrim, will bring to the battle, acts as a leveller, at least for a while. Players come and go, times change, hairstyles change, reality tv stars even become Presidents. County teams rise and fall. One of the greatest days at the Hyde was in 1994 when Leitrim, not Roscommon, won the Connacht title (against Mayo). It was epic, and we proudly marched behind them to an All-Ireland semi-final at Croke Park against Dublin. Roscommon have had their ups and downs too. Eras of promise, eras of heartbreak, eras to forget, eras of hope. Whatever era it is, and whatever the status of a team at a given time, the start of the championship is a leveller, and also a cause, however misguided, for hope. The eternal hope, shouldering logic out of its path. Today is Thursday. Nothing can stop us now. The next three days cannot be sullied by missed chances, bad refereeing, dubious management calls. For now, it’s pure adrenaline. Marty Morrissey might be on the way down. The flags are flying. The Hyde is being readied, the pub debates are starting, the players are toiling in the shadow of the old stand. Every year, whether you’ve been in or out of the GAA all year – or just in a bit and out a bit – it hits you, grabs you, brings you back in. Just throw the ball in ref – and let that glorious damn suffering begin.

Rossie fans will be out in force to support the ‘Primrose and Blue team’ at Hyde Park, Roscommon next Sunday. Picture: Andrew Fox.

Roscommon People Friday 16 June 2017

WeekendPeople

Miriam’s MUSINGS Reality pills needed in Dáil?

I see some senior Government ministers are still waiting on those spine donors to arrive, given they don’t have the gumption to face up to the reality that, when it comes to the possibility of a terror attack in this country, we’re vulnerable and totally ill-equipped! You see, according to a report in the Irish Times, our leaders insist “Gardaí have been given every resource available to assist them in the fight against terrorism.’ Now perhaps if I was delusional or, indeed, a 12-year-old who’d blindly believe anything an authoritative adult would tell them, I’d swallow that. But I’m no eejit and I know when I’m being stage-managed. Look, what are those resources: stab vest and pepper spray? I mean c’mon, this is all the poor first responders have on their person and following top Security Analyst Michael Murphy’s appearance on RTE’s Prime Time, whose expert opinion is ‘We still have the same intelligence structures that were set up after the Dublin/Monaghan bombing in 1974 and nothing really has changed since then,’ I think I’m justified in being worried. For God’s sake folks, given we could barely deal with last month’s cyber hack, I think it’s safe to assume that Dáil Éireann is experiencing a severe shortage of reality pills because it’s clear to everyone, especially the terrorists, that our security systems are c**p; and that’s not the fault of the Gardaí!

Words of wit and wisdom with

MIRIAM KERINS

Is ISPCC ad campaign sending some kids into a tizzy? Who’d have thought an advertisement designed to help kids deal with stress could actually result in sending some of them into a tizzy? Let me explain. Apparently that wonderful charity, who do amazing work, the Irish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC) has, according to a statement released last week, responded to negative feedback regarding their latest awareness commercial’s content, taking it ‘seriously, and amended some elements of this important campaign as a result.’ Well done to them for not ignoring this reaction. Now for readers who’ve yet to view this controversial commercial, it’s called ‘Headbombz’ and it displays cartoon character children whose heads actually explode due to harbouring worries and anxieties and not talking about what’s on their minds. The exploding cartoon head is then scattered around the classroom, or playground, and I don’t know about you but as a

grandmother whose granddaughter is in the charity’s 8-10 year old target group, I feel the message could actually result in scaring some kids. Perhaps I’m wrong; I mean, this is a charity founded in 1956, and is a successor to the original NSPCC, founded in 1889, so they’ve clearly got a credible amount of experience, knowledge, research and time invested in this campaign. However, if I were an ‘on edge’ 8-10 year old kid who desperately needed a non-judgemental support system and saw this ad when I turned on the telly or went to the movies, I’d imagine my anxiety levels would go through the roof and I’d probably have a panic attack whilst waiting on my bits and pieces to erupt all over the poor kid sitting next to me. But maybe I’m just a drama queen! Now while the charity has amended some elements of their campaign (adding advisory notes to school packs) they’re not

removing it altogether. Mind you they are withdrawing the ad from cinemas, saying ‘This decision was taken given that the cinema viewing experience is completely different to the in-home experience,’ and I have to agree. A big, booming screen experience could prove to be much more impactful (and not in a positive way) for some children, especially ones who’re hyper-sensitive to loud noises or who may experience a sensory overload due to the explosive bright lights contained in the ads. Look, we all know that introducing an artistic graphic element into an ad campaign forms one of the most basic components of raising awareness and getting the core message across. In this instance the message is to encourage kids to share their anxieties, and God love them, they’ve a lot to contend with these days. But I believe on this occasion, there could have been a more inventive (and

psychological) approach displayed by the creative team in order to make their content less vivid and more appealing. On the subject of young children and their positive viewing experiences, I discovered our own C&L Movie Plex runs what’s called a ‘Sensory Kids Movie Club,’ catering for ‘parents/carers, babies and toddlers.’ Members meet on the second Monday of every month and I think it’s a great initiative and fair play to the lovely ladies I spoke with who told me that while the club is especially suited to those who have “kiddies with specific needs and who may not like loud noises, or who might like to chat during the screenings,” all are welcome. Ah sure when it comes to innovation, it takes Roscommon People readers to lead the way. Maybe the ISPCC’s ad team should drop down here for a bit of inspiration. Just throwin’ it out there.

Launch of ‘An Inheritance Celebrated’ 80 years of all boys primary education Launch of book (1937-2017) and DVD of records (1896-2017) As the end of an era of 80 years of all boys’ primary education at CBS Primary and the Abbey Boys’ N.S. in Roscommon Town draws to a close, ‘An Inheritance Celebrated’ is a fitting tribute to a community’s dedication to teaching and learning, in the spirit of St. Comán, patron saint of town and county. ‘An Inheritance Celebrated’ is at once an expression of our 21st century interpretation of a fitting education, a salute to the vision and aspirations of our forebearers and an expression of hope in the endless possibilities of the future, with boys and girls seated together in St. Comán’s Wood Primary School, Convent Road and Circular Road, Roscommon from September, 2017. This compilation heralds an exciting, new beginning, the blending of a community’s best with the professional know-how of an experienced team of teachers, cemented by the steadfastness of Home and Church which have been the backbone of education through the centuries. Words and photographs are used to evoke memories of times spent in school, the good and the challenging, the happy and the sad, times which have entered and shaped the narrative of each

of our lives, pupils and teachers alike. Education provision in Ireland may be traced as it has evolved in line with the religious, political and economic trends and developments of each period in time. School registers dating back to 1896 have been digitised and accompany this production in DVD format, offering an unrivalled social history of the town of Roscommon, through the war years, to recovery, to growth, to

recurring recessions through to present-day, post Celtic-Tiger Ireland. We pay tribute to our ancestors, to our past pupils living and deceased, to our teachers – present, past, deceased – who worked tirelessly to give what they could to shaping the spiritual, moral and intellectual wellbeing of future generations. We continue to be indebted to the many men and women who have given, and continue to give, selflessly

and voluntarily in the service of Boards of Management and Parents’ Associations, structures without which our schools would be unable to operate. Come along to the launch and take away your copy of this compilation which will take you down memory lane to a time when education for the boys of Roscommon Town was seen as a prize worth fighting for, a key to a better future and a passport to success.

Roscommon People Friday 16 June 2017

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

Strokestown Parish fundraising concert is this Sunday night Great local talent to perform Strokestown Church will play host to the Strokestown Parish Fundraising Concert this Sunday (18th). This promises to be a wonderful evening of entertainment featuring plenty of top class musical talent. The Roscommon Solstice Choir and Cavan Sinfonia Orchestra will be accompanied on the night by local artists including singer Eleanor Hanley and organist James Wallace as

well as Sean nós dancer, Ryan Owen. Formed in 2013, the Roscommon Solstice Choir now boasts over 100 members and has performed across Ireland and further afield. Under the direction of brother and sister duo, Eimear and Andrew Reynolds, the choir has organised numerous charity concerts and has proven to be a big hit with audiences through-

Ticket details With so much musical talent on display, this Sunday’s concert is not to be missed and tickets can be purchased on the night or from Mary on 086-2148592. Tickets cost €10 and there will also be a raffle on the night. Doors open at 7.30 pm and the concert starts at 8 pm sharp.

out the country. The choir has won numerous awards including a ‘People’s Choice Award’ at this year’s EPIC Awards in the UK. The choir also recently received great acclaim for its performance at a moving ceremony at Blacksod lighthouse for local community volunteers involved in the search for Rescue 116. The Cavan Sinfonia Orchestra has been performing since October 2010 under the capable and encouraging baton of Sue King. This inclusive combination of varying age groups and musical backgrounds has performed at events such as the Fleadh Cheoil and Cavan Drama Festival. The orchestra most recently performed at ‘The Oscars’ night in Granard and are sure to go down a treat in Strokestown this Sunday.

Under the direction of brother and sister duo, Eimear and Andrew Reynolds, the Solstice Choir has organised numerous charity concerts.

Strokestown Parish FUNDRAISING CONCERT Tickets can be purchased on the night or from Mary 086 2148592

Sunday 18th of June in Strokestown k Church Ch h Featuring: Cavan Sinfonia Orchestra & The Roscommon Solstice Choir Local Artists: Vocalist Eleanor Hanley Accompanied by Organist James Wallace Ryan Owens - Sean nos Dancer ●

Raffle on the night ● Doors open at 7.30pm ● Concert at 8pm sharp ● Admission: €10

Roscommon People Friday 16 June 2017

Celebrate Father’s Day: Sunday 18th June

Struggling with cool Father’s Day gift ideas? We’ve got it sorted!  MIRIAM KERINS

f like us you need a bit of inspiration when it comes to getting your beloved dad that perfect Father’s Day gift, then don’t fear, because we’ve put together the essential cool gift guide just for you.

Happy Fathers Day to all the dads and good luck to the Rossies seniors and under 17 teams against Leitrim

meaning he could do with a new pair. Why not pop into your local optician and buy him a voucher; we’re sure he’d appreciate the gesture. If your dad never misses an issue of his favourite magazine why not surprise him with an annual

HORAN’S RESTAURANT

If your dear old dad is like most Roscommon dads, i.e. he’s a sensible man who shops for functionality rather than fashion, then it’s likely he’s wearing a pair of reading glasses that are so old they could feature on The Antiques Roadshow,

Racecourse Rd., Roscommon Town

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Call John on 090 6626380 or 086 8538519 ●

subscription, that way, his number one read can be delivered straight through his letter box! If he’s the couch potato footie commentator type, then we’re sure he’d love an annual subscription to all the sporting channels, or sure why not go the whole hog and get him a big screen home theatre, audio visual experience. They don’t come cheap so perhaps you might like to get a few family members to contribute to the cost. Does he get all manly, territorial and possessive about his old leather reclining ‘dad’ chair? Yes! But it’s smelly, so why not buy him a new one, or even a good second-hand

one! He’ll love you for it and he’ll spend hours sitting in the sunshine, reading his magazine, drinking his Jemmie and red and dispensing words of wisdom to his grandchildren when the footie goes to half-time! Does dad pride himself on being a bit of a Brian Flanagan – Tom Cruise’s character in the movie Cocktail? If so, get him a cool bar tool set complete with cocktail shaker for mixing his own special ‘dad’ blends, a lemon slicing knife, chopping board, bottle opener, strainer, stirring sticks and ice tongs! If dad’s the greenfingered type who spends a lot of time in his ‘Man

JACKSON’S Restaurant, Bar & Guesthouse

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Shed,’ then you won’t go wrong with a set of rechargeable heated insoles to keep his tootsies warm. Every dad loves his car, that’s why he’ll really appreciate a set of luxury car seat covers; and you could throw in a car valeting voucher from your local garage. Remember, whatever you buy the man who has been championing you all of your life, shaping you into the man/woman you are today while at the same time embarrassing you with his silly jokes and dad dancing, he’s gonna simply adore your gift, so long as it’s accompanied by a big hug and an “I love you dad.”

Open late ● Booking advised

This new era of technology calls for an innovative type of wallet. One that protects both your privacy and your money. The Secrid wallet does exactly that both in terms of security and style. Secrid wallets are small on the outside but surprisingly big on the inside. Each Secrid wallet incorporates the ultra-thin aluminium card protector.

Secrid Wallets from Donnellan & Co. – Exclusive Stockist Get him the perfect gift this Father’s Day with a Secrid Wallet from Donnellan & Co.This new era of technology calls for an innovative type of wallet and Secrid wallets do exactly that delivering both security and style. Secrid wallets are small on the outside but surprisingly big on the inside incorporating the ultra-thin aluminium card protector. With over 25 styles and colours now available in store, this is certainly the gift to get dad this Father’s Day. Available from Donnellan & Co., Main Street, Roscommon, (090) 662 6334. www.donnellan.ie Wallets that protect your credit card information from being read by wireless card readers

Roscommon People Friday 16 June 2017

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

Hamrock’s Athleague, Co. Roscommon Tel.: (090) 6663325 Saturday, 17th June:

Sean Brennan

See Shaskeen at the Coleman Music Centre in Gurteen From the Oxford Tavern in Kentish town to the Village Theatre, Carrabane, on a forty-seven-year musical journey, the traditional Irish band Shaskeen is taking to the highways and byways on a nationwide

concert tour. The band will celebrate its Golden Jubilee in 2020, with several appearances during Galway European Come west along the road to the Coleman Music Centre, Gurteen on

Saturday, 24th June for some rousing music and song. Doors open at 8 pm and show starts at 8.30 pm. For bookings please call 071-9182599 or www. colemanirishmusic.com.

Telephone: 090 6626225 Friday 16th June:

Pictured in O’Rourke’s, Creggs on Saturday night last were Phyllis Dowd and Fiona Curley.

Pictured in O’Rourke’s, Creggs on Saturday night last were Richard Smyth, Ger Dowd, Danny Burke and Ciarán Dowd.

s e c a l P & s e c Fa

Pictured in O’Rourke’s, Creggs on Saturday night last were Althea Whyte and Bina Harris.

Barrie Harris Walk

Pics: Andrew Fox and who who is sadly ill at the momentwalk and N DO AN the BR in , K fore AN FR the  was always to May he get everything else in the parish. lk Wa ris Har rie Funds from this year’s Bar well soon. l worthy sic from were distributed among severas) on On the night we had great muke sang just ke’ our Bur ny Dan ile charities in Mikeen’s (O’R wh Simon Cooke, 0 was fantastic. Saturday when just over €12,00 once, but his Danny Boy was just goodies of n ctio sele g azin handed over. am There was an an is lk wa this Day s m! n’ the phe ple Every St. Ste on offer and I had to sam the late almighty credit to Bina, wife of d-working We won’t feel the next walk coming and let us Barrie, her family and all the harMary around so keep it in your diary his family’s and rie Bar our committee members, includingrke, and continue to hon most Devaney, Mike and Carmel Rouon the contribution to our area in this n ntio many others. Special me fitting of ways! er (Kelly), night was made of Johnny Pet

The Square House Social with Dave Tamkin (USA) Saturday 17th June:

J. Wagner (USA) with Isaac Tabor Sunday 18th June:

Two Corners

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

Pictured in O’Rourke’s, Creggs on Saturday night last were Carmel O’Rourke, Rosemarie Trayers and Bina Harris.

Pictured in O’Rourke’s, Creggs on Saturday night last were Jonathan and Edel Conroy. Lorraine Conlon, Richard and Olivia Smyth, Bina Harris and Michael O’Rourke, Barrie Harris Walk Committee pictured in O’Rourke’s, Creggs with some of the beneficiaries of the 2017 Barrie Harris Walk. The beneficiaries are Galway Hospice, Roscommon/ Mayo Hospice Foundation, Irish Cancer Society, Irish Wheelchair Association, Lourdes Invalid Fund, Cuisle Holiday Centre, Calcutta Nuns, Kevin McGeeney-led project, Sr. Margaret O’Brien, Sunshine Rooms at Creggs National School, Tarmon National School (Autism Unit), Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin, Roscommon Special Olympics and Roscommon Association in London.

BEER OF THE WEEK! JJ Harlows supporting Irish Micro Breweries

Roscommon People Friday 16 June 2017

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

Pictured at the Roscommon Races on Tuesday evening last were Archie, Shauna, Rubin and Gabriel Freeney.

Faces & P laces

Roscommon Races Pics: Andrew Fox

Pictured with RTE personality Hector Ó hEochagáin at the Roscommon Races on Tuesday evening last were members of Roscommon Civil Defence Bosco Smyth, Margaret Treacy, Derek Nolan, Ray Dunne, CDO, Roscommon Civil Defence and Dave Phillips.

Pictured at the Roscommon Races on Tuesday evening last were Noel Hayes, BetBright, Shane and Hector Ó hEochagáin, Shane Fleming, Roscommon Racecourse and Sandra Hughes, Roscommon Racecourse.

Pictured at the Roscommon Races on Tuesday evening last were Orla, Paddy and Una Healy.

Pictured at the Roscommon Races on Tuesday evening last were Orla O’Hara and Elaine Jennings.

Pictured at the Roscommon Races on Tuesday evening last were Liz Lancaster, Molly Lancaster, Michaela Simmons, Amy Grundy Lancaster and Sarah Gibbs.

Roscommon People Friday 16 June 2017

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

Pictured in Rockford’s on Saturday night last were Leanne Tyndall, Claire Kelly, Monica Lach and Annmarie Treacy.

Pictured in Rockford’s on Saturday night last were Katie Killion and Mary Reilly.

aces & P laces FRockford’s Pics: Andrew Fox

Pictured in Rockford’s on Saturday night last were Sinéad McDermott and Sinéad Morrow.

Pictured in Rockford’s on Saturday night last were Sam Campbell and Elaine Jennings.

Pictured in Rockford’s on Saturday night last were Darren Reaney, Jordan Kennedy and Adam Hoare.

Pictured in Rockford’s on Saturday night last were Luana Scuciato and Kemily Simão.

Pictured in Rockford’s on Saturday night last were Kasia, Margaret, Krystyna and Laura.

Roscommon People Friday 16 June 2017

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

Glanbia’s Siobhán is ﬁrst winner of Business Person of Month Award The Managing Director of Glanbia, Siobhán Talbot, is the recipient of the inaugural Irish Times Business Person of the Month Award, in association with KPMG. Ms. Talbot (53) takes the award for May having successfully overseen a deal to spin off Glanbia’s Irish dairy and and agri-business operation into a joint venture, called Glanbia Ireland. The company’s main shareholder, Glanbia Co-operative Society, will be the majority owner of this new entity. This is a major achievement as a previous attempt to sell the business to the co-op was unsuccessful in 2010. The new business awards scheme was launched last month by The Irish Times to mark excellence and outstanding achievement among Irish business leaders.

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Managing Director of Glanbia, Siobhán Talbot

Launch of ‘Best Managed Companies’ Awards

Pictured at the launch of the awards were Anya Cummins, Deloitte Partner and BMC Lead; Nigel Owens MBE, keynote speaker; and Michael Torpey, Chief Executive of Corporate & Treasury, Bank of Ireland.

This week, Deloitte marked the 10th anniversary of its Best Managed Companies Awards, and invited Roscommon companies to enter this year’s programme, in association with new programme sponsor, Bank of Ireland. The awards programme showcases the success of indigenous companies and acknowledges the contribution that they make to the Irish economy. The network of Best Managed Companies developed over the last decade now stands at 127, and 9 companies are marking a decade within the programme this year. These companies represent excellence in management abilities and practices across all the key functions of their business. The Best Managed Companies judging panel considers companies from every perspective using a wide range of criteria including strategy, capability, commitment, financials and management performance and practices. Those who are successful and progress through the awards process will receive customised feedback and coaching from Deloitte and Bank of Ireland. For further information and details of how to enter the awards, visit www.deloittebestmanaged.ie. The closing date for entries is 6th August, 2017.

GAA and GPA team up with Irish brand Pat the Baker The GAA and GPA are delighted to announce a new partnership with Pat the Baker to promote the new Protein Bread. The five-year revenue share agreement will see a percentage of all sales going towards the GPA Player Development Programme, supported by the GAA. This Programme assists county players in critical areas of their off-field lives including education, career and personal development, health and wellbeing. Pat The Baker protein bread contains 15g of protein per 100g which helps contribute towards the growth and maintenance of muscle mass and is an essential component in the diet of an athlete. It is used to rebuild and repair muscle after exercise. It can be challenging for an athlete to consume the required quantity of protein. High protein products can help with this. Pat The Baker High protein bread is also

a low sugar product. Declan Fitzgerald, CEO of Pat The Baker, commented: “Pat The Baker is delighted to announce a new partnership with the GAA/GPA. Both Pat The Baker and the GAA/ GPA are household names with a grassroots presence throughout the 32 counties

of Ireland; this partnership provides an excellent opportunity for both organisations to further serve local communities. “Each delicious slice of new Pat The Baker Protein Bread contains 6g of protein and 60g per loaf, in addition each slice is both high in fibre and low in

sugar. Derived from a natural blend of plant extracts and seed, Pat The Baker Protein Bread is for everyone pursuing a healthy lifestyle. This partnership creates an opportunity to inform consumers about the benefits of protein and provide a convenient means of consumption,

The GAA and GPA are delighted to announce a new partnership with Pat the Baker to promote the new Protein Bread at Croke Park in Dublin. The five year revenue share agreement will see a percentage of all sales going towards the GPA Player Development Programme, supported by the GAA. The Programme assists county players in critical areas of their off-field lives including education, career and personal development, health and wellbeing. In attendance at the launch are, from left, Donegal footballer Michael Murphy, former Dublin footballer Alan Brogan and Tipperary hurler Padraic Maher. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

making Pat The Baker Protein Bread ‘the players’ choice’.” GPA Chief Dermot Earley said: “We are delighted to form this new long-term partnership with Pat the Baker. Pat the Baker is a perfect fit for the GAA and GPA. Sales of this healthy, Irish-produced product will help strengthen our Player Development Programme as we strive to make a meaningful difference to the off-field lives of our county hurlers and footballers. I’d like to thank all involved in reaching this agreement and in particular Pat the Baker who continue to strengthen their support of Gaelic games.” Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Aogán Ó Fearghail said: “We are pleased to welcome Pat The Baker on board as a partner in our joint efforts with the GPA to support our players.”

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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

Roscommon People Friday 16 June 2017

NewsPeople SUNDAY GOSPEL REFLECTION The Eucharist is given to us as a challenge and a promise. That’s how Jesus presents it in today’s Gospel. He doesn’t make it easy for those who hear Him. They are repulsed and offended at His words. Even when they begin to quarrel, He insists on describing the eating and drinking of His flesh and blood in starkly literal terms. Four times in today’s reading, Jesus uses a Greek word – trogein – that refers to a crude kind of eating, almost a gnawing or chewing (see John 6:54,56,57,58). He is testing their faith in His Word, as today’s First Reading describes God testing Israel in the desert. The heavenly manna was not given to satisfy the Israelites’ hunger, as Moses explains. It was given to show them that man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. In today’s Psalm, too, we see a connection between God’s Word and the bread of life. We sing of God filling us with “finest wheat” and proclaiming his Word to the world. In Jesus, “the living Father” has given us His Word come down from heaven, made flesh for the life of the world. Yet as the Israelites grumbled in the desert, many in today’s Gospel cannot accept that Word. Even many of Jesus’ own followers abandon Him after this discourse (see John 6:66). But His words are Spirit and life, the words of eternal life (see John 6:63,67). In the Eucharist we are made one flesh with Christ. We have His life in us and have our life because of Him. This is what Paul means in today’s Epistle when He calls the Eucharist a “participation” in Christ’s body and blood. We become in this sacrament partakers of the divine nature (see 1 Peter 2:4). This is the mystery of the faith that Jesus asks us to believe. And He gives us His promise: that sharing in His flesh and blood that was raised from the dead, we too will be raised up on the last day. – Scott Hahn Ph.D., www.salvationhistory.com (and courtesy of Sacred Heart Church)

POEM We received the following poem from a Roscommon People reader who described it as a “a tribute to our local priests.” The reader said: “This is my tribute to all priests, especially Monsignor Travers, Fr. McLoughlin, Fr. Heneghan, Fr. Beirne, Fr. Cullen and Fr. Erek, and in memory of the late Fr. Leogue.”

Our Priests We need them in life’s early morning We need them again at its close We feel their warm clasp of true friendship We seek them when tasting life’s woes

Roscommon footballer Conor Devaney pictured with the Roscommon Gaels U-12 Girls team. Pic: Michelle Hughes-Walsh

Devaney drops in on training! Roscommon footballer and all-round good guy Conor Devaney surprised the Roscommon Gaels U-12s Girls’ football team yesterday evening (Wednesday) ahead of their big semi-final match against Four Roads on Monday. Conor ran some drills with the girls and gave them a pep talk ahead of Monday’s big game. The girls were in touch with Roscommon People and would like to wish Conor and the lads all the best ahead of their own big semi-final on Sunday when Roscommon take on Leitrim in the Connacht Championship.

Roscommon footballer Conor Devaney pictured with Roscommon Gaels U-12s’ coaches Gerry Donoghue, Declan Walsh and Serena O’Farrell. Pic: Michelle Hughes-Walsh

Funding for Keadue Social Services Fine Gael Senator Maura Hopkins has said the announcement that €54,373 in funding is to be provided to Roscommon LEADER Partnership (also known as Roscommon Integrated Development Company) to allow for the purchase of a bus for Keadue Social Services is extremely positive. Senator Hopkins stated: “My colleague, the Minister of State

for Regional Economic Development, Michael Ring TD has informed me that he is making this allocation as part of funding being provided by the Dormant Accounts Fund. “This funding is being provided to cover the cost of a purchase of a wheelchair accessible bus for Keadue Social Services. This will allow the older people and adults

with disabilities in Keadue and surrounding areas of North Roscommon who use the service to get to and from the centre. “This will provide a lifeline for many people as it reduces the risk of social isolation given many people would not have transport to get to and from the centre. It will also allow for people attending the centre to go on day trips which

When we came to this world we were sinful The greatest as well as the least But the hands that made us pure as angels Were the blessed hands of the priest At the altar, each day, we behold them And the hands of the king on his throne Are not equal to them in their greatness Their dignity stands all alone For there in the quiet of the morning E’re the sun has emerged from the east There, God rests between the pure fingers Of the blessed hands of the priest And we are sinful and wander Through the pathways of shame and of sin ‘Tis the hands of the priest will absolve us Not once but again and again May God bless them and keep them all holy For THE HOST which their fingers caress What can a poor sinner do greater Than ask Him who choose them to bless And when we are taking life’s partner Other hands may prepare us a feast But the hands that will bless and unite us Are the blessed hands of the priest When death dews on our eyelids are falling May our courage and strength be increased By seeing raised over us in a blessing The beautiful hands of the priest

Senator Maura Hopkins with staff and service users in Keadue Social Services this week.

will undoubtedly assist in a positive way.” Also welcoming the news, Cllr. Rachel Doherty said: “This new bus will finally provide the certainty that the Manager, staff and clients so badly needed for the delivery of the range of Day Care Services provided for the centre in Keadue.”

Roscommon People Friday 16 June 2017

PropertyPeople

Prime Tulsk farm sells for €1m Property Partners Earley, Roscommon are delighted to report another successful multi-lot public auction which comprised of prime agricultural lands and two quality residential properties close to Ballinlough village and Glenamaddy The auction was held in The Central Bar, Roscommon town and was well attended, as reported by John Earley, who conducted the auction. The first property comprised of

c. 125 acres of lands set out in one located at Clooneyquinn, Tulsk, Co. Roscommon on which stood an extensive range of agricultural buildings. The property was sold for the figure of €1m. The farm attracted strong market interest from all across Ireland with four principle bidders going head to head on the day. Solicitors with carriage of sale were Messers. Padraig Kelly & Co., Strokestown, Co. Roscommon. The second property located

at Churchboro, Ballinlough was a quality three-bedroomed bungalow residence located close to the Ballinlough village and sold under the hammer for €130,000 and the Glenamaddy residence was sold for €140,000. Solicitors with carriage of sale were Messers. Hugh J Campbell & Co., Athlone. John Earley reported very strong interest and viewings in all lots pre-auction and now has a list of underbidders and

enquiries for similar properties. The sale of the farms bodes well for the farming sector with interest in same from as far away as Kilkenny, Kildare and Tipperary. To obtain a free appraisal of your property contact John Earley, FIPAV or David Diffley, MIPAV, TRV of Property Partners Earley, Roscommon on 090-6626579, email jearley@ propertypartners.ie, or log onto www.propertypartners.ie.

Former Permanent TSB property for sale

Roscommon auctioneer Sean Naughton pictured with Minister Mary Mitchell O’Connor at the Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers AGM and Conference held recently in Powerscourt Hotel in Wicklow.

John Earley, FIPAV of Property Partners Earley is this week pleased to offer new to the market a quality three-storey building of c. 2,686 sq. ft. located on The Square, Roscommon town. The former Permanent TSB property is described by John Earley as “a primely located commercial property prominently positioned on the town square with the benefit of c. 25 ft. street frontage.” The said property is laid out over three floors with the first and second floors subject to a tenancy which is holding over at a passing rent of €7,262 per annum (tenant not affected). Ground floor retail area: c. 1,387 sq. ft. (vacant possession). 1st floor: c. 649 sq. ft; 2nd floor: c. 649 sq. ft. Altogether, this is a quality town centre property to come available with huge potential due to location and the auctioneers

now invite immediate viewings and all offers to sell. Price guide: €200,000 ono to sell. For further details or to arrange a viewing, please contact John Earley, FIPAV, Property Partners Earley, Roscommon on 0906626579, email jearley@propertypartners. ie or log onto www.propertypartners.ie.

Residential farm at Glenballythomas, Tulsk

Paddy Finn’s Bar, Kilteevan Village, Co. Roscommon.

The renowned Paddy Finn’s Bar is well worth viewing David Diffley, MIPAV, TRV of Property Partners Earley is this week offering to the market the renowned and established 7-day licensed premises known as Paddy Finn’s Bar, Kilteevan Village, Co. Roscommon. David describes the property as “a highly attractive residential 7-day licensed premises located in the heart of Kilteevan village, beside Roscommon town and adjacent to the local church and community centre. “This character and established property offers a superior standard of fit-out with luxury 3 three-bedromed residential accommodation on the 1st floor. ‘Paddy Finn’s’ is a renowned hub for all local functions and holds excellent potential to further develop and enhance its existing trade. Offering a turnkey opportunity to the would-be purchaser, this is a once is a lifetime chance to acquire one of the region’s best known trading houses. For further details or to arrange a viewing, please contact David Diffley, MIPAV, TRV of Property Partners Earley, Roscommon on 090-6626579, email ddiffley@ propertypartners.ie or log onto www.propertypartners.ie/ earley.

This week Pat Hughes & Co. Ltd. Auctioneers & Valuers are reporting strong interest in a circa 66-acre residential farm at Glenballythomas, Tulsk, Co. Roscommon. 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. Pat is confirming that the property now appears to be going in different lots. Lot 1: residence on circa 3 acres, Lot 2: circa 38 acres and slatted shed, Lot 3: circa 25 acres. Viewing is highly recommended. For further details or for any enquiries please contact the office on 0906627003 or email info@pathughesauctioneers.com

Glenballythomas, Tulsk, Co. Roscommon.

Viewing of this residence is a must! Pat Hughes & Co. Ltd. Auctioneers & Valuers are offering for sale a large four-bedroomed residence at Church Street, Roscommon. Accommodation consists of two sitting rooms, kitchen cum dining room, four bedrooms and a bathroom. The residence is in need of modernisation and some repair. The property is located in a prominent location close to all amenities. Viewing is a must. Pat is encouraging anyone thinking of acquiring a town property to contact him on 090-6627003 or email info@pathughesauctioneers. com.

Prime Ballymacurley lands available at Earley’s John Earley, FIPAV, of Property Partners Earley, Roscommon is this week offering new to the market two prime plots of lands located in the general Ballymacurley area. The first property is located at Peak, Ballymacurley, Co. Roscommon and is described as “prime roadside lands of c. 3.8 acres set out in one lot in an attractive countryside setting.” The auctioneer contends that this sale must offer neighbouring farmers an excellent opportunity to increase their existing holdings. The lands command excellent road frontage.

The second property is located at Ardlagheen More or Highlake, Ballymacurley, Co. Roscommon and is described as a most attractive roadside parcel of lands containing c. 7.9 acres together with 3-bay haybarn and lean-tos standing thereon. “This is a first class parcel of roadside lands, which must attract good market interest. The auctioneer invites viewing and offers.” To arrange maps or for further details contact John Earley, FIPAV of Property Partners Earley, Stone Court, The Square, Roscommon on 090 6626579, email jearley@propertypartners.ie

LIC. NO. 001127.

cathal o’brien

estate agent MIPAV

the housesold name CLEABOY, BALLINTUBBER, CO. ROSCOMMON MOB. 087 261 3617 – TEL. 094 96 55313 www.cathalobrien.ie • Email: info@cathalobrien.ie

New To The Market - Lands For Sale

C. 26.5 Acres at

Lisseenamanragh, Dysart, Co. Roscommon Attractive parcel of lands set out in one lot, good quality lands renowned lands in the locality. The lands are ideally located beside Dysart Village on the main Athleague/Four Roads road in a good farming district. This sale must offer neighbouring farmers an excellent opportunity to increase their existing holdings. Immediate Enquiry invited by the sole selling agents.

Moher, Lanesboro

A quality property at Moher, Lanesboro Cathal O’Brien, MIPAV, Auctioneer, is this week offering a quality property for sale in pristine condition, finished to a very high standard and offering spacious luxurious living accommodation throughout. The residence, at Moher, Lanesboro, is for sale due to cancellation. Accommodation includes reception/hallway, sittingroom, livingroom, kitchen/diningroom, four bedrooms with master ensuite and a main bathroom. This is a beautiful landscaped site area with generous gardens to rear, garage and workshop adjacent. The property is ideally located just off the main Roscommon to Lanesboro Road adjacent to Ballyleague, a 10-minute drive from Roscommon Town. This is a select property which must be viewed to be appreciated and offers are now invited. For further information or to arrange a viewing, contact Cathal O’Brien, MIPAV, Auctioneer, Ballintubber, Co. Roscommon. Call 087-2613617, email info@cathalobrien.ie or web www. cathalobrien.ie, Daft.ie

Cloonmore, Kilteevan, Co. Roscommon.

Check this cottage out! Pat Hughes & Co. Ltd. Auctioneers & Valuers are this week offering new to the market a four-room cottage in need of total refurbishment located at Cloonmore, Kilteevan, Co. Roscommon. For further details please contact the office on 090-6627003 or email info@ pathughesauctioneers.com

Pat Hughes seeks properties! Due to recent sales, Pat Hughes & Co. Ltd. Auctioneers & Valuers are urgently looking for all types of properties in and around the Roscommon area for disappointed underbidders. If you are thinking of buying or selling, contact Pat and let him advise you – his advice is free. For further details please contact the office on 0906627003 or email info@pathughesauctioneers.com

Roscommon People Friday 16 June 2017

PropertyPeople

Prime bungalow on mature site Connaughton Auctioneers are delighted to bring to the market this prime four-bedroomed bungalow standing on a mature corner site. This property is in excellent condition throughout and has many extra features such as large open plan kitchen/dining room with large wood burning stove, sliding doors to rear patio area, maturing trees on side and rear boundaries, detached garage with access from front and side, a selection of fruit trees on site, range of flower and shrubbery beds with exceptional views of the surrounding countryside. The location is ideal for those seeking peace and tranquillity but yet is conveniently located to Four Roads, Athleague, Rahara, Ballygar and Roscommon Town. The property is surrounded by a block wall to front with driveway kerbed and stoned and extending to the rear. Heating is provided by

Paddock View, Tobberpatrick, beside Strokestown, Co. Roscommon.

Superb residence in Strokestown area OFCH with the addition of the solid fuel option. Accommodation consists of: porch to front, reception hallway, sitting room, large kitchen/dining room, utility room, four bedrooms (master ensuite) and main bathroom. Viewing is highly recommended. Contact the office for further details (on 090-6663700).

Strong interest in unique property A huge amount of interest has been expressed in this charming two-bedroomed residence located on the outskirts of Loughglynn, Co. Roscommon. This property, on the books of Ivan Connaughton Auctioneers, is unique in so many ways. Recent renovation works were started but not fully completed by the present owners. The standard of finish on existing works so far is to an exceptionally high standard with a high level of insulation in the floors, walls and ceilings with the addition of triple-glazed windows. There is an open plan extension which has been tied into the original cottage which needs decorative finishes. There are a host of very special unique features with an oriental theme which follows through the property from room to room. The land which is set out in six paddocks is suitable for horses with a

David Diffley, MIPAV, TRV of Property Partners Earley, Roscommon is this week offering new to the market a superb four-bedroomed bungalow residence of c. 1,996 sq. ft. located at Paddock View, Tobberpatrick, beside Strokestown, Co. Roscommon. Price guide: €200,000 ono to sell. David describes the property as “a highly impressive four-bedroomed bungalow residence standing on a beautifully mature site area of c. 1.34 acres with the benefit of a large detached garage of c. 410 sq. ft. standing to the side. The property is finished to the highest of standard throughout and

is located in the midst of rolling green countryside with uninterrupted views to the rear. The area is renowned for its scenic beauty and is situated close to many of the region’s most popular fishing lakes and the famous River Shannon. Altogether, this is a quality family home that must be viewed to be fully appreciated and all offers are invited to sell.” 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.

Williamstown residence is in excellent condition

stable block and tack room to the rear serviced by electricity and water. A portion of the land at the rear is boglands with an array of wildlife and rare plants. The property is serviced by its own private water well and septic tank. Access is via a private avenue. Contact the office to arrange an appointment (on 090-66 63700).

PSRA Licence No. 001350

David Diffley, MIPAV, TRV of Property Partners Earley, Roscommon is this week offering new to the market a superb three-bedroomed bungalow residence of c. 1,217 sq. ft. located at Loughpark, Williamstown, Co. Galway. Price guide: €100,000 ono to sell. David describes the property as “a most attractive three-bedroomed countryside residence of c. 1,217 sq. ft. standing on a mature site area of c. 0.61 of an acre.”

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The property is presented for sale in excellent condition throughout having been carefully modernised in recent times. Standing to the side of the property is a spacious detached garage. Altogether, this is a property that must be viewed to be appreciated and the auctioneers invite all offers 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.

Property Sales Lettings Valuations ●

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

PUBLIC AUCTION FRIDAY 14TH JULY 2017 @ 2PM

Location: Gleeson’s Townhouse, Roscommon Town

c.34 Acres at

5 Bedroom Residence

4 Bedroom Residence at

Mountplunkett, Lecarrow, Co. Roscommon

Glentaun Village, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway

• Prime parcel of excellent quality lands c.34 Acres • Holding huge potential due location adjacent Lecarrow Village • Standing on the lands is the famous “Mountplunkett House”, built in 1806 • Ideal renovation project with many original features • Overlooking Lough Ree/ River Shannon • Lands serviced by mains water and mains sewerage • Viewing highly recommended • Being sold with entitlements

• Exceptional 5 bed residence within a 5-minute walk of Town Centre • High specification on decoration internally, in show house condition

Ballinagard Road Roscommon Town

• Spacious four bedroom residence in excellent condition • Standing on a large site area

NEW TO THE MARKET By Private Treaty One Bedroom Residence at

Bredagh Dysart Co. Roscommon

• Charming one bedroom bungalow residence • Potential to create additional bedroom • Standing on c.0.5-acre mature site

• C. 3 minutes from M6 Dublin/Galway & adjacent to all National public transport

• Garage to side

• Excellent views of surrounding countryside

• Large garage to rear with paved patio area

• Located in much sought after residential area

• Located c.0.7 miles from Dysart

• Natural Gas piped heating

• Viewing strictly by appointment

• Convenient to Athlone, Ballinasloe & Roscommon

For Sale By Public Auction 14th July 2017

SOLICITOR FOR THE CARRIAGE OF SALE: FINTAN O’REILLY SLR, SUITE 5, GATEWAY CENTRE, MONKSLAND, ATHLONE, CO. ROSCOMMON TEL: 090-6490310

SOLICITOR FOR THE CARRIAGE OF SALE: EIMEAR O’LOUGHNANE SOLICITOR, ST. MICHAELS SQUARE, BALLINASLOE, CO. GALWAY TEL: 087-3688552

SOLICITOR FOR THE CARRIAGE OF SALE: MARIE CONROY SLR, MAHON SWEENEY SOLICITORS, ROSCOMMON TOWN TEL: 090-6626102

• All offers invited for immediate sale Call the office today on 090-6663700 to arrange a viewing

Roscommon People Friday 16 June 2017

PropertyPeople PSRA Licence No. 001481

www.propertypartners.ie

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

FOR SALE - A QUALITY PORTFOLIO OF PROPERTIES “The Centre Point Portfolio”

Circular Road, Roscommon town A high yielding investment opportunity. Price Guide: €5,000,000 •

A substantial retail park primely located beside Roscommon town centre.

•

Opportunity to acquire a high yielding investment portfolio with huge scope for future growth and development.

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Excellent mix of established long term quality tenants.

•

Situated adjacent to leading retailers such as Lidl, Aldi, Heatons, KFC and Dunnes Stores.

•

Present Gross Rental Income of c. €217,000 per annum from 3 units.

•

Projected rental income from the remaining 7 units say c. €300,000 €400,000 per annum.

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Benefit of c. 10.26 acres of lands set adjacent for future development (subject to the relevant P/P). (Part of site area with FPP thereon).

•

BER No’s on request.

Legal: Eamonn Gallagher, Messers Rochford Gallagher & Co, 071 91 85011.

T NO S NT TED A C N TE AFFE

Main Street, Roscommon Town, Co. Roscommon

“The Clare Street Portfolio”

Clare Street, Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo

A high yielding town centre retail investment property of c. 13,346 sq.ft. Price Guide: €1,200,000

A unique investment opportunity with a substantial rent role in the centre of Ballyhaunis Town. Price Guide: €650,000

T NO S D T AN CTE N TE AFFE •

A substantial and high profile retail property occupying one of Roscommon towns most sought after commercial positions.

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The property comprises of c. 13,346 sq.ft set out over 2 floors and is let to DV8.

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Term: 15 years and 6 months from September 2011.

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Projected rent for 2017: c. €120,000.

OT N S NT TED A C N TE AFFE

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A select mixed use portfolio of quality investment property primely located beside Ballyhaunis town centre in one compact holding.

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The said apartment block comprises of c. 18 number 1, 2 & 3 bedroom units. Rental income of c. €91,166 in 2016 with further scope for improvement.

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The said retail and office property located to the road front offers c. 1,956 sq.ft in total over two floors and is finished to shell condition throughout holding excellent rental potential due location.

Legal: Eamonn Gallagher, Messers Rochford Gallagher & Co, Tubbercurry. 071 91 85011.

Leagl: Eamonn Gallagher, Messers Rochford Gallagher & Co, Tubbercurry. 071 91 85011.

For further details, copy brochures or for viewing appointments contact the office or John Earley on 086 2551380

Roscommon People Friday 16 June 2017

FarmingPeople Castlerea Mart Report 500 cattle on offer this week and quality stores remained a very strong trade with excellent demand on offer. Feeders, exporters and agents along with strong farmer demand ensured an excellent clearance taking place with store heifers and heifer weanlings reporting the strongest trade. Sample prices – bullocks: Ch 385 kgs €1165, Ch 335 kgs €1010, Sim 520kgs €1255, Lim 590 kgs €1465, AA 585 kgs €1355, Lim 600 kgs €1415, Sim 715 kgs €1580. Heifers: Lim 410 kgs €1250, Lim 370 kgs €1080, Lim 460kgs €1345, Lim 480 kgs €1340, Ch 580 kgs €1530, Ch 515 kgs €1380. Dry cows: Lim 655 kgs €1500, BBX 650 kgs €1400, SAX 750 kgs €1575, Sim 800 kgs €1485, AA 450 kgs €845. Cows with calves at foot made from €910-€1910 for a lim cow and her heifer calf at foot. Calves: Smaller numbers presented for sale this week with lots making from €130-€480 per head. Weanling bulls: Ch 290 kgs €950, Ch 265 kgs €835, Ch 350 kgs €1150, Sim 390 kgs €1090, Ch 355kgs €1115. Sales continue at Castlerea Mart on Thursday next, 15th of June (today) with our usual sale of bullocks, heifers, cows, calves and weanlings. All sales commence at 11 am.

Lamb price stability vital for sheep sector – IFA At a meeting in Dublin recently between the IFA and MII (Meat Industry Ireland) along with the main lamb factories, IFA National Sheep Committee Chairman John Lynskey said IFA highlighted the need for strong viable lamb prices along with price stability at this im-

portant time of the season. He warned that price shocks must be avoided. “Irish processors are the dominant export players in the EU market at this time of year and have a major responsibility not to undermine the market.” John Lynskey said with the majority of Irish lamb

now being cut and retail packed by the meat plants as opposed to being sold as carcases, the factories are in a much stronger position to avoid price shocks and maintain stability. The IFA sheep leader said the factories maintaining confidence at farm

IFA National Livestock Chairman Angus Woods said live exports are performing well this year and providing a major boost to cattle farmers. He said a total of 116,000 head of livestock have already been exported up to 20th of May, an increase of 43% on last year. Angus Woods said the benefit of every one of these exports has been reflected in higher and more competitive cattle prices in marts all across the country. IFA is totally committed to maintaining a strong live export trade, which Angus Woods said is essential for price competition and providing market outlets for livestock. He also welcomed the strong commitment Agriculture Minister Michael Creed has shown to live exports.

(Serving Farmers for over 57 years)

Bullocks, Heifers & Dry Cows, Weanlings & Suckler Cows

Mid Summers Special Sale Bullocks & Heifers Friday, June 23rd at 11 a.m. Also Dry Cows, Suckler Cows & Weanlings Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on this Thursday, June 15th -----------------

Date for your Diary 58th Anniversary Special Sales for Bullock & Heifers Also Dry Cows, Suckler Cows & Weanlings Friday, July 14th at 11 a.m. ----------------

Lambs & Cast Ewes, Ewes with Lambs at Foot Each Wednesday at 11 a.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

KEEP YOUR FARM SAFE

John Lynskey said it is important that farmers select lambs carefully and sell as they become fit. He said factories also have an important role to play in this in terms of price stability and ensuring that carcase weights are moved up appropriately as the season progresses.

Live exports up 43% on last year – IFA

Property Services Providers Licence No. 001373

Each Friday at 11 a.m. Please note that Weanlings & Suckler Cows will be sold on Friday’s until further notice -----------------

level is crucial. “Strong stable prices are critical to farm incomes, which are very low on sheep farms. The latest Teagasc National Farm Income survey shows that sheep farm incomes are only €16,011 per annum, of which direct payments account for over 111%.”

Pictured in the Bank of Ireland Roscommon Town branch at the launch of the Bank of Ireland sponsored Macra na Feirme Golden Goal competition as part of the upcoming Macra na Feirme corporate fundraiser in Croke Park are Joann Hosey, Head of Bank of Ireland in Sligo, Leitrim and Roscommon and Seán Finan, Ballinlough, Past Macra na Feirme National President (2015-2017).

Locally owned ... in the heart of the community

Changes to Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection funding scheme IFA Flood Project Chairman Padraic Joyce has welcomed changes made by outgoing Minister for the OPW, Sean Canney to the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection funding scheme. Padraic Joyce said IFA raised this issue some time ago and had presented proposals to the Minister. He said farmers and farmland

had been discriminated against in the cost-benefit analysis as the calculation of benefits to determine whether funding was made available for flood defence works, or measures to alleviate flooding, did not account for the agricultural losses resulting from flooding. The main changes of relevance are that the upper financial threshold has been increased from

€500,000 to €750,000 per project, and for the first time farmyards/ buildings will be included as commercial premises in all categories. Padraic Joyce said it is important that the cost-benefit analysis recognises agricultural losses as projects were being turned down on the basis that they did not meet the old criteria. IFA will be meeting the OPW

over the coming days for further clarification on the issues involved and to ensure that projects previously turned down will now get the go-ahead. Padraic Joyce acknowledged the work that Sean Canney has done in his year-long tenure at the OPW and said IFA looks forward to working with the new Minister, Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran.

Roscommon Mart Report Cattle prices – Friday, June 9th: Numbers on offer were similar to last week. Bullocks averaged from €2.32 per kilo up to €3.10 per kilo. Heifer prices ranged from €2.32 per kilo up to €2.76 per kilo. There was a good trade for dry cows with prices averaging from €1.80 per kilo up to €2.05 per kilo. Sales as usual on Friday (16th) at 11 am for bullocks, heifers and dry cows, also weanlings and suckler cows. Mid summer special sales for bullocks and heifers. Bookings accepted up to 5 pm today (15th). There will be a 58th Anniversary special sale for bullocks and heifers on Friday, July 14th at 11 am. Dry cows made from €890 to €1870. Sample prices: Char 910 kgs €1870, Char 775 kgs

€1510, Char X 700 kgs €1395, Lim X €1100, Lim X 615 kgs €1040, Simm X 585 kgs €975, Lim X 520 kgs €965, AAX 620 kgs €890. Heifers made from €510 to €710 over. Sample prices: Char X 520 kgs 1230, Lim X 675 kgs €1200, AAX 530 kgs €1180, AAX 565 kgs €1150, Char X 410 kgs €1130, Char X 415 kgs €1090, Char X 390 kgs €950, Lim X 335 kgs €890, Lim X 320 kgs €840. Bullocks made from €340 to €765 over. Sample prices: Fr 670 kgs €1240, Char X 530 kgs €1235, SHX 555 kgs €1190, Char X 390 kgs €1155, Char X 385 kgs €1125, 2 Lim X 432 kgs €1120, 2 Char X 405 kgs €1100, 2 Char X 350 kgs €1085, Char X 385 kgs €1085, HEX 435 kgs €1070. Sheep sale – Wednesday, June 14th: We had a

larger entry of sheep at this week’s sale. There was a slight dip in trade for spring lambs with a top price of €125. There was a steady trade for cast ewes. There were plenty of ewes with lambs at foot again this week and there was a full clearance of lots. Sales continue each Wednesday at 11 am for lambs and cast ewes. Sample prices for spring lambs: 56kgs €125, 49kgs €125, 48.3kgs €124, 49.1kgs €124, 47.3kgs €121, 45kgs €120, 52kgs €120, 45.7kgs €120, 44.6kgs €118, 43.8kgs €117, 45.4kgs €116. Cast ewes made from €75 to €120 per lot. Ewe with two lambs at foot made from €190 to €270. Ewe with one lamb at foot made from €158 to €210.

Roscommon People Friday 16 June 2017

FarmingPeople

Feighan welcomes funding for ASD unit at Boyle Community College

Castlerea Co-operative ve Livestock Mart Ltd.

Senator Frank Feighan has welcomed funding approval for a new Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) unit at the Abbey Community College in Boyle. “I am delighted that this funding has been approved by the Department of Education for this ASD unit which I have lobbied strongly for on behalf of the school. “This announcement clearly demonstrates the Government’s

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

THURSDAY WEEKLY:

SALE OF BULLOCKS, HEIFERS, COWS, CALVES AND WEANLINGS FOR SALE THURSDAY 22ND JUNE

commitment to supporting children with special educational needs. “This funding allocation is great news for the Boyle secondary school and works will proceed once the tendering process has been completed. “Projects such as these also help to stimulate economic activity by supporting jobs in the local economy.

“It is important to note that no details are given in relation to the amount of the grant-aid approved as the publication of the level of funding could prejudice the tendering process. “The School Building Unit will issue a detailed letter informing the school of the amount of grant aid sanctioned by the Department.”

NEWSDESK What’s making the news this week ...

IN CONJUNCTION WITH OUR USUAL SALE

3 BREEDING BULLS, SHORTHORN, SIMMENTAL, AND CHAROLAIS ALL SALES COMMENCE AT 11 A.M. 3 RINGS IN OPERATION. ALL STOCK PRE-BOOKED

FOR ENQUIRIES CONTACT MART OFFICE OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR DETAILS

Dead & Worn-Out Animals

Contact

TOM ROGERS

JOHN GREENE

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

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

Your LOCAL Collector Guaranteed lowest price

Lowest price guaranteed

BALLINASLOE

Daily collection

Serving Farmers since 1985

THINKING OF FORESTRY:

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

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

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

Tel: 094 9542668 www.westernforestry.com

Keep your farm safe

Ulster Bank branch in Roscommon helping to raise funds for Irish Heart Ulster Bank and Irish Heart have announced a new partnership to drive awareness about stroke as part of Ulster Bank’s ‘Do Good, Feel Good in June’ initiative. Members of the branch in Roscommon will participate in the nationwide relay before it reaches the finishing point in Athlone on 23rd of June. This is the first time a company has backed stroke awareness as their main fundraising cause, and brings together Ulster Bank staff across Ireland as they get ready for the biggest fundraising event of the calendar year. The aim of the campaign is to support Irish Heart’s efforts to drive awareness of stroke, how to recognise the vital signs and act FAST. Stroke is Ireland’s third biggest killer but hundreds of lives could be saved if more people knew how to re-

act in particular, the importance of calling an ambulance and getting to the hospital quickly when a stroke occurs. The average stroke destroys two million brain cells every minute, so acting FAST could save hundreds of lives. Ulster Bank staff around the country will take to the roads during June for a nationwide relay which will see hundreds of staff cycle, run and walk more than 2,000 kilometres over five days. Participants will pass the baton from branch to branch visiting over 100 locations along the way, before finishing in Athlone on 23rd of June. Customers can get involved by taking part in their local branch’s fundraising efforts by donating directly in branch. For more information please visit: https://irishheart.ie/

Pictured is Paula Brady, of Ulster Bank with Chris Wilson, Managing Director of Retail Banking, Ulster Bank and Stroke Hero Dylan McKenna aged 9 and former Irish Heart Child Courage Award winner who helped save his dad Thomas from a stroke when he was only three years of age by getting to a phone FAST. Picture Jason Clarke.

Roscommon Dental team achieve prestigious dentistry qualiﬁcation goals Celia Naughton-Concannon and Eileen Goldrick are part of the HSE Special Care Dental team located adjacent to Roscommon University Hospital where the team see people with a variety of dental care needs including patients with physical and intellectual disabilities. Both colleagues recently successfully completed the special care dentistry course from the National Examining Board for Dental Nurses (NEBDM) in the UK. The HSE believe that the team are the only staff in Ireland who has both the Trinity Radiology and the NEBDM qualifications. Both Celia and Eileen have been working in Roscommon Dental for over eight years and previously completed the dental radiography course in Trinity College Dublin (with distinctions). As part of their career development plan, they completed the certificate in special care dentistry awarded by the NEBDM

in the UK. The intensive one-year course consisted of 30 assignments, 22 case presentations (including 2 large complex case presentations with images and x-rays), all of which has to be completed before sitting the exam. In March 2017, both staff flew to London to complete the exam. They both passed an exam which has a high failure rate first time around. Speaking at the announcement, Dr. Keith Finn, Senior Dental Surgeon at HSE Roscommon Dental Special Care said: “As their tutor, I am incredibly proud of both Celia and Eileen as it is one of the most difficult dentistry exams to complete. This is confirmation of their expertise in their chosen field of dentistry. Along with the Trinity College radiography exams, they contribute massively toward the clinical competencies, patient safety and the overall patient experience from start to finish here in the Dental

Picture are Celia Naughton-Concannon and Eileen Goldrick, HSE Special Care Dental team at the HSE Dental Department in Roscommon. Also pictured is Dr. Keith Finn, Senior Dental Surgeon at HSE Roscommon Dental Special Care.

Special Care Department in Roscommon. “We are unaware of anyone else in Ireland

who have both the Trinity Radiology qualifications and the MEBDM. There are over 16,000 registered

dental nurses in the UK, and only approximately 200 of them have this qualification.”

Roscommon People Friday 16 June 2017

Classifieds

Everyone wants it Everyone reads it 80,000 PEOPLE READ OUR NEWSPAPER EVERY WEEK!

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

ACCOUNTANTS AND TAX ADVISERS To farmers and small businesses at fees that the small businessman can afford. Advice and consultations free. Pat Baxter & Company, Accounting Services, Clondra. Tel: (043) 3326125, (087) 2251591. Email: clondra@iol.ie Web: www.patbaxterco.ie

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

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

BLOCK AND BRICKLAYING

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

BOUNCING CASTLES Gerrity Bouncy Castles

•Serving County Roscommon and surrounding area • For all Special Occasions • Standard Castles, Combi Castles, Obstacle Courses and much more.

PHONE NO: 087 4668675

Party Pat’s Bouncing Castles 087-7859960

CAREER ADVICE CAREER ASSESSMENT & ADVICE

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

CONTACT: Abbeyside House, Abbey Street, Roscommon. Tel . 090-6630760. Email: abbeysidehouse@ eircom.net Facebook: www.facebook. com/careersgraceoreilly Opening Hours: 9 am - 5.30 pm, Mon-Fri.

Phone No: (087) 4136355

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.

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

• Open fire, stove, ranges • All flues and chimneys • Power brushed & vaccumed • No mess, no fuss • CCTV camera inspections • Detailed report and CCTV recording provided for insurance claims • Fully insured Also available for powerwashing and gutter cleaning fergalkelly@live.com

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

Fergal 086 1016899

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 Pwer washing and gutter cleaning services.

Please contact: Tel: 087 2798704

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

Provided in the comfort of your own home Kathleen Wynne MCFHP, MAFHP

Foot Care Practitioner

071 9637984 / 086 3562718

ROSCOMMON CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC Specialising in:

• BACK PAIN • HEADACHES • NECK PAIN • LIMB PAIN

Phone: (086) 8433433

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

VHI and Laya Covered

PODIATRIST/ CHIROPODIST Mark Kilgallon B.Sc Podiatry (Hons) M.Ch.S.I.

Clinics also in Ballaghaderreen and Castlebar.

• 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

DOCKERY’S SCHOOL OF MOTORING • ROSCOMMON

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

(094) 98 80281/ (087) 2031909

JOHN DOORLY RSA REGISTERED AND FORMER DRIVER TESTER

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

EVERY FRIDAY St. Joseph’s Resource Centre, Boyle

• House Visits • Insoles and Orthotics Prescribed • Chiropody Services

Dental Design Studio

School of Motoring

HEALTH & WELL-BEING

Department of Health Approved

For appointment 085 1503353 086 8538404 Email: m.kilgallon23@ gmail.com

DENTAL

DRIVING LESSONS

CHIROPODIST

Kathleen’s Mobile Footcare

CHIMNEY CLEANING

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

CHIMNEY SWEEP

COMPUTERS

CHIROPRACTOR CHIMNEY CLEANING

• Castles • Slides • Obstacle Courses Good rates available

ROSCOMMON CASTLES

CHIMNEY REPAIRS

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE ● Amatsu Therapy ● Neuromuscular therapy

& orthopaedic sports massage

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

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

TEL: 086 2387528 www.aclearsteerdriving.com

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

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

DRIVING LESSONS

SYL’s

School of Motoring

Learn to drive from approved Driving Instructor SPECIAL RATES FOR BEGINNERS AND STUDENTS Gift vouchers now available

Call (085) 1348779

ACCOUNTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

To place a small ad in this section .... Please call us on 0906634633 or email advertising@ roscommonpeople.ie

Roscommon People Friday 16 June 2017

Classifieds FARMING FOR SALE Large selection of calves for sale, available all year round, at our approved premises. Can be delivered if required. Phone Paddy : 087 4116003  A B AT TO I R S E R VI C E AVA I L A B L E : Cattle, lambs and pigs. Ready for freezing. Home Cured and Honey Dry cured traditional bacon (not pumped with water) now available. TEL: Webb’s Butcher’s, 094 96 20005 or 086 4094715.

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

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

DANGEROUS TREE REMOVAL SERVICE

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

Phone John on 087 2860428

FARMING

WANTED • Woodchipping • Log Splitting Bulls, cows, heifers or BOOM SPRAYER • Tree Surgery bullocks. Lame cattle TESTING SERVICE considered. Leitrim, Sligo, • Hedge Cutting Roscommon or Longford • Sprayers tested on owners Bernard Conroy Pump Replacement & Repair area. Tel: 085 1743431.Boiler Repair & Service premises Timber Clearance Ltd Shower Repair & Replacement Bathroom Refurbishment report D.A.F.M. Repairs Service Tel: 087 2533101Consultancy• Test  MEADOW/SILAGE: 35Cental hating stickers provided. or 090 66 22328 acres of meadow/silage, • Small stock parts fitted on Knockcroghery area. Tel: site (if necessary) Over 30 years 086 3923227. Contact: Thomas Neilan in business  MEADOW FOR SALE: on 087 2395171 or Circa 10 acres, Mount Talbot 090-6663069 Home area. Tel: 086 8562040. e-mail: Maintenance  PRESSURE TREATED thomasneilan4@gmail.com •Garden Fencing STAKES FOR SALE: • 6ft D.A.F.M. Approved •Patio/Decking stakes 4inch only €2.40 per Reg No: EL000083 stake or bale of 70 for €160 •Indoor/outdoor painting delivered • 5ft stakes 3inch •Hedge cutting only €2 per stake or bale of FOR HIRE •General maintenance 100 for €180 delivered • Pressure treated Larch Strainers •No job too small 8ft 7-10inch only €11 delivContact 086 0815802 RM TOOL HIRE ered or bale of 25 only €250 delivered • 200 meter rolls Roscommon West barbed wire €25 per roll • 100 Business Park, meter 3ft sheep wire €75 per Circular Road, WALTER BEGLEY Roscommon roll. Also staples and nails Gardening, Hire – Sales – Repairs – available. Contact Tom on Maintenance & Painting Construction 086 2628439. Roscommon Town DIY & Garden Equipment • Indoor & Outdoor Mini Digger Hire Painting FENCING Tel: (090) 6630700 • Winter Garden Clean-Up • Power Washing Mobile: (087) Driveways - Paths 8299628. DES KELLY FENCING • Prepare Lawns for Over 20 years in business Spring All types of fencing • Hedge Trimming FOR SALE supplied and erected • Planting Including: • Grass Cutting FOR SALE: 2 Seated • Cresoted Posts • General Maintenance tickets for Robbie Williams • Agricultural Fencing Contact Walter on (this Saturday night • Site Fencing 17th June) Face value 087 9519873 • Security Fencing o.n.o. Tel: 086 8335380 • Post & Rail Fencing • Concrete Fencing  FOR SALE: New com• Grant Approved Fencing GATELY plete double divan bed No job too big or too including leather base and GARDENING small headboard, memory foam Four Roads, Just give us a call on pocket sprung mattress. Still Co. Roscommon 087 2346364 in packaging. Retail €950, • Landscaping will sell for €240 includ• Timber Decking ing free delivery. Tel: 086 EDDIE NAUGHTON • Patios 4438919. FENCING SUPPLIES • General Maintenance Contact Liam on All types of fencing (086) 8749550 or materials - including: (090) 66 27496 • P.D.M. cresoted posts • Grant approved fencing • Post & Rail fencing • Timber gates • Concrete posts • Mesh panel fencing • Palaside

Tel: (086) 1500207  FRANCIS REGAN FENCING LTD for all your Agri fencing needs. Tel: 087 217 2281

HEALTH & WELL-BEING 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

JOAN MOORE Therapy Rooms • Sports Massage • Deep Tissue Massage • Reflexology • Indian head Massage • Reiki • Aromatherapy • Dry needling • Thai Massage Roscommon West Business Park, Circular Road, Roscommon

(087) 9201818 Gift vouchers now available

Find us on facebook

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

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

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

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

Telephone: 090 66 34633 Email: advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

KENNELS

PUBLIC NOTICE

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

THE CIRCUIT COURT MIDLAND CIRCUIT COUNTY OF ROSCOMMON IN THE MATTER OF: THE LICENSING ACTS, 1833 to 2010 AND IN THE MATTER OF: SECTION 24 OF THE COURTS (SUPPLEMENTAL PROVISIONS) ACT, 1961 AND IN THE MATTER OF: SECTION 2 (1) OF THE LICENSING (IRELAND) ACT, 1902 AS AMENDED BY SECTION 23 OF THE INTOXICATING LIQUOR ACT, 1960 AND IN THE MATTER OF: AN APPLICATION OF NICOLA EILEEN SYKES

PAINTING & DECORATING

(AS NOMINEE OF HOWARD MURRAY, DAMIEN NEVILLE MURRAY AND NICOLA EILEEN SYKES) NOTICE OF APPLICATION

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

TAKE NOTICE that Nicola Eileen Sykes who resides at 13 Avondale Road, Hazel Grove, Stockport, Greater Manchester, UK SK7 4PZ intends to apply to this Honourable Court sitting at the Courthouse, Roscommon, in the County of Roscommon on the 11th day of July, 2017 at 10 a.m. or at the first available opportunity thereafter as the matter may be reached for a certificate as is mentioned in Section 2 (1) of the Licensing (Ireland) Act, 1902 enabling the Applicant to obtain an Excise Licence (commonly called a full SevenDay Publican’s Licence (Ordinary) to sell intoxicating liquor by retail for consumption on or off the premises known as “Donnellan’s Bar” and situate at Knockvicar, Barony of Boyle and County of Roscommon. AND TAKE NOTICE that said premises are more particularly delineated in the drawings lodged with the County Registrar and edged with a red verge line. Dated this 13th SIGNED:

day of

June

2017

___________________________ NICOLA EILEEN SYKES, APPLICANT

CONTACT JOHN 086 4679798

SIGNED: _____________________________ FLYNN &McMORROW Solicitors for the Applicant, Carrick on Shannon, Co Leitrim

PAINTING & DECORATING

TO:

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

Tel: (086) 8077313

The District Judge c/o District Court Clerk, The Courthouse, Carrick on Shannon, Co. Leitrim.

AND TO: The County Registrar, Circuit Court Office, Courthouse, Roscommon. AND TO: The Superintendent, Garda Sioichana, Abbey Street, Roscommon. AND TO: The Chief Fire Officer, Roscommon County Council, Circular Road, Roscommon.

PLUMBING OUR DEADLINE IS STRICTLY 2PM ON TUESDAY

We cannot guarantee publication after this time

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

Paul Ferry Domestic Plumbing & Mechanical Maintenance

085 1661 243

Paul.ferry1@gmail.com Boiler Repair & Service Pump Replacement & Repair Lysterﬁeld, Co. Refurbishment Roscommon Shower Repair & Curraghboy, Replacement Athlone, Bathroom Boiler Repair Service Pump Replacement Cental hating&Repairs Consultancy Service & Repair Shower Repair & Replacement Bathroom Refurbishment Cental hating Repairs Consultancy Service

Roscommon People Friday 16 June 2017

Classifieds PLANNINGS

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

086 3482387 info@moleskinarchitecture.com

facebook.com/moleskinarch

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

PROPERTIES TO LET/RENT/WANTED  ROOM TO LET: Owner occupier sharing, modern house, all mod cons, professionals only, non-smoker only, over 23s. Roscommon Town. Tel: 086 3050328  ROOM TO RENT: On ground floor, New Road, Castlerea. Tel: 087 1279479 or 087 9115977  APT TO RENT: Three bedrooms, two bathooms, The Walk, Roscommon. Tel: 087 2822534 (call anytime except Thusdays).  APT TO LET: Ground Floor apartment at Bawn Street, Strokestown. Tel: 086 8221930.

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

SITUATIONS VACANT  INTERESTED IN WORKING IN CHILDCARE? Full training and work experience provided to become a qualified Early Years Educator. To be eligible for this training and employment programme, you must be 21 years of age or over and are in receipt of a social welfare/DSP payments for 1 year or more. Successful candidates will receive a top up payment in addition to your Social Welfare/DSP payment. Free childcare may also be provided. Vacancies in Four Mile House, Derrane, Loughglynn, Tulsk, Croghan, and Frenchpark. For further information please contact Kara or Linda on 09498 70111 or 087 6486 457  CLEANER WANTED: Two hours per week Castlerea/ Ballymoe area. Tel: 086 0767155.  CHILDMINDER REQUIRED: Kind experienced lady to mind a school going child in minders own home Kiltoom/Lecarrow/Knockcroghery area . Reply to Box No: 1026 c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon. CONNAUGHT TREE CARE are looking for qualified tree surgeons. ESB powlerlines experience preferable - PICW. Excellent remuneration rates. Contact: connaught. tree.care@gmail.com or Tel Eddie: 086 8076766

SITUATIONS WANTED  FETAC LEVEL 5 CHILDMINDER AVAILABLE playroom set up with hot dinners and snacks. Full/ part-time places available Monday to Friday. Limited positions. Roscommon Town. Tel: 086 7316358  FEMALE COLLEGE STUDENT available for work during summer months. Based in Roscommon town. Full Driving License. References available on request. Tel: 083 1743453.

 APT TO LET: The Walk, Roscommon Town, fully furnished, available from 1st June. Tel: 087 6949253

PERSONAL AND SOCIAL

 TO LET: Double room to let in Knockcroghery village. Modern house, fully furnished, complete with appliances and spotlessly clean. May suit professional person. Tel: 087 6455777

 GENTLEMAN WOULD LIKE TO MEET lady companion. Roscommon/Athlone area. Please reply to Box No: 1019 c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon.

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.

Our deadline is strictly 2pm on Tuesday We cannot guarantee publication after this time. TEL: 090 66 34633 EMAIL: advertising@ roscommonpeople.ie

TUITION

TAXIS AND HACKNEYS

TURF, FIREWOOD AND FUEL

USEFUL SERVICES

GRINDS IN JUNIOR AND LEAVING CERTIFICATE BUSINESS AND ACCOUNTING

HUGH KILDUFF Hackney Service

WANTED: Fallen trees for firewood. Ash, Beech, Birch and Whitethorn. We are safety certified and insured. Phone: 086 2437376.

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED

WINDOW CLEANING

Tutoring for college students in Business, Accountancy and Taxation.

(086) 2479829

 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.

PERMIT NO: NW CPO - 09 - 03267 - 03

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.

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)

KELLY’S EYE Taxi and Mini Bus hire.

PHONE: 087-2727888.

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

(086) 2714879

Pete’s Cabs

Roscommon

Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon

Tel: 087 2264951 Find us on facebook

HEALTH & WELL-BEING

Neuromuscular Therapy Providing: • Deep Tissue Massage Sports Massage • Dry Needling • Sports Injury Treatment • Postural Analysis & Corrective Treatment Treatments may be covered by Laya or Aviva Healthcare For Appointment Contact:

Michael O’Reilly Roscommon Primary Care Centre Golf Links Road Roscommon Town Tel: 087 2979855

– Contact –

Peter Lynch 086 8400002 TOMMY GILLIGAN

CABS

TELEPHONE: 086 8099 503

JOHN BEATTIE Cab and Bus Hire Roscommon

086 2670670

DRAINS/SEWERS CLEANED

TELEPHONE MICHAEL HAVERTY: 086 8381227 or 086 1997815

 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

CLEANOUT Do you have a house or shed that you want cleaned out and all unwanted items removed? If so ring: 087 9657933/090 6626752

Quality Small Job Services For Home or Business

OIL BOILER ONLY €80 Includes new nozzle, Efficiency report, Printout, etc .... 094 96 31880 087 9100477

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

SEVENTH SON HEALER  7th SON - A Seventh Son Healer will attend in the The Coffee Drop, The Square, Ballygar, Co Galway this Saturday 17th June. 11.30 am to 4 pm sharp. Cures for Depression,, Sinus, Migraine, Acne, Headaches, Ear Noise, Blood Pressure, Back Pain, Chest Asthma, Panic Attacks, Nerve Stress, Anxiety, Blushing, Fatigue, Lack of Confidence, Rheumatism, Arthritis, Psoriasis, Eczema, etc. 100% success rate. No appointment needed, call on day in private. Any enquiries to 049 4335497 or Mobile: 086 1921955 anytime.

• Interior/Exterior • Wooden Floors • Kitchen Units • Spray Painting Since 1993 Full Time Served For Free Quote Phone John: 083 8838022

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.

FAMILY CIRCLE FAMILY CIRCLE 10/06/17 FIRST PRIZE €50: B. Lyons c/o K. Collins

SECOND PRIZE €25: Kathleen Hoare

THIRD PRIZE €20: Emma Sheehan c/o K. Finan

8 RESIDUAL PRIZES OF €10 EACH: Vera Glancy c/o Breda Healy; Kirsky Diazambo c/o K. Hoare; Tom Derby c/o J. Igoe; Mary Barry, Abbeytown; Benny Williams c/o James Walsh; Kathleen Finan; Aoife Glennon c/o Supervalu; Teresa Kilduff c/o K. Hoare. 5 PROMOTERS PRIZES OF €5 EACH: Hannah Diazambo John Igoe; Aaron D; Kate Connelly c/o Magnums; Tanya Kelly c/o Kelly’s Bar.

Total Receipts: €263 Total Prizes: €200

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

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

email: mormovement10@ gmail.com

BUS HIRE FOR ALL OCCASIONS

PAINTER/ DECORATOR PAINTER & DECORATOR

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

The local paper!

Roscommon People Friday 16 June 2017

FamilyNotices

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES COLLINS Brid

CORKERY Jim

KEEGAN John

McGOVERN Baby (nee Coyne)

(4th Anniversary)

Formerly of Knocklong, Limerick and Ballinafad, Strokestown (3rd Anniversary) who passed away on 19th June, 2014

Rathmore, Fourmilehouse (24th Anniversary)

Curraghrevagh, Creggs (1st Anniversary)

In loving memory of Brid who died on 18th June, 2013 As I pass on the road Near your grave in Kilbegly I say four Hail Mary’s One for every year Of your sleep to eternity.

Mom Your life was a blessing Your memory a treasure You are loved beyond words And missed beyond measure.

Sadly missed by her husband Hugh, son Aonghus and his wife Arlene, grandson Liam, son Cillian and fiancé Laura, son Fiachra and his wife Lisa, and new grandaughter Cara Brid, daughter Cliona and fiancé Gavin.

In loving memory of John

In loving memory of a dear father, grandfather and greatgrandfather Always remembered by his loving daughter Caroline, son-in-law Ronald, grandchildren Mark, Adam and Kyle, greatgrandson Ryley, sisters, sister-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews.

GUNNING John

Ballyglass, Lanesboro, Co. Roscommon who died on 23rd June (8th Anniversary)

Always in our thoughts and prayers.

In loving memory of John, who died on 15th June, 2006 R.I.P.

Cargins Park, Donamon (4th Anniversary)

Gone are the days we used to share, but in our hearts you are always there. The gates of memory will never close, we miss you more than anyone knows. With tender love and deep regret, we who love you will never forget.

Lovingly remembered by Mary, Enda and Valerie. Anniversary Mass in Cloverhill Church on Saturday, 17th June at 8 pm.

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KELLY Michael

In loving memory of Baby who died on 17th June, 2016. R.I.P. You gave me years of happiness, then sorrow came with tears. You left me lovely memories I will treasure through the years no matter how life changes, no matter what I do, a special place within my heart is always there for you.

Always remembered by her husband Michael. Anniversary Mass in St. Mary’s Church Creggs on Sunday, 18th June at 11.30 am ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sadly missed by Helen, Rebecca and Ruth. Anniversary Mass on Saturday, 17th June, 2017 at 7pm in the Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague.

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

MADDEN Benny Camogue, Elphin (9th Anniversary)

You always had a smile to share, time to give and time to care, a loving nature, a heart of gold, those are the memories we will always hold.

Sadly missed by Mary, Luke, Mark, David, Gary, Breanne and Gertie. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We miss your smile, you joking ways. We miss the things you used to say, and when old times we do recall it’s then we miss you most of all.

Sadly missed by your daughter Ann, son-in-law Johnny, grandchildren Louise, Kevin, Ian and Brian. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CORCORAN Alan

Always remembered by your mother Ann, brother Nicholas his wife Veronica and their children. Anniversary Mass on Sunday 18th June at 10 am in Clooneycolgan Church.

Always remembered by his loving family.

Oran, Donamon, Co. Roscommon (11th Anniversary)

Fourth Anniversary Mass for Brid in Clonfad Church, Moore parish at 10 am on Sunday 18th June, 2017.

Your memories are so precious, you always had a smile, a nature warm and true, memories we have of you.

Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day. unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and still very dear.

We think of you in silence, we often speak your name, but all we have are memories and your picture in a frame. Your resting place we visit and put flowers there with care, but no one knows the heartache, as we turn and leave you there.

Sadly missed by your daughter Sheila, son-in-law Peter and grandchildren Laura and John. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Those who have a Mother treasure her with care for you never know how much you love her until she is not there.

Lovingly remembered by your daughter Biddy, Tommy, Noel, Cian and Darren. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ No special day is needed for us to think of you for you were someone special and we thought the world of you. You always had a smile to share, a laugh, a joke, a time to care, a loving nature, a heart of gold, one of the best this world could hold.

Lovingly remembered by your daughter Claire, son-in-law George and grandson Declan. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Along the road of suffering you found a little lane that took you up to Heaven and ended all your pain. You may be out of sight, we may be world’s apart but you are always in our prayers and forever in our hearts.

In loving memory of a brilliant man and devoted father and husband Benny, who left us on the 15th June, 2008. The years have flown by Dad, wish I could just tell you, all the times I’ve longed for one more hug from you. Time doesn’t heal, nor take it away, I miss you so much more Dad with each passing day. So many tales to tell you since you went upon your way, so many precious moments without you on many a day. Oh my dear precious Daddy, I know you’d not want me feeling this way, but know you’re so very loved, so very much missed with each passing day.

Miss you with all my heart Daddy, love Donna. xxx ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I think of you and talk to you every single day, that bit of inspiration, help or just the wise words you’d say. I feel your delight, deep inside for Molly your granddaughter and how you’d be so proud. No doubt she’d be playing some instrument by now. It’s unfair how cruel life can be, but as you always did, I’ll keep going with the sunny side out.

Love you Dad, miss you more and more, Derek xxx ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ You lived your life with dignity, you never did complain. Your reward – a place in Heaven, our saviour took you there, because he thought you special, he carried you away, away from those who loved you, On a lonely Father’s Day.

Rest in Peace Benny, Bernadette xxx

Sadly missed by your daughter Michelle and granddaughter Shauna. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Those we love don’t go away, they stay beside us every day, unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and still very dear.

Always remembered by your brother Chris and sister-in-law Josephine and family.

Family Notices • Anniversary Remembrance • Acknowledgements • Birthday Rembrance Call into our office: Abbey Street, Roscommon Phone: (090) 66 34633 Fax: (090) 66 34303 Email: advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

Roscommon People Friday 16 June 2017

FamilyNotices PLANNING EXTRA

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES MORGAN Una

LOHAN Teresa

FINNERTY Maureen (née Concannon)

Knockroe, Castlerea. R.I.P.

Caggle, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon (3rd Anniversary) who passed way on 16th June, 2014

Lunerton, Ballinamore Bridge, Ballinasloe. who passed away on the 4th May 2017

We the family of Una on her 1st anniversary would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all who offered help, sympathised, sent Mass cards and attended the removal, Funeral Mass and graveyard. A special thank you to Canon Joe Fitzgerald and Fr. Chris Byrnes who celebrated Mass. Thank you to Gaynor’s Funeral Home and for their support and professionalism. Thank you to the gravediggers and a special thank you to Carmel McLoughlin who sang so beautifully, we are eternally grateful. Thank you to Garvey’s, Ballintubber for providing a lovely meal. Please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our appreciation. The holy sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions.

We miss you from your fireside chair, your loving smile and gentle air, your vacant place no one can fill, we miss you mother and always will.

Sadly missed by her loving family.

MORGAN Una Knockroe, Castlerea (1st Anniversary) who died on 13th June, 2016

Anniversary Mass on Sunday, 18th June in Fourmilehouse Church at 11 am.

MORIARTY Brendan

A mother’s love is special, a gift beyond compare, you only know the meaning when she is no longer there. A special time, a special face, a special Mom we can’t replace. With an aching heart, we whisper low, we miss you Mom and love you so.

Rosehill House, Ardsallaghbeg, Roscommon (2nd Anniversary) In loving memory of Brendan who died on 20th June, 2015

Sadly missed by your daughters and son, sons-in-law, grandchildren and great grandson.

NEILAN Paddy and Anne (Nan) (19th and 7th Anniversaries)

Always sadly missed by daughter Anita and sons Martin, Des and Alan and all your family, friends and neighbours. Anniversary Mass to be held at Castlecoote Church on Sunday 18th June at 11.30 am.

McDONNELL Bridie

CUDDY Patrick

Late of Lisheenanerine, Strokestown Who died on 18th June, 1996 (21st Anniversary)

Oran, Roscommon In loving memory of our dear father and grandfather, who died on 17th June, 1994 R.I.P. (23rd Anniversary)

The hands of time keep turning, the years have passed away, but in our hearts are memories, you are with me every day.

Lovingly remembered by Damien.

Time and years slip gently by, but love and memories never die. Happy thoughts of times together, hold memories that will live forever.

Always remembered by your wife and family.

Perhaps you sent a lovely card or sat quietly in a chair. Perhaps you sent beautiful flowers, if so we saw them there. Perhaps you sent or spoke kindly as any friend could say. Perhaps you were not there at all just thought of us that day. Whatever you did to console our hearts we thank you so much whatever the part.

Loved and sadly missed by all his family. Anniversary Mass on Saturday, 17th June at 11 am in the Sacred Heart Home. ~~~~~~~~ And we will light a candle for you, to shatter all the darkness and bless the time we had together. Like a beacon in the night, the flame will burn bright and guide us forever on our way, oh today we will light a candle for you.

Loved and sadly missed by Dan, Darragh, David and partners, greatgrandchildren Alanna, Finan and Lola.

Maureen’s son, Martin; daughters, Margaret and Patricia; daughterin-law, Grace; sons-in-laws, Padraic and Kevin; and grandchildren would like to thank most sincerely all those who sympathised with us on the recent sad loss of our mother, mother-in-law and grandmother. A sincere thank you to Catherine Cotton and the staff of St. Clare’s Ward, Portiuncula Hospital, who cared for Maureen in her final days. We are truly grateful to our friends and neighbours who helped out in so many ways and brought refreshments. We are so thankful to all who called to our home, attended the wake, the removal, the funeral mass and burial. All the mass cards, floral tributes and phone calls that we received were very much appreciated. A special thank you to Fr. Reynolds who called to our home, said prayers and celebrated Maureen’s Mass so beautifully. Thank you to the Ahascragh Church Choir for enhancing the funeral mass with their beautiful music and singing. We are very grateful to the mass servers and to the grave diggers, who prepared Maureen’s final resting place with such care and dignity. As a family, we would like to thank both Larry Gordon and Padraic Connor, undertakers, for their professionalism, kindness and help as the final arrangements were organised. We would also like to thank Séan Glennon who sang so beautifully in the graveyard. A special word of thanks must be given to Helen Ely, Palliative Care Portiuncula Hospital; the doctors and nurses of Galway University Hospital; Doctors Martin and Miriam Daly, Ballygar; diabetic nurse, Lisa Galway; as well as to Karen Mulrooney and all of the staff at Mulrooney’s Pharmacy, Mountbellew, who all cared for Maureen. We would also like to thank the Pastoral Care team of Niamh Brennan and Fr. Bernie Costello for the compassion and care shown to Maureen’s family during her final days. The family are also grateful to Fr. John Killeen for coming to pray with Maureen in hospital. Thank you to John and Noleen Fallon as well as the staff of Fallon’s Ballygar for providing such beautiful food and service. As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation. Months mind Mass Thursday 15th June at St. Cuan’s Church Ahascragh at 8pm. Please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our appreciation. The holy sacrifice of Mass will be offered for your intentions.

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.

PLANNING NOTICES

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 Circular Road, Ballypheasant, Co. Roscommon. I intend to apply to Roscommon, Co Concil for planning permission for change of use of first floor from offices to two number 2 bedroomed apartments original grant of planning permission Ref: PD/04/2169. Signed: Peter McGarry 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 in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL Permission is sought on behalf of Pat Donoghue to construct a housing estate consisting of 79 houses, two apartments along with a crèche and all associated site services and works The houses will consist of 6 No. two-bedroom semi detached, 16 No. three bedroom semi detached, 38 No. four bedroom semidetached, 3 No. blocks of three terraced houses, 2 No. detached houses and 2 No. blocks of four terraced houses. All houses are two storey. The proposed site is located at Monksland, Athlone Co. Roscommon Signed: Mark Fahy This planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours.. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL Planning Permission is sought for: 1. Construct a Spectator shelter walling with canopy abutting the southern main stand. 2. Construct a two story extension to side of existing changing rooms on northern gable consisting of (a) Ground Floor: Extension to existing dressing rooms to include new shower/toilet block, running track, meeting room and store. (b) First Floor: Gymnasium and press box. 3. Construct 4 column pitch lighting for main pitch, 4. Extend and renovate existing ladies and gents toilet block attached to existing bar/function room. 5. Extend existing public toilet block and store at the main southern entrance, renovate existing building and turn stiles including new roof. 6. Construct new machinery store at northern side of site to the rear of main pitch and complete all associated site development works at Clooneen, Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon for Padraig Pearses GAA Club. Signed: Michael Mc Gowan, Michael Mc Gowan & Associates, Creagh Road Ballinasloe. Phone 0909 644137 / 085 8007113. 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 in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for Planning Permission to erect an extension to my dwelling house and to construct ancillary site works at Ardnaglug, Ballydangan, Athlone, Co Roscommon. Signed: Joseph Dolan. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the Application and such submission or observation will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Roscommon People Friday 16 June 2017

AtYourService

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

CHIMNEY REPAIRS

CARPENTRY

GLASS

Gary Jameson

Boyle Glass Ballinameen, Boyle,

2nd Fix Carpentry Munsboro, Roscommon • Fitted Kitchens & bedroom units • Doors, Timber Floors • Stairs • Attic Conversions and all internal woodwork

(086) 0708833 BLINDS

- STOVE GLASS - Fire Rated Glass Find us on DoneDeal/boyleglass

BRENDAN DOOLIN

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

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

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:

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

TELEPHONE: 087 9657933 090 66 26752

SHOWROOM:

Racecourse Road, Roscommon

ELITE CHIMNEY REPAIRS • Lining • Relining • Rebuilding • CCTV Camera Inspection

CATHAL DOOLEY 087 6579064

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

FARMING

Dead & Worn-Out Animals

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

LOG HOUSES

CLEW BAY LOG HOUSES

STEPHEN HOARE CLEANING SERVICES • ROSCOMMON • Carpets & Upholstery Cleaning • Leather Suites • WINDOW CLEANING • Rental Cleaning • POWER WASHING Fascias & Soffits • Gutters & Down pipes • Drive ways ‘paths and patios’ CAR VALETING

KEEN and COMPETITIVE PRICES ROSCOMMON, WEST of IRELAND and BEYOND!!

M: 086 3912396 PH: 090 66 62892 KENNELS

4 Bed House from €70,000

Contact

Tel: 090

9673336 Mob: 086 2678350 Email: info@athlonechimneyrepairs.ie

INSULATION

Cellulose, Sheepswool, Fibreglass, SIGA Airtightness New Buildings & Retroﬁt Call in or contact us for free advice and quotes

Unit 2, Ballybrit Industrial Estate, Galway

091 768 768 info@ecowise.ie

www.ecowise.ie

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

2 Bed House from €20,000

3 Bed House from €35,000

Lowest price guaranteed

Donamon

Tarmacadam LTD Specialising in Kerbing, Tar and Chips and Tarmacadam. Machine or hand laid. All types of drainage/ septic tank upgrades and new percolation.

Contact (086) 4007158

• SAORVIEW • FREEVIEW

NO MONTHLY BILLS • Sky Dish Repairs/Replacements also Sky Box Repairs / Replacements • Satellites • Aerials • Repairs • Installations • Upgrades • Relocations • MULTI-ROOM • Free to Air • Retuning • Home Moves • Free UK Channels

MAL HEVEHAN Telephone: 086

WE ARE NOW TAKING BOOKINGS CALL TODAY TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT NEW Luxury heated kennels available now

BALLINASLOE

TARMACADAM Bonded Bead Cavity Wall Insulation

DOG KENNELS

JOHN GREENE

Daily collection

ROSCOMMON WINDOWS RACECOURSE ROAD, ROSCOMMON 090 66 33026

CLEANING

CHIMNEY PROBLEMS

Tel: 071 96 68368 - Stained Decorative

and Frosted Glass - Double Glazed Units - Bevelled Glass/ Mirrors - Glass Shelves/Table Tops - Painted Glass Splashbacks - Balcony Glass

WINDOWS/DOORS

8100292

email: malhevehan@hotmail.com

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)

TARMACADAM

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 090-666 5555

Gerry Monaghan

TARMACADAM Contact: Gerry Monaghan

SERVICES: • Tarmacadam • Kerbing • Patio • Domestic & Commercial TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE GOVERNMENT HRI SCHEME

Contact us for further information Kiltoom, Athlone, Co. Roscommon T: (090) 64 93386 M: (086) 8207242 or Darren on 086 8972265 E: gerrymonaghan1@eircom.net

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

Roscommon People Friday 16 June 2017

THANKSGIVINGS PLANNING EXTRA

APPOINTMENTS

SENIOR HAIR STYLIST REQUIRED Minimum 10 years experience Fully qualified in all aspects of hairdressing. Excellent terms and conditions.

Reply with CV and Cover letter to info@skincarehairspa.com

Cashiers Required Roscommon Town Based Business Evening Shifts

Reply to Box No: 1025 c/o Roscommon People Abbey Street, Roscommon SCHOOL BUS ESCORT REQUIRED FOR CREGGS NS The School Bus Escort travels on a bus with two pupils attending Creggs NS accompanying them to and from school. The School Bus Escort day is 1 hour in the morning and 1 hour in the evening. Candidates should have experience in working with children, have an understanding of special needs and be able to deal with parents and school staff in a professional way. Applicants must supply suitable character references and be prepared to complete a Garda vetting form. Please forward CV to: The Principal, Creggs NS, Via Roscommon, Co. Galway before Friday 23rd June 2017.

THANKSGIVINGS PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN (NEVER FOUND TO FAIL) O, most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendour of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in this my necessity O, Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother. O, Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech thee from the bottom of my heart, to succour me in this my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. O, show me here herein you are my mother. O, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee, (3 times). Sweet Mother I place this cause in your hands (3 times). Publication must be made in grateful thanks for favour received. May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be praised , adored and glorified throughout the world now and forever. Amen. Say 6 times a day for 9 days. Promise publication. K.McG.

OUR LADY OF CLONFERT PRAYER Our lady of Clonfert I come to you, as one of your children, who will never forget the importance of a woman like you. I come because I believe in you. I come to say thanks for the past and the present and ask you to bless me in the future. You know me, you know how I live and you know my needs. Please help me especially when I need you most. I have problems, worries and anxieties the same as everyone else - help me to cope. So often I would just love to give up when life hurts me and people betray me, but give me the courage never to lose heart. Bless my family, my life and my friends. Help me, no matter what happens to me in life, to believe, to trust and to hope. Our Lady of Clonfert, Pray for us. A.K.

THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER

Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one (mention it). Take it dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your favour, not mine, Amen. Say this prayer for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. Never known to fail. A.M.K. THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER

In the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one (mention it). Take it dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your favour, not mine, Amen. Say this prayer for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. Never known to fail. D.McM.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for Planning Permission for a change of house design and garage with ancillary site works previously granted under Planning Register Reference No. PD/07/1777 & PD/12/3098 at Gortanabla, Taughmaconnel, Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon. Signed: Gerard Dolan The Planning Application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, James Rogers, am applying to Roscommon County Council for Retention Permission to retain existing sun room to the side of my existing dwellinghouse at Cornacarta Td., Corrigeenroe, Co. Roscommon Signed: Michael Archer (Agent for James Rogers) Archer Consulting Engineers Mill Road Boyle Co. Roscommon. Tel:071 9663360 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.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Jackie Brennan, am applying to Roscommon County Council for Planning Permission for the construction of an extension to my existing dwellinghouse, together with permission to develop the attic space, including the installation of skylights, together with all other ancillary works at Mocmoyne Td., Boyle, Co. Roscommon Signed: Michael Archer (Agent for Jackie Brennan), Archer Consulting Engineers, Mill Road, Boyle, Co. Roscommon. Tel: 071 9663360 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.

newsbriefs ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Lurcan Donnellan am applying to Roscommon County Council for Planning Permission to demolish existing single storey extension to rear of house and demolish existing detached garage and for the construction of a new two storey extension to existing dwellinghouse and construction of a detached garage and installation of an upgraded wastewater treatment system, together with all ancillary site works and services, at Ballylugnagon Td., Boyle, Co. Roscommon. Signed: Signed: Michael Archer (Agent for Lurcan Donnellan), Archer Consulting Engineers, Mill Road, Boyle, Co. Roscommon. Tel: 071 9663360 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.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Deeney Engineering and Planning Services, are applying to Roscommon County Council, on behalf of Vincent Higgins, for Planning Permission, to construct an agricultural entrance and all ancillary site works at Knockanaconny Td, Ballaghaderreen, Co Roscommon. Signed: Deeney Engineering and Planning Services Tel: 086 2503109 This planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours.. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Gary Conway, intend to make application to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for change of house type from that granted under planning reference PD/07/1673 at Tullaghanmore, Edmondstown, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon. Signed MoleskinArchitecture, Mote Park, Roscommon. Tel: 086 3482387 info@moleskinarchitecture.com The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the Application and such submission or observation will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

5kFun Run/Walk in Athleague A 5k Fun Run/Walk in aid of Athleague National School Parents Association takes place on Tuesday, 20th of June with registration from 6.30 pm at Athleague NS. €10 registration fee and kids go free. Race begins at 7 pm.

Kilteevan Tidy Towns welcomes funding to tackle illegal dumping Kiltevan Tidy Towns is one of five projects to receive extra support in relation to tackling illegal dumping in 2017. The initiative was announced last week by Minister for Communications, Climate Change and Environment Denis Naughton. The funding may be used to buy trail cameras and drone technology. Kilteevan Tidy Towns has very strong community led approach to illegal dumping and this local approach coupled with use of modern technology through the support of Minister Naughton’s Department and Roscommon Co Council will be of great assistance and is welcomed. Kilteevan Tidy is encouraging the community to use to continue to use Roscommon County Councils Low Cost Litter Line: 1850 - L-I-T-T-E-R (54 88 37) or 090 6637260 if they are aware of illegal littering in Kilteevan. Roscommon Co. Council Environment Complaints Form can also be completed and emailed to environment@roscommoncoco.ie if anyone wishes to make a complaint.

MS Ireland Church Gate Collection This weekend, 17th-18th of June, Co. Roscommon branch of MS Ireland is holding its annual church gate collection at Mass times at the following churches: Ballinamore Bridge/ Toghergar, Ballygar, Ballymoe, Glinsk and Newbridge. As this is their main source of income, they are asking for the public’s usual generous support to ensure they can continue the work which began nearly forty years ago in this area. Branch work is made possible through fundraising and the branch would like to extend a word of gratitude to each and every one of our supporters and especially to our loyal church gate collectors and their helpers. A very special word of thanks to Betty Duffy, who recently held her 6th annual tea party at her home. We are deeply indebted to Betty for he tremendous work she puts into this fundraiser each year, this year again raising over €2,000 through the wonderful spread she put on for her many generous friends and supporters. At present, the branch has National Summer Draw tickets for sale at €3 each or 2 for €5. Please contact any of the branch officers listed below if you would like to be in with a chance to win one of the handsome prizes on offer or contact MS Ireland on 01-6781600 or visit the website on www. ms-society.ie. The branch held its Annual General Meeting earlier this year at which the following officers were elected: Chairman – Pat Burke (087-9235945), Vice Chairman – Tony Byrne (0862324020, Secretary – Marion Parker (086-2121724), Assistant Secretary – Patsy Burke (087-2036119), Treasurer – Teresa Cahill (086-8256845).

Naughten conﬁrms ﬁnal recognition of Jadotville bravery Minister Denis Naughten’s decade-long campaign to give proper recognition to the Jadotville soldiers has come to fruition with the decision to award a medal to all those in A Company, 35th Infantry Battalion. The Minister for Defence and Minister with responsibility for Defence have decided to award a medal to all the men of A Company to recognise the significance of their actions at Jadotville. The exact details surrounding the arrangements for the award of this medal will be worked out between the Department of Defence and the Military Authorities. Minister Naughten acknowledged the interest taken by Enda Kenny in bringing this issue to Cabinet for approval.

Feighan welcomes funding for play areas in Ballaghaderreen, Kilteevan Fine Gael Senator Frank Feighan has warmly welcomed a total of €38,520 in CLÁR funding for projects relating to Safety Measures and Play Areas in Ballaghaderreen and Kilteevan. The funding was announced by Minister of State for Regional Economic Development, Michael Ring as part of €5m in funding for such initiatives, which are being led by local communities. Senator Feighan said: “Ballaghaderreen GAA Club has been awarded €30,000 for a project relating to its car park and facility for the air ambulance while Kilteevan has been awarded €8,520 to allow for the extension of footpaths next to the school.”

Sports

Roscommon People Friday 16 June 2017

People

Not looking past Leitrim! See full preview on pages 53 to 55 Kevin McStay (centre), Ger Dowd (left), Liam McHale (right) have their sights firmly on this Sundayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Connacht SFC Semi-Final against Leitrim at Dr. Hyde Park. Pic: Andrew Fox

Roscommon People Friday 16 June 2017

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Roscommon People Friday 03 March 2017

Action from Monday evening’s meeting at Roscommon Races. Picture: Andrew Fox

This weekend’s action

Horses for Courses by Tom Red

Racing today is at Leopardstown with the second Bulmers Live programme for 2017 with entertainment by The Jerry Fish Electric Sideshow and a 5.45 pm start to racing. Tomorrow, racing takes place in Co. Meath at Fairyhouse at 5.40 pm. Saturday sees the first day of a two day national hunt meeting at Downpatrick at 2 pm with racing on Sunday away at 2.35 pm. Weekend flat racing on Saturday starts at 6 pm at Limerick and on 2.20 pm on Sunday at Cork. Early days yet but note that Ralph Beckett has booked top Irish lady amateur Lisa O’Neill to ride Charismatic Man in the first at York on Saturday, a race confined to the fairer sex. No other Irish jockeys have been booked, yet! Royal Ascot starts on Tuesday with plenty of Irish trained including two Aidan O’Brien horses in the Queen Anne; eight in the Coventry with four from Ballydoyle; one each from Ger Lyons and O’Brien in the King’s Stand; Ballydoyle has 5 out of 11 in the St. James’s Palace for which Churchill is odds on and a host or Irish trained in the 2m3f Ascot Stakes. The festival continues until Saturday and has eight Group 1 races.

Review of Lenebane Bookies may have been on the wrong side of the punters last month at Lenabane but they struck back on Monday and Tuesday with only three winning favourites and one joint favourite out of 14,

Pictured at the Roscommon Races on Tuesday evening last were Tom and Evelyn Kilduff. Picture: Andrew Fox

and some gambles going astray to boot. On the flat on Monday, Jessica Harrington kept up her good run of 2017 winning the opener at 11/1 with Painting Pictures, Colm O’Donoghue in the saddle. In the second, the lightly backed Cosmic Strip obliged for trainer George Webb and Keith Moriarty at 9/2 joint favourite. The claiming race was won by Willie McCreery’s Mauricio at 10/3. Ridden by Billy Lee, the horse was claimed by English trainer Dr Richard Newland for €15,000. Newland trained Pineau de Re to win the 2014 Aintree Grand National. Backed from 33/1 to 12/1 Jeremy’s Girl provided slight relief for punters in the final flat contest for Ger and Colin Keane coming on the back of nearly an 18 months lay-off. The first of the three chases was won by the first obliging favourite of the meeting, Townshend ridden by Ruby Walsh for Willie Mullins at 5/4. The penultimate race, the Connaught National, was won by On Fiddler’s Green, who made the long journey from Co. Waterford for Henry de Bromhead and Davy Russell. He had finished 2nd to Aranhill Chief, winner of both the 2015/16 Connaught Nationals, at the Galway Festival last year. The winner returned at 8/1. The final race, the beginners’ chase, sent the punters away with some cash left as the well-backed Grade 2 Hurdles winner, favourite Gwencily Berbas, won in style for Alan Fleming and Paul Townend. Having shown some form in novice chases he was backed from 3/1 to 2/1.

On Tuesday, things started no better for punters with a 33/1 shot, Oakly, winning the opener, a maiden hurdle, for Paul Fahy and Paddy Kennedy. Davy Russell added to his win in the Connaught National taking the novice hurdle on Doran’s River for Gordon Elliott. Henry de Bromhead also completed a meeting double in the third, The Connaughton Auctioneers Maiden Hurdle, as Andrew Lynch steered English import Twobeelucky to an easy win over the punter’s fancy Super Bowl. Andrew Lynch made it a daily double winning the next on Bective Cave, a winner on Friday at Clonmel for Matthew Smith. J P McManus was on hand, after 16 years, to see his Timiyan win the feature, the Dermot Hughes Car Sales Hurdle, by a short head from Paul Flynn’s Roachedale House. Timiyan recently left Dermot Weld’s Rosewell House for Gordon Elliott’s. The OCR Waste Management Hurdle threw up another surprise as Katie Walsh rode her own King Blue, trained by husband Ross O’Sullivan, to win the penultimate race at odds of 20/1. The bumper saw Joseph O’Brien run three horses and win with Champagne Paddy with Jamie Codd in the saddle at generous odds of 9/2.

Racing news Grandee won the Listed King George V Cup for Jessica Harrington and Colm O’Donoghue at Leopardstown this evening week equalling her 21 flat winners last year. Painting Pictures made

Pictured at the Roscommon Races on Monday evening last were Breda Monaghan, Michelle Conlon and Breda Crehan. Picture: Andrew Fox

it 22 for the season at Roscommon on Monday. Frankie Dettori will be fit for Royal Ascot next week following an incident at Yarmouth on Tuesday. As he mounted Tivoli for John Gosden she reared and threw him injuring his shoulder. He stood down for the day after but hopes to be back on Saturday before riding Shutter Speed in the Group 1 Prix de Diane at Chantilly on Sunday. Ruby Walsh was globetrotting at the weekend having watched Clondaw Warrior, owned in partnership with his wife Gillian, and Wicklow Brave in New York’s Belmont Gold Cup on Friday. Wicklow Brave finished 4th to the German trained Red Cardinal. Ruby returned to Paris where he rode Shaneshill to finish 3rd in the French Champion Hurdle on Sunday and onto Roscommon on Monday where he won on Townshend.

Competition corner Your last chance to win tickets for the Kilbeggan Races on Monday, 26th of June compliments of Paddy Dunican, racecourse manager. All we want to know is: which Irish jockey rode the winner of the 2017 Epsom Derby? Answers please on a postcard to The Roscommon People, Abbey Street Roscommon or by e-mail to tomred17@ gmail.com by 12.00pm on the 21st June and don’t forget to include your name, address and a contact phone number with all competition entries. Tickets will have to be collected in the office in Abbey Street.

Pictured at the Roscommon Races on Tuesday evening last were Zena and Kyle North. Picture: Andrew Fox

Roscommon People Friday 16 June 2017

@SeamusDuke

Seamus Duke ON SPORT

Championship Watch

game of the weekend Munster SHC Semi-Final: Cork v Waterford on Sunday in Thurles at 4 pm Local GAA fans will be concentrating on Dr. Hyde Park on Sunday but nationally this is another mouthwatering clash and such has been the standard of the hurling championship so far we will all hope for another epic here. If Cork play as well in this game as they did against Tipperary then Waterford will be in trouble. But Waterford are an excellent side, have a good manager and they have their eyes on the big prizes this year and justifiably so too. Match odds: Waterford 8/13, Cork 13/8, Draw 8/1. Prediction: Waterford

Leinster SHC Semi-Final: Galway v Offaly on Sunday in Portlaoise at 2 pm Anything other than an easy Galway win would be the shock of the decade. Match odds: Galway 1/100, Offaly 12/1, Draw 33/1. Prediction: Galway

The championships come alive! The hurling championship continued to deliver outstanding entertainment last weekend with the Wexford v Kilkenny game. Wexford were fantastic and the atmosphere at the game and the reaction of the Wexford fans after the game is what the GAA championship is all about. What a display from Lee Chin for Wexford. They might not win the All-Ireland but Wexford will bring great colour and excitement to the rest of the championship. They will soon have to commission a statue to Davy Fitzgerald! It looks like this Kilkenny team, probably the greatest we have ever seen in the sport, is on the wane and it had to happen sometime. What I loved about last weekend was that the football championship came alive with two very good games in poor conditions. The Cavan v Monaghan game was settled by probably the best forward in the game, Conor McManus, who scored a peach of a goal in Breffni Park. But

Cavan were unlucky not to have got at least a draw. The game in Salthill may not have been the greatest ever seen in terms of quality but it was thrilling to the very last minute. The sending off of Keith Higgins was a key factor in the final result but Mayo couldn’t get the scores they needed and Galway were impressive. So what does that mean for Roscommon? I know that Kevin McStay’s men have to win against Leitrim on Sunday but I would prefer Roscommon’s chances against Galway rather than having to go to MacHale Park where Roscommon have a brutal record and have not won in the championship since 1986. Let’s see how next Sunday goes first! It will be exciting for fans and the TV audience nationally to see the new pitch at Dr. Hyde Park on Sunday and a crowd of 8,000 to 10,000 is expected. Anything other than a fairly comfortable Roscommon win would be a disaster.

National Sports Centre an impressive facility

Leinster SFC Semi-Final: Kildare v Meath on Saturday in Tullamore at 7 pm This has the makings of a very tight and entertaining game. Both sides are improving and both put up big scores in their last outing. I have a feeling that there might be more firepower in Meath and Graham Reilly is the key man. Match odds: Meath 1/1, Kildare 1/1, Draw 15/2. Prediction: Meath

Ulster SFC Semi-Final: Donegal v Tyrone on Sunday in Clones at 2 pm A real heavyweight clash in Clones and it will not be a place for the faint hearted. I am not expecting an open game and defences will rule. I am not convinced by Tyrone and if Donegal can continue their upward curve they can win it. Match odds: Tyrone 8/11, Donegal 11/8, Draw 13/2. Prediction: Donegal

Connacht SFC Semi-Final: Roscommon v Leitrim at Dr. Hyde Park on Sunday at 3.30 pm The game is previewed in detail elsewhere this week. Match odds: Roscommon 1/12, Leitrim 8/1, Draw 16/1. Prediction: Roscommon Qualifiers: This weekend there are four games in the qualifiers in Section A on Saturday and I am predicting wins for: Derry (v Waterford), Louth (v Longford), Laois (v Wicklow) and Sligo (v Antrim).

Lions show improvement ahead of tests Early days yet, but I was very impressed with the Lions on Saturday last against the Crusaders and maybe they are not as bad as everyone predicted. The Irish players were excellent especially Conor Murray. But Johnny Sexton, Tadgh Furlong, Sean O’Brien and CJ Stander also made their mark and maybe Warren Gatland will be able to accommodate both Owen Farrell and Johnny Sexton on the same team when it comes to the first test on Saturday week. I know that there are a group of local fans on their way to New Zealand this week to attend the three tests. It’s a sporting trip of a lifetime and I wish them all well.

Lee Chin was in fine form as Wexford beat Kilkenny last Saturday in the Leinster SHC.

Jon Walters rescued a vital point for Ireland as they failed to impress in their World Cup qualifier against Austria last Sunday.

Irish soccer team hard to watch Maybe it’s just me but I find it very hard to watch the Irish soccer team in action. The game came after the two football games, which were both very exciting and that probably was part of the reason. It’s just that Ireland do

not have the standard of top class player that we have had in the past. But we have a great manager and the players show great commitment and a love for the jersey and playing for their country which counts for a lot.

Last Sunday against Austria they were very poor in the first half but rescued the situation in the second period and were probably unlucky not to have won. It looks good for qualification for the World Cup in Russia now.

US Open will be a big hit The US Open takes place in a new venue this week as it is staged for the first time at Erin Hill in Minnesota. The experts say that this is a very tough test and it is a very long course. In fact, the four par 5s are all over 600 yards with the 18th a massive 663 yards. It seems to me like a course for long hitters and that will bring in the likes of Dustin Johnston, Rory McIlroy, Brooks Koepka, Bubba Watson and Gary Woodland. A score close to even par is usually good enough to win and if McIlroy has cured his putting ills he could be a great bet to lift the title on Sunday Rory McIlroy will be among the favourites at night. the US Open this weekend.

I went to see Roscommon play Wexford in a senior football challenge game last week at the National Sports Centre in Abbotstown and I took time to look around, and what a facility it is. The game was played on an immaculate full floodlit pitch which had a stand with about 600 seats under cover. There were also four other fully lit GAA pitches, two of which were all-weather. There was also a hurling wall and at least six dressing rooms and showers, meeting rooms, gyms etc. and that was just the GAA facilities. There are at least 12 fully lit soccer pitches (the Irish team had been training there earlier in the day) there are hockey and rugby pitches as well. Then there is the indoor athletics and gymnastic facilities and that’s quite apart from the National Aquatic Centre which was there from the start. It is a magnificent facility but of course, like everything else it’s in Dublin, and the facts are that we are in the Third World down the country when it comes to sporting facilities.

‘Pay-as-you-watch’ on the horizon? Sports followers who like to watch on TV will be interested in the following article from Monday on balls.ie: ‘The Financial Times are reporting that Sky Sports have seen a sharp decline in viewing figures for the past Premier League season. Average viewing for live games for the full season across Sky’s channels fell by 14%, which represents the sharpest decline they have suffered since these figures were first recorded in 2010. This decline in viewers comes at a worrying time for the broadcaster: they paid a total of £4.2 billion for the TV rights under the most recent agreement, which works out at an average of £10 million per game. There is also the wider context to fret about: ESPN’s business model has taken a huge loss owing to an enormous loss of subscribers, as viewers move to the on-demand model, in which you pay for what you want to watch.’ It means that SKY and BT Sports could soon be in trouble if this trend continues and there will be moves to go to a ‘pay-as-you-watch’ situation where people will only pay for events and matches that they want to watch in the future. It is very hard to justify spending up to €100 per month watching sporting TV as it stands. Very interesting times ahead for sure.

Roscommon People Friday 16 June 2017

SPORTING WORLD WITH DAN DOONER

Sporting week on Tweet Street Hugh Gallagher @hughgallagherrr Sligo beat New York, Mayo beat Sligo, Galway beat Mayo, & still Roscommon have yet to play – the GAA fixture makers are a wind up @Woolberto (It does seem rather ridiculous when you put it like that!)

Neil O’Riordan @noriordan Was in a bar last night for 1st time since going there in the boot of a current LOI manager’s car circa 20 yrs ago #greatestleagueintheworld (Neil’s autobiography will be widely read!)

Dick Clerkin @dickclerkin8 Not if 30 blind unionists went out with a burst ONeills in one of Theresa Mays Wheat Fields would you see a worse half of football #CorkvTipp (Half-time score was 0-4 to 0-1 to be fair.)

People’s Champions of the Week

@dan_dooner

Reversing the trend of backwards soccer THE LEAD STORY Dan Dooner I spent last weekend completely engrossed in sport, much to the chagrin of certain loved ones. It began on Saturday morning/afternoon when I attended a soccer coaching workshop in Lecarrow. Sligo man and FAI coach Niall Harrison was our tutor and it was thoroughly enjoyable and informative. This was followed by a visit to Shiven Rovers Football Club where the Mid Western Girls League were preparing to embark on another Gaynor Cup adventure in Limerick. For those of you who don’t know, the Gaynor Cup is the girls’ equivalent to the Kennedy Cup in underage soccer. It’s a prestigious tournament featuring soccer leagues from across Ireland. Again it was interesting to watch fellow coaches

in action particularly as the session was so well organised. On Sunday I caught up on the football and hurling championships before watching Ireland play Austria in the World Cup qualifier. Martin O’Neill and his team have come in for some heavy criticism due to their first half performance, and rightly so. Not playing Wes Hoolahan is the equivalent of the Welsh not playing Gareth Bale. He may be our most talented player but his involvement at international level has been restricted by mediocrity and by managers too intent on playing it safe. How many times have we seen ‘good’ international teams come to Dublin, be put under pressure and completely wilt? Many teams at that level struggle when put on the back foot and immersed in a cauldron of noise and this was evident again last Sunday. Anyway, this story has

The future’s bright! The St John’s Athletic Kennedy Cup contingent of Karol Ferrick, Cian Kelly, Cian O’Connor and Mark O’Malley. The Roscommon & District Youth Soccer League U-14 team travelled to Limerick to take part in the Kennedy Cup on Monday.

a point and it’s this: Both the FAI workshop and Gaynor Cup training on Saturday featured coaches who encouraged football. Niall Harrison described a backwards pass as “the last pass” a player in possession should play, instead he encouraged players to get their heads up and look forward when in possession.

So why then do our international players play so negatively? I put it down to confidence and selfbelief. Players like Wes Hoolahan, James McClean and Robbie Brady have it, whereas others don’t. It comes from proper coaching at grassroots level and instilling confidence in young players. Players are like human sponges from

ages 6 to 13 and they know when a coach is uneasy about taking risks. Therefore it was good to spend Saturday with Niall Harrison and Eamon Boyle and his coaches as they encouraged their players to take chances and play football. Hopefully the next generation of Wes Hoolahans and Stephanie Roches is not too far away.

The sporting brief Darts

Ranking event

Kilglass native David Mahon and his comrades in Beijing GAA were celebrating last weekend when they won the All-China GAA Games. This is the first time that Beijing GAA has landed the national title in 8 years and they did so playing in temperatures of 30 degrees! David has been living in Beijing for the past two years and is employed by Jameson Whiskey…samples can be sent c/o Abbey Street!

In the sporting diary .... Annual Harriers 10 miler Roscommon Harriers annual AAI approved 10 Mile Road Races takes place on Saturday, July 8th at 11.30 am from Hannon’s Hotel. Free technical t-shirt, medal and goodie bag for all participants! Prizes for all age categories and clubs/ group. Register online with Run Ireland, Athletics Ireland or Pop Up Races, special discounts for clubs / groups contact Sinéad Fannon on 086-1715062 for further information.

Fantastic Gymnastics in Athlone! Athlone Gymnastics Club is running its annual ‘Fantastic Gymnastics’ camps again this year. Camps will start on Monday, July 3rd for six weeks. Boys and girls from six years upward are welcome to attend. For online booking, please visit athlonegymnasticsclub.ie or Facebook ‘Athlone Gymnastics Club’.

Football from the Masters! There are three Roscommon & District Masters Football League fixtures this week. All games kick-off at 7 pm on Saturday evening: Ballinasloe Town v Glen Celtic, Dunmore Town v Skyvalley Rovers and Shiven Rovers v CB Trotters.

We begin our weekly sporting brief with news from the world of darts. The INDO will host a ranking event at The Percy French Hotel in Strokestown this Saturday and Sunday. There will be a youths’ event on Saturday and men’s and ladies’ competitions on both days.

Golf

Captain’s Prize! We tee-off our weekly round in Athlone where Tom Donohoe’s Captain’s Prize will take place this weekend. Best of luck to all involved. The Mixed Foursomes team was beaten by Ballinasloe last Wednesday evening while the ladies’ Junior Cup team was beaten by Co. Sligo. The Ladies’ Connacht Championships will take place in Athlone on the 29th and 30th of June. Recent winners in Athlone include Conor Quilty, Ian Lacey, Albert

Flanagan, Tom Campion, Margaret Byrne, Bernadette McDonnell and Frances McGettigan. In Carrick-on-Shannon, Attracta O’Connor won the recent Grafter’s annual competition with Geraldine Farry in second and Siobhan Talbot in third. Meanwhile, Bríd Mannion clinched the D&D Insurance competition ahead of Elizabeth Muldowney and Dolores Mulvey. Last week’s Eileen McKeon Memorial competition in Castlerea was won by Valerie Callaghan. Mamie Creaton finished in second place and Kay O’Loughlin in third. Friday’s scramble was won by Yvonne Ward, Liam O’Connell and Mamie Creaton. The recent men’s competition was won by Eoghan Cahill, who held off second placed Greg Kelly and Eugene O’Connell in third. We finish our round in Roscommon where Paula Connaughton’s President’s Prize was played for last weekend (Pic in next week’s issue).

Seamus Fallon took on John Walker in the final match play competition. Seamus was the eventual winner after overcoming the weather and a strong opponent! Liam Casey won the men’s competition on Sunday while the 9-hole was won by Francie Grehan. The ladies’ 18-hole competition was won by Olivia Costello while the 9-hole event was taken by Geraldine Hoban. In the senior events, Detta Cox was best of the ladies while Michael Relihan was victorious in the men’s competition.

Basketball

Castlerea’s national award Castlerea Community School were awarded Basketball School of the Year at a special awards ceremony at the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght on Saturday last. This was in recognition of their tremendous achievement in winning three All-Ireland titles. In addition, the school

Sliabh Bán Athletic Club is hosting its 10K chipped road race and a 5K fun run/walk this Saturday at 11 am. Register online at www.popupraces.ie or on Saturday morning in Strokestown Community Centre from 9 am - 10.30 am. Entry costs €15 for 10K and €10 for 5K and family entry for 5K is €15. Pictured Sliabh Bán AC members (L-r): Martina O’Connor, Jacqueline Holmes and Padraig Holmes.

won three regional titles for the cadet girls, first year boys and second year boys and reached the All-Ireland play-offs with five teams this year. The

school will now play in the much tougher B Division next season but with the talent available to them they should relish the challenge!

Roscommon People Friday 16 June 2017

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Roscommon People Friday 03 March 2017

Mid-Western girl power set to hit Limerick DAN DOONER

The Mid-Western U-14s girls’ soccer team braved the blustery conditions at Shiven Rovers Football Club last Saturday evening as their preparations intensiﬁed ahead of their opening Gaynor Cup match against Dublin Metropolitan in Limerick next week. Under the watchful eye of manager Eamon Boyle and his backroom team of Evan Davis, Gabriel Martin and Mary O’Donnell, the squad which includes players from eight clubs across Roscommon, Galway and surrounding counties was put through its paces. The Gaynor Cup is a prestigious annual event and features teams from across Ireland. This year Mid-Western will come up against Dublin Metro and Longford as they look to secure safe passage from their group of three. The top team in each group will continue on in the cup while second and third place will earn shield and plate berths respectively. Manager Eamon Boyle was in conﬁdent mood. “They’re a great bunch of girls to be honest. We went with a good team last year but we had a very young team too. Ten of the girls from last year will be part of this year’s squad so with the experience of last year’s Gaynor Cup and the extra year of maturity I think we have a right good panel this year,” he said. Women’s soccer is one of the fastest growing sports in the world and that trend appears to be echoed in this part of Ireland. The Mid-Western League came into being

In their own words

in 2015 in the hope of expanding the game beyond Roscommon and Galway. It has proven to be a shrewd move and Eamon believes the standard is improving all the time. “The standard is very good. Some of the clubs (Mid-Western League) have won Connacht titles. I’d prefer if more clubs pushed forward girls teams, as it stands there are eight teams in the league,” he said. Eamon paid tribute to the hard work of his fellow coaches and the support of Shiven Rovers and the other clubs in the league. Gaynor Cup appearances cost money however, and Eamon said next week’s trip wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work of those involved with the team and indeed the generous support of the community. “It took a bit of organising, we did a great fundraiser with signed jerseys and all the girls came back with lines sold. There were table quizzes and bag packs too and any time you asked you’d have girls and parents there to help you out,” he said. Sponsors like Geraghty Travel have also been a huge help with both football kits and travel arrangements for events such as next week’s competition. Having ﬁnished 12th out of 26th last year, Eamon believes this year’s panel are capable of competing with anyone in Limerick. When I put it to him that the opening ﬁxture against Dublin Metropolitan would be a tough test, the Mid Western manager agreed. “A tough start! It’s a tough start for the Dubs, yeah!”

The Mid-Western Girls’ League Gaynor Cup panel: Lily Vickers, Kelly McDermott, Reece Higgins, Niamh Fitzgerald, Kelly McGann, Amy Ward, Ciara Martin, Rachel Farrell, Caitlin Boyle, Kate Fahy, Linda Hanley, Ciara Heavey, Melissa O’Kane and Jodie Scariff with management team. Missing from picture: Samantha Fahy, Holly Heald, Ashling Hanley.

Niamh Fitzgerald (CP Ajax)

Lily Vickers (Castlerea Celtic)

CENTRE-BACK “Last year was really good, we loved being in the apartments and the games were a really good experience. I can’t wait to go down again!”

GOALKEEPER “It’s my first time going to the Gaynor Cup and this year we’ll go all the way!”

Ciara Martin (Kilkerrin United) RIGHT WINGER “The Gaynor Cup is a great experience. Last year we had great craic with all the girls. Our management team is class, the best!”

Ciara Heavey (Shiven Rovers) DEFENDER “I’ve been playing for Shiven for around eight or nine years and it’s great. The girls were telling me about Gaynor so I’m looking forward to it.”

Lynda Hanley (Ballaghaderreen) WINGER “Playing for Mid-Western is different because you get to meet new people. The management is top of the range too!”

Waiting for the call: The Mid-Western players were put through their paces at Shiven Rovers Football Club last Saturday ahead of the Gaynor Cup.

Caitlin Boyle (Kilkerrin United) LEFT WINGER “Last year’s Gaynor Cup was intense but it was great fun. We all enjoy playing for Mid-Western and we work well together.”

Ciara Heavey, Lily Vickers, Linda Hanley, Ciara Martin, Caitlin Boyle and Niamh Fitzgerald gave their thoughts ahead of next week’s Gaynor Cup.

Lily Vickers faces a penalty during the Mid-Western Girls training session last Saturday at Shiven Rovers Football Club.

Roscommon People Friday 16 June 2017

36 SportsPeople

Roscommon People Friday 03 March 2017

Ladies in last chance saloon! TG4 Ladies Football Connacht IFC Roscommon v Sligo on Saturday in Tubbercurry at 7.30pm  SEAMUS DUKE

It’s the last chance saloon for Roscommon Ladies footballers this Saturday night when they must beat Sligo by a five-point margin if they want to contest this year’s Connacht final. The reason that a fivepoint margin is required is down to the scoring difference that will come into play if Roscommon can win. Roscommon players and management were devastated at their loss to Leitrim in the first round a few weeks ago when they led by one point going into injury-time and they ended up losing by six. Roscom-

mon captain Natalie McHugh said that the Roscommon players were very disappointed following the Leitrim defeat but they are determined to put things right and reach the Connacht final. “We were very, very disappointed with the loss to Leitrim. It was very demoralising at the time. We should have put Leitrim away in the first half when we were on top and we paid dearly for that. But we have regrouped since and we have trained hard and we are determined to get to the Connacht final. “This is knock-out now with no second chances and to have to win by five will be a tough ask, but we

are up for the challenge. The last time that we played Sligo was last year in Ballinlough and we are determined to beat them again. Sligo are a very physically strong team and there is never much between us when we meet. But we will be well prepared and we have no injuries and are ready for the challenge,” she concluded. To have to beat Sligo is a task in itself but to have to do so by five points is a tall order especially away from home. It is a task that’s not beyond Michael Finneran’s charges but they will have to produce the performance of the year to do so.

U-17s to raise the curtain The Roscommon U-17 footballers’ clash with Leitrim on Sunday will open proceedings at Dr Hyde Park at 1 pm. This year there is a minor and U-17 competition but after this year the minor competition will cease to be played. This is a Connacht semi-final and Galway are already in the final after a big win against Mayo in the other semi-final. Roscommon manager is Liam Tully and his selectors are Peter Carney, David Duignan, Billy Morris, John McHugh and David McNamara. Roscommon have prepared with challenge games against Kerry, Westmeath and Meath and there are high hopes for the team that they can withstand the challenge of a Leitrim outfit who are highly rated at this level. It should be a very good curtain raiser for those arriving early at Hyde Park on Sunday. Prediction: Roscommon Pictured is the Roscommon U-17 football panel and management team.

GAA Results Saturday, June 10th Seamus Carthy Auctioneers AFL Division 3 Shannon Gaels 2-10 St. Ronan’s 0-10 Seamus Carthy Auctioneers AFL Division 4 St. Brigid’s 5-10 Roscommon Gaels 2-7 Seamus Carthy Auctioneers AFL Division 5 Michael Glavey’s 2-16 Kilbride 0-11 Boyle 1-21 St. Michael’s 2-8

GAA Fixtures Friday, June 16th Hodson Bay Hotels AFL Division 1 At Johnstown: Clann na nGael v St. Brigid’s At Enfield: St. Croan’s v Strokestown Seamus Carthy Auctioneers AFL Division 3 At Orchard Park: Elphin v St. Ronan’s Saturday, June 17th Hodson Bay Hotels AFL Division 1 At Western Gaels: Western Gaels v Pádraig Pearses. 6.30 pm Mulryan Construction AFL Division 2 At Creggs: Creggs v Michael Glavey’s. 6 pm At O’Rourke Park: Castlerea St. Kevin’s v St. Faithleach’s. 8 pm At James Timothy Park: Éire Óg v Oran. 8 pm At Abbey Park: Boyle v Fuerty. 8 pm Seamus Carthy Auctioneers AFL Division 3 (8 pm) At Parc Naomh Bearraí: St. Barry’s v St. Aidan’s. At Kilglass: Kilglass Gaels v Clann na nGael At Kilbride: Kilbride v St. Michael’s At Davonna Park: Ballinameen v Shannon Gaels Sunday, June 18th Connacht SFC Semi-Final At Dr. Hyde Park: Roscommon v Leitrim. 3.30 pm Mulryan Construction AFL Division 2 At Western Gaels: Western Gaels v St. Dominic’s. 11 am

Four Roads win league ﬁnal battle Kepak Roscommon SHL Final FOUR ROADS

1-14

ATHLEAGUE

0-8

Four Roads showed that they intend to make a major challenge for honours again this year when they turned in a top class second half display to account for Athleague in this league final at Athleague on Saturday last. It was a good win for Four Roads but this game will be remembered for the ugly melee that broke out between several players on both sides two minutes before the final whistle. When the dust eventually settled, three players: Noel Hynes, Robbie Fallon and Eamon Flanagan, were all shown straight red cards and several other players can count themselves lucky not to have joined them such was the extent

of the altercation. The sides were evenly matched in the opening half with Gary Fallon in fine form from play and ET Murray accurate from frees, Athleague led by 0-8 to 0-7 at half-time. But Four Roads took over in a one sided second half during which Athleague failed to score. Shane Curley pointed a couple of long-range frees and David Dolan scored the only goal of the game (a free) in the 38th minute. Former goalkeeper Noel Fallon was revelling in his new role at full-forward and he scored four fine points from play. Four Roads also welcomed back former star captain and talisman Micheal

Kelly after a long absence and he scored a point from a free. Four Roads: C Butler; C Coyle, C Dowd, J Rogerson; S Curley (0-4), P Kelly, J Donnelly; J Moran, C Coyle; D Dolan (1-2), J Lawlor, M Kelly (0-1); E Rogerson (0-1), N Fallon (0-4), C Dolan (0-2). Subs: N Hynes for E Rogerson, Cathal Dowd for C Dolan, J Mulry for Lawlor, T Treacy for Coyle, P Kenny for Moran. Athleague: D Connell; N Connolly, C Moran, JP Murray; D Delaney, P Nolan, D Flaherty; E Bannon, A Moore; R Fallon, E Flanagan (0-1), ET Murray (0-4); G Fallon (0-3), M Connaughton, B McGahon. Subs: C Kelly for ET Murray, D Heavey for Connaughton, S Kilcommins for Flanagan, E Flanagan for Connolly, J Fallon for McGahan, B Fallon for Flanagan. Referee: Aaron Clogher.

Andrew Flood races through the Wicklow defence during Roscommon’s Celtic Challenge Quarter-Final win recently.

Hurlers advance to the last four U-17 Hurling Celtic Challenge Cup Quarter-Final ROSCOMMON

3-10

WICKLOW

1-13

Trailing by 0-6 to 0-4 at half-time at Abbotstown last week, Roscommon produced a hugely im-

proved performance in the second period to sweep past a resolute Wicklow side.

Goals from Cian Murray, Dean Conlon and Cian Murray laid the foundation for the second half fightback and in the end proved the difference as Wicklow were put to the sword. Roscommon panel: A Donnelly, F Hoare, J Donnelly, J Killeen, J Lohan,

L Corbett, M Comerford, D Treacy, P Gannon, O Kelly, A Flood, O Walsh, J Cunniffe, C McNamara, D Martin, C Murray, E Campbell, D Conlon, M Kelly, K Morris, L Kilroe, A Farrell, S Lynch, J Why, C Finneran.

Roscommon People Friday 16 June 2017

36 Connacht SFC Semi-Final

Roscommon v Leitrim Roscommon People Friday 03 March 2017

Sunday in Dr Hyde Park at 3.30 pm

The Roscommon players stretch during last week’s press night at Dr Hyde Park. Pic: Andrew Fox

Rossies limber up for championship opener Connacht SFC Semi-Final Roscommon v Leitrim on Sunday in Dr Hyde Park at 3.30 pm  SEAMUS DUKE

Roscommon will become the final county to line out in the All-Ireland SFC when they will be the long oddson favourites to beat Leitrim in the Connacht semi-final at Dr Hyde Park on Sunday. Looking at the formbook and both teams on paper, Roscommon should win with a bit to spare but this is championship football and Leitrim will enter the contest with very little expectation and that’s always a danger. All you have to do is to look at the way that Carlow denied Dublin any space or time in their game and the way Clare gave Kerry plenty to think about last Sunday too. Waterford should probably have beaten Cork as well, so there are plenty of warnings in there for Kevin McStay’s team as they approach this game. Any signs of complacency will be punished by Leitrim who would dearly love to come to Hyde Park and cause a major shock. The Roscommon team is along expected lines with John McManus and Sean Mullooly manning the vital positions at three and six. Tadgh O’Rourke and Enda Smith will form the vital midfield pairing and are an untried combination at championship level. Both are excellent footballers but they will have to produce on Sunday against a very impressive Leitrim pairing of Shane and Damien Moran. Roscommon will be hoping that

their attack can prosper against the Leitrim defence and the Murtaghs, Donie Smith and Fintan Cregg should be able to get the scores that will be required. Leitrim were lucky to have emerged from the game with London with a win but that clash will have brought them on a ton and especially that they came from two points down with only ten minutes to play to win it. With the wily John O’Mahony assisting Benny Guckian on the Leitrim management team, this is a dangerous assignment for Roscommon if they do not bring their ‘A game’ to the table. The long gap between a disappointing league campaign and this championship game has meant that the Roscommon players and management have had a chance to leave that campaign behind and preparations have gone well according to Kevin McStay and his selectors. The team have put up good scores in recent challenge games but we know that form in challenge games is a very unreliable yardstick when it comes to the intensity of championship football. Kevin McStay said it himself at last week’s press night that this championship game is a ‘live or die’ situation for the management team and for the players too and he is right. Roscommon have spent the last two years in Division One and Leitrim have failed to get out of Division Four in that time. The formbook points only one way but it’s not as simple as that. Roscommon have got to go out and deliver a performance. Leitrim have a very inexperienced

team and against London they had five debutants. Donal Wrynn is an inspirational captain at centre half-back and an excellent player too. Leitrim also have strength off the bench and Ronan Kennedy (who scored two goals against London), Noel Plunkett and Wayne McKeon all made valuable contributions when introduced. There may be weak areas in this Roscommon team but they are unlikely to be exposed on Sunday and they should be well able to deal with the challenge offered by Leitrim. It is time for new leaders to stand up and be counted on this Roscommon team. I hear some supporters saying that this will be a cakewalk for Roscommon but that is something that will not happen. This is championship football and Leitrim will come ready for a fight. As far as Roscommon are concerned, anything other than a win on Sunday is unthinkable. I am expecting Leitrim to come and throw the kitchen sink at Roscommon in the first half and that when it comes to half-time there may not be much in the game. But with Niall Kilroy playing in a deep role, I am hoping that eventually the Roscommon attack will get enough room to get the scores that will win the game. It is an intriguing local derby and there should be a good crowd and a good atmosphere and one thing is for certain: the pitch will be perfect. I am not expecting a big Roscommon win but maybe a four or five point margin in the end. Match odds: Roscommon 1/12, Leitrim 15/2, Draw 16/1. Prediction: Roscommon

Three championship debutants in starting ﬁfteen Roscommon will have three championship debutants on their team when they line out against Leitrim at Dr Hyde Park on Sunday: Colm Lavin of Éire Óg will be between the posts, Tadgh O’Rourke from Tulsk will take his place at midfield and young St. Brigid’s player Brian Stack will line out in the half-forward line

How Roscommon line out ... Colm Lavin Éire Óg Tadhg O’Rourke and Brian Stack (pictured at recent Roscommon press night) will be hoping to play pivotal roles this Sunday against Leitrim. Picture: Andrew Fox

David Murray

John McManus

Niall McInerney

Pádraig Pearses

Roscommon Gaels

St. Brigid’s

Seanie McDermott

Sean Mullooly

Conor Devaney

Western Gaels

Strokestown

Kilbride

Tadgh O’Rourke

Enda Smith

Tulsk Lord Edwards

Boyle

Fintan Cregg

Niall Kilroy

Brian Stack

Elphin

Fuerty

St. Brigid’s

Ciaráin Murtagh

Diarmuid Murtagh

Donie Smith

(Captain) St. Faithleach’s

St. Faithleach’s

Boyle

Roscommon People Friday 16 June 2017

36 Connacht SFC Semi-Final

Roscommon v Leitrim Roscommon People Friday 03 March 2017

Sunday in Dr Hyde Park at 3.30 pm

Players and management ‘chomping at the bit’  SEAMUS DUKE

Roscommon manager Kevin McStay and his backroom team face the media at last Thursday’s press night at Dr Hyde Park. Pic: Andrew Fox

McStay – ‘Win whatever it takes!’ Rossies face ‘live or die’ Leitrim battle  SEAMUS DUKE

Despite the fact that there will have been an 11week gap between competitive games for Roscommon from the Cavan game in the league to Sunday’s Connacht semi-final, the pressure is on the players and team management to deliver a winning performance. Relegation, after a disappointing league campaign, is now in the past and the minimum that will be required from this season is a good win against Leitrim and a place in the Connacht final. So considering they’ve had such a long break, does manager Kevin McStay believe that the time has been used wisely in the build-up to Sunday’s game? “We think so, we are coming to the boil nicely, and we are really looking forward to this match. It seems like such a long time since we played a big game. The lads are itching to get out on the field and play championship. We have been gearing for this game all year. The lads have got in a bit of club activity and we think that there has been a nice balance. We trained extremely hard under David Joyce and we got a good few games in as well so we have a good mix in there. Of course we will see on Sunday how we are, but we have a great sense of anticipation about this challenge,” he said. Roscommon have played a number of challenge games in recent weeks and in the last two, against Sligo and Wexford, have put up big totals. Kevin says that despite the fact that they were only challenge games and not very intense, there were a lot of positives. “I was very happy that we got in to score a

good few goals and the manner of how they came about was pleasing. I liked our support play and the fact that we are beginning to settle on a pattern of play and a starting team is positive. The players are playing well and the challenge games are just confirming what I have been seeing in training. But you have to realise that Sligo and Wexford had been beaten in the championship and you have to realise how hard it is to get things going again after a defeat. We know ourselves from last year but we can only play what’s in front of us. It’s very hard to actually get challenge games at this time of the year. What I was happy about was the attitude of the players and that we were clinical in front of goal and we won those games early. That’s very positive but we are not getting carried away or anything,” he added. McStay is under no illusions however and the Roscommon manager described Sunday’s encounter with Leitrim as “live or die”. “Oh yeah, this is huge for players and team management. It’s a big fence to jump but we are at home and we have to jump that fence and whatever it takes to win that match is what we have to do. I know that puts pressure on the lads but that pressure has been in our dressing room since the draw was made. This game has been on our radar from a long way out and we have had no distractions. It would be very, very difficult to have to go into a qualifier after a defeat to Leitrim so we are putting all our eggs into this basket and we have to arrive here on Sunday ready for this,” he said. Leitrim will be long odds outsiders for this game, but what does Kevin McStay make of this Leitrim outfit? “Well, I saw the tapes of the London games and (selector) Ger Dowd went over the see the match and it was a good championship game. It was tight, and our feeling in the run-up to that game was that Leitrim were always go-

ing to win it. We watched them in the National League and although they started slowly, they improved as it went on and we always thought they would beat London. I like their midfield which is strong. They would hold their own in that department with many teams. I like their full-forward line and their defence is tasty enough too. Then again we have a strong fullforward line. But we have to make sure that we do well at midfield and that’s a huge challenge for us. We are likely to have one rookie there with an experienced partner so that’s a challenge for us. But if we get enough ball in that area, there are enough scores in our team to win it.” It’s the first championship game on the newly laid pitch at Dr Hyde Park and with a crowd of 8,000 to 10,000 expected, it’s a huge day for Kevin and his players after such a long wait. The manager seemed anxious to get started. “We are bursting to get out there to be honest. We are the last team in the country out in the championship and the pitch here at Dr Hyde Park is magnificent and they tell me it’s the biggest pitch in the country now, which is interesting. It is a really fast surface and that should suit the type of game that we want to play,” he said. Finally a word for the Roscommon supporters: Kevin is appealing to them to come out in force on Sunday and encourage this young team. “I just hope that the Roscommon supporters come in numbers on Sunday. I know that they are curious to see what we are at, and they are wondering can we pull this off but it would be great to see them really get behind this team. Remember that most of the players are only 22, 23, and 24-years-old. They deserve all the support they can get and I know that they will support this team in big numbers if we give them something to bite on and it is a major ambition of ours to put on a huge effort on Sunday against Leitrim,” he concluded.

Roscommon selector Ger Dowd is ‘chomping at the bit’ and eager to see Roscommon in championship action on Sunday. He says that he has been so impressed by the positive attitude and the hard work from the Roscommon players in the past three months. “We have been gearing up for the championship all year really and we all remember the disappointment of last year and what happened against Galway and Clare and I know the players are eager to make amends so we are looking forward to the challenge against Leitrim on Sunday,” he said. However, Dowd insisted that Roscommon would not take Leitrim lightly: “I was over in London at the game between Leitrim and London and was impressed with them. They are well organised and any team with John O’Mahony associated with them will be well prepared and fit and they have a lot going for them. But we are looking forward to meeting them here in Dr Hyde Park on this magnificent pitch. “The fact that we are such hot favourites doesn’t really matter that much because we are under pressure to win the game anyway. But that is the kind of pressure that our players will have to cope with because we played in Division One and they played in Division Four so that is to be expected that we should be favourites. Our lads are focused. It is one hurdle at a time and this is one we have to jump on Sunday and that’s it,” he said. Roscommon will fancy their chances this Sunday and Dowd believes the players are ready. “This is a fantastic opportunity to get to a Connacht final and that is a huge honour for any player. There are many players who played inter-county football who never got a chance to play in a Connacht final. It is a major sporting event and the players have a chance to be part of that. “I have been delighted to have been involved with this bunch of players. As you know there is a huge amount of work involved in playing with a county senior team now. You have to travel the length and breadth of the country and it is very difficult for counties like we are in the west to prepare and get ready when you look at the likes of Dublin etc. But we have a great group of over 30 players with us and I can honestly say that they are chomping at the bit to wear the Roscommon jersey in the championship; it means as much to them as it did to any of us who were lucky enough to have played in the past. It is great to see that in this day and age and I can tell you that every single one of the players who start on Sunday and the lads that come on as well, will be giving 100% for the ‘Primrose and Blue’,” he concluded.

Roscommon selector Ger Dowd (right) pictured with Liam McHale and Roscommon manager Kevin McStay. Pic: Andrew Fox

Roscommon People Friday 16 June 2017

GAA PEOPLE Your weekend starts here Did You Know?

View From ... Leitrim

‘Tough but not impossible for Leitrim’ Guckian relishing championship challenge  SEAMUS DUKE

The fact that his team are rated as 8/1 to win at Dr Hyde Park on Sunday next doesn’t bother Leitrim manager Benny Guckian who told me on Monday that Leitrim players and management are relishing the challenge of coming to Dr Hyde Park on Sunday to face Roscommon. Benny says that preparations have gone well since their win against London in the opening round and that there have been no additional injury worries since that win. He said: “Preparations have gone well since the London game. There was a full round of club league games the week after the London game and we have trained hard since and there is a great spirit among the lads” he said. Benny was delighted that his team eked out a narrow win against London in the first round. “The win against London was very hard earned. We knew going over that it was going to be a very tough and difficult game. We have a young, inexperienced squad of players and they were going to a different country to play a big game and anyone who has been to Ruislip knows what a carnival atmosphere is around that game. But the lads coped really well and what I liked was that when we were two points down deep into the second half they kept going and dug out the win. We were very pleased with that win and the spirit and fighting spirit shown by the lads,” he said. So what does Benny make of this Roscommon team? “They are a quality side and I would not pass any heed on any chat which might have suggested that their squad is unsettled. They have put up huge scores in recent challenge games and they have some outstanding players and they are at home as well so we do not underestimate the challenge that is facing us,” he said. Leitrim will be the long odds outsiders to win this game so on that basis is the pressure is off somewhat? “We are still under pressure to produce a performance but Roscommon are the justifiable favourites to win this match. It’s Division One against Division Four but this is championship and we are really looking forward to the challenge facing us on Sunday. It will be a tough task for sure but certainly not impossible,” he concluded.

Brighter days ahead? Roscommon PRO Hugh Lynn chats to manager Kevin McStay during training at Dr Hyde Park last Thursday. Pic: Andrew Fox

Brighter days ahead for Roscommon football?  DAN DOONER

Following a long and fairly bleak winter and spring, it appears that Roscommon’s appearance in this year’s championship will coincide with the belated arrival of summer. With brighter weather promised, could performances and results be about to pick up? While nobody would bet the house on summer temperatures, one thing is guaranteed: fitness levels will be at an annual high within the Roscommon camp. Manager Kevin McStay seemed quietly confident at last week’s press night particularly when it came to physical preparation. McStay has consistently referenced “gearing towards

championship” so far this year and fitness coach David Joyce will have been tasked with taking the Rossies to the next level over the last few weeks. According to team captain Ciaráin Murtagh, the long break was welcome and it has given Roscommon a chance to regroup ahead of this weekend’s must-win fixture. It’s important to remember that this is a relatively young team and while this year’s league campaign was a painful one in many ways, it was also full of important lessons. Division One is the acid test for all top teams and while relegation was a set-back, the two seasons spent trying to shadow the likes of Kerry, Dublin and Donegal will only aid this young panel going forward.

SIDELINE VIEW

Looking ahead to this Sunday, Roscommon have a golden opportunity to make it two Connacht final appearances (three if you count replays) in two years and that is also good for development. Selector Ger Dowd described the provincial final as a “major sporting event” and it’s on these occasions that big game winning habits are forged. Leitrim certainly won’t come to the Hyde to roll over but with the shackles of Division One now broken, will we see some sunshine football after an eleven week hibernation? Roscommon, provided they shake off the cobwebs early, certainly have the players capable of taking the game to Leitrim and banishing the memories from a cruel league campaign.

Roscommon and Leitrim have met 40 times in the Connacht championship. Roscommon have won 26 times, Leitrim have won 11 times and there have been 3 draws. Roscommon’s last game against Leitrim at Dr Hyde Park was in 2014 when the home side won by 1-18 to 0-13. Leitrim’s last win at Dr Hyde Park was in 2000 when the visitors prevailed by 1-13 to 3-6. The last draw between the teams was in 2004 when the sides ended Leitrim 1-10 Roscommon 0-13 at Carrick-onShannon. Roscommon won the replay at Dr Hyde Park by 1-9 to 0-5. Roscommon defeated Leitrim in Carrick-onShannon on 22nd May 2016 by 1-21 to 0-11.

Seamus Duke

Captain Ciaráin looking forward to championship return Roscommon captain Ciaráin Murtagh said the players have used the 11-week break between league and championship to good effect and are looking forward to getting back into competitive action this Sunday. “It was nice to get the long break between league and championship. We got in a lot of extra work and now we are in championship mode and looking forward to it now. We have been playing well in challenge games but you can’t go by those results really. Leitrim will be really ready and up for this challenge but we are trying to play games and get lads used to handling the ball and get our game plan in operation because championship is so much more intense. I wouldn’t pass too much heed on the challenge games. It’s all about playing football and getting ready for the championship,” he said. Murtagh believes that lessons have been learned following a disappointing National League campaign. He said: “Even though we didn’t have a great league, we learned a lot playing against the top teams. Of course it would have been nicer to be winning

those games but I think that there are a lot of positives that we can take out of the league campaign and we can use that to our advantage and move on and rectify our mistakes.” Sunday is a different story however and the St. Faithleach’s clubman is excited at the prospect of playing championship football in Roscommon town. “We can’t wait to get out on the magnificent new pitch here at Dr Hyde Park. I am looking forward to the Roscommon crowd coming out and supporting us. They are very loyal and are there for the good days and bad days and it will be great to be at home here on Sunday,” he said. Ciaráin will be teaming up with some very familiar faces once again as brothers Brian and Diarmuid are also on the Roscommon panel and in decent form. “It’s nice for the three of us (brothers) to be on the panel and thankfully we are injury free at the moment and enjoying our football and it is a great honour to be the captain of the team again this year and hopefully we can give a good account of ourselves on Sunday,” he concluded.

Roscommon captain Ciaráin Murtagh pictured at the Roscommon GAA press night last Thursday in Dr Hyde Park. Pic: Andrew Fox

Roscommon People Friday 16 June 2017

This Thursday, June 15th, Friday, June 16th & Saturday, June 17th