2017 07 07 by Roscommon People

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

R F

Friday 07 July 2017

CONNACHT SENIOR FOOTBALL FINAL

20-page Special Souvenir Edition JULY 2017

Under the radar… Rossies return to Salthill

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

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

CONNACHT GAA SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

07 July 2017

GALWAY V RO 2 pm – Sunday 9th

The Local Paper

SCOMMON

July 2017 - Pearse

VOLUME: 535

Stadium, Galway

20-page Special Souvenir Edition SEE INSIDE

Tommie KElly Electrical

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

Athleague, Roscommon 090 6663385

JULY SPECIALS BATHROOMS WALL TILE FROM

KITCHEN APPLIANCE PACKAGE DEALS

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Byrne Carolan Cunningham

One Session Smoking Cessation Therapy €90

-----Solicitors----T: 090 64 78433

CALL BILLY 094 965 9966 086 067 5433

Please see our Column on Page 2 AND Advert INSIDE

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Pictured at the new-look SuperValu, Roscommon on Saturday last were Ailbhe O’Connor and Sarah Barry. Picture: Andrew Fox

Luke ‘Ming’ FLANAGAN MEP Jennifer Liddy and Sinead Neilan

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

TEL. 094-9622710 / 094 9622244 MOBILE: 086 3685680 Best wishes to Cuisle Holiday Centre Standing up for the small farmer on CAP

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

Finn Electrical Goff Street, Roscommon Tel. 090 66 25573 LAPTOP SPECIAL Lenovo Laptop with bag, mouse and headphones Now only

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DELIVERING KEROSENE & HEATING OIL TO YOUR HOME

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

GET LADIES DAY READY Great selection of make-up, fragrances, and jewellery in stock

Quality Screened Top Soil FOR SALE Collected or delivered

071 96 30000 McGUINNESS Pharmacy Main Street, Roscommon T. 090 66 26193 F. 090 66 28789

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

FRANCES’

Finishing Touches

Michael Fitzmaurice TD Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and health and happiness for the New Year Tel: 090 66 28479 or email michael.fitzmaurice @oireachtas.ie

CHRISTY CONNOLLY RECOVERY

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Large range of ready made curtains & duvets to clear

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Hynes Pharmacy Castle Street, Roscommon.

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Roscommon People Friday 07 July 2017

NewsPeople ROSCOMMON

Painting Services Professional Painters & Decorators

People WATCHING

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

Look who we met!

Athlone, Moate, Lanesborough & Galway

Tel: 090 647 8433

Pictured are Rachel and Miriam Hastings, Ballyforan, Roscommon, with President Michael D. Higgins at the President’s Garden Party at Arás an Uachtaráin on Friday, 30th of June. Both girls were volunteers as part of Gaisce as they are Gaisce medal holders.

* MOTOR ACCIDENTS See ur See oour Column in n m colu on Business e2

pag

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

Mark lohaN

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Roscommon-bred horse goes for €46,000!  DAN DOONER

A horse bred in Roscommon sold for €46,000 on day two of the recent Tattersall’s Derby Sale at Fairyhouse, Co. Meath. The horse, which was owned by Eddie Naughton, is from the same bloodline as Grade 1 winner Sizing Granite. The bloodline was originally produced by Tomás Kelly from Dysart. It is the largest sum Mr. Naughton has ever received for one of his animals and was the top price on a day when the average price paid was €16,338. “It was nerve-racking to be honest with you, it wasn’t like a race anyway! It is the most I have received,” said Mr. Naughton. “I had called the horse ‘Orlando’. It was bought by a syndicate and will be placed with Francis Flood, a national hunt jockey and trainer from Co. Wicklow,” he added.

Eddie Naughton’s horse, which was bred in Co. Roscommon, recently sold for €46,000 at Tattersall’s Derby Sale near Fairyhouse in Co. Meath.

According to Mr. Naughton, Tom and David Kelly from Doranstown Stud in Ballygar spent four weeks preparing the horse – a Bay Gelding – for the sale. Their hard work paid off following a flurry of bids as Four Roads native Stephen Kelly paraded the horse around the ring.

Three world titles… Call today for a free consultation

Tel.: 090 6627449

The Shannon Academy Roscommon claimed three world titles at the World Open Dancing Championships which were held in The INEC Theatre in Killarney

recently. Pictured is Kevin Glynn, Roscommon, who won the boys U-15 championship, Lee Donoghue, Roscommon, who won the boys U-19 championship and

Megan Healy-Cribbon, who won the girls U-20 championship. There are all pupils of the proud teachers, Colette Glynn and Sinead Healy, Roscommon.

www.lohanfittedfurniture.ie

Annual cemetery Mass will take place in Fuerty Cemetery on Friday, 14th of July. All are welcome to participate in the Mass and to remember and pray for their relatives and friends who are buried in Fuerty Cemetery, for the deceased of the parish and for all the faithful. Family members are also encouraged to attend to graves of their loved ones before the Mass. Mass will take place at 7 pm.

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

Land Purchase and Taxes I had planned to buy some agricultural land during the Celtic Tiger years ago but I did not proceed as the price of land at the time was excessive. I believe that prices are now at a reasonable level and I would now like to invest. I would like some advice on the likely taxes I may have to pay. I bought 10 acres of land several years ago and I paid very high stamp duty at a rate of 9%, has this changed? Are there any other taxes I should be aware of e.g. Capital Gains Tax, Capital Acquisitions Tax? The rate of stamp duty payable on agricultural land or commercial property has been significantly reduced in recent years. If you purchase agricultural land or other commercial property then stamp duty at a rate of 2% of the land value currently applies. E.g. if you purchase land for €150,000 then stamp duty of €3,000 is payable. Interest and penalties will also be payable if the stamp duty is not paid within the requisite time period. Capital Gains Tax (CGT) is a tax payable on the profit made on the disposal of investment property i.e. the sale of any property other than your principal private residence. The rate of CGT is currently 33%. This tax will not affect the purchaser of property. It is a matter for the seller only. Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT) is only payable upon receipt of a gift or inheritance. In the event that you purchase land at full market value then no Capital Acquisitions Tax will be payable. If however, land or other property is transferred from one party to another for substantially less than its market value Revenue may treat this transaction as a gift, and CAT may be due. E.g. If you purchase land from a family member for €50,000 and the known market value of the property is €150,000 then Revenue will look upon this transaction as containing a gift from one relative to another of €100,000. The rate of CAT is currently 33%.

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.

Henry Schwab

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

Byrne Carolan Cunningham

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

SOLICITORS

Telephone Central Line 090 6478433

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

The next Roscommon Comhaltas session will be held on this Sunday evening from 6 pm to about 8 pm in Doorly’s Corner House. All are welcome. These sessions are held on the second Sunday evening of each month and usually have fifteen to twenty musicians present.

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

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

Next Roscommon Comhaltas Session

Annual Cemetery Mass

Byrne Carolan Cunningham Solicitors

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

newsbrief

Compiled by PAUL HEALY

info@bccsolicitors.ie www.bccsolicitors.com

Roscommon People Friday 07 July 2017

NewsPeople

40 extra Special Needs Assistants on way – Naughten Minister Denis Naughten has confirmed that the Cabinet has signed off on the allocation of 975 additional Special Needs Assistants nationwide and says up to 40 additional Special Needs Assistants will be provided for schools across the Roscommon-Galway constituency over the period from September to December 2017. “Cabinet has signed off on a significant increase in the number of additional Special Needs Assistants for the period of September to December

Health Food Store

2017 so that every child that needs access to SNA support will receive it. “In my constituency of Roscommon-Galway I am pleased to confirm that 40 additional SNAs will be provided across all schools. I have a long history of campaigning for the provision of additional Special Needs Assistants in our schools as the much needed support that they provide is vital in playing a key role to help children to participate and progress,” added Naughten.

newsbrief Heads and Tails Pet Care Service Heads and Tails Pet Care at Roscommon Cancer Support in Vita House is a service caring for your pets while you are working through a difficult time. To avail of this service or find out more contact 0906625898 or email info@vitahouse.org

Locally owned ... in the heart of the community

Annual Open Day Saturday 8th July from 11 am - 6 pm at the Tattie Hoaker Health Food Store, GOFF STREET, ROSCOMMON

ALL ARE WELCOME – BRING A FRIEND

Water makes up 70% of our bodies

Therapists and consultants are as follows: Seamus Hunt – Massage and Sports Therapist Kathleen Kelly – Reiki, Indian Head Massage and Reflexology Declan McQuillan – Acupuncturist John King – Card Reader/Psychic/Healer Maureen Brosnan – Tattie Hoaker Manager/Director Diana Holian - Professional counselling and psychotherapy Jill Farrell - Master Medical Herbalist

Everybody is welcome to

INFORMATION EVENING MEETING about

and it’s beneﬁts for health Info and try for free instore on the day (on the open day Saturday, 8th July) Kangen Water is now also FLOURIDE FREE (double ﬁltered) We also have CBD oil (cannabidiol) now in stock and Wildwood Honey from Knockvicar For more information,

For more information on our Open Day, please

CONTACT MAUREEN ON (090) 66 30492 Tattie Hoaker Directors: Maureen Brosnan, John Brennan and Aidan Gillan

contact Maureen Brosnan Tel. 090 66 30492 • mkaybrosnan@hotmail.com

Find us on facebook.com/TattieHoaker • Website: www.tattiehoaker.com

LUCK TH E B E ST O F OM MO N TO THE ROSC DAY! UN TEAM THIS S

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Roscommon People Friday 07 July 2017

NewsPeople POLITICAL PEOPLE

PUBLIC NOTICES

Air ambulance to fly at night? TEMPORARY CLOSING OF ROADS ROADS ACT 1993, SECTION 75 ROADS REGULATIONS 1994, ARTICLE 12 Roscommon County Council has decided 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. Eugene Dwyer Head of Roads & Transportation Roscommon County Council Áras an Chontae Roscommon F42 VR98 Locally owned ... in the heart of the community

Senator Frank Feighan says the Government has reaffirmed its commitment to undertake a feasibility study on extending the air ambulance to a night-time service. On the idea of extending the air ambulance service from daylight only, Senator Feighan said that the Minister of State for Disabilities, Finian McGrath has confirmed to him that the Government is fully committed to undertaking a study on a possible service expansion to night-time hours. Senator Feighan: “Since the air ambulance was established at Custume Barracks five years ago, it has carried out almost 2,000 emergency missions and Minister McGrath has informed me that the highest demand for the service comes from Roscommon, Galway and Mayo. “From Ballaghaderreen to Ballyleague and from Athlone to Arigna, countless lives in Roscommon have been saved and this life-saving service centres on bringing the hospital to the patient in an emergency situation. “It is also important to highlight that a large percentage of the air ambulance’s work is to deal with serious heart attacks where time is of the essence. The speedier the treatment in the case of heart attacks and strokes, the better the outcomes will be for patients. “The gold standard treatment for STEMIs is access to a 24-hour specialist centre such as Galway within 90 minutes of diagnosis. Usually, helicopter flight times to these specialist centres take little more than twenty minutes to complete.”

Not gone away: Rebels without a pause… It seems that Fianna Fáil’s rebel councillors haven’t gone away, you know. Last week, Cllr. Ivan Connaughton went public again on his falling out with party leader, Micheál Martin. Meanwhile, his outspoken colleague, Cllr. Paddy Kilduff, couldn’t resist bringing up grievances of the recent past when he addressed the AGM of Roscommon County Council. Cllr. Kilduff, paying tribute to outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr. Tony Ward, raised eyebrows when he then sort of ‘mentioned the war.’ Both Cllrs. Connaughton and Kilduff are at odds with their party’s leadership. His Roscommon rebels aren’t likely to be costing Micheál Martin any sleep, but still, Deputy Eugene Murphy and others would surely prefer if any tensions within the party locally were ironed out sooner rather than later. After all, councillors are very ‘useful’ before Selection Conventions and on the subsequent campaign trail! At the Council AGM, Cllr. Kilduff, who is

clearly still furious with how HQ has treated him, compared his own period as Cathaoirleach to the decidedly calmer environment during Cllr. Tony Ward’s term of office. Noting that Cllr. Ward had carried out his duties with great dignity and professionalism, Cllr. Kilduff said that Cllr. Ward, when Cathaoirleach, was allowed to “get on with his duties without having to worry about being dragged into needless controversies (and) sensational newspaper headlines…” Cllr. Kilduff, now on a roll, also made a veiled reference to the “illegal” recording of comments made by him at a party meeting in Strokestown some years ago. It seems that some tensions still remain in FF locally due to past controversies, but surely it’s time for all concerned to move on? New Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Orla Leyden, did say last week that all the FF councillors had been chatting together at the one dinner table recently – but were they discussing ‘just desserts’?! – PH

Pictured at the launch of An Inheritance Celebrated (at Abbey Boys NS) were Cllr. Kathleen Shanagher and Cllr. Tony Ward, outgoing Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council. Picture: Andrew Fox

Terry: ‘I’ll stand by ‘disenfranchised’ north’ “There is profound shock in north Roscommon and the Boyle area” following the recommendation that 7,800 members of the population in that area will be brought into the constituency of Sligo-Leitrim prior to the next General Election. That was the view of Senator Terry Leyden when he raised last week’s controversial pro-

posal on electoral boundaries. Speaking in the Seanad, he said: “This will break up and divide our county. It is against the principle of the commission. It breaks all the rules. The commission has brought the constituency of Mayo back to one county. There will not be another review until 2021.” Senator Leyden said that he is “gravely disappointed” on

behalf of the people of north Roscommon. “It is an area that will be disenfranchised from the rest of the county with regard to developments, progress and representation in Dáil Éireann. It is a blow, let us be quite frank about it. The people feel very let down, aggrieved and disappointed at what has happened.”

Roscommon People Friday 07 July 2017

NewsPeople

We mean action! Important meeting in Ballyleague Hall Work on the preparation of a communityled Local Action Plan for Ballyleague/ Lanesborough is about to start. Local communities have the power to shape the future of the areas they live and work in by participating in the development of local action plans. Your voice and opinions are important to the future development of the area. All sectors of the local community have a contribution to make including business, voluntary, environment, sporting, tidy

towns, angling, etc. The members of Lanesborough and Roscommon Municipal Districts invite you to attend a facilitated public consultation meeting to be held in the Ballyleague Community Hall on Monday, 10th of July at 7.30 pm. This is the start of a process of listening to local views and opinions about local needs which will help to develop a sustainable and realistic plan for the future development of your area. Have your say in developing your local area.

ADVERTORIAL

New Summer Dining Offer at the ‘Terrace Restaurant’ at the Abbey Hotel Why not enjoy the exciting new Summer Menu now available at the RAI award winning Terrace Restaurant at the Abbey Hotel Roscommon. The home of fine dining in Roscommon town are now offering 2 courses for only €19.95. Choose from 2 delicious courses either a starter & main course or main course and dessert for only €19.95. T&C apply. This offer available Monday to Thursday *6pm-9pm. Booking advised. Telephone 090 6626240.

New Summer Dining Offer at the ‘Terrace Restaurant’ at the Abbey Hotel

DINNER MENU: 2 COURSES FOR ONLY €19.95 Choose from 2 courses either a starter & main course or main course and dessert for only €19.95

EVENING DINNER OFFER MONDAY TO THURSDAY *6pm-9pm.

Pictured in Ballintubber on Sunday afternoon last were visiting American students Eva Stoneburner, Anna Marcella Goeller and Nora Magee. Picture: Andrew Fox

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Roscommon People Friday 07 July 2017

NewsPeople Emergency measures needed to address A&E crisis – Kerrane Sinn Féin Spokesperson for Roscommon Claire Kerrane has criticised the Government on the back of the latest figures released by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) which show that for the first six months of the year Irish hospitals recorded the highest levels of overcrowding since records began. Ms. Kerrane said: “51,321. That is the number of people who were forced to spend a night or more on a trolley for the first six months of this year. These are not just statistics, they are human beings. They are grandparents, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, sons, and daughters. “These numbers are a complete disgrace with 7,124 patients on trolleys, representing a 21% increase on June 2016. “The trolley crisis, like the waiting list crisis, is a symptom of a health service with huge capacity issues, beds and staff, as well as problems regarding the recruitment and retention of healthcare staff.” Ms. Kerrane said that due to the legacy of the recruitment embargo and subsequent funding cuts, beds have been closed, staff have been lost, and the capacity of the health service is far too small. Ms. Kerrane said that the Government’s nursing recruitment drive which aims to attract 100 nurses each month into the health service is failing. “Unless the Government show the leadership necessary and address the main issue of capacity – the lack of adequate beds and staff – then it will be the same story in six months’ time as beds and services will continue to be curtailed and trolley numbers will continue to grow. “The Government must acknowledge that their efforts to date are not working and they need to bring forward emergency measures to the A&E Taskforce meeting this week.”

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

Sean Keane in concert this Friday at Roscommon Arts Centre Sean Keane returns to Roscommon Arts Centre on Friday, 7th of July at 8 pm, following on from last December’s sell-out show, for another hugely entertaining evening of music. On the night Sean will be joined by Pat Coyne and Fergus Feely. Sean’s 10th solo album ‘New Day Dawning’ is proving very popular with his fans, and 2017 has been a busy year for Sean as he continues to tour and perform and make a number of TV appearances and

performances. New material like ‘Paint Me a Picture of Ireland’, ‘Don’t Teach Me How To Cry’ and ‘One More Hour’ are now becoming standards in his show and Sean will be performing from his large repertoire of songs on the night at Roscommon Arts Centre. Tickets are available from the box office on 090-6625824/www.roscommoncoco. ie

Varadkar: ‘Fate of Tarmonbarry Garda Station not our call’ Fianna Fáil TD for Roscommon-Galway Eugene Murphy has called on the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to re-open Tarmonbarry Garda Station as part of a Garda Station review which was included in the Programme for Government. Deputy Murphy made the comments during questions on promised legislation in the Dáil last week. Tarmonbarry is one of seven stations in the constituency which were closed since 2012. Under the terms of the Programme for Government, a new pilot scheme was launched to reopen six Garda stations. Deputy Murphy said: “I wish to refer to the clear commitment in the Programme for Government to reopen six Garda stations. It is said that two out of three is not bad but one out of six is very poor. I love my Capital city. I love Dublin and I have lots of friends here, but the one thing I want for my people in Roscommon is equality with Stepaside. Therefore, I ask the Taoiseach to reopen the Garda station in Tarmonbarry, County Roscommon. When will that happen? It is included in the commitments as one of the six pilot Garda stations to be reopened.” An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar replied: “The commitment was to open six Garda stations in urban and rural areas as part of a pilot scheme to see whether the re-opening of the stations has an impact on crime levels in those areas.” Then, alluding to it being the responsibility of the Garda authorities to determine such matters, the Taoiseach added: “However, the Government is not going to make a decision on which ones are opened and which are not.”

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Roscommon People Friday 07 July 2017

NewsPeople

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

Feighan receives updates on works around Roscommon Town and Knockcroghery

The ceremony will be hosted by television personality and GP, Dr. Pixie McKenna

Your chance to nominate Roscommon’s GP of the Year GPBuddy.ie, the online resource for GPs in Ireland, is calling on GPs and members of the public in Roscommon to submit their nominations for this year’s GPBuddy National GP Awards, in association with Affidea Ireland, ahead of the deadline on Friday, 14th of July. The annual GPBuddy Awards recognise excellence, innovation and collaboration among GPs in Ireland. Nominations are invited across 12 categories and the winners will be announced on Friday, 22nd of September at a ceremony hosted by television personality and GP, Dr. Pixie McKenna, in Dublin’s Shelbourne Hotel. As the first and only awards ceremony of its kind in Ireland, the GPBuddy Awards offer a unique opportunity to celebrate the dedication, commitment and innovation of the country’s GP community. Healthcare professionals throughout Roscommon can nominate themselves or a colleague, while patients are encouraged to vote for a Roscommon GP of their choice in the Patients’ Choice Award. To enter or nominate an individual or organisation, please visit www.gpbuddyawards.ie.

Senator Frank Feighan has received updates from Roscommon County Council regarding a number of works taking place around Roscommon Town and in Knockcroghery village. “Motorists using the N63 Athleague-Roscommon road into Roscommon Town have become well accustomed to temporary traffic lights in place on sections of the road. Motorists using the County Home Road will also be well aware of the diversion via the Ballinagard Road, which also has been in place for some time. “Meanwhile, traffic delays have been a regular feature in Knockcroghery village due to roadworks being carried out. “Irish Water, in conjunction with Roscommon County Council, has just completed repairing defects in the sewerage network on one section of the N63 AthleagueRoscommon road near the bridge at Abbeytown. “However, temporary lights on another section of this

road will be in place for a few more weeks as works on replacing a large culvert has got underway. “The Council has also informed me that the flood relief works taking place on the County Home Road from the Railway Crossing to the junction with the Ballinagard Road will soon be completed. The last phase is now underway with a new road surface being installed as part of the relief works which cost in the region of €100,000. “I also understand that

works involving new road surfaces in Main Street and Lanesboro Street in Roscommon Town will be taking place in a few months’ time. “Separately, motorists going through Knockcroghery village can expect an end to delays in the coming weeks when works on the Roscommon side of the village are completed. The temporary traffic lights have been in place for more than a month as works are being carried out on a traffic calming scheme.”

Works on Ballaghaderreen Water Main to be completed – Hopkins Fine Gael Senator Maura Hopkins has stated that it is positive that Irish Water are to carry out works on a section of water main at Dublin Road, Ballaghaderreen. “Irish Water confirmed to me this week that there have been 14 recorded bursts on the 12” trunk main between Ballaghaderreen and Tibohine in the last two years over a length of approximately 5.5km. The worst 750m length of this water main (close to Ballaghaderreen Town from Towey’s Filling Station out to the speed limit sign) has been approved for replacement. “Detailed design has been completed. Assessment of contractors’ tenders is currently being completed. It is anticipated that construction will commence towards the end of July/early August this year.” Senator Hopkins stated she has expressed her concerns over the past number of years that this issue required a long-term solution as it has resulted in disruption to water supply on many occasions for residents and business people in Ballaghaderreen. Senator Hopkins said the breakthrough followed lobbying by herself and local residents, and concluded: “I will continue to liaise with Irish Water to ensure that the project will now be completed in a timely manner.”

We put people ﬁrst

,ĂǀĞ ǇŽƵ ŚĞĂƌĚ ĂďŽƵƚ ƚŚĞ dĞůůƵƐ 'ƌŽƵŶĚ ^ƵƌǀĞǇ͍ /ƚ ŵĂǇ ďĞ ƌĞůĞǀĂŶƚ ƚŽ ǇŽƵ͘

tŚĂƚ ŝƐ ƚŚĞ dĞůůƵƐ ƐƵƌǀĞǇ͍ The survey is a national programme to examine the chemical and physical properties of our soil, rocks and water. Soil samples of 1 kg in weight will be taken down to a maximum depth of 50 cm. At stream sites, the samplers will collect small bottles of water and less than 500 g of sediment. The samples will then be analysed for a range of geochemical elements. tŚĞƌĞ ĂŶĚ ǁŚĞŶ ŝƐ ƚŚĞ ƐƵƌǀĞǇ ƵŶĚĞƌǁĂǇ͍ Sampling commenced in May and will continue until late autumn across counties Galway, Roscommon and neighbouring parts of Offaly, Westmeath and Longford. tŚŽ ŝƐ ĐĂƌƌǇŝŶŐ ŽƵƚ ƚŚĞ ƐƵƌǀĞǇ͍ Geological Survey Ireland is carrying out the survey; working with sampling teams from OCAE Consultants Ltd. It is funded by the Department of Communications, Climate Action & Environment. Sampling teams work in pairs and carry identification. tŚǇ ŝƐ ƚŚĞ ƐƵƌǀĞǇ ŶĞĐĞƐƐĂƌǇ͍ The information will allow us to make new geological maps, and help us to manage and make the best use of our environmental, agricultural and natural resources. It will be freely available to all. &Žƌ ŵŽƌĞ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƚŝŽŶ͕ ĐŽŶƚĂĐƚ ƵƐ͗ Geological Survey Ireland, Beggars Bush, Haddington Road, Dublin D04 K7X4, Ireland. Suirbhéireacht Gheolaíochta Éireann, Tor an Bhacaigh, Baile Átha Cliath D04 K7X4, Eire. E: tellus@gsi.ie

Freephone information line: d͗ ϭϴϬϬ ϯϬϯ ϱϭϲ

At a time when other institutions are scaling back services or closing branches, Roscommon Credit Union continue to put the needs of our members and the communities which we serve at the forefront of everything that we do. Whether you want to made a lodgement, apply for a loan, withdraw some of your hard earned savings or simply have a chat with a friendly member of staff (no machines), you’ll ﬁnd we’re always here to help you. Call in to any of our ofﬁces in Roscommon, Strokestown or Elphin or contact us today on 0906 626 657

Ireland Customer Experience Report 2016

WE LOOK AT THINGS DIFFERENTLY Loans are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply. If you do not meet the repayments on your loan, your account will go into arrears. This may affect your credit rating which may limit your ability to access credit in the future. Roscommon Credit Union Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

Roscommon Credit Union

Roscommon People Friday 07 July 2017

NewsPeople Day in the bog in Ballintubber – new date

The date of this year’s ‘Day in the bog’ during Ballintubber Heritage Festival has been changed from Tuesday 11th to Wednesday, 12th of July. All are welcome.

ticipating on the day, this race is the largest 10mile road race in Ireland in 2017. This year’s race has an international flavour, attracting not only an Olympian, but also international athletes and Irish World Champions! With runners from all over the country and our international athletics it is set to be a hotly contested race, with a guaranteed course PB recorded on the day. For our local Athletics Ireland running clubs, this race forms the County Championship, where clubs from Roscommon can compete for the prestigious title of County Champion. We encourage everyone along the course route to come out and support the runners on the day, and help make this race the best supported in the country. Follow our Facebook page to view the course route, and stay up to date with all things race related! https://www.facebook.com/rosharriers10miler/

NEWS…at a glance

2017 Percy French Festival underway

The Percy French Festival takes place in Castlecoote House from 5th-7th of July. The theme this year is ‘Towards a Third Republic’. The festival will feature some very wellknown speakers and musical events. Among those speakers are the former Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Michael McDowell, the award-winning columnist Sam Smyth, Eoin Ó Broin TD and Ivan Masina, Ambassador for the Republic of Croatia. Of local interest is a talk on Thursday on ‘Five houses in South Roscommon that shaped our national story: Rookwood, Mount Tablot, Castlecoote, Aughrane, Busypark’. All are welcome. For more information please contact 090-6663794.

Ballaghaderreen car boot and craft market

Lake & Legends Carnival 2017 This year’s Lake & Legends Carnival will take place from 14th-16th of July in Ballaghaderreen. A family fun day will take place on Saturday, 15th of July starting with a Town Treasure Hunt leaving from The Shambles, Ballaghaderreen at 3.30 pm. There will be a Dog Show in the Marquee, The Shambles at 4 pm and a Turf Throwing Competition at The Green, Ballaghaderreen at 4 pm also. On Sunday, 16th of July there will be a Fishing Competition at Lough Gara at 10 am. There will be heritage tours leaving from The Shambles, Ballaghaderreen at 12 pm. Bog Trail Walks be-

Eva Flynn, Seamus McPadden, Kevin McStay and Caoimhe Flynn pictured at the Connacht Senior Football Championship Final preview night in Ballyleague. Picture: Andrew Fox

gin at 1 pm and a Car Treasure Hunt will take place at 3 pm, leaving from The Shambles.

Olympian to run the Roscommon Harriers 10 Mile Road Race! Roscommon Harriers Athletic Club host their 4th annual 10 Mile Road Race this coming Saturday,

8th of July at 11.30 am from Hannon’s Hotel, Athlone Road, Roscommon. Voted as one of the top five 10 Mile Road races in Ireland four years in a row by ‘Running in Ireland’, this race has gone from strength to strength and has quickly become one of the major destination races in the running calendar. With over 450 runners par-

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

This month the Ballaghaderreen Car boot and Craft Market is taking place on 8th of July. The market is held being held across three shop units in Duffy’s SuperValu Carpark, and runs from 10 am until 3 pm. There will be a range of car boot stalls along with the Roscommon SPCA bric a brac and craft stall. Also attending we have a range of craft stalls including jewellery, knitwear, toys, cakes and bakes, jams, chutneys, woodturning and much more. Anyone wishing to book a stall for car boot or craft can do so by contacting Linda on 089-4447788.

Roscommon SPCA Church Gate Collections The following Roscommon SPCA Church Gate Collections will take place at Derrinacartha, Brusna, Clooneycolgan and Cloverhill on 15th and 16th of July. Your support is greatly appreciated.

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 07 July 2017

NewsPeople

Pictured at SuperValu on Saturday last were Jack McNally, Gavin Ryan, Shane Fleming, Sarah Barry, Eddie Kilmartin and Ian Hughes. Picture: Andrew Fox

Pictured at the new-look SuperValu, Roscommon on Saturday last were Maeve and Brian O’Connor and Loopy Loo. Picture: Andrew Fox

Pictured at the new-look SuperValu, Roscommon on Saturday last were Abigail Hefferon and Katherine Keenan. Picture: Andrew Fox

Family Fun Day at new-look SuperValu, Roscommon

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Pictured at the new-look SuperValu, Roscommon on Saturday last were Ian Hughes, Sarah Barry and Gavin Ryan. Picture: Andrew Fox

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Harrison Centre, ROSCOMMON TOWN 090 6637602 ● BALLAGHADERREEN 094 9877520 ● Garden St., BALLINA 096 21375 ● Bunree Rd., BALLINA 096 60340 ● CROSSMOLINA 096 31177 ● New Knocknacarra, Galway 091 590211 ● New Achill 098 45248. Join us online at www.molloyspharmacy.com or facebook.com/molloyspharmacy ●

Roscommon People Friday 07 July 2017

FarmingPeople

Why the CAP (Budget) must ﬁt! IFA Chief Healy makes case for increase The delivery of a strong, sustainable and competitive agriculture sector requires an increase in the CAP budget, IFA President Joe Healy has said. The IFA President said that in discussions on the future of the EU budget, strengthening existing common policies, such as the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), is critical to securing a strong future for the EU, and to demonstrate the positives of EU membership to citizens. “There is a tough negotiating road ahead but with an Irish Commissioner in place who understands agriculture and a Government that is aware of the importance of agriculture

to the Irish economy, this fight is far from over. “Member States must take into account the need for adequate funding to support the many economic, social and environmental benefits that are delivered through CAP, and to allow the policy to reform and respond to the demands of European society, and to emerging challenges in the areas of climate change and environmental sustainability. “It must be recognised that low farm incomes remain a major challenge. Cuts to the CAP budget have undermined the effectiveness of this Common Policy and its ability

to provide a fair standard of living for producers, who are meeting high regulatory standards in the areas of food safety, animal health, welfare and the environment, “Joe Healy said. The IFA President said that the departure of the UK from the EU would certainly pose challenges, as the UK is a net contributor to the overall EU budget. The current CAP runs to 2020 but the process to review the policy has commenced, with an open consultation in early 2017, the results of which will be discussed at a conference in Brussels on 7th of July.

IFA President Joe Healy

Irish cattle being loaded at Greenore port.

Roscommon People Mart Watch Castlerea Mart sample prices

Manager’s report… Brendan Egan, Castlerea Mart “There were 450 cattle on offer this week, with better quality cattle on offer and this was reflected in the prices paid, with a very strong trade prevailing for all classes of stock on offer. “Quality store bullocks and heifers were a firm trade, while the weanlings with strong export and feedlot demand reported good clearances. Increased numbers of runners on offer this week met a lively trade with good farmer demand. “Springer cows made up to €1270 per head while cows with calves at foot made from €1010 to €1850 per head.”

Bullocks

Calves

Ch 485kgs €1300, Ch 425kgs €1150, Ch 530kgs €1425, BBX 510kgs €1205, Ch 580kgs €1530, Lm 555kgs €1300, Ch 675kgs €1610.

Calves on offer made from €150 to €430 per head with stronger runner types making up to €650 per head.

Heifers

Weanling heifers

Ch 425kgs €1170, Lm 410kgs €1100, Lm 460kgs €1250, Ch 430kgs €1165, Si 550kgs €1350, Ch 600kgs €1450.

Lm 285kgs €925, AAX 280kgs €815, Lm 240kgs €770, BBx 360kgs €1160, Lm 360kgs €1100, Lmx 340kgs €1005.

Dry cows

Weanling bulls

Ch 720kgs €1480, Lm 760kgs €1465, AA 760kgs €1405, Ch 740kgs €1400, Ch 885kgs €1600.

Ch 285kgs €895, Lm 255kgs €740, SAX 235kgs €700, Ch 445kgs €1290, Lm 380kgs €1130.

Roscommon Mart sample prices Dry cows

Bullocks

Lm X 880kgs €1650, Lm X 690 kgs €1460, Lm X 695 kgs €1375, Char 660 kgs €1200, He X 705 kgs €1055, Lm X 645 kgs €1020, Simm X 655 kgs €925, Fr 635 kgs €830.

Char X 390 kgs €1060, Char X 485 kgs €960, Lm X 365 kgs €750, 2 AA X 325 kgs €725, AA X 340 kgs €700.

Heifers BBX 480 kgs €1110, Simm X 485 kgs €1100, BBX 410 kgs €950, Lm X 365 kgs €860, 2 HEX 367.5 kgs €790, 3 AA X 345 kgs €790, Lim X 335 kgs €750.

Spring lambs 57 kgs €123, 50.7 kgs €122, 50 kgs €120, 44.80 kgs €115.5, 46.5 kgs €115, 47.3 kgs €113, 45.6 kgs €112, 44.30 kgs €109, 44.2 €100, 42.1 kgs €96, 40.7 €90.50, 38.3 kgs €86.

Manager’s report… Maura Quigley, Roscommon Mart

Fitzmaurice in appeal to farmers on farm safety Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice has urged local farmers to be vigilant following recent farm tragedies. “It is the busiest time of the year for farmers and unfortunately there has been more loss of life on our farms over the past few weeks around the country” he said. “Farmers are very busy but they need to be conscious of children who are around the farm for the school holidays. Farmers need to be vigilant at all times despite the fact that they may be tired due to long hours of work every day. It is easy to make mistakes through tiredness so

farmers should be wary of this, especially when moving animals or operating machinery,” he said. “A lot of the accidents that we are seeing on farms are involving older or elderly farmers and that goes back to a point that I have been making on a constant basis, which is that we are not doing enough to attract young people into farming. The Government need to do far more work on this issue. “In the meantime I would urge all farmers to be extra careful in these busy times especially around animals and heavy machinery,” he concluded.

“There were smaller numbers on offer this week with prices for bullocks averaging from €2.20 per kilo up to €2.71 per kilo. There was a steady trade for heifers with prices ranging from €2.26 per kilo up to €2.70 per kilo. The numbers of dry cows on offer were small again this week, with prices averaging from €1.67 per kilo up to €2.11 per kilo. “A date for your diary next Friday (July 14th) is the Special 58th Anniversary Sale for heifers and bullocks at 11 am. “Meanwhile, we had a larger entry of sheep on offer last week. There was a steady trade for spring lambs with the tops making €123 for 57 kgs. Prices for cast ewes ranged from €73 up to €121 per head. Cast ewes made from €73 to €121 per lot while ewe with two lambs at foot made €245.”

Locally owned ... in the heart of the community

Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice

Roscommon People Friday 07 July 2017

PropertyPeople

FarmingPeople

House prices in Roscommon on the increase

(Serving Farmers for over 57 years)

Property Services Providers Licence No. 001373

Bullocks, Heifers & Dry Cows, Weanlings & Suckler Cows Each Friday at 11 a.m. Please note that Weanlings & Suckler Cows will be sold on Friday’s Until further notice -----------------

Date for your Diary 58th Anniversary Special Sales for Bullocks & Heifers Also Dry Cows, Suckler Cows & Weanlings Friday, July 14th at 11 a.m. Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 6th -----------

Lambs & Cast Ewes, Ewes with Lambs at Foot Each Wednesday at 11 a.m. ------------Wednesday, July 12th at 11 a.m.

Special Entry of 80 Excellent Quality Suffolk X Breeding Hoggets

House price inflation should remain strong in 2017 despite the likely abolition of the ‘Helpto-Buy’ scheme, according to the latest property report from MyHome.ie in association with Davy. The mix-adjusted price on newly-listed properties nationally rose by 5% in Q2, up 8.9% on the year. In Dublin, prices rose by 2.8% and are up 10.3% year on year. Newlylisted properties are seen as the most reliable indicator of future price movements. The mix-adjusted asking price for new sales nationally is now €251,500, an increase of

On the market at Galway Road, Roscommon Pat Hughes & Co. Ltd. Auctioneers & Valuers are reporting a lot of interest in a new four-bedroomed detached residence on a fully landscaped site at Galway Road, Roscommon, which went on the market last week. Accommodation consists of a sitting room, large kitchen cum dining room, and utility room. Upstairs consists of four bedrooms with one en-suite and a bathroom. The residence is finished to a very high standard, has a private garden to the rear and is located in one of Roscommon’s most sought after areas and is within walking distance of Roscommon Town. The garden is fully landscaped and maintenance-free. Viewing is a must. For further information or to arrange an appointment to view phone 090-6627003 or email info@pathughesauctioneers.com

Show at 11.30 a.m. Sale at 1.30 pm. Shearling rams, Ram lambs (Lots 1-45) Shearling ewes, Ewe lambs (Lots 46-59)

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

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

Bungalow on a large site Pat Hughes & Co. Ltd. Auctioneers & Valuers are offering an attractive three-bedroomed bungalow on a large site with a range of out-offices for sale this week. The residence, located at Tibohine, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon, is in excellent condition, very well maintained and has the benefit of mature lawns. The property is conveniently located only three miles from Ballaghaderreen. Viewing is highly recommended. For further information phone 090-6627003 or email info@pathughesauctioneers.com

Auctioneers & Chartered Surveyors Main Street, Ballygar. Tel 090 6624531 087 2786664 moranandco.ie PSRA no. 001472

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

Irish Vendéen Sheep Society Premier Show and Sale on Wednesday 12th July 2017

over €24,000 in the last six months. The corresponding figure for Dublin is €360,000, an increase of €32,000. One trend in the report has been a strong ‘catch up’ in areas where the recovery in house prices began later. In Roscommon this was less evident than many other counties. The price of 4-bed semis actually fell by 9% in Q2 to €99K but this was still an increase of 13% year on year. The price of 3-bed semis in the county remained unchanged at €75K for quarter two. This was up 3.4% year on year.

Newbridge, Co. Galway.

Cloonakilleg, Mount Talbot

Forestry For Sale

Lands For Sale

Total Area c. 37.75 acres Investment Opportunity The lands were planted in a partnership with Coillte in 2004 and are laid out in three divisions. Inspection recommended. Details from the auctioneers.

Total Area c. 16 acres The holding comprises some top quality farm lands and grazing lands in one division, outbuildings and potential to construct a dwellinghouse subject to planning. Full details from the auctioneers.

Ballygar, Co. Galway

4 Bed. Two Storey Residence

3 Bed. Semi-Detached For Sale By Private Treaty

For Sale By Private Treaty

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 information or any enquiries phone 090-6627003 or email info@ pathughesauctioneers.com

Kilteevan cottage available Pat Hughes & Co. Ltd. Auctioneers & Valuers are offering this week new to the market a four-room cottage in need of total refurbishment located at Cloonmore, Kilteevan, Co. Roscommon. Offers in excess of €60,000 are being considered. For further information or to make an appointment to view contact the office on 090-6627003 or email info@ pathughesauctioneers.com

Keen interest in Elphin property

BALLINASLOE

Daily collection

KEEP YOUR FARM SAFE

Seeks properties…

Prime Location Viewing Recommended

Good Location Investment opportunity or family home

Pat Hughes & Co. Ltd. Auctioneers & Valuers are confirming that there is a lot of interest in a three-bedroomed semidetached residence for sale this week at Newline Road, Elphin, Co. Roscommon. The residence stands on a large site, which would have development potential subject to planning permission being granted. Viewing is highly recommended. For further details or to arrange an appointment contact Pat on 090-6627003 or email info@pathughesauctioneers. com.

Roscommon People Friday 07 July 2017

PropertyPeople Auctioneers & Valuers NO. 1 ABBEY ST., ROSCOMMON. TEL 090 66 27003. FAX 090 66 26296 EMAIL info@pathughesauctioneers.com Web: www.pathughesauctioneers.com

NEW TO THE MARKET THIS WEEK at ARAN COURT, GALWAY ROAD, ROSCOMMON

Attractive 4 bedroomed detached residence. Accommodation consists of sitting room, kitchen cum dining room, utility, downstairs toilet. Upstairs consists of 4 Bedrooms with one en-Suite and a bathroom. The residence is finished to a high standard. Viewing is a must. Selling to offers in excess of €200,000.

FOR SALE Convenient to Roscommon Circa 35 acres of pit silage must be drawn away.

TO LET TO LET: Convenient to Roscommon town 4 bay double slatted shed. TO LET: Circa 8 acres of meadow at Roxboro. TO LET: At Culleen, Kilteevan circa 12 acres of meadow.

Six properties for auction on Friday, July 14th with Connaughton Auctioneers C

Auctioneers’ third Property Auction this year will take place in Gleeson’s Townhouse, Roscommon on Friday, July 14th, where six properties go under the hammer with the auction to commence at 2 pm sharp. With properties on offer in counties Roscommon, Galway and Sligo, Auctioneer Ivan Connaughton, MSCSI MRICS MIPAV states “we are delighted to offer to market a range of properties including agricultural lands and residential. The improving market conditions have ensured substantial interest in each lot and our auction offers a clear process for sellers and prospective purchasers to dispose/purchase a property in a timely manner, with sales usually closing 28 days after auction. We have three more property auctions planned for this year in August, October and December.” On offer in the auction on Friday, 14th of July are – Mullaghroe, Boyle: A two-bedroomed two-storey residence in need of minor works standing on c.1 acre at end of country lane, just off the Boyle/ Gorteen road. Near Lough Gara, this property has a reserve of €25,000. Ballinagard Road, Roscommon Town: onnaughton

PSRA Licence No. 001350

A four-bedroomed bungalow in excellent condition in much sought after residential area with garage to side on a large site with a reserve of €70,000. c.5.28 acres at Lisnaville Fuerty: Prime lands located c.4 miles from Roscommon Town fronting onto two roads with potential for site (subject to planning) with a reserve of €20,000. C.5.7 acres at Cloonlaughnan, Mount Talbot: Prime lands set out in two lots located just outside village, on the Four Roads road with a reserve of €20,000. Glentaun Village, Ballinasloe Town: Exceptional five-bedroomed residence in showhouse condition located in much sought-after area behind Dubarry, close to all amenities and the M6 motorway with a reserve of €235,000. C.34 acres at Mountplunkett, Lecarrow: Prime lands adjacent to Lecarrow Village with ‘Mountplunkett House’ standing thereon. These lands hold huge potential due size and location. For further details on any of the properties in the Auction, Connaughton Auctioneers can be contacted on 090-6663700. Viewing of any of the properties can be accommodated by appointment.

●

Ivan Connaughton.

Property Sales Lettings Valuations ●

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

PUBLIC AUCTION REMINDER

PUBLIC AUCTION

FOR SALE

FRIDAY 14TH JULY 2017 @ 2PM

FRIDAY 28th JULY 2017 @ 2.30 PM Location: The Malt House, Mountbellew, Co. Galway

FINAL OFFERS BY 12 O’CLOCK FRIDAY 14TH JULY

Prime Commercial/ Residential Property on c.0.5 Acres at

One Bedroom Residence at

Six Properties For Sale By Public Auction

THE SQUARE, MOUNTBELLEW, CO. GALWAY

BREDAGH, DYSART, CO. ROSCOMMON

Location: Gleeson’s Townhouse, Roscommon Town

Two Bedroom Residence on c.1 acre at Mullaghroe, Boyle, Co. Sligo Reserve: €25,000 Four Bedroom Bungalow at Ballinagard Road, Roscommon Town Reserve: €70,000 c.5.28 Acres at Lisnaville, Fuerty, Co. Roscommon Reserve: €20,000 c.5.7 Acres at Cloonlaughnan, Mount Talbot, Co. Roscommon Reserve: €20,000

• • • •

Prime Commercial/ Residential town centre property Former Public House/ Electrical Store Commercial unit to front c.560 Sq.Ft Seven-bedroom residence adjoining over two floors • Overall site area c.0.5 acres with huge potential • Extensive range of outbuildings to rear • Viewing highly recommended

For Sale By Public Auction 28th July 2017 SOLICITOR FOR THE CARRIAGE OF SALE: MICHELLE MELLOTTE SLR, WALKER O’CARROLL & HOGAN, THE NEALE HOUSE, MOUNTBELLEW, CO. GALWAY TEL: 090-9679377

For further details, brochure, viewing and solicitors for carriage of sale for each property, contact the office on 090-6663700

Final offers by 12 o’clock Friday 14th July 2017

FOR SALE BY PRIVATE TREATY

NEW TO THE MARKET

ALL OFFERS AFTER €100,000 FOR IMMEDIATE SALE

KILCLOUGH, NEWBRIDGE, CO. GALWAY

Spacious Bungalow Residence on c.0.57 Acres at

CURRAGHREEVAGH, CREGGS, CO. GALWAY

Five Bedroom Residence at Glentaun Village, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway Reserve: €235,000 c.34 Acres at Mountplunkett, Lecarrow, Co. Roscommon Unless Previously Sold

• Charming one bedroom bungalow residence • Potential to create additional bedroom • Standing on c.0.5-acre mature site • Excellent views of surrounding countryside • Located c.0.7 miles from Dysart • Convenient to Athlone, Ballinasloe & Roscommon • Call the office today on 090-6663700 to arrange a viewing

• Very spacious four-bedroom bungalow • Attic area c.1,080 sq.ft suitable for conversion • Substantially complete and being sold as it stands • Standing on c.0.57 Acres • Located between the villages of Creggs & Glinsk • Viewing highly recommended • For further details contact the office on 090-6663700

c.11.95 Acres Forestry at • Prime forestry comprising c.11.95 set out in two lots • Renowned area for good quality Sitka Spruce trees • Planted c.19 years ago with one premium remaining • No thinning done to date • Convenient to Newbridge, Ballygar & Creggs • Offers after €30,000 for immediate sale For further details call the office on 090-6663700

Roscommon People Friday 07 July 2017

PropertyPeople PSA Licence number: 001481 PSRA Licence No. 001481

Attractive Roscommon Townhouse new to the market at Earley’s

John Earley, FIPAV of Property Partners Earley, Roscommon is this week offering new to the market an attractive three-bedroomed townhouse residence of c.1,100 sq. ft. located at Athlone Road, Roscommon town. Price guide: €100,000 ono to sell. John describes the property as

an “extremely attractive threebedroomed townhouse of c. 1,100 sq. ft. located adjacent to the town centre at Athlone Road comprising of a reception hallway, sitting room, living room, kitchen, utility, three bedrooms on the first floor and yardway at the rear.” This property would be an ide-

al family house or investment property due to its location. For further details or to arrange a viewing, contact John Earley, FIPAV of Property Partners Earley, Stone Court, The Square, Roscommon on 0906626579 or email jearley@ propertypartners.ie or log onto www.propertypartners.ie.

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

FOR SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION

‘’PADDY FINNS BAR’’, KILTEEVAN ROSCOMMON ON FRIDAY 21ST JULY 2017 AT 4 P.M. ON THE PREMISES (UNLESS PREVIOUSLY SOLD)

David Difﬂey’s Property of the Week

David Diffley, MIPAV, TRV of Property Partners Earley, Roscommon is this week offering new to the market a quality three-bedroomed semi-detached two-storey residence of c. 1,018 sq. ft. located at 16, Lisnaree, Lisroyne, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon as his property of the week. Guide price: €75,000 ono to sell. David describes the property as “a quality semi-detached residence located in a select residential area located beside Strokestown and all amenities. The residence is finished to a good standard throughout and the auctioneers not invite immediate viewings and all offers to sell.” For further details, please contact David Diffley, MIPAV, TRV of Property Partners Earley, Roscommon on 0906626579, logonto www.propertypartners.ie or email ddiffley@propertypartners.ie.

A renowned and established highly attractive residential 7 day licenced premises located in the heart of Kilteevan village, beside Roscommon town. This character and established property offers a superior standard of fit-out with luxury 2 B/R residential accommodation on the 1st floor. “Paddy Finns” is a renowned hub for all local functions and holds excellent potential to further develop and enhance its existing trade. Offering a turn key opportunity to the would be purchaser, this is a once is a lifetime chance to acquire one of the regions best known trading houses. LEGAL: MESSERS PATRICK J NEILAN & CO, ROSCOMMON. 090 66 26245. BER: D1. THE AUCTINEER NOW INVITES VIEWINGS -------------------------------------------------------------------

Galway Road, Roscommon.

Property of the Week with John Earley John Earley, FIPAV of Property Partners Earley is this week offering to the market a most attractive four-bedroomed splitlevel residence of c. 2,025 sq. ft. for sale at Stonepark, Galway Road, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon. John describes the property as “a most attractive residence standing on a beautifully mature site area beside Roscommon town.” The residence offers spacious living accommodation throughout with the benefit

of a most convenient location only c. 2.8 km from Roscommon town centre. “This is a quality property to come on the market in this highly sought after residential location and the auctioneers now invite immediate viewings and all offers for sale.” For further details or to arrange a viewing, please contact John Earley, FIPAV of Property Partners Earley, Roscommon on 090-6626579 or email jearley@propertypartners.ie.

Viewing of Tulsk farm recommended

FOR SALE BY PRIVATE TREATY

Kilbarry, Whitehall, Tarmonbarry, Co. Roscommon Spacious Three Bedroom Detached Bungalow ● Standing on a C. 0.5 acre mature site ● Integrated Garage ● Conservatory ●

Pat Hughes & Co. Ltd. Auctioneers & Valuers are confirming that the company are offering a circa 66-acre residential farm for sale by private treaty or public auction at a later date, located at Glenballythomas, Tulsk, Co. Roscommon. Most of the lands are of top quality with the benefit of a range of out-offices including a five-bay slatted shed, silage base, hay shed and various other stores. The residence is a three-bedroomed farmhouse. There is also an old two-storey derelict residence on the farm, which would be suitable for renovations sibject

to planning permission being granted. The property has excellent road frontage and is located only a short distance off the main Frenchpark to Tulsk road in a renowned farming area. The lands can be sold in one or more lots to suit. Viewing is highly recommended. Pat is encouraging local farmers to talk to him, and says this is an ideal opportunity to increase your holding or a nice compact farm. For further details or for any enquiries please contact the office on 090-6627003 or email info@pathughesauctioneers. com

NEW TO THE MARKET A SELECT HOLDING OF LANDS LOCATED AT

BRACKLOON AND RATHBRENNAN, MOUNT PROSPECT, ROSCOMMON, CO. ROSCOMMON C.34.5 ACRES WITH CHARACTER RESIDENCE STANDING THEREON OF C. 900 SQ FT.

The said property which is located on the outskirts of Roscommon Town can be sold in one or more lots should market interest dictate. LOT 1 : The entire property c. 34.5 acres with character residence LOT 2 : Character Residence standing on c. 0.8 of an acre LOT 3 : c. 3 3.7 acres of lands only LOT 4 : Lands set adjacent to the said residence c. 18.0 acres LOT 5 : Lands located at Rathbrennan c.15.7 acres. LEGAL: RODDY MCCRANN SOLICITOR, CHURCH ST, ROSCOMMON, 090 66 26269. -------------------------------------------------------------------

NEW TO THE MARKET A quality 3 B/R bungalow residence located at

RUNNABRACKEN, BALLINAHEGLISH, ROSCOMMON, CO. ROSCOMMON

Fuel Shed Tool Shed ● Tarmac Driveway ● Oil/Solid Fuel Heating ● Located in a Rural Countryside Setting ● ●

--------------------------------------------------TP Walsh Auctioneers would also like to wish the Roscommon team the very best of luck in the Connacht final this weekend.

--------------------------------------------------Viewing 7 days by appointment Call TP Walsh Auctioneers Rooskey/Dromod – 0877691518 Info@tpwalshauctioneers.ie View On - Daft.ie & www.tpwalshauctioneers.ie

A most attractive detached bungalow residence located in this highly sought after location approx. 10 minutes drive to Roscommon Town just off the main N61 roadway in this quiet countryside setting. A property of immense character and we now invite viewings and offers. JOINT SELLING AGENT: CATHAL O’BRIEN ESTATE AGENT, CLEABOY, BALLINTUBBER, CO. ROSCOMMON. TEL: 087 2613617.

Roscommon People Friday 07 July 2017

NewsPeople newsbrief Fitzmaurice wants Galway Council to recruit more staff Independent TD for Roscommon/Galway Michael Fitzmaurice has called on Galway County Council to recruit more staff in order to carry out essential works immediately. He made his comments amid reports that the number of drivers being employed by the Council could be reduced down to six. “A lot of staff in Galway County Council have retired and have not been replaced over the years. That was due to embargoes and other reasons. But there seems to be a very low number of drivers in the yard for Galway County Council at the moment. “I am of the strong opinion that the County Manager must now give the go-ahead to take on the required number of people, not alone drivers, to carry out works that need to be done around the county. Area engineers tell me that they have not got the people to do general basic maintenance work, especially at this time of the year,” he said. “More and more of the Council’s work is being subbed out but we still need a certain number of workers to carry out vital work around the county and at the moment there are simply not enough drivers and other staff there. I know that there are proposals on the table in relation to recruitment and a decision must be made now. “The rises in pay that have been agreed and that must be paid for out of the Council budget must not be used as an excuse not to recruit additional staff and I think that’s what’s happening at the moment, which is an unsatisfactory situation,” he concluded.

Murphy makes case for return of Town Councils Fianna Fáil TD Eugene Murphy has spoken in favour of the restoration of Town Councils –which he says have the effect of empowering local communities. Deputy Murphy was speaking during a Dáil debate on a Fianna Fáil Bill which aims to re-establish town councils in every county across Ireland. He said that the Local Government (Establishment of Town Councils Commission) Bill 2017 aims to bring decision-making power back to local communities. All 80 town councils were abolished in 2014 by the then Fine Gael/Labour Government. Deputy Murphy: “The fundamental purpose of the Bill is to empower local communities by enabling towns across Ireland to have a strong voice to fight their corner. “What the former Minister Phil Hogan did to local democracy was outrageous when he abolished the town council system, leaving many urban areas without a voice. “There was a lot of sneering at town councils at the time. People claimed they were only talking shops but the larger town councils did a lot of good work for their areas. The pride in their locality was second to none and they gave a focus and a national profile to their towns. “Ballinasloe is a case in point – with a population close to 7,500, many people in Ballinasloe feel they have completely lost out since the town council was abolished. Ballinasloe is a great community, there are great people with great ideas and fantastic plans going forward and I feel the re-establishment of the town council would be a strong vote of confidence in the area and bring a renewed focus and energy to the area. “We need local solutions to local problems. A new town council system, with real powers and resources, will help us achieve that.” Deputy Murphy said his party’s Bill sets out a strict timeframe that will have the new structures up and running by the next local elections, which are due to be held in May 2019.

PEOPLE PLATFORM The Tour de France and TG4 A reader writes in: “This year’s Tour de France is being broadcast live on TG4. The scenery from the helicopter filming is only stunning, the atmosphere on the ground superb. “Even for those not interested in cycling, it would make you feel you are missing out on something special. “Commentary and chat is by TG4’s Paudie Ó Lionaird, who has a good knowledge of bikes and France, and Seán Ó Cuinn, a former professional cyclist, who knows his cycling, geography and French. Well worth watching. A much shortened version can be seen each night – for those who have work to do during the day.”

Mike de Jong replies to Minister Naughten’s reply to Mike de Jong! Dear Editor, Minister Denis Naughten deserves credit for publicly debating his proposed new rules on wind turbine noise in last week’s Roscommon People. His contention is that the issue is one of containing the noise from wind turbines rather than proximity to homes. Is he aware that the closest homes to the Sliabh Bán wind turbines are more than 700 metres away and that under his new rules the closest house could be 536 metres distance? Personally I would hate to be under the shadow of a 131.5 metre tall turbine that close to my home. On the issue of noise, his proposed 43 DBA noise limit is exactly the same as what it has always been, apart from some adjustment in the night-time noise limits. Unfortunately, measuring noise in DBA is

Noel Connolly, outgoing Roscommon Lions Club President, passes the chain of office over to Dermot Cox, incoming Lions Club President. Report on AGM in our next issue. Picture: Andrew Fox

outdated and inaccurate. According to Dr. Mariana Alves Prereira, an international expert on wind turbine noise, modern noise measurement uses DB Linear, which much more accurately measures the important low frequency noise range. (Wind Turbine Noise Seminar, Bridge Hotel, Tullamore, 30/6/17). In earlier discussions of new guidelines the Government mooted that 40 DBA should be the new noise limit and it is no wonder that everyone hoping for a positive outcome from the three-year wait for new guidelines are extremely disappointed. So disappointed in fact, that subsequent to Minister Naughten’s announcement of new wind farm rules, Laois county councillors voted to ban all wind turbines from County Laois (Midlands Radio 103, 26/6/17), and Longford

county councillors voted for a 1000% increase in development fees associated with wind farms (Shannonside Radio, 15/6/17). Minister Naughten stated that under the new wind farm rules the noise from wind turbines would be no louder than a bird (Irish Independent, 25/6/17). Can I state categorically that the noise from turbines does not sound like a bird, but more like an oscillating jet engine. For people living near wind turbines an oscillating jet engine noise, even if it is the volume of a bird, is not a pleasant sound to hear in your home twenty four hours a day. Mike de Jong, Aghaclogher, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon

Your chance to support Aisling’s Memorial Fund The Aisling Duggan Memorial Fund is hosting a Family Fun Day at Carrick-on-Shannon Golf Club on Friday, 14th July from 11 am. There will be music, face

Feighan update on Rehab Unit Senator Frank Feighan has said plans are well advanced to put in place a design team for the €7.5m Specialist Rehab Unit planned at Roscommon Hospital. “The brief has now been prepared and finalised for this development by the Capital Project Group in association with representatives from the National Rehabilitation Hospital, Dublin (NRH). “Following its finalisation, the brief has been submitted to the HSE in order to procure a design team and bring the project to design stage. “This stand-alone 10-bed Medical Rehabilitation Unit on the grounds of Roscommon Hospital will operate as a satellite centre under the auspices of the NRH and will relieve pressure on existing services.”

Dermot is new Lions President…

Aisling Duggan RIP.

painting and a bouncy castle for kids to enjoy all day. Speaking about the memorial fund, Aisling’s father, John Duggan said: “On the 8th of

January last our darling daughter Aisling passed away suddenly. It is our understanding at this stage that she died from acute viral myocarditis, an extremely rare disease in which a virus attacks the heart muscle and stops the heart from beating. Unfortunately there is no treatment or cure for this disease and our poor Aisling had no chance of survival.” John continued: “She was just 5 years old, a healthy and happy little girl, a whirlwind of immense energy in our home and an idol and loving older sister to Clodagh and Cathal. “In September she started school in Carrick National School in Ballinlough. To say she loved it is an understate-

ment and she was eagerly looking forward to her 2nd term. Sadly, for all her enthusiasm she would only ever complete one school term but the image of the happiness she beamed while going to school will be forever in our memory.” A very serious safety issue currently exists at Aisling’s school in relation to the dropping off and picking up of pupils due to the absence of any parking facilities. The school is located on a busy national road. To address this a committee was set up last autumn. John Duggan: “Aisling was aware that I was on the committee. She understood the importance of it and was excited and proud of my involvement. We have set up a

fund in Aisling’s memory and it is our wish to have the funds directed specifically towards the development of a car park at her school. “Emphasising how grateful the fund is for any support and donations received, John said: “As her heartbroken parents it would give us some solace to know that Aisling contributed to her school becoming a safer place for pupils, parents and staff alike. A Golf Classic/Rumble will also take place in aid of the Aisling Duggan Memorial Fund on Thursday, 13th and Friday, 14th of July at Carrick-on-Shannon Golf Club. To donate visit www.gofundme.com/ aisling-duggan-memorial-fund.

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

WEEKEND PEOPLE Roscommon People Friday 07 July 2017

ONLY A GAME?

Anything on this weekend? Frank Brandon and Seán Lohan pictured outside O’Roarke’s in Creggs. We report from behind enemy lines on pages 4 & 5 of our Connacht Final pull-out. Picture: Andrew Fox

Actually, it’s a little bit more than that…  PAUL HEALY

nly a game? Nah, it’s a bit more than that…

It’s expression given to the beating heart of your community. It’s lining the pitch, standing in as umpire, togging out as a slightly portly veteran with the juniors, heckling from behind the goal, meeting former team-mates and opponents, recalling old battles. It’s a flask and sandwiches (occasionally known to contain ham) lovingly packed into the boot of the car (even in food outlet frenzied Ireland, the tradition continues for some fans). It’s the dirty boots and the rest of the gear thrown into the back kitchen and then the rush of adrenaline as the jerseys sparkle on the line and match-day nears. Only a game? It’s a bit more than that. It’s the signature tune from The Sunday Game. It’s Michael Lyster forlornly trying to remain diplomatic and inoffensive as Brolly deliberately and sometimes mischeviously elevates the edge

of the debate. It’s the privilege, for all those years, of being able to chat to Jimmy Murray as he washed glasses behind his bar counter…such fraternising with folklore. It’s like you were in the habit of calling into Bobby Charlton’s house and casually assuming that he would indulge you for an hour

It’s about the life the match pumps into the pubs and shops and streets, as every angle is discussed and no cliché is, er…left unturned. It’s about the rumours, the gossip, the illinformed speculation, the often non-existent row in the camp. Only a game? I don’t think so. It’s about the

20-page Connacht Final Special inside this week’s Weekend People or two, any evening. Only a game? But sure our heroes walk amongst us! It’s getting a good ten minutes’ conversation with passengers about where best to park the car. Then it’s about ‘parking up,’ congratulating the driver (“that’ll be handy, and she’s faced for home”) and walking, coat under arm (“in case”) towards whatever field of dreams it is today.

rivalry with the noisy neighbours and the considerable status of those bragging rights. It’s about our culture and our identity, and pride of place. It’s about bringing your children into this world…this GAA world…and passing into their safekeeping the wonder of it all. It’s about the slow-moving turnstile, the chip

van (“can of Fanta with that, please”), the quickening of your step as you get closer to the stand/ terrace, the shuffling slow dance as you try to avoid the teams of toes that lead to your seat, the nod to neighbours and friends, the initial quick glance at the match programme, the adrenaline surge when your team appears on the field, the nervous energy during the procession, the pride married with anxiety as the National Anthem is played, then the formal shutting down of everything else in the world when the din rises and the man in black simultaneously relieves the pre-throw-in tension and creates a whole new emotional rollercoaster. Only a game? Nah. It’s much, much, more. In summer, it’s often the link between our Sundays, the pep in the step when a lift is needed, a tonic in our lives. It’s the never-ending journey. It continues on Sunday in Pearse Stadium. And everyone, in some shape or form or guise, will be there. Including in spirit. Only a game? You must be joking!

Roscommon People Friday 07 July 2017

WeekendPeople

Frank Brandon Why all bets are off (for me, anyway) It’s a normal enough Monday morning and even though I am not working I am up at the usual early hour, (well, fairly early) and sitting in front of my very small Samsung tablet, wondering what I might write about this week. Galway hurlers and Kerry footballers have both had their expected wins in their respective provincial finals, all the fancied teams made it through the qualifiers in both hurling and football, and my mind went back to a text message that I got from a friend on Saturday morning, giving me a “guaranteed” winning accumulator bet on the weekend’s sporting activity. In case you don’t know, an accumulator is exactly what it says on the tin; a number of bets that keep on rolling over and usually pay out big amounts if they win. Needless to say most of them don’t and they simply contribute to the ever-expanding profits of the major bookmaking chains. Anyway, my friend did his bet and as I watched Mayo stagger over the line in their Saturday evening game against Derry, I wondered how he was reacting. All his other predictions were up, but he needed Mayo to win, in normal time! As the game reached its final few moments, Derry held a one-point lead, only for young Conor Loftus to score an amazing goal, followed by an equally audacious point to give the westerners a three-point lead as we entered the last few seconds. In my mind’s eye, I could see my mate jumping round his room, roaring at the ref to blow the final whistle, thanking God and Conor Loftus and everyone else for the extraordinary turnaround – when Derry sent a long ball into the

Mayo goalmouth. Time must have stood still as he watched the ball float into the square, three players rose for it, the Derry player got his fist to it, and horror of horrors, there it was in the back of the net. The game ended in a draw and even though Mayo won by a big margin after extra-time, my mate’s bet was gone and I can only imagine how badly he felt after an unbelievable rollercoaster of emotions. By the way, the ball (for the Derry goal) went through the net and the thought crossed my mind as to how a football could go through a net and if it happened in a club match in a small place like Creggs there would be serious repercussions! Thank God, it didn’t make any difference to the result but it shouldn’t have happened in such an important game. Anyway, it all led me to think about the whole business of gambling. Now apart from the occasional flutter I am not a gambler – and I absolutely hate losing money, so I was never likely to be one. Now, however, with online gambling, phone access and betting on absolutely everything, it is very easy to get sucked into a very dangerous, albeit enjoyable, pastime. Gambling addiction has become a major problem in this country, and while official figures are hard to come by, it is estimated that there are at least 50,000 ‘problem’ gamblers out there and what is even more frightening, is that it can all be done quietly on the mobile so most of them are secretive gamblers. They can be sitting at home, watching television or reading the paper like any normal person and yet be

SUNDAY GOSPEL REFLECTION Jesus is portrayed in today’s Gospel as a new and greater Moses. Moses, the meekest man on earth (see Numbers 12:3), was God’s friend (see Exodus 34:12,17). Only he knew God “face to face” (see Deuteronomy 34:10). And Moses gave Israel the yoke of the Law, through which God first revealed himself and how we are to live (see Jeremiah 2:20; 5:5). Jesus too is meek and humble. But He is more than God’s friend. He is the Son who alone knows the Father. He is more also than a law-giver, presenting himself today as the yoke of a new Law, and as the revealed Wisdom of God. As Wisdom, Jesus was present before creation as the firstborn of God, the Father and Lord of heaven and earth (see Proverbs 8:22; Wisdom 9:9). And He gives knowledge of the holy things of the kingdom of God (see Wisdom 10:10). In the gracious will of the Father, Jesus reveals these things only to the childlike those who humble themselves before Him as little children (see Sirach 2:17). These alone can recognize and receive Jesus as the just savior and meek king promised to daughter Zion, Israel, in today’s First Reading. We too are called to childlike faith in the Father’s goodness, as sons and daughters of the new kingdom, the Church. We are to live by the Spirit we received in baptism (see Galatians 5:16), putting to death our old ways of thinking and acting, as Paul exhorts in today’s Epistle. Our “yoke” is to be His new law of love (see John 13:34), by which we enter into the “rest” of His kingdom. As we sing in today’s Psalm, we joyously await the day when we will praise His name forever in the kingdom that lasts for all ages. This is the sabbath rest promised by Jesus first anticipated by Moses (see Exodus 20:8-11), but which still awaits the people of God (see Hebrews 4:9). Scott Hahn Ph.D., www.salvationhistory.com (and courtesy of Sacred Heart Church)

losing huge sums of money at the same time. Two well-known intercounty footballers, Armagh legend, Oisin McConville, and Offaly All Star, Niall McNamee, have in recent years told of their struggles with gambling addiction and of the terrible toll it took on their lives and on the lives of their families and friends and the most frightening thing is that they both started off at a relatively modest level. Soon however, it spiralled out of control and both of them ended up owing thousands of pounds, lying to people, and basically living lives that were totally out of control. Thankfully each of them got sufficient help to turn their lives around. Obviously not everyone gets into that level of trouble, but as with alcohol, I believe the seeds are in us all. It can be very difficult to leave a pub when the crack is ninety, but some people can and others can’t. Similarly with gambling it can get a hold on you and everyone says the whole thing is that you always think you will get the one big win to get you out; the big win, of course, seldom comes. The signs can be hard to spot but as one counsellor said in an article I read “if you are gambling on such sports as South American 3rd division football games” solely because there is nothing else on in the middle of the night, then it might be time to take a look at yourself. As to my friend and his ‘guaranteed’ winning accumulator, thankfully I ignored his advice and kept my money in my pocket. Knowing him I have no doubt that come the weekend he’ll have another absolute cert for me. I will ignore him again.

FRANK BRANDON’S

unique take on life ...

Showtime in Claremorris! My good friend, Annette Griffin, tells me that herself and John Staunton, in conjunction with the McWilliam Park Hotel and the Western Care Association, are putting on their Summer Cabaret and world class show in the McWilliam Park Hotel on Wednesday, 19th of July; doors opening 8 pm with the show starting at 9 pm sharp. Gerry Guthrie, Brendan Shine, Billy Condon, the Turley Duggan academy dancers, comedian Frank Forde and Annette and John themselves will be providing the entertainment and having been there last year, I can tell you that this is one show not to be missed. This is your chance to see a world class cabaret show on your own doorstep so put the 19th of July in your diary and make sure you head for Claremorris and I, please God, will see you there.

Fifty years on… a big night Finally for this week, fifty years ago our local football team won the junior County football final by beating St. Brigid’s in a tough battle in Knockcroghery and on this Friday night a presentation is taking place in Mikeen’s to members of the winning panel. Everyone is invited to come and meet the men who brought honour and glory to our village half a century ago and this, too, has a nine o’clock kick-off. I know it’s tough on me but once again, I will try to be next week, there and hope to meet you all! ‘Till

Bye for now

Ladies Day a highlight of Races in Roscommon next week

Aisling O’Loughlin

Racing and fashion tend to go together. But the competition can be just as fierce in both! Ladies Day and a big feature race are just some of the highlights of Roscommon’s two-day meeting this coming Monday and Tuesday, 10th and 11th of July. The first white flag will be raised on Monday at 5.55 pm. Ladies Day is an established fixture on the racing calendar for many years and with big prizes on offer for both the competition on the track and inside the enclosure, this year is sure to prove as popular as ever. The feature race on Monday evening is the Lenebane Stakes, with €45,000 in prizemoney. This is a listed flat race over one and a half miles and there will certainly be some high class horses contesting this event. Once again SuperValu, County Roscommon, is sponsoring Ladies Day. First prize is a €1,200 cash prize. The other nine finalists will receive a €100 cash prize. Rosmed Pharmacy and the Lilac Rooms will present a goodie bag to the nine runners-up in the competition. Celebrity judge on the evening will be Aisling O’Loughlin, TV presenter and exquisite.ie website founder. Racecourse Manager, Michael Finneran, thanked the sponsors and is looking forward to another big festival. There is music in the main bar after the second last race with Henry and The Usual Suspects. On Tuesday evening, racing begins at 5.55 pm and it consists of five hurdle races and two bumpers. The feature race on the card is the Connolly’s Red Mills Novice Hurdle, with €20,000 in prizemoney. There is music in the main bar after the second last race by Billy Garvin. Admission for both days is adults €15, OAP/students €10. Attractive group discounts are available also. Roscommon special €30 to include admission, race card, two-course meal and €10 betting voucher. For any enquiries please contact 087-2203288, email: roscommonracecourse@eircom.net. Follow Roscommon Races on Facebook for further information.

Roscommon People Friday 07 July 2017

WeekendPeople

Miriam’s MUSINGS Great day at Galway Seafest! We spent a lovely day at Ireland’s national maritime festival held at Galway Seafest last Sunday and I’d like to congratulate everyone involved for what was a most enjoyable, well organised event. We even met a few Roscommon People readers on the day. Hubby and I particularly liked the tours of the ocean-going vessels, and were most impressed by the amazing Flyboarders’ exhibition. However, for me it was the Defence Forces’ display that caught my eye. I reckoned if I hung around long enough, some handsome soldier from the Brigade Cavalry Squadron, who were displaying the Light Tactical Armoured Vehicle – (their MOWAG Armoured Personnel Carrier) – was bound to take pity on me and let me have a little go… sadly, my license didn’t cover it! Cheers lads!

Words of wit and wisdom with

MIRIAM KERINS

Religion should never be a barrier to receiving an education So the ‘Baptism Barrier’ ban is to be lifted with Education Minister Richard Bruton bringing in a proposal that’ll put an end to our 2,800 Catholic-run schools discriminating against children on the grounds of religion! Brilliant – it’s about time. Religion should never be a barrier to receiving an education. However, schools run by minority religions can refuse pupils from other denominations, and I want to know… where’s the equality there, Mr. Bruton? How can you say, “I am seeking to be fair to all parents, while recognising the right of all schools to have their distinctive ethos,” when you’re making rules for one specific religion to follow, i.e. the one that dominates our country’s citizens, and allowing minority faiths to basically flout them? Maybe my menopausal mind is a bit muddled but er, how is that “fair to all?” It’s hardly creating a level playing field now, is it? I’ve said it before, I’m a Catholic who prays privately but doesn’t attend Mass. I choose the parts of my religion that best suit me. I fully respect everyone’s right to follow their own religion and I believe all children, irrespective of colour, creed, origin or culture, have a right to be educated in this country; a country where we, the taxpayers, fund the system. Now there have been anecdotal stories of parents who had their child baptised specifically so they could enrol them into a Catholic school because, let’s face it, 90 per cent of schools in this country are Catholic-run. We had our girls baptised because it was the done thing and, because 100 per cent of schools back then were run by the Catholic Church, so we’d no choice. Mind you I had an incident

when my youngest was in 6th class and the head nun summoned me to the school and screamed blue murder that I’d “committed a mortal sin,” for allowing her to read The Da Vinci Code, saying it was blasphemous. My answer… ”Back off Sister, it’s a work of fiction, she’s reading it at home, outside of school hours, and, as her mother, I’ll make the decisions regarding my child’s reading choices, not you!” It was at that precise moment I decided my child was not going to sit her Junior and Leaving Certs at this ‘institution,’ and I worked my butt off juggling three jobs to send her to a private school. But that’s me. I believed my kids had a choice and I believed and still do, that it was my duty as their parent to make sure they received the education I wanted for them; one that they deserved. I’ve always believed schools subsidised by the public purse should not be able to cherrypick who they’ll educate based on religion, and if Minister Bruton wanted to fix this problem he’d advocate for building more schools so that parents in oversubscribed areas would have options and choices for their children’s education, no matter what their religious beliefs. Additionally, Catholic families who wish to have their kids educated in the Church’s ethos should have a right to send their kids to appropriately-run schools and those, like me, who do not wish their kids to receive a religious education, but who wish to allow them make their own choices regarding their faith, should have equal options. That’s why I’m really ticked off at what I see as Minister Bruton’s double standards, whereby he’s proposing to make an admission rule for Catholic-run schools, while making concessions for other denominations. Look folks,

under the Equal Status Act, all families should have their rights protected, so I believe that by allowing minority faith schools to discriminate against some students, the Government is showing a clear prejudice against Catholicrun schools.

Why Denis should become Minister Motivator! The new bin charges are designed to reduce the amount of rubbish we throw out, encouraging us to recycle more. However, despite Minister Denis Naughten saying this strategy is an “incentivised pricing system” to recycle, I believe it’ll probably incentivise bin collectors to screw households! We’re concerned about the environment, so we’re major recyclers, meaning our waste bin is used as a last resort! We also believe wasting food is a travesty, (I never buy supermarket three for one deals), and when I read the ‘average’ family wastes approximately €700 a year, (possibly due to buying bulk items with a short shelf life) I realised why this practice has got to stop. However, as many of us in rural Ireland are at an unfair disadvantage by not having a brown bin to compost food, we’ll be forced to pay more – and that’s not on! I suggest the Minister stops penalising us decent recyclers and instead practices a bit of operant conditioning by adding a reinforcing stimulus by way of a token reward after we’ve exceeded our recycling quota! It’s a highly effective and powerful motivator! Try it!

Polish duo reel in top angling prize

The staging of Lough Ree’s International Pike Classic 2017 in Ballyleague and Lanesboro was a great success. The top prize of €2,500 was won by Polish anglers Lukasz Stankiewicz and Piotr Kaczmarek. Many others won substantial cash prizes from the €10,000 prize fund. The event brought a great buzz to the Shannonside town where the flags of the nations adorned the River Shannon Bridge and the Ballyleague marina was packed all weekend. Chairman of Lough Ree Angling Club Hugh Keane said: “We’re delighted with the outcome of the

first pike hosted in ten years. the event

festival we’ve Lanesboro for The success of is down to an

awful lot of hard work by the Camlin and District Angling Club. We want to thank their members for

Angler Adrian Smith shows off a big pike!

their successful organisation. “The staging of this international event is the latest project in the continued renewal of angling tourism in this area. We would hope to move on now to attract even more international visitors to Ballyleague and Lanesboro over the next twelve months when we hope to stage an international trout fishing competition. “We’d also like to thank Longford and Roscommon County Councils for their support and a thank you goes to the people of Ballyleague and Lanesboro for their patience and support” he concluded.

Picture shows the winners with Alan Farrell, Treasurer, Lough Ree Angling Hub (left) and Jason Carr, Camlin & District Angling Club (right). The event attracted 130 anglers from eight countries and 64 boats took to the waters for a grand cash prize total of €10,000. Picture: Declan Gilmore.

Roscommon People Friday 07 July 2017

WeekendPeople

So much can STEM from this! Foróige, Council and Lions launch STEM youth programmes

oróige and Roscommon Lions Club have been running CoderDoJo programmes in the Quad Youth Centre in Roscommon for the last number of years. CoderDoJo is a worldwide movement of free, volunteer-led, communitybased programming clubs for young people. Anyone aged 10 to 18 can learn to programme or code, build a website, create a software application or a game and explore digital technology in an informal, creative and social environment. Currently there is a move towards promoting and encouraging young people to take part in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects in schools and colleges nationwide. Foróige, the National Youth Organisation, Roscommon Lions Club, Roscommon County Council and Tusla have acknowledged the benefits of young people being engaged in STEM based programmes in an out of school settings and the need to provide these opportunities for the youth of County Roscommon. This CoderDoJo and TechSpace activity will now be rolled out to five locations across County Roscommon – Roscommon,

Boyle, Ballaghaderreen, Castlerea and Strokestown over the next three years, following funding support from Roscommon County Council. In effect, Foróige will be implementing a Hub and Satellite model, as recommended in the Camara Ireland, TechSpace Community Network, to develop knowledge and skills in Digital Technologies for young people in these five locations across the county. A showcase and signing of the 3-year funding agreement with Roscommon County Council and Foróige took place on Thursday 8th June 2017 in the Phoenix Youth and Community Centre Ballaghaderreen. Information and stands with a range of projects such as animation, coding, film making, Lego engineering challenges, robotics and music production were on display on the day. Foróige plans to roll out these programmes across County Roscommon combining the trusted principles and practice of youth work with technology. These programmes will engage young people in creative learning and encourage them to use their interests in technology in an active and social environment, while developing life skills such as communication,

At the signing and showcase event were Martin Lydon, Director of Services, Roscommon County Council; Dick O’Donovan, Regional Manager West, Foróige; and George McCourt, Roscommon Lions Club.

problem solving, teamwork skills and confidence. The local communities and volunteers have been key in promoting and supporting these CoderDoJo and STEM based programme and will continue to be essential as mentors

Realising your potential with the help of Foróige and local groups and agencies. Photograph from recent press launch.

to young people with similar interest in areas of coding, lego and film making, to name just a few. “This Hub and Satellite Model for CoderDoJo and Techspace will build on the programmes developed to date in the Quad

Youth Centre, Roscommon Town and support the rollout of knowledge and skills to young people in several locations in County Roscommon. This initiative transfers skills to programme, building websites and create soft-

ware applications in an informal, creative and social environment and directly supports the STEM objectives for the county” said George McCourt, Roscommon Lions Club. Be part of Foróige’s vision of an Ireland that

believes in every young person. If you would like more information or to volunteer with these programmes please contact Megan Depinna on 0861455456 or by email at megan.depinna@foroige. ie

Pictured are Martin Lydon, Director of Services, Roscommon County Council; Noel Connolly, then-President of Roscommon Lions Club; Cllr. Tony Ward, then-Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council; George McCourt, Roscommon Lions Club and Dick O’Donovan, Regional Manager (West) of Foróige.

Roscommon People Friday 07 July 2017

20-page Special Souvenir Edition JULY 2017

CONNACHT SENIOR FOOTBALL FINAL

Under the radar… Rossies return to Salthill

CONNACHT GAA SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

GALWAY V ROSCOMMON 2 pm – Sunday 9th July 2017 - Pearse Stadium, Galway

Roscommon People Friday 07 July 2017

CONNACHT SENIOR FOOTBALL FINAL Wishing the Roscommon Team every success

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Roscommon are seeking their first championship success over Galway since the 2001 Connacht semi-final. Since then, Galway have beaten Roscommon seven times, with one draw. Galway are bidding to win successive Connacht titles for the first time since 2002-2003.

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The last time Roscommon won the Connacht title in Pearse Stadium was in 1978 when they beat Galway. Galway last won the Connacht title in Pearse Stadium in 2005 when they beat Mayo.

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Galway and Roscommon have met once already this year, with the Tribesmen winning the FBD League final by 2-14 to 0-15 in Kiltoom in January. It’s the first time that Galway and Roscommon have met in successive Connacht finals since 1977-78. Galway and Roscommon have played 61 times in the SFC. Galway have won 36 times, Roscommon have won 19 times and there have been 6 draws.

Liam McHale showing some skills to young Roscommon supporters at the Connacht Senior Football Championship Final preview night in Ballyleague recently. Picture: Andrew Fox

The man in the middle

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Referee David Gough lays down the law with Stephen Cluxton during the All-Ireland SFC Semi-Final between Dublin and Kerry last year.

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THE WORLD IS WAITING for the Connacht Senior Football Final 2.00 p.m., July 10th, 2016 Pearse Stadium, Salthill, Galway

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avid Gough is from

the Slane club in Co. Meath and began refereeing in late 2007. His first competitive intercounty fixture was the 2011 O’Byrne Cup match between Offaly and UCD for which he received a high 95% from referee assessor Joe Moynagh. Gough has refereed a number of high profile fixtures including the AllIreland SFC Semi-Final between Dublin and Kerry in 2016. He also won the Shane Hourigan Young Referee of the Year Award that same year. He is the GAA’s first openly gay referee and was controversially refused permission by HQ to wear a rainbow coloured wristband during the Allianz NFL game between Dublin and Tyrone at Croke Park in 2015. As well as being part of the GAA’s elite panel of referees, David is also a qualified primary school teacher. He will take charge of the Connacht SFC Final between Roscommon and Galway this Sunday in Pearse Stadium.

Roscommon People Friday 07 July 2017

CONNACHT SENIOR FOOTBALL FINAL Best wishes to the Roscommon team and management from

ROSCOMMON TEAM

ATHLEAGUE Hurling & Camogie Club

1 Colm Lavin (Éire Óg)

2 David Murray (Pádraig Pearses)

John McManus (Roscommon Gaels)

Niall McInerney (St. Brigid’s)

Sean McDermott (Western Gaels)

Sean Mullooly (Strokestown)

Best wishes to all the Padraig Pearses players on the Roscommon panel and all the team and management from

Conor Devaney (Kilbride)

Tadgh O’Rourke (Tulsk) John McManus and Sean Mullooly face a tough test this Sunday against Galway in Pearse Stadium. Picture: Andrew Fox

Cathal Compton (Strokestown)

Fintan Cregg (Elphin)

Ciaráin Murtagh (C) (St. Faithleach’s)

Enda Smith (Boyle)

Brian Stack (St. Brigid’s)

Diarmuid Murtagh (St. Faithleach’s)

Niall Kilroy (Fuerty)

* The following players could not be considered for selection due to injury: Thomas Corcoran (collar bone), Fergal Lennon (groin), Ciaran Cafferkey (knee) and Ultan Harney (back). Best wishes to the Roscommon team and management from

COMPTON IN! R

oscommon manager

Kevin McStay has named his team to play Galway in next week’s Connacht senior football final. The game will be played in Pearse Stadium, Salthill on Sunday at 2 pm. McStay has made just one change to the team that was named to play against Leitrim with the introduction of Cathal

Compton in place of Donie Smith. David Murray has recovered from the illness that prevented him from starting against Leitrim. Seánie McDermott will make his 165th appearance in the Primrose and Blue next Sunday while Conor Devaney is the next most capped member of the panel, on 82 appearances to date.

Paths to the ﬁnal

Galway 0-15 Mayo 1-11 (Connacht semi-final) Top scorers: Sean Armstrong 0-6 (3 frees, 3 ‘45s), Damien Comer 0-2, Gary Sice 0-2 (2 frees) Roscommon 2-23 Leitrim 1-9 (Connacht semi-final) Top scorers: Conor Devaney 2-1, Diarmuid Murtagh 0-7 (1 free), Ciaráin Murtagh 0-4 (3 frees, 0-1 pen)

The last ﬁve championship meetings

2016: Galway 3-16 Roscommon 0-14 (Connacht final replay) 2016: Galway 0-13 Roscommon 1-10 (Connacht final) 2015: Galway 3-15 Roscommon 0-10 (Connacht quarter-final) 2008: Galway 2-16 Roscommon 0-6 (Connacht quarter-final) 2006: Galway 3-7 Roscommon 1-8 (Connacht semi-final)

Last ﬁve Connacht ﬁnal meetings

2016: Galway 3-16 Roscommon 0-14, Castlebar (replay) 2016: Galway 0-13 Roscommon 1-10, Pearse Stadium 1998: Galway 1-17 Roscommon 0-17 Dr. Hyde Park (replay) 1998: Galway 0-11 Roscommon 0-11, Tuam Stadium 1990: Roscommon 0-16 Galway 1-11, Dr. Hyde Park

Padraig Pearses GAA Club Wishing the Roscommon Team every success in the Connacht GAA Senior Football Championship

Best wishes to Roscommon team and management from everyone at

Strokestown GAA Club Best wishes to the Roscommon team and management from all at

St. Joseph’s GAA Club Best of luck to the Roscommon team and management from all at

CASTLEREA ST. KEVINS GAA CLUB

Roscommon People Friday 07 July 2017

CONNACHT SENIOR FOOTBALL FINAL BORDER VIEW:

Big match Crystal Ball

Noel Hanley (Roscommon)

‘Galway are big and strong and they have power. You’ll win nothing without having big, powerful men. Roscommon might be a bit light. They’re a young team that might be the difference. I’m a Roscommon man but I think it’ll be Galway win. I played minor in Connacht in 1949 (with Roscommon) and I’ve been following them every year since.’

Robert Keane (Roscommon)

‘I think if Sean Mullooly starts at full-back he’ll do a job on Damien Comer. I think if the Murtaghs and Donie Smith have a good day then Roscommon can win. I think the Murtagh brothers could have a field day in the Roscommon forward line. The midfield will be up against it but I think their fitness and work rate will come out on top. (Laughs) I’ll be heading down earlier than last year anyway!’

Mary Kelly (Roscommon)

‘I think Roscommon are going to win it by 2-12 I’d say to 1-14. I just think Roscommon are going to put in a proper performance this year. I’ve a cousin coming from America, Tom Kelly. He’s in Connecticut and he’s into everything Roscommon. He’s very confident coming over, he wouldn’t be happy coming to see them lose!’

Special report from Creggs divided as Tribes set for battle

 DAN DOONER

hey know all about the Roscommon Galway rivalry in the border village of Creggs and bragging rights as well as the JJ Nestor Cup will once again be up for grabs this Sunday in Salthill. The Roscommon People organised a peaceful coming together of the rival clans last Thursday and while the Rossies arrived in numbers, their neighbours gave as good as they got! Roscommon People columnist Frank Brandon led the Maroon and White offensive. “Realistically it’s going to be close. Anybody who thinks Galway are going to run away with it is living in cloud cuckoo land. As well as that we have to remember that our own Ger Dowd is involved with the Roscommon team. I’d say it’s going to go down to the wire,” said a magnanimous Brandon. Frank’s diplomatic mask wasn’t long in slipping however as he spoke about the atmosphere in Creggs leading up to a Connacht Final involving Roscommon and Galway. “The atmosphere was fantastic last year. The Rossies wouldn’t be in Connacht finals often so they got very excited last year!” he said with tongue firmly in cheek. Frank went on to warn against complacency in the Galway camp before echoing many supporters’ thoughts on Salthill as the venue. “I believe this Roscommon team is a really good team and I think we are going to see that. I wish it wasn’t in Pearse Stadium. I think Pearse

Stadium ruins football and it’s the wrong place to have it. I still think there will be nothing in it though,” he added. Galway supporter Enda Conneran felt that Roscommon would be happier as the underdogs this year. “Roscommon will be happy enough coming in under the radar and Galway still have a good bit to prove,” he said. Fellow Tribesman James Scott reckons it will once again take two days to separate the sides. “Three of the last four times that Galway beat Roscommon in the Connacht Final was after a replay so I’d be expecting the same again this year. Luckily this year if it’s a draw in Salthill they’ve a pitch to bring us back to! There’s nothing we love more than winning in the Hyde,” he said to boos from the other side of the table. Shots fired from across the border then but the Rossie response was swift. Peter Keegan certainly wasn’t backing down in the face of a Tribal onslaught. “Naturally enough no Roscommon man is ever afraid of a Galway man and we’ll prove that! I hope it’s going to be close and if Roscommon go out with the intention to play football like they can and take it on man to man, they’ll match Galway all the way,” he said. Mary Kelly was adamant that living with the ‘noisy neighbours’ isn’t so bad. “I went to school in Creggs and we’re now living in Creggs so we’re well used to them and well able for them! There won’t be a lot in it on Sunday but hopefully we’ll do it!” Tommy Gately reckons a change in approach will work wonders for Roscommon this Sunday. “Roscommon went to Galway last year and they didn’t play football, they played defensively. They’d have beaten Galway by ten or twelve points if they had played football. Anyone who argues with that can look at the Gal-

way Tipperary game (last year). “I have to laugh when I hear them say there’s no pitch in Roscommon! There’s a great pitch in Galway but you can’t get in or out of it so it’s probably better if it’s a draw and brought to Hyde Park!” he said. Niall Connolly paid tribute to the influence of Creggs man Ger Dowd as selector for the Roscommon team. “Ger has a massive knowledge of football and you could see that here at the club last year and in any job he goes into he does well. The (Galway) boys will be rowing in behind Ger after the Connacht Final so they’ve something to shout for when they’re finished themselves in a couple of weeks!” Addressing the difference in expectation this time around, Niall was hopeful that this year’s low-key approach would suit Roscommon. “Last year it looked like we were going to take on everybody and beat everybody but that didn’t pan out and we were brought back down to earth. We’ll come good when the time is right on Sunday,” he said. The last word went to Seamus Keane, who won Connacht titles with Roscommon in 1961 and ’62 and was on the panel for the All-Ireland Final defeat to Kerry in ’62. “Roscommon played all the good teams in the league but they haven’t been tested in the championship while Galway have already beaten Mayo. If Roscommon win at midfield and get the ball into the Murtaghs and Smiths I think they’ll win,” he said. So this weekend neighbours and friends will become rivals as Roscommon attempt to halt Galway’s bid for back to back Connacht titles. Both camps are in agreement that it’s going to go down to the wire and will be won or lost at midfield. Neither group is looking forward to the trip to Salthill but it’s a trip that will be made much more bearable if the cup and bragging rights are secured come Sunday evening!

John Keegan (Roscommon)

‘The battle in midfield is going to be a key aspect of the game. Delivery into the full-forward lines – Galway and Roscommon equally have dangerous full-forward lines – will be the key. I think Roscommon have the fitness, at Salthill with the swirling wind though I think Roscommon by two or three points 1-17 to 2-11. If Roscommon don’t win we’ll still show our faces around here; we’re not sore losers like the Galway lads!’ (Laughs)

Peter Keegan (Roscommon)

‘I expect it to be a close game. I hope Roscommon can do well at midfield, win a bit of primary ball there and get it into the forwards fast. I think our full-forward line is good enough to take on the Galway full-back line and I think we could see a lot of goals for Roscommon in this game. We’ll be leaving here early on Sunday so we’ll get there on time. Hopefully we’ll get a Roscommon win. We’ll get out of Galway and we’ll come back here to Roarke’s in Creggs to celebrate!’

Proud Galway man and Roscommon People columnist Frank Brandon is outnumbered by Roscommon supporters outside O’Roarke’s in Creggs. Picture: Andrew Fox.

Roscommon People Friday 07 July 2017

CONNACHT SENIOR FOOTBALL FINAL

behind enemy lines

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Michael O’Roarke (Galway) ‘I’ll go for a draw, I think the game will be won or lost among the forwards. It’ll be a replay and they’ll go back to the Hyde and Galway will beat them. Just like what happened in ’98 and then we’ll continue on and win the All-Ireland! The thing about Connacht people is that they always support the team who wins so those Rossies will be back shouting for Galway the following week. They’ll only be shouting for Roscommon for one week, fair play to them!’

Brendan Kelly (Galway)

‘I’m a Galway man living in Roscommon for 30 years (laughs). I fancy Galway to win alright maybe by three points. It’ll be close though. You’ll have to leave early to get to Salthill and be there all evening. It’s a disaster of a place! Galway football will never be right until they go back to Tuam.’

James Scott (Galway)

‘I think it’s going to end up a draw to be honest. I think it’ll be 2-10 to 0-16. 2-10 to Roscommon because the Galway full-back line is vulnerable and Roscommon’s best line is their full-forward line.’

Enda Conneran (Galway)

‘I think it’s going to be a very tight game. I really think Roscommon will try and go defensive at the start but then it’ll open up and they’ll be a couple of points in it. I’m going to say Galway 2-13 Roscommon 1-14.’

Jim O’Roarke (Galway)

Frank Brandon and Seán Lohan pictured outside O’Roarke’s in Creggs. Picture: Andrew Fox

‘The key battles will be at centre field and Galway will win by three points. There will be no Rossies here to brag to because they’ll all go missing after! We’re not sore losers sure we lose an awful lot – look at the hurling! Sure of a Galway win? Absolutely!’

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CONNACHT SENIOR FOOTBALL FINAL Best of luck to both teams on Sunday

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Murtagh believes Roscommon are capable of sticking with Galway when the two sides meet this weekend and the Roscommon captain has called on his teammates to put in a major shift in Salthill. “We feel we have the measure of Galway. We didn’t play that well in the drawn game (last year) and we got a draw in the end, but we were blown away in the replay. We have played Galiaráin

way a number of times including in the FBD League and we know each other fairly well but this will be a close game and we want to put in a good 70 minutes and hopefully we will come out on the right side of the result,” he said. How does Ciaráin feel this Galway side compares to the Galway of last year? “Galway are improving, for sure. They were promoted in the league and they have beaten Mayo in the championship two

years in a row, which proves that they are going in the right direction, but I feel we’re improving too. I know we lost league games but we were playing against the top teams in the country and we are learning all the time.” After a disappointing Division One campaign, what is the feeling among the Roscommon players heading into the biggest game of the year? “Morale is very high in the camp, the players are happy and the management are happy too

and hopefully we will transfer that onto the field of play in the final,” he said. Salthill is notoriously tricky for visiting supporters but Ciaráin believes the Rossies will be out in force this Sunday. “The Roscommon fans will be there in strength as usual and hopefully we will give them something to shout about. We will be going in as underdogs which will suit us and we are really looking forward to this final,” he concluded.

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 SEAMUS DUKE

This is where Kevin McStay wanted to be from the first day he took over as the sole Roscommon manager. In a wide-ranging interview in his first week, he said that while Roscommon would be putting a big effort into the National League, the priority was a place in the Connacht final and also a place in the quarter-finals in August, whether through the front door or around the back. Speaking at the recent Connacht final press night, McStay admitted that beating Leitrim was the minimum requirement this summer. “I had a strong sense that we would get to the Connacht final if we minded our business properly and we did that nicely and we were very much up for that (Leitrim) game. Our reputations as players and managers rested on that game against Leitrim and that’s being truthful about it. So it was Leitrim’s bad luck to catch us on a day when we were very clued in as to what we wanted to achieve and now we are back here again same as last year preparing for a final against Galway,” he said. In 2017, Galway’s star has risen further with their promotion in the league and another win against Mayo, while Roscommon have

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gone in the other direction in terms of league status, so how can that gap be bridged? “Galway have spread their pick well, they have got some players back and they have definitely improved their squad. They have (become) more comfortable with the system they are playing. On the other side, the narrative about Roscommon is that we have gone back; that we were relegated, and have only won a few games this year. You could make that argument but I think differently and I have to think that way. We are in the final and I am not for one second in any way negative about our prospects,” he added. One thing is certain about the build-up to this game: Kevin McStay, his management team and the players are becoming more comfortable with the set-up. “We have the group of players we want. They are mad to play for Roscommon: they are young and they are ambitious. We have a lot of pace in this panel, they are in great condition and they are doing everything they can to prepare for this final. If we had all the players who are unavailable we would be in a stronger position but we have what we have and we are going to give this one hell of a shot.” It would be a tremendous achievement for Roscommon to break that seven-year duck and go

the Wishing eam T n o m Roscom ccess every su

on and win this Connacht title. It is a daunting task and Galway are a seriously good side – but they are not unbeatable, according to McStay. “No team is unbeatable, look at Dublin who they said were unbeatable. A young Kerry team, who we gave plenty of trouble to, came along and beat the Dubs in the league final. Look at Donegal and Tyrone and what happened there. On any given Sunday if you are up for it, well organised and ambitious, you have a great chance and that’s what we intend to be in this final.” Kevin said that last year’s defeat in the replay in Castlebar hurt and there is a determination to put that right on Sunday. “We look at where we left off in Castlebar last year against Galway. I don’t think we could have been any worse that day. We let ourselves down, and I mean all of us, and it wasn’t good enough for us as management, as players or for the Roscommon supporters. So we have to believe that we will ask a lot more questions of them than we did that day and I am very confident that we will.” Kevin knows that it will take a monumental effort to beat the Tribesmen on Sunday however. “We are up against a team who are now moving into the top six in the country and we are battling

to stay in the top ten. Until we beat Galway or Mayo we cannot be going around thinking we are better than they are. We have to take out someone big and Galway are next on the list so let’s have a go at that.” Despite the fact that it is a young Roscommon team, the majority of the players have played for the past two years against the top teams in the country and that has stood to them, according to the manager. “Three Connacht finals, 15 matches at the top level in the league and remember that we played five championship games last year and another one this year so we have had a lot of stuff thrown at us from the best teams in the country. We have staggered and fallen a few times but we got up every time and that will stand to us. “All that experience is in the legs and in the minds of the players so we are not innocents to the slaughter. Our players may only be 23 or 24 but they have a lot of experience. The question is: are we good enough to take out Galway? We will have to be at the very top of our game and they will have to be a couple of notches down from their best but that’s always possible and I am really looking forward to it,” he concluded.

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Roscommon People Friday 07 July 2017

CONNACHT SENIOR FOOTBALL FINAL

TWO KEVINS Walsh developing winning habit in Galway

 SEAMUS DUKE

He won’t admit it (at least not yet) but Kevin Walsh is determined to put Galway football back at the top as was the case when he played in the middle of the park for the Tribesmen. As manager he is building nicely with a Connacht title, a National League Division Two title and two big championship wins against Mayo under his belt. The loss to Tipperary in the All-Ireland quarterfinal last year still rankles but there is a determination to put things right at headquarters. First things first however and this Connacht final against Roscommon on Sunday. He knows that Galway have a task on hand but it is a task they are ready for. “The mood in the camp is good and sure it’s always good when you have a big win behind you. It was great to beat Mayo again and we have to kick on from there. The next game is always important and we would like to retain the Connacht title. We have a number of goals in our dressing room and to win the Connacht title is one of

them so we want to reach that goal now,” he said. He hastens to add that Roscommon are dangerous opponents this year because they have put much more of a focus on the championship. “We know last year Roscommon put a lot into keeping their status in Division One and this year they have put much more into the championship. Having said that, their win against Cavan in the last round of the league was a big win and it almost went unnoticed. They will be underdogs in this final and that will suit them too.” Kevin Walsh has often talked about creating a winning culture in the Galway dressing room – so does he feel he has achieved that? “It’s hard to know really because at the end of the year there is only one team that will win the All-Ireland so every other team will have been beaten. What we want to do is improve year on year. We only lost one game in the championship last year and we only lost one game in the league this year and that was by a point and we were disappointed to lose that game. We were de-

lighted to get to the league final in Croke Park and winning that was very important. A winning culture comes with consistency so that’s what we are trying to achieve here.” Retaining the Connacht title is something that Galway have done just once in the last 30 years and while it would be an important achievement, it is still only a by-product of making further progress in the championship. “It is very difficult to retain the Connacht Championship. It’s not the most important thing in the world but I would not ignore it either. Every team leaves its own legacy behind them and this team has a chance of winning a two-in-a-row –which not many teams have done before – and if we can do it we will be very proud. It’s a big challenge for us,” the Galway boss said. Kevin feels a lot of people underestimate the strength of the Connacht Championship. “In the past two years we have played five major games, all against Division One opposition, and there are not many teams in Ireland that can say that (in terms of provincial cham-

Wishing the Roscommon Team every success

pionships). The standard is very high in Connacht and we have had to put in huge preparation to play Mayo and it’s the same now for Roscommon.” Many people will say that the game between Galway and Mayo was the best seen in the championship so far – so where is there room for improvement in Galway? “There is plenty for us to work on from that game. There were a few easy enough chances that we would have liked to have taken. The goal Mayo scored against the breeze put us under serious pressure and it took a lot to come back from that. Everything seemed to be going against us in the first half. But we came

back well. We didn’t score in the last 15 minutes, which was a worry, but Mayo didn’t score for the last 11 minutes and there was not much said about that. It was a war of attrition and we came through very well I thought.” So what did he learn from the Roscommon v Leitrim match? “Roscommon were a step above Leitrim for sure. Their running and movement looked really good and they look really fit and strong and they look fresh. But we will look at our own house and make sure that’s in order; we have to try to get an extra two or three per cent out of the lads for the final and if we do we will not be far away,” he concluded.

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CONNACHT SENIOR FOOTBALL FINAL: Galway v Roscommon on Sunday at Pearse Stadium, Galway at 2 pm Wishing the Roscommon Team every success

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 SEAMUS DUKE

Roscommon footballers have a chance to ignite what has been a mixed 2017 so far when they face hot favourites Galway for the second year in succession at the Connacht final stage. The bookies and conventional GAA wisdom will dictate that the Tribesmen hold too many aces and that defeat will be Roscommon’s lot once again. But the beauty of sport is that it is not an exact science. The performances of Down against Monaghan and even Derry against Mayo in recent weeks suggest that if Roscommon apply themselves to the task with intensity and controlled aggression anything is possible. After a winter of discontent and a disappointing league campaign Roscommon are back in the provincial decider and redemption is the watchword on a number of levels. Kevin McStay and his management team set two major goals this year. One was to get to the Connacht final and be very competitive there and the other was to get to the All-Ireland quarterfinals. Sunday at 2 pm is when the talk-

ing stops and the following 75 minutes or so will reveal where Roscommon stand. Galway have improved in the past 12 months. Kevin Walsh is building all the time and winning the FBD League, Division 2 of the National League and beating Mayo for the second year in a row in the championship is adding to an already impressive CV. They have some outstanding players and have a strong bench too. Make no mistake: unless Roscommon are at full tilt there will only be one winner of this final. Roscommon’s team selection is interesting in that Cathal Compton and Tadgh O’Rourke will start in the engine room at midfield and that is the area where this game will be won and lost. Galway will have the towering Tom Flynn and Fiontain Ó Currain there and the battle in this area will be so crucial. With Niall Kilroy sure to be hovering around the Roscommon half-back line, Roscommon will need at least 50/50 possession to have a chance. I am happy to see Enda Smith up front again and there is no doubt that if the Roscommon attack gets enough of the ball they have the capacity to inflict

damage on the Galway rearguard. Diarmuid Murtagh is back to his best and that is great news for Roscommon. Ciaráin Murtagh and Fintan Cregg will have to play the game of their lives too. It is a big day for young Brian Stack who is a very talented footballer. Roscommon need him to shine on the day. Remember too that Conor Devaney has been one of our most potent attackers this year and he will need to pop up in offensive positions on Sunday. I like our attacking options on the bench with Cian Connolly and Donie Smith (both unlucky not to have started) ready to come on. Further back, the Roscommon defence could be under pressure if Galway get enough primary possession. Damien Comer is turning into the Galway talisman and John McManus will have a huge task on Sunday. Comer can win his own ball and is a deadly finisher. Shane Walsh, Michael Daly, Johnny Heaney and Sean Armstrong are also very dangerous and always capable of getting a score. It is a huge day for the Roscommon defence and intensity in the tackle and concentration for the entire 70 minutes will be required.

Sean Mullooly is emerging as a leader and he will need to produce his best display in a Roscommon senior jersey on Sunday. Remember too that Galway also have some excellent options on the bench with the likes of Danny Cummins, Gary Sice, Eamon Branagan and Michael Lundy, just some of the talent available to Kevin Walsh in attack. Roscommon have not won a Connacht senior title at this ground since 1978 and have won only two senior provincial titles in the past 26 years. Relegation in the league and a very easy passage against a poor Leitrim team tells us nothing about Roscommon’s chances on Sunday. The form book and the strength of the respective panels point to a Galway win. I can’t get the 2015 Connacht U-21 final out of my head when thinking about Sunday’s final. That was a thrilling rollercoaster of a game that Roscommon won by 3-14 to 3-11. A total of 11 players played that day (seven for Roscommon) who will line out again this Sunday. I know the outcome of that match will have little bearing on Sunday’s game but it underlines that Roscommon can actually beat Galway

on Galway soil. It is a very big day for the Roscommon players and team management and particularly for the likes of Cathal Compton and Brian Stack who have little experience at this level. Roscommon will need leaders to stand up and be counted on Sunday and men like Seanie McDermott, Niall McInerney, Conor Devaney, Fintan Cregg and Ciaráin Murtagh will be vital in that regard. My biggest worry about Roscommon is their lack of experience particularly at midfield. Like many thousands of Roscommon GAA people I desperately want Roscommon to win this title. But realistically Galway have more strength in depth than Roscommon and that’s why I give them the slight edge and predict a narrow win for them. I sincerely hope that Roscommon will be very competitive right to the end. I have been doing this job for over 25 years and have been wrong as often as I have been right – and on this occasion I will be praying that I am wrong. Match odds: Galway 2/5 v Roscommon 5/2; Draw 8/1. Prediction: Galway.

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t’s safe to say that John McManus is looking forward to another crack at Galway this Sunday. The Roscommon Gaels man believes that Roscommon’s preparation gives them a great opportunity to atone for last year’s collapse in the Connacht Final replay. “I can’t wait for this Connacht final. We wanted to get back into the final after our poor display last year and we are delighted to get another crack at it. We know what Galway are all about and we know what we are capable of, so we are not too worried that we didn’t have much of a test against Leitrim. We challenge each other in training every night so I am confident that if we implement our game plan properly we will have a great chance of winning the final. “People forget about the drawn match between Roscommon and Galway last year because we played so poorly in the replay but we were only a kick of the ball away from winning that game and we probably should have won it. Galway go in to this final as favourites and

John McManus pictured with young Roscommon supporters at the Connacht Senior Football Championship Final preview night in Ballyleague recently. Picture: Andrew Fox

rightly so too but we are not a million miles away,” he said. Addressing rumours of Rossie unrest earlier in the year, McManus said: “There were conflicting reports going around dur-

ing the league and after the campaign that we were an unhappy camp but I can honestly say that could not be further from the truth. I have never been involved with a happier group of lads. The morale is sky

Connacht Final preview

Michael Fitzmaurice night in Ballyleague TD

to it more and more as the year is going on and I am still learning but I am more and more comfortable with it and it’s great to be looking forward to a big game we have every chance in,” he said.

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high so we are really looking forward to this final.” While McManus admits that he is on a learning curve, he’s enjoying his time at full-back. “With regard to playing full-back, I’m getting used

Niall McInerney pictured with young Roscommon supporters at the Connacht Senior Football Championship Final preview night in Ballyleague recently. Picture: Andrew Fox

Kilglass Gaels GAA Club

Roscommon People Friday 07 July 2017

CONNACHT SENIOR FOOTBALL FINAL

Versatile Enda in conﬁdent mood  SEAMUS DUKE

Emily and Phoebe Ryan pictured with Enda Smith at the Connacht Senior Football Championship Final preview night in Ballyleague recently. Picture: Andrew Fox

nda Smith has popped

up in midfield as well as among the forwards so far this year and will be ready to put in another high-energy shift wherever he’s needed this Sunday. Speaking at the recent Roscommon press night, he said: “I love playing midfield and am getting used to the position. I have plenty of games under my belt in the position and myself and Tadgh (O’Rourke) have developed a great understanding. “We would be up against a very strong Galway pairing in the final in Tom Flynn and Fiontain Ó Currain who are both six feet six –and they can play too – but we would

enjoy that challenge. It’s our third Connacht final in 12 months and we are quietly confident.” Smith is certainly looking forward to another Connacht final appearance and the focus is very much on the Roscommon performance. “We wanted to get back to the final this year when we saw the draw. We know Galway will be very tough, especially since they beat Mayo for the second year in a row, and going to Salthill again makes it tough (for us). We didn’t do too well there last year but we are determined to put things right. “I don’t think the easy win against Leitrim will make any difference in the final. We were really up for that Leitrim match and we were very focussed on our own performance. We played well in the first 15/20 minutes and killed the game so we were happy with that. “We have to put last year out of our minds and we have to go back to Salthill confident but aware that we have a big test ahead,” he concluded.

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CONNACHT SENIOR FOOTBALL FINAL Wishing the Rossies every succes on Sunday

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Kilbride man Conor Devaney was in good form last week as he looked ahead to taking on Roscommon Community College colleagues Paul Conroy and Tom Flynn in the Connacht final this Sunday. “I can’t wait to be honest. We were there in school all year and it was something in the back of our minds that we knew could happen,” he said. So has Roscommon’s in-form wing-back waged psychological warfare on the Tribesmen? “Well I brought the two boys over to the Abbey every day trying to fatten them up but it didn’t work; I think they’re in peak condition (laughs). Unfortunately that ploy didn’t work so we’ll have to come up with something different on Sunday to get the better of them! “There’s been loads of banter but the two boys are very dedicated. They’re dedicated here at school but they’re also dedicated to the football so it was just interesting to chat to them about it. They wouldn’t reveal everything to us but just the different types of training and that. I went to the gym a couple of times with them and it’s interesting to get a different perspective from a different county,” he said. A counter-intelligence effort on behalf of the Rossies? (Laughs) “Yeah watching over their shoulder at the gym and the two lads were bringing in their pre-packed dinners and everything every day so I was looking to see what gains they were trying to make! It was good fun but it would be great to get the better of them and come back with the cup in September – that’d be nice, but we’ll see how it goes. “It’s unfortunate though that if we do end up winning we’d have to wait until September to gloat but I’m sure we’ll get on the phone straight away to congratulate or commiserate with each other. That’s just the way it goes and you get on with it after that,” he added. So what about his teaching colleagues and provincial foes, any dark secrets emanating from the Galway camp? Conor was magnanimous.

“I’ve nothing bad to say about them in fairness (laughs). We’re very friendly but we’ll go into our bubbles for the next two weeks I think. We’ll shake hands before the game, have a bit of a laugh then and that will be it I suppose,” he said. Well almost…

“There’s one thing actually: Conroy will do well to keep his hair the way he does here in school every day! It looks very well in school I have to say; I’ll try to ruffle it up during the game. He comes in with the free dinner and a big tub of Brylcreem every day!” he concluded.

Conor Devaney pictured outside Roscommon Community College recently. Pic: Andrew Fox

Wishing the Roscommon Team every success

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Teachers at Roscommon Community College who provide coaching to the students at the school. Pictured were (l-r) Conor Devaney, Cathal McHugh, Siobhan Tully, Paul Conroy, Tom Flynn, Fergal Timmons, Maura Connelly and Declan Kavanagh. Picture: Andrew Fox

Roscommon People Friday 07 July 2017

CONNACHT SENIOR FOOTBALL FINAL

for summer!

Best wishes to the Roscommon team and management from

Cllr. John Keogh Now representing the new expanded area of Athlone Electoral Area Rose Cottage, Cloongowna, Bealnamullia, Athlone, Co. Roscommon 087 6440534 cllrjkeogh@roscommoncoco.ie Wishing the Roscommon Team every success

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Éire Óg GAA Club Lanesboro/ Ballyleague Credit Union

Paul Conroy tackles David Murray during last year’s Connacht final replay in Castlebar. Pic: Joe Shaughnessy

Conroy aiming to stay top of the class  SEAMUS DUKE

Paul Conroy captained Galway to win the All-Ireland minor title in 2007 and has been on the senior team since then. There is added spice to this Connacht senior final as Paul, teammate Tom Flynn and Roscommon wing half-back Conor Devaney work together as teachers at Roscommon Community College in Roscommon town. What are Paul’s thoughts on his teaching colleague? “There is plenty of slagging between the three of us. Conor (Devaney) scored two goals the last day against Leitrim so we are going to have to do something about him on Sunday (laughs). He is playing very well this year and has a new lease of life. If we win on Sunday they might not let us back again in September! We get plenty of banter from the pupils but it’s all a bit of craic really,” he said. How does the Galway man rate this current Roscommon crop?

“I actually think that Roscommon have improved this year despite what happened in the league. They have very good forwards and they need just one big performance, and if they get that on the day they are capable of taking out any team. Guys like the Murtaghs, Conor (Devaney) and Enda Smith are top class and they would get

on any team in the country and when they are on form they are hard to stop. We are under no illusions that this will be a serious battle on Sunday.” Conroy will be keen to add to his growing list of honours when he takes the field this Sunday. “This is my tenth year playing senior. I won a Connacht medal in my

first year and then it was last year before I won my second so it shows how hard it is to actually win a Connacht title. It took us a long time to become competitive with Mayo. It is a huge honour to win in Connacht and to win titles back to back would be a great achievement. “It was nice to win in Croke Park in the league

and then to win against Mayo was huge so there is momentum, but it’s all about the next game and hopefully we will be able to perform against Roscommon on Sunday. We know we have to play well if we want to win it,” he concluded.

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Galway’s Paul Conroy in action against Roscommon in the Connacht Final replay in Castlebar last year. Pic courtesy of Connacht Tribune. Pic: Joe Shaughnessy

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Roscommon People Friday 07 July 2017

CONNACHT SENIOR FOOTBALL FINAL Best wishes to the Roscommon team and management PROTECT … Your Family, Assets, Investments and Income in Retirement Contact MK Financial for financial advice without the jargon

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Battle to rage in City of Tribes  TOM CURLEY

or a number of years now, since moving from East Coast to West, we live only a Stephen Cluxton kick-out, or Cork goalkeeper Anthony Nash’s long puck from his line – from Salthill. Pearse Stadium – often referred to as ‘Salthill’ by GAA pundits, sits on the sideline. While the street artists will perform their cabaret in the city sidewalks, the make-up of Galway’s arts and festive merry-go-round, the renowned seaside resort of Salthill – the world has strolled its prom – takes pride in its own carousel of festivals. As its air displays and seafaring acrobatics draw their hordes of high flyers and water enthusiasts, it is the Saturday or Sunday game of the provincial championship in Pearse Stadium that brings the loudest festive drumbeat to the area. Crowds of different beliefs, energies and emotions, carrying flags – and expectation – gather in vast numbers from early morning for what is now their Festival of Football. For many, too, a weekend at the seaside. Pearse Stadium – only the kick of a ball away – is their playground. Pearse Stadium, in Rockbarton, Salthill, was officially opened before a crowd of sixteen thousand people on June 16th, 1957, by the then President of the GAA, Seamus McFerran. In the exhibition games that followed, Galway beat Tipperary in hurling by six points and Kerry in football, by four. A feature of the hurling encounter was Galway’s Billy Duffy’s opening score with a goal, thus obtaining the honour of raising the first green flag in the new stadium. The construction work on the new pitch was carried out by local firm, James Stewart & Co., at a cost of €34,000. Fifty years on, the same Galway firm built the new Civic Offices in Roscommon Town. In many ways, due to the introduction and advancement of grounds such as MacHale Park,

Ewen Hanley and Laura McPhilips pictured with Colm Lavin at the Connacht Senior Football Championship Final preview night in Ballyleague recently. Picture: Andrew Fox

Hyde Park, Countess Markievicz Park and the close proximity of Tuam Stadium – the stronghold of Galway football then – Pearse Stadium lost out on many major championship games in the years to follow, and fell into disuse in the early 1990s. The stadium was revamped by the same firm in 2002, and reopened one year later with a capacity of 34,000, reduced for health and safety reasons to 26,200 in 2011. Excluding the 2016 drawn final, Galway and Roscommon have met three times in Salthill in championship fare – Galway winning all games. In 2006, the International Series v Australia was played in Pearse Stadium, the first time the competition was held outside GAA Headquarters (Croke Park). Despite periods of negative publicity, from community groups on domestic privacy, pedestrian rights, road safety issues and, later, pitch floodlighting – Pearse Stadium has won out and become one of the county’s largest and favourite grounds. While the stadium hosts its reasonable share of short memory league hurling and football games in spring, it is the arrival of the summer football championship season that drives the adrenalin and rocks our sporting and cultural cradle. The Championship – in whatever town – gives Sunday a new flavour. The Connacht Final is unique. Connacht is different – maybe it is because we are

from here. The Championship captures the spirit of a special day, stirs the memory, moulds the mind on Sundays ahead. Salthill, this Sunday, will relive the momentum. The Editor of this decent newspaper – in a recent excellent article – describes the Championship feeling, as age beckons. Confessing that the busy GAA calendar doesn’t mean quite as much to him now as it used to, Paul Healy wrote that life gets in the way…“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!” Yet Healy assures us that the adrenalin kicks in “come championship time,” writing “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! The Championship just takes hold of us, sets off on its mystery tour and brings us with it.” Lamb or Hazlitt would hardly pen more apt sentiments. Mayo crossed the border in early May – their rite of passage – on a mission of revenge for the defeat by Galway one year earlier, which denied them the elusive five-in-a-row. The first-half loss of reliable corner-back, Keith Higgins, to a foolish altercation of play, left the green and red living dangerously for most of the remaining seventy minutes. Despite a spirited display throughout, in this highly

interesting wind-ridden football spectacle between the two neighbouring adversaries and with only one point in arrears, 14-man Mayo showed signs of late fatigue. Aimless outfield efforts from always-dependable Cillian O’Connor – how long more can Mayo lean on the Ballintubber kingpin to redeem them? – and Evan Regan, failed to level the scoreboard. Mayo were destined for the mined tunnel of the qualifiers. A signpost no Division 1 team would care to read. The second semi-final in sunny Hyde Park, one week later, was a betrayal of expectation – an exhibition of neighbouring stampede, rather than a championship fixture. From their early scoring quality Roscommon’s dominance grew, while Leitrim struggled all through to find identity. Their goal, after ten minutes, by youthful and lively corner boy, Darragh Rooney, set off a somewhat fresh spark, but the flame never intensified. They must now search the byways for an escape route. There are lessons to be learned from a bad experience, such as it was. While frailties appeared in the home side’s defence, the marauding and determined presence of two-goal getter Conor Devaney – a survivor of the 2006 All-Ireland Minor winning team – fuelled the blue and yellow supremacy. The Kilbride ace will be the key holder on Sunday’s marathon

with Galway. The Smith and Murtagh brothers and John McManus – who would be better employed outfield – are rapidly entering the hot gossip pages of sport. Roscommon’s manager, Kevin McStay, was concerned about the ‘collective drop’ in his team’s energy level. They scored two goals and twenty-three points; won by seventeen. Top marks in any test! Galway manager, Kevin Walsh, like Napoleon Bonaparte, is earnestly preparing his army for the next battle. The enemy, Roscommon. The win over Mayo has set down a marker for the Tribesmen. With confidence soaring, and eyeing a second consecutive Connacht title, they are wary of what awaits in Pearse Stadium. Roscommon’s easy dismissal of Leitrim will instill a new belief amongst the players, in the knowledge that there is room for improvement. League failure and management upheavals, come the championship, fade from the picture. Ready for the challenge ahead, Roscommon will take the field with little fear of Galway. Despite the anticipated imbalance of rivalry between the teams, Sunday’s meeting in Pearse Stadium will write another chapter in the history of Galway’s and Roscommon’s encounters. Destination on their minds, Roscommon’s loyal fans of many years, will follow their team en masse to Galway on Sunday. The blue and yellow colours will decorate the seaside town. The maroon and white will match them in every step. The banter and camaraderie will be light-hearted and easy. A powerful statement of the game many of us have played, follow and love. Salthill will welcome the Rossies. And while Galway and Roscommon will do battle in Pearse Stadium for Connacht Football glory – the musicians and street artists in the city streets, a few miles away, will kick on with their Sunday Miscellany. Even the fortune teller amongst wouldn’t venture a final forecast.

Roscommon People Friday 07 July 2017

CONNACHT SENIOR FOOTBALL FINAL Best wishes to the Roscommon team and management from

Boyle GAA put on a ‘Brolly’ good show!  DAN DOONER

oe Brolly was in fine

form at the Boyle GAA ‘Road to Croker’ fundraiser in St. Joseph’s Hall in Boyle last Friday night. The RTÉ analyst joined Shane Curran, Colin Moran, Martin Carney, John Prenty and John O’Mahony on the couch for a three-hour discussion on all things Gaelic football. The event was in aid of the Irish Kidney Association and Monica Finn, a kidney transplant recipient from Roscommon town, was on hand to accept a cheque on behalf of the association. Boyle’s senior manager Tom Morley put the questions to the panel and there were some questions from the audience, which generated further debate during

the evening. It was Brolly who stole the show, however, as he rebuked former Dublin star Collie Moran and Leitrim coach John O’Mahony for choosing Kerry as the ‘Team of the Noughties’ before explaining why Tyrone deserved the title for consistently getting the better of The Kingdom There was of course serious debate, which made up a great portion of the evening’s entertainment. Each member of the panel was in agreement that the current championship structure wasn’t working with Connacht Council secretary John Prenty calling for a more even number of teams contesting provincial championships. Martin Carney worried that the gap was growing between the top counties

Pictured are John Murphy, R. McDonnell and Bill Kelly in St. Joseph’s Hall, Boyle. Picture: Mary Regan.

Best wishes to Kevin McStay and the Roscommon Senior Team from all at

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Wishing the Roscommon Team every success from Brian Lennon and all the staff at

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Auditors & Accountants

Pearse House, 21 Pearse Street, Athlone, Co Westmeath Contact: Brian Lennon (Tel) 090 64 93226 / 090 64 92701 (Fax) 090 64 44671 Best of luck to the Galway teams and our Glenamaddy Man McDara Geraghty Pictured are Joe Brolly, Tony Conboy and Senator Frank Feighan in St. Joseph’s Hall, Boyle. Picture: Mary Regan.

and those at the lower end of the spectrum and used Westmeath’s 31-point defeat to Dublin as an example of this. “It’s not only Westmeath, there are so many other counties that are dropping so far behind the elite eight or nine,” he said. Later on the discussion turned to a potential rule change, and while there was agreement among the panelists that the rules should be changed to make the game more exciting, there was also great confusion as Shane Curran attempted to explain his ‘offside rule’. Not surprisingly Dublin’s Diarmuid Connolly came up a few times throughout the evening with Joe Brolly insisting that the forward would have

avoided a suspension had he decided to fight it. Brolly then highlighted the huge problems with the disciplinary system and offered a case involving a player for Ulster Gaels in San Francisco as an example. The player in question had accidentally run into the referee during a game and was given a lengthy ban. He was forced to travel back to Ireland at great expense to have it overturned by the DRA. Dublin’s recent dominance also came up with Shane Curran insisting that the Dublin coaching structure was ahead of the curve before calling for increased financial support for weaker counties. Joe Brolly added: “The starkest statistic I heard

was that three years ago, Kilmacud Crokes (Dublin) had more U-14s than the whole of Co. Leitrim.” Dubliner Collie Moran agreed that “the landscape has changed” and that the structures would have to change in provinces like Leinster where the Dubs were going for their 11th title out of 12. The serious stuff was littered with light-hearted moments too and Joe Brolly had the audience rolling in the aisles with a story about the dreaded ‘beep test’ used to measure players’ fitness. All in all, a great evening’s entertainment for a very worthy cause in Boyle last Friday night. As Mr Brolly himself said: “You wouldn’t get this on f****** Sky!”

HARTES

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Roscommon People Friday 07 July 2017

CONNACHT SENIOR FOOTBALL FINAL Best wishes to the Roscommon team and management from

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Best of luck to John McManus, Cian Connolly and all the Roscommon team and management from

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Eimear O’Connor and Caoimhe Walsh pictured at the Connacht Senior Football Championship Final preview night in Ballyleague recently. Picture: Andrew Fox

Conor Devaney chats to Roscommon People reporter Dan Dooner outside Roscommon Community College. Pic: Andrew Fox

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Darren O’Malley, Colm Lavin and James Fetherston pictured in Dr. Hyde Park. Picture: Andrew Fox

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Roscommon People Friday 07 July 2017

CONNACHT SENIOR FOOTBALL FINAL

Meet the backroom team ... Name: Seamus Hunt Age: 61 Club: St. Dominic’s Lives: Ballymurray Role with Roscommon: Masseur

Name: Anthony McCormack Club: Roscommon Gaels Occupation: Carpenter Lives: Roscommon Town Role with Roscommon: Kit Manager

Describe your role… My role is to liaise with the physiotherapist and provide massage and rub downs for players.

Describe your role… I look after all the gear for the senior team. Best thing about it? You get to be near the action.

Best thing about it? I love being involved with Roscommon football and getting to all the games!

Worst thing about it? That has to be looking for footballs in hedges and long grass!

Worst thing about it? Being in the dressing room when we lose.

Number one player complaint? “Did you pick up my gloves?”

Most common complaint from players? Tight hamstrings! Who’s the biggest joker in the Roscommon pack? Quite a few jokers in our pack! Possibly Shay Wade is the greatest. Most underrated member of the backroom? That would be our kitman, Anthony McCormack!

Seamus Hunt pictured in the dressing rooms at Dr. Hyde Park. Picture: Andrew Fox

One tool of the trade you’d be lost without? The massage table. Any superstitions or rituals ahead of Sunday? Personally, I get my hair cut!

Sally Towey, Kate Harlow, Emma Hough and Ella Bailey pictured with Conor Devaney at the Connacht Senior Football Championship Final preview night in Ballyleague recently. Picture: Andrew Fox

Jamie Carr, Ronan Carr and Eve McNeill pictured with Brian Stack at the Connacht Senior Football Championship Final preview night in Ballyleague recently. Picture: Andrew Fox

Who’s the biggest joker in the Roscommon setup? None, they are all very focussed! Most underrated member of the Roscommon backroom team? It has to be Mickey Beirne. He does massive work behind the scenes.

Anthony McCormack pictured alongside his trusty kit van. Pic: Roscommon GAA

A tool of the trade you’d be lost without? The van sponsored by Dermot Hughes Toyota. Any superstitions or routines ahead of the Connacht Final? No, I’ve none at all.

Fintan Cregg pictured with young Roscommon supporters at the Connacht Senior Football Championship Final preview night in Ballyleague recently. Picture: Andrew Fox

Roscommon manager Kevin McStay, coach Liam McHale and selector Ger Dowd pictured with a group of young supporters at the Connacht Senior Football Championship Final preview night in Ballyleague recently. Pic: Andrew Fox

Roscommon People Friday 07 July 2017

CONNACHT SENIOR FOOTBALL FINAL

O’NEILL’S BALL: When Seamie’s super show shocked the province O’Neill looks back on towering semi-ﬁnal display

 SEAMUS DUKE

When you sit down and actually think about it, it is all of 16 years since Roscommon beat Galway or Mayo in the Connacht Senior Football Championship – and that is one of the reasons why the Nestor Cup has been elsewhere in the province (with the exception of 2010) in recent years. Looking back to 2001 and those memorable wins against the ‘big two’ brings back memories of one of the most sensational debuts seen in the championship in many years, not just in Roscommon, but in any county. In June of that year, 19-yearold Kilbride man Seamus O’Neill was chosen by Roscommon manager John Tobin to start at midfield against the established All-Ireland winning Galway duo of Sean Ó Domhnaill and Joe Bergin (Kevin Walsh came on as a sub that day too) in the Connacht semi-final in Tuam. It was a bold move for the Roscommon management but it was one that paid off in spades as, alongside Fergal O’Donnell in the engine room, O’Neill controlled the midfield exchanges and provided the platform for a shock Roscommon win. Young O’Neill was sensational in the air and on the ground and he played like a veteran, scoring two booming points at a vital stage in the second half. The following day, the whole country was talking about his performance as he led Roscommon to a deserved win (2-12 to 0-14) against the clear favourites to win the AllIreland title that year. So, 16 years on I spoke to Seamus, who is now involved in the management of the Tulsk team alongside his great friend and teammate from 2001, Gerry Lohan. Kilbride’s win in the Roscommon SFC in 2000 brought Seamus to the notice of both football fans around the county and the Roscommon selectors. “I was just gone 18 when we won the senior club championship in 2000 and I played for the minor and U-21 teams for Roscommon in 2000. Then John Tobin took over as Roscommon manager in 2001. We went well in the league and I got my first start in a league game against Offaly in Tullamore. We got to the league semifinals that year. In fact, four Connacht counties got to the semi-final that year, but Mayo beat us.” Roscommon played New York in the opening game in the Connacht Championship at Dr. Hyde Park and Seamus O’Neill says that John Tobin was very confident about Roscom-

mon’s chances in 2001. “I remember Shane Curran got a red card in that New York game and Stephen Lohan hurt his shoulder. I was only brought on for the last three or four minutes of that game but once we started training for the match against Galway it was fairly clear that I was going to be involved. John Tobin gave me great encouragement and I was playing fairly well. Galway were favourites to win the All-Ireland that year and we were not given a prayer against them but we knew we had a good team and we prepared well for that game in Tuam.” Seamus says that even though he and Fergal O’Donnell were up against Joe Bergin and Sean Ó Domhnaill, both of whom had All-Ireland medals, the game went well for Roscommon from the start. “We got two great goals in that game just at the right time. Nigel (Dineen) got the first one after a great pass from Gerry Lohan and Frankie (Dolan) got the second one, a real opportunist’s effort. Galway came back into it but couldn’t score a goal on the day against our defence, which played so well. Francie Grehan had a mighty game that day too. “I was lucky enough to get two good points in the second half which we needed at the time and I have to say I was delighted at how it went on the day for the team most importantly, but it was nice to play well too.” My own memory of that day was that even though there was only a small number of Roscommon supporters present, the celebrations out on the field were incredible as players, supporters and management marked a win that sent shockwaves around the country. Seamus O’Neill: “I remember that we went down the town in Tuam after the match for a couple of pints and the atmosphere was just fantastic. It was a great feeling but it is very hard to believe that we have not beaten them since in the championship to be honest. We beat very good teams (Galway and Mayo) to win that Connacht Championship. “It was also the first year of the ‘back door’ and we were drawn against Galway in the quarter-finals in Castlebar later that year and they beat us and went on to win the AllIreland. They had their homework done on us the second day and we were caught. Looking back, we probably celebrated that Connacht win a bit too much to be honest.” Was that day down in Tuam Seamus O’Neill’s finest moment as a Ros-

Kilbride man Seamus O’Neill.

common player? “People still mention that game to me. I would have to say it was my best day in a Roscommon jersey followed closely by the win against Mayo in the Connacht final. It was a mighty championship to win that year.” So what are Roscommon’s chances of bridging that 16-year gap on Sunday in Pearse Stadium? “Galway are an excellent team at the moment no doubt, and to beat Mayo two years in a row is a serious achievement. They are very strong up the middle. Roscommon did not have much of a test against Leitrim but the key will be the midfield battle again. If we can get enough ball in that area and get the ball inside to the attack we have a great chance. “Conor Devaney, Diarmuid Murtagh, Ciaráin Murtagh, Sean Mullooly and Enda Smith are all great players but I have a worry about the Galway fullforward line. They are very sharp and

the question is whether our lads have got what it takes. It will take a massive Roscommon performance to win it. “I would put Seanie McDermott on Sean Armstrong but Damien Comer is the key man for Galway and he will have to be marked tightly. Paul Conroy and Tom Flynn are very strong at midfield as well,” said O’Neill. A parting shot from a man who was unknown going into the ‘lion’s den’ in 2001 and emerged as the star of the show will give Roscommon great encouragement ahead of Sunday’s showdown in Salthill. “We were not given a hope in 2001 and it’s the same this coming Sunday. Roscommon players must believe in themselves and look at what Down did against Monaghan. If Roscommon can get off to a good start and get to half-time in a good position and then re-group for the second half, they are in with a great chance. Anything is possible!” he concluded.

Teams and scorers on June 3rd, 2001 Roscommon: D Thompson; D Gavin (0-1), J Whyte, M Raftery; P Noone (0-1), F Grehan, C McDonald; S O’Neill (0-2), F O’Donnell; C Connelly, J Hanley, A Nolan; N Dineen (1-3, 2 frees), G Lohan (0-1), F Dolan (1-2). Subs: G Cox for Nolan (31), S Lohan (0-2) for Dolan (43), R Owens for Raftery (59). Galway: P Lally; R Fahey, G Fahey, T Mannion; D Meehan, J Divilly, S de Paor; S O’Domhnaill, J Bergin (0-1); T Joyce (0-1), J Fallon, M Donnellan (0-1); A Kerins (0-1), P Joyce (0-6, 2 frees), K Comer (0-1). Subs: J Donnellan (0-3, 2 frees) for T Joyce (42), K Walsh for K Comer (49), R Silke for Divilly (65), L Colleran for O’Domhnaill (66). Referee: B Gorman (Armagh).

Roscommon People Friday 07 July 2017

WeekendPeople

School fundraiser smashes target! S

Bhride, Fourmilehouse, have exceeded their fundraising target by €12,000. The school set about raising much-needed funds for the construction of a resource room and facilities for the special needs pupils of Scoil Bhride in recent months, with an ambitious target of €20,000, which coil

would meet a shortfall in funding granted by the Department of Education and monies saved by the school. A dedicated committee, along with the Board of Management and the staff of the school were charged with this task, however this committee grew to include the entire community with

everyone lending a hand to make our fundraising efforts a phenomenal success! A Film Festival and Family Fun Day took place on 24th of June with the highlight of the day being a novel pedal powered cinema. Kids were treated to the film Zootropolis which was powered by 88 cy-

Pictured at Scoil Bhride’s Film Fest in Fourmilehouse were Tessa Parker, Aisling McRory, Rachel Glynn, Karina Leonard, Natasha Shaughnessy. Picture: Andrew Fox

Shane O’Donnell cuts the ribbon to officially open Scoil Bhride’s Film Fest. Picture: Andrew Fox

clists on the day. A real community effort with parents providing baked goods on the day for sale, school children donating monies raised from their candy floss machine, homemade carnival games, with the community centre transformed to a cinema theatre complete with red carpet, Minnie and Mickey Mouse on the day, and large golden Oscar The generosity of spirit and goodwill on the day was felt by all and made for a thoroughly enjoyable experience, one which may become an annual event! Special thanks to the local business community for their generous support and kind wishes. Building of the new resource room and facilities will commence next week. Follow our Facebook page to stay up to date with construction process! https://www.facebook. com/scoilbhridefilmfest/

Pictured at Scoil Bhride’s Film Fest in Fourmilehouse were members of Scoil Bhride’s Film Fest committee. Picture: Andrew Fox

Pictured at Scoil Bhride’s Film Fest in Fourmilehouse were Cathal Tynan, Sheila McDermott and Caoimhe Tynan. Picture: Andrew Fox

Pictured at Scoil Bhride’s Film Fest in Fourmilehouse were Emily Hanley, Sophie Hanley, Ailbhe O’Connor, Martina McHugh and Claire Hanley. Picture: Andrew Fox

Roscommon People Friday 07 July 2017

WeekendPeople

Hamrock’s Athleague, Co. Roscommon Tel.: (090) 6663325 Saturday, 8th July:

J&S SOUND New Airs.

The

Abbey Hotel Countdown to 2017 Boyle Arts Festival IS PROUD TO PRESENT A ROSCOMMON

4-HOUR LADIES DAY RACE DANCE SPECIAL MONDAY JULY 10TH 10-12 Midnight in the Ballroom

CIARAN ROSNEY

Followed by Country Sensation

BARRY KIRWAN + HIS BAND Dancing til 2am Adm for 4-hour Special only €15 Including a late bar …

Doors open at 9pm …. Special prize on the night for the Best Dressed Lady …. Come early …. Wishing the Roscommon Team every success

Boyle Arts Festival 2017 will open on Thursday, 20th of July and conclude on 30th of July. The programme is an exciting mix, containing over fifty events, including visual arts, music, drama, film, comedy, workshops, children’s events, storytelling, spoken word and much more! Watch out for music from Brian Kennedy, Rackhouse Pilfer, Anúna, Eddi Reader, Declan O’Rourke, New Airs, Regina Nathan, Michael McHale, Goats Don’t Shave, John McGlynn, David Power & Martin Hayes. Drama with Jon Kenny, Mary McEvoy, and Beezneez Theatre. Spoken word with Miriam O’Callaghan, Carole Coleman, Brian Murphy, Lol Tolhurst, Declan Burke, Louise Philips, The Moylurg Writers and many more. All of this, along with the finest exhibitions of art in the North-West of Ireland can be experienced at Boyle Arts Festival, this July. The Boyle Arts Festival office, situated beside Marian’s on Bridge Street, will be open from Monday, 10th of July. Details

and tickets for all the events will be available from here but you can pick up a programme in local businesses and tickets for a selection of events are now available to purchase in advance on www.eventbrite.ie For more information on Boyle Arts Festival 2017 please go to www.boylearts. com or email info@boylearts.com. Telephone 071-9663085. Follow us on Facebook.

Friday 7th July:

Open Mic Night – All welcome, sign up at 9pm Saturday 8th July:

Michael McHale.

THREE PIGS FOR THE WEEKEND Sunday 9th July:

Saturday, 8th July

Blues session with

DJ Enda Sunday, 9th July

Strange Brew

DJ Dara Gill Monday, 10th July RACE NIGHT

Live Music after races

- 6 pm in Middle Bar

TheHollywoodbarroscommon Oscars Venue - for all your party needs

Contact: JP on 087 1336684

Telephone: 090 6626225

Anúna.

A Ladies Day Race Dance Special! The Abbey Hotel, Roscommon is proud to present a four-hour Ladies Day Race Dance Special on Monday, 10th of July from 10 pm-2 am in the ballroom. Ciaran Rosney will be performing, followed by country sensation Barry Kirwan and his band with dancing until 2 am. As the son of Irish singing sensation Dominic Kirwan, Barry joined his father’s band as a drummer and provided backing vocals for over four years shortly after leaving college. He performed with Ireland’s princess of country, Lisa McHugh, until becoming the drummer and backing vocalist for the hit recording

artist Derek Ryan, touring all around Ireland, the UK and Australia. Barry’s latest single ‘She Only Loves Me For My Willie’ was released on 7th April 2017 and went straight in to No. 1 on the Irish iTunes download country chart and secured No.4 in the UK chart. Nominated ‘Newcomer of the Year’ at the 2016 RTE Irish Country Music Awards, Barry Kirwan is set to take the Irish country scene by storm! Admission for this four-hour specially is only €15, including a late bar. Doors open at 9 pm. There will be a special prize on the night for the best dressed lady. See you all there.

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

Wishing the Roscommon Team every success from all at JJ’s JJ Harlows supporting Irish Micro Breweries

Roscommon People Friday 07 July 2017

WeekendPeople Midsummer’s Day with the Stars

Pictured enjoying the Midsummer’s Day with the Stars at Roscommon Racecourse were Sonia Doogan, Denis Cox, Sarah Jane McNaboe and Lorraine Walsh. Picture: Andrew Fox

Pictured enjoying the Midsummer’s Day with the Stars at Roscommon Racecourse were Mark Allen, Shauna Loughran, Roger Hopper, Celine Carberry and Gareth Allen. Picture: Andrew Fox

Pictured in the Hodson Bay Hotel on Sunday night last were Assumpta and Ciarán O’Meara.

Pictured in the Hodson Bay Hotel on Sunday night last were Deborah Leonard and Ann Gilligan.

Pictured (right) in the Hodson Bay Hotel on Sunday night last were Saoirse and Catherine Murray.

Pictured in the Hodson Bay Hotel on Sunday night last were Mary and Eddie Ball.

Faces & P laces

Pictured (right) in the Hodson Bay Hotel on Sunday night last were Jesse and Michelle Dufresne.

Hodson Bay Hotel Pics: Andrew Fox

Pictured in the Hodson Bay Hotel on Sunday night last were Paddy Kenny and Gerard Tiernan.

Pictured in the Hodson Bay Hotel on Sunday night last were Marian and Pat McHugh.

Roscommon People Friday 07 July 2017

WeekendPeople

Pictured at St. Croan’s GAA Club on Saturday night last were Anna Finan, Helen Finan and Shannon McGann.

Pictured at St. Croan’s GAA Club on Saturday night last were Elaine Egan, Glenda Sheridan and Mary Keegan.

Faces & P laces

St. Croan’s GAA Club Pics: Andrew Fox

Pictured at St. Croan’s GAA Club on Saturday night last were Frances McCann and Fidelma Conboy. Pictured at St. Croan’s GAA Club on Saturday night last were Sinéad Keegan and Claire Keegan.

Pictured at St. Croan’s GAA Club on Saturday night last were Martin Towey and Seán Óg Higgins.

Pictured at St. Croan’s GAA Club on Saturday night last were Margaret Lynch and Paula Whyte.

Pictured at St. Croan’s GAA Club on Saturday night last were Veronica and John Tobin and Breda Collins.

Pictured at St. Croan’s GAA Club on Saturday night last were Eileen and Tommy Donnellan and Mae Feeney.

Pictured at St. Croan’s GAA Club on Saturday night last were Yvonne Whyte and Ursula Cunnane.

Roscommon People Friday 07 July 2017

Business Athlone’s Aisling wins at Rail Safety Awards Aisling O’Connor, Signalling Compliance Co-ordinator in Athlone, won Infrastructure Individual of the year at this year’s Always Safe Awards, which took place at a special ceremony at the Iarnród Éireann training centre, Inchicore on Thursday, 29th of June last. She was recognised for her work in the provision of signalling documentation that greatly assist the safety and efficiency of maintenance work within the Athlone region. Aisling narrowly beat Seán Gorman, also from Athlone signalling department, who was nominated for his work in managing safety on the Ballast Cleaning project, which is currently taking place between Dublin and Cork. John O’Brien, Infrastructure

Manager and his team also won the Safety Innovation Award for their work in designing a solution to prevent cattle from accessing underwater whilst stilling permitting river debris to pass unimpeded through the channel. John O’Brien will shortly retire from his position after 36 years’ service. The Chief Executive, David Franks, made a special presentation to him on the day. Speaking at the event David Franks, Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann said: “I would like to commend Aisling, Seán, John and all the Athlone winners for her hard work and dedication in delivering the highest possible safety standards for our passengers in Athlone in the Athlone District.”

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Aisling pictured receiving her award.

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Fast, reliable, friendly Pictured in GMIT at the bizworld.org West regional final were Hannah Rodtmann, Bernie McLoughlin (teacher), Holly Slevin, Karwan Moradi, Zuzanna LubienskaJohn Sweeney and Siobhan Healy and Lukas Petrauskas from Scoil Mhuire, Carrick-on-Shannon. Scoil Mhuire received a merit for their product ‘Mega Grade. Pic: Andrew Downes (xposure)

Children from Ballyleague NS, Roscommon who received a merit for their business idea ‘Pro-leg’ at the bizworld.org competition in GMIT recently. From left Adam Armstrong-Wrightson, James Minnagh, Lucy Malone, Rory Doolan, Darragh Walsh with Ms. Suzan O’Connor, Hannah Burke and Ms. Tina Carroll. Pic: Andrew Downes (xposure)

People of Roscommon called on to nominate ‘most dedicated pharmacists’ The Clanwilliam Pharmacist Awards have been launched for 2017 and the organisers have called on the people of Roscommon to nominate pharmacists who go above and beyond for their patients. It is an opportunity to recognise a pharmacist who has had a positive impact in the life of an individual or even a whole community while performing their duty. “We all know that a pharmacist is more than a dispenser of medicines, but rather a trusted adviser who has the patient’s

Pictured are: Eileen Byrne, Managing Director, Clanwilliam Health, Daragh Connolly, President of the Irish Pharmacy Union and Max Barrett (aged 8), from Sutton.

best interests at heart. This week we are calling on the public to tell us

about their standout interactions with pharmacists around the country. We

want you to tell us what they did to improve your health or to positively impact your life. At the Clanwilliam Pharmacist Awards 2017, a special Patient Nominated Award will be presented to the pharmacist who has had most impact,” said Eileen Byrne, Managing Director, Clanwilliam Health. Those interested in suggesting a pharmacist deserving of this recognition are encouraged to fill out the online nomination form before 21st of July. The winning pharmacist will be recognised in the company of their peers,

with over 300 representatives from all sectors of pharmacy, including pharmacists in hospital, community, industry and academic settings, attending the Clanwilliam Pharmacist Awards 2017. The Patient Nominated Award, sponsored by the Irish Pharmacy Union, is one of ten categories including the Professional Excellence Award and the Young Pharmacist of the Year Award, which will be announced on Saturday, 18th of November in the Mansion House, Dublin.

CONTACT TONYA ON 090 66 34319 sales@eurona-brisknet.ie www.mybroadband.ie

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

Roscommon People Friday 07 July 2017

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

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

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS MEETINGS ST. COMAN’S CLUB, ROSCOMMON Tuesday 1pm; Tuesday 9pm; Wednesday 1pm; Thursday 1pm; Thursday 9pm; Saturday 8.30pm; Sunday 12 noon Phone: (01) 4538988 or (091) 767777.

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

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PHONE NO: 087 4668675

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ROSCOMMON CASTLES

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Complete Chimney Services

CHIMNEY CLEANING

• Power brush and vacuum technology for cleaning chimneys, stoves, ranges and open fires

• Removes up to 50% more than traditional methods • New Crocodile 50ft Obstacle Course • Soccer Stadium • New Castles with slides - all weather obstacle courses • Pillow Basher and big slides

Phone No: (087) 4136355

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.

CHIMNEY CLEANING

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071 9637984 / 086 3562718

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

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

DENTAL

Department of Health Approved

EVERY FRIDAY St. Joseph’s Resource Centre, Boyle For appointment 085 1503353 086 8538404 Email: m.kilgallon23@ gmail.com

• House Visits • Insoles and Orthotics Prescribed • Chiropody Services Clinics also in Ballaghaderreen and Castlebar.

FOOT CLINIC ROSCOMMON – MOLLOYS PHARMACY (Monday to Saturday) Also available in Boyle & Athlone Carrickon-Shannon -------Chiropody treatment and all aspects of Foot Pain. Orthotics prescribed

By Appointment Only – Tel 087 2982214 Catriona Byrne DIP CHFP

CHIROPODY/ ACUPUNCTURE LENNON’S CLINIC Galway Road, Roscommon Phone: (090) 6626023 (086) 8225575

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

Patrick Lynch Clinical Dental Technician

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

CHIROPRACTOR ROSCOMMON CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC Specialising in:

• BACK PAIN • HEADACHES • NECK PAIN • LIMB PAIN

Phone: (086) 8433433

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

DRIVING LESSONS Learn to drive with ....

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

JOHN DOORLY School of Motoring RSA REGISTERED AND FORMER DRIVER TESTER

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

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MIAM ROSPA Approved Driving Instructor Former BSM Driving Instructor and UK advanced Met. Police Driver. GIFT VOUCHER CARDS AVAILABLE Castlerea & Roscommon

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

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DOCKERY’S

FARMING

SCHOOL OF MOTORING • ROSCOMMON

 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.  PRESSURE TREATED STAKES FOR SALE: • 6ft stakes 4inch only €2.40 per stake or bale of 70 for €160 delivered • 5ft stakes 3inch only €2 per stake or bale of 100 for €180 delivered • Pressure treated Larch Strainers 8ft 7-10inch only €11 delivered or bale of 25 only €250 delivered • 200 meter rolls barbed wire €25 per roll • 100 meter 3ft sheep wire €75 per roll. Also staples and nails available. Contact Tom on 086 2628439.

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

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

VHI and Laya Covered

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ACCOUNTS

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Roscommon People Friday 07 July 2017

Classifieds FARMING BOOM SPRAYER TESTING SERVICE • Sprayers tested on owners premises • Test report D.A.F.M. stickers provided. • Small stock parts fitted on site (if necessary) Contact: Thomas Neilan on 087 2395171 or 090-6663069 e-mail: thomasneilan4@gmail.com

D.A.F.M. Approved Reg No: EL000083 WANTED Bulls, cows, heifers or bullocks. Lame cattle considered. Leitrim, Sligo, Roscommon or Longford area. Tel: 085 1743431.

FENCING/GATES DES KELLY FENCING Over 20 years in business All types of fencing supplied and erected Including: • Cresoted Posts • Agricultural Fencing • Site Fencing • Security Fencing • Post & Rail Fencing • Concrete Fencing • Grant Approved Fencing No job too big or too small Just give us a call on 087 2346364  FRANCIS REGAN FENCING LTD for all your Agri fencing needs. Tel: 087 217 2281

GARDENING DANGEROUS TREE REMOVAL SERVICE • Woodchipping • Log Splitting • Tree Surgery • Hedge Cutting

Bernard Conroy Timber Clearance Ltd Tel: 087 2533101 or 090 66 22328 Over 30 years in business 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 OUR DEADLINE IS STRICTLY 2PM ON TUESDAY We cannot guarantee publication after this time

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

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

ALL ABOUT THE GARDEN • Roscommon Town • Grass and Hedge Cutting • General Maintenance • Strimming and Weeding

CONTACT KEVIN: 090 6630879 087 2835742

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

LANDSCAPING  LANDSCAPER AVAILABLE for building and ground works, hedge, lawn cutting, hedge planting and general maintenance TEL: 085 2854468.

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

FOR SALE  FOR SALE: New complete double divan bed including leather base and headboard, memory foam pocket sprung mattress. Still in packaging. Retail €950, will sell for €240 including free delivery. Tel: 086 4438919.  FOR SALE: Eight beautiful panelled teak doors with mortises and handles in situ. Price reasonable. TEL: 086 8542686.

HOLISTIC

Contact Walter on 087 9519873 ● Amatsu Therapy

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

Garden Clearance Complete garden clearance services with debris disposed of. Safety certified and insured. TEL: 086 2437376

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

● Neuromuscular therapy

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

Tattie Hoaker, Health Store, Goff Street, Roscommon

Phone: (086) 3614230  A SEVENTH SON HEALER will attend the Percy French Hotel Strokestown, Co. Roscommon this Saturday 8th of July from 12 noon to 4pm. Cures for depression head aches, sinus, blood pressure, ear noise, migraines, back pain, chest asthma, panic attacks, nerves, stress, anxiety, shingles, rheumatism arthritis, psoriasis, eczema, vertigo, blushing, lack of confidence, fatigue and many more. Big success rate. No appointment needed call in on the day in private. TEL: 04943 35497 or 086 1921955 anytime.

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

& orthopaedic sports massage

Find us on facebook

Appointments with Anne:

KENNELS

Molloy’s Pharmacy, The Harrison Centre, Roscommon

Tel: 087 2721757 www.aobtherapies.com www.facebook.com/ AOBTherapies Vouchers available online

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

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

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

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

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

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING & DECORATING CONTRACTOR For all your decorating needs

CONTACT JOHN 086 4679798 PAINTING & DECORATING

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

Tel: (086) 8077313 PHYSICAL THERAPIST Roscommon Physical Therapy Clinic 18 years experience in treating babies to adults Physical Therapy CranioSacral Therapy Medical Dry Needling Prescription Orthotics Pilates – Small Classes Can we help you? Call us today to enquire Ph. 090 663 0009 Like us on Facebook www.rosptc.com We are now located at: 2 Castleview, Castle Street, Roscommon F42 C902

Members of IBKCA

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

PLANNINGS

OUR DEADLINE IS STRICTLY 2.30PM ON TUESDAY

We cannot guarantee publication after this time

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON! TEL: 090 66 34633

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

086 3482387 info@moleskinarchitecture.com

facebook.com/moleskinarch Roscommon County Council We, James and Treasa Purcell, intend to apply for permission and retention permission for development at this site: 28 Kilcolman Estate, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon. The development will consist/consists of: (a) The alteration and re-roofing of the existing dwelling house, including raising the ridge level similar to that of the adjacent dwelling house, in turn providing additional first floor accommodation. Also the improvement of the on site parking/turning. (b) The retention of the existing domestic garage/shed, together with all ancillary site works. Signed: James and Treasa Purcell. 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 at Roscommon County Council, Áras An Chontae, Roscommon. Opening hours Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4.30pm, offices closed for lunch between 1pm and 2pm. 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, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Planning Authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

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

www.morrislohan.ie

PLANNINGS Roscommon County Council We, Michael & Hazel Walsh intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for demolition of existing derelict dwelling & boundary walls, construction of a replacement dwelling house, domestic garage/fuel store, proprietary treatment system, percolation area, relocation of existing vehicular entrance, and associated works at Liswilliam, Dysart, Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon. Signed: Stephen Blake. Architectural Services, Trihill, Ballinamore Bridge, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway. 087 635 8949 sblake2006@gmail.com 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 to the Authority in writing, on payment of the prescribed fee within a period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt of the application by the Planning Authority

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 storey extension to the side of existing building on the northern gable consisting of (a) Ground Floor: extension to existing dressing rooms to include new shower/ toilet block, multi purpose sports hall, running track, meeting room and store (b) First Floor: Gymnasium and press box. 3. Construct 4 column/20 metre high 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 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, demolish existing machinery store at rear of existing hurling wall on the northern end of site and complete all associated site development works at Clooneen, Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon for Padraig Pearses GAA Club. Signed: Michael McGowan. 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 to the Authority in writing, on payment of the prescribed fee within a period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt of the application by the Planning Authority

PROPERTIES TO LET/RENT/WANTED  TO LET: Two bedroomed Bungalow in Ballyleague, Lanesboro. All mod cons. Access to all amenities. TEL: 086 6095572

Roscommon People Friday 07 July 2017

Classifieds PROPERTIES TO LET/RENT/WANTED

 TO LET: Double room to let in Knockcroghery Village, Modern house, fully furnished complete with appliances and spotlessly clean. Would suit professional person. TEL: 087 6455777.  TO LET: Large spacious apartment, The Walk, Roscommon Town. Call anytime except on Thursday’s. TEL: 087 2822534. 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.

REFLEXOLOGY

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

Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon

NewsPeople

TUITION

TAXI

GRINDS IN JUNIOR AND LEAVING CERTIFICATE BUSINESS AND ACCOUNTING

TOM KILDUFF CABS

Tutoring for college students in Business, Accountancy and Taxation.

LEAVING CERTIFICATE STUDENTS

SITUATIONS VACANT  CHILDMINDER REQUIRED: Bealnamulla, Curraghboy, Kiltoom or surrounding areas. To mind 2 children, 3 days per week in childminder’s own home, 1 school going, school pickups required, starting from end August 2017. TEL: 086 8622127.  LIVE IN CARER REQUIRED for elderly lady with dementia in Roscommon town. Experience necessary, cover can be provided. Reply to Box No: 1034, c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street,.

SITUATIONS WANTED  CHILDMINDER AVAILABLE: FETAC level 5, limited places available, in Roscommon Town. TEL: 086 7316358

KELLY’S EYE Taxi and Mini Bus hire.

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

PHONE: 087-2727888.

Contact: Nuala McGowan on 086 0352849.

TOMMY GILLIGAN

TAXI

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

(086) 2714879 JOHN BEATTIE Cab and Bus Hire Roscommon

086 2670670

Tel: 087 2264951 Find us on facebook

Tel: (086) 2544662 086 3821515

BUS HIRE FOR ALL OCCASIONS

Pete’s Cabs

Roscommon

– Contact –

Peter Lynch 086 8400002

CABS

TELEPHONE: 086 8099 503

USEFUL SERVICES

HEALY’S General & Farm Labour • Lawns • Gardens • Powerwashing • Firewood & Log Splitting • Turf saved and brought home NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL

Contact Vincent on 083 4130827

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED DRAINS/SEWERS CLEANED PERMIT NO: NW CPO - 09 - 03267 - 03

TELEPHONE MICHAEL HAVERTY: 086 8381227 or 086 1997815

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

USEFUL SERVICES 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

CAN’T FIND ANYONE to do that small job, or you haven’t got the time ...

WE DO ANYTHING From fitting Curtain Rails to laying that footpath • Fast Reliable Service • Professional, Courteous Employees • Trustworthy

ONE CALL DOES IT ALL ! 094 96 31880 087 9100477

www.oddjobsolutions.ie Established since 2005  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  CARPENTER/BUILDER available for all types of work, roofing/slating etc. TEL: 087 6467322

Local residents meeting with Minister Denis Naughten, Deputy Eugene Murphy and Cllr. Sean McGowan.

Murphy highlights need for a pedestrian walkway at Rooskey Bridge

Pedestrian hazards on Rooskey bridge were highlighted recently by Fianna Fáil TD Eugene Murphy following a visit to the area by the Minister for Communications Denis Naughten. In a press statement, Deputy Murphy said he has continually highlighted the need to create a pedestrian footbridge on Rooskey bridge due to ongoing traffic hazards. “I am delighted that Minister Naughten visited Rooskey this week to see at first-hand the dangers and traffic hazards on Rooskey bridge and this is something which myself and Cllr. Sean McGowan and Cllr. Joe Murphy have been working on for some time. “We have a chaotic situation on Rooskey bridge as a lorry and a van are unable to pass on the bridge and there are significant dangers posed to pedestrians using the bridge. Numerous heavy goods lorries use this bridge on a daily basis and pedestrians are really taking their lives in their hands crossing the bridge if a lorry and a van try

to pass at the same time,” said Deputy Murphy. The Fianna Fáil TD said that a joint plan between Leitrim County Council and Roscommon County Council had been put in place some years ago but the Department shelved plans for a €1.6 million project due to financial constraints. “We have been highlighting this issue for some time now and I suggested looking at the possibility of creating a pedestrian type of footbridge at Rooskey bridge, which would be something similar to what they did in Carrick-on-Shannon and would be more cost-effective. “Engineers Shay O’Connor from Leitrim County Council and John Quigley from Roscommon County Council who visited the bridge this week and Minister Naughten seemed to agree that this solution would work and I hope that we can all work to progress this plan without delay,” concluded Deputy Murphy.

TURF/FUEL/ FIREWOOD  THIS WEEK’S SPECIAL OFFERS: • Bags of seasoned timber €2 per bag, buy 20 bags get 2 free • Bags of top quality black turf only €2.50 per bag, buy 20 get 2 free. €75 DEAL: 1 tonne logs + 1 tonne turf, 2 bags 20kg coal + 1 free bale briquettes: for €75 • Tonne bags of turf and timber €35 delivered. ALSO PACKAGE DEAL: 1 bale of briquettes, 1 bag of logs, 3 bags of turf, delivered only €10. Price cannot be beaten. Contact Tom: 086 2628439. WANTED: Fallen trees for firewood. Ash, Beech, Birch and Whitethorn. We are safety certified and insured. Phone: 086 2437376.

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

We buy and sell any CARS, VANS, JEEPS Tel: 085 823 8486

Examples of the congestion that is quite common on Rooskey Bridge.

Roscommon People Friday 07 July 2017

AtYourService

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

CHIMNEY REPAIRS

WINDOWS/DOORS

CLEANING

CHIMNEY PROBLEMS

SHOWROOM:

Racecourse Road, Roscommon

ELITE CHIMNEY REPAIRS • Lining SAORVIEW AND FREE TO AIR IN ONE GREAT BOX RTE 1 HD, RTE 2 HD, TV3, TG4, RTE News Now, BBC News HD, Sky News, BBC 1, 2 & 4 HD, UTV HD, Channel 4 HD, Channel 5 HD, CNN HD, Yesterday, Drama, Your TV, Bike, Fashion One, CBS, Pick, Spike, Really, Irish TV, Showbiz, Keep It Country. OVER 100 CHANNELS TO WATCH

No more losing channels with our channel update feature

Subscription Free!!

• 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

8100292

email: malhevehan@hotmail.com

CLEANING

• Relining • Rebuilding • CCTV Camera Inspection

CATHAL DOOLEY 087 6579064

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

Dead & Worn-Out Animals Contact

JOHN GREENE BALLINASLOE

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

Daily collection

INSTALLATION

Alan Somers Cluain Árd, Ardsallaghmore, Roscommon. Tel: (090) 66 27970 Mobile: (086) 8161651 Email: aboutthehouse@imagine.ie

Powerwashing - House, Driveway, Roof Complete Painting Service DIY Solutions

Chimney Cleaning Service NOW AVAILABLE TARMACADAM

Donamon

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

Contact (086) 4007158

CARPENTRY

Bonded Bead Cavity Wall Insulation Cellulose, Sheepswool, Fibreglass, SIGA Airtightness

Call in or contact us for free advice and quotes

www.roscommonwindows.ie

BLINDS

BRENDAN DOOLIN

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

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 RACECOURSE ROAD, ROSCOMMON 090 66 33026

TARMACADAM

091 768 768 www.ecowise.ie

CContact: t GGerry M Monaghan h

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

• Doors, Timber Floors • Stairs

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

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 GLASS

Boyle Glass Ballinameen, Boyle,

Tel: 071 96 68368 - Stained Decorative

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

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

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

ALL PETS MUST HAVE FULL UP TO DATE VACCINATIONS INC, KENNEL COUGH PRIOR TO THERE STAY WITH US. PROOF WILL BE REQUIRED 10% DISCOUNT ON VACCINATIONS WHEN BOOKING INTO OUR KENNELS

To arrange a booking please call our office on 090-666 5555

VETERINARY

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

Gerry Monaghan

TARMACADAM Unit 2, Ballybrit Industrial Estate, Galway

2nd Fix Carpentry

(086) 0708833

Telephone: 090 66 33026

New Buildings & Retroﬁt

Munsboro, Roscommon • Fitted Kitchens & bedroom units

• Attic Conversions and all internal woodwork

Thermally efficient and high security with reinforced frames offering quality without compromise.

ROSCOMMON WINDOWS

info@ecowise.ie

Gary Jameson

WIDE RANGE OF COMPOSITE DOORS

FARMING

Lowest price guaranteed

House & Garden Maintenance

WE SUPPLY & FIT Double & Treble Glazed Windows & Doors, Patio Doors, French Doors, Porches and Conservatories

STEPHEN HOARE

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

CHIMNEY REPAIRS

- Chimney Repairs - Soot & Smoke Problems - Demolish, Re Build & Re Flue Line - Chimney Fires - Flexible Stainless Steel Liner - Insurance Claims processed

- CCTV Camera Inspection For Professional For Professional Advice Contact Advice Contact: John Hibbitt: Tel: 090

9673336 2678350

Mob: 086 Email:

info@athlonechimneyrepairs.ie

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

OUR DEADLINE IS STRICTLY 2PM ON TUESDAY We cannot guarantee publication after this time

Roscommon People Friday 07 July 2017

Appointments

FamilyNotices ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES

Kepak are currently recruiting for a Health and Safety Manager for their Athleague site. The successful candidate will be responsible for the development and implementation of Health and Safety management systems within the Site and for ensuring that advice and support is available for all the business Unit Managers in order for them to fulfil their own responsibilities. They will also ensure site management systems is aligned with Group safety strategy.

Candidates should: • Ideally hold a diploma in Health and Safety or equivalent IOSH qualification, • Background in safety and health ideally food and / or manufacturing environments. • 3+ years post qualification experience in H&S • Strong communicator and well-developed interpersonal skills • Organised, energetic and self motivated • Demonstrate the ability to work on their own initiative without immediate hands on support • A high level of attention to detail and accuracy To join the team at Kepak Athleague, please forward your CV/Application form and covering letter to HR Department, Kepak Athleague, Athleague, Co. Roscommon or email deirdre.naughton@kepak. com. Closing date for applications: Friday 21st of July 2017.

Part time experienced chef /cook position for 20 to 30 hours per week. Apply with C.V. to Horan’s Restaurant, Racecourse Road, Roscommon

TEMPORARY/PART–TIME POSITION AVAILABLE

PRAYER TO SAINT PEREGRINE, PATRON OF THOSE SUFFERING FROM CANCER O Saint Peregrine you who have been called The Wonder Worker because of the numerous miracles which you have had recourse to you who for so many years bore in your flesh this cancerous disease that destroys the very fibre of your being and who had recourse to the source of all grace when the power of man could do no more you were favoured with the vision of Jesus coming down of the Cross to heal your affliction ask of God and Our Lady the cure of the sick whom we entrust to you (Name of those for whom you are praying) Aided in this way by your powerful intercession we shall praise God for His great goodness and Mercy. Amen. B.D THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times, for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted.M.V THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times, for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted.M.K NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART

For a busy office in Roscommon Town Please forward C.V.’s to: Box number 1033 c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon Town, Roscommon.

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

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

ABBEY STREET, ROSCOMMON TEL: 090 66 34633 EMAIL: advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

Dear Sacred Heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked for many favours. This time I ask for 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. Many thanks.K.C

FAMILY NOTICES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 49

BANAHAN Kathleen Creevy Road, Roscommon Who died on 3rd July, 2014 (3rd Anniversary)

To lose someone I loved so much, Brings pain beyond belief There are no words to ease my pain, My sadness and my grief I feel I’ve lost someone so close, So wonderful and dear I think about your special ways, And wish that you were near But although you have left this world, You’ll stay within my heart Guiding like an angel, Even though we are apart For love is everlasting, And so are my memories Your legacy that’s always there, To light the way for me

Sadly missed by your brother Tom, his wife Teresa and family. May you Rest in Peace Kathleen xx

HARTE Paddy Slatta Beg, Rooskey, Co. Roscommon (1st Anniversary)

I held your hand that night, I watched you slip away, Although I cannot see you, Your love is still my guide I know you are at my side You left many precious memories You never looked for praise, You were never one to boast Your life was love and labour You were always there when we needed you No task too big, With a loving heart you, Did it all for us

Forever in my heart, sadly missed by your loving wife Kathleen. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ In loving memory of a devoted father and granddad The year has passed very quickly I wish I could tell you, All the times I’ve longed to hear, You tell a yarn, See your grin, And receive one more hug So many tales to tell you and so many Momentous occasions without you Time does not heal I miss you so much more dad, With every passing day I know you would not want me feeling This way, But know that you are missed, And very much loved We cannot bring the old days back, When we were all together The family chain is broken now, But memories live forever

Rest in peace Daddy, love Eileen, Patrick, Marie, Andrew and Karen, your in-laws, Niall, Mairead, Brian and Denise, your grandchildren Sean, Kaylee, Ella, Aaron, Jamie, Caelan and Ciara. Anniversary Mass on Saturday 8th July in Slatta Church at 7.30pm.

DOWD Tommie Beal Srutha, Ballybane, Galway and formerly of Aughagad, Castlecoote, Co Roscommon Who passed away on the 8th of June, 2017

Tommie’s wife Tina, son Jason, sisters Mary and Margaret, brother Micheal, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and grandnephews wish to offer our heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support and sympathy we received on our sad loss. To all who attended Tommie’s Removal, Funeral Mass and Burial, many of whom travelled long distances and to those who called to our home, sent messages of sympathy, Mass Cards and made phone calls, we are forever grateful for such thoughtful gestures. A sincere word of thanks to Fr. Martin Downey and Canon Eugene McLoughlin for celebrating Tommie’s Funeral Mass. A special word of thanks to Sean and Margaret Kiernan for their beautiful music in the Church. Many thanks to Consultant Michael Scully and staff of ICU at UCHG Galway for their care and compassion to Tommie in his final days. We are very grateful to Sean Connaughton and the gravediggers who prepared Tommie’s final resting place with such care and dignity and thank you to PJ’s of Castlecoote and The Bridge House in Athleague who provided refreshments. Special thanks to Smyth’s Funeral Directors for their professionalism, guidance and sensitivity shown to us as the final arrangements were made. As a family we would like to give special thanks to Tommie’s colleagues in Scoil Chroi Iosa NS, Newcastle, Galway. To the Principal, Colin Barry, teachers, staff and pupils we thank you for your kind words, support and beautiful memorial service to Tommie. It meant so much to the whole family. As it is impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions. Tommie’s Month’s Mind Mass is on Friday, July 7th at 7 pm in Fuerty Church. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ His memories are so precious, His presence missed so much, He will always be remembered and loved by all of us

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Roscommon People Friday 07 July 2017

FamilyNotices ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES COX Laura Anne

HEALY Jimmy

Strokestown and Curraghroe (2nd Anniversary) Who passed away on 6th July, 2015

A ray of sunshine came and went A beautiful treasure only lent In God’s keeping quietly sleeps This daughter/sister we loved but could not keep.

Sadly missed by mammy, daddy, James, Shane, Daniel and Zoe. Laura’s 2nd Anniversary Mass will take place on Sunday, 9th of July at 10am in St. Ceceila’s Church, Curraghroe.

FREEHILY Laurence, Francis

WARD Teresa(Tess)

Highlake, Fourmilehouse, Roscommon Who died on the 12th July, 2007 (10th Anniversary)

Keelogues, Williamstown Who died on July 8th 2015 (2nd Anniversary)

Mother and grandmother A silent thought, A quiet prayer, For a special person In God’s care Always remembered by his brothers PJ and Martin. Anniversary Mass on Sunday, 9th July at 11 am in Ballinaheglish Church.

You never said I’m leaving, You never said goodbye You were gone before we knew it And only God knows why It broke our hearts to lose you, But you didn’t go alone, For part of us went with you, The day God called you home

Loved and never forgotten by your family.

HYNES Tom and Lettie Celtic Avenue, Roscommon and formerly of Cargins, Tulsk

In loving memory of Tom who passed away on July 18th, 2009 and his wife Lettie who passed away on February 19th, 2007. RIP Those we love don’t go away, They walk beside us every day Sadly missed by Tommy, JP, Julie, Darren and Lisa. Anniversary Mass in Killina Church on Saturdaym July 8th at 8 pm.

Kiltultogue, Ballinaheglish 4th July. 2016 R.I.P.

On the occasion of First Anniversary of Jimmy’s death, his wife Mary, daughters Catherine and Maeve, son Tim and his extended family wish to take this opportunity to express our thanks and appreciation to all those who supported us during our bereavement. We wish to acknowledge those who called to our home, attended the Removal, Funeral Mass and Burial and to those who travelled long distances to be with us. Thanks also to all who sent Mass Cards and letters of sympathy. A special word of thanks to Fr. Donal Morris for celebrating Jimmy’s Funeral Mass and delivery of such a meaningful Homily and to Fr. Glennon who concelebrated the Mass. Thanks to Fr. Tom Leahy and Fr. Mick Reddan who visited Jimmy regularly during his illness. Thanks to the singers, musicians and those who prepared the Church. We are grateful to all who helped care for Jimmy, staff and nurses at Oncology Unit, Portiuncula, University Hospital Galway, the Palliative Care team, home carers, Roscommon University Hospital and Sonas Nursing Home, Cloverhill. A special word of thanks to our friends and neighbours who brought food and refreshments and helped to cater for those who called to our home. Thanks to Oran GAA Club who provided a Guard of Honour. Sincere thanks to Smyth’s Funeral Directors, Roscommon for the professionalism, care and dignified manner in which they carried out Jimmy’s Funeral arrangements. Thanks also to the gravediggers who prepared Jimmy’s final resting place. Please accept this acknowledgment as a token of our deep appreciation and gratitude, as it is not possible to thank everyone individually. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for all your intentions. Jimmy’s First Anniversary Mass will be held on Saturday, 8th July at 7.30 pm in St. Patrick’s Church, Ballinaheglish.

DALY Jason

BEIRNE Denis

(9th Anniversary) Cullen, Dysart

Lus Leana, Roscommon (4th Anniversary)

HANLEY Padraic

MULLEN Eilish

6, Shannon Heights, Ballyleague Who died on the 17th of July 2016 (1st Anniversary)

Munsboro, Roscommon

Those special memories of you, Will always bring a smile, If only we could have you back, For just a little while, Then we could sit and talk again, Just like we used to do You always meant so very much, And always will do too, The fact that your’re no longer here, Will always cause us pain, But forever in our hearts, Until we meet again We thought of you with love today, But that is nothing new We thought about you yesterday, And the days before that too, We think of you in silence, And often speak your name, All we have are memories, And a picture in a frame, Your memory is our keepsake, From which we will never part, God has you in his keeping, We have you in our heart

With love from your Mam Kathleen and Dad Patsy ~~~~~~~~~~~~ You gave no-one a last farewell, Or even said goodbye, You were gone before we knew it, And only God knows why A million times we miss you, A million times we cry, If love alone could save you, You never would have died In life we loved you dearly, In death we love you still In our hearts you hold a place, No one else can fill, It broke our hearts to lose you, But you didn’t go alone, Part of us went with you, The day God called you home, We will meet again some day, We know in a better place

In loving memory of our dear Eilish, who passed away on 6th July, 2009 R.I.P. (8th Anniversary) Missed so dearly Missed in the morning of every day, Missed in the evening as light fades away, Missed in a thousand and one little ways, Around every corner a memory stays. No one knows the pain we bear, When we all meet and you’re not there We talk, we laugh, we play our part, But behind it all lies broken hearts. You gave us years of happiness, Then sorrow came with tears, You left us lovely memories, We will treasure through the years. Will those who think of Eilish today, A little prayer to Jesus say.

Lovingly remembered and sadly missed by mam, dad, Mary, Patrick, Eamonn, Lorcan and David. Eilish’s Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in Derrane Church on Saturday, July 8th at 7 pm.

KELLY Bartley Northyard, Scramogue

In loving memory of our dear son and brother Jason, who died on the 5th of July 2008

In loving memory of Denis Beirne Who died on July 15th, 2013

There is a gift you cannot buy, It’s very rare but true, It’s a gift of a wonderful son and brother, Like the one we had in you, Your needs in life were simple, Your love for us so true, As long as we were happy, You were happy too

No matter how Life changes, No matter what we do, A special place Within our hearts, Will always be kept For you

Always remembered and sadly missed by Dad, Mam, Michelle and Cathal. Anniversary Mass on Friday, the 7th of July at 8 pm in St. Patrick’s Church, Dysart.

Always loved by Willie, Mairead and extended family and friends. Anniversary Mass in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Derrane on Saturday 15th of July at 7 pm.

We thank God he made you our brother, while you were here on earth.

With love from your sister Marie and brother Alan. Anniversary Mass in Holy Rosary Church Ballyleague on Saturday, 15th July at 7pm.

Ros Memorials Headstone, Memorial & Gravestone Specialists

KNOCKCROGHERY, CO. ROSCOMMON

PAT QUIGLEY: 087 7799076 PAUL O’CONNOR: 086 6052649

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

We hold you close within our hearts And there you will remain, To walk with us throughout our lives, Until we meet again

Always loved and sadly missed by his wife Lily, sons, daughters, in-laws and grandchildren. Anniversary Mass on Sunday, 9th of July in Scramogue Church at 10.30am.

Family Notices • Anniversary Remembrances • Acknowledgements • Birthday Remembrance

Phone: (090) 66 34633 Email: advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

Roscommon People Friday 07 July 2017

SportsExtra This weekend’s action

Horses for Courses by Tom Red

Today is the first of the 3-day Summer Festival at Bellewstown in Co. Meath with a mixed card off at 5.05 pm. Racing at the seaside venue continues on the flat tomorrow, racing at 5.20 pm, and on Saturday it’s a jumping card off at 4.50 pm. There is also a mixed card on Thursday in Tipperary featuring the Kevin McManus sponsored Grade 3 Grimes Hurdle away at 5.45 pm. They are joined for all national hunt fare in the sunny southeast at Wexford tomorrow at 5.45 pm and Saturday for racing on the flat is in Naas, the punter’s graveyard at 1.35 pm. There’s more jumping action on Sunday at Limerick starts at 2 pm featuring the Galway Plate Trial. Lenebane hold their 2-day July meeting on Monday, starting at 5.55 pm and Tuesday away at 6 pm. In an all-flat card on Monday the flat highlight of the year, the Listed Lenebane Stakes. Ladies’ Day also takes place on Monday when Aishling O’Loughlin will be judging the Fashion Stakes sponsored by Supervalu, Co. Roscommon to the tune of €2,900 in cash prizes plus goodies. In 1997, Desert King provided Aidan O’Brien with his first success in the Irish Derby and in the 20 years since he has added another 10, including 7 in a row from 2006 to 2012 inclusive. On Saturday, he made it number 11 not with, as expected, the Epsom winner Wings Of Eagles, but with Capri under Seamie Heffernan. Epsom 3rd place Cracksman finished runner-up. On Sunday, the Pretty Polly Stakes went for export to the Roger Varian trained Andrea Atzeni ridden Nezwaah who beat Ballydoyle’s Rain Goddess and Jim Bolger’s Turret Rocks.

Racing news Gordon Elliott’s former assistant Olly Murphy made a perfect start to his training career cross channel as Dove Mountain won at Brighton last Tuesday. Murphy spent four years as assistant trainer at Gordon Elliott’s yard and he decided to go it alone earlier this year. Dove Mountain, who began his career with Aidan O’Brien, was formerly trained by Elliott before moving, on Gordon’s recommendation, to Murphy’s mother, Anabel, in 2016. There were three Irish trained winners

in Britain on Tuesday with Pat Shanahan scoring a double at Hamilton with Sharp Defence and Wee Jock and Gavin Cromwell on the mark with debutant Soleglad in the bumper at Stratford under Derek O’Connor. Summer chasers have a chance of a €50,000 race this month ahead of next month’s Galway Plate in the Midlands National at Kilbeggan on 21st . There was a Roscommon winner at headquarters last weekend but it was in the fashion stakes as the winner of the Best Dressed Lady Competition Suzanne McGarry from Sligo sported hat by local milliner Laura Hanlon in her winning outfit.

Competition corner Winners of the tickets for Lenebane on Monday and Tuesday are Amy Winstone, Mullymux, Gemma McDonagh and Fergus Conlon both from Galway, who all knew TV presenter Aisling O’Loughlin will judge the Best Dressed Lady in Roscommon next Monday. Don’t forget to Collect your tickets in the office from 12 pm tomorrow (Friday). Racing is set for Kilbeggan again on Friday, 21st July and we have 3 pairs of tickets to give away compliments of manager Paddy Dunican. If you don’t manage to win in Lenabane it is Ladies Day in Kilbeggan so just let us know what is the what is the name of the €50,000 chase on the day in Kilbeggan called? Answers please on a postcard to The Roscommon People, Abbey St., Roscommon or by e-mail to tomred17@gmail. com by 12 pm Wednesday the 19th July and don’t forget to include your name, address and a contact phone number with all competition entries. Tickets have to be collected in the office in Abbey Street.

Lenebane preview Monday’s card is an all flat fixture featuring the Lenebane Listed Stakes supported by the opening EBF sponsored maiden race confined to 2-Y-O’s with 22 entered. Next up is the Property Partners Earley Auctioneers handicap for 3-Y-O+ fillies with 20 potential runners. A 3-Y-O+ handicap sponsored by the local SuperValu supermarkets follows, it is confined to apprentices in Ireland and has the largest entry of the day with 42 entries.

Tilly’s Chilli ridden by Colm O’Donoghue to win at Lenabane.

All three opening races are run over 7f. The first middle distance race, a 1m 1f maiden for 3-Y-O fillies with 23 entries and sponsored by the EBF, is next up. The fifth race is a 3-Y-O handicap race again over 1m 2f sponsored by the Roscommon Herald handicap with 18 entries. The featured Lenebane Stakes, over 1m 3f, is the 6th race on the card and has a very good entry of 20 horses and racing closes with the 21 strong field for the Lilac Rooms Maiden for 4-Y-O+ again over 1m 3f and sponsored by Rosmed Pharmacy and Lilac Rooms. Of the 20 entered in the Lenebane Stakes, 4 are from Aidan O’Brien’s with 2 each from Ger Lyons and Jessica Harrington. Dermot Weld, John Oxx, Jim Bolger and Willie Mullins supply one each with 2 English raiders entered by Charles Hill and Charlie Appleby. Exemplar looks the pick of the Ballydoyle runners but watch the jockey arrangements. Ger Lyons’ Savannah Storm, Willie McCreery’s Zamira and Jessica Harrington’s Tilly’s Chilli, all course winners, could be given consideration. Ballydoyle’s Exemplar looks the one but his stable mate, Belgravia, looks the danger with Harrington’s Tilly’s Chilli fancied e/w. Ladies don’t forget the SuperValu, Co. Roscommon sponsored Best Dressed Lady Competition on Monday with great prizes, worth over €2,000,

and is covered in detail elsewhere on the page. Remember to round off the day’s racing with singer Henry and The Usual Suspects in the main bar. The Best Turned Out in each race is sponsored by Lynch Flooring. Tuesday sees an all national hunt card opening with a maiden hurdle over 2m confined to 4+ mares, the ITBA are giving a €5k bonus for mares eligible for the I.T.B.A. N.H. Fillies Bonus Scheme to the owner of the winner. Next up is the Larry O’Farrelly Memorial Handicap Hurdle over 2m. The Adare Manor Opportunity Maiden Hurdle sponsored by JP McManus over 2m 4f with prizes for the first 3 jockeys home along with the groom of the winner. The featured Connolly Red Mills Novice Hurdle over 2m 4f is the fourth race on the card. Next up is the Leo Dolan Memorial Handicap Hurdle over 3m. Racing closes with 2 bumpers, the first a 2m 4f bumper for qualified riders and racing ends with a race for mares over 2m, confined to pro/am lady riders. This race is sponsored by EBF and the ITBA are giving a €5k bonus for mares eligible for the I.T.B.A. N.H. Fillies Bonus Scheme. Music after racing in the main bar is by local musician Billy Garvan and the BTO is sponsored by Keshia Casey of Glamorous Dogs in Fuerty.

Winners at Roscommon Golf Club!

Pictured recently at Roscommon Golf Club Open Week were (back L-r): Bill Kennedy (Athlone G.C.), Joe Carney (Athlone G.C), Paul Johnson, Bernie Browne, Tresina Smith. Front (L-r): George Bannon (Sponsor), Annie Timothy (Lady Captain), Bryan Keogh (Sponsor), Peter Casey (Sponsor), Tom Costello (Captain). Missing from photo: Mario Costello.

Pictured recently at Roscommon Golf Club Open Week were (back L-r): Michael Connaughton, Phelim Henry, John Cunningham, Margaret Brennan, Bernie Browne, Ruth Lennon, Noreen O’Grady, Eric Godfrey, John Carter, Noel Farrell. Front (L-r): Paula Connaughton (President), Geraldine Relihan, Annie Timothy (Lady Captain), Liam Fleming (SuperValu, Roscommon), Michelle Daly (P&G Cards), Tom Costello (Captain).

Roscommon People Friday 07 July 2017

Sports People

Kicking her bad habits

Roscommon native and Muay Thai ďŹ ghter Grace Morris speaks to Dan Dooner about ďŹ ghting depression, self-improvement and competing at Madison Square Garden. See page 53

Roscommon People Friday 07 July 2017

36 SportsPeople

Roscommon People Friday 03 March 2017

Rossies begin new era with Banner win

Liberty Insurance All-Ireland Camogie Junior Championship Round 1 ROSCOMMON

2-12

CLARE Roscommon Camogie began a new era without the recently retired Annette

1-4 McGeeney and Kelley Hopkins with a good win against Clare at Pairc an

Phiarsaigh last Saturday and it sets the team up for the rest of the championship. Roscommon made a good start and that was crucial. A Chloe White-Lennon goal after 10 minutes saw the home side race into a 1-3 to 0-0 lead. Clare did respond

with a goal and a point, the goal coming from Siobhan Lane in the 17th minute. But Roscommon scored some fine points from Laura Fleming and Shauna Fallon and then just before half-time, Susan Spillane’s long drive went all the way to the Clare net to leave

Roscommon seven points ahead at half-time leading 2-5 to 1-1. Further Roscommon points on the restart extended their lead and although Clare never gave up the battle, the game was over as a contest long before the final whistle. Best

for Roscommon were Susan Spillane, Shauna Fallon, Aisling Byrne, Rachel Fitzmaurice, Laura Fleming and Rebecca Brennan. Roscommon face Kerry in their next game in two weeks’ time. Roscommon: C Connaughton; R Dolan, A

Byrne, M Tiernan; S Spillane (1-0), E McNally, J Beattie; R Fitzmaurice, L Fleming (0-3); N Watson, R Brennan (0-1), S Fallon (0-6); C White-Lennon, F Connell (0-1), L Kenny (0-1). Subs: K Doyle for Kenny, N Farrell for Connell.

GAA Results Hodson Bay Hotels AFL Division 1 Elphin 0-11 Roscommon Gaels 1-7 Seamus Carthy Auctioneers AFL Division 3 St Michael’s 1-15 St Barry’s 1-7 Seamus Carthy Auctioneers JAFC (Section A) St. Brigid’s 1-10 Western Gaels 1-9 Clann na nGael 2-16 St. Ronan’s 1-9 Kilglass Gaels 2-14 Pádraig Pearses 0-9 Seamus Carthy Auctioneers JAFC (Section B) Ballinameen 3-13 Strokestown 1-8 Roscommon Gaels 2-9 St. Joseph’s 1-9 Seamus Carthy Auctioneers JBFC (Section A) Michael Glavey’s 1-11 St. Croan’s 2-7 St. Aidan’s 1-11 Oran 1-11 Elphin 4-13 Kilbride 1-8 Seamus Carthy Auctioneers JBFC (Section B) Tulsk Lord Edwards 2-12 Fuerty 1-10 St. Faithleach’s 2-12 Boyle 1-8 Kilmore W/O Kilglass Gaels

Fixtures

The Roscommon U-17 panel and management will be hoping to make a bit of history this Saturday.

History beckons for young footballers Connacht U-17 FC Final: Roscommon v Galway on Saturday at the Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence at 2 pm  SEAMUS DUKE

History beckons for the U-17 footballers of Roscommon and Galway as they bid to become the first winners of the inaugural Connacht championship on Saturday in Ballyhaunis. Roscommon defeated Leitrim in the recent Connacht semi-final while Galway defeated Mayo. The recent Connacht minor semi-final be-

tween Roscommon and Galway in Pearse Stadium will give Liam Tully’s side great hope here because Roscommon were very competitive in that match until the final five minutes against much vaunted opponents. Roscommon U-17s can take inspiration from that performance. Against Leitrim, Paul McManus, Peter Gillooly, Ciaran Sugrue, Oisin Lennon, Paul Carey, James Larkin and John Martin were

very impressive. The influential Darragh Walsh will once again be absent due to injury. Galway are strong and scored a deserved 2-7 to 0-5 win against Mayo in the semi-final. But a lot of games at underage level are decided on the day and Roscommon are in with a very good chance of taking a Connacht title against the odds. Prediction: Roscommon

Kelly and Curley shoot down St. Dominic’s Kepak Roscommon SHC Group A FOUR ROADS ST. DOMINIC’S Four Roads’ quest to regain the Mickey Cunniffe Cup continued at Athleague last Sunday evening. A strong sec-

1-16 0-12

ond quarter performance which saw them lead by 1-9 to 0-5 at half-time was key. The sides were evenly

matched early on with John Murray and Naos Connaughton doing well for the Knockcroghery men. But the accurate free taking of Micheal Kelly and Shane Curley ensured that Four Roads were always in touch, and when Noel Fallon scored a goal on the stroke of half-time

it left Four Roads seven points ahead at the break. Four Roads kept Dominic’s at arm’s length in the second half and despite a battling display from Micheal Mulry’s men, the former champions had done enough to notch their second win and almost certainly a place in

Friday, July 7th Hodson Bay Hotels AFL Division 1 At Enfield: St. Croan’s v Kilmore. 8 pm At Strokestown: Strokestown v Roscommon Gaels. 8.30 pm Seamus Carthy Auctioneers AFL Division 3 At Kilronan Park: St. Ronan’s v Kilbride. 8.30 pm Seamus Carthy Auctioneers AFL Division 5 (8 pm) At Tulsk: Tulsk Lord Edwards v St. Michael’s At Abbey Park: Boyle v St. Faithleach’s Saturday, July 8th Kepak Senior Hurling Championship (Group B) At Athleague: Tremane v Roscommon Gaels. 7.30 pm Kepak Senior Hurling Championship (Group A) At Athleague: Athleague v Pádraig Pearses. 6 pm Seamus Carthy Auctioneers AFL Division 4 At Kiltoom: St. Brigid’s v St. Croan’s. 8 pm Seamus Carthy Auctioneers AFL Division 5 (8 pm) At Kilteevan: St. Joseph’s v St. Barry’s At Kilbride: Kilbride v Ballinameen At Kilglass: Kilglass Gaels v Michael Glavey’s

Ladies results Abbey Hotel Ladies SF Championship Strokestown 5-11 Shannon Gaels 4-7 St. Brigid’s v Pádraig Pearses, postponed. Kilbride 3-7 Clann na nGael 2-4 Hydrotech Water Supplies IFC Kilglass Gaels 7-18 Michael Glavey’s 8-9 St. Ciaran’s 3-9 Boyle 1-11 Keenan’s Bar & Restaurant JAFC (Group A) St. Dominic’s 3-10 St. Faithleach’s 0-7 Keenan’s Bar & Restaurant JAFC (Group B) St. Barry’s 4-10 Castlerea 1-9 Ballinameen 2-14 Oran 0-7 Keenan’s Bar & Restaurant JBFC Four Roads 3-9 Kilmore 1-8 Kilbride 8-7 Roscommon Gaels 0-7

Tonight’s underage ﬁxtures

the semi-finals. Four Roads scorers: M Kelly (0-7), S Curley (0-4), N Fallon (1-1), C Coyle (0-2), N Hynes (01), E Rogerson (0-1). St. Dominic’s scorers: J Murray (0-6), N Connaughton (0-3), R Kilcline (0-2), M Byrne (01).

Thursday, July 6th Integrated Risk Solutions U-14 FC Division 1 (7.30 pm) At Abbey Park: Boyle v Clann na nGael. 7.30 pm At Lisnamult: Roscommon Gaels v St. Ciaran’s At Kiltoom: St. Brigid’s v Pádraig Pearses Oakwood Nursing Home U-14 FC Division 2 (7.30 pm) At Ardcarne Park: St. Michael’s v Kilglass Gaels/St. Barry’s At Strokestown: Strokestown v Kilbride At St. Dominic’s: St. Dominic’s v Castlerea St. Kevin’s Rogue & Co Cafe U-14 FC Division 3 (7.30 pm) At Michael Glavey’s: Michael Glavey’s v Oran At Orchard Park: Elphin-Ballinameen v Western GaelsFrenchpark At Ballyforan: St. Aidan’s v Clann na nGael Casey’s Auto Centre U-14 FC Division 4 (7.30 pm) At Pairc an Phiarsaigh: Pádraig Pearses v Roscommon Gaels At Enfield: St. Croan’s v St. Brigid’s At Ballyleague: St. Faithleach’s v Boyle

Roscommon People Friday 07 July 2017

SportsPeople

The referee raises Niki Lorinczy’s hand as the ‘Hungarian Barbarian’ defeats Roscommon Muay Thai fighter Grace Aveen by decision at Madison Square Garden in New York.

Beaten but unbowed MUAY THAI PREVENTS A FALL FROM GRACE  DAN DOONER

he referee holds Niki Lorinczy’s hand high in Madison Square Garden and Grace Morris feels her heart sink. It just wasn’t to be on the night. Not aggressive enough. “She ended up winning the fight but I wasn’t so sure. At first I was livid but then I realised I wouldn’t have lost if I had knocked her out. For me going into my next few fights I want to be more technical as well as more aggressive,” she told me on Skype this week. The Roscommon town native is relatively new to the world of Muay Thai but her hard work and almost obsessive training earned her a bout in the most famous arenas of them all and ‘The Garden’ certainly hasn’t seen the back of her. “I’m confident I’ll definitely get back to the Garden again. I have to,” she sighs. Grace is back in Queens. She’s sitting in the sun outside Astoria Station. Our call is interrupted by a rattling train overhead before the wail of a passing ambulance deafens us. There’s a constant stream of traffic, both human and mechanical, passing by. It’s a different world to the one she grew up in but it’s helped her to overcome some of her own issues. Her parents separated when she was quite young and her mother remarried. Grace, who now fights as Grace Aveen, was close to

her stepfather, right up to his death in 2006. It was a tough blow and it affected her immensely. “I was about 16 when my stepfather passed away so that kind of threw me through the ringer because he and I were very close. “I think it’s fair to say we start drinking at a relatively young age back home (in Ireland), I just took it a step further and that, combined with the impact of losing a parent young and maybe just my brain chemistry meant I suffered depression when I was 16. “It stuck around for a year or so and although it went away for a bit it would come back once a year almost like clockwork. It would haunt me for a few months and then go away again,” she says. She remembers college in Galway. The depression exacerbated by nights out and the partying most Irish students take for granted. “In the middle of it all I just thought I was having the craic I didn’t put two and two together: drinking, going out all the time, not eating right. You go through it in a blur. I’d be down and I’d be near suicidal only for a couple of my really close friends who got me through it year after year. “It was never usually until two or three months later that I’d be like ‘Shit that was the depression again’. At the time you’d think it was just life and that it was everything especially when you’re

Grace Morris launches an attack against Niki Lorinczy during their Muay Thai bout in Madison Square Garden last month.

drinking, that doesn’t help. “Then the drugs as well when I went to Galway. By drugs now I don’t mean heroin or anything like that, more like party drugs: weed, pills, MDMA,” she says. Grace remembers drink-

“Within the first six months of being here I was in the hospital three times. Two of those visits were down to being drunk. One of the staff came in with these AA papers for me. I was like ‘I’m not an alcoholic, I just enjoy

thing. I was looking on the ‘Groupon’ website and it was one of the first things to come up: three months membership and a pair of gloves. I went along to the gym and I loved it from the very first moment,” she beams.

“It was so amazing. We got there early in the day and it was like ‘This is Madison Square Garden. I’m about to ﬁght at Madison Square Garden’. ing to excess and creating drama for herself on nights out. The depression and substances were a potent mix. “When you have depression or when you’re on any sort of addictive substance you find a way to cause the arguments you need just to spiral more. “I left home five years ago and found a different society over here. Within a few weeks of being here you realise that people don’t go out as much or drink as much as we do.

drinking’ but I kept the papers anyway!” It wasn’t long after this incident that she found Muay Thai. It gave her an outlet and forced her to choose a healthier lifestyle. “I don’t know what would have happened if I hadn’t found Muay Thai to be honest. As soon as I started doing that, drinking didn’t make much sense because I couldn’t train as much as I wanted to. “It was January so it must have been like a ‘New Year, new me’ kind of

Sport was never high on Grace’s list of priorities and she admits that smoking from a young age made physical activity a chore. “I remember trying to run around the pitch at the back of the Convent and not being able to make it halfway around! “When I started doing Muay Thai I was still dying, I’d smoke a cigarette and go in and take the class and then after the class we’d go drinking. “Then the coaches asked

if I wanted to fight. There was no doubt in my mind that’s what I wanted to do so I started changing my diet and my habits. I’ve been playing catch-up but I’ve been doing a damn good job of playing catchup the last three years!” Before Muay Thai Grace would attempt to make small changes in order to improve her mood on difficult days. Now however, those difficult days have become less frequent. “You have more energy, there’s a boost in your mood after working out, your diet changes because you need energy for training and having a healthy diet also helps when it comes to dealing with depression. Even something like getting out for a run in the fresh air, my whole lifestyle has changed completely and it has enabled me to manage my depression,” she says. She says it’s important to talk and she credits her closest friends for helping her through. She also believes that an outlet is important for young people, particularly those going through difficult times. Her outlet led her to Madison Square Garden and it was a moment she will never forget. “I got in the ring and when you’re in the ring you don’t really hear what’s going on around you. I could hear my support as I made my way to the ring but then it’s just you and your opponent,” she smiles.

Day-to-day, Grace faces a different kind of opponent but she has surrounded herself with a solid corner crew, including her boyfriend Jason who also studies Muay Thai. “Myself and Jason were only talking about this the other day, the ‘depression mindset’ and how it’s important to live in the now. “I still know depression is something that’s in my system. You have to notice the good things in your life. If you take time to sit down every day and say ‘This is what’s good’ it reminds you of what to focus on. “For me it’s easy because Muay Thai is there every day, I train so much that it’s hard to forget how much I love it. “I do put it down to Muay Thai because it changed everything but if it wasn’t Muay Thai it could have been something else, it’s about finding what works for you.” Before she went back to the gym where she works as a trainer and youth coach, Grace promised to return to Madison Square Garden in the coming months to “get that win”. In the meantime, she’s just happy training hard, living healthy and focussing on the good things in life. *If you are affected by any of the topics discussed in this article, there are services that can help. Call Vita House, Roscommon on 0906625898 or Pieta House West on 093-25586.

Roscommon People Friday 07 July 2017

SPORTING WORLD WITH DAN DOONER

@dan_dooner

Hope rather than expectation this Sunday THE LEAD STORY Dan Dooner Last week I had the pleasure of travelling out to Creggs as part of our coverage of this year’s Connacht final. It certainly wasn’t my first time in Creggs but it was my first visit to the village ahead of a Galway Roscommon final. The Roscommon fans will travel to Salthill more in hope than expectation but they certainly expect their team to perform much better than they did at this stage last year. The importance of winning possession in the middle of the field was repeated like a mantra while the danger of Galway’s forward line was drilled into me the moment I walked into O’Roarke’s Bar. The Galway fans for their part seemed slightly apprehensive. The favourites’ tag rarely sits comfortably in these parts. They too highlighted midfield as the key battleground while brows furrowed at the mention of Roscommon’s full-forward line. Both sets of supporters displayed plenty of bravado of course, but then that’s par for the course when you are living so close to the enemy. The slagging continued for most of the evening although it was all very good-natured and there was serious respect radiating from both camps. The owner of the pub, Michael O’Rourke, has both Galway and Roscommon flags on display even though

There were tense scenes in Creggs when Roscommon People reporter Dan Dooner paid a visit last week. Pic: Andrew Fox

he is an ardent Galway supporter. The mix of maroon, white, primrose and blue creates a fantastic atmosphere and whoever is staying behind on Sunday will have great craic watching the ac-

tion unfold from the barstool. Most of Creggs will be in Salthill however and neither side is too happy about that. Pearse Stadium is seen as a terrible place for football and a worse

place for watching it. Some of the Galway fans were only too happy to predict a rematch at Dr. Hyde Park – they love winning there they said. The Roscommon fans will have

In the sporting diary ....

The sporting brief Golf

Byrne up the course! We start our weekly golf round in Athlone where Margaret Byrne scored an impressive 39 points as she pipped Margaret Egan in the recent ladies’ competition. Athlone Golf Club hosted the Ladies’ Senior and Junior Connacht Championships recently. Eleanor Metcalfe from Laytown & Bettystown GC took the senior title, Carmel Moran from Castlebar GC won the junior title. Athlone GC member Anna O’Brien finished 3rd in the junior section. Congratulations meanwhile to Bonnie Moylette, Millie O’Brien, Caoimhe McCarthy and Niamh O’Brien who represented Athlone GC in the Irish Open Skills Challenge recently. In Boyle, the Fore Club Alliance was won by Michael Simon. Ann Neary took the ladies’ competition. The ladies’ Australian Spoons competition was won by Mary O’Hara and Carmel McGarry while

the men’s 12-hole was won by club captain Gerry O’Hara. Castlerea Golf Club captain, Pat O’Connor, held the first day of his captain’s prize to the men with an 18-hole stroke competition last Sunday. Leading the field so far is Greg Bruen on 63 points with Padhraic Gorham,

something to say about that however. They’d probably give up all the porter in O’Roarke’s to see McStay and Co. lift the JJ Nestor Cup in Salthill this Sunday.

John Caulfield and Paul Connaughton following on 64. The recent ladies’ competition was won by Mary Colleary on 42 points while Ciara Maher and Teresa Meaney claimed the Australian Spoons competition. Roscommon’s Open Week was a huge suc-

cess recently with winners across seven days. Congratulations to Frank Mullen, Michael Connaughton, Margaret Brennan, Nuala Hughes, Jackie Hannon, Noreen O’Grady, Bill Kennedy, Joe Carney, Mario Costelo, Tresina Smith, Paul Johnson and Bernie Browne. In Strokestown, Patrick Dowd took the President’s Prize to the men while Anne Neary won the ladies’ equivalent. Tommie Reilly meanwhile, won the Lady Captain’s Prize to the men.

Darts

Kilroe on the double! Mick Kilroe did it again in the Hollywood Bar Darts Superleague. This time he beat Gary Concannon 3-2 in an entertaining final.

Handball

Handball in the USA!

Meet the new chairman! Congratulations to Niall Kelly (right) from St. John’s Athletic, who was announced as the new chairman of the Roscommon & District Football League recently. Here he is being congratulated by the outgoing chairman, Tom Cunningham.

Rikki O’Gara and Joe McCann travelled to Los Caballeros, California last week for the USHA Open Doubles title. The Roscommon lads

reached the semi-finals where they faced top seeds Sean Lenning and Marcos Chavez (USA). The Irish duo were eventually beaten 21-8, 12-21, 9-11. Elsewhere, Breaffy House hosted the Onewall Nationals. While there were no Roscommon winners there were some excellent performances. Michael Egan lost his 17 & under final 13-19 to Kilkenny’s Eoin Brennan. Fiona Tully lost her semifinal in the Ladies’ Open to Martina McMahon while her sister Aoife reached the final of the Ladies’ Challenger grade where she lost to Brigid Quish. Philip Halliday was beaten by Mikey Kelly in the 13 & under grade. Carragh Kennedy lost to Skylyn O’Malley-Walsh of Galway in her semifinal. Liam Egan was beaten by Kilkenny’s Jack Doyle in his first round match. Gordon Nolan lost to eventual winner Oisin O’Cualain from Galway in the Men’s C first round. Oisin Cusack lost to Tyrone’s Conor Duff in the same grade. Eddie Conboy went out at the second round in the Challenger grade.

Big names run in Roscommon! According to our sources, two of Ireland’s greatest distance runners will be running in the Roscommon Harriers 10 Mile Road Race this Saturday in Roscommon town. Mick Clohisey, who ran in the Marathon at the Olympics last year will be joined by another top elite distance runner in Tom Hehir. Get out and support the athletes from Hannon’s this Saturday from 11.30 am.

Lady Captain’s Prize at Athlone This coming weekend will see the highlight of the Ladies’ Club in Athlone Golf Club with the Lady Captain’s Prize taking place on Sunday, July 9th. The slots are filling up fast so get booking! The format is 18-hole stroke play, followed by a 6-hole play-off at 6 pm, so the last card out will be at 1 pm.

Sporting week on Tweet Street Tom Dunne @tomhappens Shaun Ryder has admitted it was cycling got him OFF drugs, possibly the only recorded incidence of this in that sport. (A decent name for a cyclist anyway.)

Mark Farrelly @MarkFarrelly131 Was Sonny Bill Williams’ red card deserved? Well he’s entitled to his good name so I don’t be commenting until I read the referees’s report. (Sonny Bill avoided the linesman on his way off.)

Paddy Power @paddypower Russell Crowe, Winston Reid, Flights of the Conchords, the set location for Lord of the Rings films, you boys took one hell of a beating! (Probably a bad idea to tease the All Blacks…)

Roscommon People Friday 07 July 2017

@SeamusDuke

Seamus Duke ON SPORT

Championship Watch

game of the weekend Munster SHC Final: Clare v Cork on Sunday in Thurles at 4 pm

All eight teams left in the race for the MacCarthy Cup will feel that they can win it including these two. Cork have been so impressive as they burst onto the scene this year but there has not been a word about Clare who have some marvellous young players. I sense another classic and I am going for Clare to edge it. Match odds: Clare 5/4, Cork 4/5, Draw 9/1. Prediction: Clare

All-Ireland SHC Qualiﬁers:

There is a very exciting double bill in Thurles on Saturday evening. Tipperary (1/14) should have too much for Dublin in the opener at 5 pm while I fancy Waterford (6/4) to beat Kilkenny (8/11) in the main event at 7 pm.

Connacht SFC Final: Galway v Roscommon on Sunday in Pearse Stadium at 2 pm

Previewed in detail elsewhere this week: head says Galway, heart says Roscommon. Match odds: Galway 4/9, Roscommon 5/2, Draw 15/2. Prediction: Galway

All-Ireland SFC Qualiﬁers:

There are a number of very interesting games this weekend. Mayo (1/4) struggled to beat Derry and will have to improve if they want to beat Clare (4/1) in Ennis. They should scrape home. Donegal (1/2) will get the hesitant vote against Meath (2/1) in Navan. There should also be wins for Cavan against Tipperary in Breffni Park, Carlow at home to Leitrim, Monaghan in Wexford and Armagh, who take on Westmeath in Mullingar.

Glad to be wrong about the Lions I was proven totally wrong by the Lions last Saturday and delighted to be wrong too. The sending off of Sonny Bill Williams was a big help but in fairness the Lions dug in and it was a great win in the end. Can they do it this Saturday? They will be up against it for sure. It will depend on the tactics employed by Warren Gatland and the team he picks. The Lions will have to tighten up on their discipline. They gave away far too many penalties last Saturday. It is hard not to fancy the All Blacks to win it. I hope I’m wrong again!

Wayward Mayo keep marching Conor Loftus saved Mayo’s blushes last weekend against Derry as they progressed in the All-Ireland SFC Qualifiers.

The football championship continues to produce some excellent matches and while the quality of the football in the Mayo v Derry game was not top class it was very exciting and Mayo were very lucky they were not dumped out. It was hard to believe they won it by 11 points because their shooting was dire. Aidan O’Shea was outstanding

and sub Conor Loftus saved their bacon. The Kerry v Cork match was a non-event and a huge bore. Kerry played for about five minutes at a time and still blew them away. Cork have slipped back so far it is amazing. The Leinster hurling final was a great occasion and I really enjoyed it. Galway were

Kimmage can’t stomach The Tour

I am not a fan of Paul Kimmage, even though he gets rave reviews as a columnist in the Sunday Independent. I just don’t like his style and when he is interviewed he is so stern and serious all the time. In fact, I don’t think I have ever seen him smile or say anything amusing. But one thing is for certain, he knows what he is talking about. He and a couple of others were chiefly responsible for shaming Lance Armstrong and highlighting the huge doping problems in cycling. He also persisted when it was neither profitable or fashionable to do so. Last week on Newstalk he gave an extraordinary interview about the time when Stephen Roche and Sean Kelly were on top of the cycling world and were national heroes here. While he never actually accused either man directly, the evidence he put forward only pointed in one direction. At the end of what was a riveting interview, Kimmage said that Kelly and Roche were both in the media commenting on this year’s Tour de France. “I won’t be watching it. I couldn’t listen to it,” he said. Fairly revealing, and very sad for a man who was himself a top class rider and someone who obviously loves the sport even still. These two guys were friends of his as well.

too strong for Wexford but Davy Fitz’s men will be back. They are a young team and what an atmosphere their followers brought to the match. Kilkenny just about beat Limerick and they are on the wane. We will see just what Tipperary and Dublin are like when they meet next weekend.

Big day for young Rossies After a year during which there has been much turmoil, Roscommon footballers and Kevin McStay will be looking for redemption in Pearse Stadium on Sunday. The match is previewed in detail elsewhere in the sports section this week and of course everyone travelling from Roscommon will be hoping for a win and failing that a really competitive display. Another heavy defeat would be disastrous and would set us back to square one once again. I have a feeling that we will do well but we need to get plenty of ball into our forwards. It’s a big day for Tadgh O’Rourke, Brian Stack and Cathal Compton in particular. We wish them well.

Time to cut the Video Assistant Referee The advent of the Video Assistant Referee system into soccer is doomed to be a disastrous failure if what happened in the Confederations Cup is anything to go by. The spectacle of the referee running over to the sideline to look at incidents himself is bad enough but on at least three occasions they got the decision all wrong. In one case the wrong player was sent off! Why don’t they copy rugby where an experienced referee is in a studio high up in the stand? When the referee on the pitch needs assistance he calls on the guy in the studio and they make up their minds. In rugby they get at least 99 calls out of every 100 right. If they don’t get it right in soccer they might as well forget it altogether because it will create more problems than it will solve. We saw that last week.

Sorry to see the back of the Minors

Warren Gatland will be hoping his British and Irish Lions can make it two wins in a row and clinch the series against the All Blacks this Saturday.

A seven-point defeat was very unfair on the Roscommon minor footballers in the Connacht semifinal last week. They were level with six minutes to go and also missed a penalty. It is a crying shame that there was no back door for beaten teams in Connacht which is the only province that has no second chance at this level. Surely with only five teams in the competi-

tion it would be possible to give teams a second chance. To be out after one game having trained for six months is very unfair. Also very unfair was the decision to fix the game for Pearse Stadium. I left Roscommon town at ten minutes past five and when I got into the ground the referee was throwing the ball in two hours and twenty minutes later. The traffic was bumper to bump-

er from Loughgeorge to Salthill. God himself only knows what it will be like this coming Sunday. It is a totally unsuitable venue for any kind of big game. What was wrong with playing that game in Tuam? There were no more than 1,000/1,200 people at it. Either way it was Roscommon’s final game in the Minor Football Championship and it is a competition that many of

us will remember fondly. The scenes in Ennis in 2006 when Fergal O’Donnell’s team won the Tom Markham Cup will live with me until my dying day and the celebrations around the county that night and that weekend were incredible. I know time moves on and now we have an U-17 competition but I will miss the Minor Football Championship.

Roscommon People Friday 07 July 2017