2019.01.25 by Roscommon People

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SOCIAL PEOPLE

25 January 2019

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Naughten’s warning on Brexit No Deal  DAN DOONER

Independent TD Denis Naughten has said that any hard border would have a “very serious impact” on the economy in this region. ‘The reality is, from an economic point of view, a hard border will have a very serious impact. Secondly, we have seen in Derry last weekend why it’s important from a political point of view that we don’t have a border on this island as well,” he said. The former Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment said that while he is not privy to current discussions, he believes those involved are steadfast in their opposition to a hard border. “Knowing the personalities that are involved and knowing the engagement that I was directly involved with at

European level, I think the Government are determined to make sure that there will not be a hard border on this island. “Remember that the backstop was one of the last things to be agreed, a lot of time and effort went into the drafting of the backstop part of that agreement. I don’t see the agreement being obtained from the 27 member states to alter that”. Deputy Naughten said the SME sector

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

is most at risk in the event of a hard border. “Also the food sector, farmers and agriculture, 50% of our beef goes into the British market”. The Independent TD added: “If there is no agreement and there is a hard Brexit, I presume the European Union will put some sort of transition agreement in place to allow the Irish Government to ensure that there is a frictionless situation on the island of Ireland. But there is a lot of negotiation still to go between now and the end of March and it is everyone’s interest on these two islands as well as mainland Europe that there is an agreement put in place and I expect that will happen. “This is a British problem. The British Government and the British public have created this problem. This is not one that should be solved on the backs of the economy of rural Ireland,” he concluded.

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Roscommon People Friday 25 January 2019

NewsPeople

People WATCHING

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THINGS WE DIDN’T LIKE THIS WEEK…

Hard border fears Brexit: Is this the beginning of a climbdown by the EU on the Irish border issue? First, we had the Polish Finance Minister suggesting that the backstop should have a time limit of five or ten years. A day later, a European Commission spokesman said Ireland would see a new hard border if the UK crashed out of the EU without a deal. Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney responded by saying: “The Irish government will not support the re-emergence of border infrastructure. We’re not planning for it. But certainly, if we don’t have a withdrawal agreement, it becomes very, very difficult to prevent that, and we need to work closely with the European Commission and the British government who have an obligation of course to relationships on this island”. But at this week moves on (and events are unfolding hour by hour at this stage) there is a real sense that Ireland is coming under pressure to soften its position on the border, in order to help avoid a no deal crash out by the UK. We’re being warned that if the UK leaves without a deal in March, a hard border on this island is inevitable. So, what can we do to avoid it? For their part, a rattled Leo Varadkar and Simon Coveney are still trying to portray that the next move is London’s, while at the same time hoping that the ‘EU 27’ – well, the other 26 – are not preparing to abandon Dublin. Serious poker playing now, or as Mick McCarthy might say, ‘squeaky bum time’…

A blow for patients?

Accident at Work I was recently injured in an accident at work. I was working alongside my colleague when he tripped on a loose cable which in turn caused the machine I was working on to shut down violently. I injured my arm and I will be out of work for several weeks as a result. I am in difficult financial circumstances but I do not want to sue my work colleague for compensation. Is there anything else I can do? Every employer is obliged to provide a safe place of work for his employees. Furthermore, employees are expected to take reasonable care to protect the health and safety of themselves and of other people in the workplace. However, if an employee, whilst acting in the course of his employment negligently causes an accident which injures another then the employer may be considered vicariously liable for that incident. In such circumstances an employer, or in his insurers, may be liable to compensate the injured employee. Employers must have a Safety Statement in place setting out policies and procedures regarding accident prevention. All accidents must be reported to the employer who should in turn investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. Witnesses to the incident should also be interviewed. Under the Statute of Limitations one has two years from the date of accident to bring a compensation claim for personal injuries. You should consult with your Solicitor without delay who will advise on the best course of action to take. This column is prepared by Dolores Gacquin, Solicitor. Byrne Carolan Cunningham have offices in Athlone, Moate, Lanesborough and Galway. A person should always contact their solicitor to obtain legal advice specific to their own situation. The above column contains general information and cannot be relied upon as legal advice. * In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement

Byrne Carolan Cunningham SOLICITORS

Telephone Central Line 090 6478433 info@bccsolicitors.ie www.bccsolicitors.ie

The prospect of thousands of hospital appointments being cancelled in the event of a nurses’ strike going ahead is a gloomy one for the public.

Scourge of scammers Reports of ongoing attempts by ‘scam artists’ to con people through various means (Internet, by phone, etc.) are worrying. See Frank Brandon’s column this week.

Quote of the Week… “I slept okay last night but I woke up a couple of times with all sorts going through my head. I could visualise this little one (his daughter) running around on a par three in the middle of the night. That’s how mental this game is… oh God, I am so happy” – Offaly’s Shane Lowry speaking to reporters after winning the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship at the weekend. It was his first tournament win in over three years and catapults the popular Irish man back up to number 41 in the world.

THINGS WE DID LIKE THIS WEEK…

Triumph in Tuam Roscommon senior footballers had an excellent and largely unexpected victory over Galway in Sunday’s FBD Final, played in Tuam. In quite demanding conditions, a superb defensive performance was the foundation on which Roscommon built this win against the Tribesman. However there was plenty of positive play further up the field too and Roscommon were deserving and impressive winners on a 0-13 to 1-5 scoreline.

On the right road… News that An Bord Pleanála has given the go-ahead for development work on the N5 between Ballaghaderreen and Scramogue is to be warmly welcomed. The works will see the proposed development link with the Ballaghaderreen bypass before joining up with the existing N5 at Scramogue, near Strokestown. Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council Cllr. Ivan Connaughton said that the announcement was a major milestone – and we agree!

Young at heart (of Oscars) Congratulations to Boyle native Paul Young, who is on the Oscar trail again. On Tuesday, Paul’s studio Cartoon Saloon was again nominated for an Academy award. That’s the fourth such nomination. We wish Paul and all at Cartoon Saloon the very best of luck at the Oscars when they take place in Los Angeles next month.

Good WEEK

Our Person(s) of the Week…

It was a good week for Curraghboy man Ger Cummins, who won a handsome €65,000 on the RTE show ‘Winning Streak’. Nice one, Ger! It was a bad week for the community in Northern Ireland and all supporters of the peace process/ normal society, following worrying incidents in Derry. Police believe that republican dissidents were responsible for the car bomb in Derry on Saturday evening and for further subsequent security alerts.

Bad WEEK

Our person of the week is Castlerea native Susan Carty who earlier this week was named overall winner of the inaugural Irish Women’s Awards. Susan took the title of ‘Woman of the Year’ at an event held to showcase the contribution of women to various industries and professions such as law, medicine, technology, arts, sports and education. Originally from Trien, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon, Susan was awarded the title in recognition of her contribution to women’s rugby on a national and international basis over several years. Susan (‘Su’) is a former World Rugby Women’s Development Manager. Compiled by PAUL HEALY

Roscommon People Friday 25 January 2019

NewsPeople Councillor

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK

Ivan Connaughton

A column by Roscommon People editor

Drop in Clinic Every Monday 10am to 11am in Athleague Office – no appointment necessary

Ivan is available to meet byAppointment Weekly in the following locations Athleague Office Dysart • Dysart Community Centre Ballinasloe • The Birchgrove Public House • Dolan’s Service Station Athlone/Kiltoom • The Athlone Springs Hotel • Hodson Bay Hotel Lecarrow • St. Johns Community Centre

Tel: 090-6663700 Mobile: 086-8985013 E-mail: ivanconnaughton14@gmail.com

Lisaniskey N.S. Donamon, Co. Roscommon

OPEN EVENING and ENROLMENT Tuesday, 5th February, 2019 at 7.00 p.m. If you wish to enrol your child for September 2019, come along on Tuesday evening to meet the staff and view our school.

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090 6662730

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Four days in Rome… Rome wasn’t built in a day – and cannot possibly be fully appreciated in all its magnificence in four days. But, on our first ever visit to Rome (or Italy), we gave it our best shot – and pledged we’ll return. Spectacular, breathtaking Rome is essentially all about beautiful architecture and art, and a history that spans over 2,000 years and which encompasses the Roman Empire, Medieval Rome, Renaissance Rome and more besides. Not to mention its role as the centre of Christianity. So, four days then! The weekend highlights were the few hours we spent at The Vatican and later, a tour of the Colosseum. We also visited the Roman Forum, the Spanish Steps, the Piazza del Popola, Piazza Navona, Piazzo Venezia, Circus Maximus the Pantheon, and the Trevi Fountain. Some of these attractions I hadn’t heard of until last weekend; all are well worth seeing. Meanwhile, we also enjoyed the buzz of the city. Apparently the Italian economy is on its knees, but my anecdotal report is that Rome was impressively buoyant and brimming with tourists…not bad for January? Of course that’s the least informed ‘economic report’ you’ve ever read (though at least mercifully short). And presumably tourists milling around Rome is a 12-month phenomenon. As in so many holiday destinations, you can barely pass a restaurant without being lobbied by an enthusiastic waiter or waitress. In Rome, fuelled by Latin charm and good humour, the waiters whizz in and out between tables, while keeping an eye on any slow-moving pedestrians/potential new customers!

The Vatican (Saturday) It would be dishonest to suggest that our arrival at The Vatican was a grand one; Fiona and I disembarked from a ‘Hop on, Hop off’ bus. Large crowds of tourists milled around, a selfies’ extravaganza. There, in the distance, was the famous, familiar dome. The walk deep into the heart of Vatican City took about ten minutes. It’s a curious approach, with homeless people lying or standing in doorways, as in any other European city. One such man had a coat draped over his dog. He had a fabulous looking iphone. Movingly, or maybe opportunistically, one ‘rough sleeper’ prostrated himself on the footpath outside the entrance to The Vatican, his hands clasped in prayer, head bowed, his face invisible to the passing crowds. A small box beside him contained few coins. A McDonald’s sign ahead of us is a reminder of a different place of worship and of how commercialism knows no boundaries. Why should I be surprised? Needless to say, the walk to The Vatican reveals numerous souvenir shops too. As we queue to enter St. Peter’s Basilica, the rain comes. Hawkers emerge from the shadows offering raincoats and umbrellas. A burly, hollering security man chases one of them and the hawker breaks away in haste before returning the moment the coast is clear. Visiting St. Peter’s Basilica is a remarkable and moving experience. This is where St. Peter was martyred and where the Apos-

tles were buried. Inside the Basilica lie the remains of a number of Popes. Given his charisma, his famous Irish visit in 1979 and his stature throughout our youth, it is quite an experience to spend some time at the tomb of Pope Paul 11. What is so compelling is the magnificence of the building. It’s the world’s largest Church, and the architecture is amazing. Works by Michaelangelo and other great artists are on display. Every turn you take in this vast, spectacular building amazes you further. The packed souvenir shop is staffed by five nuns.

The Colosseum (Sunday) It was impossible to stand inside the Colosseum and not let your mind wander back to the period numerous centuries ago when it was the scene of regular ‘sporting events’ in which gladiators and wild animals fought to the death for the entertainment of 75,000 spectators. We had a wonderful tour guide, a charismatic big Italian man with a tremendous knowledge of Roman history. One of the many fascinating facts we heard on our tour is that it took just eight years to build the arena (beginning in 72 AD). It helped that 60,000 slaves were on the job. You get to wander around the vast amphitheatre, and imagine what it must

“

It was impossible to stand inside the Colosseum and not let your mind wander back to the period numerous centuries ago when it was the scene of regular ‘sporting events’ in which gladiators and wild animals fought to the death for the entertainment of 75,000 spectators

have been like. To your left is the seat on which the Emperor of the day sat. Across from him, were seated the elite of Roman society. Above them (further from the brutal ‘action’) thousands of much less important Romans. Above them still (it’s a four-storey building) were convicts, the poor. Women were forced to take the top tier, where they stood (everyone else had access to seating). In the Colosseum, the ‘sport’ lasted all day. Wild animals fought to the death on a stage in the centre. In what was effectively ‘halftime entertainment’, deserters from the army were fed to the lions…eaten alive in front of the baying mob. The highlight was always an epic showdown involving gladiators and wild animals. These were elaborate stage-managed ‘productions’. As a team of gladiators fought against a rival team, packs of wild animals were introduced to the fray at 20-minute intervals, to add to the tension. Gladiators and animals, blood and death, audience clamouring for more. By the time it was all over, the spectators were going crazy. Many of them would soon join up as soldiers. They had no choice: a night in the Colosseum had whetted their appetite for some invading of foreign lands; it had heightened their loyalty to the Emperor, to Rome. Besides, if you deserted, there was the prospect of being fed to the lions in front of 75,000 people some night soon… On Sunday, the Colosseum was thronged with tourists. There were a few Irish voices, but I was probably the only one wondering how the FBD Final was going.

Sunday evening/ Monday morning We visited a couple of superb museums, before (well, it was our last night) moving the cultural dial just a little by visiting an Irish pub (at least it’s called ‘Scholars’). The place was packed with students and holidaymakers, an exciting American football showdown on large screens creating a great atmosphere. I had of course checked the FBD result on my phone, and on the flight home, the Irish Independent had all the details on the clash of the gladiators in Tuam. And the Roscommon gladiators had triumphed. In the shuttle bus, I knew I was home when I heard a man on his mobile: “100%, 100%, leave that with me man and I’ll have it sorted before you know it”. Rome was magnificent, as we expected it would be. Now to read up on some of that extraordinary Roman history…

Roscommon People Friday 25 January 2019

NewsPeople Yoga & Mindfulness in Roscommon Library Yoga & Mindfulness with Avril Mullally of Roscommon Yoga & Therapies will take place in Roscommon Library on Tuesday, January 29th from 6.30 pm to 8 pm. This event was originally advertised as ‘Beginners’ Yoga’, however due to demand we have decided to have participants seated rather than on mats. There will be a discussion on Yoga & Mindfulness Meditation where Avril will explain the positive benefits it will bring to your life. This is a free event and places can be booked by phoning 090-6637277/6637282 or by emailing lkeane@roscommoncoco.ie.

NEWS…at a glance

Glenamaddy Credit Union AGM The AGM of Glenamaddy Credit Union will be held on Thursday, January 31st in Williamstown Parochial Hall at 7.30 pm. Chairman John Murphy said: “We are pleased to report that the performance of the Credit Union in 2018 has been strong. The key highlights are: loan book growth of €1.3m; a surplus of €96,895 and a productive year for ongoing lending, with

The Lecarrow Benevolent Fund AGM will take place on Wednesday, January 30th at 9 pm in Coffey’s Lounge in Lecarrow. New members are very welcome.

Support group at Boyle Family Resource Centre A six-week closed support group for anyone whose life has been affected by a cancer diagnosis (past or present), covering topics such as mindfulness, managing stress and loss will take place in Boyle Family Resource Centre beginning Monday, February 4th at 10 am. Please contact 0906625898 for more information.

Busy Needles raises €1,400 for two charities Busy Needles Knitting Group would like to thank all those who supported its recent pre-Christmas charity knit and bake sale and raffle which raised €1,400. Of this total, €700 was recently donated to Cancer Care West and €700 was donated to the Jacinta’s Smile charity. The group appreciates your support.

Lecarrow Benevolent Fund AGM

Roscommon Macra tractor run on February 3rd

Sarah Casserly, Cloonakilla, Strokestown pictured receiving her award for Student of the Year 2018 for Academic Excellency. Sarah recently graduated from Athlone Institute of Technology with a B.A. Honours Degree in Psychiatric Nursing. Pictured (left to right): Jim Maguire, Pierce Murphy, Margaret Daly, Sarah Casserly, Anne Cooney and Margaret Maguire.

annual advances exceeding €4.1m. “This represents excellent progress in furthering the Credit Union’s strategic aims of growing the loan book and maintaining a healthy level of capital reserves. The surplus delivered in 2018 added to the Credit Union’s capital strength and provides a robust position. A free raffle will be held for all members in attendance at the AGM”.

IWA annual dinner this Sunday The Roscommon branch of the Irish Wheelchair Association’s annual dinner takes place this Sunday (27th) in Cuisle, Donamon, commencing at 1 pm with Mass and dinner and entertainment to follow.

Roscommon Macra will hold a tractor run on Sunday, February 3rd. Registration will take place from 12 noon, with the run starting at 1 pm.The route will take in Brideswell, Dysart, Taughmaconnell and then back to Brideswell. All proceeds raised will be divided equally between Roscommon Macra and the IWA Cuisle Holiday Centre in Donamon.

January winners in Lisnamult The following people were winners in January’s Lisnamult Draw: Aoife Donoghue (€100), Breda Quigley (€100), Bob McCormack (€50), Peggy Neilan (€25), Pat Clogher (€25) and Kathleen Shannon (€25).

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

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Roscommon People Friday 25 January 2019

NewsPeople

Stock Clearout Local Enterprise Office Roscommon is offering the following training programmes to the business Community:

START YOUR OWN BUSINESS Dates: Tuesdays, 29th Jan, 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th Feb & 5th March Time: 6.30pm - 9.30pm

START YOUR OWN BUSINESS Dates: Wednesdays, 6th, 13th, 27th March, 3rd, 10th, 17th April Time: 6.30pm - 9.30pm

SOCIAL MEDIA - AN OVERVIEW Dates: Tuesdays, 5th + 12th February Time: 10am - 1pm

THE POTENTIAL FOR MAILCHIMP Dates: Wednesdays, 13th + 20th February Time: 9.30am - 1pm

LINKEDIN FOR BUSINESS

All Ladies Boots 1/2 price

Superdry, Farah, Hilfiger 1/2 price

Gents Comfort Shoes €49

Gents Suits were €250 now €125

Girls & Boys Boots 1/2 price

Remus Suits €100 off

Wool Knitwear were €79.95 now €50

Formal Shirts €29.95 or 2 for €50

Don’t forget... Free parking in Roscommon town!

Dates: Mondays, 4th + 11th March Time: 10am - 1pm

REVENUE ONLINE SERVICES (ROS) Dates: Tuesdays, 5th + 12th March Time: 9.30am - 1pm

INTRODUCTION TO ESSENTIAL EMPLOYMENT LAW Dates: Wednesday, 6th March Time: 2pm - 5pm

Sliabh Ban book to be reprinted

FACEBOOK ADVANCED Dates: Thursdays, 14th, 21st + 28th March + 4th April Time: 10am - 1pm

HOW TO PREPARE FOR TRADE FAIRS & DELIVER Dates: Wednesday, 10th + 17th April Time: 9.30am - 1pm

SAGE IMPROVERS REFRESHER TRAINING Dates: Tuesdays, 28th May, 4th, 11th, 18th June Time: 9.30am - 1pm This training includes a one-to-one mentor onsite visit per business

BUSINESS ADVISORY / ONE TO ONE MENTOR CLINICS 1st February, 15th February, 1st March

BREXIT ADVISORY ONE TO ONE MENTOR CLINICS 19th February, 8th March

TRADING ONLINE VOUCHER INFORMATION SEMINAR 29th January

BASIC BOOK KEEPING – MANUAL SYSTEM Dates: Thursdays 2nd, 9th, 16th & 23rd May Time: 6.30pm – 9.30pm

To view full details and to book your place online, please visit: https:// www.localenterprise.ie/roscommon or if you wish to discuss any of the above, please contact: 090 66 26263 / 66 37100 or email: localenterprise@roscommoncoco.ie

Boyle man’s company gets fourth Oscars nod  DAN DOONER

Boyle native Paul Young’s studio Cartoon Saloon has just been nominated for an Academy award for a fourth time. The company’s short film ‘Late Afternoon’ is the studio’s latest production to get an Oscar nomination, and will vie for a Best Animated Short gong at the upcoming awards in Los Angeles. Fellow Boyle native and Fine Gael Senator Frank Feighan offered his congratulations to Paul and his colleagues. “This is more great news for Cartoon Saloon, the animation studio co-founded by Boyle native Paul, who is the company’s CEO. “I wish to warmly congratulate Paul and his company on this latest Oscar nomination; a fourth nomination which is an incredible achievement. Kilkenny-based Cartoon Saloon is already a three-time Academy Award, Golden Globe, BAFTA and Emmy nominated animation studio. “Paul and his company have once again put Ireland on the world stage thanks to this latest Academy Award nomination. “I wish Paul and the Cartoon Saloon team the very best of luck at the upcoming Oscars ceremony in Los Angeles at the end of February,” he said.

The first print run of the local history book, ‘Sliabh Ban – A Historical Journey’, has sold out – just four weeks after it was launched. So great has been the demand that the authors have decided to order a second print run. It is expected that it will be available again in the usual outlets in three to four weeks’ time.

Connolly welcomes Strokestown roadworks Cllr. Domnick Connolly has welcomed works carried out to a number of roads in the Strokestown area recently. “I would like to thank the outdoor staff and the engineers in Roscommon County Council for the work they have done recently on roads in the area, especially around Mount Pleasant,” stated Cllr. Connolly. “I can also confirm that drainage work will take place in the coming weeks in Ballagh, Kilrooskey and Carniska, which will be most welcome”.

Roscommon People Friday 25 January 2019

NewsPeople

Lanesborough Primary School

Fans pictured at the FBD Insurance League Final

LANESBORO, CO. LONGFORD

ENROLMENT AFTERNOON

Pictures: Mick McCormack

Friday, 1st February at 1pm We invite you to our enrolment afternoon as we are now enrolling for September 2019. All are welcome. For further information contact the Principal at

043 3321545

Telephone: Email: smgslb.ias@eircom.net website: www.lanesboroughprimaryschool.ie

St. Mary’s NS KNOCKCROGHERY Tel. 090 66 61963

Open Evening on THURSDAY 7th FEBRUARY 2019 from 6.00 – 8.00pm St. Mary’s National School invites you to come along with your child to view the school, its facilities and meet the teachers. We will be happy to answer any queries you may have. If this date does not suit, please contact the Principal to make alternative arrangements. St. Mary’s N.S., Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon. Tel: (090) 6661963 Email: knockcroghery.ias@eircom.net Website:knockcrogheryns.scoilnet.ie/blog/

Ballymurray National School Enrolment Evening

Thursday, 7th February at 7.00 p.m.

Our enrolment/information evening for parents will be held on Thursday 7th February 2019 at 7.00 p.m. We invite you to come along to view the school, its facilities and to meet the teachers. We will be happy to answer any queries you may have. You may contact the principal at any time before that date with any query you may have.

TEL: 090 6661217

e.mail: principal1.ballymurrayns@gmail.com

STRAIGHT TALKING

WITH SEAMUS DUKE

Our pubs are in jeopardy … is farming next? It would be naive in the extreme to expect society to remain the same as the years go by. Naturally, it keeps evolving and changing. However, a number of the changes that have happened to Irish society in the past couple of years are really stark and maybe not for the general good either. Rural Ireland is changing so fast, at times it’s hard to keep up. And there is much more on the way. The pub scene in country areas – which was part of our society for many decades – is now almost over. Save for a Saturday night, pubs in small towns and villages all over the country are close to being empty during the week. Price is a factor of course, but the tougher drink-driving laws and the stiffer enforcement of those laws is spelling the deathknell for the pub scene. I know that you simply can’t argue with the science and it is absolutely impossible to take issue with the relatives of victims of drink-related accidents. Not for one second would I ever condone drink-driving…but the facts are that people in rural areas are now terrified to go out and have a few drinks. People who act responsibly and who get a lift/taxi home, are now afraid that they will be over the limit when they get up for work in the morning. Even if you go in for a few

pints during the week there is a fair chance that you will have no way of getting home. There is no public transport in much of rural Ireland and the taxi service in rural areas is very patchy, especially on week nights. A friend of mine said to me at the weekend that he socialises on a Saturday night, but is now fearful of going out to get a newspaper/ litre of milk the following morning. Whatever the reasons behind it, this is a huge change in Irish society. There are many people who would say that it’s no harm at all, given the problem that we have with drink as a nation – but it has driven drinking into the home, where there is no regulation at all. There was great fun and social interaction for people in the pub for many decades and the vast majority of pub-goers could enjoy that without it becoming a problem for them. Mind you, even that change in rural Irish society will pale into insignificance if the recommendations contained in last week’s report from the top medical journal in the UK, The Lancet, are to come into force. They say that in order to ‘save’ the planet, people should give up eating red meat altogether and have chicken and fish once a week. We should eat vegetables and fruit and lentils and nuts, according to the report. Such a change in habits would in my view es-

sentially signal an end to farming in Ireland as we know it. We are turning into a ‘coffee shop society’ where people either cannot afford to go out to the pub any more, aren’t interested in doing so, or, for the reasons outlined above, are afraid to. But what will happen if farming as we know it disappears? Yes we will have to grow vegetables and feed our people some way or other – but it’s a fairly depressing prospect, to be honest.

“

The pub scene in country areas – which was part of our society for many decades – is now almost over. Save for a Saturday night, pubs in small towns and villages all over the country are close to being empty during the week

Roscommon People Friday 25 January 2019

NewsPeople

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Time for public toilets in popular public park?  PAUL HEALY

Independent TD Denis Naughten says that such is the popularity of Loughnaneane Park in Roscommon Town that the time has come for public toilets to be installed there. He’s now calling on Roscommon County Council to examine the possibility of locating public toilets at the well-known amenity. “This is an issue which will be familiar, in particular, to parents of young children who regularly use the park to visit the castle, duck pond and the playground as well as the park’s other amenities,”

explained Denis Naughten. “At present there are no toilets in the park, or in the immediate vicinity of the park, which creates a difficulty for those using the facilities”. Deputy Naughten noted that prior to Christmas there had been confirmation that one of the towers in Roscommon Castle will be opened up to the public along with upgraded footpaths, floodlighting and bus parking and turning facilities. “The park is set to attract increasing numbers of visitors and the addition of public toilets will become even more important,” he concluded.

Gardening Equipment sales and servicing also available. Lawnmowers, strimmers and much more Here at Sasha’s Pitstop we provide a professional, reliable service. We pride ourselves on the time, care and attention we give to each of our valued customers.

newsbriefs Monday night music classes with Comhaltas

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This Saturday (26th of January 2019) the normal 7 pm Parish Mass in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon, has been especially designed for young people, by young people, in conjunction with the three secondary schools in the town, and the parish clergy. While this Mass has been designed for our youth, people of all ages are invited to attend this normal Parish Mass and benefit from the huge amount of work our young people have put into this community initiative.

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Free computer classes at County Library

Imagine your child were both deaf and blind. How would you communicate? How would they know you? In 1989 The Anne Sullivan Foundation was established by concerned parents and families who realised there was no centre in Ireland to support children who are deafblind. Since then the foundation and Centre have helped many families with funding care, advocacy, and outreach programmes. The foundation was named in tribute to Anne Sullivan (1866-1936) the Irish-American teacher and companion to Helen Kellar. Cancer Care West is funded entirely by donation and fundraising. Having spent six weeks at Inis Aoibhin, on the grounds of University Hospital Galway, Pam knows well the benefits of this organisation. Not only is there residential care but in their nearby Support Centre, they offer counselling, massage, art classes and a cup of tea for a moment of peace from the rigors of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Tom and Pam look forward to seeing you on Friday, February 1st in Compton’s The Central Bar in Strokestown, at 9 pm, for their quiz to raise funds for these two charities.

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Youth Mass in Roscommon this Saturday evening

Quiz in Strokestown in aid of The Anne Sullivan Foundation

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The long-standing traditional music classes, run by Roscommon Town Branch of Comhaltas, continue on Monday nights in the Dr. Hyde Centre from 6.30 pm. Further information is available from Bill Cunningham on 086-3345817.

Free computer iPad/computer classes will take place at Roscommon Library each Wednesday and Friday from January 30th to February 13th (Wednesday, January 30th, Friday, February 1st, Wednesday, February 6th, Friday, February 8th, and Wednesday, February 13th). The classes will take place from 10.15 am to 12.15 pm or 2.15 pm to 4.15 pm each day. Participants are welcome to use the iPad provided or to bring your own tablet/laptop. For more information and to reserve a place ask at library reception desk, call 090-6637277 or email library@roscommoncoco.ie.

Healthy Feet

Eabha Dowd and Jenny Flynn pictured at the Creggs Charity Walk on St. Stephen’s Day.

Connaughton update on works at Tisrara Cemetery Councillor Ivan Connaughton has welcomed the drainage works at Tisrara (Four Roads) cemetery in the last week where a trench was dug and stoned outside the cemetery wall to allow for surface water from adjoining lands to soak away. The works were carried out by Roscommon County Council. Cllr. Connaughton stated: “I would like to thank Fr. Beirne and his committee, Roscommon County Council, the landowner

and Michael Fitzmaurice TD for his knowledge and assistance in addressing this important matter. “The issue with surface water entering the cemetery from adjoining lands has been a problem for a long period of time. The works completed will be comforting to Fr. Beirne and all his parishioners. There are other works required in the cemetery including new footpaths and the removal of the existing trees that are dangerous. I have raised these issues

before and I can give a commitment that the trees will be removed in the near future” concluded Cllr. Connaughton.

Annual Auto Jumble The South Roscommon Vintage Club will host its Annual Auto Jumble in Taughmaconnell Hall on Sunday, 27th of January (10 am-5 pm). Great variety on offer! All are welcome. All support appreciated.

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Roscommon People Friday 25 January 2019

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An Bord PleanĂĄla has given the go-ahead for development work on the N5 between Ballaghaderreen and Scramogue. The works will see the proposed development link with the Ballaghaderreen bypass before joining up with the existing N5 at Scramogue, near Strokestown. In welcoming the approval, the Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council Cllr. Ivan Connaughton said that the announcement was a major milestone. He thanked Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Roscommon NRRO, Roughan & Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Donovan â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Aecom Consulting Engineers and their sub-consultants and expressed a special word of thanks to the National Road Design Office staff of Roscommon County Council who brought this project to this stage.

The Cathaoirleach also thanked the landowners and local communities affected for their co-operation and he looks forward to the next phase of the project commencing. The Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council Eugene Cummins also welcomed the announcement. Fianna FĂĄil TD Eugene Murphy said the announcement

was â&#x20AC;&#x153;great newsâ&#x20AC;?. I have long campaigned and highlighted the need for this upgrading of the N5 and have raised it on numerous occasions in the DĂĄil chamber and directly with Minister Shane Ross as I am acutely aware of ongoing health and safety concerns along this dangerous stretch of roadway so it is a significant developmentâ&#x20AC;?.

Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice described the project as â&#x20AC;&#x153;crucial for the development of the regionâ&#x20AC;?, adding that further work was needed on infrastructure in the west. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The west of Ireland consistently has to fight for improvements to critical infrastructure â&#x20AC;&#x201C; whether it be road improvements, broadband services or access to other primary services. â&#x20AC;&#x153;While this development must be welcomed, a lot more work needs to be carried out to ensure that people are afforded the opportunity to live and work in the west of Ireland â&#x20AC;&#x201C; rather than be driven to cities due to a lack of key infrastructureâ&#x20AC;?. Fine Gael Senator Maura Hopkins said the proposed works were extremely positive but raised concerns over the volume of traffic on the N5 as well as excessive speeds. She added that it was critical that the project proceeds as quickly as possible.

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Roscommon People Friday 25 January 2019

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Roscommon People Friday 25 January 2019

NewsPeople Ballaghaderreen to host this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s County Fleadh! Ballaghaderreen will host the Roscommon County Fleadh Cheoil for the first time in ten years over Easter weekend in mid-April. The town is seen as a richly deserving host with a strong traditional music connection that is boosted by four weekly sessions, which take place all year round in Ballaghaderreen. The Roscommon Fleadh, which is traditionally held at Easter, has the reputation of being one of the best County

Fleadhs in the country with large numbers of musicians and music fans traveling from all over Ireland and overseas on the holiday weekend. Now with the change to the Good Friday licensing laws, the three-day event will become a four-day event. It is believed that the return of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;the fleadhâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; will be warmly welcomed in the area and will also bring a very positive injection to the local economy.

People NEWS Over 4,000 crimes locally in 2018 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Kerrane

â&#x201A;Ź64,350 in funding for local groups

Sinn FĂŠin spokesperson for Roscommon/Galway Claire Kerrane, right, has said that figures released by the Central Statistics Office show that in the first three-quarters of last year, 4,088 crimes were recorded in the Roscommon/Galway Garda Division. Speaking on the figures, Ms. Kerrane said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;These figures represent the number of crimes recorded by GardaĂ in our region in the first three-quarters of last year.â&#x20AC;?

Funding of â&#x201A;Ź64,350 for new social enterprises in County Roscommon was announced last week by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring. The Community Services Programme (CSP) supports community organisations to provide local social, economic and environmental services through a social enterprise model. The latest local beneficiaries are: Arigna Mining Experience Company â&#x201A;Ź8,800; Ballinagare Health & Leisure Centre Company â&#x201A;Ź4,400; Cait Roscomain Company â&#x201A;Ź3,300; Croghan Organic Excel Company â&#x201A;Ź5,500; Crossna Community Cooperative Society Limited â&#x201A;Ź4,400; Elphin Community Centre Company â&#x201A;Ź2,200; Kilbride Community Centre Company â&#x201A;Ź4,400.00; Roscommon Integrated Development Company Limited â&#x201A;Ź4,400; Sesame Building Services Company â&#x201A;Ź12,650; The Melting Pot Community Society Limited â&#x201A;Ź3,300; Triest Press Co. Ltd â&#x201A;Ź2,200; Tulsk Action Group Company â&#x201A;Ź4,400; Una Bhan Tourism Co-Op Society â&#x201A;Ź4,400.00. Deputy Denis Naughten acknowledged the allocation of â&#x201A;Ź64,000 for local community groups to help deal with the cost of increases to the minimum wage â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but has called for an urgent review of the full cost of running these valuable community companies. Senator Frank Feighan said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The funding will support social enterprises that provide employment opportunities for specific disadvantaged groups and categories of people, such as the long-term unemployedâ&#x20AC;?. Also welcoming the funding, Senator Maura Hopkins stated: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Knowing many of the Community Service Programme groups, I am very aware of the importance of this funding which is critical to support social enterprise and provide opportunities for many peopleâ&#x20AC;?. Cllr. Liam Callaghan also warmly welcomed news of the funding which he said was a well merited boost for the groups involved.

Murphy tackles Taoiseach on lack of jobs Deputy Eugene Murphy said he was â&#x20AC;&#x153;humbled to represent the people of Roscommon/Galwayâ&#x20AC;? at the 100th anniversary celebrations of the first meeting of DĂĄil Eireann in the Mansion House. Deputy Murphy (second from right) is pictured with Minister Eoghan Murphy, Minister Joe McHugh, Senator Alice Mary Higgins and Deputy Jim Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Callaghan. Pic: Maxwell Photography

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Deputy Eugene Murphy raised the issue of job creation with An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar under questions on promised legislation in the DĂĄil on Tuesday. Speaking to the Roscommon People, Deputy Murphy said that the Taoiseach admitted during his response that some areas of rural Ireland â&#x20AC;&#x201C; especially in the Roscommon/Galway area â&#x20AC;&#x201C; are suffering with slower recovery rates when it comes to job creation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Leo Varadkar was responding to a question I posed about the need to develop more jobs for this region after thousands of new jobs were announced in the past few weeks,â&#x20AC;? said Deputy Murphy. Addressing the Taoiseach, Deputy Murphy said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;While the thousands of new jobs are welcome for Dublin, I want to know what you are going to do about bringing jobs to my county of Roscommon and the Roscommon/Galway constituency. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I know you will quote figures to me to say the unemployment rate is down, but no new jobs are being created in towns like Roscommon, Strokestown, Boyle or Ballaghaderreen, and of course broadband is also a major issue. This is clear, unambiguous evidence that the two-tier recovery is still being experienced by regional and rural Irelandâ&#x20AC;? Deputy Murphy said. The Taoiseach pointed out that while employment is up in all counties, more needs to be done to ensure that all parts of the country â&#x20AC;&#x153;share in our prosperityâ&#x20AC;?.

â&#x201A;Ź258,000 has been allocated to nine local sporting organisations in Roscommon & East Galway. The grants were announced by Brendan Griffin, Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. The grants represent the first set of allocations under the 2018 round of the Sports Capital Grant. The following Roscommon applications in this round have been successful: Cam Community & Sports Centre Ltd. has been approved â&#x201A;Ź34,900 for refurbishment of playing facility; Castlerea St Kevinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s GAA Club has been approved â&#x201A;Ź53,800 for dressing rooms, showers and toilets; Eire Og GAA Club were granted â&#x201A;Ź13,800 for flood lights and ball stop nets on the training pitch; Kilbride GAA Club has been approved â&#x201A;Ź40,100 for a gym; Lough Harps FC has been approved â&#x201A;Ź9,400 for drainage and resurfacing of playing pitch; St. Comanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Handball Club were granted â&#x201A;Ź5,800 for refurbishment of handball alley; St. Michaelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s GAA Club were approved â&#x201A;Ź27,500 for the development of the training pitch. Deputy Denis Naughten said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;With sports clubs making a massive commitment from their own resources, this investment by Government will assist the clubs in completing projects, as well as having a direct and indirect employment spin-off effect within the communities which these clubs serveâ&#x20AC;?. Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice welcomed the announcement and said he wishes to assure others that further allocations would be distributed to 2018 applicants in the future. Senator Maura Hopkins said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our sports clubs and organisations do great work in promoting physical activity and encouraging healthy lifestylesâ&#x20AC;?. Fine Gael Senator Frank Feighan said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Sports Capital Programme represents an excellent value for money investment. It is crucial we invest in sport and the health of our population, particularly with obesity on the riseâ&#x20AC;?.

Roscommon People Friday 25 January 2019

NewsPeople

St. John’s National School

OPEN EVENING Thursday y 31st January 2019

7 – 8 pm

St. John’s National School offers many extra-curricular activities for all children

Computer Classes Football, Hurling, Soccer, Basketball, Tag Rugby, Table tennis Swimming lessons for the whole school Tin whistle, bodhrán and guitar Yoga & Mindfulness School Concert School Tour Sports Day Quiz teams Craftwork – knitting and sewing Nature workshops

Achievements

St. John’s National School is situated in the beautiful Harbour Village of Lecarrow only 15 minutes from Athlone and Roscommon

St. John’s National School Lecarrow, Co. Roscommon, Ireland. TEL: (090) 666 1242 / E-mail: naomheoinstjohn@yahoo.ie

County Quiz winners County Soccer winners County Spelling Bee Winners Art Competition winners Essay Competition winners

Pre-School and After-School Club on the School Grounds After School Club opens from 2pm to 6pm and caters for children aged 4 to 12 years

Childcare After-school rates from as little as €5 per week. Call in and ask for

details on our Childcare Education and Training Programme (CETS) (ASCC) (CEC) and other schemes or telephone 085-1291780

Ger’s ‘Happy as Larry’ after €65,000 Winning Streak A caretaker from Co. Roscommon went on a winning streak of his own, winning a mammoth €65,000 on the National Lottery Winning Streak game show on RTÉ One last Saturday. Ger Cummins, a caretaker from Curraghboy in Co. Roscommon, scooped a mammoth €65,000 on the show. There was plenty of excitement in Curraghboy ahead of last weekend’s show and particularly in Ger’s house where his wife Bridget and son Larry (8) were buzzing all week. Ger says that he is certainly “as happy as Larry” with his winnings! Larry is named after Ger’s uncle (Larry Cummins) who was a member of the famous 1943/44

All-Ireland winning Roscommon football team. Ger and Bridget have been married for more than a decade and are together 16 years. He is wellknown in the area as he is a caretaker for a few community buildings including the local church and community centre. In his spare time Ger is all about GAA, supporting his local side St. Brigid’s wherever they play. He is also a Roscommon GAA fan and occasionally does a spot of stewarding at county and club matches. With his winnings, Ger says that top of the list is some Lego for Larry and a new kitchen for the house. He says a trip to Legoland in London may also be on the cards!

RURAL SOCIAL SCHEME RENEWAL 2019 Roscommon LEADER Partnership is currently renewing applications from community groups wishing to avail of assistance from the Rural Social Scheme (RSS) throughout County Roscommon. The RSS is an employment scheme that provides labour support to communities in the following areas; • Maintaining and enhancing way marked ways, agreed walks and bog roads • Energy conservation for the elderly and less well off • Village and countryside enhancement projects • Social care of the elderly, community care for both pre-school and after-school groups • Environmental maintenance work • Maintenance and care taking of community and sporting facilities • Projects relating to not for profit cultural and heritage centres • Community administration/Clerical duties • Any other appropriate community projects identified during the course of the scheme. If your community group is currently working with the RSS, notification will automatically be sent to you. If you are a community group wishing to apply for the first time please contact our Arigna Office on 090 6630252 or amanda@ridc.ie for an application form. Closing date for returning applications is Tuesday, 19th March 2019 We are also currently seeking applications from farmers and their immediate family members throughout Co. Roscommon who are interested in supplementing their farm income by carrying out valuable work with local community groups. If you are interested in joining the scheme as a Participant, please contact us on the number or email address above.

Ger Cummins from Curraghboy, Co. Roscommon has won €65,000 including a holiday to Oslo on last Saturday’s (19th January 2019) National Lottery Winning Streak Game Show on RTE. Pictured here at the presentation of the winners cheques were, from left to right: Marty Whelan, Winning Streak game show co-host; Ger Cummins the winning player; Mari Hurley, CFO at the National Lottery and Sinead Kennedy, Winning Streak game show co-host. The winning ticket was bought from Monksland Service Station, Baylough, Athlone, Co. Westmeath. Pic: Mac Innes Photography.

Roscommon People Friday 25 January 2019

NewsPeople PUBLIC NOTICES

Roscommon County Council Festival and Events Grant Scheme 2019 Roscommon County Council are currently taking applications for the Festival and Events Grant Scheme 2019. The Festival and Events Programme is aimed at festivals and events that fit within one of the following categories: • General festivals (i.e. literary, historic, fairs, traditional culture or family focused). • Arts, Music & Theatre • Family, Sports & Outdoors Application form and full details of the scheme can be downloaded from our website www.roscommoncoco.ie or by contacting 0906637369 or edowd@roscommoncoco.ie or bcoyle@roscommoncoco. ie

Sinn Féin local election candidates Seamus O’Brien (Roscommon LEA), Joe Harney (Athlone LEA/South Roscommon), and Cllr. Michael Mulligan (Boyle LEA) pictured with Claire Kerrane (SF spokesperson for Roscommon) following the party’s selection convention at Gleeson’s Restaurant and Rooms.

PUBLIC NOTICES

Completed applications should be submitted by close of business on Friday, 8th February, 2019. ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL COMHAIRLE CHONTAE ROSCOMAIN

Signed: Majella Hunt Director of Services Community and Enterprise

€2.4m Irish Water investment hailed Irish Water is investing €2.4m to extend the Boyle Water Supply Scheme to Grangemore in a project which will improve water quality and security of supply to customers. Grangemore is currently served by the existing Cavetown Water Treatment Plant which is listed on the EPA’s Remedial Action List for Trihalomethane exceedances. It has also been subject to a boil water notice in the past. This extension will lead to the decommissioning of the Cavetown Water Treatment Plant. Once the project is complete, customers in Grangemore will receive their water from the Boyle Water Supply. This project, which is scheduled for completion in December 2019, involves the construction of a pumping station at the Carrickmore reservoir, the laying of 4.7km of rising mains and inter-connecting water mains to extend the Boyle Water Supply Scheme to Grangemore. Works are due to commence on site in the coming weeks. Senator Frank Feighan said: “This significant investment programme being carried out by Irish Water will provide clean, safe drinking water to the people on the

Grangemore scheme”. Senator Feighan said that this “significant upgrade project on the Grangemore scheme” is part of an ongoing major investment programme right across County Roscommon over the last number of years to ensure clean drinking water for communities. “As people are too well aware, water quality has been a major issue in the county for far too long due to years of underinvestment by previous Governments. This multi-million euro programme to upgrade Roscommon’s water infrastructure is not just improving water quality for householders but is bringing to an end the constant boil water notices which has affected so many businesses and consumers for way too long”. Senator Maura Hopkins also welcomed the news, saying: “I have got many calls from local people on this issue over the last number of months. I’ve been in contact with Irish Water on numerous occasions with regard to problems with water quality in the Grangemore area. It is great news that we have now received confirmation that contracts have been signed for works to improve the water supply in this area”.

TEMPORARY CLOSING OF ROADS ROADS ACT 1993, SECTION 75 ROADS REGULATIONS 1994, ARTICLE 12

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL COMHAIRLE CHONTAE ROSCOMAIN

TEMPORARY CLOSING OF ROADS ROADS ACT 1993, SECTION 75 ROADS REGULATIONS 1994, ARTICLE 12

Roscommon County Council hereby gives Notice of its Decision to close the road referred to hereunder for the period and the reason specified.

Road to be closed: The L5559-38 at Pollboy Townland will be closed between its junction with the L1207-0 and the L5559-58.

Road to be closed: The L1026-28 at Knockarush Townland will be closed between its junction with the N61 and the L1023-16

Alternative Routes: Traffic will be diverted from the L5559-38 on to the L1207-0 to its junction with the N5 then turning left on to the N5 on to the L1202-0 to its junction with the L5530-0 then turning left on to the L5530-0 to its junction with the L5559-58 then turning left on to the L5559-58 and then on to the L5559-38 and vice versa.

Alternative Routes: Traffic will be diverted from the L1026-28onto the L1023-16 to its junction with the R361 then turning right on to the R361 to its junction with the N61 then turning right on to the N61 to its junction with the L1026-28 and vice versa.

Period of Closure: The 4th February 2019 to the 15th March 2019 inclusive. Works will take place from 08:00 to 18:00.

Period of Closure: The 4th February 2019 to the 25th March 2019 inclusive. Works will take place from 00:00 to 23:59.

Reason for Road Closure: Laying of water mains along the public road as part of the Brusna Group Water Scheme Upgrade Contract.

Reason for Road Closure: Laying of water mains along the public road as part of the Boyle Water Supply Scheme Extension to Grangemore Water Supply Scheme Contract.

All necessary approach signage and diversion signage will be used at the required locations as per Traffic Management Plan.

Residents will be contacted and notified directly by the Contractor in advance of the closure. Closures will be phased to ensure minimum disruption to locals. Maps showing proposed closure/diversions are available on www. roscommoncoco.ie

Martin Lydon Director of Services Roscommon County Council Áras an Chontae Roscommon F42 VR98

Roscommon People Friday 25 January 2019

NewsPeople PUBLIC NOTICE

Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended) - Part 8 Applicant: Roscommon County Council Location: Cloonfad, in Cloonfad East townland, Co. Roscommon. Proposal: Pursuant to the requirements of the above, notice is hereby given of … Members of Portrun Development Association with Catherine Seale (Waters and Communities Officer) and Laura Gallagher (National Parks & Wildlife Conservation Ranger) at the recently installed Hind River interpretative sign.

New interpretative sign for Hind River Last year, Portrun Development Association received funding under the Community Water Development fund for the installation of an interpretative sign for the Hind River and the production of a short film on Portrunny Water Catchment. This film can be viewed on YouTube or at www.portrun.ie. The Hind River has been identified as a recommended area for action to improve water quality on Lough Ree. The interpretative sign was

installed at the Hind River road bridge in Clooncagh, which is close to Portrunny. Visitors to the area or on the Portrunny Heritage Trail as well as cyclists on the Green Heartlands Cycle can now benefit from this sign. Portrun Development Association would like to acknowledge the help and support of Catherine Seale (Waters and Communities Officer), Laura Gallagher (National Parks & Wildlife Conservation Ranger) and

John Mockler (Roscommon County Council) for making these projects possible. The Community Water Development Fund aims to support communities in progressing water-related projects and initiatives, delivering benefits locally whilst also helping to meet the objectives of the River Basin Management Plan for Ireland and the wider EU Water Framework Directive.

Proposed Residential Development at Cloonfad, Co. Roscommon. The Proposed Development will comprise of (a) demolish existing building (b) construction of 3 No. terraced 2-bed two-storey residential units, (c) all associated site works including construction of footpath, car parking, ducting for utilities, formation of new connections to existing foul and surface water drainage and existing utilities An appropriate assessment screening report and environmental impact assessment screening report of the proposed development has been completed and is available for inspection with this development. Plans and Particulars of the proposed development may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy for a period of 4 weeks from 25/01/2019 during public opening hours at the offices of Housing Department, Aras an Chontae, Roscommon County Council, Roscommon and Castlerea Area Office, Roscommon County Council, Barrack St., Castlerea, Co. Roscommon between 9.30am - 1pm and 2pm - 5.30pm Monday to Friday (excl. bank holidays) A submission or observation in relation to the proposed development, dealing with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area in which the development would be situated, may be made, in writing or via email before 4.30pm on 08/03/2019, marked “Cloonfad Housing Development, Cloonfad, Co. Roscommon” and submitted to: Housing Department, Aras an Chontae, Roscommon. Or housing@roscommoncoco.ie Signed:

Martin Lydon Director of Services

25th January 2019

Roscommon People Friday 25 January 2019

NewsPeople PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice under Planning & Development Regulations 2001 as amended Notice is hereby given that Roscommon County Council proposes to carry out the following development: Planning permission for the construction of a light Industrial Unit at the Monksland Depot, Monksland, Athlone, Co. Roscommon. Plans and particulars of the proposed development are available for inspection at the Athlone Municipal District Office, Old Tuam Road, Monksland between 9.30am - 1pm and 2pm - 4.30pm Monday to Friday (excl. bank holidays) from 25th January 2019 to 21st February 2019 inclusive. Submissions or observations, in writing or via email may be made on or before 5.30 pm on the 7th March 2019 marked “Light Industrial Unit at the Monksland Depot, Monksland”, and submitted to: Athlone Municipal District Office, Roscommon County Council, Civic Centre, Old Tuam Road, Monksland, Athlone, Co. Roscommon N37 W5P9

Winner of the Roscommon County Council Tidy Schools Biodiversity Project was Kilteevan NS who won in the Pollinator Awards for Schools. In picture are: Peter Cunningham, Susan O’Connor, Colette Brennan and Maria Fox with special guest Éanna Ní Lamhna; Cllr. Ivan Connaughton, Cathaoirleach, Roscommon Co. Council; Shane Tiernan, Director of Services and Danny McHugh, Roscommon Co. Council with Cllrs. Paschal Fitzmaurice, Michael Creaton, Orla Leyden and Kathleen Shanagher. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

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Or Athlonemd@roscommoncoco.ie Majella Hunt Director of Services - Community & Enterprise (incl Library Services), Athlone MD, Special Projects and Regeneration

PUBLIC NOTICE

Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended) - Part 8 Applicant: Roscommon County Council Location: Cluain Fraoigh, in Clooneybeirne townland, Roscommon. Proposal: Pursuant to the requirements of the above, notice is hereby given of … Proposed Residential Development at Cluain Fraoigh, Clooneybeirne, Roscommon, Co Roscommon. The Proposed Development will comprise of a) 7 No. residential units as follows: (i) 4 No. Semi Detached 2-Bed Single Storey Houses, (ii) 2 No. Detached 2-Bed Single Storey Houses, (iii) 1 No. Detached 3-Bed Single Storey House, (b) all associated site works including construction of footpath, roads, car parking area, bin store area, street lighting, ducting for utilities, formation of new connections to existing foul and surface water drainage and existing utilities An appropriate assessment screening report and environmental impact assessment screening report of the proposed development has been completed and is available for inspection with this development. Plans and Particulars of the proposed development may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy for a period of 4 weeks from 25/01/2019 during public opening hours at the offices of Housing Department, Aras an Chontae, Roscommon County Council, Roscommon between 9.30am - 1pm and 2pm - 5.30pm Monday to Friday (excl. bank holidays) A submission or observation in relation to the proposed development, dealing with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area in which the development would be situated, may be made, in writing or via email before 4.30pm on 08/03/2019, marked “Cluain Fraoigh Housing Development, Clooneybeirne, Roscommon” and submitted to: Housing Department, Aras an Chontae, Roscommon. Or housing@roscommoncoco.ie Housing Department, Aras an Chontae, Roscommon. Roscommon County Council is subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 1997. Signed: Martin Lydon Director of Services 25th January 2019

Slimming expert says we’re all ‘Carbfused’… you CAN eat carbohydrates and lose weight! A weight-loss Consultant from Roscommon is urging anyone who wants to lose weight in 2019 not to fall for the common misconception that cutting out carbohydrates is effective for long-term weight loss, after new research found that low-carb diets are often difficult to follow and leave people feeling hungry, bored and restricted. The study, conducted by YouGov and commissioned by Slimming World, concluded that the nation is confused about the role of carbohydrates in health and weight loss. They found more than 70% of people have tried to lose weight, with more than a third (37%) of them following a low-carbohydrate diet. However, many of those surveyed said they found diets that restrict carbohydrates difficult to follow, because of feeling hungry, bored and restricted in what they could eat. Tracy King, a Slimming World Consultant for the Roscommon Town & Boyle groups, says that while many people wishing to lose weight believe they need to cut out high-carbohydrate foods from their diet – like pasta, rice, potatoes and bread – in fact, members of her slimming group eat these foods regularly, lose weight, and keep it off. She says: “We hear conflicting and confusing messages about the best way to lose weight all the time, especially this time of year. Often these messages in the media, on social media and within the diet industry tell us how we need to ‘cut out’ carbohydrates in order to lose weight. When the survey asked if starchy carbohydrates should be the main source of calories in a healthy, balanced diet, 81% thought this was a myth or weren’t certain whether it was a myth or fact. We really are a nation that’s ‘carbfused’! “At Slimming World, though, we know that carbohydrates play such an important role in both a healthy diet and sustainable weight loss. I’ve lost 2½ stone as a Slimming World member myself, and trust me I couldn’t have lost the weight, or kept it off, without being able to eat pasta, rice, potatoes and bread along the way! In fact, you don’t need to cut anything out completely to lose weight and keep it off. “’Banning’ foods is often counter-productive. Having

Tracy King, a Slimming World Consultant for the Roscommon Town & Boyle groups

been overweight myself I know this just leads to cravings, which in turn leads to feelings of guilt and low self-esteem – a vicious cycle. Instead, filling up on lowenergy-dense foods like carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables and lean meat, means you can eat larger amounts for fewer calories and feel fuller and more satisfied while losing weight, making it much more sustainable in the long-run. “This, along with increasing activity levels slowly and consistently, and getting the support of a warm and friendly support group like mine, is the magic formula for successful weight loss. Just ask my amazing members!” * Tracy runs her groups in Roscommon in Gleeson’s every Monday at 9.30 am and also on Wednesday, (with a new Early Morning Session at 7.30 am), at 9.30 am, 5 pm and 7 pm. The Boyle group is every Thursday at 5.30 pm and 7 pm in The Spool Factory. Call Tracy if you would like more information on 086-3891600.

Roscommon People Friday 25 January 2019

NewsPeople

Local entrepreneurs urged to chase €2m Investment Fund for Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur 2019 Heather Humphreys T.D., Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation together with Pat Breen T.D., Minister for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection, launched the search for Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneurs (IBYE) 2019 this week. IBYE is Ireland’s most successful Programme to celebrate Ireland’s young entrepreneurs, developed by the Local Enterprise Offices and in Roscommon is run by LEO Roscommon with the support of the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Enterprise Ireland and Roscommon County Council. Since its inception in 2014, over 18 young entrepreneurs from Roscommon have received in excess of €200,000 in IBYE funding through LEO Roscommon as well as a wide range of vital training and mentoring to support them on their entrepreneurial journeys. Now in its 5th year, the competition, which has an investment fund of €2 million, is open to people between the ages of 18

and 35 with an innovative business idea, new startup or established business. The closing date to enter this year’s competition is Friday, 15th March 2019. Entering is simple, with an online application system through the IBYE website. LEO staff are on hand at the LEO Roscommon office if assistance is required in completing the application form. Speaking at the launch, Minister Humphreys said: “We are so proud of our talented, creative and innovative young entrepreneurs and IBYE 2019 is the perfect way to acknowledge and celebrate them, as they are vital to the future of our economy. I urge all young entrepreneurs to call their local LEO today or log on to the IBYE website to learn about the competition and also to find out first-hand how the dedicated teams in the LEO offices around the country can help them make it happen for their businesses”. Minister Breen said: “I have had the privilege over the past number of years of meeting many of these young entrepreneurs who have taken part in IBYE

and have seen first-hand the difference it has made to their businesses. The initiative not only provides vital investment funding, but also a wide range of practical supports, all of which are available locally through our network of LEO offices. Echoing Minister Humphreys’ comments, I would encourage all young people with a business idea or currently running a business to apply for IBYE before the deadline of 15th March 2019”. Louise Ward, Head of Enterprise in LEO Roscommon said: “Taking part in IBYE 2019 will help Roscommon’s young entrepreneurs move their businesses to the next level with the support of their Local Enterprise Office, whatever stage their business is at – idea, start-up or an established business. Other business supports, such as management training, networking and one-to-one mentoring are also at the heart of IBYE – so there is something for all young entrepreneurs, available right on their doorsteps through the Roscommon LEO office”. Martin Corry, of En-

terprise Ireland, said: “A trend amongst Irish entrepreneurs and those who have succeeded in IBYE is their ability to think beyond these shores. The entrepreneurship culture in Ireland is strong and that is reflected in the previous winners we have had across the years, many of whom have had global ambition. This year again we ask that our entrepreneurs think big and aspire to grow and the IBYE process will only serve to better prepare them and their businesses for the challenges ahead”.

About the competition IBYE is a nationwide competition, run across three categories: Best Business Idea, Best Start-Up Business and Best Established Business. As part of the IBYE process, up to 450 young entrepreneurs will be invited by the LEOs to attend free regional ‘Entrepreneur Bootcamps’ later in the year to help them develop their businesses and new venture ideas. With an IBYE investment fund of €50,000, Roscom-

2018 IBYE National Finalists Mark Baldwin of SchooVR and Matthew McCann of Access Earth with Heather Humphreys T.D., Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation and Pat Breen T.D., Minister for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection.

mon LEO will award up to six investments to three category winners and three runners-up at county level. The local winners in the Best Start-Up and Best Established Business categories at county level will receive investments of up to €15,000 each and the two runners-up will each receive up to €5,000. The Best Business Idea winner at county level

will receive an investment of up to €7,000 and the runner-up will receive up to €3,000 of investment. These winners in Roscommon will progress to Regional Finals during the summer with the national IBYE finals taking place on 15th September 2019. To enter, young entrepreneurs in Roscommon between the ages of 18 and 35 should visit https://

www.ibye.ie/submit-form to submit their applications online. The closing date for entries is Friday, 15th March 2019 and there are no entry fees. For further information and details see www. localenterprise.ie/ www. ibye.ie or contact Eilis Mullooly in LEO Roscommon at emullooly@ roscommoncoco.ie or 0906626263.

Roscommon People Friday 25 January 2019

WinterHeating&Insulation

 MIRIAM KERINS

According to a recent survey carried out by NRG Awareness, ‘nine out of 10 Irish people are worried about the cost of heating their home this winter,’ with a third of those questioned saying they’re expecting to shell out over ‘€500’ on heating bills before the sun starts to shine again. If you’re one of those people, (and I am), who finds all of their energy budget is going on keeping your home warm this winter, (and I’ve just paid an ESB bill so large this week, I’m convinced I’m supporting the entire national grid), then, in order to try and help you shave even a little bit off your bills, we’ve put together what we hope are some hot tips… (see what we did there), to help you out. Walk around your home with a notebook and pen and, like a forensic auditor, dissect, appraise, evaluate and analyse every single nook, cranny, wall,

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your local plumber for help. Burst pipes are great fun… said nobody ever! So, as Met Eireann is telling us the cold snap is due to stick around for the foreseeable future, in order to avoid a disaster, we’d recommend the following: As the cold weather can prove damaging to pipes, try to avoid totally switching off your home heating system, and instead, keep the temperature on low. You see, even though switching off your heat entirely will save on energy bills, you may end up paying out a fortune replacing the damage done by burst pipes. Our tip: Investing in a programmable timer will give you control over your heating, especially if you’re going to be away from home overnight during a bitterly cold snap. Never assume that, just because your heating system is running okay it means there are no underlying issues at play. Remember to book your annual maintenance service in order to avoid that distressful breakdown in the middle of a minus three day in January when you’ll need your heating the most.

Fuel Allowance Scheme Coping with the bitterly cold weather can prove challenging for our seniors, and there is a fuel allowance scheme in place to help with costs. The 2018/19 fuel allowance season began last October, and, if you wish to find out more about it, or to see if you qualify to receive help, get in touch with your local social welfare office whose friendly staff will be happy to go through the procedure with you. Speaking of fuel allowances, if at all possible, when having your home heating oil/fuel delivered, try to avoid ordering small amounts and instead, if you can afford it, ask your supplier to deliver the optimum amount your tank/fuel shed can take. Remember, your local supplier will usually offer discounts on bigger orders, so make use of their value for money options. Insulate your hot water tank to keep your water warm for longer, and insulate your attic space to reduce any heat loss.

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Roscommon People Friday 25 January 2019

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Whether you’re living in a state-of-the-art new-build or a charming, characterful period property, the fact is, when it comes to heating your home at this time of year, there are several safety checks that need to be taken into consideration. And so, while we’re no health and safety experts, we have put together a few guidelines regarding what we believe to be some responsible and simple suggestions our valued readers can take on board in order to help raise their awareness when it comes to heating their homes during this cold spell. We cannot stress the importance of having both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors fitted to your homes. If however, you’ve already installed these devices, make sure to check them regularly and keep those spare working batteries within easy reach. When keeping the home fires burning, it’s important to only use the appropriate, manufacturerrecommended fuels. For example, if you’re using an open fire/stove, do not burn household waste, especially plastics or magazines which can emit toxic pollutants that can negatively impact on air quality both within your home and in your neighbourhood. We would also recommend you don’t burn any wood from a garden fence/ gate/decking you replaced during the summer for the simple reason you may

have treated it with certain chemicals that could be dangerous within the confines of your home. In addition, did you know that burning waste can actually result in damage to your fire and chimney (which you should have cleaned annually)? If you live with children/ the elderly, please ensure you have a reliable spark guard and never empty ashes into your bins until you are sure they are fully cooled.

If you want to amp up the heat in a room, using a portable electric heater is a good idea, however, never leave them unattended, and never place them beside anything flammable, for example furniture or curtains or indeed, a full clothes horse! Please do make sure to always purchase a heater that’s been tested, is certified and displays the CE mark which means the product conforms to all applicable health, safety

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WEEKEND PEOPLE Roscommon People Friday 25 January 2019

‘Life Expressions II’ opens in Roscommon University Hospital Mote Park Artists believe in the beneficial role of the arts in enhancing moods, emotions and general well-being. Evidence tells us that these benefits can be

enjoyed both by the artist and the observer. Following on from their recent very successful exhibition in Harrison’s Coffee House in

November, Mote Park Artists are delighted to announce the opening of their ‘Life Expressions II’ exhibition at Roscommon University Hospital.

The exhibition opens this week and will run for four weeks. It is hoped that this exhibition of work will bring joy to patients, staff and visitors to the hospital.

Mote Park Artists are Eilish Feeley, John Larkin, Marie Lough, Dee McKiernan, Nessa McMahon, Kitty Phelan, Christina Waldron and Jessica Wehder.

Subliminal Sublime at Lough Key Forest Park As part of their 2019 Visual Art Programme, Roscommon Arts Centre and Roscommon Arts Office present ‘Subliminal Sublime The Park Project IV’ with Lucy McKenna this Saturday (26th) at 7 pm in Lough Key Forest Park, Boyle. This unique event is the culmination of artist Lucy McKenna’s work in the park since August 2018 where, using local history and folklore, Lucy has taken Lough Key Forest Park as a location to peel back a layer of reality and reveal the potential for sublime visions, experiences and information. In the past the Park has experienced sightings of mermaids, UFOs, giants, ghosts, lights in the sky and portals to other places. Subliminal messages are stimuli that lie below our threshold of conscious awareness, but if concealed messages are experienced, can our minds construct a hidden world behind the conscious curtain? To experience the sublime is to experience something which is momentarily, paralysingly beautiful, but also evokes fear and commands respect. This free event will be a short light-filled experience which brings members of the public inside the Moylurg Tower in Lough Key Forest Park to see whatever they will see, with a hope to invoke the sublime. Access to the tower on the night is limited, and to ensure access places should be booked in advance through Eventbrite.ie. If maximum capacity is reached in the tower, audiences are also invited to view the work from the vicinity of the Moylurg Tower, so all are welcome to attend on the evening. Participants are invited to meet at the Visitor Centre in the Park at 7 pm that evening. The event will also mark the launch of a newly-commissioned text by Visual Art Writer in Residence, Joanne Laws. This project is commissioned by Roscommon County Council Arts Office. With special thanks to the management and staff of Lough Key Forest Park and Black Powder Monkey. For further information on the event contact: linda@lindashevlin.com

Theatre not be missed! Playwright and performer Donal O’Kelly marks the 30th anniversary of the premiere of his play Bat The Father Rabbit The Son by embarking on a nationwide tour in 2019. As part of this tour Donal will be bringing Bat and Rabbit to the stage at Roscommon Arts Centre on Wednesday, February 13th at 8 pm. First presented by Rough Magic for the Dublin Theatre Festival in 1988, ‘Bat’ has toured to New York, Chicago, London, Edinburgh, Australia and New Zealand and now it’s back where it first began, on the Irish stage. Living in Dublin in the 1980s is Rabbit, a

self-made haulage magnate. But something’s wrong. He cuts a deal with his underling Keogh to help him find his lost moorings. The quest is hampered by his dead father Bat, Citizen Army volunteer and pawn shop assistant, bubbling up. The struggle between father and son, past and present, imagination and reality, spans Dublin. Their voyage out of Howth and up the River Liffey builds to one of the strongest dramatic conclusions seen on stage. Discussing how Bat came to be, Donal O’Kelly says “I wrote him as a character based on hundreds I saw in loud pinstripe suits run-

ning Dublin in the ‘80s, pretending their success proved no class obstacles existed”. Written thirty years ago, Bat The Father Rabbit The Son is an explosive exposition of the generation that led us to Boom and Bust and is more pertinent than ever. Described by The Irish Times as “Superbly written and performed” and with the Sunday Independent hailing Donal’s performance as “extraordinary”, this is a theatre experience not to be missed. Tickets are on sale now at Roscommon Arts Centre’s box office on 09066 25824 and from roscommonartscentre.ie.

Roscommon People Friday 25 January 2019

WeekendPeople

FRANK

BRANDON

FRANK BRANDON’S

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Comedy king Brendan can still Grace any stage It has to be almost forty years since I saw Brendan Grace play to full houses in Bradley’s in Creggs and Dowd’s in Glinsk. At that time I must admit I thought he was the greatest thing since the sliced pan, and just the very sight of him would have me bursting out in laughter; however, I had not seen him live for about 25 years or so, and in truth I wondered whether the great man still had it, or had ill health and advancing years taken its toll and dulled the edge off his performances? And so, on Thursday night of last week, four of us left Creggs, heading for The Radisson in Athlone, where the Brendan Grace Show was taking place at 8 pm. As we headed up the country, I was hoping that we would find the magic was still there. A huge crowd was already seated when we got there, and we found ourselves right at the back. It goes

without saying that there was a fellow who must have been more than six and a half foot tall sitting straight in front of the five foot eight me, and I spent the next almost three hours trying to peer around the back of his head. A trio called Showband Nostalgia – featuring Frankie McDonald (who spent 39 years with the great Joe Dolan), fellow Athlone man Dessie Egan, and a singer called Caitlin, who I have seen a lot on some of the many Country music stations – started the ball rolling. In fairness, they went down well with the large crowd, many of whom were quite young, with a selection of tunes that were big Showband hits back in the 1960s or so. Then at 9 o’clock the big moment arrived, and the white-suited star made his way to the stage. It is fair to say that my initial reaction to his arrival was somewhat muted, as he was obviously

in some discomfort walking, and needed the support of a walking stick, and had to sit down. As he said himself “for 48 of my 49 years I was a stand-up comedian but…” However, the good news for me and for everyone else is that the show was thoroughly enjoyable, and Brendan showed that he is still more than capable of holding an audience in the palm of his hand. For just under two hours he rolled the clock back – and it was every bit as entertaining as it was all those years ago. He had a lot of new stuff, but when, towards the end of the night he rolled out the Father of the Bride, followed by Ireland’s oldest schoolboy, Bottler, the place went wild, and it was obvious to us that no matter what other characters come or go, those two must be there forever. Just before 11 pm the curtain came down (not literally), and

Brendan must have fairly shifted, even with the stick, because by the time we got to the hotel foyer he was already out there meeting and greeting his fans, posing for pictures and selling his merchandise. He had a great offer of three CDs and a DVD for €10, and I’d say everyone bought one on the way out. He signed ours… and I have to say we all headed home in a very happy state. For me, the big test was that my youngest son, Paul, and his girlfriend, Fiona, who were seeing him live for the first time, enjoyed him as much as my wife Carol and I did. On the night I realised that, stick or no stick, Brendan Grace is still my King of Comedy. He is on a nationwide tour at present, and while I have no idea where he’s going to be, if you see him advertised anywhere near you, buy the tickets and go and see him. You won’t be disappointed.

Beware of ‘scam artists’ I suppose as long as mankind has existed there are always people out there who try to figure out ways to get their hands on other people’s money, and nowadays we hear about what we like to call scammers or scam artists, which really are glorified names for thieves or gangs of thieves. It seems those scambags (that’s my own new word) are extremely active at the moment. On Tuesday of last week a reader of this column received a phone call from a Dublin number, supposedly about trouble he was having with his computer. As luck would have it he was having problems with Eir 1, the television channel, and when the guy said he was going to sort out his Eir Broadband, like most of us, my reader assumed it was to do with his TV channel. The guy on the other end of the phone talked his way through our man’s computer for almost a half an hour, and made loads of changes to it, which information was apparently being recorded by other gang members, until finally he said the fee was only €5, but that it had to be paid on the spot by credit card. At last alarm bells started to ring, and my friend said he didn’t have his card with him, but would send on the details when his wife came home. Needless to say when she did come home, they checked out the number and found out that it was a scam. They rang Eir, who confirmed that they never ring anyone without having being contacted by their customer, and that basically the gang were trying to get hold of all the man’s financial records.

Comedian Brendan Grace

Where’s The Gunner off to? Back to local matters, and on Saturday night there is a party in Mikeen’s to say goodbye to Mikeen’s brother, Jim, known affectionately as The Gunner, who is heading off on a road trip around Europe for an indefinite period, to nowhere in particular and to more or less wherever he ends up. Himself and his new camper van are hitting the road next week, so to make sure he goes, his friends are having a party for him. There will be music by Sean Donoghue, and it is sure to be a good night’s craic, everyone is invited and all I can do is wish The Gunner well, and may the road rise with him. We will miss him round the place, but as they say ‘When you gotta go you gotta go’. Hopefully we will see you all there on Saturday night, and we’ll send Jim on his merry way.

And finally…when Michael met Philip

Since Tuesday of last week, (I am writing this on Monday) – presumably because he answered the call in the first place – no fewer than 21 spurious calls have been made to his landline, and the numbers are so like our Irish numbers that you would almost certainly answer them. For example, there are loads of 090 numbers, including 0906608687, which could easily be mistaken for our own local code, and while I was actually in the house talking to this man, a call came in from what appeared to be an Athlone number (0906440649); every one of those calls were scam calls from foreign numbers, and we could get no real information about

them. So the main thing is to exercise great caution when answering any unfamiliar phone numbers, be on your guard at all times, and tell no-one anything about you, your bank cards, your personal details, and especially anything about your financial records. There are no guidelines as to what to do when you are targeted in this way, so my unfortunate readers had to get his computer completely cleared and are considering parting with their landline, which they have had for fifty years or so. All I can say is beware, and don’t answer any call that you are not sure about. It could save you a lot of stress, hardship, and even money.

Finally for this week, whether you like them or loathe them, you have to admit that the Healy-Raes as a family have livened up our political system, since Jackie Senior arrived into the Dáil in 1997. In recent days (I’m not sure which day) Michael’s interview on Liveline was pure radio gold. Apparently we had some report out in connection with our carbon footprint (whatever that is) that more or less said the cattle herd in Ireland has to be got rid of, and, as a nation we have to reduce our intake of beef, and red meat, by a massive 90%. Philip Boucher-Hayes was standing in for Joe Duffy, and the sparks fairly flew between the pair with the double barrelled names, but no matter whar scientific facts Boucher-Hayes put to the Kerry man, Healy-Rae was having none of it, and no report was going to stop him from having his daily feed of beef or steak. I’m sure you can listen to it on some modern media platform. All I can tell you is the tears were rolling down my face with the laughter, and I realised that even in the modern world where everything is backed up by facts and figures, it’s refreshing to think that no matter what, you have a man like Michael Healy-Rae who simply won’t be turned from his long-held beliefs. Good on you, Mick!

Till next week, Bye for now!

Roscommon People Friday 25 January 2019

WeekendPeople

SUNDAY GOSPEL REFLECTION The meaning of today’s liturgy is subtle and many-layered.

We need background to understand what’s happening in today’s First Reading. Babylon having been defeated, King Cyrus of Persia decreed that the exiled Jews could return home to Jerusalem. They rebuilt their ruined temple (see Ezra 6:15–17) and under Nehemiah finished rebuilding the city walls (see Nehemiah 6:15). The stage was set for the renewal of the covenant and the re-establishment of the Law of Moses as the people’s rule of life. That’s what’s going on in today’s First Reading, as Ezra reads and interprets (see Nehemiah 8:8) the Law and the people respond with a great “Amen!” Israel, as we sing in today’s Psalm, is rededicating itself to God and His Law. The scene seems like the Isaiah prophecy that Jesus reads from in today’s Gospel. Read all of Isaiah 61. The “glad tidings” Isaiah brings include these promises: the liberation of prisoners (61:1); the rebuilding of Jerusalem, or Zion (61:3–4; see also Isaiah 60:10); the restoration of Israel as a kingdom of priests (61:6; Exodus 19:6); and the forging of an everlasting covenant (61:8; Isaiah 55:3). It sounds a lot like the First Reading. Jesus, in turn, declares that Isaiah’s prophecy is fulfilled in Him. The Gospel scene, too, recalls the First Reading. Like Ezra, Jesus stands before the people, is handed a scroll, unrolls it, then reads and interprets it (compare Luke 4:16–17, 21 and Nehemiah 8:2–6, 8–10). We witness in today’s Liturgy the creation of a new people of God. Ezra started reading at dawn of the first day of the Jewish new year (see Leviticus 23:24). Jesus also proclaims a “sabbath,” a great year of Jubilee, a deliverance from slavery to sin, a release from the debts we owe to God (see Leviticus 25:10). The people greeted Ezra “as one man.” And, as today’s Epistle teaches, in the Spirit the new people of God – the Church – is made “one body” with Him. – Scott Hahn Ph.D., www.salvationhistory.com (and courtesy of Sacred Heart Church)

THE BRIDGE CLUB Roscommon and Happy ‘71 Bridge Clubs John Coleman Cup – 1st: M. Egan, O. Fahy, M. Kearns & B. Ferguson, 2nd: L. & L. Curley and P. & S. Cooney, 3rd: L. Shine, K. Murray, K. Dowd & P. O’Shaughnessy. Session 1: J. McGrath, J. Adamson, J. Donnellan & J. Halliday. Session 2: M. McDermott, G. Neilan, V. & M. Brennan. St. Coman’s Bridge Club North/South – 1st: M. Law & M. Pullinger, 2nd: H. Lynn & G. Relihan, Gross: A. Flynn & N. Hynes. East/West – 1st: G. Kenny & M. Fallon, 2nd: J. O’Gara & E. Curley, Gross: K. Dowd & C. Ansboro. Ballymurray Bridge Club Charity Night – Section A North/South – 1st: J. O’Gara & G. Bannon, 2nd: C. Neilan & M. McDermott, Gross: M. Hickey & R. Roughneen. East/ West – 1st: H. Lynn & G. Relihan, 2nd: E. Mulry & J. Walsh, Gross: S. Melia & J. McGrath. Section B North/South – 1st: V. & P. Finneran, 2nd: P. Donnelly & N. Rogers, Gross: M. McSharry & M. Dolan. East/West – 1st: F. Kelly Henry & M. Clarke, 2nd: F. Neilan & K. Blighe, Gross: M. Dolan & K. Coyle. Kilbride Bridge Club North/South – 1st: K. Burke & M. Kelly, 2nd: B. & T. Moran, 3rd: B. Fallon & P. Murray O’Brien. East/ West – 1st: G. McDermott & A. Igoe, 2nd: P. Donoghue & M. Fallon, 3rd: B. Gillooly & F. Keane.

Miriam’s

MUSINGS

Words of wit and wisdom with MIRIAM KERINS

I’m no lazy, listless vegan, Danny! I’d imagine the Dunkirk evacuation was easier to organise than Danny Healy-Rae, pictured right, collecting his thoughts together and getting himself into the Dáil of a morning! Look readers, I’m sorry to have to say this, but, while I’m sure the aforementioned Danny is really a lovely man, it does seem to me that every time he opens his mouth to air his convoluted ideas regarding, well, almost everything, the sound of his voice not only cleaves through my cranium like an axe, rather his view of life in general appears to be so skewed I’m now wondering why David Attenborough hasn’t made a documentary about him…half-man, half-eejit! Only jokin’, Danny! Last week, straight from scaling the cliffface of denouncing climate change, the man who never misses a perfectly good opportunity to keep his gob shut accused us non-meat eaters of being lazy! Can you believe it? Standing tall on his soapbox, head up, chin stuck into, well another chin, and, with all the depth of a car park puddle, the Kerry TD declared in what appeared to be every ounce of sincerity he could muster, that those of us who don’t eat meat have ‘never worked hard,’ before helpfully providing us with some much-needed dietary advice, by adding that a hearty helping of ‘bacon and cabbage,’ or a ‘beef or mutton stew,’ is likely all us weak vegans need to help us face the rigors of daily life. Now, while some dairy-deprived, nonbikini-waxing, non-parmesan shaving religious vegan zealots out there may have got their sensible hemp knickers into a twist over Healy Rae’s comments, I have to say, as someone who has refused to eat meat,

fish or poultry since I was a small child, then choosing to convert to veganism, (no eggs or dairy either), 12 years ago, I think the man, (who is, by the way, a democratically elected TD) has a right to his views. Mind you, I would like to question the IQ of those who elected him, but sin scéal eile. Look, as someone who adores all animals and who believes, with all of my heart, that they are sentient beings who feel fear, feel pain, feel love and are self-aware, etc., and, as someone who rescues animals, I cannot, and I will not consume them…end of. I’m also someone who works very hard. In fact, I’ve been grafting since I was 15 years old, earning my professional degrees while working by day, raising a family and attending college by night. So there, Danny; we’re not all listless, work-shy sloths! Now, to be honest, as a vegan, I’m sick of being apologetic to people, mainly some restaurant staff who seem to panic

when they realise my food choices are beyond their capacity to offer a meat free/dairy free option on their menu. But I get round that by, well, smiling sweetly and mollycoddling them a little by offering simple tips around how they could quickly adapt their set menu to accommodate me without going to too much trouble. I do this because I do not, and never will, buy into those insufferable whack job archetypes adopted by many uncompromising, butt-clenching vegans who, quite frankly are joyless cranks whose only purpose in life is to serve as a warning sign to others. Look folks, I believe that as humans, we all have a right to decide what life choices we make and that means I will never judge anyone for eating meat; in fact my family consumes meat and I cook it for them. You see, I view veganism as my personal dietary/life choice, and, even though I would question how our country treats our animals, and, in particular the livestock raised for human consumption – because, let’s face it, we all have a moral as well as a legal obligation to provide the highest standards of humane and compassionate care and conditions for our animals – but while veganism is growing, and I support that, I do acknowledge that meat/fish/ poultry/dairy are a fundamental part of the majority of people’s diets, and that’s that! At this point I want to say, that, in general, (and going only on what I’ve personally experienced), Roscommon farmers do, to their credit, go that extra mile in taking care of their animals, with welfare being their priority, and well done to them.

Make up your mind Josepha

Celtic Cru…bringing ballads back to life Last Saturday, following what has been an extremely upsetting start to our New Year, myself and himself decided we needed a bit of a distraction and took ourselves off to The Forge in Castlerea to see Roscommon sensations Celtic Cru. The lads, who’re all so friendly and great craic, expertly performed an impressive ensemble of

the best of Irish ballads and other hits, and, punctuated by their good old-fashioned Roscommon charm, charisma and electrifying stage presence, they not only dedicated a song to me, they also thought it’d be a good idea to invite me up on stage to sing with them. Of course I obliged, much to poor hubby’s mortification. Well done lads, we had a great night.

Some politicians are so boring they can’t even entertain a thought, never mind a tweet, so perhaps that’s why our Culture Minister Josepha Madigan has reportedly decided to hire a social media expert to manage her online image. Now, as we – taxpayers – are apparently paying this ‘expert’s’ salary, I’d like to request they advise their boss that she’s being a little naïve if she thinks that one week she can lecture us women, telling us that if we wish to get ahead we must first “get a good husband,” and then the following week, while speaking at the Fem Fest, declare she’s really a “dedicated feminist”. So, which is it Josepha? Honestly love, before you open your mouth again, do some soulsearching…you never know, you may find one!

Roscommon People Friday 25 January 2019

NewsPeople Fans pictured at the FBD Insurance League Final Pictures: Mick McCormack

Baby and Toddler Roscommon People Friday 25 January 2019

When your toddler has a mini-meltdown…  MIRIAM KERINS

When it comes to parenting, most couples would probably agree that if one of you is the ‘soft touch, get away with murder’ good cop pushover, then, pretty quickly, in order not to have a house full

of disobedient little monsters, the other one needs to be the ‘stick to the guns, unrelenting one’. In our house I was always the easy-mark stooge who found it very difficult to say ‘No’ to my kids, and I’d imagine many parents would feel

the same. For the record, I’m a pushover with our dogs too! However, as all parents will know that the ‘I want, I want’ toddler years can prove to be the most challenging when, despite the little darlings developing emotions that tell them

FEEDING YOUR BABY? Free Information Session Join us for a FREE INFORMATION SESSION for parents/guardians of children 0 – 1 years. HSE and TUSLA Professionals will share helpful hints and tips for feeding your baby as they move from milk to solid foods. Free Information Pack and Food Vouchers Included Kindly Sponsored by Roscommon Children and Young People’s Services Committee.

WHEN? Wednesday 30th January 2019, 11am – 12pm WHERE? Boyle Family Resource Centre, Boyle, Co. Roscommon RSVP ESSENTIAL Please contact Bernadette, Healthy Ireland Project Worker on 0864159621 by call/text or email healthyireland@ridc.ie

OTHER FREE WEANING WORKSHOPS Monday 11th February Roscommon Quad Centre 11am to 12pm and Monday 18th February Oakwood villiage centre Ballaghaderren 11am to 12pm

Children Welcome!

the best strategy to use in order to get something they believe they so desperately want is to go into full tantrum mode in the middle of a public place, we, as adults, must also understand that their learning abilities haven’t yet developed enough to tell them that this type of behaviour is wrong. Therefore, if you’re currently parenting a toddler who makes, what, in your opinion, is unreasonable demands, (and it seems perfectly reasonable in their little minds, bless them), while out in public, here’s what I’d advise.

Remain calm When you’re a scarletfaced parent at the shops or at the park, it’s much more difficult to react; especially if there’s a judgemental aul biddy tuttutting over your shoulder. Try to remember, aul biddy is just a stranger and her eye-rolling doesn’t matter, so, remain calm, try not to raise your voice and try not to issue any threats to your child.

Distraction… It’s always a good idea to pack a few items in your handbag, such as your toddler’s favourite toy, a storybook, or an action figure to use as a distraction. Remember, toddlers tend to have short attention spans so perhaps quickly, and animatedly (laughing and joking) en-

gage their help in choosing their favourite breakfast cereal in the supermarket, or point out a cute cat or a dog in the park to divert their attention long enough to stop the tears.

Incentives We all get stressed at one time or another, and it’s the same for toddlers. For example, sitting down at a restaurant for a family meal or being restrained in a child seat in a supermarket trolley can prove challenging for them; and,

if they kick-off, can be enormously draining and embarrassing for you. In this instance I’d suggest that before you leave the house you could offer them an incentive for good behaviour, (a bribe; call it what you like), and, in the event a tantrum does rear its ugly head, remind them you’ll withhold their little treat if they don’t stop their bad behaviour immediately.

Have a strategy It’s difficult to do, but

try to remind yourself that no child deliberately throws a tantrum, nor do they plot to misbehave; they’ve simply developed a dreadful habit, that, God love them, they don’t have the ability to break. So, in order to help them, try to have a clear tantrum-coping strategy, and, despite the lip-pursing audience of know-it-alls in aisle five, smile and concentrate on dealing with your toddler effectively and patiently. Good luck!

PATRICIA’S MONTESSORI Castle Street, Roscommon Tel. (090) 66 34149 Web: www.bestforbaby.ie Uppababy ● I candy ● Quinny ● Chicco ● Mamas & Papas ● Babylo ● Baby Elegance ● Mountain Buggy ● Phil & Teds ● Joie ●

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20% off all STOKKE Products

Sunflower Montessori & Creche Ballygar, Killeroran, Co. Galway

Tel: 090 6624689 Free ECCE & CETS places available

Roscommon People Friday 25 January 2019

WeekendPeople

Hamrock’s

Athleague, Co. Roscommon. Tel.: (090) 6663325 Saturday, 26th January:

Henry + The Usual Suspects

Michael, Maureen and Nancy Cuddy, Marissa De Guzman and Seamus Cuddy pictured at the Fuerty GAA dinner dance in the Abbey Hotel on Saturday night last. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

THE CENTRAL, STROKESTOWN presents

Telephone: 090 6626225

F UN QU I Z N I G HT

Saturday 26th January:

Stolen City

with Tom & Pam

in aid of Anne Sullivan Foundation the care of blind & deaf children & Cancer Care West Table of four €40 - €10 per person RAFFLE ON THE NIGHT

A great night’s fun for a great cause

Friday, 1st February starting at 9.00 p.m.

Sinead Dolan, Laura, Claire and Niall Keenan pictured at the Fuerty GAA dinner dance in the Abbey Hotel on Saturday night last. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Sunday 27th January:

KENNEDY’S

Hayloft Bar Bridge St., Strokestown Tel: 071 9634384 facebook: kennedyshayloftbar

SATURDAY 26TH JANUARY

Featherhead from 10pm “Best live band in Roscommon” Finger-food served on the night

Adam Farrell, Conor Lavin and Cathal Crehan pictured at the Fuerty GAA dinner dance in the Abbey Hotel on Saturday night last. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

& The notorious

Ciaran, Conor & Gary (CCG)

6PM IN THE MIDDLE BAR

Barry and Fiona Looby and Mary Saunders pictured at a party in Creaton’s Pub in Lisacul recently.

* No Cover Charge, all gigs are at 10pm approx unless stated otherwise * Search for us on facebook: JJ-Harlows - The- Square-Roscommon-Town Richard and Jenny Feine, Barbara and Ron Mellerick pictured at a party in Creaton’s Pub in Lisacul recently.

BEER OF THE WEEK! Yellowbelly Pale Ale

Our Citra Pale Ale is brewed with the finest German & Belgian malts, fermented with a super clean American ale yeast and dry hopped to the gills with Citra. The resulting beer should be enjoyed as fresh as possible to appreciate the grapefruit and pine aroma and super clean finish.

Faces & Places Linda Burke, Stella McGrath, Anne Grennan and Helen McDonagh pictured at a party in Creaton’s Pub in Lisacul recently.

Creaton’s Pub in Lisacul

JJ Harlows supporting Irish Micro Breweries i Linda Burke, Declan Mulvin and Chris Burke pictured at a party in Creaton’s Pub in Lisacul recently. Pics: Mick McCormack

Roscommon People Friday 25 January 2019

WeekendPeople

Tom and Anne celebrate th Wedding Anniversary

January 31st marks the 50th wedding anniversary of Tom and Anne Raftery of Raftery’s Oakland Hotel on the Ballymoe Road in Glenamaddy. They will celebrate this wonderful milestone at St. Patrick’s Church at 7 pm on Friday, February 1st with an after-party to follow at Raftery’s Oakland Hotel. Tom grew up on the Kilkerrin Road while his wife Anne hailed from Cloonlara South in Glenamaddy. As a young couple they travelled to Birmingham in England full of love and excitement for what was ahead of them. They were married in 1969 while in Birmingham and three of their children were born in the city: Michelle, Andrea and Catherine. Returning to Ireland in later years with three young girls, Tom and Anne then added to their family with the arrival of Padraig and Fidelma.

Now with a family of five young children they began their business ventures in Glenamaddy, first with a B&B in their newly-built home on the site of Tom’s former homestead on the Kilkerrin Road. In later years they extended the building to create a new business ‘Glenlara Nursing Home’, which shared the name of both of their homelands, Cloonlara and Glenamaddy. With typical drive and ambition, they went on to open Glenamaddy’s first filling station on the Kilkerrin Road and then in later years The Oakland Hotel on the Ballymoe Road in Glenamaddy. To mark their 50th Wedding Anniversary celebration, on Friday, February 1st their children invite you to join Tom, Anne and family to celebrate this remarkable couple at St. Patrick’s Church in Glenamaddy at 7 pm with an after-party to follow in Raftery’s Oakland Hotel.

Years

Please join us to celebrate the anniversary of

Anne & Tom Raftery St. Patrick’s Church, Glenamaddy at 7pm After Party at Raftery’s Oakland Hotel

1st of February 2019

Ballymoe Road, Glenamaddy, Co. Galway 00353 876493754

Anita Connaughton and Winifred Fallon pictured in Kenny’s in Rockfield on Saturday night last.

Paula Whyte and Ann Carty pictured in Kenny’s in Rockfield on Saturday night last.

Teresa Rowe, Breda Crehan, Paula Whyte Therese Kenny, Michelle Conroy, Breda Monaghan, Maria Harris and Teresa O’Brien pictured in Kenny’s of Rockfield on Saturday night last.

s Faces & Place

Pics: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Kenny’s Rockfield Billy Reaney and Peter Heneghan pictured in Kenny’s in Rockfield on Saturday night last.

Teresa O’Brien and Breda Crehan pictured in Kenny’s in Rockfield on Saturday night last.

Mary McDermott, Carmel Curley, Mary and Pat Maguire and Patricia Smyth pictured in Kenny’s in Rockfield on Saturday night last.

Marty McDermott, Jacinta Crehan and Seamus Tierney pictured in Kenny’s in Rockfield on Saturday night last.

Roscommon People Friday 25 January 2019

PropertyPeople

Loughglynn residence is in excellent condition Newly-arrived on the market is this four-bedroomed residence on the outskirts of the village of Loughglynn, Co. Roscommon. It’s on the books of Ivan Connaughton Auctioneers. Sitting on a large site of just under an acre of ground (c. 0.94 acres), this property is in excellent condition throughout. Bought in recent years by the current owners, the residence has been completely renovated with plumbing, heating and electricity all upgraded. The house has been insulated and has a new oil boiler for the central heating. Priced very rea-

sonably for an immediate sale, this property is not to be missed for the first-time buyer who is seeking to get their foot on the property ladder. Also ideal for someone who is downgrading in size or just retiring to a bit of peace and tranquility in a safe rural area but by the same token not remote. Features include tarmacadamed driveway which extends to the rear of the property. Post and rail fencing around the house with block wall to front and cast-iron entrance gates. Accommodation includes:

reception hallway, living room with solid fuel stove (with back boiler), kitchen/dining room, back hallway with door off to rear and four bedrooms. There is the addition of an outbuilding to the rear which houses the oil-fired boiler and is ideal for storage. For further details and to organise a viewing contact the office immediately on 090-6663700 or info@ connaughtonauctioneers.ie. Bookings by appointment only and can be organised for evenings/weekends and bank holidays.

PSRA Licence No. 001350

Property Sales Lettings Valuations ●

●

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

www.connaughtonauctioneers.ie

NEW TO THE MARKET

DUE TO CANCELLATION

FOR LEASE

FOR SALE

COMMERICAL UNIT AT

THREE BEDROOM BUNGALOW RESIDENCE

MAIN STREET ROSCOMMON TOWN Price Region: Open to Offers

• Prime Commercial Unit c. 700 sq. ft • Holding huge potential due size and location • The last remaining unit for lease on Main Street • Viewing highly recommended • For further details contact the office on 090-6663700 • Viewings at evenings, weekends and Bank Holidays also accommodated

Dormer bungalow completed to builder’s ﬁnish Sitting on an elevated site, this five-bedroomed dormer bungalow at Glentaun, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway with a floor area of c. 2,851 sq.ft. is near completion to a builder’s finish in a much sought after area of Ballinasloe Town. It’s on the books of Ivan Connaughton Auctioneers. This residence is built to part L building regulations and is an extremely energy-efficient house with air to water heating system and high specification on windows, which are tripleglazed, insulation and doors. The house can be fully completed to purchaser’s specification if desired with completion

In the outskirts of the village of Loughglynn, Co. Roscommon

●

Glentaun, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway

Scramogue Co. Roscommon F42 HP65

• Very spacious three bedroom bungalow residence • Requiring minor works • Standing on c.1.08 Acres • Located c.2 miles from Strokestown • On the Longford/Dublin road • Viewing highly recommended • For further details contact the office on 090-6663700 • Viewings at evenings, weekends and Bank Holidays also accommodated

date provided. Accommodation includes – ground floor: spacious entrance hallway with large sitting room with bay window to the right; there are an additional two bedrooms on the ground floor, one with large ensuite bathroom and main bathroom. The large open-plan kitchen/living/dining room is the full length of the house from front to back with french doors opening to side and ample utility room off with door to rear garden. Stairs located at the rear of the hallway leads up to the cleverly designed first floor with has room for a seating area under

natural light from Velux window and would be an ideal area for a potential library/reading area. The two bedrooms both have ensuite bathrooms with walk-in wardrobes. This property encompasses all that is desired for modern living in today’s market and is an absolute must for viewing to appreciate all that is available and all the extra features that are included as standard in this newbuild. Ideal for first-time buyers who can avail of the ‘Help to Buy Scheme’. For full details contact the office on 090-6663700 or info@ connaughtoonauctioneers.ie

€80,000 is asking price for commercial building in Ballyhaunis Hughes & Company have placed on the market at Knock Street, Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo, a large commercial building with living accommodation on the first floor. The residence is in reasonably good condition and has a large garden with rear entrance. Pat will accept offers in excess of €80,000 for this fine property. For further information or to make an appointment to view, contact the office on 090-6627003 or email info@pathughesauctioneers.com

Large site with planning permission (at The Walk) At the Walk, Roscommon, Hughes & Company are confirming that they have for sale a large site with the benefit of full planning permission. The site is located within walking distance of Roscommon Town. Offers in excess of €90,000 will be considered. For further information or to make an appointment to view, contact the office on 090-6627003 or email info@pathughesauctioneers.com

Abbey Street, Roscommon

Residence with huge development potential at Abbey Street, Roscommon town Hughes & Company have on offer a large fivebedroomed private residence with a large double yard to the rear at Abbey Street, Roscommon. The property is offering huge development potential subject to planning permission being granted. The property is located convenient to all local amenities. This residence must be of interest to someone looking for a development opportunity or a nice private dwelling located in the town centre. For further information or to make an appointment to view, contact the office on 090-6627003 or email info@pathughesauctioneers.com

Roscommon People Friday 25 January 2019

PropertyPeople

Property Partners Earley, Roscommon are this week advising patrons of their forthcoming London and New York property exhibitions and are pleased to advise that listings are progressing well. “As property prices are still very affordable in this region, consequently we have enjoyed a huge enquiry and sales from the UK & USA markets as they recognise the excellent value to be found in all areas. They are drawn to Ireland in particular for our lower cost of living”. Earley’s add: “The Property Partners brand is one of the best recognised in property and the propertypartners. ie website is one of the best platforms to

advertise any property on a worldwide basis. “With over 36 years’ experience in the property market, Property Partners Earley are best placed to offer your property for sale in the current market and offer a free appraisal service to any client wishing to list their property for sale in their exhibitions”. For a free property appraisal or to include your property for sale in the exhibitions, contact either John Earley (FIPAV) or David Diffley (MIPAV, TRV) of Property Partners Earley, Stone Court, The Square, Roscommon on 090-6626579, email jearley@ propertypartners.ie, or log on to www. propertypartners.ie.

Farms urgently required Property Partners Earley, Roscommon are this week advising that following recent sales of farms in the region over the past number of weeks, they now require farms (residential and non-residential) in all areas for cash clients and disappointed underbidders. John Earley commented: “Following on from a number of successful farm sales in the area over the past number of weeks, we now require farmlands of all sizes and acreage in all areas”. To avail of a free consultation, please contact one of the professional team at Property Partners Earley, Roscommon on 090-6626579, email jearley@propertypartners.ie, or log on to www.propertypartners.ie.

EARLEY

BALLINDRIMLEY, CASTLEREA, CO. ROSCOMMON

AN EXTREMELY ATTRACTIVE 3 B/R BUNGALOW RESIDENCE WITH GARDEN AREA AND GARAGE SET TO REAR A prime residence located on the edge of town at Ballindrimley, close to all amenities. An ideal Residential or investment property due location. Gardens to front and rear, storage shed and garage set to rear. Side driveway servicing Services: ESB, Mains water, sewerage and O.F.C.H system. The Auctioneer now invites immediate viewings and all offers to sell. BER: E1. Legal: Maria McCahill, Messer’s McCahill and Co, Stone Court, Roscommon. 090 66 26816.

2019 Roscommon Poets’ Award Writers with a connection to the county are invited to enter Strokestown International Poetry Festival’s prestigious annual Roscommon Poets’ Competition. Poems can be in any style and on any subject but must be no more than 70 lines long. The judge is distinguished poet and teacher, Iggy McGovern. Winners will be announced at the 21st Strokestown International Poetry Festival (May 2nd to 6th). The overall winner receives a prize of €150. Entrants must have a connection to Roscommon to be eligible to enter, either born, resident, or went to school in the county, or currently attending a writers’ group here. Entries, which must be previously unpublished, cost €6 each and can be made online or via post. The deadline for the competition is February 15th, with more details available online at: www.strokestownpoetry. org. Winner of the 2017 Roscommon Poets’ Prize, Fairymount writer Louise G. Cole, subsequently went on to win the 2018 Hennessy Poetry Award and has recently launched ‘Soft Touch’, a collection of her poetry selected for publication by Carol Ann Duffy, the UK Poet Laureate.

ARDKILLIN, STROKESTOWN, CO. ROSCOMMON

NE W M TO AR T KE HE T

Advertorial

Letting season demand

PRIME ROADSIDE LANDS CONTAINING APPROX. 8.74 ACRES Prime agricultural lands containing approx. 8.74 acres in total located in a renowned agricultural district close to Strokestown village on the Tulsk road. The said lands must be of interest to all local farmers wishing to increase their existing holdings. The auctioneer now invites immediate viewing and all offers to sell. Solicitor: Ms Marie Connellan, Solicitor, Strokestown, Roscommon. 071 96 33009.

Price Guide: €65,000. HAZEL FORT DEVELOPMENT, LISACUL VILLAGE, CO. ROSCOMMON Roscommon auctioneer Sean Naughton recently met up with Irish rugby players Robbie Henshaw and (second photo) Jack McGrath and Rory Best.

Keen interest in detached town property This week Hughes & Company are reporting a lot of interest in a five-bedroomed detached property that they advertised new to the market last week and which is located at The Spinney, Abbeytown, Roscommon. Accommodation consists of a sitting room, dining room, kitchen, downstairs bedroom, utility, toilet with WHB. Upstairs there are four bedrooms with one ensuite, bathroom and a nice private garden to the rear. The residence is finished to a high standard and situated in one of Roscommon’s most sought after areas within walking distance of all local amenities.

PR E OF LIMI FO NA RT RY H S A CO M N O T I LE IN CE G

Property Partners Earley, Roscommon are this week advising that they require farms of all sizes in all areas for the forthcoming letting season. John Earley commented: “We have an extensive client base and substantial pre-enquiries for the forthcoming letting season and consequently we require farms of all sizes to meet demand for both short and long term lettings. We offer a free consultation service and we welcome all enquiries”. To avail of a free consultation, please contact one of the professional team at Property Partners Earley, Roscommon on 090-6626579, email jearley@propertypartners.ie, or log on to www.propertypartners.ie.

PROPERTY PARTNERS

NE W M TO AR T KE HE T

Forthcoming London and New York exhibitions for Earley’s

newsbriefs

BUILDERS/INVESTORS/ DEVELOPERS TAKE NOTE FOR SALE – THE REMAINDER OF THE HAZEL FORT DEVELOPMENT, LISACUL VILLAGE, CO. ROSCOMMON TOGETHER WITH APPROX. 9.2 ACRES. The said development benefits from 3 number residences finished to various levels, together with foundations, houses finished to wall plate level and various site works having been completed. Further details to follow in next week’s edition.

For further information or to make an appointment to view, contact the office on 090-6627003 or email info@pathughesauctioneers.com

Stone Court, The Square, Roscommon Email: jearley@propertypartners.ie www.propertypartners.ie of Professional ipav Institute Tel: (090) 6626579 / 6626796 Auctioneer & Valuers Fax: (090) 6625405 PSRA Licence No. 001481

The SKODA OCTAVIA remains streets ahead for Irish drivers Burns Car Sales ŠKODA in Co. Sligo has welcomed a DoneDeal.ie motor industry report, which placed the ŠKODA Octavia in pole position, for holding the strongest retention value in the Irish used-car market. This is the second year in a row that the ŠKODA Octavia has achieved this accolade. With an average depreciation of just 22% over the three years since 2015, the ŠKODA Octavia took the number one spot, ahead of the Volkswagen Golf (27%), the Ford Focus (36%), The Audi A4 (52%). Commenting on the DoneDeal.ie report, John Burns, Dealer Principal at Burns Car Sales, said: “Since 2015, the ŠKODA Octavia has consistently been not only one of Sligo’s but also Ireland’s top five selling vehicles. It offers unrivalled value for money and like every model in our range, it’s built to last. “Since 2015, we have also seen major growth in our ŠKODA Approved Used Car Programme which ensures our pre-owned ŠKODA models undergo a series of stringent checks by our technicians before re-sale. This programme also includes 12-month roadside assist and a 12-month warranty, while service plans are also very popular among our used car buyers. All of these measures ensure that our used cars are maintained to the highest standard and will last the test of time. Whilst we are delighted to see the results of this DoneDeal.ie report, due to the quality of our used cars, it comes as no surprise that the ŠKODA Octavia is ranked number one. “The ŠKODA brand continues to go from strength to strength in Ireland. In 2018, SKODA Ireland recorded a record market share of 7.3% with 9,126 new vehicle sales. The Octavia was the 2nd best selling model in Sligo in 2018 while the brand finished 4th in the overall rankings. We will continue to offer our customers the best value in the market with the Octavia now available from 0% PCP finance and with a €1,000 deposit contribution; the model will certainly play a strong role on our journey to further growth”. In a year when overall car sales are down almost 5%, ŠKODA Sligo managed to grow its sales volume by over 13%. Despite the growing trend towards SUVs, Burns Car Sales’ best-selling model was the Octavia. For more information on the ŠKODA range or to view the latest offers, please visit www.burnscarsales.ie

Roscommon People Friday 25 January 2019

FarmingPeople Think safety ﬁrst for slurry spreading season Adrian Leddy, IFA Regional Executive, has urged farmers to take safety precautions when undertaking the spreading of slurry. The main hazards associated with slurry are toxic slurry gas, slurry tank and lagoon openings and the slurry spreader PTO shaft. “Spreading slurry is potentially one of the most hazardous activities that a farmer undertakes. The two main risks that present are drowning and gas poisoning. “We are urging farmers not to take unnecessary risks and follow simple steps to ensure their own safety and that of their animals,” said Mr. Leddy. Steps farmers should take include: • Make sure all children and pets are kept secure and away from the farmyard • Only agitate on a windy day • Open all shed doors and shutters to allow airflow through the shed being agitated • After starting agitating leave the area for 30 minutes to allow slurry gases to dissipate • Recover agitating points when not in use

Anger and frustration at Beef Plan meeting  DAN DOONER

There was anger and frustration at last Wednesday’s Beef Plan Movement meeting at Castlerea Mart as members of the voluntary Beef Plan Group as well as farmers voiced their concerns over the current state of the industry in rural Ireland. Beef Plan Group PRO, David Creighton, said the meeting was well attended and there was positive feedback from those farmers in attendance. “Around 500 people attended the meeting which was chaired by the chairman of the Beef Plan Group, Padraig O’Connor, who spoke about his experiences within the sector. “The meeting itself went very well and there was good interaction from the farmers present. Many voiced their frustration and anger at politicians for the current state we find ourselves in in rural Ireland. But they were positive too that there was this new voluntary group,” he said. Leading figures in the national Beef Plan movement, Eamon Corley and Hugh Doyle, also addressed those in attendance, and spoke in depth about the issues facing the beef sector. “Mr. Corley and Mr. Doyle outlined what’s currently wrong with the industry and discussed their plans to invigorate it,” David added. There is a belief within the movement that the farmer has been forgotten and that the industry is weighted in favour of factories and retailers. David believes the meetings offer a platform for farmers to be heard. So what’s next for the Beef Plan Group? “We drive on! We are currently at 17,000 members and our aim is to reach 40,000 members nationally. Our next meeting in Co. Roscommon will take place on Thursday, February 21st at Elphin Mart and we will be once again encouraging farmers within the county to attend,” he concluded.

Padraig O’Connor speaking at the recent Beef Plan Group meeting at Castlerea Mart. Pics: Mick McCormack

There was a good turnout of farmers at the recent Beef Plan Group meeting at Castlerea Mart.

Roscommon People MART WATCH Roscommon Mart sample prices

Dead & Worn-Out Animals

Contact

TOM ROGERS

JOHN GREENE

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

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

Your LOCAL Collector Guaranteed lowest price

Lowest price guaranteed

BALLINASLOE

Daily collection

KEEP YOUR FARM SAFE

Dry cows

Heifers

Lim X 815kgs €1425, Lim X 680kgs €1385, Lim X 780kgs €1335, Simm 750kgs €1285, AAX 830kgs €1275, Lim X 660kgs €1245, BA 780kgs €1185, Lim X 680kgs €1125, Simm X 685kgs €1050.

Char 720kgs €1600, Char X 650kgs €1580, Lim 535kgs €1410, Simm X 440kgs €1305, 2 Char X 542kgs €1200, Simm X 415kgs €1170, BBX 505kgs €1020, Simm 390kgs €1015, Simm X 380kgs €1000.

Bullocks

Finished hoggets

Lim X 610kgs €1340, Char X 500kgs €1100, Lim X 465kgs €1065, AAX 530kgs €1025, AAX 565kgs €955, AAX 480kgs €945.

50.9kgs €127, 50kgs €124, 48.6kgs €120, 46.3kgs €114.50, 42kgs €113.50, 42kgs €112, 39.4kgs €112.

Manager’s report… Brendan Egan, Castlerea Mart “Bigger numbers of stock presented for sale this week and despite all the uncertainty about Brexit, prices and trade held firm and were in some cases improved with more customers in attendance trying to source stock. Quality still remains a big factor in the prices obtained with some top prices recorded for the top quality lots on offer. “Cows with calves at foot made from €1,570 to €1,870 per head. Springer cows made from €1,070 to €1,550 per head. Young calves made from €90 to €325 per head with runners making from €250 to €825 for continental lots. “Sales continue at Castlerea Mart today (24th) with our usual sale of bullocks, heifers, cows, calves, runners and weanlings. All sales commence at 11 am”.

Manager’s report… Maura Quigley, Roscommon Mart “There were slightly increased numbers on offer at last Friday’s sale with a firm trade for all classes. “Prices for bullocks ranged from €2.04 per kilo up to €2.29 per kilo. Heifer prices were improved from pre-Christmas with averages of €2.23 per kilo up to €2.96 per kilo. Dry cows fetched from an average of €1.54 per kilo up to €2.04 per kilo. “Sales continue each Friday for bullocks, heifers and dry cows. Full details are available on our Facebook page and website. “There will be special sale of heifers on Friday, February 1st with bookings accepted up to 5 pm today (Thursday). “There were similar numbers to last week on offer at this week’s sheep sale. Prices for finished lambs peaked at €127 for 50.9kgs and there was a steady trade for cast ewes with prices ranging from €76 up to €118. Sales continue each Wednesday at 11 am for lambs and cast ewes”.

Castlerea Mart sample prices Bullocks Ch 540kgs €1385, Lm 510kgs €1090, Hex 485kgs €1065, Lmx 550kgs €1200, Chx 630kgs €1315, Hex 570kgs €1100.

Dry cows Lm 875kgs €1655, Ch 810kgs €1485, Ch 805kgs €1445, Lm 685kgs €1320, BBx 785kgs €1355.

Weanling heifers Lm 295kgs €820, Lm 295kgs €1050, Lm 260kgs €730, Chx

370kgs €880, Lm 330kgs €850, Chx 400kgs €990.

Heifers Lm 455kgs €1130, Lm 480kgs €1185, Chx 480kgs €1470, Chx 620kgs €1360, Lm 645kgs €1340, Lm 560kgs €1310, Ch 590kgs €1330.

Weanling bulls Chx 265kgs €705, Lmx 385kgs €1000, Chx 385kgs €960, Chx 420kgs €975, AAx 290kgs €700.

Roscommon People Friday 25 January 2019

FarmingPeople

Business

(Proudly serving farmers for over 59 years) Property Services Providers Licence No. 001373

Bullocks, Heifers and Dry Cows Tomorrow Friday, 25th January at 11 a.m. -----------------------

Weanlings and Suckler Cows Tuesday, 29th January at 5 p.m. Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on this Thursday, January 24th

----------------------Tuesday February 12th at 5 p.m.

Special Sale of Weanlings Also

14 Excellent Quality Home-bred Limousin in Calf Heifers Full details in next week’s issue Bookings for Weanlings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday February 7th ----------------------Friday February 1st at 11 a.m.

Special Spring Sale of Heifers Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on this Thursday January 24th Also Bullocks & Dry Cows ----------------------Friday February 8th at 11 a.m.

Special Spring Sale of Bullocks Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday January 31st Also Heifers & Dry Cows -----------------------

Lambs & Cast Ewes Each Wednesday at 11 a.m. ------------

Sheep Scanning Service Commencing Wednesday 6th February (9 a.m.to 10 a.m) and each week thereafter

ENQUIRIES 090 6626352

Live streaming of sales from Ring 1 See link on our Facebook page or website Email: roscommonmart@gmail.com Visit our website: www.roscommonmart.ie

Find us on facebook

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

THURSDAY WEEKLY:

SALE OF BULLOCKS, HEIFERS, COWS, CALVES, RUNNERS AND WEANLINGS YARD OPENS AT 8 A.M. ALL STOCK PRE-BOOKED. ALL SALES COMMENCE AT 11 A.M. FOR ENQUIRIES CONTACT MART OFFICE OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR DETAILS

KEEP YOUR FARM SAFE

New deﬁbrillator at Westward ‘accessible to community’ Westward Scania is pleased to announce the provision of a new cardiac defibrillator, which is accessible at Westward filling station. Westward’s Joe Crann said: “When we looked at getting a defibrillator for our Scania workforce, we decided that it would be a good community gesture to have it accessible to members of the Strokestown community. “As there are security concerns with outdoor defibrillators and more importantly many nonfunctioning ones out there, we have placed it indoors in the Westward filling station shop”. Pictured at the handover of the new unit are members of Westward’s Health & Safety Committee, Aidan Feeney, Gabriel Fleming, Stevie Lawson, Westward Filling Station, Anne Murphy and Joe Crann, who are fully trained in CPR.

Vincent and Service Matters raise €1,200 for cancer support service

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

Aengus Oates Financial Services Plan your future today

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

For the second year running, Vincent Collins of Service Matters took up the mantle and raised money for Roscommon Cancer Support Service through a Movember fundraiser. Vincent received generous donations amounting to €600 and Service Matters doubled it, to donate a total of €1,200 to RCSS. Vincent said: “I wish to thank everyone for their generous support for my Movember efforts. The beard is now long gone, but the support of my friends and colleagues is going directly to Roscommon Cancer Support Service. I am delighted that Service Matters is doubling the amount raised for our local cancer charity”.

info@oates.ie • www.oatesfinancialservices.ie

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

‘Roscommon’s favourite local broadband provider’ Pictured is Vincent Collins of Service Matters presenting a cheque for €1,200 to Veronica Corcoran and Laura Mullooly of Roscommon Cancer Support Service.

New contact point for Ballaghaderreen Chamber Ballaghaderreen Chamber has announced that it will now have an office presence in the town. Online Services, Barrack Street, Ballaghaderreen has confirmed this week that they will be able to assist the Chamber by providing a contact point for all Chamber members to assist them with their queries. Online Service has been trading in Ballaghaderreen for over nine months and have established themselves as a solid business service. Willie Murphy, Cham-

ber chairperson, said: “It is an excellent example of business networking. Online Services have offered to take any queries from businesses in town and relay that information to the secretary of the Chamber so that we can deal with them quickly and efficiently”. The move should is seen as an opportunity for businesses to make enquiries about joining Ballaghaderreen Chamber and for existing members to pass on information to the Chamber in order to grow their business.

Willie added: “It is a great start for the Chamber in 2019. We have many plans for this year including networking events for members and we are already talking about a summer BBQ and evenings together where we can all network, publicise and grow our business locally”. Businesses with an interest in becoming a member of Ballaghaderreen Chamber are asked to email info@ballaghaderreenchamber.ie and an application form will be issued.

Real Broadband for Real Users Fast, reliable, friendly

Contact Tonya on 090 66 34319

sales@eurona-brisknet.ie website www.eurona.ie

Roscommon People Friday 25 January 2019

Classifieds

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

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

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

Tel: 01 4538988 or 091 767777

BLOCK AND BRICKLAYING

SEAN NAUGHTON Ballinaheglish

BRICK + BLOCKLAYING Call Sean on

087 2421552 Acceptance of an advertisement or payment therefore is not to be taken as implying guarantee that the advertisement will be published. The right is reserved to refuse to insert any advertisement, without giving any reason; also to discontinue the publication of any advertisement previously published, without compensation for any loss or damage claimed for non-publication. Publication of an advertisement cannot be guaranteed on a specific week or at all, whether or not a particular week has been stipulated by the advertiser, and the company will not be liable for any loss claimed by such omission, whether from all editions or any particular edition or editions of the paper. Right is reserved to alter any advertisement without liability for any compensation for such alteration. Further, the company does not accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement.

CARPENTRY

CHIMNEY CLEANING

CHIROPODIST

CARPENTRY

Honest, reliable Carpenter available for roofing and first fix work. New houses and extensions catered for also slating + PVC/Fascia/Soffit Painting & Decorating + house clearances Contact: 087 2798704 ALL WORK GUARENTEED

CHIROPODIST

PODIATRIST/ CHIROPODIST Mark Kilgallon B.Sc Podiatry (Hons) M.Ch.S.I. 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 -------Chiropody treatment and all aspects of Foot Pain. Orthotics prescribed

By Appointment Only –

087 2982214

Tel: Catriona Byrne DIP CHFP

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

Complete Chimney Services

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

JOHN DOORLY School of Motoring

Kathleen Wynne

RSA REGISTERED AND FORMER DRIVER TESTER

CHIMNEY CLEANING

MCFHP, MAFHP

Foot Care Practitioner

Excellent pass rates

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

071 9637984 / 086 3562718

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

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE

• Removes up to 50% more than traditional methods • Firebacks replaced and flues repaired • Can be cleaned from the bottom up • Chimney cowels and crow guards fitted Power washing and gutter cleaning services. Telephone:

087 2798704

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

TELEPHONE: 087 9657933 090 66 26752

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

CHIROPRACTOR ROSCOMMON CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC

Tel: 086 2387528 www.aclearsteerdriving.com

Paul McStay

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

EDT Lessons Available Telephone:

094 96 20099 Mobile:

086 8936012 This driving School conforms for the new RSA regulations & legislation

VHI and Laya Covered

Are you effected by Anger Issues, Bullying, Bereavement, Confidence/self-esteem issues, OCD, Stress, Depression, Eating disorders Panic/Anxiety, Relationships, Exam pressure, Sexual Abuse Contact: Billy 094 96 59966 Mobile: 086 0675433 or visit www.billybrogan.com

FENCING/GATES FRANCIS REGAN FENCING LTD For all your fencing needs. Glas Fencing Grant Fencing Post Rail

Tel: 087 2172281

FENCING/GATES

Des Kelly Fencing Tel. (094) 98 80281 Mob. (087) 2031909 Website: www.dockerydriving.ie RSA Approved Driving Instructor

COUNSELLING COUNSELLING & HYPNOTHERAPY

 SILAGE BALES FOR SALE: Extra wrap, first cut, Harry Murray, baled and wrapped, good quality leafy silage, no offers €30 per bale. Knockcroghery area. No time wasters. Tel: 087 7754745

●

Telephone: 086 8433433

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

 SQUARE BALES FOR SALE: Fourmilehouse/Derrane. Tel: 086 4083725

●

• BACK PAIN • HEADACHES • NECK PAIN • LIMB PAIN

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

 A B AT TO I R S E R V I 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

●

Specialising in:

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 p

CONTACT: Abbeyside House, Abbey Street, Roscommon.

Tel: 090 6630760

FARMING

DRIVING LESSONS

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

Patrick Lynch Clinical Dental Technician

Henry Street Medical Centre Roscommon TELEPHONE:

090 66 65917 087 228 8780

Email: grace@finbaroreilly.ie Facebook: www.facebook. com/careersgraceoreilly

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

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

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

The local paper!

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 MARQUEE HIRE Manor Marquee Hire Now taking bookings for 2019

20% discount on all bookings before 28th Feb 2019 Selection of marquees and bouncy castles available for any occasion; • Parties • Weddings • Communions/Confirmations • Corporate/Charity Events • Agricultural Shows • Special Occasions • Funerals We also have a selection of tables & chairs, bar facilities and stages. For any of the above, please do not hesitate to contact us. Tel: 087 2829226 Email: manormarquees@ gmail.com

Roscommon People Friday 25 January 2019

Classifieds GARDENING WALTER BEGLEY

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

HOLISTIC JOAN MOORE Therapy Rooms

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

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

Contact Walter on 087 9519873

Gift vouchers now available

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

JOE HEALY Tree Services • Hedge Cutting • Dangerous Tree Removal • Wood Chipping • Fully Insured

Phone:

087 2721193 DANGEROUS TREE REMOVAL SERVICE • Woodchipping • Log Splitting • Tree Surgery • Hedge Cutting

Bernard Conroy Timber Clearance Ltd Tel: 087 2533101 Firewood For Sale Over 30 years in business

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

PARKLAWN TREE SERVICES • Certified Arborists • Tree Surgery • Dangerous Tree Removal • Wood Chipping • Leylandii hedges reduced and shaped. Comprehensive insurance cover. I.S.A. member.

Tel: 086 6077307 or 086 8125165 www.parklawntreeservices.com

087 9201818 Find us on facebook

HEALTH & WELL-BEING

PAINTING & DECORATING

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

Phone Alan on:

090 6661635 or Mobile:

087 2683079 PROFESSIONAL PAINTING & DECORATING CONTRACTOR For all your decorating needs CONTACT JOHN

PLANNINGS

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

www.morrislohan.ie

086 4679798 ● Amatsu Therapy ● Neuromuscular therapy

& orthopaedic sports massage Appointments with Anne Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Saturday. Molloy’s Pharmacy, The Harrison Centre, Roscommon

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

MUSCLE AND JOINT PAIN

Sports & Remedial Massage Therapist Phone Oleg Doroshkevich on:

086 1283578 O’Keefe Park, Glenamaddy Available in Galaxy Thrusday & Friday 5-9pm SATURDAYS ALL DAY

090 6634909 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 - Ante Natal Reflexology - Cancer Care Reflexology - Infant/Child Reflexology Mobile Service Available Marina Furey B. Sc. (Hons)

Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon

Tel: 087 2264951 Find us on facebook

PROPERTIES TO LET/RENT/WANTED CHAZEY PROPERTIES: We require properties for waiting tenants, we advertise, conduct viewings, arrange references, read meters, set up tenancy agreements and arrange direct debit payments straight into your bank. We charge a one off fee only if we are successful in renting your property. If not no fees are payable. Tel: 086 8212732

 SHOP UNIT TO LET: Shop unit to let at Circular Road, Roscommon, 1400sq ft. Ample parking. Tel: 086 2563000  STORAGE UNIT TO LET: Storage unit to let at Circular Road, Roscommon, 1200sq ft. Easy access. Tel: 086 2563000  TO LET: 4-5 bedroom house to rent in Oran, OFCH with multi-stove. Suitable for professional family. Viewing by appointment only. Tel: 086 4458840

INDOOR MARKET  LISNAMULT INDOOR MARKET: Our next indoor market is on Sunday, 10th February in Greenfields Childcare Centre, Lisnamult from 11-4pm. Tables supplied also parking. Looking forward to seeing you there.

PERSONAL  PERSONAL: I, Amardeep c/o Sh. Kailash Nath Larkins, Castle Street, Roscommon Co. Roscommon, Ireland have changed my name from Amardeep to Amardeep Loomba. Concerned note.

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 intend to apply for planning permission to retain a garden shed and access road at Muckanagh, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon. Signed: John and June Starsmore The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee, not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and submissions or observations in relation to the application can be made to the Planning Authority in writing, on payment of the prescribed fee, within a period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Ronan Kelly intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for the development of a proposed garage/store and turf shed, revision of site boundary and associated site works at Kilmore, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon. Signed: Ronan Kelly The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I Aidan Kelly Agricultural Design & Planning Services (ADPS, 085 7466211, www. adps.ie ) intend to apply to Roscommon County Council on behalf of my clients Cormac O’Brien and Ivor McCormack. Permission to construct extension to Cubicle shed with slatted tank and loose straw area and all associated site works at Derryglad, Curraghboy, Co. Roscommon. Signed: Aidan Kelly B.Arch B.sc Arch Tech B.Agr Agri Design & Planning Services Molough, Newcastle, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary WEBSITE: www.adps.ie Mobile 0857466211, Telephone: 062 43908 aidan@adps.ie aidankelly2000@yahoo.ie That the planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Declan and Sinead Kelly intend to make application to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to refurbish and extend existing dwelling associated site development works and services at Rathbrenan, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon. Signed: Gaynor Architectural + Design Services Ltd. Architects Fallon Avenue, Roscommon Phone: 090 6626974 Mobile: 086 8115449 The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of a 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.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Maura Comiskey intend to make application to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for retention of garage, fuel store and general store, associated site works and services at Cloonybeirne, The Walk, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon. Signed: Gaynor Architectural + Design Services Ltd. Architects Fallon Avenue, Roscommon Phone: 090 6626974 Mobile: 086 8115449 The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of a 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.

AppointmentsEXTRA Solving Undercarriage Needs We carry the largest stock of undercarriage parts in We keep machine downtime to a minimum carrying the largest Ireland. We are the exclusive dealer forbyBerco (Italy) and a stock of undercarriage parts inOEM Ireland. We are the exclusive dealer range of other manufacturers. for Berco (Italy) and a range of other OEM manufacturers. Our success is based on the quality of the parts and the Our success service is based on quality of the parts wethe provide. and the service we provide. Be a key member of our Undercarriage team supportBe a key our Tracks teamparts supporting sales base of undering themember sales ofofundercarriage to ourthe broad of carriage parts tocustomers our broad base of customers throughout Ireland. throughout Ireland.

POSITION: SALES SALES ASSISTANT ENGINEER POSITION: ROLE: Learn parts so that you can Learnall allabout aboutundercarriage undercarriage parts so that you advise customers on their best options to staytoon track. can advise customers on their best options keep their Armed with this knowledge the downtime role involves with tracked machines running and to dealing a minimum. customer enquiries, identifying and solving theirwith Armed with this knowledge theparts role involves dealing undercarriage needs.identifying parts and solving their uncustomer enquiries, dercarriage needs. You will be working in the Tracks team that consists of You be working in themembers. Undercarriage team that conotherwill office and workshop You will liaise with sists other offito ceorganise and workshop members. You will liaise otherofmembers jobs and deliveries. with other members to organise jobs and deliveries. EXPERIENCE & SKILLS: EXPERIENCE & SKILLS: This is a starting position. Experience of plant machinery and parts isof anplant advantage though absolutely necesExperience machinery andnot parts is an advantage sary. Onnot theabsolutely job training will be provided. Good commuthough necessary. On the job training will nication skillsGood including computer skills required. The be provided. communication skillsare including comrole has varied demandsThe so the to cope with these puter skills are essential. roleability has varied demands. You need to beincluding good at planning organising We like demands planning,and organising andtasks. working positive peopleand andas team independently partplayers. of a team are essential. RENUMERATION: Negotiable SEND CV / CONTACT SEND CV / CONTACT:

Niall OldBrick Brick NiallMcSharry, McSharry,McSharry McSharryTRACK, Bros, Old Site, Four Mile House, Co. Roscommon Site, Fourmilehouse, Co. Roscommon Tel: Tel: + + 353 353 90 90 6629500 6629500 Email: niall@mcsharrybros.com

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL Openplan Architectural Design wishes to apply to Roscommon County Council on behalf of Sonja and Thomas Connolly for planning permission to construct a dwelling house and garage together with ancillary site works at Barrymore Townland, Kiltoom, Athlone, Co. Roscommon. Signed: Openplan Architectural Design The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the relevant planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the planning authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within a period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL Openplan Architectural Design wishes to apply to Roscommon County Council on behalf of Sonja and Thomas Connolly for planning permission to A) construct development access entrance/ exit onto the public road, ancillary landscaping and footpaths along with connection to public services and sewers including all associated site development works and B) construct 4 no. detached dwelling houses and garages at Barrymore Townland, Kiltoom, Athlone, Co. Roscommon. Signed: Openplan Architectural Design The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee/not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the relevant planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the planning authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within a period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, APK Architects & Engineers, intend to apply on behalf of Dermot Hughes Cars Limited for permission for development at this site: Athlone Rd, Ardsallagh More, Roscommon The development will consist of: 1. Change of use from existing filling station into car display area; 2. Extension between existing car showroom and the above proposed car display area building; 3. Provision of new car spaces; 4. Alterations to existing buildings elevations including new signage and to carry out all ancillary site works. Signed:

THE ROYAL INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS OF IRELAND REGISTERED PRACTICE Roscommon Office: 118 Abbeyville, Galway Road, Roscommon. M: 0862102190 E: adam@apk.ie The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

Roscommon People Friday 25 January 2019

Classifieds SITUATIONS VACANT  APPRENTICE MECHANIC: Wanted Apprentice Mechanic with some experience or fully qualified mechanic in Elphin/ Strokestown/Tulsk area. Good working conditions. Box No: 2007 c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon  TEACHER REQUIRED: To assist child with special needs with homework for 1 hour each day, Monday Friday, Roscommon town area. References required. Box No: 2006 c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon  CHATTERLAND PLAYSCHOOL AND CRECHE, ELPHIN: Currently have a vacancy for an Early Years Educator, FETAC Level 6 essential. Please send CVs to chatterlandcreche@ hotmail.com or call Áine 087 8325301

SITUATIONS WANTED  SEEKING EMPLOYMENT: 20 year old male available for any kind of work. Willing to learn new skills. Tel: 089 9728851  CARER AVAILABLE: Experience friendly carer available, will offer care and companionship as required. Full driving licence. All areas considered. Tel: 087 2391131

 BUILDER AVAILABLE FOR SMALL PROJECTS: Extensions, bathroom, conversions, replacement windows etc. Tel: 086 0512267

SEAN NÓS DANCING CLASSES

Sean Nós Dancing Classes

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

TAXIS AND HACKNEYS

HUGH KILDUFF CABS Tel: 086 2479829

KELLY’S EYE Taxi and Minibus hire.

PHONE:

087 2727888 TOMMY GILLIGAN

CABS

TELEPHONE: 086 8099 503

Padraig Healy Car & Mini Bus Hire Wheelchair Accessible

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

Call car direct

(086) 2714879

Pete’s Cabs

Roscommon

Every Friday at 8pm in Hannon’s Hotel, Roscommon for more info call Rian Biesty on

– Contact –

Peter Lynch 086 8400002 JOHN BEATTIE Cab and Bus Hire Roscommon

086 2670670 BUS HIRE FOR ALL OCCASIONS

TURF/FUEL/ FIREWOOD

2018 SEASONED TURF also Peat Bedding Available

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

086 2721812

Contact: Nuala McGowan on 086 0352849 CASTLEREA/TULSK: Leaving/Junior Cert, Irish, French, Maths. Private tuition in your own home. Tel: 086 3282437  GRINDS: Maths, Business, Accounting, LCVP and Ag. Science. Tel: 0876222147  GRINDS: Castlerea, Irish, French and German, oral and exam paper technique, higher and ordinary level, LC and Jnr. Cert. Tel: 087 3515985  MATHEMATICS TUITION: One to one, up to Junior Cert higher level and Leaving Cert ordinary level. Experienced education professional, Roscommon town. Please call, text or email for further information: 083 4843192 email: mariag21eircom.net

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

086 2437376  MASSIVE SALE: On 2018 shed stored seasoned Hopper Turf/Ash firewood. Tel: 087 4350736 (Can be delivered in various loads).

SEVENTH SON HEALER  7th SON: A Seventh Son Healer will attend in the Coffee Drop, The Square, Ballygar, Co. Galway this Saturday, 26th January, 11.30am to 4pm. Cures for Depression, Sinus, Migraine, Headaches, Blood Pressure, Ear noise, Vertigo, Back Pain, Chest Asthma, Shingles, Blushing lack of Confidence, Rheumatism, Arthritis, Fatigue, Eczema, Psoriasis, Panic Attacks Nerve Stress, Anxiety, Chest Asthma, Acne, all skin rash etc. 100% success rate. No appointment needed, call on day in private. Any enquiries to 049 4335497 or mobile 086 1921955 anytime.

CRASH REPAIRS

Appointments

Greenfields Childcare

LEAVING CERTIFICATE STUDENTS

TURF/FUEL/ FIREWOOD

(for all ages and levels of ability)

0862124423

TUITION

Tel: Donal (All areas)

 FOR SALE: Large lorry loads of turf. Screened and delivered. Orders for this year’s turf taken now. Tel: 086 7236301  THIS WEEK’S SPECIAL OFFERS: • Bags of seasoned firewood only €2 per bag • Bags of turf only €2.50 per bag, buy 20 get 2 free • Tonne bags firewood/turf €35 per bay, or buy tonne firewood + tonne turf + 2 bags coal 20kg all for €80 delivered. • Stove coal 40kg bags only €14, buy 10 bags get 1 20kg bag coal free. • 8x4 trailer load firewood only €90. All includes free delivery. Contact Tom: 086 2628439

USEFUL SERVICES

USEFUL SERVICES  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

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

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

SERVICE

TELEPHONE MICHAEL HAVERTY: 086 8381227 or 086 1997815

ONLY €80

LUKE COEN

Quality Small Job Services For Home or Business

OIL BOILER Includes new nozzle, Efficiency report, Printout, etc .... 094 96 31880 087 9100477  ELECTRICIAN AVAILABLE: Safe Electric Registered. Domestic and Industrial, All work considered - No Job too small. Phone Paul 086 2553153 or 090 666 3053 or Email p0862553153@ gmail.com.

HOME MAINTENANCE  HOME MAINTENANCE: All aspects covered, plumbing, electrics, carpentry and any household emergency. 24 hour call out. Phone Kieran: 087 7465281 or Jake 085 1002423  SHANE NAUGHTON ROOFING CONTRACTOR Roofing, slating, tiling, 1st and 2nd fixing and flooring. All aspects of carpentry and building undertaken. Tel: 086 3155329

Plumbing + Maintenance • Bathroom planning and design to suit you • All aspects of plumbing and maintenance carried out • Call for free quoation or visit Luke Coen Plumbing + Maintenance on facebook

Contact Luke on 087 1948286

DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIRS: WASHING MACHINE, REPAIRS, DISHWASHER REPAIRS, OVEN AND TUMBLE DRYER REPAIRS Contact Paul on 086 0538977 087 4046478 www.appliance-repairs.ie

We have a vacancy for a Full Time Childcare Assistant Maternity Cover The ideal candidate will have as a minimum: FETAC Level 5 essential Experience in childcare preferred. Garda clearance will be required

Closing date for applications is Thursday, 7th February To apply, please forward your CV to: Lisa O’Neill Greenfields Childcare Lisnamult Roscommon Lisnamult Residents Association is an equal opportunities employer.

QUALIFIED ELECTRICIANS ALSO 3RD AND 4TH YEAR APPRENTICE ELECTRICIANS REQUIRED FOR IMMEDIATE START Full union rates €23.70 per hour Lodge also paid @ €181.68 TAX FREE €500 relocation incentive paid to successful candidates Opportunities to develop your career within the company with promotions and optional training courses We are a commercial electrical fitout company. All projects are in the Dublin area. For further details please send CV to Janet@mab.ie

Roscommon Windows

Junior/Trainee Trades Person Would you like to join an Award Winning Business that Supply and Fit an Industry Leading Product for Quality and Security? We now wish to recruit a Junior/Trainee Trades Person. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn all aspects of the Business. Candidates must have a genuine interest and be motivated to learn, to be able to work independently and as part of a team and achieve excellence in the delivery of the Product and Service to the Customer. Candidates also require a Clean Full Drivers Licence. Apply with C.V. to Roscommon Windows@gmail.com

SMYTH’S Transport REQUIRE - FULLTIME

HGV Apprentice Mechanic + HGV Driver Telephone: 087 2541720

We are now looking for a full time qualified mechanic to join our team. The successful applicant will work in our new modern workshop and be part of our growing team. Applicants must be capable of working on their own initiative

Applications to be forwarded to info@ hanlymotors.ie or call 090 66 34671

Roscommon People Friday 25 January 2019

Classifieds

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

Appointments

FAMILYNOTICES .... CORCORAN Carmel and Michael

HANNON Sonny and Maureen

Killoy, Lecarrow (16th and 39th Anniversaries)

Goff Street, Roscommon Sonny who died 24th November 1993 and his wife Maureen who died 26th January 2002

Frenchpark & Districts Childcare Clg. offers a high quality, affordable child care service to the children and parents within the community and surrounding areas, catering for the disadvantaged and supporting social inclusion.

Childcare Supervisor Overall Purpose of Job: Responsible for the coordination of the daily running of the centre in conjunction with the senior childcare practitioners in line with pre-school childcare regulations and the centre’s policies and procedures. The Childcare Supervisor is responsible for the supervision and development of staff within the centre. Essential Criteria • FETAC Level 6 or higher in Supervision in Childcare/ Management/ Human Resources • 3yrs Supervisory Experience • Excellent working knowledge of the childcare sector • Experience of working with outside agencies such as the pre-school inspection team, Roscommon County Childcare Committee, Early Childhood Ireland, VEC etc. Desirable Criteria • Experience in making funding applications • Knowledge of the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016, Síolta and Aistear • Experience of working in partnership with parents • Excellent IT skills Please contact Mrs Breda Joyce on 094 9870111/086 3792575 or email info@fdcl.ie to request a detailed job description and person specification. Applicants should forward their CV with covering letter in support of their application either by post or email to: Mrs Breda Joyce, Manager, Frenchpark and Districts Childcare Clg, Frenchpark, Co. Roscommon. Email: info@fdcl.ie Closing date for receipt of applications: Friday, 1st February 2019 Garda vetting is a requirement of the post. Frenchpark and Districts Childcare Limited is an equal opportunities employer.

The Brothers of Charity Services Ireland – West Region empower people with intellectual disability and people on the autistic spectrum to live the lives they choose. Our focus going forward is to form a partnership with each individual and to work in consultation with families, enabling each person to design their own service so that they can enjoy a meaningful life in their chosen community with a healthy balance of supports. We wish to create opportunities for people with an intellectual disability to have valued social roles in their communities and to have the chance to form friendships. In order to assist us to achieve this vision we wish to recruit innovative and proactive people who will relish the opportunity to assist in implementing this vision. Applications are invited from suitable qualified candidates for the following positions 3 X PERMANENT PART-TIME SOCIAL CARE WORKERS East-Roscommon Residential Services (Tulsk Area) (Reference: 80/18 - Please clearly quote reference code on the application form) These roles are to support one male adult with an intellectual disability and behaviours that challenge to complete all daily activities – this would include accessing the wider community. The requirement is minimum of a level 7 degree in social care/applied social studies and experience working within the ID sector and with challenging behaviour. If you would like to obtain further details and apply for the above positions please log onto www.irishjobs.ie/ PANELS MAY BE FORMED FROM WHICH FUTURE PERMANENT AND TEMPORARY VACANCIES MAY BE FILLED IN THE ROSCOMMON REGION IN THE COMING 6 MONTHS Closing Date: 5.00 p.m., Tuesday 29th January 2019 INTERVIEWS WILL BE HELD Friday, 8th February 2019 The Brothers of Charity Services Ireland – West Region is an equal opportunities employer

Cherished memories of Carmel, who died on 25th January 2003 and Michael, who did on 7th January 1980 Many a lovely memory Many a silent tear Always treasured memories Of parents we loved so dear.

Loved and remembered always by your sons and daughters, Marie, Padraig, Annette, Seamus and Micheál, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. Anniversary Mass on Saturday, 26th January in Knockcroghery Church at 7pm. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CORCORAN Carmel (16th Anniversary) No longer in our lives to share But in our hearts you’re always there.

Lovingly remembered by your sister Phil, brother-in-law Donald and family. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Also remembering Ciaran who died 21st June 2016 Your memories we treaure with thoughts that are dear, Those we love don’t go away, They walk beside us every day.

Sadly missed and always remembered by the Hannon family.”

GALVIN Maureen Mount Talbot, Co. Roscommon (11th Anniversary) In loving memory of a dear wife and mother, who passed away 18th of January 2008

CORCORAN Carmel

Sadly missed by Kitty and family.

THANKSGIVINGS PRAYER TO ST. EXPEDITE- For desperate causes... My Saint Expedite of urgent and just causes, please intercede for me with Our Lord Jesus Christ. Succor me in this hour of affliction and despair, my Saint Expedite. You who are a Holy warrior, You who are the Saint of the afflicted, You who are the Saint of the desperate, you who are the Saint of urgent causes, Protect me, Help me, Give me Strength, Courage and Serenity. Hear my plea. ____________ (Clearly express what you want, and ask him to find a way to get it to you.) My Saint Expedite, help me to prevail through these difficult hours, protect me from all those who want to harm me, respond to my plea with urgency. Bring me back to the state of peace and tranquillity, my Saint Expedite. I will be grateful to you for the rest of my life and I will speak your name to all those who have faith. (Now promise to give Saint Expedite a specific offering when your desire is granted.) Amen. (Say one Our Father, one Holy Mary, and make the sign of the cross.) (Be sure to provide the offering you promised if Saint Expedite grants your petition). A.K.

PRAY TO SAINT EXPEDITE - To End Procrastination... St. Expedite witness of Faith to the point of martyrdom, in exercise of Good, you make tomorrow today. You live in the fast time of the last minute, always projecting yourself toward the future. Expedite and give strength to the heart of the man who doesn’t look back and who doesn’t postpone. Amen. A.K.

THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times, for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. M.K. PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN O Most Beautiful Flower of Mt. Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother. O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3 times). Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands (3 times). Say this prayer for 3 consecutive days. E.M. Novena Prayer to St. Martin de Porres Most humble St. Martin whose burning charity embraces all, but especially the sick, afflicted or in need, we turn to you for help in our present difficulties and we implore you to obtain for us from God health of soul and body, and in particular the favour we now ask. May we, by imitating your charity and humility, find quiet and contentment all our days, and cheerful submission to God’s holy will in all the trials and difficulties of life. St. Martin, pray for us that we may be worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen. O God who exalts the humble and who made St. Martin Your confessor to enter into the heavenly Kingdom, grant through his merits and intercession that we may so follow the example of his humility on earth as to deserve to be exalted with him in Heaven. Through Christ Our Lord Amen. A.H.

Creeve, Donamon, Roscommon (3rd Anniversary )

In loving memory of Mikie who passed away on 27th January 2016

(16th Anniversary) Sadly missed along life’s way Quietly remembered every day.

LYONS Mikie

Silent memories keep you near As time unfolds another year Out of our lives you may have gone But in our hearts you still live on.

Loved and remembered by George and family Anniversary Mass in The Church of the Good Shepherd, Four Roads on Sunday, 27th January at 11am.

THANKSGIVINGS PRAYER TO ST. EXPEDITE My St. Expedite of urgent and just causes, please intercede for me with our Lord Jesus Christ, succour me in this hour of affliction and despair my St. Expedite, you who are a Holy warrior, you who are the Saint of the afflicted, you who is the Saint of the desperate, you who is the Saint of urgent causes, protect me, help me, give me strength, courage and serenity. Hear my plea. (Make request). Clearly express what you want and ask him to find a way to get it to you. My Saint Expedite, help me to prevail through these difficult hours, protect me from all those who want to harm me, respond to my plea with urgency, bring me back to that state of peace and tranquillity, my Saint Expedite, I will be grateful to you for the rest of my life and I will speak your name to all those who have faith. Now promise to give Saint Expedite a specific offering when your desire is granted. Amen. Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary and make the sign of the cross. Be sure to provide the offering you promised, if Saint Expedite grants your petition. Thank you so much for everything, for hearing and answering my prayer. And to St. Michael and St. John. Amen. M.C.

A silent thought A quiet prayer For a special person in God’s care.

Always remembered by his sister-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Anniversary Mass in St Patrick’s Church, Ballinaheglish on Sunday, 27th January at 11am.

BEATTIE Eamonn Knockanyconnor, Lecarrow, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon (3rd Anniversary)

In loving memory of Eamonn who passed away on the 13th February 2016 Deep are the memories Precious they stay No passing of time Can take them away.

Always remembered by his wife Bridie and family. Anniversary Mass in St. John’s Church, Lecarrow on Sunday, 27th January at 11.30am.

Roscommon People Friday 25 January 2019

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FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES HOARE Jerry

HENNIGAN Anne (Nancy)

KELLY Mickey (Michael)

3 Ard Comain, Henry Street, Roscommon (5th Anniversary)

Castletanna, Fourmilehouse, Co. Roscommon (4th Anniversary)

Carroward, Kilrooskey, Co. Roscommon

In loving memory of Anne who passed away on 14th January 2015. Also remembering at this time her husband, Cornelius (Sonny), who passed away on 26th August 1976

The family of the late Mickey (Michael) Kelly of Carroward, Kilrooskey, Co. Roscommon wishes to acknowledge the many expressions of sympathy and gestures of kindness shown to us all during Dad’s illness and following his death. We offer our heartfelt gratitude to the many friends, neighbours and sympathisers who helped with traffic and grave arrangements, who attended the Wake and Burial service, who visited our homes offering emotional and practical support to all of us during this very difficult time. For those who phoned, travelled long distances, sent floral tributes, cards, messages of condolences together with those who made charitable donations, we are truly grateful. A special word of thanks to the management and all the staff of Innis Ree Nursing Home for their outstanding care, genuine kindness and respect shown to Dad and all the family during his time there. We would also like to sincerely thank all the health care and wellbeing services made available to Dad as the needs arose, namely, the staff of Roscommon County Hospital, the staff of the Sacred Heart Home, the Public Health Nursing staff, the staff of Roscommon Alzheimer’s Association and the staff of the Day Care Services in both Strokestown and Roscommon. Thank you to the members of St. Faithleach’s club and Kilgefin parish who organised the Guard of Honour on Dad’s journey to his parish church, Ballagh. Our deepest gratitude to all those who attended and participated in the Funeral Mass. A special word of thanks to Fr. Eamonn O’Connor for your continued friendship and leading the ceremony with such a fitting tribute to our Dad on his final journey to his resting place in Kilgefin Cemetery. Thank you to Fr. Desmanta (PP) for all your assistance in the lead up to the Mass, to Fr. Ray Browne, Fr. Michael Reilly and Canon Ciarán Whitney for your friendship, support and prayers, to the eucharist ministers, servers, readers and musicians, our deepest appreciation for your contribution to such a memorable ceremony. Our family want to sincerely thank Smyth’s Funeral Directors for their outstanding professionalism, their support and sensitivity when assisting us with the necessary arrangements. To all of you who helped in so many ways, our extended family members, our friends and our neighbours, we are eternally grateful for all your practical help and emotional support. In order to express our sincere thanks to all, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our deepest gratitude. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions at the Month’s Mind Mass at St. Mary’s Church, Ballagh at 8pm on Friday, 25th of January.

My darling husband, When I lost you five years ago I lost part of myself, but I think you would know I have tried my best to muddle along But it cannot be the same now you’re gone. So on this day as I do every year I hope you can see just how much I care And until we meet again my love Just keep watching me from your cloud above.

Always remembered and loved by your heartbroken wife Kathleen. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Losing our Dad was our rock shattered We may no longer have been children But oh how Dad mattered Our foundations are shaky And we wobble and fall. So when this day arrives each year We do our best to show how we still care We hope Dad knew how much he was loved And that he is looking down on us.

Always remembered and loved by his heartbroken children and grandchildren. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ IN MEMORY OF A SPECIAL BROTHER Today is full of memories of a brother laid to rest. And every single one of them is filled with happiness. For you were someone special, always such a joy. To know and there was so much pain when it was time to say goodbye. That’s why this special message is sent to Heaven above for the Angels to take care of you and give you all our love.

Sadly missed by his brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews. Anniversary Mass in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Friday, 25th of January at 10am.

GATELY Dara

GERAGHTY Brian

Castlecoote, Roscommon 7th Anniversary - 24th January

Rocksavage House (18th Anniversary)

We lost a mother with a heart of gold How much we miss her can never be told She shared our troubles and helped us along If we follow in her footsteps We will never go wrong. She was a mother so very rare, Content in her home and always there. On earth, she toiled, in Heaven, she rests, God bless you Mother, You were one of the best. We miss you from your fireside chair, Your loving smile and gentle air, Your vacant place no-one can fill, We miss you Mother and always will. Each time we look at your picture You seem to smile and say, “Don’t be sad, but courage take, and love each other for my sake.” Our loving thoughts of you, dear Mother End not in memories that pass On Mary’s beads we plead your needs And in the Holy Mass.

Always remembered by her son Tommy Joe. Anniversary Mass in St. Bridget’s Church, Fourmilehouse on Sunday 27th January at 11am. In loving memory of a dear son A thousand times we needed you. A thousand times we cried. If love alone could have saved you, you never would have died. A heart of gold stopped beating, two twinkling eyes closed to rest. God broke our hearts to prove He only took the best. Never a day goes by that you’re not in my heart and my soul.

Sadly missed by his dad Eamon, aunts and uncles. Anniversary Mass to be held in Fuerty Church on Sunday, 27th January at 11.30am.

How lovely is Your dwelling place Lord, God of Hosts. They are happy, Who dwell in Your house, Forever singing Your praise. I thought he’d live forever He seemed so big and strong. But the minutes fly And years roll by For a father and a son. And suddenly when it happened There was so much left unsaid. No second chance To tell him thanks For everything he’s done.

Fondly remembered, especially at Holy Mass, by Anna, Arthur, Brian, Padraic, Niall, Edward and Ciaran.

HARTE Angela Emlaghroyan, Donamon, Roscommon Who died on 4th January 2019

McNAMARA Frank Rockfield, Roscommon (10th Anniversary) Who died on 23rd January 2009

Will those who think of him today, A little prayer To Jesus say.

Remembered by Chris and family.

Jack and Nuala Scanlon wish to thank all those who sympathised with us on Angela’s passing, those who sent Mass Cards, flowers and enrolment certificates. Thanks to Fr. Irek for a beautiful Mass and also to the staff of Roscommon University Hospital Thanks to Tom and Pat Smyth Undertakers for their professionalism at this sad time. Thanks to her relatives, neighbours and friends and all those who sympathised with us. Angela’s Month’s Mind Mass will be celebrated in Clooneycolgan Church on Sunday, 3rd February at 9.30am.

HANNON Paddy and Teresa Bornacurra, Ballygar, Co. Galway (4th Anniversaries)

Treasured memories of Teresa and Paddy beloved parents and grandparents. Teresa who passed away on 29th January 2015 and Paddy who passed away on 23rd April 2015.

Dear Mum and Dad Four years have passed, our hearts still sore, As time rolls on, we miss ye more. A Mum and Dad, so loving and kind, What beautiful memories ye have left behind. Our lives go on without ye, But nothing seems the same. We have to hide our heartache Whenever we hear each name. Sad are the hearts that love ye, Silent are the tears that fall. Living without you both, Is the hardest part of all. Ye really did so much for us, With hearts so kind and true. And when we needed someone, We could count on both of you. Those special years will not return When we were all together, But with the memories and love within our hearts, Ye will walk with us forever.

Loved and remembered by your sons John, Joseph and Kevin, your daughters Ann and Mary, son-in-law John and daughterin-law Anne. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Nanny and Grandad What we’d give if we could say ‘Hello Nanny and Grandad’ in the same old way. To hear your voices and see your smiles To sit with ye and chat a while. So if you have a Nanny and a Grandad Cherish them with care, for you’ll never know The heartache until you see their empty chair.

Love from your grandchildren, Lisamarie, Shauna, Rachel and Ciara. xxxx Paddy and Teresa’s Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in St. Brendan’s Church, Toghergar on Sunday, 27th January at 9.30am May their gentle souls Rest In Peace.

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THANKSGIVINGS THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times, for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. M.K.

(PDLO RU FDOO IRU 6DPSOH 3DFN

Roscommon People Friday 25January 2019

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Roscommon People Friday 25 January 2019

Sports People Getting shirty… Rossies show steel to retain FBD title

Gary Patterson needed a new jersey following a melee during Roscommon’s FBD League Final win over Galway in Tuam last Sunday. Pic: Mick McCormack

Roscommon People Friday 25 January 2019

@SeamusDuke

Seamus Duke ON SPORT

Roscommon can give Mayo a fright! I was away at the weekend in the UK but needless to say, I was hanging on every tweet and message coming from Tuam and as the game went on it was clear that Roscommon were going to grind out a victory. To win the FBD League will not go down as one of the sporting highlights of the year, but it was the manner of that win that’s most important. Reading the coverage of the game since, Roscommon have really tightened up in defence and that was one thing that was needed, especially with the Division One campaign coming up. It was good to read what other people thought of the Roscommon performance for once and there was universal agreement that Roscommon played really well in defence and that will

Hurlers open league campaign in Louth The Roscommon hurlers are also up and running this weekend and promotion must be a priority in this campaign. A trip to face Louth in Darver is a game that must be factored in as a win if progress is to be made. It will be interesting to see what players are available this year to Ciaran Comerford. If he can put close to his best team on the field Roscommon should definitely start with a win.

always provide a real platform for the other aspects of play. I was delighted for Donie Smith who is such a talented player. If he could be more consistent he could be one of the stars of the league this year. This win and performance will give the team hope as they prepare to travel to MacHale Park on Saturday night. It would be reckless to expect that Roscommon could go there and win, but it’s becoming clear that the Rossies are becoming hard to beat and Mayo will have to earn any scores they might get. If Roscommon can go and put it up to Mayo and give them a fright it will give the team great heart for the tough games ahead. The players are clearly working very hard, the performances against

Sligo and Galway were excellent but the real business starts this coming weekend. When the league draw was made I have to say that I was dreading having to go to Castlebar for our first game in the league. In common with many Roscommon supporters, we have come back down that road from Castlebar so many times over the past 30 years cast down after another heavy defeat. But the battling display against Galway means that I am now looking forward to starting another campaign. The match and the campaign is previewed in detail elsewhere in the paper this week but if we can keep the margin to less than six points and give Mayo a fright it will do me fine and would represent a very good start to the campaign.

Ulster draw short straw

Carty to answer Ireland’s Call!

Huge congratulations to Jack Carty on being picked for the Irish Rugby squad. The former St. Brigid’s and Roscommon player has been phenomenal this year and richly deserves his call-up. It’s likely that he will not make the World Cup squad but you never know what injuries might befall the players who are ahead of him in the pecking order. The Six Nations starts the weekend after next and it will be fiercely contested as usual. Jack Caty’s star is still rising.

Kiltoom native and Connacht rugby star, Jack Carty, has been called up to the Ireland squad for the opening two games of the Six Nations Championship.

The rugby results at the weekend were interesting. Leinster showed their class against Wasps but both Ulster and Mun ster are really improving with every gam e they play. Ulster drew the short straw and have travel to the Aviva to face the championto in a local derby. Leinster should win s that with a bit to spare. The Munster v Exeter game was a migh battle. Exeter gave it everything but Munty ster would not relent. Joey Carbery’s kicking was the difference in the end. Connacht also got through after a toug battle in Bordeaux. They will be h up against it in the quarter-final as they trave to face Sale, who beat them easily earli l er this season.

Shane Lowry into the world’s top 50

Not sure about scrapping hand-pass rule And so the hand-pass rule is in the bin almost before it got a chance to be seen. The other rules will now be trialled in the leagues and at least they will be given a chance to see if they can benefit the game. At the weekend I saw two live games of Gaelic football: the Dublin v Westmeath game was very poor overall and featured a lot of negative football. On Saturday night, the McKenna Cup final was a much better game and a great contest. It’s clear that something had to be done to make the game less boring. I am not so sure that scrapping the hand-pass rule will be positive in the long run.

Roscommon’s FBD League final win over Galway in Tuam last Sunday was built on solid defensive work from the front. Pic: Mick McCormack

Shane Lowry is now ranked in the world’s top 50 golfers following his impressive win in Abu Dhabi last weekend.

I was thrilled for Shane Lowry at the weekend. I had the pleasure of meeting him a couple of times and he is a lovely guy and a great character. That he is a very talented golfer is in no doubt but his form is very streaky. He has to become more consistent. His win at the weekend puts him into the world’s top 50 which opens so may doors for him and he will get into all the big world

Ticket price hike unfair on fans The decision of the GAA to increase the prices for all games is ill-advised in my humble opinion. It will now cost €20 for an adult ticket to a National League game and that’s a lot of money especially for couples who like to follow their team throughout the league

campaign. Long trips away are dear enough without having to shell out €40 for tickets for two. Championship games have all gone up in price too. An AllIreland ticket is now €90 and semi-final tickets will be €50. You might wonder why I am complaining as I don’t pay

into a lot of games that I cover for this paper and the radio, but the GAA could be pricing itself out of the market with this increase. A lot of people have complained bitterly to me about this decision. The attendances at big football games in 2018 were well down

golf tournaments and if he stays in the top 50 by the 1st of March he will also play in the Masters at Augusta. He is a down to earth guy who loves all sport and particularly GAA. With Padraig Harrington just appointed as the Ryder Cup captain, Lowry will be keen to make the team for next year. He is going about it the right way!

and it will be interesting to see what the reaction of the public is to these increases. Remember the increase in the price of league tickets is a whopping 33 per cent. It’s way ahead of any sort of inflation figure I have seen even if the last price review was eight years ago.

Rice should be allowed make up his mind The furore over Declan Rice is very unfair on the lad himself. He is only 20-years-old yet hardly a day passes by without some sort of story in the media about his international future. There is no doubt that he is a very good player and would be a big asset to both countries. Ireland probably need him more than England do but he should be allowed to make up his mind. Regardless of what he decided he should be left alone and let him get on with his career.

Liverpool inch closer to title Liverpool are continuing to blaze a trail in the Premier League. Although they have a lot of injuries in defence they are still winning games that they would have lost in other seasons. Man City are showing no signs of slipping up but looking at Liverpool’s fixture list they have a decided advantage. With every passing week they are inching closer to their first title in 29 years.

Roscommon People Friday 25 January 2019

SportsPeople

SICK AS A PARROT/OVER THE MOON ROSCOMMON & DISTRICT LEAGUE NEWS

Dooner’s weekend predictions Best wishes to young Ballymoe FC goalkeeper, Jack Donnellan (18), who suffered a head injury during his side’s Premier Division match against Boyle last Sunday. Jack had to be airlifted to hospital after he was injured attempting to clear a ball inside his own penalty area. Thankfully, Jack is recovering and expected to “bounce back and make a quick and full recovery”, according to club chairman Tommy Shaughnessy. This Friday night sees Ballinasloe Town entertain old rivals Castlerea Celtic while the rest of the weekend is dominated by the Connacht Cup and Shield.

Friday, January 25th Raftery’s Oakland Hotel Premier Division Ballinasloe Town v Castlerea Celtic. 8 pm A huge game in the Premier Division title race. The winner

Creggs RFC Report

will go top. Prediction: Ballinasloe Town

Sunday, January 27th TP Brennan Connacht Cup Round 3 (2 pm) Mervue United v Strokestown United Home win. Prediction: Mervue United Castlebar Celtic v Skyvalley Rovers Celtic will be favourites. Prediction: Castlebar Celtic St. Peter’s FC v Ballina Town The Athlone side can progress against a decent Mayo outfit. Prediction: St. Peter’s FC St. John’s Athletic v Boyle Celtic The visitors look too strong. Prediction: Boyle Celtic TP Brennan Connacht Shield Round 1 (2 pm) Dunmore Town v East United Away win. Prediction: East United Glen Celtic v Colemanstown United

We’ll go with the hosts. Prediction: Glen Celtic Coolaney United v Cam Celtic Away win for the RDFL side. Prediction: Cam Celtic Fahy Rovers v Ballinasloe Town B Home advantage should swing it. Prediction: Fahy Rovers Kinvara United v St. Cuan’s United Unhappy travels for St. Cuan’s. Prediction: Kinvara United.

Soccer results Roscommon United v Snugboro United The Mayo side will start as favourites. Prediction: Snugboro United Norio’s Takeaway Division One Moylough ’79 v CP Ajax. 11 am The league leaders to edge this. Prediction: Moylough ‘79 Rahara Rovers v Ahascragh United. 2 pm Rovers’ three points.

Prediction: Rahara Rovers Killeen Sports Grounds Division Two Ballymoe FC B v Manor United. 11 am The hosts’ struggles look set to continue. Prediction: Manor United Skyvalley Rovers B v Castlerea Celtic B. 2 pm The visitors should return to winning ways. Prediction: Castlerea Celtic B

Raftery’s Oakland Hotel Premier Division Ballymoe FC 2 Boyle Celtic 4 Skyvalley Rovers 4 Dysart FC 3 Shiven Rovers 2 Moore United 5 Strokestown United 1 Cloonfad United 4 Kilkerrin United 1 Ballinasloe Town 2 Norio’s Takeaway Division One Cam Celtic 2 Ballaghaderreen FC 0 St. John’s Athletic 3 Ballinasloe Town B 1

The Skyvalley Rovers side which beat Dysart FC 4-3 in a thriller last weekend in the Raftery’s Oakland Hotel Premier Division.

Killeen Sportsgrounds Division Two Cloonfad United B 5 St. Cuan’s United 2 Roscommon United 2 Skyvalley Rovers B 1 Manor United 2 Castlerea United B 2

THE GAIN LINE

Creggs win away to Galwegians Senior Rugby Connacht Junior 1A League: Galwegians 19 Creggs 34. Creggs maintained their pursuit of leaders Connemara with this bonus point win over Galwegians in Galway on Sunday. This was however Creggs’ least convincing performance of the season and having bagged the bonus point with just over half an hour played, things began to unravel thereafter. Five minutes into the game Creggs out-half Shane Dowd sliced through the home defence to touch down in the right corner. Then on the quarter hour mark a number of backs joined the maul for a pushover try grounded by Maurice Buckley in the opposite corner to make it 10-0. This was repeated on 30 minutes with Buckley grabbing his second try and Creggs struck again to secure the bonus point from the restart with the best score of the game with a deft backs’ move involving both Shane and Ronan Dowd, sending Chris Duignan over in the corner. Creggs led 20-0 at the break. Creggs began the second half a man down after Ronan Cahill was sin-binned within seconds after entering the fray. Within five minutes of the restart, Creggs extended their lead when Aidan Leech crossed for a try which Shane Dowd converted.

Three minutes later Galwegians hit back with a converted try and Creggs then ran into further disciplinary problems, losing both Dowd brothers to the sin bin almost simultaneously. Galwegians taking advantage of their numerical superiority, added a second unconverted try before Creggs hit back with a sixth try - the second for Duignan, capped by a magnificent conversion from Tom Flynn. The game ended badly for Creggs with Shane Dowd sent off for a second yellow and ‘Wegians crossed again for a second converted try before the final whistle sounded. The teams meet again in Creggs this weekend and the Creggs management will be concerned at the fall off in performance as the game progressed, the indiscipline which cost four yellow cards and one red and the penalty count (18-8). Most significantly the normally airtight defence saw the concession of three soft tries to opponents who were prone to spilling the ball in contact. Elsewhere, Connemara beat Buccaneers narrowly on Sunday in a high-scoring match which yielded their ninth bonus point of the season. Creggs continue in Connacht J1 League action with their game in-hand against Galwegians on Sunday in Creggs at 2.30 pm. If Creggs could repeat the victory from last Sunday with a bonus

point, it would leave them just one point behind Connemara, and a big home tie to look forward to a week later. Connacht J1C League: Portumna 26 Creggs Development 10. Creggs came up against a tough opponent but battled bravely to the end despite being reduced to 14 players for over an hour following an early red card. Portumna were strong in all facets of play and deserved their win but Creggs refused to capitulate in the face of intense pressure and finished with a fine try by winger Jamie Ryan which Michael Holland converted in the 75th minute. Portumna had started well with two early tries, both converted for a 14-0 lead, before out-half Michael Holland kicked a penalty from 35 metres. The hosts added two further tries before Creggs staged a fight-back culminating in Ryan’s try where he intercepted a pass deep in his own half and outpaced the home defence for a super score. Creggs return to action to host OLBC the weekend after next in Creggs.

Youth Rugby Creggs U-18.5s overcame Monivea/Westport in a challenge match last Sunday in Creggs 38-14. Creggs rested practically all their Roscommon CBS players.

The Creggs U-14s who lost out recently to Ballinasloe.

It was a good exercise to give the full squad a game in preparation for their Connacht League Final. Connacht U-14 Division 1 League: Creggs 19 Ballinasloe 27. Creggs got off to a great start when they scored the first try after a period of sustained team pressure. Aindriu Oates powered over to touchdown. Andy Quinn converted. A strong and fast Ballinasloe side would score next. However, the Creggs forwards were on top at this point and soon they had another well-worked try from Aindriu Oates. As their opponents fought back, some hard tackling from Sean Kelly, Eoin Kelly and Conor Kelly kept Ballinasloe from scoring. While Creggs scored the last try of the game thanks to strong running from Shane Malone, Ballinasloe would eke out the win. For Creggs, there were spirited performances from Eoin Kelly, Daniel Brown, Josh McCormack, Steven Smyth and James Davis. Tommie Morris pro-

duced a fine display on the wing whilst Ciaran O’Reilly starred at full-back. Creggs play Midland Warriors in Creggs on Saturday morning. They are away to NUIG the following weekend in the cup.

Youth Fixtures Creggs U-17s will travel to play favourites Ballinasloe in the Connacht League semi-final on Sunday at 12 pm. Having lost to the same opposition at this stage last season by only two points, the Creggs lads will be hoping for better luck and a victory this time around. Creggs are undefeated since early November last, when they went down to Ballinasloe. However, with a full team next Sunday and in great form, the lads could pull off a big win. Creggs girls’ teams will have their first ever Girls Youth Cup games this weekend. The U-14s will play Galwaegians away on Saturday at 12.30 pm in the Connacht Girls Cup.

Then, the U-16s will play a strong Ballina outfit on Sunday at 5 pm in Creggs.

Schools Rugby Congratulations to the CBS Roscommon senior rugby team that defeated Marist College 20-15 in the Top Oil Connacht Schools Senior A Cup in Athlone last Wednesday (16th). CBS took on Sligo Grammar in the second round yesterday and were comfortable 36-7 winners. The Roscommon CBS junior team went down away from home in round one of the Top Oil Connacht Junior A Cup to a very strong Garbally College team last week while Roscommon Community College defeated Claregalway College in Round 1 by 29-12.

Mini Rugby Creggs Minis of all ages (U-6 to U-12) will train in Creggs this Saturday at 11 am.

Roscommon People Friday 25 January 2019

SPORTING WORLD WITH DAN DOONER Mettle Men: Positive signs in Tuam THE LEAD STORY Dan Dooner When push came to shove – and it did – the Roscommon players weren’t found wanting as they defended their FBD League title last Sunday against reigning Connacht champions Galway. Anthony Cunningham’s charges limited the Tribesmen to just six scores in a manner that will please those Roscommon supporters who made the trip to St. Jarlath’s Park in Tuam last weekend. This was much better in terms of an all-round Roscommon performance and it would seem that former Galway hurling manager

Cunningham and his backroom team of Iain Daly and Mark Dowd have been working hard on the defensive frailties which were so evident throughout the Super 8s campaign last summer. Galway did manage to find a way through the Roscommon rear-guard on one occasion for Barry McHugh’s goal but more often than not found themselves repelled towards their own goal as Roscommon defended from the front. On a number of occasions, only one Primrose and Blue player could be found in the Galway half as Roscommon packed their midfield and their defence. While there may have been a move towards a more defensive gameplan, Cunningham’s charges countered to great effect with Enda and Donie Smith providing

the perfect pivot in transition to attack. The way Roscommon set up last Sunday meant they were a much different proposition to the side which shipped eight goals and sixty-eight points in last year’s Super 8s. This was only one game, however, and any defensive improvement will have to be built on if the Rossies are to have any chance of surviving in Division One this year. For now though, those watching on in Tuam will be extremely encouraged by the steely, streetwise nature of Roscommon’s victory. It may have lacked some of the swashbuckling attacking play of previous years but it may just be what’s needed if the county is to be competitive against the very best teams in the country this year.

@dan_dooner

Tadgh O’Rourke clings to possession as Roscommon hang tough in last Sunday’s FBD League final against Galway in Tuam. Pic: Mick McCormack

Rossies set for Special Olympics

Kings beat table-topping Torpedoes! Castlerea Kings celebrated their biggest win of the year, a 111-104 victory over Longford Torpedoes, at a packed Castlerea Hub last Friday night, keeping them in the hunt to rein in the visitors at the top of the Lonleitros Basketball League. It took an additional overtime period to separate

them but at the end of a pulsating encounter the Kings reigned. Castlerea Kings scorers: Thomas Callaghan 31, Joseph Henry 30, Seán Moran 17, Garbhan Madigan 12, Joe Fleming 7, Seán McDermott 7, Daniel Doherty 4, Michael O’Flanagan 3, John McHugh.

This March (14th to 21st), two Roscommon athletes will travel to Abu Dhabi to compete in the 2019 Special Olympics World Summer Games. Part of a 91-strong Team Ireland squad, these athletes will represent their country at highest level of sporting competition for Special Olympics athletes. Hugh Naughton (36) from Roscommon town, will represent Team Ireland in Tenpin Bowling, while Chelsea Phillips (26) from Castlerea, will compete in Aquatics. The very best of luck to both athletes!

Roscommon athletes, Hugh Naughton and Chelsea Naughton, pictured at Special Olympics Ireland’s official launch for the 2019 Word Summer Games at the Carlton Hotel Tyrellstown in Dublin recently. Pic: Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

The sporting brief Darts

McDermott’s stay top! McDermott’s maintain their lead at the top of the Roscommon Darts League following a 7-2 win over The Three Counties last weekend. Meanwhile, The Holly Tree kept up their pursuit with a 6-3 victory over Molly’s. There were also wins for The Hollywood over Creaton’s (7-2) and Flanagan’s over An Bothar Rua (7-2). Round 11 sees McDermott’s hosting Flanagan’s, Molly’s welcoming The Hollywood, The Holly Tree travelling to An Bothar Rua and Creaton’s entertaining The Three Counties.

Golf

Winter greens At Roscommon Golf Club recently, Charlie Flanagan won the men’s club competition on January 6th with 38 points. Michael Lennon won the January 13th instalment with 39 while Johnny Walker whisked up 38 points to win last Sunday. The ladies’ club competition on January 8th was won by Jacqueline McCormack with 24 points while Mary Mulhern was victorious on the 15th with 20 points.

In the sporting diary .... The recent men’s seniors winners were Michael Tierney on January 3rd with 39 and Gerry Finn on January 10th with 38. The ladies’ winners were Kitty Blighe (January 3rd), Nuala McDonagh (10th) and Sandra Kelly (17th). The Club President and Captains will open the new golfing season with a drive-in on February 3rd. In Athlone, Charlie Walsh and Lily O’Sullivan are heading for a hattrick of wins. Charlie won the gent’s 15-hole and Wednesday Open recently while Lily claimed the ladies’ 12-hole and 97 Club competitions. In the Winter League, top position is now occupied by Team 10 (Mike Glynn Balliansloe GC) on 586 points with just two weeks remaining. The Ladies’ AGM took place in Castlerea recently and the following were elected: Lady Captain: Elizabeth Devine; Lady Vice-Captain: Maura Kelly; Secretary: Marian Caulfield; Treasurer: Catherine Collins; Handicap Secretary: Valerie Callaghan; Competition Secretary: Nicola Devine; Ex-Officio: Mamie Creaton. Committee members: Laura Griffith, Patricia Callaghan, Maureen Claffey and Kathy Burke. The winners of the recent Fourball Betterball in Boyle were the two convenors, Willie Tiernan and Vincent Egan, with a fine score of 44 points. This Sunday there will be an 18-hole Stableford while the Spring League for men and women takes place over the following three weekends.

We finish in Carrick where last weekend’s 50/50 was won by Frank McGrath with 23 points (back 3), while Seamus Sheeran was second, also on 23.

Swimming

Longford gala Coman’s took part in a Longford Development Meet recently. Aoife Lavin started with a bang, winning the girls’ U-11 100m Backstroke while Emily Ryan secured bronze in the ‘C’ category of the same event. Aaron Lawrence won gold in the Boys’ U-11 ‘B’ 100m Backstroke, followed narrowly by Shay Morgan who took silver. Shay’s brother, Eoin, also won silver in the Boy’s 12-13 ‘B’ 100m Backstrokes while James Hawkshaw took bronze in the ‘C’ category. Scott Lawrence won the Boys’ Over-14 100m Backstroke and the ‘B’ 100m Individual Medley. In the Boys’ 12-13 ‘C’ 200m Backstroke, Dylan Tobin took gold while Michael Keaveney claimed silver. Meanwhile, Aaron Lawrence continued his winning streak, taking first in the Boys’ U-11 100m Freestyle. Michele Henry finished off a successful day for Coman’s’, winning a bronze medal in the Girls’ 12-13 ‘C’ 100m Freestyle.

Athlone Gymnastics’ Quiz Night Athlone Gymnastics Club will host a table quiz on Friday, February 1st at 8 pm in the Shamrock Lodge Hotel in Athlone to celebrate its 30th Anniversary. There will be a raffle and spot prizes on the night as well as finger food and teams of four cost €40. All welcome.

West Coast Challenge The annual West Coast Challenge darts event will take place this Saturday in The Clayton Hotel, Sligo. County teams from across the west of Ireland will take part. Roscommon will be represented on the day with both a youth and senior team participating. Best of luck to both teams.

Carrick hurlers bow out Commiserations to the Carrick-on-Shannon hurlers who were beaten by Ulster champions, Castleblayney Faughs, on a scoreline of 1-8 to 0-10 despite a stirring comeback in last Sunday’s All-Ireland Junior Club Hurling Championship semi-final in Mullingar. A terrific season for the Connacht champions despite this cruel ending!

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Horses for Courses

The action starts this weekend at Gowran Park with the first away at 12.45 pm and featuring the Grade A Thyestes Handicap Chase. There is flat action under lights on the all-weather track at Dundalk tomorrow evening and stalls open for the first at 5.30 pm. On Saturday, it’s the turn of Fairyhouse to host four hurdles, two chases and a bumper starting at 12.30 pm. Sunday sees racing at Naas featuring four hurdles, two chases and a bumper including the Grade 1 Lawlor’s Of Naas Novice Hurdle away at 13.20 pm Saturday sees the Trials Day at Prestbury Park as Cheltenham hopefuls meet for a crack at the famous hill. Only entries available as this is penned but punters can learn a lot by watching the action. Gordon Elliott is well represented in the entries. Today at Gowran Park all eyes will be on Pat Kelly’s Presenting Percy making his seasonal reappearance in the Grade 2 Galmoy Hurdle race under Davy Russell. Kelly also runs Mall Dini in the Thyestes

Chase with Patrick Mullins getting the leg up. Great to see a young trainer back in the winner’s enclosure as Nellie Pledge gave Paul Gilligan, from Craughwell in Galway, his first winner since returning from suspension in November at Navan last Saturday. The horse was bred by Gilligan’s wife Natalie and ridden, pillar to post, by his son Liam. Gilligan was absent for 18 months under a dual suspension from BHA and HRI which could and should have been less but let’s let bygones be bygones. Gilligan trained Bertie’s Dream to win the Albert Bartlett in Cheltenham in 2007. Ucello Conti hits straight the CrossCountry race in Cheltenham after his win in the hunters at Thurles last Sunday where Gordon Elliott’s charge was ridden by Barry O’Neill to win from Samanntom and Myrons. Nellie Pledge and Liam Gilligan.

News There was no National Hunt racing in Britain yesterday after the meetings at

by Tom Red Michael Sweeney almost down and out last Sunday!

Catterick and Hereford were both called off due to frost. Racing was confined to the all weather at Lingfield and Kempton. Good news for patrons in the north in that the owners of Down Royal Racecourse Merrion Group have come to an agreement with the Down Royal Corporation of Horse Breeders which will ensure a smooth handover of the site and a seamless transition into racing at Down Royal from 2019 and beyond. The agreement, which was signed the week before Christmas, covers the fixtures and fittings at the site as well as the branding associated with the racecourse which has staged horse racing for over 200 years. On the other hand, what about Brexit? Next weekend sees the Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd. There are four Grade 1 races on Saturday, including the

Irish Champion Hurdle and Sunday goes one better with five, which includes the Irish Gold Cup and we will look at in detail at all next week.

Point to Point Corner The northern circuit has its first meeting of the year at Tyrella in Co. Down on Saturday with 63 entries and there are two meetings down for decision on Sunday, at Dungarvan in Waterford with 113 runners, and at Kilfeacle outside Tipperary on the Cashel road with 116 entries. All three meetings have a scheduled 12.30 pm start. Following a year of remarkable recoveries, Michael Sweeney was almost unshipped at the last on Sunday at Boulta but amazingly recovered and went on to win the race on Ask Heather from Forth Worth Texas with the badly hampered Whatsdastory third.

BUCCANEERS Rugby Football Club Comeback win for Buccs Buccaneers and Ballymena traded places in the All-Ireland League Division 1B when the Athlone side came from behind to fashion a fully-merited 20-16 crunch victory at Eaton Park, Ballymena, on Saturday. Following overnight rain, the going was a little soft on a cool afternoon when, in front of a decent attendance, the hosts had first advantage of the slight breeze.

Old Wesley take spoils On a crisp sunny afternoon, Buccaneers and Old Wesley played out an exciting J.P.Fanagan Leinster U-20 Premier League 2 match at Dubarry Park in which the visitors retained their 100% success rate to shade the verdict 20-15. Thus Old Wesley continue to set the pace in this division but Buccs should be pleased with their contribution to this well-contested duel on Sunday.

U-20s away to NUIG The U-20s also face a stern test when they square up to NUIG in a ‘Connacht derby’ in the Leinster U-20 League at Dangan, Galway! Kick-off is 2.30 pm this Saturday.

Irish call-ups! There was a great air of excitement around the club with the news that Jack Carty has been named in the Ireland squad ahead

of the upcoming Six Nations championship. The unassuming Carty has been in excellent form for Connacht this season, including another try-scoring display in France last weekend. His place-kicking success ratio ranks him as the closest Irish player to Jonathan Sexton in the PRO14 this season. His selection by Joe Schmidt indicates serious belief by Ireland’s Head Coach in the Athlonian, who was recently unveiled as a ‘Connacht Rugby Ambassador’ to Buccaneers. We wish him and Robbie Henshaw all the best for Ireland’s forthcoming Six Nations campaign. Best wishes too to Colm Reilly and Niall Murray, who are both involved in the Ireland U-20 squad.

Buccs lose to Connemara

Eamon Towey, Liz Brennan, Tony Brennan and Seamus Cuddy pictured at the Fuerty GAA dinner dance in the Abbey Hotel on Saturday night last. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Robbie Fallon and Emma Feeley pictured at the Fuerty GAA dinner dance in the Abbey Hotel on Saturday night last. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Fuerty GAA dinner dance

This Connacht Junior 1A League encounter between Buccaneers and leaders Connemara proved to be a much close affair than anticipated with a mighty fightback by the Pirates just falling short of a share of the spoils when the Blacks held on to win a high-scoring game 32-27 at busy Dubarry Park on Sunday.

Home to Old Belvedere Buccaneers are home to Old Belvedere in the All-Ireland League at Dubarry Park on Saturday afternoon with the action kicking off at 2.30 pm. Belvo are just one place above Buccs in a very tightly congested Division 1B.

Emma Mannion and Aaron Lyons pictured Catherine and Gerry Wynne (Chairman) at the Fuerty GAA dinner dance in the pictured at the Fuerty GAA dinner dance in Abbey Hotel on Saturday night last. Pic: the Abbey Hotel on Saturday night last. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh Michelle Hughes Walsh

Aisling and Tom Bannon pictured at the Fuerty GAA dinner dance in the Abbey Hotel on Saturday night last. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

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No Naos but hurlers should start with a win Allianz National Hurling League Division 3A (Round 1): Louth v Roscommon this Sunday in Darver  SEAMUS DUKE

Ciarán Comerford will once again take the reins as Roscommon hurlers open their league campaign away to Louth this weekend.

Roscommon hurlers begin their league campaign at the Louth GAA Centre of Excellence this Sunday. It’s a game that Roscommon will be hoping to win to begin their quest for promotion. Ciarán Comerford will take the reins again this year and when I spoke to him on Tuesday he was

well pleased with how preparations were going. “We have a lot of work done. We started back in November and we have over 20 training sessions done. The numbers were slack enough for various reasons early on but it has picked up in the last six weeks. The lads are working hard and we are looking forward to getting started on Sunday.

“It’s great to have Pádraig Kelly available again and Johnny Coyne is also back on the panel however he has a knee injury and won’t be available for a few of the league games. A huge blow for us is an injury to Naos Connaughton. He is out for Sunday and he is a huge loss. “We have to pay full attention to Louth. I saw them play a few weeks ago in the Kehoe Cup and they

scored 1-18 that day so they have a decent side. However, it would be fair to say that this is a game that we are targeting to win,” he concluded. Last year, Roscommon also began their league campaign against Louth and won easily. They should be good enough to start with a win on Sunday with much bigger tests on the horizon. Prediction: Roscommon

Rule changes and ticket prices…  DAN DOONER

Following a recent meeting of the GAA’s Ard Chomhairle it was announced that a decision had been made not to continue with the restricted hand-pass rule in the upcoming Allianz Leagues. There will be an extension of the remaining four experimental rules relating to the sin bin, advanced mark, the 20-metre line kick-out and the forward

sideline kick into the Allianz Leagues. It said that the rules would not apply to the 2019 Championship. Following this year’s AllIreland Final there will be a review of the experimental rules but any rules that are proposed for permanent introduction in 2020 will require the approval of a Special Congress later this year. It was also decided to raise ticket prices ahead of the Allianz Leagues.

Tickets for matches in Divisions One and Two in football and Divisions 1A and 1B in hurling will increase from €12 to €15 when pre-purchased before match day. A special buy early offer remains in place and prepurchased tickets will be 25% cheaper than tickets bought on the day of the game which will cost €20 for adults. Admission for students and senior citizens will be €15.

U-16s will be admitted free to Allianz Leagues games – except where matches are all-ticket, where the admission will be €5. Tickets for this year’s GAA All-Ireland senior hurling and football finals will increase by €10 to €90 for stand tickets and by €5 for Hill 16 tickets to €45. There will be a €5 increase for tickets to AllIreland senior hurling and football semi-finals but

no change to the price of All-Ireland quarter-finals tickets. Admission to the GAA All-Ireland football qualifiers will increase from €15 to €20 for Rounds 1, 2 and 3 and from €20 to €25 for Round 4. The GAA also reaffirmed its commitment to ensure that all revenue generated from the Allianz Leagues will be redistributed directly back out to every county.

BREAKING BALL

Roscommon and Pádraig Pearses footballer David Murray, was honoured recently at a function in Ballinasloe by a group of fellow Garbally College past-pupils for his outstanding service to Gaelic football.

Teresa Kenoy recently became the first woman to hold the office of President of Kilmore GAA. Teresa’s very proud husband Tommie also says his sister Maureen was the first ever lady Club Secretary to be appointed in Co. Roscommon in 1973.

New county championship format GAA clubs in Roscommon have vote d to change the championship format for 2019. Inste ad of two groups of six teams as was the case over the past number of years; the new champion ship will have three groups of four. The semi-finalists from last year will be seeded in the three groups with the fourth sem i-finalist from last year joining one of the groups. The two top teams in each group will qualify for the quarterfinals.

Pictured are the Kilbride U-16 footballers who received their Division 3 Championship winners medals at Kilbride Community Centre recently.

One of the third place teams will also be drawn out of the hat to make the last eight, with the remaining two third placed teams play ing off for the final spot. The bottom teams in each of the three groups will play off for relegation. The championships will not start until August. It’s hoped that the leagues will be played off in full before the championship begins.

Roscommon People Friday 25 January 2019

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Rossies show steel to retain FBD title FBD Insurance League Final

0-13

ROSCOMMON

1-5

GALWAY  DAN DOONER

The first silverware of the Anthony Cunningham reign arrived last Sunday at Tuam Stadium as a steely Roscommon side frustrated and outfought the current Connacht champions in an ill-tempered FBD League Final. Man of the Match Donie Smith kicked eight points and probably should have raised a green flag in the closing stages but could only watch as his closerange effort bounced off the foot of Ruairí Lavelle’s post. Cunningham was pleased

with the victory but said the ‘Primrose and Blue’ were still very much at the development stages. “We’re still working, it’s a work in progress right through the team but yeah you’d have to look at defensively over the last couple of years. It’s just coaching and practicing and getting that bit cuter. “Galway changed their game, they ran through for the goal really, really well and maybe threatened with one or two more but we settled again and showed good composure,” he said. A heavy pitch coupled with the niggly nature of the

Teams and Scorers Roscommon: Darren O’Malley; David Murray, Conor Daly, Evan McGrath; Conor Hussey, Niall Daly, Ronan Daly; Tadhg O’Rourke, Enda Smith; Shane Killoran (0-1), Donie Smith (0-8, 5 frees), Niall Kilroy; Cathal Cregg, Ciarán Lennon (0-2), Colin Compton (0-1). Subs used: Gary Patterson for Killoran (17 mins), Ultan Harney (0-1) for Murray (38 mins), Aonghus Lyons for Kilroy (55 mins), Caoileann Fitzmaurice for Cregg (62 mins), Hubert Darcy for O’Rourke (67 mins). Galway: Ruairi Lavelle; Declan Kyne, Sean Andy O’Ceallaigh, Eoghan Kerin; Sean Kelly, Gareth Bradshaw, Gary O’Donnell (0-2); Tom Flynn, Ciaran Duggan; Johnny Heaney, Johnny Duane, Fintan Cooney; Shane Walsh (0-2, 1 free), Michael Daly, Barry McHugh (1-1, 0-1 free). Subs used: David Wynne for Kyne (27 mins), Cein D’Arcy for Daly (half-time), Peter Cooke for Cooney (50 mins), Padraig Cunningham for Duane (64 mins), Danny Cummins for Flynn (68 mins). Referee: Liam Devenney (Mayo)

encounter ensured that top class football was at a premium, however there was much to admire in the way Roscommon went about their business. The half-time whistle saw the defending FBD champions lead 0-6 to 0-4 with Donie Smith (0-3, 2 frees), Ciarán Lennon (0-2) and Shane Killoran (0-1) making inroads in front of a congested midfield and compact defence. There were decent goal chances too for Enda Smith and Ciarán Lennon with Lavelle saving down low from the Boyle man and Lennon happy with a point having burst through the Galway defence. In the absence of Damien Comer, the Tribesmen looked to Shane Walsh to unlock Cunningham’s tough-tackling defensive unit. It was to be a frustrating afternoon for Walsh and Co. as Roscommon more often than not forced them backwards while six scores from 24 shots tells its own story. The frustration boiled over with less than ten minutes to play in the first half as a melee broke out and referee Liam Devenney struggled to maintain control. A yellow card each and a new yellow jersey for Gary Patterson was the result of the first shemozzle of the New Year. Christmas had certainly arrived late in Tuam with the Mayo official issuing no fewer than 18 cards last Sunday afternoon. If the first half was all about getting to know each other, the second half was mostly about Galway being snuffed out. The visitors

No holds barred! The Roscommon and Galway players get to know each other during last Sunday’s FBD League Final in Tuam.

smothered the Maroon and White forwards and runs from deep were – for the most part - met with meaty challenges. When Galway did get through it was down to some well-worked interplay between Barry McHugh and Gareth Bradshaw. McHugh squeezed a pass to his teammate, and getting it back on the run, slammed it to the Roscommon net. Gut check time for Cunningham’s charges, but as he said at the full-time whistle, practice makes perfect. “You’ve got to learn these things, you can’t train for a lot of those things because when you get a suckerpunch it’s how well you re-

act and we go through that quite often with the players and hopefully they’ll build from that,” he said. Roscommon didn’t bend after McHugh’s goal and if anything it made them even more resolute. Galway runners were tracked and the Rossies broke with real purpose once possession was turned over. Substitute Ultan Harney steadied the ship with a fine point before Colin Compton squeezed a shot between the posts following a superb cross-field ball from Donie Smith, and two frees from Smith himself put the Rossies out of reach with Galway beginning to sink in the mud.

There was still time for the man of the match to put the icing on the cake following good work to release him by brother Enda and Tadgh O’Rourke on 57 minutes. Donie’s shot did beat Lavelle but clipped his far post before bouncing to safety. However, Smith would take his total to 0-8 with two fine scores in the closing stages. Galway’s afternoon, on the other hand, went from bad to worse as Johnny Heaney hobbled off and David Wynne was sent off in injury-time. All in all, and despite the fact that it’s still January, a Roscommon performance of real steel in Tuam as Cunningham set his sights

Man of the match Donie Smith saw his goal attempt come back off the post in the second half of Roscommon’s FBD League Final win over Galway last Sunday in Tuam. Pics: Mick McCormack

on next Saturday’s trip to Castlebar and tougher tests ahead. “It’s Mayo and it’s Castlebar but look we just want to be playing all those matches to learn and to get better. It’s about how much we improve week on week, that’s the big question. These guys haven’t got a lot of Division One football but (are) really looking forward to it. “It’s all about confidence and that’s what you’re learning from today. It’s about how you react in the weeks ahead and we’re on the road for consecutive weeks now so it’s using that in the locker, but yeah, there are tough days ahead,” he said.

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TIME ADDED ON… Enda: ‘Another game under our belts’  DAN DOONER

Roscommon captain Enda Smith was happy enough to get more game time in the legs last Sunday while picking up the year’s first silverware following a hard-fought win over Neighbours Galway. “Yeah we’re happy enough, it was good to get an extra game under our belts ahead of next week because you lose a few games with no colleges in

the FBD League this year. We were happy to get a good test against Galway too, they had quite a strong team out there and we were happy we stood up to it,” he said. Roscommon’s defence stood firm and limited the reigning champions to just six scores, but Enda wasn’t getting carried away. “The heavy pitch means the ball was being moved a bit slower into the forwards. It’s early days so

it’s hard to put one imprint on it so far but we would have been happy with how it’s 1-5 we’ve conceded, that’s not bad going any day so yeah we’re happy enough how we were defensively”. Looking ahead to next week’s NFL Division One opener in Castlebar, Enda is hoping for an upturn in fortunes against old rivals Mayo. “It’s a tough one Mayo, we haven’t fared well

down there in league or championship in recent years so a result would kick us off for a good couple of weeks. “The preparation has gone well. We started a couple of weeks later than most counties with Anthony only getting ratified in the middle or late November. We’ve trained hard now and lads have been putting in a huge effort so it’s been good,” he concluded.

Enda Smith pictured with the PF Dwyer Cup following Roscommon’s win over Galway in the FBD League Final last Sunday in Tuam. Pic: Mick McCormack

Waving goodbye to the hand-pass rule!  DAN DOONER

Roscommon manager Anthony Cunningham pictured on the sideline during last Sunday’s FBD League Final in Tuam. Pic: Mick McCormack

Elsewhere in Division One this weekend… Monaghan v Dublin on Sunday in Clones What a game this promises to be. The result could depend on what attitude that Dublin are adopting to this year’s league campaign. If they are not close to their best they won’t win in Clones. I like Monaghan’s chances here. Prediction: Monaghan

Kerry v Tyrone on Sunday in Killarney Another huge game here. Tyrone looked very sharp in the McKenna Cup final last weekend but Kerry will want to come out of the blocks fast under new manager Peter Keane. Home advantage might just swing it in favour of The Kingdom. Prediction: Kerry

Galway v Cavan on Sunday in Galway Kevin Walsh’s men got a bit of a wake-up call in Tuam last Sunday. Cavan could suffer if there is a backlash. Prediction: Galway

“The three hand pass rule has been disbanded” came the announcement over the public address system in St. Jarlath’s Park, Tuam last Sunday much to the amusement and relief of the good-sized crowd in attendance. The spectators weren’t the only ones happy to be waving goodbye to the rule, Roscommon manager Anthony Cunningham gave his

thoughts at the full-time whistle. “Even in training matches the most difficult one was the three hand-pass rule because it just restricts it a bit, but I suppose as a spectacle they’re trying to improve it (the game) and they should be acknowledged for that,” he said. While admitting he was happy to see the back of the hand-pass rule, Cunningham did intimate that it was time to put the issue to bed and move

forward with the current regulations. “We’ll give these rules time now for a year or two and see how it goes. But yeah definitely I would have said to them (rules committee) that honestly it was hard (hand-pass rule)”. While the hand-pass rule is no more, the other rules remain and the sin bin was clearly put to good use last Sunday.

Castlebar holds no fear for improving Rossies Allianz National Football League Division One (Round 1) Mayo v Roscommon at MacHale Park on Saturday at 7 pm  SEAMUS DUKE

Three months ago the thoughts of Roscommon having to start their league campaign in MacHale Park was not a very appetising prospect. In fact, such is the dismal record that the Rossies have at the venue it couldn’t have been a much tougher start. Down at least eight prominent players from 2018, supporters (and pundits) were fearful of what might happen. However, since Anthony Cunningham, Mark Dowd and Iain Daly have taken the reins they and the players have worked really hard to stiffen up Roscommon’s defence and on the evidence we have seen so far great work has been done in that regard. While no one is predicting a Roscommon victory, the team will be much harder to score against and to beat too and that is a great platform from which to work for the future. I am expecting Roscommon to give Mayo a

tough game and that would give the panel of players great heart going forward. I spent some time chatting to Mayo GAA people this week for the preview and the word is that James Horan will be picking his strongest team for this fixture. Mayo lost their three home games in the league in 2018 and it almost cost them their place in Division One. Horan is also giving youth a chance and Michael Plunkett, Conor Diskin and Fionn McDonagh are expected to feature on Saturday. Of course many of the tried and trusted are still there. The full-back line of Brendan Harrison, Keith Higgins and Colm Boyle are a proven unit. Lee Keegan is returning to fitness and will surely feature at some stage. Jason Doherty will probably lead the attack with the impressive Brian Reape at fullforward. Reape has been playing great football so far this year and will have to be marked very closely. Cillian

O’Connor and Andy Moran are unlikely to feature. The Roscommon line-up will be close to that which did so well in Tuam last Sunday. Hopefully Sean Mullooly will be back in contention for a place but in his absence Conor Daly can deputise. Niall Daly is returning to his best form at centre half-back while Tadgh O’Rourke and Enda Smith will have a battle ahead of them at midfield. It was also good to see Davy Murray back in business last weekend and Gary Patterson and Conor Hussey also did well. Up front Roscommon will have to be sharp and it was great to see Donie Smith return to his best form last Sunday. Roscommon need him firing on all cylinders on Saturday night. Ciarán Lennon and Cathal Cregg will have vital roles to play and Colin Compton has been a welcome addition to the attack. I am not expecting a football classic this Saturday

Stat Attack Scores from play: Roscommon 0-8 Galway 1-3 Wides: Roscommon 3 (2 first half ) Galway 10 (6 first half ) Yellow cards: Roscommon 5 (David Murray 7 mins, Evan McGrath 30 mins; Ultan Harney 40 mins; Ciarán Lennon 52 mins; Aonghus Lyons 58 mins) Galway 8 (Johnny Heaney 7 mins; Barry McHugh 30 mins; Eoghan Kerin 36 mins; Gareth Bradshaw 46 mins; David Wynne 49 mins; Peter Cooke 52 mins; Thomas Flynn 60 mins; Padraig Cunningham 64 mins) Black cards: Roscommon 1 (Colin Compton 71 mins) Galway 3 (Gary O’Donnell 19 mins; Kieran Duggan 30 mins; David Wynne 71 mins) Red cards: Roscommon None Galway 1 (David Wynne 71 mins – yellow + black cards) Man of the Match: Donie Smith (Roscommon) *A minute’s silence was observed in memory of Anne Grogan of Michael Glavey’s GAA Club who passed away recently.

te’ ‘Too soon for injury upda ingham,

Anthony Cunn Roscommon manager,provide an update on the to ly ear too s said it wa and Sean Mullooly folfitness of Conor DevaneyD League win over GalFB s lowing last Sunday’ way in Tuam. to say (regarding the fit“It’s probably a bit early llooly), we’ll see how the Mu d an ey ness of Devan treatment. We wouldn’t week goes with physio ay and that’s the same have risked anyone tod ’d always try and give probably for Galway. Youof making it,” he said. the guys the best chance

Roscommon face a tough battle in their opening game in National Football League Division One this Saturday night in Castlebar. Pic: Andrew Fox

night but I am expecting a tough battle in front of a huge crowd of at least 15,000 people. But I will repeat that Roscommon supporters will have to be patient. It is unrealistic to

expect that the team can win at places like MacHale Park having done just a couple of months work under the new management. But from dreading going to MacHale Park a

few months ago I am now looking forward to it. It may not be a win but it’s a performance we are looking for and I think we will get that. Prediction: Mayo

Roscommon People Friday 25 January 2019

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Ouch! The Sun does the numbers…

‘Kevin Walsh watched on as his Galway side’s indiscipline lost them the fight with Roscommon in Tuam. The Tribesmen picked up more cards than scores as eight players were booked and three were blackcarded’ – Jason Byrne (not the comedian) reporting in The Sun

Your weekend starts here I’m supporting…both teams! This young fan couldn’t really lose in Tuam last Sunday. Picture: Michael McCormack.

Coat(s) of the Week: Two happy Rossies in Tuam. Picture: Michael McCormack.

OPPOSITION WATCH: Seamus Duke assesses our opponents Dublin League titles: 13 (last won in 2018) Manager: Jim Gavin (7th year) Players to watch: Take your pick! Ciaran Kilkenny and James McCarthy are just two… When they play Roscommon: Sunday, March 3rd in Hyde Park. While it will be a big occasion for Roscommon GAA and is sure to draw a big crowd it comes near the end of the campaign when the Dubs will be cranking up the pressure ahead of the ‘Drive for Five’, which might not be great news for the Rossies Odds to finish top: 4/9

Kerry League titles: 20 (last won in 2017) Manager: Peter Keane (1st year) Players to watch: David Clifford, Paul Geaney When they play Roscommon: Sunday, March 24th at Dr. Hyde Park. It’s always good to have Kerry visit Hyde Park but they will not be bringing too many followers with them. The ‘Kerrys’ just don’t bother with the league. With Peter Keane very anxious to do well in his first year at the helm, this could be a tough day for the Rossies Odds to finish top: 13/2

Mayo Man at work: There is no end to the jobs required of GAA volunteers! Picture from last Sunday in Tuam, by Michael McCormack.

League titles: 7 (last won in 2001)

Manager: James Horan (2nd term – 5th year overall) Players to watch: Conor Diskin, Brean Reape When they play Roscommon: This Saturday night (26th) at MacHale Park. There will be a huge crowd in Castlebar for this clash of the neighbours. Roscommon have a terrible record at this venue but recent displays have given renewed hope to the visitors. It’s probably too much to hope for a victory though Odds to finish top: 8/1

Galway League titles: 4 (last won in 1981) Manager: Kevin Walsh (5th year) Players to watch: Shane Walsh, Barry McHugh When they play Roscommon: Saturday, March 16th at Pearse Stadium at 2 pm. This could be a very interesting match indeed. Roscommon will feel that they have the measure of the Tribesmen and they will not mind playing at the scene of a great Connacht final win in 2017 Odds to finish top: 12/1

Cavan League titles: 1 (in 1948) Manager: Mickey Graham (1st year) Players to watch: Gearoid McKiernan, Dara McVeety When they play Roscommon: Sunday, February 24th in Breffni Park. Roscommon have a great record against Cavan over the

years and this will be a game that Anthony Cunningham will be targeting a win. Mickey Graham is a popular choice as manager for Cavan and he is a great motivator but this is a game Roscommon can win Odds to finish top: 50/1

Tyrone League titles: 2 (last won in 2003) Manager: Mickey Harte (18th year) Players to watch: Darren McCurry, Tiernan McCann When they play Roscommon: Sunday, February 10th at Dr. Hyde Park. Tyrone are always a very good league team and this will be a very tough game for the home side. With Darren McCurry back in top form up front and a full panel, it could be a miserable day for the Rossies against Mickey Harte’s side Odds to finish top: 15/2

Monaghan League titles: 1 (in 1985) Manager: Malachy O’Rourke (7th year) Players to watch: Conor McManus and Drew Wylie When they play Roscommon: Sunday, February 3rd at Dr. Hyde Park. If Monaghan have a full side they will be very hard to beat at Hyde Park. However, on their best form Roscommon have a chance in this match. It will be a tough prospect, but at home Roscommon could do it Odds to finish top: 25/1

Roscommon People Friday 25 January 2019

Did you hear the one about the Kerryman… Roscommon’s Conor Cox conundrum  DAN DOONER

Okay, bear with me for a couple of minutes while I attempt to work through one of the GAA’s more head-scratching rules. A recent letter to the Roscommon People from Bogota in Colombia asked the question ‘Was Roscommon GAA letting down smaller clubs?’ The letter was written by Éire Óg clubman, Brendan Corrigan, who raised the recent transfer of Kerry player Conor Cox to Roscommon. Many of you will have been aware that towards the end of last year, Roscommon supporters were cheered by the news that a former Kerry senior player and All-Ireland Junior Football Championship winner with The Kingdom, Conor Cox, had completed his transfer from Listowel Emmets to Roscommon and would play his football for Éire Óg. However, as Brendan wrote: ‘…here’s the snag. To play for the county, which he no doubt will, in order to comply with the GAA’s convoluted rules, he must first have played a championship match for his club. This is slightly difficult to do in January when the local club championship proper doesn’t start for another few months’. Last weekend the GAA did indeed point out that Conor

would have to play a championship match for his new club in order to become eligible for Roscommon this year. The problem, of course, is that this year’s county championship doesn’t throw in until August. Luckily, it appeared as though Roscommon GAA had come up with two possible solutions: the first was to stage a Northern Board championship match, while the second involved some sort of preliminary Intermediate Championship match between Conor’s new club and the newly-promoted junior champions, Kilglass Gaels. It is believed the first solution was turned down by the national association, which ruled that only a county championship match would do, while the second solution became unviable following the recent changes to the county championship format. It is now believed that Conor, who is determined to play inter-county football with Roscommon this year, will play with Dublin’s St. Jude’s (Kevin McManamon’s club) in order to be eligible for the Rossies. In his letter to the Roscommon People, Brendan continued: ‘The loser here is an Éire Óg club struggling to find the numbers to keep going, a club with a dearth of ‘marquee’ county players, but a club with a proud

THE ROVING ROSSIE

Tense in Tuam… Good to see our lads standing their ground! It was our first game on the road last Sunday and we set off for Tuam just after second Mass. We reached Tuam and abandoned the car up a side street, pointing it towards home just in case a quick escape was needed! While walking to the ground we were caught up in an 8K road race but managed to bow out at the 2K mark before safely arriving at St. Jarlath’s Park. The ground is under renovation so it was a tight squeeze in places, particularly so soon after a busy Christmas! The Galway fans are pleasant enough though we’re fairly sick of the sight of each other, and judging by last Sunday both sets of players feel the same way! The man on the PA system apologised for the tight squeeze and the fact that the toilets were at the end of a maze. By way of compensation he announced that the hand-pass rule had been “disbanded”. Mind you, we were beginning to think the black card rule had been disbanded too at times in that first half! Speaking to a few of the lads over a pint afterwards, there were absolutely no complaints about the referee – it’ll probably be the last time this year a Mayo man gives us anything! Mr. Devenney, in his defence, delighted in letting the game flow…from one fight to another! A few good shemozzles to blow off the winter cobwebs and it was good to see our lads standing their ground. Overall, very encouraging: tough man to man defending with plenty of counter-attacking and a brilliant performance from Donie Smith. The lads didn’t lie down when put under pressure and some of the players seemed to relish the physicality. More of the same in Castlebar this Saturday night please!

New strip for Rossies? It looks like Gary Patterson (pictured last Sunday) won’t be the only player changing his jersey this Saturday as Roscommon GAA prepare to unveil their new kits ahead of the Allianz League campaigns. According to our sources, Ballymore will be the main sponsors on the football, hurling and ladies’ football strips.

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tradition and a strong desire to be the best it can be. It’s what the GAA is all about, isn’t it?’ Had Conor remained at Listowel Emmets and declared for Roscommon he would have been eligible for the county under the ‘parent’s home club rule’ (Other Relevant Connection), much like fellow newcomer, John Brian Carthy, who plays his club football with Ballinteer St. John’s in Dublin. Unfortunately for Éire Óg, the rules state that a player transferring into a club in the county must then play a

championship match for that club in order to be eligible for selection for the county team. The John Brian Carthy route, on the other hand, just requires agreement from the County Board in whose jurisdiction the player is playing. To my mind, Brendan’s correct and the rule would appear to go against the GAA’s club and community ethos, as in this case it makes it easier for a player from a club in a different province to represent Roscommon rather than one willing to throw his lot in with a local team.

Your weekend starts here

The ﬁrst ‘biggie’ of the season!  PAUL HEALY

‘Easy on the Mayo’? You must be joking; we never really have that option… and our neighbours never go easy on us… It’s always been Mayo. They are always there. Mayo, Mayo, Mayo. True, the Saw Doctors sang ‘Will Galway beat (bate?) Mayo?’ and true, there’s a juicy rivalry between ourselves and the Maroonites, not to mention between ourselves and Leitrim. So, tasty derbies all around Connacht, and Roscommon v Mayo is right up there with the best of them… Mind you, the Rossies tend to be the outsiders/ underdogs, and frequently the vanquished. It’s a tough assignment when your mission is to take the field and try to conquer Mayo. But it’s getting better. And of course it has fluctuated throughout history. Roscommon beat Mayo in the Connacht finals of 1972, ’79 and ’80. But then came numerous Mayo wins over the Ross-

ies in the 1980s and ‘90s, the torment only occasionally –but memorably – reversed. But the years have gone by, and the suffering has too. And in recent years it has become obvious that the ‘current crop’ of young Roscommon players have no fear of any other team

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of the recent ‘Win a House in Dublin’ fundraiser will drive further development and create more momentum. Of course it is a results business, and the challenge is to try and stay in Division One and to try to return to the Super 8s, in which environment Roscommon were

Whatever happens on Saturday evening…you know that Roscommon footballers rightly believe that they can square up to the best in the province

in Connacht, Mayo and Galway included. We are producing confident and skilled and committed young footballers. We always have done, but we’re doing more things right now, getting more ‘ducks in a row’, and critically, the inferior complexes of old are long gone. We are in a pretty good place, overall. The massive success

badly exposed last year. But whatever happens on this Saturday evening, when Mayo host Roscommon in the opening round of the NFL Division One, you know that Roscommon footballers rightly believe that they can square up to the best in the province. Roscommon – mixing the sublime with the subdued in the

past couple of years – are generally ranked in the top 8-10 teams in the country now. The goal is to rise higher. Kevin McStay has been replaced by Anthony Cunningham. It’s no surprise that there’s a greater emphasis on defence. Roscommon produced a very encouraging performance last Sunday, defeating Galway in the FBD League Final. But an extremely challenging NFL campaign lies ahead, then the rollercoaster that is the championship. As we look forward to the new GAA year with great anticipation, it’s clear that this Saturday’s clash in Castlebar is the first real ‘biggie’ of the season. Mayo, Mayo, Mayo. Always there, in our faces or in the shadows. But Roscommon are there too, in Mayo’s faces now, a serious proposition of late. Still with ground to make up, but going in the right direction. Into the new season then, under no illusions about the gaps we have to close, about the scale of the challenge…but into a new season all the same, with determination, ambition and hope. Now where did I leave that Club Rossie hat?

Roscommon People Friday 25 January 2019