2019.03.01 by Roscommon People

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01 March 2019

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IDA defends record in Roscommon

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 PAUL HEALY

IDA Ireland has robustly defended its record in Roscommon despite admitting that the agency has only arranged nine site visits in the county in the past four years. A regional spokesperson for IDA Ireland said that the agency ‘sells’ Roscommon at every opportunity. The spokesperson accepted that there have been just nine site visits in Co. Roscommon since 2015 – but insisted that creating jobs in regional locations is, and will remain, a top priority for IDA Ireland. The spokesperson said that competition for foreign direct investment “continues to be fierce” and that “every investment is hard won”. She added that there are 9 IDA client companies in County Roscommon, employing 1,171 people. The IDA response came after Fianna Fáil TD Eugene Murphy slammed the low number of site visits and accused the IDA and the Government

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of ignoring rural Ireland. Deputy Murphy also claimed that the IDA has a number of ‘idle’ properties in Roscommon and Galway. Full story

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Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

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

HSE CHILD AUDIOLOGY SERVICES I received a letter of apology from the HSE in recent days. It notes failings in audiology services provided to my daughter. Will I be able to pursue a legal action on my daughter’s behalf to vindicate her rights?

e l p o e WATCHING P With PAUL HEALY

I hear Trump’s in crisis again… Wha’? Yeah…hasn’t had a birdie all week, his short game is a mess! Very funny. I thought he had declared a national emergency… Yes, he takes his golf very seriously! You’re in a funny mood… Ah sure you have to have a laugh. Otherwise, life might get you down… So, did you enjoy your Sunday as a couch potato? Loved it…the most energetic thing I did, if I’m honest, was put down the Sky remote and reach for the Shannonside dial… Did you watch ALL the sport? Everything…started with Manchester United and Liverpool. Then Italy v Ireland in the rugby. With Willie from Kingspan Breffni too. Then I alternated between GAA and Manchester City and Chelsea in the cup. Then the golf from Mexico. Then GAA highlights on League Sunday. Then Match of the Day 2. You know there was ping pong on some channel… Eh…recorded it. Did you even take a break for a cup of tea? Yes, but we kept the sporting theme going. Anyone in our family who was having tea had to try and throw their tea bag into their cup from eight foot, a euro a

Endangered Species The barstool boyos

head, best of five in the end. God, ye have it bad… So you saw no sport…? Missed most of it. But I did see that eejit, the Chelsea goalie, refusing to be substituted. Kepa Arrizabalaga, that’s his name. Unbelievable! He was meant to leave the

Recent news reports have confirmed that the Health Service Executive issued letters of apology to approximately 57 families in the west of Ireland for serious failings in audiology services provided to their children. I understand that this apology will now be followed by a review of paediatric audiology services but no indication has been given as to how long that process will take. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said that the government will consider an independent inquiry into failings in audiology services provided to children in Ireland. These new letters of apology follow on from letters of apology previously issued to 49 families in counties Mayo and Roscommon. A previous review raised concerns surrounding “some aspects of the quality of the service provided” wherein hearing assessments did not meet national audiology standards. Sadly, such failings resulted in either “increased risk of a missed diagnosis” or “a poor outcome” for the affected children. Sadly, some children were left with lifelong impairments. I note that you have received a letter of apology and I understand your desire to vindicate your daughter’s rights. If you wish to pursue a legal action on your daughter’s behalf then you may do so whilst she is a child i.e. under the age of 18 years. Should you wish to contact Byrne Carolan Cunningham Solicitors Medical Negligence Department for advice we would be happy to talk to you in confidence and without obligation. This firm has extensive experience in dealing with impaired hearing cases over many years.

What we liked… Congratulations to our friends in Castlemine Farm in Roscommon, overall winners in the Meat Category in the Georgina Campbell Irish Breakfast Food Awards. A great achievement! Meanwhile, a second local business, Gleeson’s Townhouse in Roscommon town, was ‘Highly Commended’ in the Guest House category.

What we didn’t like… Crazy resistance (although great entertainment for viewers) as headstrong Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga refused to be taken off by manager Maurizio Sarri in the League Cup Final against Manchester City. (Yes, we still call it the League Cup). ‘Keeper Kepa just wasn’t moving from the pitch as manager Sarri did his best Basil Fawlty impersonation on the line. Who’s Sarri now? Kepa sheepishly apologised and had to take a £200,000 fine on the chin (mind you, only a week’s wages).

Our Alternative Awards The ‘Did he really say that (but we know what he means)?’ award Loved the quote from the farmer who is a member of the €175m EuroMillions winning family: “I was happy at the start but now…it’s like being in prison”. Surely he meant “It’s like getting out of prison?”

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

The ‘Back down to earth’ sporting award

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

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stage, but he just wouldn’t! He was waving his arms in the air like a pure eejit… Pity he didn’t wave them a bit more for the penalties! Yes, it reminded me of ‘Boxer’ Moran and Sean Canney. Wha’? You know, ‘Boxer’ was Minister for Flooding Relief or something and he was meant to step down after a year and let Canney take over. But ‘Boxer’ refused to leave the stage, just like that Chelsea fella…mad stuff. I see he’s been fined something like 200,000 pounds… Who? Boxer? No, Kepa! A week’s wages… Oh right. Ah sure you have to leave the stage when the time comes; you can’t just hang on ‘cos you feel like it. Oh God, I’ve just had a terrible thought…what if Trump heard about what that Chelsea goalie did on Sunday and is inspired by it, and refuses to leave the stage… Mmm. We’ll see. Sure we’ll have two more anyway. By the way, who won in the end on Sunday? Oh, a draw, Ireland, Cavan, Man. City… Dustin Johnson. No, no…who got the most tea bags into the cup?

PIC OF WEEK… Cousins Maeve, Ruth and Patrick Finneran pictured at last Sunday’s Allianz NFL Division One match between Roscommon and Cavan at Kingspan Breffni. Pics: Mick McCormack

Oh dear. It’s shared between the England rugby team, which was unceremoniously stripped of Grand Slam pretensions by Wales’ superb second-half performance in their Six Nations clash…and Roscommon footballers, who finally saw their great record against Cavan dented with a somewhat humbling nine-point defeat in Kingspan Breffni. We can point to the unfortunate concession of goal number one just before halftime, and to Ultan Harney’s sending off, but truth is Roscommon were well beaten on the day. Still, they have everything to play for in the remainder of the campaign.

Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

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Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

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PAUL HEALYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S WEEK

Ivan Connaughton

A column by Roscommon People editor

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â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I hope Ireland hit formâ&#x20AC;Śif only to see Matt Williams smileâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be the only person who finds the stoppages in rugby tedious, can I? Anyways, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got around this problem quite easilyâ&#x20AC;Śby recording the Six Nations games and only starting to watch the action ten or fifteen minutes into the match. That way, every time thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a long stoppage, I can usually fast-forward until the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;actionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; has recommenced. I mean, just how long do they have to mess about for during preparation for a scrum? And the line-outs are almost as bad. But Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not really complainingâ&#x20AC;ŚIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve managed to bypass those stoppages and savour the open play. It was a sporting weekend that promised much, but underdelivered. Manchester United v Liverpool was a scoreless draw, not exactly matching the pre-

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;This columnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Oscar for Best Drama (and best acting?) goes to Kepa, the Chelsea goalkeeperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

game hype. Ireland were very unimpressive in Rome, though in fairness it says a lot about how high our expectations are when

we complain about a 10-point away win, complete with bonus point. I hope Ireland hit form soon, if only to see Virgin Media

Just a thoughtâ&#x20AC;Ś * The RTE promo for Saturday nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ray Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Arcy Show was full of promise: It read: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Ray Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Arcy presents a brand new range of guests bursting with entertaining yarns and engaging human interest storiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Should I take legal action â&#x20AC;&#x201C; or just send a strongly worded email to the Director General?

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analyst Matt Williams break into a smile. Much to my dismay (before the game at least) I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get to Cavan for the Roscommon match. In the first half, Willie kept saying Roscommon had the wind at their backsâ&#x20AC;Śthen when Cavan goaled to go in ahead at the break, the writing was on the pitch. The best sporting entertainment of the weekend was Wales v Cardiff, but this columnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Oscar for Best Drama (and best acting?) goes to Kepa, the Chelsea goalkeeper. He greatly enlivened Sunday afternoon, with his extraordinary refusal to leave the pitch when the Chelsea manager tried to substitute him. I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see them getting on too well at the Christmas Party â&#x20AC;&#x201C; mainly because at least one of them will have left the club by then.

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Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m full of admiration for the selflessness of Health Minister Simon Harris. Apparently, during the DĂĄil debate on his â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Being asleep on the job while hundreds of millions of euro were added to the projected costs of the National Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospitalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, the Minister said that he is not the resigning type. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not in his DNA. So, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s be clear: Minister Harris is not the resigning type. He doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t walk away from trouble. He battles on. He doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t give in. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just not the resigning type. In fact, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not in his DNA, so he couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t if he wanted to! So thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all alright then! Where do they get their arrogance?

A family that deserves answersâ&#x20AC;Ś I know that Church so well. Castlerahan is a lovely, peaceful place, near Ballyjamesduff, in Co. Cavan. It holds a special place in our thoughts. My mother is a native of the area, and we spent many happy times there. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something special about that Church, perched on top of a hillâ&#x20AC;Śa serene setting where families gather for Mass and other ceremonies. The Church is across from

the local school. Alan Hawe was vice-principal there. His sons were pupils there. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still shocking to think that such unspeakable tragedy would so savagely crush the tranquillity in Castlerahan. But thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what happened. Two and a half years ago, Alan Hawe murdered his wife Clodagh and their sons Liam, Niall and Ryan. On â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Claire Byrne Liveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;on Monday night we saw a remarkable interview with Clodagh

Haweâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mother Mary and sister Jacqueline. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Her name is Clodaghâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; was powerful, deeply emotional, gripping, heartbreaking. The two ladies were incredibly brave and composed as they spoke. They didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to do the interview, but they did it because Clodagh, Liam, Niall and Ryan have no voices. Clodaghâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s utterly devastated family are unhappy about the unanswered questions that

remain. They say they have been denied access to Garda files. They have called for a new enquiry into what happened â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and why â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and for a number of changes in the law. They made their case in a compelling and articulate manner. They need their voices to be heard. The issues they raise are rightly of concern. Above all else, the family of Clodagh Hawe deserve answers to their many questions.

Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

NewsPeople

Shannon Key West plans hit major stumbling block  DAN DOONER

Plans to house 80 asylum seekers at the Shannon Key West Hotel in Rooskey hit a major stumbling block in recent days after an appeal was made to An Bord Pleanála against the change of use of the hotel. The outcome of this appeal is not expected to be known for another 18 weeks, which would mean any potential accommodation centre being delayed until at least July. Leitrim County Council had been notified last November of the Department of Justice’s intention to use the hotel as an accommodation centre for “those in the international protection process”. The Department had subsequently sought confirmation that the hotel had no planning or fire safety issues. On January 16th of this year, the question of whether turning the hotel into such a centre was or was not an exempted development, was raised by Rooskey resident. On February 12th, Leitrim County Council concluded that it was exempt, citing Section 3 of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2018. The matter

has been referred to An Bord Pleanála. Meanwhile, the Leitrim and Roscommon United Against Racism group has released a statement expressing its regret at the manner in which the “the sudden emergence of ‘legal issues’ around the use of the hotel gives an impression that the state has bowed down in the face of a spate of racist arson attacks”. The hotel had been the scene of two suspected arson attacks in recent weeks. The anti-racism group continued: “We feel for the eighty people waiting somewhere in Dublin in a holding centre waiting for placement who now have nowhere to go. They are the most vulnerable people in this whole situation. They are not just numbers. “We believe they should now be housed in communities in this general area in the empty housing stock we see all around us – and be allowed work while they await the outcome of their applications for asylum”. The group described the Direct Provision system as a “fundamentally oppressive system” and claimed it led an “increasingly ugly stain on our society and communities”.

Glinsk farmer dies in animal attack The man who died following an incident on a farm at Ardagh, Glinsk on Tuesday afternoon has been named locally as Martin Morgan who was aged in his 60s. Mr. Morgan was injured after he was attacked while tending to cattle on his farm at Ardagh. He died at the scene and his body was

Pictured at the Craig Connolly Memorial Walk in Roscommon town on Saturday were Jacinta Fagan, Lisa Nolan and Sarah Tucker. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

removed to University Hospital Galway where a postmortem examination was due to be carried out. Gardaí and the Health and Safety Authority are investigating the incident and the local farming community is said to be in shock.

Pictured at the Craig Connolly Memorial Walk in Roscommon town on Saturday were Helena Sherlock, Padraic and Deirdre McGarry. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Second air ambulance set for take-off! Independent TD Denis Naughten has received confirmation that a final proposal for the establishment of a second air ambulance, which will take pressure off the air ambulance based in Athlone, is ready for approval by the Minister for Health.

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“At present Ireland has one dedicated air ambulance based at Custume Barracks in Athlone, and the development of a second air ambulance at Cork airport will allow the Athlone based service to respond to more emergencies in the Midlands and West of Ireland.

“The development of the second air ambulance has been a priority for me, as it will provide a better emergency service throughout the country with the two air ambulances being supported by the Coast Guard helicopters based in Sligo, Shannon, Waterford and Dublin”.

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A thank you from Roscommon Underwater Search & Rescue Roscommon Underwater Search & Recovery would like to thank all who contributed so generously to our annual church gate appeal on February 9th and 10th in all Churches in the Roscommon, Castlerea and Boyle areas. The money collected will go towards the purchasing of essential search and recovery equipment. We depend greatly on your generosity and thank you again for your kind words of encouragement and support.

Kevin Myers’ talk at Castlecoote House Well-known journalist Kevin Myers will give a series of three talks at Castlecoote House, Castlecoote, Co. Roscommon entitled ‘No Right to Be Right; No Right to be Wrong; The Fictions of Freedom in the 2lst Century’ on Tuesday, March 21st, Tuesday, April 16th and Tuesday, May 14th. Each talk begins at 7.30 pm followed by questions and answers. Tickets are €15 per evening. See www. castlecootehouse.com for more information.

farmer is the big issue! Domnick launches re-election bid with call for action on jobs, rural decline  PAUL HEALY

The Mid-Roscommon region desperately needs more investment in jobs if the decline of local towns and villages is to be reversed, Independent councillor Domnick Connolly has said. Fully recuperated after a recent spell in hospital, Cllr. Connolly has this week confirmed that he will be contesting this year’s local elections, which will be held on May 24th next. In an opening campaign statement, the experienced councillor said that while there have been a number of welcome investments in local projects, a lack of job creation, the ongoing decline of rural services and the threat posed by Brexit all represent major challenges for this area. First elected to Roscommon County Council in 1991, Cllr. Connolly said that he has the experience, contacts and know-how to continue to make a positive contribution in the Roscommon Municipal Area. “I am confirming that I will be seeking reelection in May” the Independent councillor said. “There are numerous issues which I would consider to be priorities for all elected public representatives at this time. Brexit is uppermost in my mind. There is serious

concern in the farming industry. Any farmer I meet mentions it…I mean if there is a no deal outcome, farming in Ireland will be facing a crisis. “As it is, over the past year or so we have seen further decline in rural Ireland. Rural Ireland is closing fast because of the demise of the small farmer. It’s the small farmer who has been keeping local businesses open, or certainly playing a big part”. Cllr. Connolly said that while he acknowledges that there have been funding announcements in recent months – in relation to local roads and other projects – much more is needed. In particular, he said, a serious job creation campaign for rural Ireland is now essential. Cllr. Connolly left Fine Gael over the closure of Roscommon A&E in 2011 and says his position hasn’t changed. “I stood by the people on the Roscommon A&E issue and I still stand by them. Roscommon is being left behind when it comes to health services…we need more investment and staff to address mental health issues locally, and I also want to see planned projects at Roscommon Hospital and the Sacred Heart Hospital fast-tracked”. The well-known community figure has had his own

experience of hospital recently, although he stresses that he remained accessible to members of the public while briefly hospitalised. Now he has recovered fully – and is ready for electoral battle. “I’m ready for the campaign ahead” Cllr. Connolly said, “and I’ll be running a posterfree campaign too!”

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Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

NewsPeople

‘Over €6m spent on agency staff at local hospitals in 2018’ Sinn Féin spokesperson for Roscommon Claire Kerrane, right, has called the spending of €318m on temporary agency staff by the HSE a “sickening waste of money” and a “threat to the State’s finances”. Ms. Kerrane said: “The continuous spending of hundreds of millions of euro by the HSE on temporary agency staff is outrageous; it is a sickening waste of money and is a threat to the State’s finances. “This includes €2.27 million spent at Roscommon Hospital and €3.85 million at Portiuncula in 2018 alone. 2018 saw

the single biggest increase in agency spending since 2014. The spending total jumped by €26m on the previous year to a staggering €318m for 2018”.

Ms. Kerrane added: “Since 2011 Fine Gael have spent almost €2bn on temporary agency staff to fill staffing gaps because they have continuously failed to address the recruitment and retention crisis. “This spending is without doubt one of the greatest wastes of money, not only in the health service, but in the whole State. “The over-reliance on the use of costly and more expensive agency staff is a direct result of the escalation of the recruitment and retention crisis under this Government”.

Roscommon County Foster Carer Recruitment Campaign Roscommon Foster Care Service is currently running a fostering recruitment campaign to coincide with the National Fostering Campaign which will run from the 4th – 15th March 2019. Fostering is a service for children who, for a variety of reasons, cannot live with their own family. This may be for a short time, perhaps a week or two, or can be a longer term requirement. Foster carers provide a stable and caring home for children from diverse backgrounds who cannot live with their own family, during what can be difficult times in their lives. Roscommon Child and Family Agency are seeking to recruit foster carers from diverse cultural backgrounds. If you are interested in becoming a foster carer, your first step is to contact the Child and Family Agency in the Roscommon area on 090-6637529. A member of our foster team will then follow up with you by telephone at a time that is convenient for you.

We are holding information sessions on fostering at the following venues: Tuesday 12th March 2019, 2p.m. – 3p.m. Roscommon Primary Care Centre, Golf Links Road, Roscommon Padraig Dunne, Jacqueline Daly (sister) and Ray Dunne pictured enjoying Ray’s retirement night in Hannon’s Hotel recently.

Creaton out, Coffey in for Fine Gael? Loughglynn’s Michael Creaton has announced his intention not to seek re-election after ten years as a Fine Gael County Councillor ahead of the party’s selection convention for the Roscommon Municipal District on March 10th. Gerry Coffey, a well-known Granlahan auction-

eer and chairman of Michael Glavey’s GAA Club, has said that he may seek to replace Cllr. Creaton. Cllr. Creaton was first elected in 2009 and was reelected in 2014 but earlier this week Fine Gael’s regional organiser Enda McGloin confirmed the news that he was bowing out.

Tuesday 12th March 2019,11a.m. – 12p.m. Boyle Primary Care Centre, Boyle Tuesday 12th March 2019, 11a.m. – 12p.m. Monksland Primary Care Centre, Monksland, Athlone. Tuesday 12th March 2019, 11a.m. – 12p.m. Roscommon County Library, Abbeytown, Roscommon

You are most welcome to come along.

Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

NewsPeople Daffodil Day Coffee Morning in JJ’s

Important Easter Parade meeting

This year Daffodil Day will take place on Friday, March 22nd. To begin the fundraising in Roscommon town, a coffee morning will take place in JJ Harlow’s, Market Square on Friday, March 1st from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm. All proceeds will go towards the Irish Cancer Society’s Daffodil Day 2019 campaign. Support would be much appreciated.

A new Roscommon Easter Parade committee has been formed – and the public are being urged to attend a meeting next week to help with the 2019 event. That meeting will be held on Tuesday night, 5th of March (9 pm) in Murray’s Bar in Castle Street. The newly-elected committee is urging people to attend in order to ensure that the parade goes ahead this year. The 2019 committee is made up of – Chairperson Larry Brennan; Secretary JJ Cattigan; Joint Treasurers Patricia Mullaney and Caitlin Mc-

Pilgrimage from Knock to Medjugorje There will be a one-week Pilgrimage from Knock Airport to Medjugorje beginning on September 25th, with Spiritual Director, Fr. Dixy Faber. The cost is €725, and includes accommodation beside church, breakfast and evening meals, travel insurance, flights and transfers. Places are limited. A deposit of €100 is required to secure a seat. Please contact Detta Molloy at 086-8197111 or dettamolloy1234@gmail.com for more information.

Pictured at Danny Burke’s 80th birthday party in Mulvihill’s Bar, Castlerea recently were Padraig White and Mickey Freyne. Pic: Austin Waldron

PUBLIC NOTICES ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL COMHAIRLE CHONTAE ROSCOMAIN

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL COMHAIRLE CHONTAE ROSCOMAIN

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

Cemetery Improvement and Maintenance Scheme 2019

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 L1207-0 at Pollboy Townland will be closed between its junction with the N5-5-487 and its junction with the L5559-22.

Roscommon County Council will consider applications from voluntary groups who are prepared to carry out improvements and maintenance works on cemeteries in their locality. The work, which will qualify for grant aid will include: Boundary Improvements; Repairs to path ways and Control of grass and weeds (Purchase of Equipment). All work must be carried out in accordance with guidelines published by the Office of Public Works.

Alternative Routes: Traffic will be diverted from the N5-5-487 to the N5-5-513, the N5-5-513 to its junction with the L5595-0, the L5595-0 to its junction with the L5559-22, the L5559-22 to its junction with the L1207-0 and vice versa.

Further details and application forms may be obtained from Roscommon County Council Roads and Transportation Department at the address below or email roads@ roscommoncoco.ie

Period of Closure: The 8th March 2019 to the 22nd March 2019 continuously.

Forms are also available to download from Roscommon County Council’s website: www. roscommoncoco.ie

Reason for Road Closure: To facilitate the upgrading of pipe work on the Brusna Group Water Scheme.

Closing date for receipt of completed forms: Friday 29th March 2019

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

Roads and Transportation Department Roscommon County Council

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, Aras an Chontae Roscommon. F42 VR98

28th February 2019

Businesses: Reach your target market! 18,000 COPIES PRINTED WEEKLY

Conn; PRO Larry Brennan (assisted by Deirdre Kelly) and further committee members – Micheal Curley, Adrian Murray, James McNamara, Liam Finneran, Paul Carthy, Orla Healy, Mary Regan. The next meeting is on Tuesday, 5th March at 9 pm in Murray’s Bar, Castle Street, Roscommon. Everyone interested in the parade going ahead please attend. Thank you to the outgoing committee for all their hard work and dedication in making the parade a huge success over the years.

‘Lack of Garda visibility contributing to rise in theft’ Fianna Fáil local election candidate in South Roscommon, Malachy Hand, says that rural crime continues to be an area of concern for South Roscommon residents. “Lack of Garda visibility is directly linked to the rise in theft of agricultural machinery, livestock, aggravated burglaries and

disturbances which leave locals feeling vulnerable,” he maintained. “Meanwhile, it transpires that the reported reduction in rural crime cannot be verified as it emerges that inaction on reported experiences simply leads locals to refrain from reporting a crime. “The recent theft of

valuable machinery from Lecarrow, for instance, has renewed concerns locally and highlights the need for immediate action,” Mr. Hand added. “An increase in support for CCTV systems, an amendment to bail laws and a call for re-opening of local Garda stations are all required”.

Eason Spelling Bee competition spells success for Rian Eason is delighted to announce Rian Kingi as this year’s winner of the County Roscommon Eason Spelling Bee Final. Rian, who is a 6th class pupil at Roxboro N.S., Derrane, Co. Roscommon, came out on top after strong competition from his fellow spelling enthusiasts and will go on to compete in the Connacht Provincial Spelling Bee in May. Rian is an avid reader and especially loves reading the Percy Jackson Series. Now in its ninth year, the Eason Spelling Bee is the very definition of fun for school kids, encouraging them to read more, expand their vocabulary and fall in love with literacy. Along with the prestigious title of Eason Spelling Bee 2019 Champion, the winning speller will also take home a collection of books for their school library, worth €7,500, as well as a personal collection of books worth €500.

Rian Kingi as this year’s winner of the County Roscommon Eason Spelling Bee Final. Rian is a 6th class pupil at Roxboro N.S., Derrane, Co. Roscommon.

Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

NewsPeople

STRAIGHT TALKING

WITH SEAMUS DUKE

Can someone â&#x20AC;&#x201C; or something â&#x20AC;&#x201C; please save us from Brexit? I have tried for weeks to steer away from Brexit in this column â&#x20AC;&#x201C; because I was absolutely certain that all sides would see sense and come to an agreement. But now, with four weeks to go, it looks like the UK could crash out of the EU with no deal agreed. Looking in from the outside, the whole thing was absolute madness from the very start. David Cameron wanted to quieten the Eurosceptics in his own party and quell UKIP by agreeing to the referendum. The last thing that occurred to him was that the result might have been a vote to leave. We all know the political mayhem that had happened since, particularly in the UK. The only thing that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m clear about is that if the UK crashes out without a deal it will deeply affect us here in Ireland â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and we had no hand, act or part in the whole process. I simply cannot get my head around the fact that there are a large group of welleducated people who sit in the British Parliament who refuse to see the damage that they are doing to their own country. Then again, when you drill down and see who these people are, it probably makes some sense. The likes of Jacob Rees-Mogg and Boris Johnson are so wealthy and privileged that Brexit will not affect them one iota. In fact Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m convinced that many of these people couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t care less about the UK either. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all an ego trip for them. Then we have the DUP holding Theresa

May to ransom and keeping her in power. Anyone who watched the interview with Sammy Wilson on the Claire Byrne programme last week knows what they are like to deal with. The people of the North are going to be amongst those most affected by Brexit, yet they do not even have a Government as Sinn Fein and the DUP cannot agree to work together. In fact Sinn Fein could have had a major impact on this whole Brexit scenario if they had set aside their self-imposed ban on taking their seats at Westminster and gone to represent the people who voted for them.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

I simply cannot get my head around the fact that there are a large group of well-educated people who sit in the British Parliament who refuse to see the damage that they are doing to their own country

People in this country should be very worried about a no deal Brexit because I am convinced that despite the many fine words of support, the Europeans couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t care less about the plight of Ireland. Just this Monday there was a poll amongst Germans which revealed that Brexit was not in the top ten news topics which they are interested in. A good friend of mine is a regular visitor to Brussels and he tells me that at least nine out of every ten people there do not know or understand what the controversy is regarding the border on the island of Ireland. Is it too much to hope that the politicians in the UK will see sense and agree to some sort of a compromise? There are just four weeks to go and the signs are certainly not good. We have heard about the potential damage to the farming industry, the food industry and many other areas of economic activity here if the UK crashes out. I was in Dublin Airport last Friday night. In the space of just a half an hour at least 10 planes landed from various airports in the UK. Could you imagine the chaos if every person who stepped off those planes had to go through immigration checks? Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only a small, simple thing that could happen after March the 29th. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hope sanity prevails â&#x20AC;&#x201C; for all our sakes. The clock is ticking.

Cllr. Orla Leyden â&#x20AC;&#x153;Working with the Community - Working for Youâ&#x20AC;?

CANDIDATE IN THE ROSCOMMON LOCAL ELECTORAL AREA Local Elections 24th May 2019 â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am a County Councillor in Roscommon since 2004 with a Constituency Office at Goff Street, Roscommon Town. I continue to be there for you, your family, friends and Community. On Polling Day, 24th May, I would appreciate your support to carry on my work for you and the Community.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Orla.

ď&#x20AC;Š 090 6634925 or 087 2819918 ď&#x20AC;Ş cllroleyden@roscommoncoco.ie @orlaleyden

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Memorial tractor run for Hospice The JJ McHugh Memorial Tractor Run in aid of Mayo/ Roscommon Hospice will take place on Easter Monday (April 22nd) from Julianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s of Midfield, Swinford. Registration takes place at 1 pm and the run is starting at 2 pm sharp. All types of tractors, vintage vehicles and trucks are welcome. There will be refreshments after the event with music by Eunice Moran. Entry fee â&#x201A;Ź20. Contact Mary on 085-7477678 or Jarlath on 086-4045133. Your support would be appreciated.

Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

NewsPeople Cloonycolgan Community Centre update On Shrove Tuesday (March 5th), Cloonycolgan Community Centre committee will honour the ‘Pancake Tuesday’ tradition with an evening of pancake making! The committee encourages everyone to come along and join them for what promises to be an enjoyable evening from 8 pm. On Wednesday (March 6th), Sgt. Paul McDermott, Roscommon Crime Prevention Officer, will give a talk on home security in the community centre at 8 pm. All are welcome to come along to this important information evening. The committee will host an Irish Night on St. Patrick’s Day (Sunday, March 17th), between 7 pm and 10 pm. This will consist of céilí dancing, traditional music, singing and an Open Mic. The organisers would be delighted if the local community would come along and enjoy themselves on the night.

NEWS…at a glance

Lisnamult Draw winners The winners in the recent Lisnamult Draw are as follows: €100 Declan Walsh, €100 Ann Lohan, €50 Liam Stephens, €25 Triona Reddington, €25 Lauren McDermott, €25 Nora Finan.

Roscommon Town ICA Guild monthly meeting

Drum Heritage Group’s Quiz Night! Drum Heritage Group are hosting a fundraising Quiz Night at the Shamrock Lodge Hotel at 8.30 pm on Friday, March 8th. Entry is €40 per table or €10 per person and there will be a raffle on the night with plenty of spot prizes up for grabs. Individual participants welcome. Tea/coffee provided on the night. For more information contact 085-2094555.

Support group for parents of LGBTI+ Are you a parent of an individual who identifies as LGBTI+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or

Oran Healthy Clubs has also been running Oran Gets Active since the start of the year. Currently in its fourth year it has gone from strength to strength. Weekly exercise classes led by Ciara McDonnell of Pulse Fitness have taken place in Ballinaheglish Community Hall as well as a meet and train Couch to 5k led by Roscommon Sports Partnership. Now all eyes are on the 6km and 10km run/ walk this Saturday (March 2nd) at 12 noon in Cuisle. All are welcome to join in walking or running round the beautiful Suck Valley surrounds. Cost €10. For more information call 087-4648437.

Pictured at the Craig Connolly Memorial Walk in Roscommon town on Saturday were Sarah, Ita and Mia Kilcline. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh.

Transgender) and would like peer support from other parents? TLC (Tuismitheoirí Le Chéile) is a support group with parents who meet on the last Tuesday of each month in Vita House in Roscommon town from 8 pm to 9 pm. There is also a helpline which you can call on 0838979280 open every Monday between 7 pm to 9 pm, providing a confidential, safe and supportive space for parents. All welcome.

Oran Healthy Clubs run/ walk this Saturday Oran Healthy Clubs recently took part in the Ireland Lights Up campaign with Operation Transformation where there were over 100 people out walking under lights at the pitch in Rockfield.

The next monthly meeting of the Roscommon Town ICA Guild will take place on Tuesday, March 5th at 8 pm in Molloy’s Bakery, Abbeytown and will be followed by a cake demonstration. Many interesting topics will be discussed including our craft day, book club, plans for a trip to a musical, etc. Congratulations with good luck wishes go to Evelyn Finn on winning a recent baking competition. She now goes forward to An Grianán for a national competition as a representative of County Roscommon. If new members are interested in joining this guild, please contact 087-4637758 for further details.

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

Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended) - Part 8

Applicant:

Roscommon County Council

Applicant:

Roscommon County Council

Location:

Old Tuam Road, Monksland, in Monksland Townland, Co. Roscommon.

Location:

2 Lough Road, in Ardnanagh Townland, Roscommon.

Proposal:

Pursuant to the requirements of the above, notice is hereby given of …

Proposal:

Pursuant to the requirements of the above, notice is hereby given of …

Proposed Residential Development at Old Tuam Road, Monksland, Co. Roscommon. The Proposed Development will comprise of (a) demolish existing building (b) construction of 2 No. semidetached 3-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

Proposed Residential Development at 2 Lough Road, Ardnanagh, Roscommon. The Proposed Development will comprise of (a) construction of detached 3-bed single-storey residential unit to replace fire damaged dwelling, (b) all associated site works including construction of footpath, driveway, 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 01/03/2019 during public opening hours at the offices of Housing Department, Aras an Chontae, Roscommon County Council, Roscommon and Athlone Area Office, Roscommon County Council, Old Tuam Road, Monksland, Co. Roscommon between 9.30am - 1pm and 2pm - 5.30pm Monday to Friday (excl. bank holidays)

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 01/03/2019 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 12/04/2019, marked “Monksland Housing Development, Monksland, Co. Roscommon” and submitted to:

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 12/04/2019, marked marked “Lough Road Housing Development, Roscommon” and submitted to:

Housing Department, Aras an Chontae, Roscommon.

Or housing@roscommoncoco.ie

Signed:-

Majella Hunt Director of Services

Signed:1st March 2019

Martin Lydon Director of Services

1st March 2019

Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

NewsPeople

Rosalie review notice described as ‘cynical’  DAN DOONER

News that patients in the Rosalie Unit in Castlerea, Co. Roscommon, will have their care plans independently reviewed this week has received a frosty reception in Roscommon-Galway. Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice described the hastiness with which patients’ family members are expected to participate in the review process as cynical and said it was a “tick the box exercise” which added weight to the belief that the HSE is attempting to close the unit by stealth. “I understand that families are being notified today of intentions to carry out the review this week, with a Consultant Specialist in Psychiatry of Later Life – Dr. Jim Anderson – set to carry it out. “Given that this independent review

MARTY McDermott Candidate for Local Elections 24th May – Roscommon LEA LOCAL ISSUES…

Rosalie Unit in Castlerea, Co. Roscommon

was meant to take place by last November, it is unacceptable that families are being notified at such short notice to attend a meeting with the consultant later this week – which may lead to some patients’ family members being unable to meet with the consultant. “It is imperative that all twelve of the residents

in the Rosalie Unit have family members or an appointed advocate who can participate in the review process on their behalf – otherwise the review’s findings would be inadequate. “The Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People, Jim Daly, must not renege on the promise that was made to the patients’ family members that this unit

would remain open,” he said. Deputy Fitzmaurice added: “All of the patients living in the Rosalie Unit have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, dementia or other mental health issues. Many of the patients have been living in the care unit for a number of years and consider it their home. Moving them now would create a lot of undue stress for them”.

Fianna Fáil TD Eugene Murphy also raised his doubts. He said that the late notification sent on Monday by HSE Chief Officer Tony Canavan could mean that the process would be “severely undermined and may not be as comprehensive as it needs to be” if patients’ family members and advocates were not in place prior to the process starting.

I am available to discuss your concerns and to help with local community issues. Please do not hesitate to contact me… I look forward to meeting everyone over the course of the upcoming campaign – Marty

Tel. 087 3466064 Email: marty.mcdermott1@gmail.com /marty.mcdermott.184

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Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

NewsPeople FORMER ROSE MARIA ADDRESSES BALLYGAR STUDENTS…

Pictured at the opening of Coláiste Mhuire, Ballygar’s Erasmus Exchange Programme were Brian Higgins, Fine Gael European elections candidate and former Rose of Tralee Maria Walsh, Keisha King, Michaela Roche and school principal Emma O’Malley. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the opening of Coláiste Mhuire, Ballygar’s Erasmus Exchange Programme were Fine Gael European elections candidate and former Rose of Tralee Maria Walsh, Keisha King and Michaela Roche. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

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Fine Gael European elections candidate and former Rose of Tralee Maria Walsh addressing students of Coláiste Mhuire, Ballygar on Monday. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Fitzmaurice and Naughten both claim ‘LIS’ credit! Independent TDs Michael Fitzmaurice and Denis Naughten have both claimed that new LIS funding for roads in Roscommon can be traced back to their roles in Government formation talks in 2016! €1.2 million in funding for small, private/non-public roads across counties Roscommon and Galway has been allocated by the Deputy Denis Naughten Government under the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS). €355,104 will be spent on non-public roads in Roscommon while Galway roads will be allocated €856,959. Deputy Fitzmaurice said that the funding boost was made possible by his negotiating input during the Government formation Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice talks. While Deputy Fitzmaurice ultimately pulled out of those talks, he says he had made sure that LIS allocations were agreed before he left! His constituency colleague, fellow Independent Denis Naughten, also claimed credit for the LIS, saying: “I raised this as an issue on entering this Government as I sought the reintroduction of the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS). These roads provide vital access to homes and farms as well as amenities such as lakes and rivers”. Deputy Naughten added: “Some local roads are in deplorable conditions following bad weather and under-investment but increased funding for non-public roads and general roads since the formation of this Government will mean heavily-used shared laneways and access roads that connect homes, farms and businesses to the public road network will be repaired, improved and upgraded”. Deputy Fitzmaurice said: “These are roads that were never taken over by councils and, unfortunately, a lot of them have fallen into a bad state of disrepair”. Senators Frank Feighan and Maura Hopkins also hailed the allocations, saying they will help farmers to access their land and also help residents who live on these private roads.

Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

NewsPeople

Ray Dunne pictured with family, Roscommon Civil Defence volunteers and friends at his retirement function in Hannon’s Hotel recently.

Ray Dunne retires from the Civil Defence

David, Sinéad, Ray, Agnes and Joanne Dunne pictured enjoying Ray’s retirement night in Hannon’s Hotel recently. Commander Maura Donnellan, Ray Dunne, Fr. Seán McDermott, Civil Defence Chaplin, Agnes Dunne and First Officer Paddy Mullin pictured enjoying Ray’s retirement night in Hannon’s Hotel recently.

Commander Maura Donnellan and First Officer Paddy Mullen pictured making presentations recently to Ray and Agnes Dunne to mark Ray’s retirement as Civil Defence Officer from Roscommon Civil Defence.

Pictured at Ray Dunne’s retirement function in Hannon’s Hotel recently were back row (l-r) Eugene Cummins, Chief Executive, Roscommon County Council; Majella Hunt, Director of Services, Roscommon County Council; Commander Maura Donnellan, Fr. Seán McDermott, Civil Defence Chaplin, Stephen Hall, Executive Branch and Conciliation and Arbitration Branch, First Officer Paddy Mullen and John Keane, Chief Fire Officer, County Roscommon Fire Service. Front row (l-r) David Buckley, Principal Officer, Civil Defence branch, Department of Defence, Ray and Agnes Dunne and Cllr. Ivan Connaughton, Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council.

Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

NewsPeople

Kilglass Gaels fans Noreen Corcoran, John G. and Nuala Diffley pictured at last Sunday’s Allianz NFL Division One match between Roscommon and Cavan at Kingspan Breffni.

Tulsk fans on tour at last Sunday’s Allianz NFL Division One match between Roscommon and Cavan at Kingspan Breffni.

Roscommon fans brave Breffni blues… Roscommon Gaels supporters Daniel Byrne, Michael Byrne and Tom Sexton pictured at last Sunday’s Allianz NFL Division One match between Roscommon and Cavan at Kingspan Breffni.

Éire Óg supporters Chris Giblin, Gerard Creaton and Stephen French pictured at last Sunday’s Allianz NFL Division One match between Roscommon and Cavan at Kingspan Breffni.

Gerry McCabe and Club Rossie Chairman, Pat Compton, pictured at last Sunday’s Allianz NFL Division One match between Roscommon and Cavan at Kingspan Breffni.

Alan Jordan pictured at last Sunday’s Allianz NFL Division One match between Roscommon and Cavan at Kingspan Breffni.

Mount Talbot NS – ‘A home away from home’

MOUNT TALBOT N.S. Enrolment & Information Evening Thursday, 7th March, 2019 7.00pm-8.00pm ALL ARE WELCOME For further information contact:

TEL: 090 66 24014

Email: mounttalbotns.ias@eircom.net Web: www.mounttalbotns.scoilnet.ie

Mount Talbot National School Open Evening will take place on Thursday, the 7th of March from 7 to 8 pm. This quaint threeteacher school dates from the late 1800s and is located in the village of Mount Talbot on the N63 between Athleague and Ballygar. Although the building has facilitated over 100 years of education it has been extensively extended and modernised, offering children excellent facilities, modern technology and large spacious playgrounds and playing fields. The school prides itself on providing an excellent foundation in all subjects and the children benefit from the additional support of a full-time special education teacher and a parttime SNA. While Mount Talbot N.S teaches every aspect of the primary school curriculum, it also participates in a wide variety of other educational initiatives and

extra-curricular activities which further compliments the school programme e.g. their 8th Green Flag, numerous Science/S.T.E.M. awards, Engineering, Scratch and Coding workshops, Tin whistle lessons,

Heritage Field Trips, Poetry, Drama and Baking, to mention but a few. Sport and physical activity also play a big role in Mount Talbot with children enjoying hurling, football, rugby, rounders and soccer

training. The whole school partakes in cycling, athletics and swimming lessons annually. Prospective pupils will benefit from a low pupil teacher ratio a full-time special Education teacher,

part-time SNA and a caring, nurturing environment giving children every opportunity for success and happiness in their primary years of education. Mount Talbot N.S. endeavours to prepare each child for success in second and third level education and in their lives beyond school. There is a huge emphasis placed in the school on each child’s wellbeing. Every effort and support is extended to each child to develop and nurture their self-esteem and confidence in their own ability to achieve. Mount Talbot school are very fortunate to be chosen as 1 out of 150 schools (primary & secondary) in Ireland for the ‘Creative Arts’ pilot project. This is a new government funded initiative which encompasses all aspects of Arts Curriculum. This project will span both this current school year and the school year 2019/2020.

Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

NewsPeople

Members of the Roscommon Daffodil Day committee at the Irish Cancer Society Daffodil Day launch in Hannon’s Hotel, Roscommon recently. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

Pictured at the Irish Cancer Society Daffodil Day launch in Hannon’s Hotel, Roscommon, recently were: Conor Coen, Chief Officer, Castlerea Prison; Ena Barrett, Community Fundraiser for Ulster/Connacht; Chris Kelly, Margaret O’Rourke, Marie Donohoe, all Carrick-on-Shannon, and Mark Walsh, prison officer, Castlerea. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

Conor Coen, Chief Officer, Castlerea Prison; Ann Howard, Newtownforbes; Michael Reilly, Ballaghaderreen; Marie Farrell, Carrickedmond, and Mark Walsh, prison officer, Castlerea, at the Irish Cancer Society Daffodil Day launch in Hannon’s Hotel, Roscommon. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

Roscommon called on to support Daffodil Day The Roscommon Daffodil Day committee have appealed for the public’s support as they prepare to take to the streets on March 22nd to raise crucial funds for cancer patients. On average, 486 people in Roscommon are diagnosed with cancer annually. The Irish Cancer Society’s Daffodil Day, which is proudly supported by Boots Ireland, funds crucial support services for people affected by cancer and lifesaving cancer research. Members of the public can volunteer to sell Daffodils on the day, or simply buy a daffodil from local volunteers or their local Boots store. Speaking at the launch of Roscommon Daffodil Day, held in Hannon’s Hotel last Thursday night, local night nurse Ann Howard spoke about the role she plays in supporting patients during their final days. Last year 47 terminally ill cancer patients in Roscommon received 228 nights of care, allowing them to remain at home during their final days. In order to provide the Night Nursing service and other free supports, the Irish Cancer Society needs to raise over €4 million nationally on Daffodil Day this year. Ann said: “When I go into a family home, I am there to support the patient, and also their family members. I do my best to create a supportive and calm atmosphere at a very difficult time. Losing a loved one to cancer is heart-breaking. But I’m privileged to hear afterwards from many families what a source of comfort it was to spend those precious final moments at home with their loved one. When I finish my night shift, I go home

knowing I have made a difference to my patient and their family”. Public support is crucial according to local organiser Eilish Humborg who urged locals to show their support on Daffodil Day. “People of Roscommon have always been generous in their support of Daffodil Day, but with more people being diagnosed with cancer, we need to ramp up our efforts to ensure they get the help they need. Not only will donations fund services like Night Nursing, but also cancer research to help more people survive cancer. Please help us by volunteering to sell daffodils, or simply by buying a daffodil on March 22nd,” Eilish Humborg said. Over 2,000 potted daffodil plants grown by inmates in Castlerea Prison will be sold on the day along with daffodil pins. Boots Ireland is the official main sponsor of Daffodil Day and local stores will be getting involved in the fundraising efforts. Over six years Boots Ireland have raised over €1.4 million for the Night Nursing service. Rachel Clegg, Store Manager of Boots Roscommon who attended the launch said: “We are delighted to support Daffodil Day again this year and to play our part in helping families affected by cancer. Pop in-store to buy a pin or add a €1 donation when making a purchase. Every euro will make a big difference in the fight against cancer”. To get involved in Daffodil Day locally contact Lorraine on 087-7936499. For more information visit www.cancer.ie/daffodilday.

Conor Coen, Chief Officer, Castlerea Prison; Monica Commons, Olivia O’Loughlin, Lorraine Gallagher, Irish Cancer Society; Caroline Burle, all Boyle, and Mark Walsh, Prison Officer, Castlerea, at the Irish Cancer Society Daffodil Day launch in Hannon’s Hotel, Roscommon recently. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

Mark Walsh, prison officer, Castlerea; Patricia Travers, Lorraine Gallagher, Irish Cancer Society; Michael Reilly, Ballaghaderreen, Assumpta McCormack, Elphin and Conor Coen, Chief Officer, Castlerea Prison at the Irish Cancer Society Daffodil Day launch in Hannon’s Hotel, Roscommon. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

Pictured at the Irish Cancer Society Daffodil Day launch in Hannon’s Hotel, Roscommon, recently were, front: Rachel Clegg, Boots; Mark Walsh, Prison Officer, Castlerea Prison; Eilish Humborg, Conor Coen, Chief Officer, Castlerea Prison and Amy Holian, Boots, Roscommon. Back: Marion Dolan, Ann Donoghue, Mary Raftery, Monica Fallon, Lorraine Gallagher, Irish Cancer Society; Valerie Mangan, Margaret Clark, Rosaleen McCourt and Gertie McDermott, all Roscommon. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

FarmingPeople IFA meets with Credit Review Ofﬁce IFA Farm Business Chairman, Martin Stapleton, has met with the Credit Review Office (CRO) to discuss issues of concern to farmers in relation to credit applications and refusals, sales of loan books and other barriers to competition in the banking sector. The CRO is an independent office which provides a credit appeals process for SMEs including farmers. At the top of the agenda was Brexit, with the IFA Chairman highlighting how access to credit in the form of working capital may become an issue in the event of a disturbance to the flow of trade with the UK, if a no deal Brexit materialises. Martin Stapleton said: “The role of banks should be to encourage and enable farmers and SMEs to undertake investment. However, the experience on the ground can be very different from the glossy slogans that we see advertised by banks on television and radio. The most basic loan application is getting tied up in all sorts of red tape because the banks have moved away from their customers. “We know that with the uncertainty that Brexit is causing, this is likely to become even more pronounced in the coming months”. The IFA Farm Business Chairman added: “The CRO offers a valuable appeal process, which is open to farmers who are dissatisfied with the interaction they have had with their banks. In addition, they deal with changes to existing credit terms and conditions”. Further information on the services of the Credit Review Office are available from the Credit Review Office website www. creditreview.ie.

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

Local students visit in study trip on marketing of Irish beef A group of agricultural science students from Roscommon Community College who are participating in the Certified Irish Angus Beef Schools Competition recently visited the headquarters of retailers Tesco Ireland and Albert Heijn to learn about the marketing and export of Certified Irish Angus Beef. The study trip, organised by Irish Angus Producer Group, ABP and Kepak, began with a visit to Tesco Ireland who have been involved in the production and promotion of Certified Irish Angus Beef for more than 21 years. The group then boarded a flight to The Netherlands to visit Albert Heijn, the Dutch supermarket chain who is a leading importer of Irish beef. The students were selected by a panel of industry

judges to rear six Irish Angus Cross calves up until their slaughter in 2020. In addition to the rearing of calves, the students are undertaking the following research project: The Value of Irish Angus in Suckler Systems which will investigate the benefits of choosing an Angus bull including how output can be increased, coupled with environmental and animal welfare benefits. The initiative encourages secondary school students to increase their knowledge and understanding of the care and attention required to produce and market the highest quality beef for consumers and to apply the knowledge they learn in the classroom to a real-life setting. Each of the finalists will receive the financial benefit involved in the selling

Charles Smith, Irish Angus Producer Group; Mick Dowd, Kepak, and John Kelleher, ABP, with students Sean Trundle, Keelan Gallagher and John Cunniffe from Roscommon Community College.

of the animals to the processors on completion of

the project. The winning students also receive an

additional grant of €2,000 for their further education.

Roscommon People MART WATCH

PROPERTY SERVICES PROVIDERS LICENCE NO. 002249

THURSDAY WEEKLY:

SALE OF BULLOCKS, HEIFERS, COWS, CALVES, RUNNERS AND WEANLINGS YARD OPENS AT 8 A.M. 3 RINGS IN OPERATION. ALL SALES COMMENCE AT 11 A.M. ALL STOCK PRE-BOOKED.

PLEASE NOTE THAT BULLOCK SALE WILL RESUME ON MONDAY 25TH MARCH, 2019. FOR ENQUIRIES CONTACT MART OFFICE OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR DETAILS

Tighe’s Agri New season’s

FERTILISERS

Goulding Grassland Brands

ANIMAL FEEDSTUFFS Aurivo, Corby Rock, Liffey’s

Special offer Corby Rock – Super Bull Pellets

Tel. 086 8918883 or 071 9639040

Dead & Worn-Out Animals

Contact

TOM ROGERS

JOHN GREENE BALLINASLOE

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 Daily collection

Roscommon Mart sample prices Dry cows Char 920kgs €1475, Char X 695kgs €1250, Lim X 710kgs €1135, Simm X 695kgs €1040, Lim X 580kgs €1040, AAX 680kgs €940, Lim X 535kgs €900, Lim X 560kgs €895.

Char 405kgs €1105 - €2.72 per kilo, Lim X 375kgs €1055 - €2.81 per kilo, 2 Char X 310kgs €905 - €2.91 per kilo, Char X 290kgs €875 - €3.01 per kilo, Char X 265kgs €805 - €3.03 per kilo, Char X 250kgs €785 - €3.14 per kilo, Char X 290kgs €835 - €2.87 per kilo.

Bullocks Char X 655kgs €1630, SAX 700kgs €1615, 5 Char X 576kgs €1500, Char X 545kgs €1505, Lim X 535kgs €1275, Lim X 495kgs €1290, Lim X 480kgs €1300, 2 Char X 510kgs €1285, Lim X 425kgs €1105, Char X 430kgs €1100, AAX 420kgs €1020, Lim X 355kgs €930.

Heifers Simm 765kgs €1380, AAX 510kgs €1000, AAX 395kgs €830, AAX 400kgs €830, AAX 390kgs €800, Char X 425kgs €800.

Weanling heifers Lim X 420kgs €1165 - €2.77 per kilo, Lim X 430kgs €2.67 per kilo,

Weanling bulls BBX 475kgs €1200- €2.52 per kilo, Char X 440kgs €1200 - €2.72 per kilo, Char X 375kgs €1150 - €3.06 per kilo, Bax 375kgs €1080 – €2.88 per kilo, Lim X 355kgs €1080 €3.04 per kilo, Lim X 365kgs €1145 - €3.13 per kilo, Bax 320kgs €1035 - €3.23 per kilo, BBX 355kgs €900 - €2.53 per kilo, Lim X 340kgs €885 - €2.60 per kilo, 2 Char X 257kgs €830 – €3.22 per kilo, 2 Char X 215kgs €710 - €3.30 per kilo.

Finished hoggets 56.1kgs €124, 53.3kgs €124, 54.2 kgs €123, 55.6kgs €122, 52.5kgs €120, 52.5kgs €115, 46.7kgs €115, 42.5kgs €107.

Manager’s report… Maura Quigley, Roscommon Mart “There was a good turnout of excellent quality stock on offer at last Friday’s sale. There was a lively trade for bullocks with plenty of customers anxious for cattle resulting in a very high clearance of lots. “Prices for bullocks ranged from an average of €2.30 per kilo up to €2.76 per kilo. Heifer numbers were small due to the large entry for next Friday’s sale with lots fetching from €1.95 per kilo up to €2.10 per kilo. Dry cows prices averaged from €1.55 per kilo up to €1.80 per kilo. “Sales continue on Friday’s weekly for bullocks, heifers and dry cows – full details on our Facebook and website. There will be a special sale of bullocks this Friday (March 1st) including 45 pens of heifers as well as bullocks and dry cows. There will also be a special springtime sale of Bullocks on Friday, March 8th at 11 am. Bookings accepted up to 5 pm this Thursday (28th). “There was a lively trade for weanling bulls at Tuesday’s sale with prices averaging from €2.50 per kilo up to €3.30 per kilo. There was a solid trade for weanling heifers with average prices ranging from €2.40 per kilo up to €3.14 per kilo. “The mart wil host a show and sale of weanlings next Tuesday (March 5th) at 5 pm. Bookings accepted up to 5 pm today (28th). Included in the sale will be six excellent quality springer cows in calf to Lim Bull due March onwards. Enquiries to 090-6626352. “There were larger numbers on offer this week. Prices for finished hoggets peaked at €124 for 56.1kgs. There was a steady trade for cast ewes with prices ranging from €65 up to €117. Sales continue each Wednesday at 11 am for lambs and cast ewes”.

Castlerea Mart sample prices Manager’s report… Brendan Egan, Castlerea Mart “Larger numbers of stock presented for sale this week and trade remained strong with a good attendance of farmers and agents active for all categories of stock. “The forward store bullocks and heifers were a very lively trade while the quality weanlings continue to increase in price also. The cow trade remained firm this week while the calf ring reported a better trade this week with better quality lots on offer and increased demand evident. “Cows with calves at foot made from €1,200 to €1,510 per head. Springers made from €900 to €1,250 per head. “Sales continue at Castlerea Mart today (Thursday 28th) with our usual sale of bullocks, heifers, cows, calves, runners and weanlings. All sales commence at 11 am with three rings in operation”.

Bullocks Ch 490kgs €1245, Lm 475kgs €1165, Chx 445kgs €1150, Lmx 515kgs €1340, Lm 500kgs €1295, Lm 580kgs €1395, Lm 560kgs €1360, AA 640kgs €1385, Ch 635kgs €1425.

Heifers Chx 380kgs €975, Chx 425kgs €1070, Ch 370kgs €950, BBX 435kgs €1490, Ch 495kgs €1265, Lmx 430kgs €1170, Chx 740kgs €1580, Lmx 555kgs €1390, Chx 530kgs €1390.

Dry cows BBx 725kgs €1300, Ch 885kgs €1490,

Lm 790kgs €1380, Lm 695kgs €1485, Fr 490kgs €540.

Calves AA hfr €290, Si Bull €215, Lm hfr €295, Fr bull €60, AA bull €170, Hex hfr €150, Fr bull €80.

Weanling bulls Chx 275kgs €775, Chx 290kgs €765, Chx 320kgs €1060, Ch 385kgs €1055, Ch 355kgs €1040, Ch 410kgs €1045.

Weanling heifers Chx 290kgs €970, Chx 270kgs €835, Lmx 330kgs €1075, Ch 325kgs €1000, Lm 370kgs €950, Lm 295kgs €855.

Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

Business

FarmingPeople

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

Bullocks, Heifers and Dry Cows Every Friday at 11 a.m. ------------------------------------

Tomorrow Friday, March 1st at 11 a.m.

Special Springtime Sale of Heifers - 50 pens on offer Also Bullocks & Dry Cows ------------------------------------

Springtime Special Sale of Bullocks Friday, March 8th at 11 a.m. Also Heifers & Dry Cows Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on this Thursday, February 28th ------------------------------------

Mid-March Special Sale of Heifers Friday, March 15th at 11 a.m. Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 7th

Also Bullocks & Dry Cows ------------------------------------

Springtime Show & Sale of Weanlings

Brexit threat to beef industry a ‘huge concern’ Fianna Fáil TD Eugene Murphy has said that he is very concerned that the Irish beef industry could be decimated in a No Deal Brexit. Deputy Murphy made his comments on foot of reports that the UK plan to open their market to South American beef in the event of a No Deal Brexit. Deputy Murphy said: “The UK is Ireland’s largest export destination for agri-food products with exports valued at €5.2 billion in 2017. Our beef industry in particular is hugely reliant on the UK market and 48% of all our beef exports went to the UK in 2017. If in the event of a No Deal Brexit, the UK opens its doors to South American beef this

would be nothing short of a catastrophe for our beef industry and would have a devastating effect on farmers the length and breadth of this country. “There are just over 30 days until the UK is scheduled to leave the EU and at this juncture the risk of a No Neal Brexit is a very real possibility. If this comes to pass and Irish beef is forced to compete in the UK market against cheaper imports from other countries, thousands of jobs will be lost. “Every effort must be made to safeguard this industry and the hundreds of thousands of people employed in it, both directly and indirectly. The Government therefore must ensure that sufficient con-

Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on this Thursday, February 28th

Also Suckler Cows ------------------------------------

Tuesday, March 5th at 6 p.m.

Special Entry of 6 Excellent Quality Char & Lim Springer Cows in calf to P.B. Lim Bull due March onwards ------------------------------------

Saturday, March 9th at 12 Noon

Organic Sale- Cattle & Sheep Bookings through the Mart office up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, February 28th ------------------------------------

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

Wednesday, March 6th at 11 a.m.

Special Entry of 60 Excellent Quality Breeding Ewes 2nd Crop -Suffolk X and Texel X Scanned in lamb to Suffolk Rams due end of March onwards ------------------------------------

Sheep Scanning Service Weekly (9 a.m. to 10 a.m.)

ENQUIRIES 090 6626352 Find us on facebook

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

Aengus Oates Financial Services Plan your future today

Tel. (090) 6627878. Mobile (086) 2573358 info@oates.ie • www.oatesfinancialservices.ie

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

Fianna Fáil TD Eugene Murphy

tingency plans, including a financial aid package, are in place to insulate our beef and agri-food industry in as much as feasibly possible from the fall out of Brexit,” concluded Deputy Murphy.

Beef grading machines shut down on unannounced inspections – Naughten

Tuesday, March 5th at 5 p.m. Class 1: Best Male born in 2018 Class 2: Best Female born in 2018 Born in exhibitors own herd

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

In the last two years Department of Agriculture inspectors found 21 beef grading machines to be working outside the rules set out for their operation and not providing accurate grading of animals, Denis Naughten TD has disclosed following a Dáil reply. “In 2018, following unannounced inspections, eight grading machines were found to be working outside of the allowed tolerance and manual grading of carcasses was immediately introduced in all cases. The figures for 2017 show that 13 machines were found to be working outside the specified tolerance,” stated Denis Naughten. “These figures will add to farmer concerns regarding the accuracy of the grading machines… with the development of technology it should now be possible for farmers to be supplied with a digitised image of the carcass of each animal on the day of slaughter,” concluded Denis Naughten.

‘Roscommon’s favourite local broadband provider’

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 01 March 2019

PropertyPeople

Excellent house at Abbeyville! PSRA Licence No: 001238

NEW TO THE MARKET Racecourse Road, Roscommon Town F42 N264 4 Bedroom bungalow residence situated on a large site area holding obvious development potential subject to Planning Permission. Located on the Main N60 route adjacent to Roscommon Town with all mains services on site, this residence comprises:- entrance hallway, sitting room, Kitchen/dining room, utility, bathroom, 4 bedrooms one with WHB and toilet and large storeroom. Outside, 2 large detached garages with large site area and dual access. This property holds obvious potential and the auctioneers invites expressions of interest. Price Region: €190,000 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Currently on the books of Oates Auctiooneers is this excellent house at 1, Abbeyville, Roscommon. Situated in the exclusive Abbeyville Housing Development in Roscommon town, this house is positioned beside the entrance to the estate on a large garden area with enclosed walls. It is also adjacent to Roscommon town centre and all its amenities and an easy commute to the more business orientated/ industrial towns. This is an excellent house for all individuals due to its tastefully designed décor internally and cobble stone paving and curbing to the front garden together with landscaped gardens to the front and rear. This is a top quality four-bedroomed residence built to an extremely high standard and presented for sale in excellent condition by its owners. Accommodation includes: Solid kitchen with marble worktop, sitting room with solid flooring, living room with solid flooring, downstairs bathroom, four bedrooms (master ensuite), family bathroom and patio to the rear.

Final offers invited for prime property

NEW TO THE MARKET The Grove, Kilteevan, Co. Roscommon We are delighted to present to the market this cut stone 2 bedroom cottage style house set on a site of c. 0.9 acre. The cottage is in need of renovation inside with potential to extend. This property offers any buyer a blank canvas to design and construct the home of their dreams. Price Region: Open to Offers ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NEW TO THE MARKET SITE at Rinnegan, Lecarrow, Co. Roscommon Prime site with full planning permission located in a quiet rural location with excellent views over Lough Ree. Planning permission is granted for a 4 bedroom dormer residence PD 14/3037 with no occupancy clause. Price Region: €49,500 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NEW TO THE MARKET Sycamore Lodge, Moyvannion, Kiltoom, Athlone, Co. Roscommon N37 X393 This impressive 3-bedroom house is situated on c. ¾ acre of landscaped gardens with mature shrubbery and overlooking Lough Ree on the Shannon. Ideally located within a short distance of schools, church and community centre and just a short drive from Hodson Bay and Athlone town centre, this property is a must see. Accommodation comprises of entrance hall, Kitchen/Diner, Utility with WC off, Dining Room, Sitting Room, 3 bedrooms and family Bathroom. Price Region: €350,000 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FOR SALE Derrane, Roxboro, Co. Roscommon F42 EV99 This unique 3 bedroom property is located 2 miles from Roscommon Town in a sought after residential area. The house comprises entrance hallway, sitting room, kitchen/dining room utility along with 3 bedrooms and a family bathroom. The property is well presented with a dual central heating system and tastefully decorated throughout. The grounds extend c. 1 acre and the gardens are majestic. The property has won various national awards, and comprises numerous individual walks and gardens together with traditional out houses. It is seldom that a property of this calibre comes to the market and the auctioneer invites viewings. Price Region: €130,000

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

The Manse, Northgate Street, Athlone, CO. WESTMEATH TEL: 090 6477500 FAX: 090 6477546 E-mail athlone@oates.ie Website: www.oates.ie

Contact Oates Auctioneers (Roscommon) Ltd., Church Street, Roscommon town, Co. Roscommon. Tel: 0906627878. Email: info@oates.ie/website: www.oates.ie Price region: €250,000. .

London and New York exhibitions for Earley’s 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. 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 exhibition, contact either John Earley (FIPAV) or David Diffley (MIPAV, TRV) of Property Partners Earley, Stone Court, The Square, Roscommon on 090-6626579, email jearley@propertypartners.ie, or log on to www.propertypartners.ie.

Hughes & Company, Abbey Street, Roscommon are confirming that they are now accepting final offers on a large commercial building located at Castle Street, Roscommon. The property was formerly a well-known fashion shop – ‘Mirabelle’ – and has created a lot of interest over the last number of months. Pat is now confirming that they are at an advanced stage of negotiations and final offers are now invited. Pat is hopeful of concluding the sale in early March. For further information or to make an appointment to view, contact the office on 090-6627003 or email info@ pathughesauctioneers.com

Michael O’ Rourke ~ AUCTIONEER & VALUER ~ • Creggs, Roscommon • Phone: (090) 66 21125 (087) 2242329 • Email: michaelroarke@eircom.net PSRA No.: 003996 NEW TO THE MARKET & FIRST TIME LETTING LAND TO LET Cattle to 1st November 2019/Sheep to 1st February 2020 • Circa 20 acres at Creenmully, Castlecoote • Circa 8.34 acres at Muff, Castlecoote All land excellent quality and in excellent condition

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NEW TO THE MARKET LAND TO LEASE FOR SHEEP ONLY • Circa 7.75 acres at Moat, Creggs. Well fenced and new grass. • Circa 14 acres at Keelogues, Creggs. Well fenced and new grass.

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NEW TO THE MARKET LAND TO LEASE FOR SHEEP ONLY • Circa 21 acres at Toberavaddy, Athleague • Circa 9 acres at Lisnatea, Athleague. Well fenced for sheep and new Entitlements.

FINAL OFFERS NOW INVITED

“Les Petites Tartres” A once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire thriving coffee shop & Restaurant Business. “Les Petites Tartres” is a renowned Coffee shop and Restaurant Business at Main Street, Athleague. Considered an exceptional opportunity offering a “ready to go” business that boasts many years of successful trading within its colourful cosy and relaxed atmosphere. Being sold as a going concern with the benefit of a long leasehold interest and certified accounts acknowledging substantial turnover figures. Final Offers are now invited. Contact REA Seamus Carthy Roscommon Town 090 6630001 or contact Seamus Carthy directly on (086) 8035538.

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

Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

PropertyPeople

FINAL OFFERS are now been accepted for a large commercial building known formerly as Mirabelle at

CASTLE STREET, ROSCOMMON Consisting of 2 Commercial Units, a range of Stone Stores, and the benefit of a large yard with direct access onto Lanesboro Street and Castle Street. The Property also contains living accommodations comprising of 5 Bedrooms, Kitchen Cum Dining Room, Sitting Room, Living Room and a bathroom. The property has excellent development potential subject to planning permission being granted. The property Is located in a prominent location and is in excellent condition with extensive road frontage onto Castle Street. For further details contact the office on 090 6627003 or e-mail info@pathughesauctioneers.com LEGAL: AILEEN GIBLIN, SOLICITOR, JACK DUNCAN & CO. SOLICITORS, THE SQUARE, BALLINASLOE, CO. GALWAY. TEL: 090 9646744 ___________________________________________________

ERS F F O L FINA

FOR SALE Circa 28 acres of top-quality land contained in three lots located at COOLEGARRY, CURRAGHBOY, CO. ROSCOMMON The lands can be sold in a number of different lots if required. All of the lands are of top quality and located less than 2 miles from the village of Curraghboy in a nice rural setting. For further details contact the office on 090 6627003 or e-mail info@pathughesauctioneers.com ___________________________________________________

FINAL OFFERS Are now been accepted for sale of circa 10 acres of Agricultural Land at

BEECHWOOD, KILTEEVAN The lands are located only 3 miles from Roscommon Town on the main Lanesboro to Roscommon Road. The lands have the benefit of frontage onto two roads. Pat is accepting every offer in excess of €50,000 for these lands. For further details contact the office on 09066 27003 or e-mail info@pathughesauctioneers.com

FINAL OFFERS

___________________________________________________

TO LEASE – 5 Year Lease Circa 30 acres to lease at CARNINTLEVA, FOUR ROADS, ROSCOMMON The Lands can be let in one or two lots. The lands will be leased for 5 years and come with the benefit of a 3 Bay Slatted Shed. All of the lands are of top quality, well fenced and with mains water supply • LOT 1 – CIRCA 19 ACRES • LOT 2 – CIRCA 11 ACREs with the benefit of a 3 bay slatted shed. Circa 35 acres to lease at BUSHYPARK, MOUNT TALBOT, ROSCOMMON 1st Letting. All of the lands are of top quality and are located in one block and are located a short distance from Athleague Village. For further details contact the office on 09066 27003 or e-mail info@pathughesauctioneers.com Circa 22 Acres at DOUGHILL, CURRAGHROE On a 5 year lease. 1st Letting.

LANDS TO LET Circa 35 acres to let___________________________________________________ convenient to BALLINTUBBER, CO. ROSCOMMON 11 month

FINAL OFFERS are now being accepted on a 3-bedroomed Town House located at ABBEY STREET, ROSCOMMON

Five-bedroomed residence at The Spinney At the Spinney, Roscommon Hughes & Company have for sale a large fivebedroomed detached residence. Accommodation consists of (downstairs) a sitting room, dining room, kitchen, utility, toilet with WHB and a downstairs bedroom. Upstairs are four bedrooms with one ensuite and a bathroom. The residence has a nice private garden to the rear and is located within walking distance of all local amenities. For further information or to make an appointment to view, contact the office on 090-6627003 or email info@ pathughesauctioneers.com

Keen interest in old primary school Pat Hughes & Company are offering for sale the old primary school in Curraghroe. While the school has not been in use for almost 20 years it has been well maintained and can easily be converted into residential accommodation, subject to planning permission being granted. Accommodation consist of two large classrooms, cloakrooms, boys & girls toilets and a staff room. The property stands on a circa one-acre site and located approximately two miles from Lanesboro on the main Lanesboro to Scramogue Road. The property is generating a large amount of enquiries from all over the country and abroad. Pat is encouraging people with an interest in this property to contact him immediately. For further information contact the office on 0906627003 or email info@pathughesauctioneers.com

A PRIME 2 B/R BUNGALOW RESIDENCE A most attractive 2 B/R residence of approx. 920 sq.ft located in a peaceful countryside setting and standing on a large site area of approx. 0.89 of an acre. The said property is in need of a complete renovation throughout and would make a rewarding project due to size and location. The auctioneers now invite immediate viewings and all offers to sell. Legal: Marie Conroy, Messers Mahon Sweeney & Co, Roscommon. 090 66 26102.

Price Guide: €35,000. SKEHARD, CREGGS, CO. GALWAY.

A LUXURY 4 B/R DETACHED DORMER STYLE RESIDENCE OF APPROX. 2,540 SQ.FT A most impressive 4 B/R detached dormer style residence standing on a wonderfully mature site area with the benefit of a large detached garage and open shed standing to the side. The property was built approx 18 years ago. The said property is finished to the highest of standards throughout and is located in a select residential district close to Creggs village in a picturesque setting. A property holding unlimited potential for development for B&B purposes due size and location. Altogether, this is a quality family home that must be viewed to be fully appreciated and all offers after €175,000 are invited for immediate sale.

All offers after €175,000 to sell. CARRIGEEN, KILGLASS, CO. ROSCOMMON.

A BEAUTIFULLY PRESENTED 3 B/R DORMER STYLE RESIDENCE OF APPROX. 2,000 SQ.FT A highly impressive dormer style residence located in a most select and scenic countryside location. The said property is finished to the highest of standards throughout and stands on substantial and beautifully mature site area of c. 1.78 acres. The surrounding area is a haven for fishing and water sports with many of the regions most popular lakes and mooring facilities within a short drive from the said property. Altogether, this is a property that must be viewed to be fully appreciated and the auctioneers now invite immediate viewings and all offers to sell. Legal: Messers Callan Tansey & Co, Crescent House, Boyle, Co. Roscommon. 071 96 62019.

Price Guide: €215,000 LANDS TO LET • Approx. 55 acres located at Scrine, Rahara for one or more terms. Final offers invited. • Approx. 4.5 acres, Castlerea area until the 1st January 2020. • Approx. 9.5 acres at Kilroosky from now until the 1st November 2019.

The residence has been vacant for a number of years and is in need of total modernisation. The residence is situated in one of Roscommon’s most sought-after areas. Final Offers are now being accepted with the view to concluding the sale in the coming weeks. For further details or to make an appointment to view contact the office on 090 6627003 or e-mail info@ pathughesauctioneers.com LEGAL: MR. RODDY MCCRANN, SOLICITOR, THOMAS V. MCCRANN SOLICITORS, CHURCH STREET, ROSCOMMON.

BALLAGHDUFF, KILKERRIN, CO. GALWAY

Good quality lands in Curraghboy area Pat Hughes is reporting that Hughes & Company have had a lot of enquiries on circa 28 acres of lands which they recently placed on the market at Coolegarry, Curraghboy The lands are located in three lots and can be sold separately if required. All of the lands are of good quality and situated in a renowned farming area. For further information contact the office on 090-6627003 or email info@ pathughesauctioneers.com

EARLEY

NE W M TO AR T KE HE T

No. 1 Abbey St., Roscommon. Tel. 090 66 27003. Fax. 090 66 26296 EMAIL: info@pathughesauctioneers.com • Web: www.pathughesauctioneers.com

PROPERTY PARTNERS

F SA OR LE

Auctioneers & Valuers PRSA no. 001090

Property Partners Earley, Roscommon are this week seeking houses in all area of Roscommon town for cash clients and disappointed underbidders. John Earley (FIPAV commented: “We have experienced a very busy period of house sales over the past number of weeks with a large volume of residential properties being sold or sale agreed. “As a result, we are particularly seeking detached houses and bungalow residences”. For further details or to arrange a consultation, please contact either John Earley (FIPAV) or David Diffley (MIPAV, TRV) of Property Partners Earley, Roscommon on 090-6626579 or email jearley@propertypartners.ie.

C A DU NC E T ELL O ATI ON

Properties required!

The old primary school in Curraghroe

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

Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

PropertyPeople

New to the market in Lanesboro Located on the Longford side of Lanesboro is this threebedroomed semi-detached house. It’s on the books of Ivan Connaughton Auctioneers. No. 54, Cnoc na Gao-

No. 54, Cnoc na Gaoithe

ithe is offered for sale in excellent condition throughout. Within walking distance of the town and all amenities, this property is an ideal starter home or investment property. Accommodation includes on the ground floor, reception hallway with wooden flooring, guest wc under the stairs. The sitting room is overlooking front garden with an open fireplace with cast-iron surround. On the first floor there are three bedrooms with master bedroom ensuite, main bathroom and airing cupboard off landing. The driveway to the front of this property is cobble locked with a good-sized garden to the rear. For further information and to arrange an appointment to view, contact the office on 090-6663700 or info@connaughtonauctioneers.ie Weekend, evening and bank holiday viewings available by appointment.

Attractive cottage in Strokestown Newly arrived to the market in the popular town of Strokestown, Co. Roscommon is this very attractive two-bedroomed cottage. Rose Cottage is in excellent condition throughout and has the benefit of a large site of circa 1.43 acres of excellent quality lands with stable to the rear of the property. It’s on the books of Ivan Connaughton Auctioneers. This property is within walking distance of all amenities on offer in the much sought-after area of Strokestown such as shops, Church, hotel, etc. Accommodation includes

Rose Cottage, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon

reception hallway, large sitting/living room with solid fuel stove, kitchen/ dining room, two large bedrooms (one ensuite) and main bathroom.

The rear gardens are accessed by a gated driveway. There is ample parking to the rear. Viewing is highly recommended and

strictly by appointment and can be organised by contacting the office on 090-66637300 or info@ connaughtonauctioneers. ie

PSRA Licence No. 001350

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

Paddy Finn’s Bar available at Earley’s David Diffley (MIPAV, TRV) of Property Partners Earley is this week offering a renowned and established 7-day licence premises known as Paddy Finn’s Bar, Kilteevan Village, Co. Roscommon. David describes the property as “a highly attractive residential 7-day licenced premises” located in the heart of Kilteevan village, beside Roscommon town and adjacent to the local church and community centre. This character and established property offers a superior standard of fit-out with luxury threebedroomed residential accommodation on the 1st floor.

‘Paddy Finn’s’ is a renowned hub for all local functions and holds excellent potential to further develop and enhance its existing trade. Offering a turnkey opportunity to the would-be purchaser, this is a once is a lifetime chance to acquire one of the region’s best known trading houses. For further details or to arrange a viewing, please contact David Diffley (MIPAV, TRV) of Property Partners Earley, Roscommon on 090-6626579, email ddiffley@propertypartners.ie or log on to www.propertypartners.ie.

LANDS FOR LEASE c. 31.6 Acres @ BRACKLIN, DONAMON • Being leased for 5 years • With entitlements • Sheep only ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

c.11.6 Acres @ MOUNT TALBOT ●

Property Sales Lettings Valuations ●

●

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

www.connaughtonauctioneers.ie

NEW TO THE MARKET Residence on c. 38.15 Acres at

Shanballylosky & Coolatober, Ballyforan/Dysart, Co. Roscommon • Lot 1: Residence on c. 0.85 Acres • Lot 2: c. 13.81 Acres • Lot 3: c. 5.85 Acres • Lot 4: c. 8.82 Acres (Ballyforan Side) • Lot 5: c. 8.82 Acres (Feevagh Side) • Lot 6: Overall Property – Residence on c. 38.15 Acres The auctioneer invites enquiries and offers for immediate sale. For further details or to arrange a viewing contact the office on 090-6663700 Viewings at evenings, weekends and Bank Holidays also accommodated

• Being let until 1st February 2020 • No Entitlements • Sheep & Cattle Only ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

c.32 Acres @ KILCAR, CURRAGHBOY • Being let for until 1st February 2020 • No entitlements • Sheep & Cattle Only ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

c. 83.5 Acres at ATHLEAGUE, CO. ROSCOMMON • Being let until 1st February 2020 • No entitlements • Sheep & Cattle Only For further details on all lands, contact the office on 090-6663700

Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

Business

Supporting local SMEs

Local Enterprise Week 2019 04 - 08 March â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Book your place today at localenterprise.ie

Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

Business People

FRANCES’ Finishing Touches

Supporting Paul Healy Editor, Roscommon People

Extensive range of fabrics, poles, rails and accessories

* Curtains (Ready Made and Custom Made)

Today the Roscommon People publishes a special 32-page pull-out Business Supplement…highlighting the key role of SMEs in the local economy, and timed to coincide with Local Enterprise Week in Roscommon (and

* Haberdashery * Arts and Crafts * Oil Cloth * Blinds

* Net Curtains * Bedding * Wool and Accessories and much more * Leatherette T H E S Q U A R E, R O S CO M M O N Telephone: 090 6626270 Mobile: 087 6500931 Email: francesfinishingtoughces@gmail.com

nationally) which kicks off on Monday. We hope that our massive readership will enjoy browsing through the interviews, articles and profiles in this supplement, all of which serve to highlight the great entrepreneurship within our community.

Knockcroghery focus Page 10

See inside ... Focus on LEO Pages 4-7

Elphin focus Page 21

Artistic endeavour Pages 16-17

Destination: Roscommon Pages 28-29

DON’T FORGET

MOTHER’S DAY 31st MARCH

Our March Offers SKIN NEEDLING OR PRP 3 FOR 2—with option to combine or mix and match

PearlWest Aesthetics Dr. Darren Kilmartin, from PearlWest Aesthetics is joining Eden Skin & Laser Clinic, providing: Anti Wrinkle Injections • Tear Trough Correction Nose Sculpting • Jawline Contouring

FREE DERMALUX With every AlumierMD Essentials Kit

LASER HAIR REMOVAL Any 2 areas of the face €300

ENDYMED Buy a course & receive an extra FREE treatment

RosMed Centre, Golf Links Road, Roscommon. +353 (0)90 6625904 • info@edenskinandlaser.ie • edenskinandlaser.ie

EDEN Skin & Laser Clinic Our clinic continues to provide: Lip Augmentation • Cheek Enhancement Profhilo • Marionette & Nasolabia Filling PRP • Mesotherapy

Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

Business People

local SMEs We also focus on the challenges facing rural towns and villages, with a special spotlight on Elphin and Knockcroghery. We’ve enjoyed compiling this supplement, a publication which we hope goes some way towards highlighting the industry, creativity, courage and work ethic of local SMEs.

Castle St., Roscommon. Tel.: (090) 66 26041.

We’re encouraging our readers to continue to support local businesses – and, as a locally owned small business ourselves, the Roscommon People pledges to continue to positively promote the local community at every opportunity. Finally, we wish Roscommon LEO Week every success! th

Email: info@skincarehairspa.com • Web: www.skincarehairspa.com

Jennifer Campbell Jennifer, OUR NEW HAIR STYLIST IS NOW HERE Jennifer is highly trained in all all aspects of cutting, with several years of training at Hugh Campbell Hair Group in Limerick.

Dr. Tom McConnell, M.B., B.A.O., B.Ch., M.I.C.G.P Member of the British Association of Cosmetic Doctors Belotero • Restylane • Botulinum About Dr. Tom McConnell Ireland’s most sought after cosmetic doctor. 12th year attending The Skincare Spa. He prescribes the most advanced treatments in aesthetic medicine, and offers gold standard treatment for fine lines, wrinkles, frown lines, crow’s feet, acne, hyperhidrosis (excess sweating), and more.

Next appointment date

Dr. McConnell’s NEXT CLINIC

She will be available on Wednesdays, so make an appointment for a free consultation or reserve your booking in advance with a call to The Hair Spa on 090 66 26041!

Local Enterprise Week – March 4 to 8 Local Enterprise Week is organised every year by the 31 Local Enterprise Offices across the country. If you want to plan, start or grow your own business in 2019, get involved in Local Enterprise Week! Together, we can make it happen. 2019 sees the biggest Local Enterprise Week yet, with over 300 events taking place nationwide. LEO Roscommon has been instrumental in organising 15 events throughout the week, including Business

Your Anti-Wrinkle Specialist

Ensure you have your appointment booked with a call to The Skincare Spa on 090 66 26041 now.

Full Body Exfoliation + Luxury Pedicure for €85.00

and Brexit One-to-One Mentor Clinics, Start Your Own Business Training, an IP Presentation from the Irish Patents Office, How to use Revenue Online Services (ROS), LEO Supports & Microfinance Seminar, Food Hygiene – HACCP – Level 4 Training, Trading Online Voucher Seminar, a Regional Event – Angel Investing in High Potential Enterprises, is it for you, etc. A full calendar of events is available through www. localenterprise.ie/roscommon.. localenterprise.ie/roscommon

on Wednesday, 10th April

Now open late on Friday evenings until 8.00pm

Enjoy some great local offers at

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6A5SH W

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2ltr/89c per ltr

4.225kg/€2.24 per kg

PAMPERS Baby Dry Jumbo + Nappies Range 62-72pk See instore for details

Offers available in participating stores 28.2.19 to 20.3.19 or while stocks last unless otherwise stated.

Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

Business People

LEO Roscommon created 80 jobs last year igures announced by two Government Ministers – Heather Humphreys (Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation) and Pat Breen (Minister for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection) – indicate that 80 jobs were created by Local Enterprise Office Roscommon supported companies last year. This is an increase of 10% since 2017. Nationally, this is the fifth year of employment growth for Local Enterprise Offices, with 3,656 net jobs created nationwide in 2018. The Local Enterprise Offices now support over 36,000 jobs in 7,000 LEO client companies all over Ireland. Since the LEOs were established in 2014, their clients have created over 18,000 jobs in small businesses across the country. The Local Enterprise Offices also approved €18.2m worth of financial assistance to 1,259 projects. In 2018 the Local Enterprise Offices worked successfully with 171 of their client companies to help them transfer to Enterprise Ireland along with 796 associated jobs. This was up from 60 companies making the transition in 2017.

Minister Humphreys said: “The Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) are a hugely important part of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in this country. They do Trojan work in every county right across the country and these 2018 jobs figures highlight the significant contribution they make to the economy as a whole. “Not only are they helping small businesses to plan, start and grow, but they are also working closely with their 7,164 client companies to minimise their Brexit exposure. The LEOs will continue to play a key role in 2019 and beyond, ensuring that every small business has access to the support it needs. I was delighted to allocate them an additional €5m in Budget 2019 to further support their invaluable work on the ground”. * The 31 Local Enterprise Offices nationwide, an initiative of the Government of Ireland, are operated in partnership with Enterprise Ireland and the Local Authorities. They provide expert training, mentoring and financial assistance to entrepreneurs and small businesses who may want to start, develop or grow their company.

NEW FRONTIERS IRELAND’S NATIONAL ENTREPRENEUR DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

THINKING OF STARTING A NEW BUSINESS? NEW FRONTIERS IS RECRUITING INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE AN INNOVATIVE IDEA FOR A NEW BUSINESS. NEW FRONTIERS PROVIDES: • TRAINING AND ADVICE ON SETTING UP A BUSINESS • OFFICE SPACE AND FACILITIES • MENTORING FROM EXPERIENCED ENTREPRENEURS • NETWORKING WITH POTENTIAL INVESTORS • PEER-GROUP LEARNING • €15,000 IN FINANCIAL SUPPORT DELIVERED IN YOUR AREA BY GALWAY MAYO INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. FOR DETAILS SEE: WWW.GMIT.IE/NEWFRONTIERS

Louise’s delight Louise Ward, Head of Enterprise said: “These figures highlight the important role that Local Enterprise Office Roscommon is playing in creating jobs and sustaining small businesses in the region. “The LEOs are the first engagement any entrepreneur or small business owner should have when they want to develop or grow their idea or company. Every day Local Enterprise Offices help small businesses to get off the ground, overcome challenges, hire new staff, fund innovation, prepare for Brexit and plan for the future. “The range of supports on offer from the Local Enterprise Office will help anyone seeking to start or grow a small business through highly practical services such as professional business and management training, mentoring, networking opportunities, finance and much more”.

Preparing for… Brexit The Local Enterprise Offices have played a key role in preparing small businesses in Ireland for Brexit. This includes Brexit Mentoring, Technical Assistance for Micro Exporting grants for small businesses looking to diversify into new markets, the Brexit SME Scorecard, the Trading Online Voucher Scheme for those selling online internationally and LEAN for Micro enabling small companies to trade more effectively and competitively. The Local Enterprise Offices are also rolling out the Brexit Customs Training across the country, an initiative which will enable any small business to learn about the customs import and export procedures that will be required post-Brexit to ensure they can continue to trade effectively with a country outside the single market.

Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

Business People

Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

Business People

‘Scaled Rigs’ ready to roll into Europe  DAN DOONER

Scaled Rigs is the brainchild of Wayne Auchmuty from Carnagh East near Lecarrow in Co. Roscommon. The 32-year-old engineer is married to Diana and they have three children Lola (5), Darcie (2) and Kara (11 months). This is not Wayne’s first venture into business. He established his other company – Lakeside Engineering – in 2014, and at the moment he has one other engineer working for him, Offaly man Peter Brady. Scaled Rigs was set up in 2018 and as we sat in his quaint wooden workshop overlooking Lough Ree, Wayne pulled out an old Scania toy truck as he explained how his latest venture came to be. “When I was a child my father brought this home from Westward Scania in Strokestown. I was always mad to have a ride-on one

though. We had ride-on tractors and other toys but nothing like a ride-on truck and so this is something I’ve wanted to do since leaving college,” he said. Wayne clicked his laptop and a promotional video for Scaled Rigs began to play. It showed Wayne and his niece Abby putting on their boots as they made their way out to the yard. Wayne climbs into a full-size Scania truck while Abby fires up her realistic miniature version. It’s the stuff Wayne’s generation could only dream of and so it’s not surprising the orders have already flooded in. “We’re sold out of the first batch, 50 units have been purchased already so we now have to keep up with that demand”. The buyers are mostly from mainland Europe where Wayne sees huge potential for growth, particularly in places like The Netherlands, Germany and Belgium, where trucking is big business. There

has also been an order of twelve rigs for an amusement park in Kristiansand, Norway. So far it’s Scania trucks but Wayne said other leading manufacturers have already made contact. “Mercedes in Stuttgart asked us about making one of theirs. Vlastoon Bullnose have offered us the license to design a version for them and we already have the Scania license,” he said. Things are progressing nicely for the creative Carnagh man and he’s quick to thank the Local Enterprise Office in Roscommon. “We got the LEO grant to develop the first prototype, so 50% for the development of that. We also got grant money for the promotional video and that went fairly mad (with views and shares) when we put it up on Facebook. Enda Cannon in the LEO office was a great help to us. “This has been three years in the making and we knew there was a big market in

Wayne Auchmuty pictured with one of his Scaled Rigs at his business in Carnagh, Co. Roscommon. Pic: Mick McCormack

Europe and also the UK. We’ve also had enquiries from Australia, South America, Asia and Russia,

but for the moment we are focussed on Europe. “It’s a lifetime toy – we’re not talking about disposable

stuff here or a toy that works for a year. If it’s looked after then the next generation of the family could be using it”.

Lidan have designs on a bright future!  DAN DOONER

Lidan Designs was established in 2017 by Roscommon natives, Dan O’Brien and Liam Casey. From their headquarters on the Lanesborough Road, they specialise in the design, manufacture, and installation of premium sustainable wood-based structures. These structures satisfy the need for additional space in the form of home and commercial offices, living accommodation and leisure spaces such as home gyms, children’s playrooms, and art or music studios. Since its launch with the support of the Local Enterprise Office Roscommon, Lidan’s use of sustainable and natural materials, cutting-edge design and innovative manufacturing techniques has seen it grow to be become one of the region’s most exciting businesses. Speaking to the Roscommon People recently, co-founder Dan O’Brien offered

an insight into the services provided by Lidan. “We manufacture timber frame buildings that are BER A Rated, nZEB (Near Zero Energy Rated Buildings) compliant timber frame for the residential market, corporate and public sectors. Our clients include Castle Leslie Estate, OPW, Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown County Council,

Bus Éireann, SuperValu, and a host of private clients. We also appear at Bloom and Ideal Homes every year,” he said. Most of Lidan Designs’ work is on a referral basis and all of their material comes from Irish suppliers. “What’s different about these structures is that we can make and install these units

in a fraction of the time compared with the traditional block. “We are also fully sustainable in terms of materials and it’s all done in the west of Ireland. Our buildings will last a lifetime and are residential grade. We create sustainable and skilled jobs in Ireland and specifically outside large urban areas,” Dan added. Dan believes that more employees will be working remotely in the future, an idea that will be embraced by large companies and the public sector in the coming years. “Key to this is the need to separate the office from the home which will ensure working remotely will be successful from a worker’s point of view,” Dan said. Lidan Designs are members of the Master Guild of Craftsmen Ireland and the Construction Industry Federation. Lidan’s manufacturing facility is based in Roscommon, 100% Irish owned and supported by Roscommon LEO.

Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

Business People

IBYE win was great for Scott! The closing date for applications for Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur competition is March 15th. The competition is open to anyone aged 18-35 who has a business idea or is already running their own business. It’s run by the Local Enterprise Office Roscommon. This week we caught up with Scott Hunter of NCLS Crane & Lifting Services Ltd. based in Kilglass, Co. Roscommon who was overall winner of IBYE in 2018… Tell us about your business? NCLS Crane & Lifting Services Ltd. supply cranes, lifting personnel such as crane operators, slinger/signallers, crane supervisors and appointed persons, training, inspections, and BLOKCAM visual aid camera systems to the Construction, Pharma, Wind, Civil, and private industries in Ireland and the UK. Where did you hear about the IBYE competition? Through Andrea in our office. She spotted an advertisement for the competition and registered me for it. She obviously thought I would be a good candidate with a chance of winning…she was right! What made you enter the competition? Once Andrea told me about it, I was a bit sceptical at first, but then after looking into IBYE I thought it would definitely put our name out there, and it was free publicity. I also thought that if we did win, we could put the money to good use.

Scott Hunter of NCLS Crane & Lifting Services Ltd. with Eilis Mullooly, IBYE Co-ordinator for LEO Roscommon.

Was the competition how you expected it to be? The experience at bootcamp surprised me. I learnt a lot from the mentors, and from talking to other like-minded entrepreneurs – it gave me food for thought. This is where I developed our tagline: ‘Our name is known, our advice valued and our knowledge shared’.

How did you and your business benefit from being involved in IBYE? It gave us a lot of local promotion and advertisement, most of our business came from outside of the county, but it has definitely helped us improve our training division –companies that didn’t know we were there now most definitely do! Why should a young entrepreneur enter this competition? An entrepreneur has the drive to better themselves, follow their idea and their dreams as a whole. By entering IBYE this will help them to achieve their goals a bit quicker rather than doing it alone. Finally, what advice would you give to anyone thinking of entering? Go for it…if you’re thinking about it, just do it! Don’t think of what could have been, think what can be if you push yourself. As Arnold Schwarzenegger once said: “You can’t climb the ladder of success with your hands in your pockets”.

Calling all young entrepreneurs The closing date for applications for Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur competition is March 15th. The competition is open to anyone aged 1835 who has a business idea or is already running their own business. Encouraging young entrepreneurs from Roscommon to enter the competition, Louise Ward, Head of Enterprise, explained: “Now is the time for anyone aged 18-35 to log on to www.ibye.ie and enter Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur competition. It’s simple, it’s free and it takes about 15 minutes. If you have any problems with the application, my colleague Eilis Mullooly in the Local Enterprise Office is happy to help and can be reached on 090-66 26263. We have a €50,000 investment fund to share between the winners in Roscommon!”

Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

Business People MAIN ST, ROSCOMMON TELEPHONE: (090) 66 25117 Email: info@etlgifts.ie Web: www.etlgifts.ie

Alan Ardiff

Top award for Castlemine Farm From 5* hotels to B&Bs and from cafés to country houses, the winners of the 2019 Georgina Campbell Irish Breakfast Awards in association with Fáilte Ireland were announced last week. Roscommon’s Castlemine Farm won the overall award in the ‘Meats Category’ while Gleeson’s Townhouse received a Highly Commended accolade on the day (see page 27 of this supplement). Now in their third year, the Irish Breakfast Awards celebrate Ireland’s leading hospitality establishments and the people who strive to make the first meal of the day a particularly special experience for visitors and regulars alike. Georgina Campbell, Tracey Coughlan from Failte Ireland; Brendan Allen, Castlemine Farm and Celebrity Chef Neven Maguire. Photographer Paul Sherwood paul@sherwood.ie; www.sherwood.ie

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Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

Business People

The business of sport... with Club Rossie  DAN DOONER

Clara Hester is 23-years-old, from Roscommon town, and is currently studying for a Masters Degree in journalism in DCU. She is also part of the voluntary Club Rossie marketing team alongside David Leydon and Colm Beirne. Social media plays a huge part when it comes to promoting the group’s work as was evident during last year’s Win a House in Dublin campaign. Clara said proper use of the major social media platforms can also be extremely beneficial to local businesses. “Club Rossie has a really big following on all four major platforms. We have Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. We try to make it very community-based so we have a lot of interaction with people with feedback from games. It’s really immersive compared with the official Roscommon GAA platforms which tend to focus on information about games. “We actively promote our business members as part of the business package. Members will get a promotional post and we will promote any offers you have on. When a team comes to Roscommon we’ll have tweets saying ‘check out this business if you want to eat’ for example. It’s good promotion and shows that we appreciate their support,” she said. Content is king of course and Club Rossie’s social media coverage is constantly being tweaked in order to provide an immersive match-day experience for Roscommon supporters all over the world. “In the past year we’ve tried to up the amount of content from matches but because it is a volunteer organisation you don’t get to every game. “A lot of our followers are abroad and they write to us asking about attendance, what the atmosphere is like, and who’s playing and so on. There are three of us on the marketing committee (Clara, David Ley-

don and Colm Beirne) but this year we are hoping to add two more, Eugene Pettit from Clann na nGael and Aileen Dowd from Roscommon Gaels. “Video is important because attention spans have declined and when people see a big load of text they just aren’t going to read it. It’s all about that immediate reaction too when players are coming off the pitch. It just adds a bit of personality and atmosphere to the coverage. “That’s the thing about social media, it’s very instantaneous, and so you don’t have to wait to watch The Sunday Game any more!” Clara was thrown in at the deep end last year when asked to interview players post-match. She made her debut following the National Football League Division Two win over Clare last year, interviewing Tadgh O’Rourke! Off the field, more and more local businesses are using social media to get their message across and Clara said the Club Rossie business members receive great support in this regard. “Social media is a relatively new thing and a lot of busi-

“

nesses are still trying to get their heads around it in a way. I think they can underestimate the power of it. When we have visiting teams coming to town it is a huge thing for businesses to be able to put their message out there and let people know they’re there. “It’s an attraction for them to become a business member because they have that to fall back on. They might not have a social media manager or they may not know how to get that message out there in the right way in terms of tagging or timing of social media posts,” she said. The use of social media presents its own challenges however, but Clara believes that it’s all about consistency. “The challenge for us is to keep the message the same across all our platforms. There’s a danger the message can become muddled so our aim is create a real clean-cut output with everyone promoting the same thing. “The team is super with Dave who is a head of business and Colm Beirne who was PRO for Roscommon GAA for a number of years. They really know their stuff and they’ve taken me under their wing,” she said.

Louise’s

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1 Slieve Ban View, The Walk, Roscommon

That’s the thing about social media, it’s very instantaneous, and so you don’t have to wait to watch The Sunday Game any more!

Clara’s social media tips “Keyboard warriors are out there in force so always fact-check everything and make sure it’s 100% right because once it’s up there you will have messages coming in telling you it’s not right! “For a brand, you want to make sure your message is clear and you know what your message is and who you’re targeting. If you’re targeting my age group you’re not going to be saying the same thing you would to older generations.

Club Rossie’s Clara Hester pictured at Kingspan Breffni during the Allianz NFL Division One match between Roscommon and Cavan last Sunday. Pic: Mick McCormack

Know who your audience is and what they want to know. There are advantages and disadvantages to every platform. LinkedIn works well for our business members for Club Rossie. The messaging language you use on LinkedIn is going to be very different from the language you use on Instagram. “Your ‘look’ should be the same across all platforms and the Win a House in Dublin campaign is an example of that”.

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Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

Business People OUR PLACE, OUR FUTURE: Knockcroghery

What are the challenges facing Roscommon’s towns and villages? DAN DOONER got the opinions of some locals in Knockcroghery

‘Plenty of positives… but we need jobs and a bus service!’ they’re 16 or 17. It’s important therefore that we build structures that are able to cater for all of that and we’re lucky enough that we have recently purchased land adjacent to our grounds here and we’ve also established a new gym in Lecarrow. “We’re very lucky with the sponsorship we receive and that the local community and surrounds support our 50/50 lotto. There is strong support for the club from the surrounding parishes and it’s greatly appreciated. “In terms of the future, the big thing is always going to be the amount of jobs in the area. The more jobs…the more people are going to come and live in the parish. The more people living in the parish, the more people involved in our schools and involved in the club”.

P. Walsh, owner of The Claypipe Bar

“

Business is difficult because in the rural pub business it’s all down to drink-driving laws. I see the Junior Minister for Health Jim Daly came out with an idea for an ‘Uber’ type service called a ‘Ruxi’ (rural taxi). It would be available in rural areas where there is no public transport service. “There is no bus service and there is a very, very limited taxi service here. Remember a taxi driver might drive six miles to collect a customer and if he has to then drive three miles out the road, to make a wage he’ll have to charge at least a tenner. “A ‘Ruxi’ service where the insurance wouldn’t be as high and it could be a part-time job for somebody would mean that people could be sure of getting home from the pub. Because that’s the main issue: people worry about getting home at night. “We’re not too far from Roscommon town and Athlone town but you don’t have to go very far off the main road to be in very rural Ireland. People living in these areas might not see one person from one day to the next so just to get out for an hour or two is a big thing”.

Ethel Kelly, The Claypipe Visitor Centre

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Mary Dolan, Knockcroghery postmistress

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We need a community bus service. I see some of my customers being dropped down to collect their pensions or to do their business and they may meet a neighbour and have a chat for an hour. They’ll sit on the wall outside if the weather is good or stand in here if it’s raining. A bus service would allow them to socialise more often, which would only be good for mental health and in preventing loneliness. “We also need something to slow the traffic down as it comes through the village because I know some older customers are afraid to cross the road at times. “Since the local filling station closed, business has been taken out of the village and into the bigger towns. It also means that people living here must travel further for fuel and even bread and milk or a newspaper. So we need to see a shop and filling station reopened in the village. “Still, there plenty of positives here. It’s a thriving area in terms of the young people living in the surrounding areas. St. Dominic’s GAA Club is fantastic because it caters for all with sports and culture. “Ethel Kelly (The Claypipe Centre) has a thriving business that has put the village on the map all over the world too…but it would be nice to have something to keep them here a little bit longer. We had a café a while ago and it would be nice to get something like that back”.

P. Walsh, owner of The Claypipe Bar, Knockcroghery. Picture: Mick McCormack.

work of our volunteers from the community who all play a big, big part in the running of the club. “There are people who have moved into this area from all over the country on account of jobs in larger towns like Athlone and Galway

Eddie Fallon, St. Dominic’s GAA Club Chairperson

“

The club caters for people of all ages in the three surrounding parishes, from U-6s right up to adult level. We offer football, hurling and camogie as well as a very successful Scór section. We also have a thriving social initiative and host an annual BBQ and kids’ summer camp each year. “From February onwards, every evening there’s something going on here. That’s down to the

The village of Knockcroghery. Picture: Mick McCormack.

and that has led to a larger number of kids coming down here on a Saturday morning or at weekends. So it all looks well for the club because if you don’t have kids coming in at underage you’re not going to have them when

Business is good. We have a craft business here and so we do a lot on the Internet. We supply shops around Ireland and we export to the US, which is a big market for us. We make a range of different things; we do ‘Ogham Wishes’, which is ancient Irish writing, we do ‘Bog Buddies’ (art and crafts made from turf) and obviously we’re the home of the claypipe here. In the summer we’d be a lot busier in the shop because we’d have tourists coming in to see how the pipes are made and purchasing souvenirs. We also get a lot of local custom too. “In terms of the village, it’s a huge blow to have the shop and the garage gone. Luckily we have retained our post office. “I think (commercial property) rates is a big issue too – our rates have tripled in price. One of the issues is that there a lot of buildings abandoned and I think the council should bring in an ‘over the shop’ scheme to fill those buildings”.

Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

Business People

Ballintubber-based Manor Marquees… catering for all occasions! L

ooking for a marquee for a

family celebration, community event, corporate or social gathering? Then enterprising Ballintubber man Evan Finan is the person to contact! Evan runs ‘Manor Marquees’, a local company which can cater for all your hosting needs! As Evan puts it: “We hire marquees, tables and chairs for every gathering imaginable… weddings, garden parties, First Holy Communion and Confirmation celebrations, corporate or charity events…and we can cater for up to 250 people”. It’s a wonderful new County

Roscommon based business and a timely and welcome addition to the local SME sector. After all, many people are choosing to celebrate family events at home these days. But Manor Marquees is ideal not just for gatherings at a private house, it’s also a great option for businesses, community groups and sporting organisations! Whatever your requirement in terms of size of marquee/numbers attending, Manor Marquees has the flexibility, variety and expertise to ensure that those needs are met. They have a range of marquees of varying

sizes and also provide bar facilities, chairs, tables, stage, chandeliers, etc. (as required). The quality flooring they can provide is perfect for dancing on too! Evan says: “Whatever event you are organising, whether it’s a family celebration, a Heritage Festival, a corporate event or something else, we’d be delighted to discuss your needs and show you what we can offer”. This is a great new Roscommon business. Contact Manor Marquees on 087-2829226/ email manormarquees@gmail. com

Selection of Marquees available for:

We also have a selection of tables & chairs, bar facilities and stages for any of the above. Please do not hesitate to contact us.

Ballintubber, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon

Toweys Spar Express on the Dublin Rd. O

ver my lifetime in business both at Main Street and now on the Dublin Road we have played a very active role in our community. In business life you are very dependent on the support of the public, In return we as a business support all types of requests for funding. It doesn’t always have to be a cash donation. The Ballaghaderreen Community Garden is one such project that our waste coffee beans support. This project was set up by a small dedicated mixed group of green fingers who are passionate about gardening . They meet every Sunday and following a few hours of seeding and weeding a hot cuppa is enjoyed by all. I am very proud of our involvement with the Kilmovee 10k road race. Now in its 10th year and supporting the Mayo Roscommon Hospice where in the region of 50k has been donated through hard work and diligence of John Roddy and his team 0f volunteers, we have had the pleasure of supplying amd serving the juicy oranges when competitors cross the finishing line. This year make sure to come on Easter Saturday and look out for the Spar Tent. More recently the Men’s Shed has been taken up a lot of my time and together with a great commitment from all the volunteers especially Michael Muldoon and Joe McCormack, we have come together with a focus and dedication to provide a premises fit for purpose. We reached out to Ballaghaderreen natives in November last when we were in dire straits financially. Thankfully both R.C.C. and H.S.E. and many decent people got behind our campaign to save our shed. We are open for business and would be delighted to see new faces who may like to drop in. When I was young I remember how hard it was to get a job. Although I worked only in the family business I would have liked to work for somebody else. Through my involvement with the Ballaghaderreen Chamber of Commerce I have had opportunities to speak with TY students in St Nathy’s. These sessions are important to emphasise to students that everyone has a talent. You just need

Ballaghaderreen F45K265.

Stock up at your local Community Store. Full off Licence, ATM, Deli, Parcel Deliver and Collect, Lotto, Flogas Agent, 24 Hour Fuel Pump. Friendly Service.

to believe in yourself and follow your dream. More recently I spoke to the students in the Brosna NS as a dragon to hear them pitch their ideas for the JEP program which is judged in May. These programs allow teenagers to think outside the box, to appreciate different skills , to take direction and to work as a team . Skills that will stand to them in later life. As a business owner I have been privileged to have employees work for me while they went through the education system in Nathys. All of these kids were from families that support our business. I am indebted to each and every one of them for their commitment to us .

When you work in a retail environment at a young age you have a distinct advantage over another who didnt have that opportunity. In our business life we have received many accolades and last October we were honoured yet again to receive The Community Store of the Year at a gala banquet in Dublin hosted by the Penton Group. These awards are open to the forecourt industry North and South. There were over 400 enteries. To be shortlisted was an achievement in itself. The judges examine all aspects of your participation in your community and explore how your business contributes to a sustainable future.

Gerry Canavan from the National Lottery presenting Pat Towey with the Community Store of the Year award.

Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

Business People

St Francis Nursing Home…a great ‘Home from Home’ environment

St. Francis Nursing Home Kilkerrin • Highly dedicated team of Nurses, Carers & Social Care/Activities Co-ordinator

St. Francis Nursing Home is a converted former monastery situated on 2.5 acres in Kilkerrin, Co. Galway. Located 2km from Kilkerrin and 5km from Glenamaddy, this family-run business provides a wonderful homely atmosphere. The ethos is to provide a ‘Home from Home’ environment where people live life in peace and harmony. St. Francis Nursing Home is registered for the Fair Deal scheme and with HIQA. Experienced staff, under the guidance of our Director of Nursing, ensure that every need of the residents is looked after. We provide a range of services, such as: Long-term care; Dementia/Alzheimers care; Convalescent and Rehabilitative care; Respite Care. Accommodation St. Francis Nursing Home has an occupancy capacity of 34, ensuring comfort and privacy. Each bedroom has its own television. There are cosy lounges and a spacious bright dining room. We have a large landscaped garden area where residents can relax, exercise, etc. Among the facilities available onsite are a visitors room and library. We provide a full complimentary laundry service.

• Offering 24-hour care in a home from home environment • HIQA registered & Fair Deal approved • No extra charges T. 094 965 9230 | E.: stfrancishomekilkerrin@eircom.net Should you require any further information regarding availability of rooms or Fair Deal assistance Contact: Hilda on 086 6037434

Facilities & Services Facilities/services also include: 24-hour G.P. cover; Regular visits by local priest/weekly prayer service and monthly Mass; Community dental, optical and chiropody can be accessed on request; Fortnightly visit from local musician; Residents’ Committee. Catering/nutritional requirements Dining in St. Francis Nursing Home is a social experience to be enjoyed by all. We have tailored meal plans to suit every individual’s needs, with menus containing fresh, seasonal ingredients. Social activities All residents have the right to privacy and are treated with the utmost respect and dignity. We provide as wide a range of activities as possible to cater for physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the residents. Parties/activities We celebrate all birthdays and special occasions. The Activities Programme includes the following: Imagine Gym; Reminiscence therapy; Art therapy; Movies; Exercises/ Physiotherapy; Gardening; Crafts and flower arranging; Bingo; Board games; External trips to local areas of interest…theatres, shopping, etc; Card games; Pet therapy visit; Regular live music; daily delivery of newspapers.

Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

Business People

The business of giving

“

A lot of people, when they’re moving house, leave a lot of things in the loft so when people move in they put it in boxes and bring it to us  DAN DOONER

torm Erik had brought

hailstones to Roscommon town just minutes after I stepped out to buy a coffee and a newspaper. I was walking down Church Street at the time so decided to duck into the National Council for the Blind charity shop. In the midst of all the racks of clothing and shelves of bric-abrac, a woman stood behind the till. She told me her name was Helen Jollivet and that she had moved to Ireland in 2016 from Zimbabwe. “Why Ireland?” I asked. “Well, we had been here before when my husband played golf for Zimbabwe,” she said. “We love the place”. Helen’s husband Mike had been a police officer in Rhodesia, later Zimbabwe. They left the African country because it was becoming too dangerous for them to live there. “There were more and more attacks. I don’t think it was really down to race, I just think

that the people were getting desperate because they needed money because there was no work,” Helen said. She showed me around and praised not only the work of the charity but also the generosity of the people of Roscommon and volunteers like Catherine Brennan, Erika Klemparova, Helena Clarke and Eileen Newland, whom she described as her “right hand”. “Before I started here I had to do a training course in Dublin and I just couldn’t get over the work they (NCBI) were doing. A full-time job came up and so now I’m here and I love it. “We would have a good turnover of stock. The people here are fantastic with their donations of clothes, shoes, bags, handbags, scarves, jewellery,” she said. Helen continued: “A lot of people, when they’re moving house, leave a lot of things in the loft so when people move in they put it in boxes and bring it to us. We get pictures, paint-

Helen Jollivet pictured at the National Council for the Blind Charity Shop on Church Street in Roscommon town.

ings…that horse picture is very unusual…” The picture was black and white but in pristine condition and captioned ‘The Roberts Cup, Colombo 1917. Won by Argonaut’. Helen said it had arrived in a box of donations. “There’s everything from potato mashers to…well a woman is coming in later today with a three-piece suite and a couch that can be folded out into a bed”. Among the dozens of items of jewellery, Helen singled out a glass ornament in the shape of a double bass musical instrument and speculated that it had been presented as an award at one time. There were countless other items in the store too including a computer desk, a box of card

Helen Jollivet, Catherine Brennan and Erika Klemparova pictured at the National Council for the Blind Charity Shop on Church Street in Roscommon town. Pic: Mick McCormack

tricks, a CD holder in the shape of a saxophone and a practically new men’s suit which was showcased in the window as part of the Valentine’s display in place at the time of my visit. Helen said the shop has regu-

lar customers as well as donors. One man, who collects all types of cameras, calls regularly to check up on the latest arrivals. “We hold on to any cameras or camera equipment that comes in for him. He’ll have a

Approval is subject to lending criteria, terms and conditions.

look at whatever we have and if he doesn’t want it then he can at least advise us on the cost,” Helen said before a woman arrived to browse through the hidden gems on offer and we had to say goodbye.

Boyle Credit Union Ltd is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland

Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

Business People

Hannon’s Hotel…at heart of community Hannon’s Hotel in Roscommon town is now ﬁrmly established as a popular venue for locals and a signiﬁcant passing trade. As management and staff at Hannon’s Hotel look forward to a busy 2019, Roscommon People Editor PAUL HEALY speaks to proprietor URSULA HANNON… Hi Ursula, how is business at Hannon’s Hotel? Very good thankfully! We’ve been busy and we’re looking forward to a busy year ahead.

We also have great facilities here…it’s evident that big matches at Hyde Park are a boost for the hotel… Absolutely. And we’re really looking forward to ‘The Dubs on tour’ this weekend (Roscommon play Dublin in Hyde Park on Sunday). Our rooms are all booked, but that’s actually largely because of the Roscommon Drama Festival, which starts this Friday. It’s a wonderful event and a great boost to the town. The committee really are to be congratulated for making it the success that it is. The town is full of visitors for the week of the Drama Festival; sometimes I think it’s underestimated.

Great. The hotel is now very well established. Can you remind readers of the facilities at Hannon’s Hotel… Well we have 25 bedrooms in all, so the accommodation aspect is an important part of what we do. We have a very spacious, modern bar, where we serve food all day. We have two function rooms and a number of conference rooms. We can cater for events both large and small. We host weddings, functions, parties, meetings, all types of occasions. We love engaging with the public and community groups and organisations. It’s clearly a very busy establishment. How many people are employed there? We have 15 full-time staff and 25 parttime staff. Our staff do a great job. There’s variety every day and each day is busy. We serve lunch from 12 noon-3 pm and then serve evening meals from then on really, until ‘last orders’ at 9 pm nightly. All all times we endeavour to use locally sourced ingredients, dealing with local producers and suppliers. That’s very important to us. Is it a challenging industry? Oh yes, of course. I think all businesses have issues with overheads, rates, etc. And Brexit…? Well, it if did happen, it would have a devastating effect on the farming community. And that of course would directly affect everyone.

Ursula Hannon, Hannon’s Hotel, Roscommon.

You say ‘if’… Yes, because I don’t actually think that Brexit will happen. That’s because I believe the British people will realise the recklessness of their individualism! Interesting! Let’s talk about Roscommon town for a moment…a thriving county town? Well certainly the free parking in town remains a real positive. We have people calling into the hotel here from places like Athlone and Longford…people who have been shopping in Roscommon and who express amazement that the parking is free!

Finally Ursula, I presume running a hotel is very time consuming, with long hours. Is that offset by the buzz you get? Well certainly the hours are long, and it is really important to try and get some ‘down time’. But there is a great buzz and we really enjoy meeting and interacting with people, both visitors and locals. And on behalf of everyone at Hannon’s Hotel, I’d really like to thank the people of Roscommon and surrounding areas for the great support they continue to give us.

Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

Business People

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Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

Business People

From Sin City to Boyle: Patrick Street Tattoos

“

The first tattoo I remember doing was a pitbull on a guy’s leg in Las Vegas. It was his dog and he was chatting to me during it and the banter out of him was so different to what I had experienced in Galway Aethel and Joe Kearney pictured at Patrick Street Tattoos in Boyle. Pics: Mick McCormack

THE JOB I DO  DAN DOONER

rom the outside, the Patrick Street Tattoo Company in Boyle looks like any other business, but once inside the door you are immersed in a completely different world, one with US license plates and Joe Kearney’s art adorning the walls. Galway natives, Joe and Aethel, had spent ten years in the US before moving to Boyle in 2016 and opening the business in March of last year.

Tattooist Joe had learned his trade at Irish Ink in Galway before moving to Las Vegas where he worked in a number of tattoo parlours, most notably ‘Pussycat’ and the Hells Angel-owned ‘Pricks’. Joe had left Galway in 2006 when he was offered a job at a tattoo parlour in Las Vegas, Nevada. “It was exciting because in America everyone wants bigger and brighter tattoos so there’s a lot more freedom as an artist. People in Ireland were a

Joe Kearney at work in Patrick Street Tattoos in Boyle.

little more conservative back then. “The first tattoo I remember doing was a pitbull on a guy’s leg in Las Vegas. It was his dog and he was chatting to me during it and the banter out of him was so different to what I had experienced in Galway,” Joe said, before Aethel reminded him of yet another ‘quirky’ character. “What about the tattoos you did for the girl who was a pimp? She’d have all her girls come in and you’d have to tattoo her name on them,” she said. Joe had initially travelled to Las Vegas for a holiday and Aethel later joined

him. Homesickness was never far away however and returning to Ireland was always on the cards. “I was there about six months and I got a job working for the Hell’s Angels in ‘Pricks’. That was a culture shock for sure. The owner of the shop was a Hell’s Angel and all the guys that worked in his club used to hang around there all the time. They were sound enough. “I tattooed a couple of them, I did a Celtic cross on one of them and a fireman’s cross on another”. Members of the notorious biker gang weren’t the only ones with an interest in ink in Nevada however. “When I worked at Pussycat a lot of the local police, guys who were undercover in the gang and narcotics units, used to come in and get tattooed but they couldn’t go to Pricks when I moved there – for obvious reasons – so I’d have to tattoo them at the house,” Joe said. There were other tough customers too... “I worked on a guy for nine hours in one day,” he began. “Which is completely unheard of,” Aethel interjected. Joe continued: “We were moving to Alaska so I said we could do two sessions but they were going to be long. He was insistent on getting a sleeve. We did two nine-hour sessions

and I was a bit doubtful if he would be able to stick it but he did!” Joe and Aethel have a number of visible tattoos. Joe also lifted up his t-shirt to show off a tattoo of the ‘Welcome to Las Vegas’ sign on his stomach. “I told one of the lads I was working with that I was thinking of getting the sign tattooed on my stomach so he left me thinking about it for a few weeks and then we just sat down and did it,” he explained. So when it comes to tattoos where does Joe draw the line? “There have been a couple of times when people came in looking for tattoos that ethically I couldn’t do. I had a guy in Alaska who came in looking for a swastika on his arm. He went from tattooist to tattooist and everyone said no,” Joe said. Sinister at times in the States, but back home in Boyle it’s a more lighthearted affair, according to Joe. “A fella rang us and said he just wanted to get a name done. He came in and told us he lost a bet with his friend and he had to get his friend’s name tattooed on his arse. First name on one cheek and last name on the other. “I tried to talk him out of if but he was adamant and said that there was a €1,000 forfeit so he had to get it done. So I tattooed

his buddy’s name on his arse!” On a serious note, things have been going well since the grand opening in 2018, and the Patrick Street Tattoo Company celebrates a year in business on March 6th. “I’m getting a lot of business from the surrounding towns, including Ballaghaderreen, Carrick, and Castlerea, so it’s worked out well,” Joe said. Aethel added that they

have received great support from the people of Boyle, and that many local people she encounters are fascinated by the business. Joe has been kept busy since opening with appointments and walk-ins during the week. Both he and Aethel have been delighted with the support from other local businesses in the area and said they were looking forward to celebrating further milestones in the years ahead.

Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

Business People

Ballaghaderreen & District Credit Union Ltd Main Street, Ballaghaderreen Email: info@ballaghcu.com Website: www.ballaghcu.com Telephone: 094 9860522

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Aidan’s working towards a ‘magical’ career THE JOB I DO  DAN DOONER

idan Murphy cuts an impressive figure as he puts an aqua aerobics class through their paces at the Hodson Bay Leisure Centre. The down to earth 27-year-old from Athlone is a popular member of staff at the hotel. There are, in fact, no obvious signs that the gym instructor is part of a secretive society and is hoping to make a career using sleight of hand. For, you see, Aidan is a member of the Society of Irish Magicians. “I was always really into

magic from a very young age but I starting getting into it properly when I was in secondary school. I figured little bits out from Keith Barry’s TV show and started practicing, mostly card tricks,” he said as he sipped a cappuccino at the Hodson Bay Hotel recently. “Every day in school at the back of class and I’d be trying tricks on teachers and friends too. Because magic wasn’t on TV as much or because it wasn’t as big among my friends, some people used to look at me as if I was a nerd or something!”

Magic has experienced something of a rebirth and performers like Keith Barry, Dynamo and America’s Got Talent winner, Shin Lim, have shown how it can draw huge TV audiences. It’s all down to magic’s ‘cool factor’ and shows like Britain and America’s Got Talent and movies like Harry Potter have helped to propel it back into popular culture. But how does one get started on the Irish magic circuit? Aidan said it began when he was studying sports management in Athlone. “When I went to AIT a friend of my brother’s asked me to enter a competition in Mullingar

Risteárd Cooper, Pat McDonagh and Aidan Murphy pictured at a recent Supermac’s event.

called ‘Stars of the Bars’. I had never performed on stage. I was nervous, but when it came to the shows I was okay, because I’ve always just really wanted to perform magic”. Aidan won the competition outright and invested the prize money into his first magic show for kids. This is in turn led to wedding gigs. “As the guests arrive there’s about a two-hour lapse before the meal. I mingle with the guests… doing different genres of magic including mind reading, cards, a little bit of comedy and some close-up illusions. The second slot is after the main course and I make my way around tables performing. “It’s about entertaining people as much as the magic so I’m constantly working on how to hold an audience’s attention,” he said. The Athlone magician also performs regularly on cruise ships around the world. His corporate gigs have also brought him face to face with some very important people. “I was performing at the Aviva Stadium and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar was a guest speaker at the event. I performed for two hours at the drinks reception. I heard the Taoiseach had

arrived but wasn’t going to be at the drinks reception so I waited around for two hours to perform for him”. Aidan’s persistence obviously paid off because two days later he received a letter from Mr. Varadkar’s office inviting him to perform at the Presidential Dinner the following Saturday. Looking ahead, what is Aidan hoping to achieve in terms of a career in magic and entertainment? “I just want to be working full-time; I don’t necessarily want fame but I want to be busy performing and known around the area for doing what I’m doing. “Every year gets busier; when I started I was only doing a couple of weddings but I have 39 weddings booked this year. I’ve a lot of corporate events lined up and I’ve just performed at a Supermac’s event. I’ll be flying over to London for a gig in May too which came from a gig in Dublin. So it progresses through word of mouth and also on Facebook and Instagram where I’m always looking to reach larger audiences. It’s all about developing the performance and reaching and holding the audience,” he concluded.

Donal Keigher and Co. SOLICITORS Castle Street, Roscommon (by appointment). Tel/Fax: 090 66 26124 Northgate Street, Athlone, Co. Westmeath. Tel/Fax: 090 64 77707 -------------------------------------------------Donal Keigher, Solicitor Town Agents, Pearts, 24/26 Upper Ormond Quay, Dublin 7

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Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

Business People

IDA defends 9 site visits in Roscommon in 4 years When the men from FF complained about the IDA’s record, the woman from the IDA begged to differ…  PAUL HEALY

he ‘Woman from the IDA’ didn’t quite ‘tut-tut’ when I rang her and mentioned Fianna Fáil’s pesky questioning of the agency’s track record…but I could tell that she was less than impressed. This year, the Irish Development Authority is 70 years old. Its remit is to try to attract foreign direct investment into Ireland’s cities, towns and villages. The narrative on the IDA has become very predictable in recent years…the agency tends to be in the line of fire any time the vexed ‘job creation’ issue comes up. This particularly applies in rural Ireland where the IDA – rightly or wrongly – is very quickly placed in the dock when there’s any talk about jobs, or lack of them. Politicians (even Government ones) will often point the finger at the IDA, lamenting that the agency is ignoring their area. Readers can decide for themselves whether this is legitimate criticism on the part of the politicians, or merely convenient cover for their own ineffectiveness. In rural Ireland, the two charges that the IDA routinely faces relate to (1) A perceived lack of site visits and (2) A failure to attract enough jobs outside of urban areas. Fianna Fáil has been checking out the IDA’s ‘current form’. Readers can decide for themselves whether or not they consider that to be constructive Opposition. Some will feel it is, others may not. The FF man chasing down the IDA is Billy Kelleher, currently that party’s Spokesperson on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. Heather Humphreys, the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, gave ‘the man from FF’ a county by county breakdown. The figures for site visits to Roscommon make for grim reading.

2015: 2 site visits. 2016: 1 site visit. 2017: 3 site visits. January-September 2018: 2 site visits. And FF is claiming that the IDA is ‘sitting on’ numerous ‘idle sites’. I rang Ellen Lynch – the Regional Communications, Press & PR Executive for IDA Ireland – to see what she thought of all of this. As you’d expect, she knew all about Billy’s questioning of the Minister. I got the impression I wasn’t the first media person to call Ellen on foot of the figures. And she wasn’t having any of this negative talk…

irst, the good news, which we can all surely welcome: according to Ellen, there are 9 IDA client companies in County Roscommon, employing 1,171 people. I asked Ellen about those site visits… a mere nine in four years (she reported that there were three in all in 2018 by year end). Very pleasant and helpful, Ellen was at pains to suggest that mere statistics do not tell the full story. She insisted that the IDA ‘sells’ Roscommon at every opportunity. Roscommon is marketed as part of the West Region, which also includes Galway and Mayo. Conscious of what most people will consider to be a very low number of site visits, Ellen said that representatives of foreign companies are usually only in the area for a day, and that they have requirements in terms of criteria. She confirmed that there were three such visits to County Roscommon in 2018 and the same number the previous year. However, she stressed that the IDA should not be judged purely on site visits, pointing out that a significant proportion of all new foreign direct investment (FDI) comes from existing IDA clients present in the country. On long-suffering regional locations

like Roscommon, she said: “Creating jobs in regional locations is, and will remain, a top priority for IDA Ireland. That said, competition for FDI continues to be fierce and every investment is hard won. In working to attract FDI, we work with our overseas project teams to market and strongly encourage overseas companies to locate in regional areas. It is important to remember however that the final decision on where to locate to, rests with the company”. She advised on what the key factors are when seeking to attract and retain foreign direct investment, namely: A critical mass of population and urban centres; The ability to attract and develop appropriate skills (talent); The existence of clusters in specific industry sectors/activities; Regional infrastructure and place-making, including social and cultural capital; Availability of suitable property solutions. Next, I asked Ellen about ‘idle’ IDA sites. According to Fianna Fáil TD Eugene Murphy, 98 of 152 properties owned by the IDA nationwide are lying “idle”. Not so, says Ms. Lynch, who dismissed Fianna Fail claims of multiple ‘idle’ IDA sites.

Idle…or just waiting for a potential client? Vacant IDA sites locally

Deputy Eugene Murphy

* Over four hectares in Roscommon Business Park * One hectare in an industrial estate in Castlerea * Over eight hectares Ballinasloe * Almost 3.5 hectares in Ballygar * Less than one hectare in Mountbellew * Less than one hectare in Glenamaddy * Over two hectares while in Tuam Business Park * Over ten hectares Tuam Science & Technology Park

“The IDA doesn’t have a single idle site. There would be no point in bringing a prospective client (on a visit) and not have a site available. It would mean that the value proposition is considerably undermined. It is essential that we have sites (for potential investors to see)”. Later, in an email to the Roscommon People, the IDA spokesperson elaborated: “IDA Ireland’s position in relation to sites is that our strategic sites and business parks provide companies with fully zoned service sites for development of suitable facilities. “Land and property is sold and acquired each year to ensure appropriate options are available for clients. “The availability of sites and property solutions for clients is a key element of IDA Ireland’s suite of marketing tools that is required to win projects in the competitive world of mobile investment. It also enables companies to expedite their investments and establish operations quickly. Having available land is therefore essential to achieve regional investment”.

ianna Fáil’s man in Roscommon,

Deputy Eugene Murphy, wasn’t impressed. “The majority of the ‘idle’ IDA properties – 98 of the 152 they own – are outside Dublin. This confirms that the IDA is ignoring rural Ireland. “In County Roscommon there is over 4 hectares of land lying idle in the Roscommon Business Park in the Racecourse Road area, with over one hectare in an industrial estate in Castlerea”. There are, he said, further ‘idle’ sites in County Galway (see panel). Deputy Murphy then turned his attention to Leo & Co. He said that while Fine Gael can point to reduced unemployment nationally, most of the new jobs are in Dublin, many of them part-time, with very few well-paying jobs being located elsewhere. Deputy Murphy said that the IDA statistics show that there are a considerable amount of commercial properties

that could be the ideal location for an overseas company to relocate to postBrexit. He called for these “available properties and land” to be marketed to foreign companies with renewed urgency in light of Brexit. No, I didn’t ring the IDA spokesperson back…but we will keep a watching brief of this one!

Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

Business People

Elphin Street, Strokestown

DJ JAMIE LEE Sunday 3rd March: The Hartones Saturday 16th March: CRAZY CORNER Satuday 2nd March:

Sunday (EVENING) 17th March:

Going live with Marty O’Brien Sunday (NIGHT) 17th March: DJ JAMIE LEE Sunday (EVENING) 24th March:

Carol O’Dowd Sunday (EVENING) 31st March: PUB FICTION Saturday 6th April: 25 Card Drive Saturday 13th April: DJ Sunday 14th April: Slider EASTER Saturday 20th April: SLIDER EASTER Sunday 21st April: Pub Fiction The Sportsmans Inn offers up plenty of live music and sports coverage in a cosy, rural atmosphere

Padraig Crean & Co.

Lanesboro Street, Roscommon Tel. 090 66 26680 Fax: 090 66 26005

Email: pcreanandco@eircom.net Accountants & Tax Consultants

CATTIGAN’S Castle Street, Roscommon

MARCH MUSIC Saturday, 2nd March:

DJ Seamus Duke Saturday, 9th March:

DJ Cush Saturday, 16th March:

DJ Mary Kathleen Sunday, 17th March:

DJ Seamus Duke Friday, 22nd March:

Featherheads Saturday, 23rd March:

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STONECOURT, ROSCOMMON. T.: 090 6627660

Maria Carton

There’s something about Maria …she’s a style advisor!  MIRIAM KERINS

here was a time when

having your own personal style blueprint expertly developed specifically for you was a luxury reserved only for the rich and famous. However, if you’re a lady who enjoys shopping for clothes yet is unsure what body shape you have, what best suits it, and indeed what fabrics and patterns will positively enhance it as well as making sure your entire look will work perfectly with your hair colour and skin tone, etc., then don’t fret, because help is at hand in the form of lovely local lady, style advisor Maria Carton. “I’ve always been drawn to fashion, and I’ve been in retail management for 30-plus years, working with the likes of Brown Thomas, Armani and Harrods in Knightsbridge, to Jaeger and Selfridges in Oxford Street to Next and Carraig Donn,” says Maria. Maria, who is based in Castlecoote, set up her innovative business because she realised nobody should be a slave

to fashion, saying, “for the last number of years I’ve heard women say they’ve got nothing to wear, yet they’re always shopping. I’ve gained all this knowledge and experience and I decided to set up my fashion advisory service to help women dress confidently so that they have items of clothing that address their wants, their needs, their lifestyle and their budgets in a way that allows them to dress confidently and stylishly”. Most of us have been guilty of purchasing an item which will, regrettably, only ever ‘make sense’ on the likes of one of the Kardashians. For those of us who are ‘woman enough’ to admit we got it wrong, Maria’s bespoke workshops, where she shares her style, fashion and body shape expertise, are a revelation, as well as being a sound investment. In these workshops, Maria advises clients regarding what a fully functional wardrobe should look like. She says it needs to consist of “50 per cent work/casual wear and 50 per cent ‘going out’ wear”.

Maria says: “I’m getting great feedback, with calls coming in from other counties as well as Roscommon”. She adds: “Some people can find shopping overwhelming, so when a client books me for a consultation, I contact them a week prior to the event and discuss their wants/needs/wishes. We have a chat about their desired destination and their budget, so that we have a plan of action put together. For example, if the occasion they’re dressing for is a First Communion, then I’d advise they buy a nice summer dress because that day is all about grooming, looking pretty; and it’s a relaxed day and it’s a child’s event”. Workshop fees range from €25 per person to €200 to engage her specialist one-to-one services for a personal shopping experience, adding another €50 for a Dublin trip. * Maria’s next Fashion Workshop event is at the Hodson Bay Hotel on Friday, 22 March (8-10 pm). You can contact Maria on mcthestylist@gmail.com

OPENING TIMES: Monday – Friday,10.00am. to 6.00 pm; Saturday, 9.00am.-6.00pm.

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Contact Nuala 090 66 25818 or (086) 0352849 Email: mcgacco@gmail.com Web: www.mcgowanaccounting.com

Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

Business People

WestBIC @ the Cube – Fostering Innovative Enterprise W

Anne Downey, WestBIC Chair

estBIC continues its

role of accelerating innovative enterprise across the west and northwest region, with a key focus on supporting the latest high-potential startup candidates and those scaling their businesses. In Co. Roscommon, Acres Machinery Limited – an innovative agri-machinery company – was amongst those listed on Enterprise Ireland’s Class of 2018 recently launched at an event in Croke Park. A number of other innovative export-oriented enterprise proposals are in the

pipeline for 2019, aimed at creating further high-value jobs for the region. Support is provided with business planning, financial modelling, accessing investment finance and grant-aid. Support is also provided to micro-enterprises and rural businesses across the region, including those seeking grant-aid from the Local Enterprise Office and LEADER funding. Additionally, in its wider role as the EU Business & Innovation Centre for the region, WestBIC fosters the development of suitable

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business eco-systems, and is delighted to have provided the Business Planning and application for the recently announced €1.5m funding for the An Chistin Food Centre in Castlerea, as part of developing the necessary supports to foster the traditional food sector in the region. Initially conceived through the TRINNO EU project, the centre is part of a wider Action Plan to support the artisan food sector so that job creation and value can be maximised to benefit the regional economy.

Empowering Female Entrepreneurs To further promote female entrepreneurship, WestBIC is a partner in the new W-Power European programme designed to support female entrepreneurs in rural regions and to assist their growth and internationalisation through the project network across Europe. The project is funded through the NPA Interreg Programme, with further details available at www.w-power.interregnpa.eu Additionally, ESIL – a new initiative to empower early stage investors – is underway, to foster investment in high-growth enterprises including private investment and crowdfunding. An information and networking event will take

“

entrepreneurs who wish to develop their business ideas with support services available from WestBIC and the Local Enterprise Office for eligible enterprises. Contact Niamh at WestBIC for further details: email: info@ westbic.ie tel. 090-6621596 or see: www.facebook. com/cuberoscommon

Leading by Example – First Female Chair of WestBIC As a Role Model in this regard Anne Downey, a longserving Board Member, has recently taken up the helm as Chair of WestBIC. She takes over as Chair following the untimely passing of Dr. Chris Coughlan, who championed WestBIC’s role of supporting entrepreneurs to scale their innovative business concepts into

An information and networking event will take place in the McWilliam Hotel, Claremorris on Wednesday evening, 6th of March as part of National Enterprise Week. The event includes a specific focus on attracting female investors place in the McWilliam Hotel, Claremorris on Wednesday evening, 6th of March as part of National Enterprise Week. The event includes a specific focus on attracting female investors and is supported by WestBIC, the Local Enterprise Offices, Enterprise Ireland and the Halo Business Angel Network. More details are available at www.europeanesil.eu, email: info@westbic.ie or from the Local Enterprise Office.

Female Entrepreneurship @ The Cube Currently a number of female entrepreneurs are located at the Cube deskspace facility in Roscommon town, which provides the professional environment and flexibility required for them to manage and grow their businesses. As an interim measure by Roscommon County Council until more permanent space is developed, deskspace is available for additional

high potential start-ups. Anne Downey, a renowned entrepreneur in her own right, was Co-founder and Director of QSET, a compliance management software company. She was instrumental in taking this Galway-based start-up to the global stage and led the development of its US operations. Anne brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to WestBIC, not least as a recipient of an EU wide award recognising the ‘Top 5 European Women Entrepreneurs in IT’. WestBIC is closely aligned with its partners across the region including Local and Regional Authorities, Enterprise Ireland, Local Enterprise Offices and Udaras as well as third level colleges, incubation and accelerator programmes and the private/Angel investment community. This is key to the provision of WestBIC’s comprehensive range of services to innovative startups as well as for companies aiming to scale and expand into international markets.

Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

Business People

The Windmill at Elphin, Co. Roscommon and on right Main Street, Elphin. Pictures: Mick McCormack.

What are the challenges facing Roscommon’s towns and villages? MIRIAM KERINS got the opinions of some locals in Elphin

OUR PLACE, OUR FUTURE: ELPHIN

Quality of life is great… but more facilities needed Mary Rattigan, Rattigan’s Fitted Kitchens

Councillor Valerie Byrne, Hospital Action Committee

Like all other local towns, Elphin has its challenges. There is high unemployment and so people are commuting to other towns for work and they don’t have the time to engage with the community. “There is insufficient infrastructure, but there is a major opportunity, if only we had funding, for a communityowned (nearly four acres) site in the centre of the town to be developed. If this happened we could provide facilities for the local children and the youth generally. “Of course we have a very good Day Centre for senior citizens and the GAA and the Community Games both provide a range of sporting activities.

“

Padraic Durkan

Padraic Durkan, Padraic Durkan & Associates Agri Consultancy There is a lack of facilities for families and young people in the town; for example, we could do with a swimming pool. We do have a good youth centre and the GAA is big in Elphin, and, while we have some good traditional pubs here, we could do with providing a bit more of a social scene for the younger generation. “We need more tourists visiting the town. We have a new B&B that’s just opened and it’s hoped this will bring in more visitors to see the windmill, (which is not promoted enough), and nearby historical Rathcroghan. “In my opinion, the quality of life in Elphin is great. It’s nice and quiet, but I suppose it all depends on your stage of life and maybe for the

“

younger generation it could be a bit better. “From a business point of view, we could do with proper broadband facilities. My own business is doing well because farmers are the source of my business and I’m well located from that point of view. Our mart is thriving and has a big influence on the town. I’d say it’s probably a central attraction, bringing in lots of people who may not otherwise visit us. “Elphin, as a town, is well located too, and the road networks are good, given that within an hour you could be in a lot of major Irish cities, and in an hour and a half you’re in Dublin; and this will improve with the new N5, giving people more access to the town”.

Mary Rattigan

“We have an excellent national school in Abbeycarton as well as an excellent community college – Elphin Community College – here in the town. “With regard to business, Elphin is in a challenging position when it comes to trading, however things have improved a bit…while it will never return to as it was during the Celtic Tiger years, we are seeing bigger orders coming in to us (for kitchens). “As far as broadband goes, our own seems to be okay. I suppose it all depends on the type of business you’re running, and your own personal needs, but what we have is suitable for us”.

There are loads of challenges facing small towns like Elphin. There’s a lack of jobs, for a start. The IDA has failed Elphin and it has failed County Roscommon as a whole. If they put jobs in the county, Elphin and other small towns would benefit because the jobs would feed into it; but that’s not happening. “As for broadband, well it’s hard to get business people to come in and set up when they can’t carry out their business without having proper broadband facilities. We would need 5G to keep up to date with the rest of the country. “One big positive about Elphin is its good reputation for farming. We’ve got good land and good cattle, but we’re neglected by the Government. The Government is not affording ‘fair play’ for

Cllr. Valerie Byrne.

farmers because they’re letting factories take over and dictate prices. “Elphin is a beautiful, quiet, trouble-free village and a great place in which to raise kids. We have our Garda Station, our post office, our national and secondary schools and a Day Care Centre for our senior citizens, as well as two crèches for our children. We have the GAA, which provides for both young and old; we have a credit union and a bank, etc. We have all of the facilities a community needs, including a busy mart. “There are about 70/75 businesses in and around Elphin providing vital local employment. On top of that, Elphin has a wonderful community spirit… evident in the way people rowed in behind the Tidy Towns and uplifted the face of the town by painting and improving their buildings, etc. There’s also the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the annual agricultural show. So, even if there are big challenges, there are many positives too. We’re proud of Elphin”.

Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

Business People

Rossies on a roll… We check in with some very successful Rossies!

Michael Cuddy & Co Chartered Accountants & Statutory Audit Firm Tel.:

090 64 94311

1 Fry Place, Athlone, Co. Westmeath Email: info@mcuddy.com Web: www.mcuddy.com

Our reputation has been built on client satisfaction

CASTLEREA

Garden Centre

Ballymoe Road, Castlerea , Co. Roscommon

QualityTrees Trees and and Shrubs ••Quality Shrubs Hedgingand and Conifers Conifers ••Hedging FruitTrees Trees and and Vegetable Vegetable Plants • •Fruit Plants SummerBedding Bedding Plants Plants ••Summer now in stock now in stock ••Hanging HangingBaskets Baskets and Window Boxes filled Window filled

Contact Mark Malone

086 0593990

Dip. Hort.

Strokestown designer Catriona Hanly studied her craft at Central St. Martin’s in London and The Barbara Bourke College of Fashion in Dublin. Her fashion collections have made waves in Ireland, the UK and the US and her stand-out creative designs also caught the attention of celebrities worldwide including: Wolf of Wall Street actress Madison McKinley in LA; Amanda Byram, Victoria Smurfit and Vogue Williams in London; as well as Daniella Moyles, Ash Quinn and Alison Canavan in Dublin to name but a few.

Pipelines, a heavy civil engineering company based in San Francisco. Having graduated from UCD with a degree in civil engineering, Tom founded Ranger Pipelines in 1982 after working on the Alyeska Pipeline project in Alaska. Ranger Pipelines oversee projects involving deep excavations and largediameter welded steel pipelines. The company was responsible for the Hetch Hetchy Water System project which provides drinking water to San Francisco and other communities in Northern California. Tom played football for Roscommon and continues to be a major sponsor of Roscommon GAA. He is a board member of the Irish Immigration and Pastoral Centre.

Chris O’Dowd, actor/ producer

Sean Mulryan, property developer

Another Boyle native, Chris O’Dowd won an IFTA for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Brendan Davenport in The Clinic between 2003 and 2005. He later starred in Channel 4’s ‘The IT Crowd’ and received IFTA Awards for his role in his Boyle-based production ‘Moone Boy’. O’Dowd’s film credits include The Boat That Rocked, Bridesmaids, This is 40, Thor: The Dark World, Calvary and The Cloverfield Paradox, among others.

Born in 1954, Sean Mulryan grew up in Oran and is the founder, chairman and CEO of the Ballymore Group, a Dublin-based international property development company. In 2017, he was named on the Estates Gazette ‘Power List’, a list of the 50 most powerful individuals in Britain’s commercial real estate sector. Muryan came from humble beginnings, having left school at the age of 17 to train as a bricklayer. At 19 he bought his first plot of land and at 26 set up his first company. Ballymore was set up in 1982 when Mulryan was 28. The company continues to be a major backer of Roscommon GAA. Mulryan has

Caitriona Hanley, jewellery and fashion designer

Tom Hunt, businessman Tom Hunt is the founder and president of Ranger

Murphy’s

Rossies at the Oscars! Boyle native and Cartoon Saloon CEO Paul Young grabs a group selfie which features Boyle actor Chris O’Dowd at last Monday night’s Academy Awards in Los Angeles.

an estimated net worth of €75 million.

Paul Young, CEO of Cartoon Saloon Boyle native Paul Young formed Kilkenny-based Cartoon Salon with fel-

low animators, Tomm Moore and Nora Twomey in 1999. Since then, the company has grown into a multi-award-winning animation and illustration design studio. It has so far been nominated for four Oscars, and its animated short ‘Late Afternoon’ narrowly missed out on a

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gong this year. The studio employs about 200 people in Kilkenny.

Eleanor Tiernan, comedian Athlone woman Eleanor Tiernan has cut out a successful career as a comedian having quit her job as an engineer aged 33. Eleanor has appeared on shows such as The Panel, The Savage Eye and others and has performed at renowned comedy festivals such as Fringe in Edinburgh and Montreal’s Just for Laughs. She is currently touring in the UK before heading Down Under for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival from March 14th to April 21st.

Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

Business People

Paul Byron Shoes …now employing over 140 people P

aul Byron Shoes’ recently com-

pleted 40 years in business – and what a success story it’s been! Established in 1978, Paul Byron Shoes is 100% Irish owned and operated, now employing over 140 people. It is the largest independent footwear retailer in Ireland. The company opened its doors in Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon over 40 years ago and since then has expanded to 22 stores countrywide plus discount outlets and an extremely busy online shop. They have two distribution centres, with 12,000 pairs of shoes leaving weekly. The Paul Byron Shoes fleet with black and white logo is a daily sight on Irish roads! Paul Byron attributes a lot of the company’s success to his loyal and long-standing employees who work tirelessly for the good of the business. They have a number of people who are with the company over thirty years which speaks for itself in terms of job satisfaction and employee morale. The aim of the company is to provide a professional service selling quality footwear that is fashion forward at keen prices for the whole family. The staff provide a valuable service in ensuring that this ethos is upheld and experienced by all customers as they are fully trained in all aspects of measuring feet, customer service, etc. Another key cog in the ‘wheel of

success’ is the vast amount of brands they carry. International labels for Ladies, Gents and Children include – Converse, Dr Marten, Ecco, Geox, Heavenly Feet, Kate Appleby, Lelli Kelly, Morgan, Pablosky, Pitillos, Pod, Refresh, Rieker, Skechers, Softline, S. Oliver, Startrite, Susst and Tamaris. Own brands and labels exclusive to Paul Byron Shoes: Alpina, Indigo, Jane Klain, Laura Azana, Laura B,

Luisetti, Muya, Oliver Furey and Zen. Wide Fit brands include – Alviflex, Drucker, Dr. Cutillas, Joya, Pinoso and Xelero. What an amazing success story, and one that is a source of great pride for Roscommon. Check it out for yourselves. Visit one of the locations countrywide. Information with locations details online at www.paulbyronshoes.com

Paul Byron Shoes – the story in numbers

Over 40 years in business Employing over 140 people 22 stores nationwide 12,000 pairs of shoes leaving weekly

22 Branches Country Wide Visit our online shopping experience www.paulbyronshoes.com

Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

Business People

Members of the Level 5 Professional Cookery course in action in The Hub, Castlerea recently. Pic: Mick McCormack

Assistant Coordinator at An Chistin, Kathleen Rourke, pictured with her Level 5 Professional Cookery course students at The Hub, Castlerea recently. Pic: Mick McCormack

The Hub, Castlerea. Pic: Mick McCormack

The Hub – a hive of activity in Castlerea Enterprise Castlerea is a local community organisation which developed The Hub to serve as a community centre for the people of Castlerea and its environs. Dan Dooner paid a visit to The Hub recently where centre administrator Brian Stenson gave him the grand tour… ulse Fitness is located on the first floor at The Hub and is run by Ciara McDonnell, who has been running the gym since September 2012 thanks to early financial help from Harmac Medical. Indeed, the gym was officially opened by Harmac CEO John Somers seven years ago. “Since then it has been six years of blood, sweat and tears as I’ve built it up to what it is now. We have regular members but you can also pay as you go,” Ciara said. “There’s definitely a social buzz. I wanted it to be more like a fitness community than somewhere you just come to work out. “I have one full-time employee and two part-time so things have definitely picked up since we started and the hard work was definitely worth it because of the people I’ve met. The people of Castlerea have been great,” she said. Just across from Pulse Fitness, the Hub’s administrator, Brian Stenson, detailed how the centre came to be established. “This is the ‘Murphy Room’. Enterprise Castlerea initially leased The Hub from John Murphy and family. It had been a disused factory,” Brian said. The Murphy Room is adjacent to a

The rise of the ‘enterprise centre’… Some of Roscommon’s enterprise facilities benefitted to the tune of €5 million following last week’s Rural Regeneration Fund announcement. As well as The Hub in Castlerea, the county is home to a ‘social innovation and creative awareness space’ called ‘An Bealach’ in Ballaghaderreen, hot-desking spaces in Roscommon at The Cube and in Boyle at The Spool Factory and will soon welcome more spaces at a Digiwest supported project in Tulsk. Elsewhere, The Royal Hotel site in Boyle looks set to become another ‘Enterprise Centre and Civic Space’. Are these spaces set to become the norm in towns and villages around the country?

Administrator Brian Stenson pictured at The Hub, Castlerea recently. Pic: Mick McCormack

room used by a musicians’ network, which features a drum kit, electric guitars, and other equipment. Next door to the Musicians’ Network room was a space used by various committees as a meeting room. It was

most frequently used by SEETEC who assist people in gaining employment. Located on the ground floor through a separate entrance towards the rear of the building, An Chistin is a stateof-the-art training and community

kitchen. Enterprise Castlerea is currently working on Phase II of the An Chistin project which will see the development of food business incubation units for rent to local food producers. It’s fast becoming known as a food hub

for the entire region. The facility offers a wide range of courses and services to the food and hospitality sector under coordinator Úna Fannon and assistant coordinator Kathleen Rourke. It’s an extremely impressive facility and both Kathleen and coordinator Úna Fannon, with over 20 years’ experience each in the food and hospitality sector, regularly offer their expertise and advice to local producers. At the centre of The Hub is an impressive basketball court, where the Castlerea Kings regularly line out in the Lonleitros League. The court is also used for archery, badminton and other events including plays, musicals and cookery demos. Patricia’s Montessori is just across from the court while Castlerea Boxing Club trains in a large space to the side. The club is fully equipped with everything a young fighter could need and sisters Aoife and Lisa O’Rourke have recently won silver medals on the international stage under the expert eye of head coach Paddy Sharkey. The Hub has certainly been a welcome addition to Castlerea and surrounds and the hard work of the Enterprise committee under chairman Benny O’Connell has to be acknowledged.

Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

Business People

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Callum Clogher, a student of St. Mary’s College, Ballygar, says we should not fear the Robotic Revolution… here have been phenomenal technological developments in recent years, making so many aspects of our lives much easier. Devices like the iPhone provide constant access to the Internet. Technology has revolutionised how we live and work, introducing new tools and resources and devices that have without question made our lives more enjoyable. Modern technology is now a huge aspect of how just about all industries function and seek to thrive. Our cars are incredibly sophisticated now in comparison to even 10 years or 15 years ago. Technology has led to greater productivity for companies, reduced their costs, allowed them to operate faster, more efficiently, more competitively. And technology has revolutionised how ordinary members of society live their day to day lives…down to how we relax, how we pay bills, how we communicate, how we shop, dine, etc. In the typical office environment, the change is evident. Many businesses across the country have decided to go paperless, replacing physical documentation with digital records. Many customer service lines are now operated by a machine. New high-tech gadgets are becoming cheaper and more accessible. Amazon are developing ‘delivery drones’ that can deliver packages to some customers within hours (in some cases within as little as 30 minutes) of the order being placed. Self-driving cars look set to be widely available and affordable over the coming years. All of this extraordinary progress is welcome, but it is also challenging. For many people, just attempting to keep up with the rate of change is a challenge. A more measureable aspect of all of this will be with regard to just how much this escalating rate of change will impact on jobs. For example, if we have driverless cars, there will be job losses in various sectors… we may not need taxi drivers, couriers, etc. As retailers continue to develop selfservice services, we will need less human beings in such outlets. Likewise, note the way banks are relentlessly moving towards a self-service/online culture. There are very few jobs left that can’t be done by a machine/computer, and as this technology becomes more affordable, there will be less need for the traditional human workers. We now live in an age that inspires thoughts of ‘science fiction’ movies from the past. The ‘robot age’ is upon us. In the coming years, we will increasingly see robots doing the work of humans, at least in some sectors. However, there is probably no need to panic! The point is being made that robots, for all their value, will not exactly be able to ‘take over’. After all, robots cannot really think for themselves (not yet anyway). What experts say is that we will see humans and robots ‘working together’.

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Robots will do the work of humans – in some sectors. But just as technology will eliminate many jobs, likewise technology will create many new jobs. A study by Gartner Research states that while 1.8 million jobs will be lost by 2020, 2.3 million new ones will be created. At this moment in time, for example, we can see that website designers, social media influencers, etc. are examples of jobs that didn’t exist previously. And somebody will have to programme the robots… One expert (rather reassuringly) puts it this way: “The point is that humans and technology must work together, humans in control and the technology providing what it is programmed to provide. The

“

We now live in an age that inspires thoughts of ‘science ﬁction’ movies from the past. The ‘robot age’ is upon us. In the coming years, we will increasingly see robots doing the work of humans, at least in some sectors

idea that technology will replace the need for creative thinking, problem-solving, leadership, teamwork and initiative is rather silly right now”. So, as we enter the so-called ‘Robotic Revolution’, it’s time for calm heads, time to enjoy and embrace the technological changes. Certainly, there will be challenges facing society. The traditional working environment and working practices are dramatically changing. But much of this change is for the better, and there will be many opportunities for employers and workers. The rise of the robotic worker is something that can’t be stopped. Nor should it be feared.

Supporting the local community for over 40 years! Thank you to the local business community for your support See our regular advert on the Farming page.

Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

Business People

Ardcarne Garden Centre S

ince it opened in 1986, Ardcarne Garden Centre has become a mecca for enthusiastic gardeners, where you’ll find one of the most extensive plant selections in the country and friendly, qualified staff that are passionate about helping customers to make the most of their gardens.

From humble beginnings Starting with a greenfield site just off the N4 at Ardcarne, near Boyle, owner Ronan O’Conghaile, who had an existing growing landscape business, began his garden centre venture. Ronan recruited a highly recommended young woman as manager. That person, as many will know, is Mary Frances Dwyer, still at the helm and leading the garden

centre from strength to strength. In fact most of the employees have been with Ardcarne Garden Centre for many years, offering wonderful continuity for customers, friendly rapport and a huge wealth of experience.

A Growing Success A second Ardcarne Garden Centre was opened – in the heart of Roscommon Town – spreading the established reputation of offering quality, value, choice and the best professional advice. It too has received many industry awards. In addition to both garden centres, an award-winning Landscape and Garden Design department is based at Ardcarne Garden Centre, Boyle and offers a complete service that caters for all sizes of gardens and budgets.

In recognition of their constant high standards, the landscaping department at Ardcarne Garden Centre has won 14 National Landscaping Awards.

Spreading the word Sharing their enthusiasm for all things gardening, Ardcarne Garden Centre hosts regular customer events and classes

on a variety of topics during the year where you can meet like-minded people in a friendly and informative atmosphere. Events are rich and varied throughout the year and usually include Art, Flower Arranging, Beekeeping, How to Improve health, Lawn Care, Fruit & Vegetable Growing and Children’s Events. Garden Club members – free to join on the website www.ardcarne. ie – also receive regular emails, full of topical tips, news and forthcoming events.

Ask the professionals Qualified professional advice is always available from the experienced horticulturists at Ardcarne Garden Centre. This can be as simple as finding out when to prune your roses, or getting advice on choosing plants for a particular purpose. The knowledge of these horticulturists on what plants will

thrive in your particular area, local soils and various garden conditions is invaluable for those new to gardening and this knowledge is almost impossible to glean from gardening books.

Relax and Enjoy Visitors to the Ardcarne Garden Centre in Boyle are enjoying the addition of the Ardcarne Garden Café, which offers a tempting selection of healthy lunches, home-made cakes, refreshing teas and a range of delicious coffees. The café is a lovely bright space, decorated with plants, a cosy wood-burning stove and a mature olive tree.

Local Business, Local Values In addition to being one of the largest local employers, Ardcarne Garden Centre is

also proud of its community involvement, and fundraising events organised for charities such as the local Hospice. “The Grand Opening of the Christmas Shop every year is a particularly special occasion with a weekend of entertainment for a great charity”, says Mary Frances Dwyer.

The Future is Green Owner Ronan O’Conghaile is still as passionate about horticulture and the business today as he was when this success story began back in 1986. He says: “We’ve always focused on plants and professional horticultural advice here at Ardcarne Garden Centre and as a result you’ll always find quality plants, many rare and unusual, with friendly qualified staff to assist and inspire. Whatever the time of year you visit, you’ll find the very best in gardening at Ardcarne Garden Centre”.

Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

Business People

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Yet another industry accolade has been bestowed on Gleesonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Townhouse, The Square, Roscommon. The well-known establishment received a Highly Commended award at the 2019 Georgina Campbell Irish Breakfast Awards (in association with FĂĄilte Ireland) when the results were announced last week. A delighted Eamonn Gleeson said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great honourâ&#x20AC;Śweâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to pay tribute to our staff and thank all of our wonderful, loyal customers. Also, Castlemine Farm won the Meats producer Award. These awards are a great boost for local tourism and the Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hidden Heartlands tourism brandâ&#x20AC;?. Eamonn and Mary Gleeson opened Gleesonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Restaurant & Rooms in July 1991. Over the last 27 years, Eamonn and Mary have lovingly restored and made huge changes to their 19th century home, now a renowned family business overlooking the bustling Market Square in picturesque Roscommon Town. Gleesonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Townhouse is a founding member of Good Food Ireland, has featured on the cover of the Bridgestone Guide, and receives excellent reviews from a host of travel guidebooks year after year. The Gleesons are renowned food ambassadors for Tourism Ireland, presenting the best of authentic Irish cuisine in America, Britain and other European countries. The Irish Breakfast Awards celebrate Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading hospitality establishments and the people who strive to make the first meal of the day a particularly special experience for visitors and regulars alike. According to Georgina Campbell, one of Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s foremost food and hospitality writers, the significance of the humble breakfast cannot be underestimated, and it is as important to Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reputation in food and tourism as a world class hotel or a fine dining restaurant. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A great Irish breakfast starts with the raw materials and as part of these awards, we identify exceptional Irish breakfast food producers who help chefs turn a good breakfast into an outstanding one,â&#x20AC;? said Georgina Campbell. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Using high quality, Irish produce is the foundation on which chefs and business owners need to build to create great and memorable breakfast experiences. How-

ever, sourcing local, seasonal and quality produce is often overlooked when it comes to the first meal of the day, and that has to change if we want to support our indigenous food industry and fly the flag for Irish producers, and the Irish breakfast, both at home and abroadâ&#x20AC;?.

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Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

Business People

DESTINATION:

DAN DOONER speaks to three people who have chosen to make rural Ireland their base in order to create a better work/life balance…

From Mauritius to Main Street, Roscommon Jackson’s Restaurant and Guest House manager Dinesh Narain is 32-yearsold and hails from Mauritius. He first arrived in Ireland back in 2009 and has worked in the food service industry in both Dublin and Wicklow, which includes a stint at The Royal Marine Hotel

in Dún Laoghaire. Dinesh is married and has a fiveyear-old daughter and twoyear-old son. While he has made a very successful career in the hospitality sector, Dinesh said that initially he had chosen a different path in college. “I actually studied physi-

cal education in India but during my school holidays I used to work in hotels. I returned home after college and I was teaching for a year as a physical educator. When my one-year contract finished I said I’d venture out, so I went to the UK. I had some friends in Ireland and so I came

over and I haven’t looked back since!” Dinesh was a regular visitor to the Knock Shrine with his wife and it was during one of these trips when Jackson’s Bangladeshi owner, Jasim Dewan, offered him a job. “I started working in Jackson’s in 2014. One day we were driving back (from the shrine) and we popped in here for something to eat. I was having a chat with Jasim, and he offered me the job (as manager) straight away,” he said. Dinesh saw it as an opportunity to enjoy a better work-life balance. “I asked him for some time to think about it because it was a big move. My daughter was only two and I wanted to spend more time with her. I had a chat with my wife and

rents were getting higher in Dublin so I said: ‘Why not give it a chance and see how it goes?’ “I was working six or seven days and I wanted more family time and knew that it wouldn’t happen if I didn’t move out of Dublin. My wife is really happy in Roscommon. We always liked Roscommon when we drove through and Ballyleague-Lanesboro where we now live. I always had it in my head that if we were to leave Dublin that’s where we’d live,” he said. Dinesh added that he feels at home here after five years. “I was really lucky to come to Roscommon because of the support I have from my staff, my colleagues and the local people. I feel part of the community and I have roots

here. It’s like moving from home to home”. It’s not always plain sailing running a restaurant in a rural town, however, and Dinesh had high praise for his dedicated staff. “It is a challenge running a restaurant in a rural town especially when you see the standard in the big cities where there are four and five star establishments. It’s a matter of getting the right staff with the right attitude. “I pride myself on my staff and some of them have been here three or four years. I can say that they are doing a great job, and they understand how I like to do things. We have eight floor staff and three kitchen staff, it’s a busy establishment,” he said. As for specific challenges, Dinesh said the strict

drink-driving laws mean that many people are now afraid to have a glass of wine at dinner. “In Mauritius we have the same culture as the French and we like to have a drink with our meal so I think even half a glass should be allowed. I know many of our customers won’t have a drink with their dinner any more because they’re scared”. As for the other big issue in rural Ireland… “Broadband is probably the main issue in the west of Ireland but I always tell my customers that they should be happy in the countryside and they should be happier talking at the table instead of using the Internet! (Laughs). It’s an excuse to leave the phone behind!”

Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

Business People

ROSCOMMON Samantha Mean is originally from the UK but moved to Ireland when she was just 15. She opened Forget Me Not Photography in Strokestown after falling in love with the area. She is married to Tom and they have a daughter, Eva

Picture perfect work life in Strokestown! “Everything’s been going really well. People had said it was a great idea to set up in Strokestown because there hadn’t been a business like that here before. It’s situated in a nice place and it’s quite central, which is good because I travel to Roscommon town to take pictures too. “The best thing about doing business in Roscommon is the people. They are really lovely here and they really like pictures. Customers come in at first and are maybe a bit timid and not sure of what pictures they want, but then they get warmed up and when they see the finished article they’re over the moon! I do so many different styles of photoshoots and I try to accommodate my clients. For example, two young ladies came in for a birthday shoot and wanted a 1940s/1950s theme. I got all the clothes they wanted and did their hair and makeup (Samantha’s also a qualified beauty therapist), and then I did the photos for them. They absolutely loved it. I like to make it an experience for my clients – not just go in, sit there and do what you’re told! I also prefer more natural pictures than posed pictures. “I know a lot of people think they’re photographers now because you can do so much on your phone but when you compare a picture on a camera to one on a phone you

lose quality when you try to make it bigger. “I also do printing canvassing as well and sometimes people will send me pictures they’ve taken on a phone and as soon as you’ve blown it up it loses the quality. “I love everything about photography, especially trying to create images which reflect the person. Recently I rented out a large house not too far from here and did boudair photography. We had couples, men and women looking to take shots as presents for Valentine’s or weddings. Some were really shy at first but after I’d spoken with them they became more comfortable. I’d always ask what kind of pictures the client had in mind or ask them about any ideas they had. “Recently we’ve had a couple of people asking if we could do other things for weddings. We ended up doing things like canvases, finger print trees, guest books, seating plans – apparently I’m a graphic designer now as well! (Laughs). You do have to learn on the job to keep expanding! “It really depends on what sort of business you are setting up but my advice would be to do the research! There are hidden costs of course and the location is very important. I was lucky that mine worked out so well. Look into your insurance, rates and hidden charges”.

The Bank House, St. Patrick’s St., Castlerea Email: ggreene@gats.ie

Klassic Cleaners

Dubliner happy to get ‘out of town’! Dubliner Stephen Murphy chose to move to rural Roscommon 16 years ago with his wife Tracey and says the quality of life in the countryside eclipses that of big city living. “My good lady wife is actually from Athlone but we were looking for somewhere ‘out of town’ to live. We eventually arrived out in the far end of Lecarrow and the two of us stood in the back of the house we are now living in and it just felt right,” he said. Stephen is a sales rep with O’Neill’s Sportswear and his job takes him all over the country. He believes Roscommon is the perfect base. “My job basically brings me all over the country from Donegal down to Cork, Kerry and Wexford. I’m a sales rep on the roads so being centrally located and away from all the traffic makes my job a lot easier because during commute time you’re actually covering ground rather than sitting on a motorway somewhere looking at somebody’s bumper,” he said. Stephen and Tracey have three boys, all of whom attend school locally. However, while

Stephen says Athlone Institute of Technology provides them with an opportunity to study locally, they may be forced to move away when it comes time to find a job. “My three boys went to school locally in Glanduff NS, my youngest is actually still in

Glanduff. The other two are in Athlone Community College. “The biggest thing is the college in Athlone, which is fantastic. Dublin and Galway are also fairly easy commutes too. It depends on what they want to do after because an awful lot of industry and technology is based on the eastern seaboard. You can see that they will probably have to move from here to follow whatever their career path is,” he said. All in all, Stephen believes there are pros and cons when it comes to living in Co. Roscommon. “We are ideally located halfway between Roscommon and Athlone and you have everything you need in those two towns really. There’s a really relaxed way of life too which for me means the standard of living is better. “On the other hand, the closure of the Garda station in Knockcroghery and the threat to local services such as post offices (are negatives). To have the Garda station locally would be fantastic because it is a loss to the community,” he said.

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Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

Business People

EmployAbility Roscommon… supporting people and businesses! ‘70 people gained work in county last year with EmployAbility Roscommon’ EmployAbility Roscommon, which provides an employment support service for people with a health condition, injury, illness or disability, and a recruitment service for the business community, is looking forward to another busy and productive year ahead. Last year, a total of seventy people gained employment in Co. Roscommon through EmployAbility Roscommon. Based in St. Patrick’s Street, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon, EmployAbility Roscommon is now 18 years in existence and has played a key role in the community over that period. Now the organisation is calling on more of Roscommon’s varied employers to consider coming on board and joining the growing number of businesses that have engaged with this service. Ms. Eithne Jarrett, CoOrdinator of EmployAbility Roscommon, says the service aims to facilitate access to mainstream employment for people in Roscommon with health-related issues or a disability – and to support employers seeking to recruit staff. EmployAbility Roscommon has gone from strength to

Roscommon EmployAbility staff meeting this week: Pictured are Patrick O’Connor, Noreen Kearney, Maree Cregg, Sile Conry, Antoinette Gallagher, Catherine Kelleher, Eithne Jarrett and Martina Casey.

strength since it opened its doors to clients and employers in 2001. The organisation is headed by a voluntary board of directors from RehabCare, National Learning Network, HSE, Brothers of Charity and local employers. It also includes retired managers of those organisations who collectively have a wealth of experience in the area.

How does it work? EmployAbility Roscommon offers a streamlined approach with practical tailored employment services and supports to jobseekers and employers alike. Their clients come from all walks of life and are supported to achieve their potential. There is a strong focus on ongoing staff training

and education to meet the requirements of clients and employers. Staff hold qualifications in supported employment, company law, psychology, mental health, adult guidance counselling and assistive technology. Eithne says: “We specialise in matching the skills and abilities of individuals to jobs, always aiming for the best solution that will result in a

mutually satisfactory outcome for both employee and employer. “Our team of Employment Facilitators are highly experienced and come from different professional backgrounds. We understand the needs of employers. “We are aware of concerns regarding compliance, legislation and health and safety in the workplace. We

aim to support people improve the quality of their lives, realise their dreams and goals and therefore to find them a good fit in terms of job placement. “We strive at all times to find the right person for the right job and create good job matches. We want to assist employers to create equal opportunities with positive outcomes for both parties”.

A day in the life …of an Employment Facilitator with EmployAbility Roscommon

Roscommon EmployAbility staff meeting this week: Pictured are Patrick O’Connor, Noreen Kearney, Maree Cregg, Sile Conry, Antoinette Gallagher, Catherine Kelleher, Eithne Jarrett and Martina Casey.

Recovery Journeys Many clients experience barriers to employment because of mental health issues. EmployAbility staff understand how difficult it is for people to return to work following a period of depression. Employment plays a major role in recovery from mental illness. Our service is fully dedicated to promoting recovery through employment.

Awarded Mark Savikas award An EmployAbility staff member has recently been awarded the Mark Savikas award from Maynooth University for M.ED research on personal stories of mental health and employment. Our Employment facilitators take a gentle approach to guiding people towards their goals and we also provide support for employers who are willing to give people an opportunity to work.

My job is interesting and rewarding. What does it involve? Basically my job is to assist people with various support needs in exploring, seeking, and obtaining mainstream employment through individually planned supports. My aim is to help my clients find meaningful employment that they will enjoy. This will enable them to prosper in their working life. In a typical day I work with clients by completing a needs assessment…the client and I identify goals and explore suitable employment options. Clients are as different as the challenges they face and because of this, the needs of clients may be approached in diverse ways. No two days are ever the same and this variety in my

work allows me to learn and develop in my job every day. Typically, my morning starts with a review of what I have on for the day. I will also check if I have any tasks to take care of from the previous day. I have appointments with clients which usually last around an hour. Some clients come to me at my office, while in other instances I meet the client externally in whichever town they are based in within the county. I spend at least 10 minutes beforehand looking at any previous notes as preparation for the meeting. When the meeting has ended, I spend 5-10 minutes reflecting and gathering my thoughts from the session. As an Employment Facilitator, I work closely with the client to provide

assistance based on the type of work environment the person is seeking. To do this I need to conduct a comprehensive review of the client’s strengths, abilities, and interests. If there are specific resources needed to help them attain employment I will find these and put them in place. I will work with the client to produce a professional CV which they can use as a job-seeking tool whilst they are engaging in the EmployAbility service. I can also coach the client in interview preparation. I will also assist them in job searching and explore training options if necessary. Another example of a resource that I use is the 7-week workplace that we offer in EmployAbility. This is where I set up quality

work experience – usually eight hours per week for seven weeks. It provides an opportunity to both the client and the employer to ascertain if it’s a suitable job match. The purpose of this is to enable the client to gain confidence and knowledge about work and about specific career paths that may be of interest to them. I can also offer employers the Wage Subsidy Scheme – this is a very worthwhile scheme that gives them a financial incentive to employ people with various support needs. Working as an Employment Facilitator is rewarding and fulfilling and while it has its challenges I feel that with the support of my team and with our combined experience we can offer both clients and employers a quality service.

Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

Business People

EMPLOYABILITY Roscommon Is calling all Employers to come on Board Pledge a job and support our jobseekers to fulfil their potential Becoming an inclusive employer has many benefits for business. Put simply, the greater the mix of people in your business, the greater the mix of skills, experiences, perspectives and ideas you can draw on.

Gain a reputational advantage

Customers prefer businesses that are seen to represent and contribute to the community in which they operate. Engaging with EmployAbility is a good step towards developing good socially responsible policies in your business. Our staﬀ can provide information and guidance to employers on a range of practical supports and allowances to proactively assist in the participation of jobseekers with a health-related issue or disability in the workforce.

Who We Are

The National EmployAbility Service provides an employment support service for people with a health condition, injury, illness or disability and a recruitment service for the business community. The service is free of charge to both employees and employers and is funded by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection. Our clients come from all walks of life and as we support them to achieve their potential we acquire a deeper understanding of the issues that affect their progression to employment. There is a strong focus on ongoing staff training and education to meet the requirements of clients and employers. Staff hold qualifications in supported employment, company law, psychology, mental health, adult guidance counselling and assistive technology.

Employers’ Grants and Incentives

There are grants and incentives available to support and encourage employers to employ people with health issues and disabilities. EmployAbility can help you to access the grants and incentives which may apply. Example: The Wage Subsidy Scheme oﬀers employers annual savings of between €5,788 and €10,748 per eligible employee. If you can oﬀer a job for a minimum of 21 hours per week and you are an eligible employer you could be approved for this grant.

Our Clients:

People with disabilities and health issues in County Roscommon who are seeking employment. This includes people with physical, sensory, intellectual disabilities and also people who are managing a mental health issue. Our job seekers come from a variety of employment sectors and with educational backgrounds ranging from level entry to graduate/post graduate. Employers in County Roscommon in all sectors – private and public who are looking for reliable motivated employees.

Why choose us? We will provide you with an excellent service We specialise in matching the skills and abilities of individuals to jobs, always aiming for the best solution that will result in a mutually satisfactory outcome for both employee and employer. Our team of Employment Facilitators are highly experienced and come from diﬀerent professional backgrounds. We have achieved a good balance of disability awareness, and also business awareness. We understand the needs of employers. We are aware of concerns regarding compliance, legislation and health and safety in the workplace. We strive at all times to find the right person for the right job and create good job matches.

Benefits for employers of supporting the work of EmployAbility Roscommon

EmployAbility works because it makes good business sense. Here are some of the reasons EmployAbility is good for you, as an employer.

Tap into a pool of dedicated and highly motivated employees People with disabilities and health issues often have to overcome significant barriers to get and keep a job. EmployAbility supports highly motivated and dedicated people who want the opportunity to compete for and work in the open labour market.

Get professional support to develop inclusion in your business

An EmployAbility professional will support the employer throughout the recruitment, induction and training process and on an ongoing basis for as long as needed. The professional is just as committed as the new employee and the employer to making sure the job is a success.

Get the business benefits of inclusion

Repeated studies have shown inclusion in the workforce is good for business. It promotes innovation and productivity and even boosts sales and business performance.

EmployAbility can reduce recruitment costs

Advertising vacancies online or in newspapers can be very expensive due to cost and also the time dedicated to selecting suitable people for interview from hundreds of applications. Why not call us and see if we have any suitable candidates who are already screened and are ready and available for work?

Get in Touch to find out more ... Contact the Coordinator Oﬃce: 094-9620328 Mobile: 087-6538176 Email: info@rosemp.ie Web: www.rosemp.ie

EmployAbility Roscommon Services for Job Seekers

We oﬀer a free support service to people with health-related issues or disability who are aiming to achieve independent employment and career progression. Support is oﬀered for a period of 18 months.

Employment Support

• Free Confidential Service • Dedicated one-to-one support from a Professional Employment Facilitator • Information and Support on Welfare Benefits and employment initiatives • Guidance counselling, Vocational Profiling and Career Planning • Individual Employment Action Plan • CV preparation • Interview Training • Job Search – Matching Skills with Employers’ needs • Seven Week Work Experience Programme • On-site Training if required • Guidance on Assistive Technology. • Follow up Support and Mentoring

Access to INTREO supports

• Workplace Equipment and Adaptation Grant (WEAG) • Job Interview Interpreter Grant (JIIG) • Personal Reader Grant • Willing Able Mentoring Scheme (WAM) • Placement programme for Graduates • Back to Work Enterprise Allowance (BTWEA)

Call us on 094-9620328 or email info@rosemp.ie

to make an appointment with one of our Employment Facilitators Our Employment Facilitators can meet you at our premises in Castlerea or in your locality

Business People

Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

WeekendPeople

Miriam’s

MUSINGS

Words of wit and wisdom with MIRIAM KERINS

Have foolish Brexiteers unwittingly threatened to demolish this State? Pictured at the Craig Connolly Memorial Walk in Roscommon town on Saturday were Megan Haran and Sandra Shryane. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Craig Connolly Memorial Walk in Roscommon town on Saturday were Martina Kenny, Diarmuid Fallon and Leonie Beirne. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Well folks, as the release date of Brexit…The Final Season is looming, the Brits still appear to think they’re both an empire and a force to be reckoned with. This element became clear to me when, last week, the British Government attempted to do what it believes it does best…issue idle threats to the Irish by playing dirty, announcing they’d favour Brazillian beef over ours. The nerve! Eh, let me know how that works out for yas! G’wan, flood your UK market with what is highly likely to be a food product riddled with not only traceability and sanitary issues, but that also raises questions around the way in which the animals were slaughtered. I mean, have the British Government become so obtuse they’ve totally forgotten the litany of concerns highlighted in a report documented by a delegation of MEPs who visited Brazil’s main beef-producing regions last year, where they declared ‘it became clear that Brazil does not have the same standards as EU producers’. So, as each day is being ticked off the Brexit calendar, and the rhetoric surrounding the initial vote whereby our lovely neighbours declared they ‘never, never, never, shall be slaves,’ to either the EU or anyone else has now long since subsided, it seems the big dog that is the UK – i.e. the fifth biggest national economy in the world – has, I’d imagine now realised it may well have made a massive fizz-up of the whole untangling bit, and, as is usual in acrimonious divorces, resorted to

playing hardball. However, I’d have to ask why they’d want to pull such a stunt on us? I mean, hasn’t history taught them that throwing intimidating ultimatums at the Irish, a nation that never has been, nor never will be, frightened of them proved fruitless? A nation which, even when our back is up against the wall – and the Brexiteers have become a massive thorn in our sides – will not, under any circumstances, bow to their pathetic threats. Irish farmers, (including Roscommon farmers) are synonymous with producing and providing top quality beef. Even as a vegan – I never have and never will consume it or any other animal product – I do fully understand that with prices reaching an all-time low, the industry here is not only under severe threat; it’s in crisis. And, even though Simon Cov-

eney is doing his best ‘spin’ exercise in a bid to insist both the government and the EU will support our farmers following the Brits’ ‘we’ll buy Brazillian on a tariff-free quota basis’ bluff; the situation is indeed perilous and I hope his strategies will, as he pledges, protect both vulnerable citizens and vulnerable sectors. Time, which is running short, will tell. Something else which is under threat from a no-deal Brexit in our little country is our stability and our peace. You see, nobody, except of course for those who thrive on violence, will want to see the reestablishment of a hard border with the North. Therefore, while it gives me no pleasure to say this, (and I mean no insult to our wonderful UK residents living among us), it seems that the Brexiteers, through their unbelievable lack of judgement, and, dare I say, folly, have, once again, due to an ill-thought out referendum and their follow-up irrational behaviour of deciding to leave the EU without even a hint of a plan, may have unwittingly threatened to demolish this State. Theresa May needs to stop pandering to those self-destructive extremists in her party, grow a set of liathróidí and strike a middle ground as a matter of extreme urgency. The diplomatic pressure is on, we’ve reached our limit of compromise, and our government cannot, and absolutely must not, take a risk with Ireland’s peace, its people, both north and south, its stability and its economy! Let’s hope common sense will prevail!

The Church didn’t want to act…it had to act! Pictured at the Craig Connolly memorial walk on Saturday were Ciaran and Roisin Campbell and Buddy. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh.

Pictured at the Craig Connolly Memorial Walk in Roscommon town on Saturday were Lorraine O’Connor and Paula Pearse Miley. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Do dial down on the whining Meghan love! If Meghan Markle aka the Duchess of Sussex doesn’t want to be, according to her pal George Clooney ‘pursued and vilified,’ or indeed, get ‘a raw deal’ from the public,’ then I’d advise she refrains from jetting across the globe to attend high profile celebrity packed events, i.e. a lavish baby shower, held at a £57,600-a-night penthouse, (€66,294) that she knew was guaranteed to attract the interest of the paparazzi! Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying she should toe the line drawn by her in-laws…no way. I didn’t toe the line for my former inlaws, nor do I do it for my current ones, (and hubby wouldn’t dream of expect-

ing me to). However, if, like privileged Meghan, someone manages to nab a job where they earn oodles of money, (funded by the public), for doing very little other than keeping a tight grip on their baby bump…(eh, we know you’re pregnant love, and we wish you well); and while everyone understands that royal life is debilitating, it’d be prudent not to whine because, unlike Meghan’s deceased mother-in-law Diana, she’s no innocent teenager; rather she lived in the spotlight and she knew what she was getting into before she signed her employment contract with the Queen. Just sayin’.

Well readers, it appears the ‘alleged’ cover-ups regarding the sexual abuse and exploitation of children within the Catholic Church are now no longer allegations. And, I’ll bet when Pope Francis opened a landmark Vatican summit to tackle child sex abuse he didn’t expect Cardinal Reinhard Marx’s candid confirmation that ‘Files that could have documented the terrible deeds and named those responsible were destroyed, or not even created’. Now while locals commented to me last week they were delighted the Church had decided to “act to address the issue,” my answer was, “they didn’t choose to act, they didn’t want to act…they had to act!” I mean, when you look at this summit and see that level of high-ranking prelate gathered in the same room, you know the Church has realised the game’s up! They’ve been sussed and the sex abuse crisis, which will only escalate, now needs to be urgently addressed. It’s classic PR crisis management… take responsibility, be proactive, be transparent, be human, apologise and promise to take action! So, while Pope Francis has issued ‘guidelines’ suggesting ‘mandatory codes of conduct for priests, training people to spot abuse and informing police,’ etc., I for one am not buying it and I’d question if His Holiness has got what it takes to see his ‘guidelines’ and his ‘concrete measures,’ are put in place. I remain sceptical because for me, there’s a huge difference between what this Pope says and what this Pope does.

Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

WeekendPeople SUNDAY GOSPEL REFLECTION In today’s readings we hear Jesus speaking in Galilee as well as a Jewish sage named Sirach writing in Jerusalem more than a century earlier. The two of them touch upon a single truth: The words that come out of us make known the hidden thoughts within us. Speech reveals the secrets of the heart. Sirach teaches that speaking is “the test of men” and their character (Sir 27:7). One who is upright will utter words that are truthful and encouraging to others. But one whose heart is cluttered with “refuse” will be exposed, since the “fruit” of his mouth speaks volumes about the “tree” that produces it (Sir 27:6). Sirach also compares the testing of our words to clay fired in a kiln – if properly prepared, a useful vessel emerges; but if the clay is not fully dried, it will break apart in the extreme heat (Sirach 27:5). In a similar way, Jesus insists that a person speaks “out of the abundance of the heart” (Luke 6:45). He too compares our speech, whether good or bad, to what grows on a tree: “For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit” (Luke 6:43). Both readings urge us to make wholesome speech a habit. After all, much about who we are is brought to light through what we say. But there’s an additional step: The Lord is asking us to look inward, to examine our hearts and fill them with the “good treasure” that God desires. Why do purity of heart and speech matter so much? Because, as Jesus declares elsewhere: “by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matt 12:37). They matter because they help to decide our final judgment, and this is where the Second Reading comes in. Paul reminds us that God will destroy death forever, and if we are to share in this victory and live forever with the Lord, then we must take all steps necessary to give our hearts and lips to what is good. – Scott Hahn Ph.D., www. salvationhistory.com (and courtesy of Sacred Heart Church)

FRANK

BRANDON

FRANK BRANDON’S

unique take on life ...

All eyes on Cardiff thriller It’s Saturday evening, and after a busy enough day in the shop, I pull the door behind me. I have only one thing on my mind – and that is rugby – because the eagerly-awaited showdown in Cardiff between Wales and England has just kicked off, and I can’t wait to see if the Welsh can put a halt to the English gallop. It’s five o’clock, and I decide to watch the game in the newly-refurbished bar in the Sheraton Hotel, but it was absolutely jammed, and even though there were two televisions showing it, it was difficult to either see or hear it. Funny enough, very few of the big crowd seemed to be watching

the action, as they all were eating or drinking, and – even at that early hour – they looked as if they were out for the night. I headed just up the road and settled on a welcoming high stool in Carey’s bar. It too was well crowded with a few early starters from a hen party, but most of the clientele were engrossed in the rugby, and all seemed to be supporting our Celtic brethren. It’s amazing how we all like to beat the English. If we can’t do it ourselves we delight nearly as much when someone else does. It’s now Monday afternoon (as I resume writing) and it’s well documented how we all got our wish, and the English Chariot was derailed.

Everyone in Carey’s was delighted. Once it was over I headed down to the Buccaneers rugby ground where our lads (Creggs) were taking on the local team in the penultimate league match of the season. Now the result didn’t go our way, but all of us who were lucky enough to be there witnessed a terrific encounter, with some top class rugby played by both sides. As I watched from the sidelines of the main pitch, I couldn’t help but think that taking away the U-20 internationals from Dubarry Park and moving them to Cork was a big mistake. Maybe I am being a bit selfish, but in recent years I attended a number of U-20 matches in the

Brexit woes

THE BRIDGE CLUB Roscommon Bridge Club Anthony McCormack Memorial (Session 1) – 1st: B. Ferguson & J. McGrath, 2nd: K. Dowd & P. O’Shaughnessy, 3rd: A. Flynn & M. McSharry. Happy ‘71 Bridge Club 1st: T. Murphy & J. Halliday, 2nd: T. Smyth & L. Shine, Gross: V. & M. Brennan. Ballymurray Bridge Club Club Pairs (Session 1) – 1st: M. Dolan & K. Coyle, 2nd: P. Callaghan & M. Dolan, 3rd: J. O’Gara & G. Bannon. Kilbride Bridge Club North/South – 1st: F. Keane & B. Gillooly, 2nd: T. & B. Moran, 3rd: E. Dowling & M. Farrell. East/West – 1st: K. Burke & M. Kelly, 2nd: P. Donoghue & M. Fallon, 3rd: P. Murray O’Brien & B. Fallon.

Midland venue, and they were great occasions, the games played in splendid surroundings. There can be no doubt that for accessibility alone, Athlone is far and away the more convenient. Earlier in the day, the Buccs had beaten St. Mary’s in an All Ireland League game, and our own Bill Flynn, a former fearsome prop forward, had taken in that match, watched the international in the Bounty, and then watched our lads in the evening – so he surely had a feast of top quality rugby. As a wellknown student of the game, I’m sure he had a lot to discuss later on in the night.

Pictured at Danny Burke’s 80th birthday party in Mulvihill’s Bar, Castlerea were Patricia Callaghan, Danny Burke and John Callaghan. Pic: Austin Waldron

Danny’s big night Staying with Saturday night…I have to admit that I find watching any game that I have an interest in more demanding than when I actually used to play, and so by the time I made it home, I was only fit for a siesta on the couch in front of a nice warm turf fire. That’s why I missed out on a great night in Mulvihill’s in Castlerea, when my good friend, and one of the greatest people of all time, Danny Burke,

had a surprise (to him) 80th birthday party. I’m told that the Castlerea Brass Band led Danny up Barrack Street (from his home) to Mulvihill’s, with great crowds looking on, and the night that followed was one of song, laughter and great craic, just as the one and only Danny would have wanted and deserved. I have had the privilege of knowing Ireland’s most renowned postman ever

for nearly fifty years, and no words of mine could do justice to the contribution he has made in so many different ways to so many different organisations and communities. All I can say is I really regret not making it on Saturday night, but heartiest congratulations Danny, and, if we’re both still around in 10 years’ time, I will make your 90th. Happy birthday Danny, and here’s to many more.

Brexit is something that I have seldom if ever mentioned, but as someone who remembers being asked to get out of a car along with four other young (at the time) men who were going to play rugby for Corinthians up in Belfast, and having all our gear bags opened up, with stuff literally thrown around the road by British soldiers, I, along with many others, would not like to see a return to those bad old days. However, there are many other little things that may cause problems, and one of those is the fact that a British driving licence may no longer be valid in Ireland. Two people that I know of who moved back here from England some years ago, and who have driven quite legally here since then on their British licences, are now frantically trying to get Irish licences before the dreaded No Deal comes to pass. I have no idea if they will be successful, as I’m sure they will have to do a test, and I keep saying – although in truth I haven’t a clue (nothing unusual there, says you) that the No Deal won’t happen – but the people involved are scared they may find themselves in a licensing limbo which could invalidate both their licences and their insurance – and so they can’t take the chance. It’s just one very minor problem that a hard border may bring, so for all our sakes, let’s hope something can soon be sorted to prevent such a scenario.

And finally… Finally for this week, Jimmy Kearney of The Lancers’ fame has asked me to remind you all that the Roscommon Deanery fundraising dance in aid of the Lourdes Assisted Pilgrims Fund takes place on Friday, 8th of March in the Abbey Hotel, with dancing from 9 pm to 1 am. Music will be provided by three of the best local bands…Frank Nelson, Patsy McCaul, and The Lancers themselves. It is for a great cause that helps so many individuals and families. There will be loads of spot prizes, and a raffle too. It all only costs €10, so if you can at all, get out the cowboy hat and the dancing shoes, saddle up your old horse, and get to the Abbey on Friday night, 8th of March, where you are guaranteed a top class night of music and dancing. See you there.

Till next week, Bye for now!

Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

WeekendPeople

Pictured at the Athleague National School Race Night in Hamrock’s last Saturday night were Michael Fitzmaurice TD and Willie Fitzmaurice. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Hamrock’s Athleague, Co. Roscommon. Tel.: (090) 6663325

Telephone: 090 6626225 Pictured in Rockford’s were Evelena Bulotaite, Gabby Flynn, Glen Miller and Emma Simoes.

Faces & Places

Rockford’s

Saturday 2nd March:

Castle Street

Roscommon Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Saturday, 2nd March:

Liveline Roscommon Deanery Fundraising Dance In aid of Lourdes Assisted Pilgrim Fund

6 NATIONS PROMOTION JJ Harlows will be offering all customers

In the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon On Friday, 8th March, 2019 Music by: Frank Nelson Band, Patsy McCaul and The Lancers Raffle on the night plus Spot Prizes Dancing from 9pm to 1am. Admission €10

6 +1 FREE ON ALL DRINKS for the duration of the tournament during all games and FREE PIZZA during the Ireland games. #COYBIG Pictured in Rockford’s were Kaspa Stankowski, Brian Mazunkiewicz and Salob Nalinonyha.

Sunday 3rd March:

Ben & Kev

The Brewery

6PM IN THE MIDDLE BAR * No Cover Charge, all gigs are at 10pm approx unless stated otherwise * Search for us on facebook: JJ-Harlows - The- Square-Roscommon-Town

MARKET SQUARE, ROSCOMMON Friday, 1st March

Folk & Trad Session On Friday night and every Friday night

Pictured in Rockford’s were Sinead Keegan and Edel Glancy.

Pictured in Rockford’s were Jack Brennan and Aaron Wall.

All Musicians, Singers welcome. Saturday, 2nd March Country music by

Tom Powers

BEER OF THE WEEK! JJ Harlows supporting Irish Micro Breweries i

We are now showing all Racing, Matches, Games, etc. on Sky SPORTS

Pictured in Rockford’s were Mark Clogher and Monta Jonusa.

Pictured in Rockford’s were Kelly Harmon and Hannah Donovan.

Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

WeekendPeople

Pictured at celebrations for the 90th Anniversary of Hughes Bar in Ballinamore Bridge last Saturday night were Mairead Kelly, Keith, Margaret and Matthew Hughes, Pia Farrell, Andrew and Rosie Hughes.

Faces & Places Pics: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at celebrations for the 90th Anniversary of Hughes Bar in Ballinamore Bridge last Saturday night were Owen Qualter and Karina Kilcommins.

90th Anniversary of Hughes Bar Ballinamore Bridge

Pictured at celebrations for the 90th Anniversary of Hughes Bar in Ballinamore Bridge last Saturday night were Therese Hennelly, Olivia Naughton, Carmel Davis and Marie Maher.

Pictured at celebrations for the 90th Anniversary of Hughes Bar in Ballinamore Bridge last Saturday night were Greg Horan and Sarah Murphy.

Pictured at celebrations for the 90th Anniversary of Hughes Bar in Ballinamore Bridge last Saturday night were Mattie, Anne and Michelle Killilea.

Pictured at celebrations for the 90th Anniversary of Hughes Bar in Ballinamore Bridge last Saturday night were Aishleen Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Sullivan, Mairead, Anthony, Sonya and John Kelly.

Pictured at celebrations for the 90th Anniversary of Hughes Bar in Ballinamore Bridge last Saturday night were Ciara Costelloe, Hazel Delaney, Tara Delaney and Lisa Kelly.

Pictured at celebrations for the 90th Anniversary of Hughes Bar in Ballinamore Bridge last Saturday night were PJ Davis, Colette, Mary and Ciaran Delaney.

Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

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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

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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

ACUPUNCTURE Traditional Chinese Medicine

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Kathleen’s Mobile Footcare

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• 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:

Kathleen Wynne MCFHP, MAFHP

PODIATRIST For all foot ailments Siobhan Murray BSc (Hons) Podiatry M.Ch.S.I. Department of Health Approved Every Monday Tully’s Total Health Pharmacy Main Street, Castlerea

087 2798704

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CHIMNEY CLEANING

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

Fergal 086 1016899

COMPUTERS

CHIROPRACTOR ROSCOMMON CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC Specialising in:

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Providing IT services for Homes, Businesses & Schools. Home Callouts.

NO FIX NO FEE PC Maintenance – Upgrades, Repairs, Virus & Spyware removal. Network Solutions – Cabling, Hardware & Software Installation & Maintenance. Contact David Conboy Tel: 087 7496459 Email: info@dccomputerservices.ie Web: www.dccomputerservices.ie p

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

RSA REGISTERED AND FORMER DRIVER TESTER

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

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

094 96 20099

Tel: 086 2387528

086 8936012

 FOR SALE: 100 round bales of good quality hay. Tel: 086 8566790

FENCING/GATES

Des Kelly Fencing Over 20 years in business All types of fencing supplied and erected Including: • Cresoted Posts • Agricultural Fencing • Site Fencing • Security Fencing • Post & Rail Fencing • Concrete Fencing • Grant Approved Fencing No job too big or too small Just give us a call on

This driving School conforms for the new RSA regulations & legislation

087 2346364 FOR SALE  FOR SALE: 2012 Chevrolet Cruze, 1.6 Lt, 5 door, auto, low mileage, 44,249 miles, €4,250 ono. Tel: 090 6626536 or 086 8162964

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

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

 FOR SALE: Good quality Bales of Chopped Silage, baled 7th June 2018, Elphin area. Tel: 086 3918859

Mobile:

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

COUNSELLING & HYPNOTHERAPY

 FOR SALE: 50 bales of quality silage. Roscommon area. Tel: 087 2103136

Telephone:

Telephone: 086 8433433

COUNSELLING

 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

EDT Lessons Available

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE www.aclearsteerdriving.com

 CALVES FOR SALE: All breeds of top quality calves. In fresh weekly and are available all year round, sold from Department approved premises. Calves can be bought to order. Call Paddy on 087 4116003

 FOR SALE: Oats and Barley for sale, available in tonne bags €230 per tonne. Tel: 086 1945562

DRIVING LESSONS

JOHN DOORLY School of Motoring

FARMING

Burkes Garage

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

Clashaganny, Tulsk ●

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

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Tel: 087 2172281

REPAIRS ● SALES ● SERVICE

Wheel Chair Vehicles For Sale 2012 Citroen Berlingo Plus In as New Condition with Ramp, Seat Belts etc. 22,000 Miles 2008 Peugeot Partner Good Condition With Necessary Equipment. 2004 Citroen Berlingo was owned locally.

Michael 086 253 5559 Bryan 087 903 3222

Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

Classifieds FARMING  CALVES FOR SALE: Continental, Angus and Hereford calves for sale. Delivery available. Contact Darragh. Tel: 086 8713864  FOR SALE: 80 bales of silage. (June silage) Tel: 086 2244614  STRAW FOR SALE: Small square bales of nice quality bailey straw. Tel: 087 6776731

GARDENING

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

Contact Walter on 087 9519873

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

JOAN MOORE Therapy Rooms

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

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

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

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

CORBETT TREE CARE & LANDSCAPING Dangerous Tree Removal ● Wood Chipping ● Garden Hedges & Trees reduced and shaped ● General Maintenance ● Fully Insured Contact Alan on

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087 6558597

Phone John on

JOE HEALY

087 2860428

Tree Services

 SPRING IS HERE!: Large selection of Flowering Bulbs – Dahlia, Anemone, Gladoli. Early seed potatoes, onion sets, shallots, Veg. and Flower Seed. Sulphate Iron for Moss on lawns, Algae Remover for concrete and tarmac surfaces. See our 2019 selection of fishing tackle. Spinning Rods, Reels, Baits. Now stocking live bait for Pike Fishing. 2019 Fishing Permits available. No longer want to licence your firearm? We can store it or destroy it for a small fee. Robert Flynn, The Square, Castlerea, Roscommon.

ALL ABOUT THE GARDEN

• 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

HEALTH & WELL-BEING

• Roscommon Town • Grass and Hedge Cutting • General Maintenance • Strimming and Weeding

CONTACT KEVIN:

090 6630879 or Mobile

087 2835742

HOLISTIC

PARKLAWN TREE SERVICES

GARDENING WALTER BEGLEY

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

Amatsu Therapy ● Neuromuscular therapy & orthopaedic sports massage ●

Appointments with Anne Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Saturday.

087 9201818 Gift vouchers now available

Find us on facebook 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

086 4679798 For all your decorating needs INTERIOR & EXTERIOR Fitted Kitchens handpainted Wooden floors sanded and finished Tried & Trusted Painting Projects since 1993

Phone JOHN

083 8838022 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

Molloy’s Pharmacy, The Harrison Centre, Roscommon

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

Tel: 087 2721757

Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon

www.aobtherapies.com Vouchers available on-line

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

 TO LET: 3 bedroom farmhouse to let, Drum area, no families, reasonable rent. Also antique furniture, double pine bed and mattress as new €180. Tel: 085 8336250  LANDS TO LET: From 1st, April 2019 for 11 months. c.210 acres Strokestown, Co. Roscommon. Tel: 086 2506752

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

 TO RENT: 4-5 bedroom house to let in Roscommon town. Suitable for family. References essential. Tel: 087 2765421  FOR SALE: Modern three bedroom detached bungalow for sale, excellent condition throughout, must be seen to be appreciated. Ten minutes drive from Ballinasloe town and fifteen minutes from Athlone Town Centre. Accommodation: Entrance Hall, Three Bedrooms, Sitting room. Open plan kitchen/living room, Utility and bathroom, O.F.C.H .and open fireplace. All offers in excess of €148,000 will be considered. Telephone: 087 2888344

PLANNINGS

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

086 3482387 info@moleskinarchitecture.com

facebook.com/moleskinarch

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I Michael Costello am applying to Roscommon county council for planning permission to construct a dwelling house with domestic garage, connection to council services and carryout all ancillary site works at Ballinagard Td, Galway Road, Roscommon.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We James and Kate Farrell are applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to construct dwelling house and domestic garage with proprietary treatment system and percolation and associated site development works at Mullymucks, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon.

Signed: Morris Lohan Consulting Engineers, Castle Street, Roscommon. Ph Office: 090 6627950 Andy: 086 3646210 James: 087 8228529 info@morrislohan.ie.

Signed: Morris Lohan Consulting Engineers, Castle Street, Roscommon, Ph Office: 090 6627950 Andy: 086 3646210 James: 087 8228529 info@morrislohan.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 of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

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

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

The he local paper!

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Michael McDonnell, intend to apply for permission for the construction of an agricultural entrance onto the L2018 road including all other associated site works at Curraghboy Td, Curraghboy, Athlone, Co. Roscommon. Signed: Collins Boyd Engineering Ltd. Engineers & Architects Galway Road, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon. Ph (090) 6634421 Fax: (090) 6634423 Email: info@collinsboydeng.com The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I am applying to Roscommon County Council for full planning permission on behalf of Niall Mullin and Rachel Garvey to construct a dwellinghouse, garage, waste water treatment system and associated siteworks at Castlestrange, Fuerty, Co. Roscommon. Signed: Seamus Murray, Project Managers, Engineers & Surveyors. Castle St., Roscommon. Ph- (087) 2222874. 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 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 and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Ronan and Pamela Gavin intend to make application to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to construct two storey dwelling, domestic garage, proprietary effluent treatment system and percolation area, associated site development works and services at Cloonown, Oldtown, 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 the prescribed fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Irish Woodland Services and Consulting Ltd, hereby give notice to the general public that we have lodged “Further Information/Revised Plans” to Roscommon County Council in relation to a recent planning application, Planning Reference PD18/440, for Construction of a forestry road and entrance onto the public road for the thinning/ extraction of timber to existing forestry and Associated Site Development Works at Church Hill Td, Cootehall, Co Roscommon. Signed: Michael Hennessy Advanced Planning & Design Services Dorrary, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Roscommon 086 1701549 The Further Information/Revised Plans are available for inspection or purchase 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 lodged Further Information/ Revised Plans may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 not later than two weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority. There will be no fee payable on a further submission if it is accompanied by a copy of the acknowledgement of a previous submission/observation.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Colm Mee, hereby give notice that I am applying to Roscommon County Council for full planning permission to erect a dwelling house with attached domestic garage and construct a wastewater treatment system and percolation area and all associated site works at Emlaghnagree, Donamon, Co. Roscommon. Signed: Lo-Homes Limited Tonamaddy, Creggs, Co. Roscommon. Tel. 090 6621941 Mobile: 086 8551835 The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I am applying for planning permission for erection of two storey dwelling house and domestic garage, with connection to public services and all ancillary works on Site No 24, Woodview Court, Ardsallaghmore, Roscommon. Signed: Gary Hoare The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the :planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within the period of five weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

Classifieds PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Patricia and Richard O Brien, intend to apply for permission to demolish an existing dwelling and ancillary shed and for the construction of a single storey dwelling house with a waste water treatment system and domestic garage and connections to services and all other associated site works at Farbreagues Td., Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon. Signed: Collins Boyd Engineering Ltd. Engineers & Architects Galway Road, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon. Ph (090)6634421 Fax: (090) 6634423 Email: info@collinsboydeng.com The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We Niall and Breda Cashin are applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to re-model and extend fire damaged house by raising the roof and adding first floor rooms and by constructing extension to front and rear at ground floor level and carryout all associated site development works at Graffoge Td, Scramoge, Co. Roscommon, F42 R798.

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

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Fern Architectural Studio, intend to apply for planning permission on behalf of Gillian McDermott and Paul O’Connor for development at Knockmeane, Athleague, Co. Roscommon. The development will consist of a singlestorey extension, comprising of an open plan kitchen, living and dining room, two bedrooms, w.c., study and utility areas to the rear of the existing dwelling, demolition of the existing flat roof extension, alterations to the existing front elevation, new waste treatment system and ancillary works. Signed: Enda Fallon Fern Architectural Studio (RIAI Registered Practice) Roscommon Phone (Enda): 089 4439458 info@fern.ie www.fern.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 authority 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 are applying for planning permission for erection of dwelling house and domestic garage with sewerage treatment plant and percolation area, and ancillary site development works at Carrownalassan, Fourmilehouse, Co. Roscommon. Signed: Oliver and Caroline Tully The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within the period of five weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

 MALE CARER AVAILABLE: Roscommon, Creggs, Glenmaddy, Ballymoe. Garda Vetted, QQI. References available. Tel: 087 9310158  LADY AVAILABLE: For part-time work, any position considered. Box No: 2013 c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon

SEVENTH SON HEALER  7th SON: A Seventh Son Healer will attend in the Coffee Dock, The Square, Ballygar, Co. Galway this Saturday, 3rd March, 11.30am to 3.30pm. 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.

SOCIAL DANCING  SOCIAL DANCING CLASSES: New Social dancing classes starting Wednesday, 27th February from 8.30 to 9.30pm in Cannon Donohoe Hall (opposite Mohill Church) also in Curraghboy, Athlone. Handball Alley Monday nights from 8.30 - 9.30pm. Tango, Waltz, Foxtrot, Jive and all social dances. No partner required, good exercise.

Signed: Morris Lohan Consulting Engineers, Castle Street, Roscommon, Ph Office: 090 6627950 Andy: 086 3646210 James: 087 8228529 info@morrislohan.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 of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

SITUATIONS WANTED

PLANNINGS

PUBLIC NOTICE Folio: 19348 COUNTY: ROSCOMMON LANDS: FUERTY (28 Perches) REGISTERED OWNERS: James F. Ansbro. Denis F. Fannon. William White (Registered on 13/1/1931) In the matter of The Registration of Title Act 1964 In the matter of An Application of Anne Gacquin For Registration as Owner with an Absolute Title Application No. D2018LR140839B TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, (and in particular the next of kin of the abovementioned registered owners) Take Notice that Anne Gacquin of Fuerty, Co. Roscommon has lodged an application under Section 49 of the above Act to be registered as full owner with an absolute title of the abovementioned folio lands. The map may be inspected at this Registry. All persons objecting to such registration are hereby required to file their objections in writing within one calendar month from the date of publication of this notice. In the absence of objection or in the event of any Objection not being sustained registration will be effected. Dated this 1st day of March 2019 Signed: Denis Connolly Assistant Principal The Property Registration Authority Chancery Street Dublin 7.

TAXIS AND HACKNEYS

TOM KILDUFF CABS

TUITION CASTLEREA/TULSK: Leaving/Junior Cert, Irish, French, Maths. Private tuition in your own home. Tel: 086 3282437

Tel: (086) 2544662 086 3821515

Taxi and Minibus hire. Day 1 Functions & Calculus Day 2 Probabilit y & Statistics

Plumbing + Maintenance

Contact Luke on 087 1948286

087 2727888 Quality Small Job Services For Home or Business

TOMMY GILLIGAN

CABS

TELEPHONE: 086 8099 503

Padraig Healy Car & Mini Bus Hire Wheelchair Accessible

TUITION REQUIRED  HOME TUTOR REQUIRED: 5 hours per week, close to Roscommon town. 20 hours per week in July. Must have Teaching Council Number and previous experience. Tel: 087 1123266

TURF/FUEL/ FIREWOOD

2018 SEASONED TURF also Peat Bedding Available

Call car direct

(086) 2714879

Pete’s Cabs

Roscommon

– Contact –

Peter Lynch 086 8400002 JOHN BEATTIE Cab and Bus Hire Roscommon

086 2670670 BUS HIRE FOR ALL OCCASIONS

Tel: Donal

086 2721812 (All areas)

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

086 2437376  FUEL - FIREWOOD: High quality seasoned hardwood timber split and suitable for stoves and open-fire. Available in bulk bags and 25kg bag. Very competitively priced and delivery can be discussed. Call 0863312411 after 6pm.  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  FOR SALE: Large lorry loads of turf. Screened and delivered. Orders for this year’s turf taken now. Tel: 086 7236301

CRASH REPAIRS

LUKE COEN • Bathroom planning and design to suit you • All aspects of plumbing and maintenance • Boiler Servicing • Heating Installation • Call for FREE QUOTATION or visit Luke Coen Plumbing + Maintenance on facebook

KELLY’S EYE PHONE:

USEFUL SERVICES

OIL BOILER SERVICE

ONLY €80 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  SEMI-RETIRD DOUBLE GLAZING ENGINEER: Available for window repairs, door locks, reseals, adjustments, replacement units. Telephone Nick: 089 2350108  SHANE NAUGHTON ROOFING CONTRACTOR Roofing, slating, tiling, 1st and 2nd fixing and flooring. All aspects of carpentry and building undertaken. Tel: 086 3155329

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

POWER WASHING

Gallagher’s Power Washing Patio’s, Paths, Fencing, Decking, Shed’s Driveways, Concrete, Tarmac, Block Paving Call Pete:

087 4394142

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

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

TELEPHONE MICHAEL HAVERTY: 086 8381227 or 086 1997815

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

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

Phone: (090) 66 34633 Email: advertising@roscommonpeople.ie Our deadline for receipt of Family Notices is 2.30pm on Tuesday. We cannot guarantee publication after this time.

Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

Classifieds

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

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES HEGARTY Johnny

DUFFY Martin

NAUGHTON Sean

KEADIN Leo

Glinsk, Castlerea, Co. Galway In loving memory of Johnny who died on the 1st March 2016 (3rd Anniversary) RIP

(8th Anniversary) In loving memory of Martin Duffy Culleen, Knockcroghery and Derryneil, Ballydangan, Athlone, Co. Roscommon Who passed away on 23rd February 2011, R.I.P.

Main Street, Ballygar, Co. Galway (4th Anniversary)

Kildaree, Williamstown, Co. Galway Who passed away peacefully 26th January, 2019

My heart is always with you Your place no one can fill In life I loved you dearly In death I love you still Although I sadly miss you I know I am not alone For you are watching over me From a place you now call Home.

Lovingly remembered and sadly missed by your wife Kathleen. Our hearts are full of memories With pride we speak your name Though life goes on without you It will never be the same Those special days will not return When we were all together But the love you placed within our hearts Will stay with us forever

Remembered with love by all your family. Anniversary Mass in St. Michael’s Church, Glinsk on Sunday, 3rd March at 10am.

DEATH NOTICE McDERMOTT Dermot

Another year has passed away, So many things have happened, We wanted you to share. So many times we thought of you and wished that you were here. Your memories are so precious, Your presence missed so much, You will always be remembered and loved by all of us.

Sadly missed by wife Marie, daughters Amanda and Martina, sons Loughlinn and Michael, grandchildren Kate, Hannah, Matthew, Ebha, Isobella, Anthony and Adam, daughters-inlaw Martina and Louise, brothers, sisters and families. Anniversary Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Knockcroghery on Saturday, 2nd March at 7pm.

FEATHERSTON Tom and Margaret Ballinapark, Donamon (27th & 12th Anniversary) Who died on 19th April 1992 and 28th February 2007

(New York and formerly of Main Street, Roscommon town)

Who died 20th February, 2019 (Peacefully), in America. He will be very sadly missed by his wife Mary, daughters Deirdre and Pamela, son Thomas, sisters Josephine Hennigan (Goff Street, Roscommon) and Sr. Fidelma (Ursuline Convent, Sligo), nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Dermot is pre-deceased by his brothers Tom, Patsy and John and his sisters Janet and Sr. Mary. Funeral will take place in New York. May he Rest In Peace.

Nothing can ever take away The love a heart holds dear. Fond memories linger every day. Remembrance keeps them near.

Always loved and remembered by their family. Anniversary Mass in Clooneycolgan Church on Sunday, 7th April at 9.30am.

Remembrance is a golden chain Death tries to break but all in vain; To have, to love, and then to part Is the greatest sorrow of one’s heart The years may wipe out many things, But this they wipe out never The memory of those happy days, When we were all together.

Lovingly remembered and dearly missed every day by his loving wife Ann, Denise, Gerard, Shane and Aine and all his loving family. Anniversary Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Ballygar on Saturday, March 2nd at 7.30pm.

BEIRNE Kathleen (11th Anniversary)

In loving memory of our sister Kathleen, late of Cloonbrackna Court and Ballymacurley, Roscommon, who died on February 27th 2008 RIP The world may change from year to year and friends from day to day. But never will the one we loved from memory pass away. Always remembered by Patsy and Maureen. Masses offered.

GROGAN Ger-Michael Who died 10th March 2002 R.I.P. (17th Anniversary)

Always in our thoughts, forever in our hearts.

Sadly missed by his parents, brother, sister, sister-in law, nephews, niece, aunts, uncles, relatives and friends. Anniversary Mass in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Monday, 11th March at 10am.

Leo’s wife Mary Kate, son John daughter Beatrice daughter-in-law Concepta, son-in-law Gerry, grandchildren Jacqueline, Justin, Orla, Grace, Leo and extended family wish to extend our sincere gratitude to all who sympathised with us on the sad passing of Leo. A special word of thanks to our wonderful neighbours, friends and relatives for all their help and support throughout those difficult days. We are most grateful to those who brought food and refreshments to our home. Thank you to all who attended Leo’s Wake, Removal, Funeral Mass and Burial, thanks also to all who telephoned, sent Mass Cards and sympathy messages. A special thanks to Fr. Joe Feeney and Fr. James Quinn who concelebrated the Mass, thanks to Kaitlyn Clarke and Georgina Costello for the music, thanks also to the Mass Servers, Sacristan and Eucharist Ministers. Sincere thanks to Dolores Keane and Paul Gaynor, Funeral Directors for their professionalism, help and kindness at this difficult time. Many thanks to the gravediggers who prepared Leo’s final resting place with such care and attention. Thanks to Dr. Gregory Casa and staff, Williamstown for their care over the past few years. Thanks to the staff of the Griffin Inn for the refreshments after the Burial. Please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our grateful appreciation. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for the intentions of all. Leo’s Months Mind Mass will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church, Cloonfad on Sunday, 3rd March 10.30am.

BRADY Aisling

McMANUS Evelyn

Curreen, Rathcline Road, Lanesborough. Treasured memories of a beloved and dearly missed daughter and sister Aisling Who passed away on the 28th of February 2015 (4th Anniversary)

Athlone Road, Roscommon Town Who died 1st March 2014

We didn’t know today would be our last Or that we’d have to say goodbye to you so fast We are so numb, we can’t feel anymore Hoping you’d just walk back through the daoor And tell us that we were only dreaming.

Loved always and forever in our hearts and always on our minds, Mammy, Daddy, Michelle, family and friends. xx Anniversary Mass for Aisling and her Nanny Mai Gray (The Green) on Sunday, 3rd March at 11.30am in St. Mary’s Church Lanesborough, Co. Longford.

“I light a candle for you today, As you did when the need was mine. There for your needs it brightly burns, True symbol bright of God Divine.”

Fond memories, always treasured with love, by her husband, Noel, daughters Deirdre, Rebecca and Judith.

THANKSGIVINGS NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART Dear Sacred Heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked for many favours. This time I ask for this special one (mention it). Take it, dear Heart of Jesus and place it within Your own broken heart where Your Father sees it. Then, in his merciful eyes, it will become your favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. Never known to fail. Many thanks. M.C.

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.

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. 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.E.M. PRAYER TO ST. THERESE O glorious Saint Therese, whom Almighty God has raised up to aid and counsel mankind, I implore your Miraculous Intercession. So powerful are you in obtaining every need of body and soul our Holy Mother Church proclaims you a “Prodigy of Miracles... the Greatest Saint of Modern Times.” Now I fervently beseech you to answer my petition (mention your request) and to carry out your promises of spending Heaven doing work upon the earth...of letting fall from Heaven a Shower of Roses. Henceforth, dear Little Flower, I will fulfill your plea “to be made known everywhere” and I will never cease to lead others to Jesus through you. Amen. A thanksgiving to this Saint for favours received. J.C.

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Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

Classifieds

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FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES RYAN George

KEEGAN Bridie

SHERLOCK Patrick (Pat)

KEEGAN Paddy

Ardnaglug, Ballydangan, Athlone, Co. Roscommon (2nd Anniversary)

Muff, Castlecoote, Roscommon (21st Anniversary)

Walk Road, Roscommon Town (1st Anniversary)

Beechwood, Kilteevan, Co Roscommon Who died 21st January 2019

In loving Memory of George Ryan who died 1st March 2017 No person is ever truly alone For those whom we love, who live no more, Echo still within our thoughts, our words and our hearts. And what they did and who they were, Becomes a part of all that we are, forever. Your words of wisdom, we still carry with us, Memories of you, time can never destroy, It is in happy remembrance of you That our hearts can find joy. Wishing today, as we wish over and over, That God could have spared you for many years more But so thankful to him, for the times we shared.

Sadly missed and lovingly remembered by Nuala, Jack and the extended Ryan family. Anniversary Mass for George on Saturday, March 2nd at 7p.m. in St Mary’s Church, Moore.

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

Sadly missed by her nephews Canon Joe, Kevin, niece Moria, niece-in-law Bernie, nephew-in-law Christy and grandnieces and nephews. Anniversary Mass in Fuerty Church on Sunday, 3rd March at 11.30am.

PRAYER TO ST. PADRE PIO O God, You gave Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, Capuchin priest, the great privilege of participating in a unique way in the passion of your son, grant me through his intercession the grace of ...... which I ardently desire; and above all grant me the grace of living in conformity with the death of Jesus, to arrive at the glory of the resurrection. Glory of the resurrection. Glory be to the father... (3 times) E.L.

And we will light a candle for you to shattter all the darkness and bless the time we had together like a beacon in the night. The flame will burn bright and guide us forever on our way. Oh today we will light a candle for you.

Loved and sadly missed by your cousins Philomena and Roseanne.

SHERLOCK Patrick (Pat) Walk Road, Roscommon Town (1st Anniversary)

BRENNAN Claire

In loving memory of our dear brother Pat who died 6th March 2018 R.I.P.

In loving memory of Claire, Lisgobbin, Roscommon who died on 4th March 2014. Softly the leaves of memory fall, Gently we gather and treasure them all

Lovingly remembered by her husband Sean, daughters Lorraine and Alma, sons John and Gary, grand-daughter Laura, John’s partner Jannette, brothers, sisters, relatives and friends. Anniversary Mass in Strokestown Parish Church on Sunday, 3rd March at 11.30am.

His wife Kathleen, daughters Maura and Bernie sons-in-law Richard and Eric would like to express our heartfelt thanks to all those who sympathised with us in our recent bereavement. We offer heartfelt gratitude to all our relatives, neighbours and friends for their kindness, support and help around the time of the Funeral. We extend our deepest gratidute to all who called to our home, Funeral and Burial service. We extend our thanks to all who sent cards, messages and to everyone who phoned and travelled long distances to be with us. We would like to thank the staff of Oakwood Nursing Home for the care and affection given to Paddy during his time there. We would like to thank Dr. Sweeney for the care and attention she gave to Paddy, to the Doctors, Nurses and staff of Roscommon University Hospital for their dedication, care and professionalism in caring for Paddy while in hospital. Sincere thanks to all who participated in Paddy’s Funeral Mass to Fr. Sean Beirne, Fr. Karl Burns, the choir, Eucharist Minister, Sacristan and Servers. We wish to extend our sincere gratitude to the gravediggers who carefully prepared Paddy’s final resting place. A special thank you to Smyth’s Undertakers for their exceptional professionalism and sensitivity. Thank you to the management and staff of Hannon’s Hotel for the beautiful food provided after the Funeral. To all our family members, friends and neighbours who brought food to our home and who helped in so many ways during this difficult time and continue to offer support we are extremely grateful. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions at the Month’s Mind Mass at St. Joseph ‘s Church, Kilteevan on Friday, 8th March at 8pm.

CONNOLLY Phillip

Lisgobbin, Roscommon (5th Anniversary)

To believe, to trust and to hope, Our Lady of Clonfert, pray for us.

THANKSGIVINGS

In loving memory of our dear cousin Pat who died 6th March 2018 R.I.P.

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

Loved and sadly missed by his sisters Mary, Philomena, Patricia and brother Martin, nephews Michael and Derek. Anniversary Mass in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Sunday, 3rd March at 10.30am.

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DOWLING Late of Carnagh, Kiltoom, Athlone.

Barnacullen, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon (2nd Anniversary)

In loving memory of Phillip who died 9th March 2017 An empty house, an empty chair Phillip’s love no longer there So young to die, so precious to lose It was God’s will, we could not choose. Our lips can-not speak how we loved you Our hears can-not tell what to say But God only knows how we miss you In our home that is lonely today We pray to God to give us strength To bear our heavy cross For no one knows but only He, the treasure we have lost.

Loved and missed every day Dad and Mam. Anniversary Mass in Rahara Church, on Sunday, 10th March at 10am.

THANKSGIVINGS UNFAILING PRAYER TO ST. ANTHONY “Blessed be God in His Angels and in His Saints” Oh Holy St. Anthony, gentlest of Saints, your love for God and charity for His creatures made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers. Miracles waited on your word, which you were ever ready to speak for those in trouble or anxiety. Encouraged by this thought, I implore of you to obtain for me (request). The answer to my prayer may require a miracle, even so, you are the ‘Saint of Miracles’. O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the Sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms, and the gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. 3 Paters, Aves and Glorias. E.L.

Treasured memories of our parents Frank died 25th January 1991 Teresa (nee Dowd) died 9th October 2016 and our sister Teresa died 23rd February 1984

Frank who died 25th January 1991

Teresa (nee Dowd) who died 9th October 2016

Teresa who died 23rd February 1984

Loving thoughts of times together Memories that will last forever Sadly missed along life’s way Quietly remembered everyday

Lovingly remembered by all your family. Anniversary Mass in St. John’s Church on Friday, 1st March at 7pm.

Submit your Classified online Send your Classified advertisement to advertising@rosommonpeople.ie or alternatively call 090 66 34633

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

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Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

AtYourService CHIMNEY REPAIRS

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

Chris’s Locksmith Service

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Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

Classifieds

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SportExtra

Appointments

Horses for Courses

by Tom Red

Applications are invited from suitably qualiﬁed candidates for the following posts:

Manor Homecare are now recruiting

HOMECARE ASSISTANTS

CASTLEREA SWIMMING POOL SUMMER SEASON 2019 Temporary Duty Manager Temporary Lifeguards

in all areas of Roscommon Full and part time jobs available Flexible hours. For more information contact Sinead on 087 3232245 or email your CV to skelly@manorhomecare.ie

Application forms and full particulars may be obtained from the Human Resources Department, Roscommon County Council, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon.

SMYTH’S Transport

e-mail: humanresources@roscommoncoco.ie telephone: 090 6637233 or visit: www.roscommoncoco.ie Candidates may be shortlisted on the basis of information supplied on application form.

REQUIRE - FULLTIME

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 5pm on Thursday 14th March, 2019.

HGV Apprentice Mechanic + HGV Driver

Canvassing will disqualify. Roscommon County Council is an equal opportunities employer.

Telephone: 087 2541720

Is fostóir comhionannais deiseanna í Comhairle Contae Ros Comáin

FAMILY CIRCLE FAMILY CIRCLE 25/02/19

FIRST PRIZE €50: Brenda Naughton c/o K Collins SECOND PRIZE €25: Eileen Kelly c/o B Healy THIRD PRIZE €20: Gladys Hoare c/o K Collins 8 RESIDUAL PRIZES OF €10 EACH: Jimmy Menton c/o Thomas Hoare Sophie Leonard c/o K Hoare Dan Keegan c/o Thomas Hoare Thomas Hoare c/o K Collins Mary Sexton c/o B Healy Mo Keeffe c/o K Collins Sarah Connor c/o K Hoare Chris + Marie c/o K Hoare 5 PROMOTERS PRIZES OF €5 EACH: Marian Rice Breda Healy Aobhann Ward Marian Rice Mary Mulhern Total Receipts: €210 Total Prizes: €200

PLANNINGS EXTRA

Racing today is at Powerstown Park in Clonmel, featuring four hurdle races, two chases and a bumper, away at 1.45 pm and tomorrow it is on the all-weather at Dundalk, off at 5.15 pm. Saturday racing is on at Proudstown Park outside Navan with three hurdle races, three chases and a bumper starting 1.45 pm and featuring the Grade 3 Flyingbolt Novice Chase. On Sunday, there is a similar card at Leopardstown starting at 2.10 pm featuring the Grade B TRI Equestrian Handicap Chase and again racing on Monday is on at the Dublin 4 venue with four hurdles and three chase races off at 1.30 pm. In the Bobbyjo Chase last Saturday in Fairyhouse punters made Magic Of Light favourite but knew their fate early as mare unseated at the 11th leaving Rathvinden trained by WP Mullins to run out an easy winner from Alpha Des Obeaux and Valsuer Lido by 3½l and 13l. The winner is Aintree bound.

Preview

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Rathcroghan Designs intend applying for planning permission on behalf of John and Tina Freeman to demolish existing conservatory and replace it with new sunroom together with all associated site works at Buckill Td., Fairymount, Co. Roscommon.

Golf Links Road | Roscommon 090 662 7477 www.servicematters.ie

Signed: Martin Dowd Rathcroghan Designs, Ballyconboy,Ballinagare, Co. Roscommon Mobile: 086 2328484

We are currently recruiting for:

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 of €20 within a period of five weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

• Clean Room Operative • Part-Time Receptionist /Accounts Administration (2 days per week) 3-month contract Email CVs to: recruitment@servicematters.ie

Gordon Elliott won last season running of the Flyingbolt Chase with Ball D’Arc and looks will have another strong challenge on Saturday with six of the eleven entries. Mengli Khan and Duca De Thaix, 3rd and 4th behind Le Richebourg in the Irish Arkle lead the challenge. The Cullentra handler’s other contenders are Hardline, Cubomania, Mrs Lovett and Veinard. Paul Nolan’s Quamino, Ellmarie Holden’s Ex Patriot. John Nicholson’s Benruben, Henry de Bromhead’s Game Of War and Jessica Harrington’s Jetz make up the field. Hardline’s 5½l 3rd to La Bague Au Roi and Kaiser Black at Leopardstown looks the best form in a very hot race.

General News There are 28 entries in the Weatherby’s Champion Bumper, twelve of which are Irish trained. Irish trained horses have won 19 of the 26 runnings of the race with WP Mullins seeking his 10th victory with Blue Sari, Mount Leinster among entries. There are 35, twelve Irish, entries in the Foxhunters with Pacha Du Polder seeking a hatrick but he will do well to beat Enda Bolger’s Stand Up And Fight. There are 40 entries in the Mares Novice Hurdle, 23 of which are Irish, thirteen from WP Mullins, and one French trained. There are 28 entries in the Cross Country Chase, twelve of which are Irish and two French trained. Last year’s winner Gordon Elliott’s Tiger Roll is already odds on and looks a good thing. With so many horses looking for a cut in the ground just over half the amount of rain has fallen on the track this season

as last. In fact they have already has been watering the track to help the fertiliser. There are 100 horses left in the Grand National at Aintree on April 6 headed by last year’s winner Tiger Roll attempting to become the first horse to retain the title since Red Rum in 1974. He will also run in the cross country at Prestbury Park, a race he also won in 2018, on his way to Aintree. WP Mullins has last year’s runner up Pleasant Company and Rathvinden declared. Blaklion, who recently changed yards, and new trainer Phil Kirby is hoping for a run before the big day. He is also entered up in Cheltenham but is unlikely to get his ground. The horse was 4th in 2017 running and brought down at the first last year. Tiger Roll 10/1, recent Bobbyjo Chase winner Rathvinden 12/1 and Welsh National winner Elegant Escape 14/1 head the betting. Joseph O’Brien’s antepost favourite Le Richebourg has picked up an injury and is out for the rest of the season and will miss the Arkle at Prestbury Park. Last year’s Stayers’ Hurdle winner, WP Mullins’ Penhill, has met with a setback and is out of this year’s race. Penhill has been second favourite, at around the 5-1 mark, behind Emma Lavelle’s Paisley Park. With the flat seasons starting next month this week Shane Foley has been appointed Jessica Harrington’s number one jockey for the 2019 Flat season. He won the 2016 Irish 1000 Guineas on Adrian Keatley’s Jet Setting and last year’s Irish 2000 Guineas on Ken Condon’s Romanised. He won a Listed race for Harrington last year on Sparkle’n’joy in the Ballylinch Stud Irish EBF Ingabelle Stakes at Leopardstown. Tom Madden will ride as number two. Rachael Blackmore lost ground to Paul Townend this week in the battle for leading national hunt riders title as he doubled his lead to six, 88 to 82, this week.

Point to Point Corner There is racing on the northern circuit this weekend with the action in Co. Down at Tyrella overlooking the Irish Sea with 64 entries and away at 2 pm. On Sunday there are three meetings down for decision in the south, at Bandon in Cork with 74 entries starting at 1.30 pm, at Borris House, in Carlow at 1.00 pm, 107 horses entered and at Ballycahane in Limerick with the largest entry of the day 129 also at 1 pm. The meeting scheduled for The Pigeons in Co. Westmeath has been cancelled.

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La Bague Au Roi leads over the last from Jetz and Hardline. Kaiser Black is not in picture.

Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

Sports People Rossies pulled into relegation battle See pages 68-69

Tadhg Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Rourke struggles to escape his marker during last Sundayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Allianz NFL Division One match between Roscommon and Cavan at Kingspan Breffni. Picture: Mick McCormack

Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

SPORTING WORLD WITH DAN DOONER

@dan_dooner

Beyond the Pale: Dubs’ weekend away THE LEAD STORY Dan Dooner

Donegal’s motion to prevent Dublin from playing their home and ‘neutral’ games at Croke Park in the Super 8s may have failed but the Dubs will be leaving home comforts behind this weekend as they travel to Dr. Hyde Park. I was speaking to Dublin supporters earlier this week and they told me they find the whole debate slightly amusing. They insisted that they look forward to

these trips away, and the numbers present at recent away games would certainly appear to back this up. Perhaps it’s a different story when it comes to the Dublin County Board and the Dublin team, however. But I suppose it would be naïve to suggest that other counties wouldn’t look to maintain ‘home’ advantage if the shoe was on the other foot. Another reason Dublin supporters find it all so amusing is the timing of the debate. “Everyone used to love bating us in Croker” is the usual refrain when asked what they thought

of Donegal’s motion and claims that Dublin have it too easy when it comes to expenses and time spent on the road. Donegal’s motion was defeated two to one, which would suggest that other counties are rather nonplussed about the current situation. But this is something I find hard to believe. Yes, it’s true that Dublin’s recent success plays a big part in all of this but that doesn’t mean attempts shouldn’t be made right now to level the playing field. This Dublin team is capable of competing anywhere and the more young football supporters

that get to see them perform in the flesh the better, in my humble opinion. Looking ahead to this Sunday and it promises to be a wonderful occasion at Dr. Hyde Park. It’s an opportunity for this young Roscommon team to test themselves against the side that has set the benchmark for the last four years away from the cavernous surrounds of headquarters. And if that wasn’t enough, the current Connacht Ladies intermediate champions take on Down at 12 noon in the opening act of what should be an entertaining double-header.

I know the feeling…A supporter sits firmly on the fence during the Super 8s game between Roscommon and Dublin at Croke Park last August. Pic: Mick McCormack

‘Holey’ Sunday!

Kings stay top!

Pictured last Sunday’s Captains’ Drive-In at Castlerea Golf Club is Club Captain Rev. Fr. Joe Poole with Lady Captain Elizabeth Devine and Club President Gerry O’Gara. Pic: Glynn’s Photography, Castlerea

Castlerea Kings (12-3) won their final home game of the season last Sunday night against Mohill Mavericks 86-69 to stay top of the Lonleitros League with one more league game remaining away to Sligo All Stars. Longford Torpedoes remain in contention however and have two games in hand over the Kings.

The sporting brief Handball

Connacht ﬁnals Six Roscommon players took part in Connacht finals around the province last weekend. Lisacul’s Denis Creaton lost his Junior Singles final against Moycullen’s Seamus Conneelly, 21-16, 21-20. St. Coman’s’ Glenn Walshe won 21-2, 21-2 in his Over 35 ‘B’ Singles match with Galway’s Pat Murphy. The third match on the program saw Lisacul’s Barry Nolan take the Junior ‘C’ title, 21-15, 21-10 over Galway’s Mike Dillon. In Claregalway, Lisacul’s Sean Jennings had a comfortable 21-2, 21-9 win over Joe O’Connell. Sligo’s Laura Finn overcame St. Coman’s’ Laura Mannion in their Ladies’ Junior ‘B’ Singles decider on a score of 21-7, 21-14. Michael Tormey, representing Lisacul, returned to competitive handball with an 11-21, 12-21 defeat to Mayo’s Michael Ginley in

Collooney, Co. Sligo last Friday. St. Coman’s’ Siobhan Tully will play the Ladies Junior Final against Galway’s Eimear Ní Bhiadha this Saturday in St. Coman’s. The juvenile handballers were involved in five Connacht finals last Sunday in Leitrim. Carragh Kennedy won the Girls’ U-15 Singles against Galway’s Niamh Burke, 15-4, 15-12. St. Coman’s’ Liam Egan had a 21-13, 21-8 win over Galway’s Cathal Curran in the U-17 Singles final. Teammate Eoghan Carty went down to Feidhlim Ó Diolluin from Inverinn, Co. Galway in two straight games. Lisacul’s Shauna Corrigan lost her Girls’ U-13 final against Galway’s Grace Ni Ainli while Mount Talbot’s Siobhan Treacy lost 6-21, 5-21 to Inverinn’s Sadhbh Ni Fhlaithearta in the Girls’ U-16 singles. St. Coman’s Rory Carthy had an outstanding 15-8, 15-11 win in his U-14 Singles Connacht semi-final with Mayo’s Alan Gilmartin in St. Coman’s last Thursday. Mount Talbot’s Liam O’Ceallaigh became the first player from the

county to play on a European Pro Tour Stop when he competed in the British Handball Open. He took on players from Belgium and Ireland and an Italian professional and just missed out a final place. Alan Hevehan and Liam O’Ceallaigh lost the 40x20 Doubles County Final on Monday evening in Curraghboy on a score of 21-8, 2113 to St. Brigid’s’ John Kelly and Alan Mannion.

Golf

Drive-Ins The annual Gleeson’s Restaurant and Rooms sponsored Drive-In took place last Sunday at Roscommon Golf Club. President Tom Judge, Captain Paul Cuttle and Lady Captain Nuala Costello teed the season off. Winners of the Front 9 competition were Michael, Paula and Alan Connaughton and the Back 9 winners were Michael and Claire Keane and Aidan Donnelly. Elsewhere, Eamon Collins won the recent men’s competition with 36

points while the Ladies’ Club competition went to Kay Ruane with 18. The most recent ladies’ senior’s competition was won by Nuala McDonagh and the men’s competition was won by John McGrath. Anne Egan Farrell won the most recent ladies’ competition in Athlone with 26 points. The 97 Club Competition was won by Alacoque O’Connor with 19 points. M. Gibson won the AWGS with 37 points while the gents’ competition was won by Emmet Kenny with 39. The third round of the Flynn’s Bar Spring League took place last weekend in Carrick where Phil McWeeney (Team 3) was best among the ladies (19 points) and Fiachra Neary (Team 9) was best of the men with 26. Team 8 (Oliver Curran) still leads the way with 294 points. Finally to Boyle, where Club Captains Seamus Gallagher and Regina McLoughlin got the golfing year up and running at last Sunday’s DriveIn. The winning team on the day was that of Terry Canning, Susan O’Mahoney and Willie Tiernan

In the sporting diary .... Referees’ in-service training An in-service training evening for Roscommon GAA referees takes place this Friday evening (March 1st) at Hannon’s Hotel, Roscommon at 8 pm sharp. All referees wishing to referee in the coming year must have this course completed. Clubs are also advised that the new referees’ course begins on Friday, March 15th at 8 pm in the County Board Offices. Each club is requested to furnish the name of one candidate to the referee administrator, Haulie Beirne (0868293845) on or before March 13th.

CP Ajax registration this Sunday Registration for all CP Ajax players will take place this Sunday, March 3rd from 2 to 4 pm at the clubhouse. New players are welcome. For more information, check out the CP Ajax Facebook page.

Roscommon Town youth soccer registration night Due to the large numbers of parents contacting Roscommon Town Youth Soccer Club, it has been decided to extend registration to this Friday night 7 pm to 8 pm in Hannon’s Hotel, Roscommon town.

Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

SportsPeople Creggs RFC Report

THE GAIN LINE

Final league game this weekend After defeat to Buccaneers last Saturday night in Athlone, Creggs will play their final Connacht League game of the season away to Sligo on Sunday at 2.30 pm. With Connemara RFC declared league champions and Creggs clear runners-up, there isn’t anything at stake this Sunday, Creggs’ ninth weekend-in-a-row of competitive action. This game may provide the opportunity to rest and rotate players as the Maroon and White prepare for a Junior Cup Final against the league champions on March 24th. Galwegians RFC are already relegated and Sligo will be fighting it out with three other teams next weekend, as they try to avoid a relegation play-off. Meanwhile, the Creggs Development team will play Ballyhaunis this Saturday evening away at 7.30 pm in their second-last league game of the season. They will wrap up their campaign a fortnite later against Ballina at home. Training continues on Tuesdays (8 pm) and Fridays (8.15 pm) for the remaining three weeks.

Youth Rugby Connacht U-15 Cup: NUIG 8 Creggs 55. Creggs had a big win in the first round of the Connacht U-15 Cup against NUIG in Dangan (Galway) last Saturday. Creggs were always in control in this game and scores came from Aodhan Looby, DJ Hession, Tomás Tiernan, Eoin Kelly, Senan Lambe, Edimar Fimha, Lee Kilcoyne, and Miguel Arthur. Creggs have now qualified for the cup quarter-finals where they will face very stiff opposition

Creggs U-14s will play the quarterfinal of the U-14 Connacht Plate this weekend. Date and time TBC.

Best wishes to CBS Roscommon

The Creggs U-14 Girls team which will contest the Connacht Final against Connemara this Sunday at The Sportsground in Galway.

from Ballina, who they beat 32-31 earlier this season in their league encounter. That game is down to be played in Creggs on Saturday week (March 9th) at 2.30 pm. Connacht U-14 Girls’ Cup Final this Sunday, at the Sportsground at 12 noon. Creggs U-14 girls will take on Connemara in the Connacht U-14 Girls’ Cup Final this Sunday at 12 pm in the Sportsground in Galway. This is the girls’ first year playing rugby and to have made the final is a huge achievement. We wish them the best of luck. All support would be appreciated on the day. Creggs U-16 Girls will play Corrinthians in the Connacht U-16 Plate SemiFinal. Date and time TBC. Connacht U-13 Boys’ Cup: Creggs 17 Dunmore RFC 10. Creggs overcame Dunmore in a very competitive first round of the Connacht Cup at The Green in Creggs on Tuesday evening. Creggs stormed into an early lead with an excellent breakaway try from John McGuinness which he converted himself. Creggs then kept the game tight throughout the first half, with the for-

ward line in particular playing very well with Leo O’Connor, Sean Allen, Josh Reddington and Jarlath Quinn all shining during this period. Dunmore pulled a try back after 20 minutes leaving the scoreline 7-5 at halftime. Indeed, Creggs would have seen themselves trailing at half-time, only for an unbelievable try saving tackle from Josh McCormack in the corner. A John McGuinness penalty pulled Creggs five clear at the start of the second half in what was a very good period for Dunmore. Creggs’ defence stood firm, with centres Aaron McAteer, Lochlann Mulry and Eoghan Keavney all playing very well. A breakaway run from Creggs scrumhalf Jamie Betts saw him covering half the park and allowed the supporting Eoin Keaveney to score under the posts. McGuinness converted to leave the score 17-5. Dunmore upped their performance at this stage and began to camp in the Creggs half of the field. A Dunmore try brought the score back to 17-10 and Creggs did well to hold Dunmore out for the remainder of the second half.

Creggs now go on to play Buccaneers away in the quarter-final on Saturday, March 9th at 1.30 pm. Creggs U-17s will play a friendly match against Galwegians on Friday night in Creggs at 7 pm. Creggs U-16s will play the quarter-final of the Connacht Cup on Saturday away to Tuam at 2.30 pm.

TEAM

Best wishes to the CBS Roscommon senior rugby team, who play Coláiste Iognáid ‘The Jez’, Galway in the Connacht Senior Schools Semi-Final in Creggs today (Thursday) at 12 Noon. This will certainly be like a home game for the lads who play their club rugby in Creggs. The coaches have prepared the team very well all season and the team has responded with some great performances. Please support CBS Roscommon today.

Mini Rugby Creggs Minis of all ages (U-6s to U12s) will all train in Creggs on Saturday at 11 am. The U-8/U-9 Connacht Blitz which was due to take place last weekend has been moved to the end of the March. PA

Diff

Ded

Pts

Connemara

113

268

Creggs

133

204

Buccaneers

251

Westport

288

-45

Monivea

227

-23

Sligo

255

-39

Castlebar

290

-71

Galwegians

512

-305

-3

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

Dooner’s weekend predictions Castlerea Celtic took a major scalp last weekend with their 3-2 win away to Boyle. They’ll be hoping to continue that kind of form when they host neighbours Ballymoe in the Challenge Cup this weekend. Elsewhere in the cup, Ballinasloe Town will welcome Cam Celtic on Saturday while Boyle Celtic travel to Cloonfad United and Moylough ’79 welcome Premier Division champions St. Peter’s. Friday, March 1st Joe’s Bar Challenge Cup Round 3 (8 pm) Castlerea Celtic v Ballymoe FC Ballymoe have had the better of these encounters recently. Prediction: Ballymoe FC Shiven Rovers v Kilkerrin United The visitors are the slight favourites. Prediction: Kilkerrin United

Saturday, March 2nd Joe’s Bar Challenge Cup Round 3 (7.45 pm) Ballinasloe Town v Cam Celtic Ballinasloe are heavy favourites to progress. Prediction: Ballinasloe Town Killeen Sports Grounds Division Two (7.45 pm) Castlerea Celtic B v Shiven Rovers B The hosts’ march to the Division Two league title looks set to continue this weekend. Prediction: Castlerea Celtic B Glen Celtic v Skyvalley Rovers B Celtic should have too much for Skyvalley this Saturday. Prediction: Glen Celtic Sunday, March 3rd Joe’s Bar Challenge Cup Round 3 (2 pm) Skyvalley Rovers v St. John’s Athletic

The home side will be favourites. Prediction: Skyvalley Rovers Cloonfad United v Boyle Celtic The visitors will go through. Prediction: Boyle Celtic Dysart FC v Moore United Moore will be too strong. Prediction: Moore United Moylough ’79 v St. Peter’s FC Moylough get to test themselves against the best this weekend. Prediction: St. Peter’s FC Killeen Sports Grounds Division Two Cloonfad United B v Ballymoe FC B. 11 am The hosts will be hoping to keep their promotion hopes alive. Prediction: Cloonfad United B Roscommon United v St. Cuan’s United. 2 pm Another must-win game for United. Prediction: Roscommon United

Soccer results Raftery’s Oakland Hotel Premier Division Boyle Celtic 2 Castlerea Celtic 3 Moore United 2 Cloonfad United 1 Shiven Rovers 1 Dysart FC 0 Skyvalley Rovers 2 Strokestown United 1 Norio’s Takeaway Division One Ballinasloe Town B 0 CP Ajax 1 Ballaghaderreen FC 0 Moylough ’79 2 Rahara Rovers 1 St. John’s Athletic 3 Ahascragh United 1 Cam Celtic 2 Killeen Sports Grounds Division Two Manor United 0 Glen Celtic 1

Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

@SeamusDuke

Seamus Duke ON SPORT

A bad day at the ofﬁce in Cavan I was expecting that Roscommon would come unstuck at some stage of this league and that came to pass against Cavan last Sunday. I wouldn’t be too hard on the team because they have put in a magnificent effort since the start of the year. The only pity about last Sunday’s game is that it comes a week ahead of a meeting with Dublin and our chances of winning that game are very slight indeed. Last Sunday, the intensity that we saw in the opening three league games was missing and Cavan were

Donegal’s Croker motion rightly defeated I have attended the GAA Congress twice in my lifetime and that was many moons ago.Time was when it was a massive affair that received huge coverage but now with the various committees it is streamlined and there is not as much controversy at the annual gathering. This year there was a bit of controversy about the Donegal motion that sought to have Dublin taken out of Croke Park for their neutral games in the ‘Super 8s’ but it was defeated - and rightly so too in my opinion. I hold no torch for the Dubs at all but the period of dominance that they are enjoying at the moment will pass and there won’t be a word about it then. When Meath and Kildare and Kerry were beating Dublin every year there wasn’t a word about this kind of motion and that situation will come around again for sure. It was very interesting to hear Colm O’Rourke say on Sunday night that he would have played Dublin in Croke Park in every game when he was playing for Meath if he got his way.

far sharper for almost the entire game. Roscommon were well beaten at midfield and won very little breaking ball in that vital middle third. After the match a lot of supporters were very critical of Ultan Harney and the fact that he got a red card early in the second half, but I have seen the incident on video a number of times since Sunday and it hardly warranted a free, never mind a straight red card. It was extremely harsh and I expect that Roscommon will be appealing that decision and rightly so too. One of the top referees

in the country rang me on Monday and said it was as harsh an award as he had seen in a long time and very unfair on the player. I know that Ultan Harney’s recent disciplinary record is not great but in this case I think he was hard done by. But his sending off was not the reason Roscommon lost. Cavan were in control almost from the start of the game and only for a serious bout of ‘squandermania’ they should have been at least six points ahead at halftime. It was just a bad day at the office and we have to move on.

Ultan Harney (left) was sent off as Roscommon were well beaten by Cavan in the Allianz NFL Division One match at Kingspan Breffni last Sunday. Pic: Mick McCormack

All-Ireland champions come to town Next Sunday will be a marvellous occasion for Roscommon GAA. To have the All-Ireland champions in Dr. Hyde Park is a real treat for everyone who loves the game and there should be a huge crowd there too. All Roscommon can hope for is to be competitive on the day. No one will expect anything from Anthony Cunningham’s men so they

can go out and enjoy the atmosphere. The real big game now in terms of survival will come on March 16th against Galway at Pearse Stadium. It’s a game that Roscommon can win, and if they could get two points there it would almost certainly keep them up. It will not be easy but it is achievable.

Kerry now look certain to reach the league final and I expect Dublin to join them. Mayo are safe but they might get stuck on the six points they have. The relegation dog fight is between ourselves, Cavan, Monaghan and maybe Tyrone but they look safe at this stage. There is a lot of football to be played yet. Roscommon can still stay up.

Ladies lose but hurlers still unbeaten

Pádraig Kelly (right) in action against Tyrone in Roscommon’s Allianz NHL Division 3A win at Dr. Hyde Park last Sunday. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

It was mixed results for the other Roscommon teams at the weekend. The hurlers had a highscoring win against Tyrone in the Hyde and the camogie side also accounted for Tyrone last weekend but there was no luck for the ladies football team who suffered a big defeat at the hands of Meath once again. The hurlers are now into the Division 3A final and that’s a real sign of progress for Ciaran Comerford’s side. They face Lancashire this coming weekend in Abbotstown. The ladies will be trying to get the train back on track against Down at home while the camogie side are at home to Clare. We wish them all the best of luck but it is a pity that all these games are clashing every weekend - it’s impossible to be at them all!

Magic Messi the greatest of them all!

The legend that is Lionel Messi grows with every passing week. Last weekend he scored another hat-trick for Barcelona which was his 50th career treble. Anyone who saw the highlights saw a stunning left foot volley for the first goal, e blasted home the second goal with his right foot from the edge of the area and then to top the lot he chipped the ‘keeper for the third. The little genius has scored a phenomenal 33 goals in 32 games already this season and holds the record for the number of assists in La Liga. He has now scored an astonishing 650 goals in his career. I think the debate was over a long time ago - he is the greatest of all time!

Have Ireland gone off the boil? I only saw the ‘highlights’ of Ireland’s win against Italy in the Six Nations and I suspect that we are dealing with a team that has gone off the boil. I said it here a couple of months ago that it was a pity that the World Cup was not in October 2018 because Ireland were on fire at that stage but they are not playing well now at all. I know that they got their bonus point win against Italy but the way they are performing, they might be under pressure against France at this stage. Looking at Wales against England at the weekend, Ireland will be up against it in Cardiff on St. Patrick’s weekend. But it’s not all doom and gloom. Jack Carty, a former Roscommon minor county player, got his first Irish senior cap in Rome and what a great honour that is for himself and his family. We were asking the question at the weekend: Is Jack the first Rossie to get a senior cap for the Irish team? As far as I know he is but I am open to correction if any reader knows differently.

Liverpool must attack to get back on track!

Number One? Barcelona’s Leo Messi scored his 50th career hat-trick in a 4-2 win over Sevilla last weekend.

I didn’t get to see Manchester United v Liverpool either but by all accounts I didn’t miss much as I believe it was a game of very few chances and caution was the main tactic from both teams. It’s still a positive result for Liverpool but they will have to revert to the way they were playing if they want to win the title. They seem to have gone back into their shell a little in recent weeks and if they are too cautious they will pay a heavy penalty for it. They play Everton in another big game on Sunday. If they can win that it will be a huge step along the way towards winning the title but they will have to go out and attack.

Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

Allianz National Football League : Cavan 3-13 Roscommon 0-13

Breffni blues make Rossies suffer! The Verdict Let’s call a spade a spade, this was a resounding defeat and a very poor display. But just as it is prudent not to get carried away with a win, it would be unfair on the Roscommon team to be too critical after this defeat. But the reality of this particular game is that Roscommon were second best. The story of the scores will show that Anthony Cunningham’s men came out in the opening seven minutes of the second half and scored three fine points to edge into a one point lead. But the truth was that Cavan were by far the better team up to that point but had shot some really terrible wides that would have had them comfortably ahead at that stage. Unfortunately for Roscommon, the home side found their range in the second half and they won very easily considering that they shot 16 wides and a very impressive total of 3-13. Roscommon’s cause was not helped by the dismissal of Ultan Harney on a straight red card after 49 minutes for what referee David Gough signalled was an attempted striking offence. After the game Anthony Cunningham was of the opinion that it was a very harsh sanction on the Clann na Gael man, either way Roscommon had just conceded a second goal and were under pressure anyway. With 14 men their task was almost impossible. So what went wrong? The level of intensity that we saw from Roscommon in the opening three games was miss-

Seamus Duke ing. Cavan won almost every breaking ball in the middle of the field and Roscommon repeatedly gave the ball away. In contrast, Cavan were very athletic and patient and they swept forward in waves with Ciaran Brady, Christopher Conroy, Killian Clarke, Martin Reilly and Dara McVeety all excellent for the home side. Roscommon were beaten at midfield and for a team with a growing defensive reputation, to concede three sloppy goals was very disappointing. David Murray, Niall Daly and Conor Hussey were the pick of a well beaten defence. Shane Killoran started very well but tired in the second half and Conor Cox kicked a few great scores from placed balls but was restricted in open play. It was not a great result for Roscommon especially with the large shadow of the Dubs looming at Dr. Hyde Park on Sunday. A huge relegation battle is now on the cards and it looks like the game against Galway in Pearse Stadium on Saturday, March 16th will be massive in terms of survival. But it’s one game at a time, and the aim for Roscommon next weekend is to avoid a thrashing from Dublin who seem to be getting stronger with every passing week. Roscommon must get back the aggression and intensity that marked their first three games because if they don’t it could be a long afternoon in the Hyde next Sunday. Sometimes there are unusual results

Niall Daly tries to find a route forward during last Sunday’s Allianz NFL Division One match between Roscommon and Cavan at Kingspan Breffni. Pic: Mick McCormack

in the league and Roscommon fans will have to hope that this game was one of those days. Cavan’s record against Roscommon over recent years had been terrible but they put that right last Sunday. It would be fair to say that a nine point win wasn’t even a fair reflection on how the game went. Cavan could have won far more easily. It was certainly a day to forget for Roscommon.

Conor Madden slams the ball past Darren O’Malley in the Roscommon goal. Pic: Mick McCormack

Teams and Scorers Cavan: Raymond Galligan, Jason McLoughlin, Padraig Faulkner, Conor Moynagh (0-1); Ciaran Brady, Chris Conroy (0-2, 1 free), Conor Rehill; Paul Graham, Killian Clarke, Martin Reilly (1-3, 1 free), Dara McVeety (0-1), Niall Murray (0-2); Niall Clerkin, Jack Brady (0-1 free), Conor Madden (2-1, 1 free). Subs: Gerard Smith (0-1) for Rehill (44), Thomas Galligan for Graham (44), Pierce Smith for J Brady (52), Stephen Murray for C Brady (58), Cian Mackey for Madden (63). Roscommon: Darren O’Malley (0-1, ‘45), David Murray, Conor Daly, Evan McGrath; Conor Hussey (0-1), Niall Daly (0-1), Ronan Daly; Tadgh O’Rourke, Enda Smith (01); Shane Kiloran, Ultan Harney, Niall Kilroy (0-1); Conor Cox (0-5, 4 frees), Conor Devaney, Cathal Cregg (0-2, 1 free). Subs: Donie Smith (0-1, 1 free) for Kilroy (h/t), Gary Patterson for Kiloran (51), Aengus Lyons for Hussey (56), Caoilean Fitzmaurice for Cox (64), Hubert Darcy for McGrath (67). Referee: David Gough (Meath)

Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

Allianz National Football League : Cavan 3-13 Roscommon 0-13

Conor Cox takes aim from a free-kick during last Sunday’s Allianz NFL Division One match between Roscommon and Cavan at Kingspan Breffni. Pic: Mick McCormack

Key Moments

Seamus Duke

First half The sides were level five times in the opening half. The two centre half-backs were on target with Niall Daly and Christopher Conroy scoring good points from play in the opening five minutes. Points from Niall Murray and Jack Brady saw the Breffni men two ahead by the 8th minute, and when Conor Cox (a free) and Martin Reilly exchanged points it was 0-4 to 0-2 by the 13th minute for the home side. Conor Cox kicked a peach of a free from out on the right sideline in the 14th minute and four minutes later Conor Hussey levelled the scores with a fine point from play from 35 metres. Cavan were in control but their shooting was very poor and their wides total was mounting. Conor Madden edged the home side ahead in the 19th minute with a pointed free. Then in the 21st minute Roscommon could have scored the goal of the season so far when Enda Smith embarked on a brilliant solo-run. He passed to Niall Kilroy who attempted to chip Raymond Galligan but the Cavan net minder tipped the ball over the bar. It was a breathtaking move and a fantastic save. The sides were level twice more as Roscommon points from Conor Cox (free) and Cathal Cregg kept the visitors in touch. Another Cox free edged Roscommon ahead by a point in first half injury-time. But disaster was to strike in the 4th minute of time added on when a Darren O’Malley kick-out went askew and Conor Madden blasted the ball to the net for a very well taken goal. Half-time score: Cavan 1-7 Roscommon 0-8

Second half Roscommon looked a different team for the first ten minutes of the second half. Points from sub Donie Smith, Cathal Cregg (a mark) and Enda Smith saw the visitors ahead by 0-11 to 1-7. But it was all downhill for Roscommon after that. In the 45th minute Ultan Harney lost the ball close to the sideline and Cavan drove it forward quickly. Niall Murray kicked it in long and Conor Madden rattled the Roscommon net once more. Five minutes later things got even worse for Roscommon when referee David Gough issued Ultan Harney a red card after an off the ball incident with a Cavan player which this writer did not see. A Conor Cox pointed free two minutes later narrowed the gap to one, but the Roscommon challenge was faltering and it collapsed totally in the final quarter. In the 52nd minute Niall Murray drove in another long ball and Martin Reilly rose highest to fist Cavan’s third goal. Cavan were on a roll now and points from Reilly (2, 1 free), Conor Moynagh and the excellent Dara McVeety saw the gap at nine points by the 57th minute. Roscommon could only manage one more point (a Darren O’Malley ’45) as Cavan ran out the very easy winners in the end. Full-time score: Cavan 3-13 Roscommon 0-13

Cathal Cregg searches around for options during last Sunday’s Allianz NFL Division One match between Roscommon and Cavan at Kingspan Breffni. Pic: Mick McCormack

TIME ADDED ON… Cunningham: ‘Energy levels were way off’  SEAMUS DUKE

Roscommon manager, Anthony Cunningham, said he could have no complaints with the result following Roscommon’s defeat to Cavan last Sunday. “The better team won and we have no complaints at all. We were very disappointed with our performance and it wasn’t as intense or at the level that we have seen in our opening three games. We made mistakes, and

mistakes come from lack of energy and being off the mark and we are very disappointed with how we played. “These things happen in league games. We conceded three goals and we were disappointed to have given away the goals in the manner we did. But goals are not (just) the fault of goalies and defenders, it’s the whole team who are responsible but we will look at it this week and we will prepare again for next Sunday”.

Cunnigham conceded that his side’s energy levels were an issue. “Our energy levels were way off today. We got into a great position just after half-time but we let it slip again. That’s just not good enough and we will have to learn from it,” he said. The Roscommon manager admitted he hadn’t seen the incident involving Ultan Harney which resulted in the Clann na nGael man receiving his march-

ing orders. “I didn’t see it (the Ultan Harney incident) but all indications are that it was a very harsh decision (the red card) and we will look at it during the week in terms of a review. We understand that there was no contact at all, or intent either. It was a total surprise to us and to lose a man after we had worked so hard up to that point left us in a really hard position to get out of,” he said.

Graham: ‘Bite and intensity were key’

Elsewhere in Division One…

 SEAMUS DUKE

Cavan manager Mickey Graham said his side’s bite and intensity were the crucial factors in Sunday’s convincing win over Roscommon at Kingspan Breffni. “You can have all the systems and game plans you like but if you have no bite or intensity you are wasting your time and we had that today in abundance in fairness to the lads “It was great to get a few goals today. We hadn’t scored a goal in three games and then we get three today which was very pleasing. We had a another chance or two as well and we didn’t concede at the other end which was also very positive. “We are doing well defensively and I thought our full-back line was tremendous today, it was a real team effort and I thought our subs all did well too,” he Action from last Sunday’s Allianz NFL Division One match between Roscommon and Cavan at Kingspan Breffni. said. Yellow cards:

Stat Attack Wides: Red cards: Black cards:

Cavan 16 Roscommon 4 Cavan 0 Roscommon 1 (Ultan Harney 49) None

Cavan 3 (Christopher Conroy, Dara McVeety, Niall Murray) Roscommon 2 (David Murray, Ronan Daly) Man of the Match: Dara McVeety (Cavan) Attendance: 6,390

Kerry 0-14 Galway 1-10 Kerry have one foot in the final after their fourth win in a row, and late points from Stephen O’Brien and sub Tomás Ó Sé settled a very tense game at Tuam Stadium. Dublin 1-12 Mayo 0-7 Dublin were in total control of a very poor game in Croke Park. Mayo were well beaten and never really made any inroads at all. Some brilliant saves from Rob Hennelly saved the Mayo men from an even bigger defeat. Tyrone 1-16 Monaghan 0-12 Tyrone finally got their act together to send Monaghan to the bottom of the league table. Tyrone’s game with Cavan this weekend is now a relegation fourpointer.

Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

SportsPeople

Improvement needed ahead of Dubs visit Allianz NFL Division One (Round 5) Roscommon v Dublin on Sunday at Dr. Hyde Park at 2 pm  SEAMUS DUKE

After last weekend’s nine point defeat at the hands of Cavan, being excited about the visit of All-Ireland champions Dublin to Dr. Hyde Park on Sunday next seems a little naïve but that’s the way it is for most Roscommon GAA people this week. It’s fantastic to have the All-Ireland champions in our own back yard even though it’s stretching credibility a bit too far to expect a Roscommon win. There will be at least 10,000 people there to see Roscommon do battle with Jim Gavin’s men on Sunday. One thing is for certain, Roscommon will have to re-discover the intensity and aggression

shown in their opening three games of this league campaign, because if they don’t it could be a very long day at in ‘The Hyde’. If Dublin dominate possession then Roscommon will be in big trouble. The worry from a Roscommon point of view is that the Dubs are improving with every passing week and a lot of their star performers are on the way back. There is not much point in naming the Dublin threats because they are in every line on the field. However, Brian Fenton is now their natural leader. What a player he is. Almost every Dublin attack goes through him and he appears to have so much time on the ball. Dublin’s options are frightening with

the talent they have on the bench, never mind in the starting 15. The only chink in their armour is that their full-back line is suspect under the high ball and Kerry exploited that when they beat them in Tralee recently. However, against Mayo last weekend the Dubs were clinical and if it were not for Mayo goalkeeper, Rob Hennelly, the Dubs could have won by 15 or 20 points. It’s clear that while Dublin have their sights firmly on the five-in-a-row later in the year, they are slowly building up a head of steam in the league. I expect them to improve again this Sunday, which is bad news for Roscommon. From a Roscommon point of view, it

would be prudent to adopt a defensive game plan. It is not easy to restrict Dublin but any team who have had even a modicum of success against them over the years will have to push up on their kick-outs and try to deny them possession. Enda Smith and Tadgh O’Rourke will have their hands full on Sunday and Roscommon will have to flood the midfield area to try to deny the Dubs space. Roscommon have been good up front but every chance will have to be taken this Sunday as they might be few and far between. These are the games that players love to play in. There will be a huge crowd and a great atmosphere. The Dubs will

BREAKING Hurlers book ﬁnal spot!

BALL

Two wins on the spin Littlewoods Ireland National Camogie League Division 3 (Round 2)

ROSCOMMON

2-10 1-6

TYRONE A very strong second half display saw Roscommon sweep to their second league win in Omagh last Sunday. Tyrone looked the better side early on and a goal after ten minutes helped their cause. But Roscommon were back in the match just before halftime when Shauna Fallon converted a penalty and by the break there was only a point between the teams: Tyrone 1-4 Roscommon 1-3. Roscommon were on top throughout the second half. Niamh Watson scored a fine goal after ten minutes and with Susan Spillane excellent at centre half-forward, Roscommon tacked on some great points. Shauna Fallon scored a couple of outstanding points and

Rachel Fitzmaurice also had an excellent second half performance. This coming weekend Roscommon are at home to Clare (time and venue TBA) in what will be a much tougher test but with two wins out of two, it’s so far, so good. Roscommon: Michaela Fallon; Aisling McDermott, Niamh Farrell, Eimear McNally; Rachel Dolan, Joanne Beattie, Áine O’Meara; Rachel Fitzmaurice (0-1), Shauna Fallon (1-5); Kathy Jones, Susan Spillane (0-1) Niamh Watson (1-1); Lisa Dolan, Fiona Connell (02), Aisling Dempsey. Subs: Coleen Kelly for Dolan, Lorraine Dempsey for Connell, Lisa Mullen for A Dempsey.

Allianz NHL Division 3A (Round 4)

ROSCOMMON

1-26

TYRONE

1-11

Roscommon hurlers have reached the Allianz National Hurling league Division 3A final by virtue of this impressive 15 point win against Tyrone at Dr. Hyde Park last Sunday. Roscommon have one group game left this coming weekend against Lancashire in Abbotstown (Co. Dublin) and then they will face either Armagh or Monaghan in the final. Roscommon, with Cathal Dolan unerring from frees and play, and Cillian Egan, Pat Nolan and Pádraig Kelly all excellent, were in control all through and led by 0-15 to 0-7 at half-time. Tyrone did improve after the break and with fifteen minutes to go they scored a rather lucky goal through sub Ben Gormley but once Cathal Dolan blasted home for Roscommon’s only goal

in the 64th minute the home side coasted to victory. It has been an excellent league campaign for Roscommon thus far and they have ticked every box in their quest for promotion. It would be nice to put a league title on the table prior to the championship. Well done to all concerned. Roscommon: Noel Fallon; Alan Moore, Pat Nolan, Paul Kenny; Hugh Rooney (0-1), Eamon Flanagan, Conor Coyle (0-1); Darragh Heavey, Shane Curley (0-2); Cathal Dolan (1-11), Cillian Egan (0-5), Pádraig Kelly (0-4); Gearoid Egan, Conor Mulry (0-1), Eamon Kenny (0-1). Subs: Mike Kellehan for Mulry (60), Peter Kellehan for Rooney (61), Johnny Murray for E Kenny (63), J Donnelly for G Egan (72), Conor Coyle For C Egan (72).

MEATH

4-15 ROSCOMMON 1-7

Meath proved Roscommon’s nemesis once again in this one-sided match played at the Meath GAA Centre of Excellence at Dunganny last Saturday. The opening

half was evenly contested until the Royals got their first goal from Emma Duggan and by half-time they led 1-5 to 0-3. It was mostly one-way traf-

Underage GAA ﬁxtures

U-16 Division 1 Football League At Kiltoom: St. Brigid’s v Kilmore/ Shannon Gaels/St. Ronan’s. 8 pm

Friday, March 1st Minor Division 2 Football League At Ballyforan: St. Aidan’s v Kilglass Gaels/St. Barry’s. 7.30 pm U-16 Division 4 Football League At Kiltoom: St. Brigid’s v Clann na nGael. 7 pm

Saturday, March 2nd

Cathal Dolan in action during the Allianz NHL game against Tryone at Dr. Hyde Park last Sunday. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

The Roscommon team which defeated Tyrone in last Sunday’s Allianz NHL Division 3A match at Dr. Hyde Park. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

fic in the second half as the Meath girls were more used to playing on the artificial surface. Stacy Grimes added a second goal for the home side in the third quarter. Emma White added a third and it was over as a contest after that. Joan Geoghegan netted for Roscommon on her debut before Meath added a fourth goal late on.

Prediction: Dublin

Thursday, February 28th

Ladies well beaten in Meath Lidl Ladies Football National League Division 3 (Round 3)

outnumber Roscommon supporters by at least two to one and they will come expecting to win. It is a marvellous opportunity for the Roscommon players to take on the All-Ireland champions at home. To test yourself you have to play against the best and that’s what the Dubs are. I am not expecting an easy Dublin win. They will get the job done by five or six points but Roscommon will (hopefully) put in a big display. It’s the biggest occasion that we have had in Dr. Hyde Park outside of the championship for many years - I am really looking forward to it!

It was a disappointing defeat for Roscommon but Meath look to be a good bit ahead of all other teams in the division and Roscommon can return to winning ways when they take on Down at Dr. Hyde Park on Sunday next at 12 noon. Roscommon: Helena Cummins; Niamh Feeney, Honor En-

nis, Shauna Bannon; Amanda McLoone, Tess Murtagh, Roisin Wynne; Aine Ryan, Laura Fleming (0-1); Katie Daly, Jenny Higgins (0-3), Sorcha Bruen; Joan Geoghegan (1-0), Rebecca Finan (0-3), Siobhan Tully. Subs: Sinead Kenny, Joanne Cregg, Alice Kelly, Sheila Brady, Rachel Fitzmaurice, Grainne Lohan.

U-14 Hurling Féile (11.30 am) At Pairc an Phiarsaigh: Pádraig Pearses v Four Roads At Athleague\Tremane: Athleague\Tremane v St. Dominic’s U-18 Hurling Championship (Group Stages) (5 pm) At Lisnamult: Roscommon Gaels v Athleague\Tremane At Four Roads: Four Roads v St. Dominic’s

Sunday, March 3rd Minor Division 1 Football League (11 am) At Strokestown: Strokestown v Castlerea St. Kevin’s At Johnstown: Clann na nGael v Oran/St. Croan’s At Kiltoom: St. Brigid’s v St. Dominic’s Minor Division 2 Football League (11 am) At Orchard Park: ElphinBallinameen v Tulsk Lord Edwards At Abbey Park: Boyle v Pádraig Pearses Minor Division 3 Football League (11 am) At Mulhern Park: St. Ciaran’s v St. Brigid’s At Ballyleague: St. Faithleach’s v Kilmore/Shannon Gaels/St. Ronan’s At Kilbride: Kilbride v Western Gaels At James Timothy Park: Éire Óg/ Michael Glavey’s v St. Michael’s U-14 Division 3 Football League At Rockfield: Oran v Tulsk Lord Edwards. 11 am

Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

GA A PEOPLE Your weekend starts here!

Dublin at The Hyde – Take Two!  DAN DOONER

Roscommon GAA, local businesses and Dublin supporters won’t need a reminder of the last time the Boys in Blue were due in town for a Division One game. The game on Sunday, April 3rd 2016 had to be moved to Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada in Carrick-on-Shannon at 9 am that morning due to Dr. Hyde Park being unplayable. Dublin edged it by a point despite a spirited Roscommon performance. The day will mostly be remembered for the throngs of Roscommon and Dublin supporters making their way to Carrick by any means necessary. Following the delayed decision in moving the game, Roscommon GAA redeemed themselves somewhat by making buses available to those Dublin supporters left stranded in Roscommon town. The buses, from what this writer remembers, were free of charge and left from the Abbey Hotel carpark. Arriving into the Páirc Seán press box that day, however, it quickly became clear that at least one Dub had hopped on the wrong bus!

A journalist from Dublin’s 98FM, a man who Giovanni Trapattoni once described as ‘beautiful’, told the station’s listeners that he had been charged ten euros to travel on a “bone-shaker of a bus”. Seemingly, Roscommon GAA had only provided two buses for the travelling legions of Dubs while other fans were ferried to and from Leitrim by at least one very enterprising local firm. It must be said though that the vast majority of Roscommon and Dublin fans I encountered that Sunday seemed to enjoy the madness of it all. Indeed, Rossies were quick to offer lifts to those in blue found thumbing on the Boyle Road. There’s no fear of a repeat of such scenes this weekend, thankfully. In fact, it’s hard now to remember Dr. Hyde Park without a pristine surface. The new pitch, a new manager and a new-look Roscommon team will welcome the All-Ireland champions to the county town on Sunday afternoon, and Anthony Cunningham will be hoping that his players, at least, won’t be as hospitable as the Roscommon supporters and County Board were three years ago.

THE ROVING ROSSIE Life on the Rossie rollercoaster…

Kilglass Gaels stalwart Seamus Nugent directs traffic at ahead of the Allianz NFL Division One match between Roscommon and Dublin in Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada in 2016.

Seamus Duke’s Crystal (Foot)ball

‘We’ll learn from our mistakes’

Mayo v Galway on Saturday night in Castlebar at 7 pm Hard to call this one. Mayo were very poor against Dublin while Galway were pipped by Kerry in Tuam. I have an inkling that Galway might just edge it by a point or two. Prediction: Galway Tyrone v Cavan on Saturday night in Omagh at 7 pm Cavan tails will be up after last Sunday but Tyrone need to win at least once more and they were very good against Monaghan last weekend. I think Mickey Harte’s men will win narrowly. Prediction: Tyrone Kerry v Monaghan on Sunday in Tralee at 2 pm Monaghan are struggling and this is not a great place to have to go to pick up points. Kerry are cruising and look a good, solid side. Home advantage to count. Prediction: Kerry

Roscommon manager, Anthony Cunningham, believes his charges will learn from their mistakes and expects them to fight for another two points against All-Ireland champions Dublin this Sunday at Dr. Hyde Park. “We just need to learn from our mistakes and that’s something that we work hard on

 SEAMUS DUKE

all the time. But we just weren’t at the pace of the game (last Sunday against Cavan). We will be looking for a performance again this Sunday and we will be asking the players to raise their game. “We are fighting hard for two points every day we go out and we will be doing that again on Sunday and we are not passing too much heed on the table or relegation or anything like that,” he said.

Cluxton set to return? “Dublin are getting stronger with each passing week,” is the view of People Sport columnist, Seamus Duke. More stars are returning to the Dublin fold each game. Last weekend it was Ciaran Kilkenny, Jack McCaffrey and Cian O’Sullivan. This weekend, the Dubs’ legendary captain and goalkeeper, Stephen Cluxton, is expected to make his first league appearance of this year’s campaign.

It would be a banker they said: two points in our fight for survival. We’ll target the Cavan game and then maybe Galway. How wrong they…and we…were! As a Roscommon fan, you get used to losing against certain teams in much the same way you get used to winning against others. Cavan, with all due respect, are, or rather were, part of the latter bracket. A game to be ticked off with a ‘professional’ performance. It’s a pity no one reminded Cavan of this… Mickey Graham is a manager who should never be underestimated when it comes to squeezing every last drop of potential from a group of underdogs. His Cavan ‘underdogs’ (if that’s what they were!) tore into it from the first whistle to the last and the visiting Primrose and Blue just couldn’t reach the level of intensity that had been evident in weeks previous. Perhaps the weekend off came at the wrong time? For some Roscommon supporters (like this one) there was simply too much time to dwell on our decent start to the league campaign and ponder what might be. Survival now seems as far away as ever. Leaving Kingspan Breffni last Sunday, the positivity from previous games seemed to drain from the travelling supporters as the Roscommon rollercoaster of hope and despair hit another dip. This Division One stuff really is a struggle after all. It probably won’t get any smoother this Sunday either, as the five-in-a-row chasing Dubs come to town. But back to when we were surveying the fixtures in January…this weekend was always seen as something of a ‘free pass’. In fact, if we really give those early January days of fantasy fixtures some thought…we’d have snapped our own hands off had we been offered three points from our opening four games in this division. Maybe things are going to be Ok, and perhaps survival isn’t beyond us just yet. Back on the rollercoaster we go…

SportsPeople

Roscommon People Friday 01 March 2019

INSIDE: Rossies suffer the ‘Breffni Blues’ ... See page 68 and 69.

The Dubs are in town!  SEAMUS DUKE

Flashback to 2018! Roscommon will be hoping to avoid a repeat of the last time they met Dublin when they were defeated 4-24 to 2-16 in the Super 8s at Croke Park.

Ladies face Down as part of double header The Roscommon Ladies footballers will be hoping to return to winning ways when they welcome Down to Dr. Hyde Park this Sunday at 12 noon. Roscommon suffered a heavy defeat to Meath last Sunday in Dunganny but will be expected to be far more competitive on home soil against the Ulster women. Pictured right are tthe Roscommon Ladies team which was beaten by Meath in Dunganny last Sunday. Pic: Roscommon LGFA/ Micheal McHugh

Getting excited about the visit of All-Ireland champions Dublin to Dr. Hyde Park (throw-in at 2 pm) on Sunday seems a little naïve but that’s the way it is for most Roscommon GAA people this week. It’s fantastic to have the All-Ireland champions in our own back yard even though it is stretching credibility a bit too far to expect a Roscommon win. Roscommon will have to re-discover the intensity and aggression shown in their opening three games of this league campaign, because if they don’t it could be a very long day at in ‘The Hyde’. Roscommon struggled in the midfield area last Sunday as Cavan enjoyed oceans of possession. If the Breffni men had their shooting boots with them it could have been a very heavy defeat for Roscommon. Roscommon have got to get back to basics and give the Dubs something to think about in the tackle and in broken play. If Dublin dominate possession then Roscommon will be in big trouble. The worry from a Roscommon point of view is that the Dubs are improving with every passing week and a lot of their star performers are appearing once again. Last weekend Ciaran Kilkenny, Jack McCaffrey and Cian O’Sullivan were back and this weekend Stephen Cluxton is expected to make his first league appearance. From a Roscommon point of view it would be prudent to adopt a defensive game plan. It is not easy to restrict Dublin but any team who have had even a modicum of success against them over the years will have to push up on their kick-outs and try to deny them possession. Easier said than done…see full preview on page 71.