2019.05.31 by Roscommon People

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31 May 2019

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Independents shocked by quick Coalition deal! FF & FG in pact  PAUL HEALY

Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Independent councillors Tom Crosby and Laurence Fallon stunned the remaining Independents on Roscommon County Council by moving at speed to agree a historic Coalition deal on Tuesday night. The Roscommon People can reveal that the unlikely ‘Group of Ten’ finalised the pact at a late-night meeting in Hannon’s Hotel. The six Fianna Fáil councillors, two Fine Gael councillors and Independents Tom Crosby and Laurence Fallon signed a fiveyear Coalition deal that will see Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael share power on Roscommon County Council for the

first time in decades. In brokering a deal so quickly, the new FF/FG/Independents alliance outmanouvered several Independents who were anxious to pursue an alternative Coalition. Would-be kingmaker Cllr. Tony Ward had favoured an Independentled Coalition after voters in Roscommon returned nine Independent councillors in last Friday’s election. The new 18-strong Council is made up of six Fianna Fáil councillors, two Fine Gael, one Sinn Fein and nine Independents. Cllr. Paschal Fitzmaurice of Fianna Fáil will be the first Cathaoirleach of the new Council, followed in year two by Cllr. Liam Callaghan (Fine Gael). Fianna Fáil will hold the coveted position of Cathaoirleach for three years. One of Cllr. John Naughten, Tom Crosby and Laurence Fal-

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Last Will and Testament Why should I make a will? Creating a will is usually a straightforward matter and leaves you with the peace of mind and knowledge that your loved ones are looked after and your assets are divided in accordance with your wishes, after your death. What is a will? A will is a legal document setting out directions on how the property of the person making the will (the “Testator”) shall be distributed upon his or her death Who can make a will? In order to make a will one must be aged at least 18 years and be of sound mind. I have not made a will. What happens to my property if I die? If you die without having made a will, you are said to have died intestate and your property is divided in accordance with the rules of intestacy as set out in the Succession Act, 1965. The rules must be applied strictly regardless of the needs or financial circumstances of your next of kin. This can mean that adequate provision is not made for certain loved ones and that your property is not divided in accordance with your wishes. I am the parent of young children, is it important for me to make a will? It is VITAL that you make a will if you have any children under 18 or if you have any long term dependents. Making a will allows you to appoint a testamentary guardian to care for your children after your death ensuring that custody of your children is granted to the individuals you prefer. I made a will several years ago, can I change it now? Yes, you can make a new will as often as you like. In fact, it is a good idea to review your will on a regular basis to cater for any changes in your or potential beneficiaries circumstances. If I leave my property to someone in a will am I then precluded from selling it? No, your will only takes effect on your death. Your property remains yours to do what you wish with it during your lifetime. Does remarriage or divorce affect my will? A marriage will revoke any will previously made whereas a divorce will not revoke any will previously made. In both situations testamentary arrangements should be reviewed.

This column is prepared by Dolores Gacquin, Solicitor. Byrne Carolan Cunningham have offices in Athlone, Moate, Lanesborough and Galway. A person should always contact their solicitor to obtain legal advice specific to their own situation. The above column contains general information and cannot be relied upon as legal advice. * In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement

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e l p o e WATCHING P With PAUL HEALY

The Barstool Boyos are still in Castlebar… We wish to apologise to loyal readers for the absence of the ‘Endangered Species’ column this week. This is beyond our control, essentially because the ‘Barstool Boyos’ are beyond our control. The barstool boyos are still in Castlebar. What we have been able to establish is that the boyos went to Castlebar last Saturday morning. They met up with the Dublin buskers, Pat and Mike, and we understand that a great evening was had by all. We had some difficulty in estab-

lishing contact with the boyos earlier this week. It appears that they stayed on in Castlebar on Saturday night to savour Roscommon’s great win over Mayo. Just before we went to press they finally got in touch with our newsroom to confirm that they are still on Mayo territory. They apologised for not having a column this week but pointed out that the circumstances are utterly unique (direct quote: “We beat Mayo in Castlebar!”). They assured us that they had the

blessing of their loved ones, who had in fact joined them in Castlebar for a midweek break. They promised that normal service will resume next week (Editor: “All going well…”).

What we liked… Eh…we kind of liked Roscommon’s fantastic win over Mayo in Castlebar, the first championship win by our seniors in that daunting venue since 1986. Congratulations to us!

What we didn’t like…

PIC OF THE WEEK: Celebrating Roscommon’s win over Mayo last Saturday. Picture: Michael McCormack

The ‘Poorly judged interview of the week’ Award No prizes for guessing that this award goes to embattled Fine Gael TD Maria Bailey, who has dropped a legal case she was taking against a Dublin hotel (following a fall from a swing). At times during her interview with Sean O’Rourke on Monday, Deputy Bailey made entirely valid points – she has been a victim of social media abuse, she has had a tough time at the hands of the traditional media – but for the most part, the interview was a shambolic mess. Much of her contribution utterly lacked credibility – she should not have given the interview.

Our Alternative Awards

Cold weather. Rain. Any sign of that summer, or do we have to wait for the Leaving Cert to start?

The ‘Political comeback of the week’ Award Tony Waldron and Tom Crosby (their return to Roscommon County Council is extensively covered in our election supplement) will forgive me if I give the honours to Nigel Farage…he may be an extremely divisive figure, but he has some sense of timing, some influence! The former UKIP leader, a key driver behind the Brexit campaign, set up a new political party only few weeks ago…and then last weekend we had the bizarre situation whereby his ‘Brexit Party’ trounced all-comers in European Parliament elections that the UK (given its Brexit decision) didn’t really want to take part in!

Roscommon People Friday 31 May 2019

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Roscommon People Friday 31 May 2019

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PAUL HEALY’S WEEK TEMPORARY CLOSING OF ROADS ROADS ACT 1993, SECTION 75 ROADS REGULATIONS 1994, ARTICLE 12 Roscommon County Council intends to close the roads set out in the schedule hereunder for the periods and the reason specified. Road to be closed: M6 motorway J12 Eastbound on and off slips at Bogganfin (Ganlys). Period of Closure: 7.00 pm to 6.00 am nightly from Monday 17th of June, 2019 to Friday 28th of June, 2019 inclusive. Alternative Routes: For Off Slip traffic continue to Junction 11 then return on N6 Westbound to exit onto N61 at Junction 12. For On Slip traffic continue Southwards on N61 before taking N6 Westward to Junction 13 then follow signs for N6 Dublin to access Eastward route. OR For On Slip traffic use N61 & R914 to Bellaugh Junction, then travel Westward on R446 & R362 to Junction 13 via Bellaugh following signs indicating N6 Dublin. Road to be closed: M6 motorway J13 Westbound on and off slip for access to and from R446. Period of Closure: 7.00 pm to 6.00 am nightly from Monday 24th of June, 2019 to Saturday 29th of June, 2019 inclusive. Alternative Routes: For Off Slip traffic exit N6 at Junction 12 then use N61 & R914 to Bellaugh Junction, then travel Westward on R446 & R362 to Junction 13 via Bellaugh. OR For Off Slip traffic continue Westward to Junction 14 Ballinasloe East before returning on Eastbound side of M6/N6 to exit at Junction 13. For On Slip traffic follow R446 to Bellaugh, then R914 / N61 before accessing the N6 Westward at Junction 12 following signs for Galway. Road to be closed: M6 J13 Eastbound on and off slip for access to and from R362 Monksland. Period of Closure: 7.00 pm to 6.00 am nightly from Monday 17th of June, 2019 to Friday 28th of June, 2019 inclusive. Alternative Routes: For Off Slip continue to exit N6 at Junction 12, then return on Westbound side of N6 following signs for N6 Galway before exiting at Junction 13 for Monksland. OR For Off Slip continue to Exit N6 at Junction 12, then follow N61 / R914 to Bellaugh and R446 and N61 to Monksland. For On Slip take R362 and R446 to Bellaugh, then take R914 and N61 to Bogganfin Roundabout (Ganlys) before taking Eastbound On Slip towards Dublin.

A column by Roscommon People editor

Our own Game of Thrones… Join Our Boys take on Mini Marathon!

I’ve never seen Game of Thrones – but I signed up (as usual) to the local version last weekend. I gather that Game of Thrones had a reputation for being quite gory – as far as I could see it was much more civilised in the Hyde Centre on Saturday and Sunday, while still a good old-fashioned marathon example of the bloodsports’ nature of Irish politics. It is, of course, a ‘parallel universe’…the count centre. In some instances, you meet people at a count that you haven’t actually met since the last count! Familiar faces…‘count faces’. And within a minute or so of arriving in the count centre, for yet another marathon, we inevitably slip into count-speak. Into the language of the count. ‘First preferences. Quotas. Transfers. Tallies. Percentages. Eliminations’. Not to mention the questions and comments. ‘Any sign of a count? When do you think we’ll have a first count? Any word on how things are going nationally? You wouldn’t have a spare pass by any chance?’ It’s a world of its own, really. And usually a compelling one. Last weekend’s count in Roscommon was a long way from being the most exciting in memory, but it had its moments. I got there after lunch on Saturday, buying in to the marathon once again…as I’ve been doing since the 1980s. Saturday wasn’t a very productive day. There was no first count in any of the three electoral areas in the county (Athlone, Boyle & Roscommon), but the excellent work of tally men and tally women provided us with a strong indication from early on Saturday of how Election ’19 would pan out here. It was soon clear that Marty

Join Our Boys are taking on the VHI Women’s Mini Marathon this June Bank Holiday Sunday (June 2nd) in aid of the Join Our Boys Trust. Archie, George and Isaac Naughton suffer from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and work has started on a specially-designed house for the three brothers in Roscommon town. This weekend, they’d appreciate your support as they take on the VHI Women’s Mini Marathon in Dublin. Check out www. joinourboys.org for more information.

Tonya Hand, Dublin Marathon race director, Jim Aughney, Sinéad Gannon and Archie Naughton pictured at the recent Join Our Boys event ahead of the VHI Women’s Mini Marathon this Sunday. Pic: Mick McCormack

McDermott and Tony Waldron would be two of the day’s headline-makers. I was pleased for both of them. Waldron ran a superb campaign and was flying over the past week or so. A very affable man, he is passionate about his county, believes in its untapped potential, and will be a positive force on the Council. Marty McDermott also ran a

Road to be closed: R362 at Junction 13 (Daneshill). Period of Closure: 7.00 pm to 6.00 am nightly from Monday 17th of June, 2019 to Friday 28th of June, 2019 inclusive. Alternative Routes: Westbound traffic to take R446 Eastbound, then L2047 Old Tuam Road to R362 Roundabout (River Village) for access towards Tuam. For Eastbound access on N6 continue R362 to Junction 13 Roundabout. Eastbound traffic to take R362 to R362 Roundabout (River Village), then L2047 Old Tuam Road, then R446 to Junction 13 for access to N6 Westbound or R446 for access to Athlone Town. Local Traffic from/to Danesfort/Clonbrock estates will be accommodated. Reason for Closure: To facilitate Transport Infrastructure Ireland resurfacing works. Objections in respect of the proposed closures may be made in writing to the Roads and Transportation Department or e-mailed to roads@ roscommoncoco.ie to arrive not later than 5.00pm on Wednesday, 5th of June 2019. Roads & Transportation Department Roscommon County Council

paul@roscommonpeople.ie

Outgoing councillor Domnick Connolly and Senator Terry Leyden, at the election count. Picture: Michael McCormack

great campaign, and the Oran man’s common touch and likeability factor led to a huge vote. His supporters proudly pointed out that he is the first Oran native to be elected to the Council. Marty punched the air with pride and emotion following his tremendous success. It was a very special and emotional moment for Marty, his wife and children, and both their families. And it’s good to see young people coming into politics. I was pleased too for Donal Kilduff, who pulled off a very impressive win in Athlone/ South Roscommon. Donal is what I would describe as an ‘Ideas man’…his campaign was notable for his innovative, environmentally conscious and business-supporting proposals. On a human and political level, it was some achievement by Donal to get elected (at the expense of FF) and after a relatively late entry into the race. He will be a big addition to the Council. A proud moment for his Dad Paddy too. In a quirk of fate, Paddy and Teresa had been booked on a cruise some months ago (a birthday present) and thus missed Donal’s big moment. They only left on Sunday morning, and could hardly be expected to get back that night; not even Paddy can walk

on water. No doubt big celebrations will follow in due course. There were massive, hugely impressive votes for a range of candidates (Paschal Fitzmaurice, Kathleen Shanagher, John Cummins, Valerie Byrne, Michael Mulligan, Tony Ward, Ivan Connaughton, John Naughten, etc.) Tom Crosby made an impressive comeback after being unlucky to lose out in 2014. Finally, Domnick Connolly accepted defeat with dignity and good humour. He has been a very effective councillor for a long time, and is a great community activist and a very popular man. Domnick knows this is how the ball bounces sometimes, he knows all about the twists and turns and high and lows of politics. He was gracious on Sunday, quickly turning the subject to Roscommon’s win over Mayo! * Well done to Returning Officer Shane Tiernan and all Council staff present who did a great job over the weekend. Also, a reader was in touch to say that while there was understandable insistence on admission by pass only, they were pleased to see that there was discretion applied on Sunday evening and family/supporters of successful candidates were allowed in during the closing stages of the count…so that they could celebrate. Well said!

Roscommon People Friday 31 May 2019

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Irish Water will limit disruption in Castlerea Irish Water, in partnership with Roscommon County Council, are set to carry out works in Arm and on Church Road, Castlerea. The works will involve the replacement of 700 metres of ageing cast-iron water mains and service connections and the laying of new water service connections from the public water main in the road to local properties. The works will take place from the Castlerea Primary Care Centre, along the N60 to the Castlerea Road and Main Street junction, and extend for

a short distance on the R361. Once complete, a further 530 metres of water main will be replaced on Church Road. The works in Arm are due to start in late May, and are expected to be completed in July. The project on Church Road will start immediately afterwards and take approximately eight weeks. Commenting on the project, Dave Murphy, Regional Lead for the Leakage Reduction Programme said: “Replacing these ageing water mains will not only reduce the high levels of leak-

age, but will also improve the reliability of water supplied to businesses and residents. “We understand that this type of work can be inconvenient and works crews will make every effort to minimise any disruption these necessary works cause. We will continue to work with the community to minimise disruption”. There may be some water shut-offs. Customers can call a customer care helpline on Callsave 1850-278278 with any questions about the project.

Murphy: Cynicism and apathy among electorate Election coverage: Pages 27-46  DAN DOONER

Speaking to the Roscommon People at the Hyde Centre last Saturday, Fianna Fáil TD Eugene Murphy spoke of how politics is changing in Ireland. “Overall the Fianna Fáil vote (in Roscommon) is pretty good. There are quite a number of Independents elected too, while Fine Gael seem to have fared pretty badly in this election. “I keep saying that politics has changed and changed dramatically. The parties are never going to be as dominant as they were, and you’re always going to have more Independents, but again the concern here is that the turnout for the county is around 60%. It’s a poor enough showing really, it means that up to 40% of people aren’t voting and some of those people just don’t have an interest. “I put that down to cynicism, apathy…and I think too much has been promised in the past and not delivered to people. I think politicians have been seen to have let people down and are maybe not addressing the issues. There’s no doubt about it, that cynicism and apathy is there,” he said.

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NEWS…at a glance

Saturday Storytelling at Roscommon Library Saturday Storytelling will take place at Roscommon Library on Saturday, June 8th at 11 am for 3-6-year-olds. Please call the library on 090-6637277 to book a place.

Forgotten Graveyard lecture in Hannon’s

Lisacul Tidy Towns Cake Sale Lisacul Tidy Towns will hold their annual Cake Sale this Sunday (June 2nd) before and after Mass in Lisacul Church. The funds raised will help buy products such as paint and plants as well as going towards a number of projects the committee is currently undertaking. Your support is always appreciated.

Cavetown Walk for Hospice this Sunday A fundraising 6km walk will take place at Cavetown Lake, Co. Roscommon this Sunday (June 2nd), commencing at 2 pm. Refreshments will be provided after the walk and part of the proceeds will go to Roscommon/Mayo Hospice. Please support.

Excavations are underway at the ‘Forgotten Graveyard’, found during roadworks at Ranelagh, Roscommon town in 2016.

Cemetery Mass in Ballintubber The Annual Ballintubber Cemetery Mass will take place this Sunday (June 2nd) at 3 pm and will be followed by tea and scones and a cake sale in the Old Schoolhouse.

Roscommon SPCA fundraising events A number of Roscommon SPCA fundraising events will take place in the month of June. The society will hold annual Church gate collections this Saturday and Sunday

(June 1st and 2nd) at Clonown, Dysart and Loughglynn Churches. On June 8th and 9th, Church gate collections will take place at Mantua and Kilmactranny Churches. Saturday, June 15th will see a car boot sale at Casey’s Londis, Roscommon town and Church gate collections will also take place that weekend at Drumboylan, Crossna, Arigna and Keadue Churches. Finally, on Saturday and Sunday, June 22nd and 23rd, Church gate collections will take place in Boyle.

The County Roscommon Historical & Archaeological Society and Transport Infrastructure Ireland will hold a special lecture at Hannon’s Hotel this Friday (May 31st) at 8 pm. The lecture is on the ‘Forgotten Graveyard’, found during roadworks at Ranelagh, Roscommon town in 2016 and will be given by Prof. Eileen Murphy, Osteoarchaeologist of Queens University, Belfast. Excavation of the site was undertaken by Irish Archaeology Consultancy on behalf of Roscommon Co. Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland. They discovered that the site was in use for over 500 years and the artifacts discovered were typical of those from the 6th to the 11th centuries AD. The most extraordinary discovery was that the settlement had developed into a cemetery with over 1,000 human burials long since forgotten. A targeted programme of ancient DNA analysis is determining the genetic composition of particular individuals, specific diseases and the presence of non-locals in the cemetery. Research is also focusing on diet and migration as well as maternal and infant health. The lecture is free and all are welcome.

Launch of Historical & Archaeological Society Journal 2019 The County Roscommon Historical & Archaeological Society is pleased to announce the launch of its 2019 Journal at 6.30 pm on Tuesday, June 4th in Arás an Chontae. The launch will be performed by Nollaig Feeney, Heritage Officer, Roscommon County Council.

The journal is replete with articles by 33 contributors and nearly 200 pages and costs €15. Music on the night will be provided by the Knockcroghery Ukelele Collective and refreshments will be served. The journal will be available at a number of outlets in the county including ETL, the County Museum in Roscommon town and Cruachan Ai in Tulsk. Contributors, advertisers and members of the public are welcome.

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

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Fair and Festival time in Athleague! The 8th annual Athleague Fair & Festival returns this June Bank Holiday weekend (Saturday, June 1st to Monday, June 3rd). There are a whole host of events taking place throughout the weekend… Saturday, June 1st The Suck Valley Way Quilt Exhibition will open at 10 am on Saturday at the Suck Valley Way Visitor Centre and continue each day from 10 am to 5 pm. Later on Sunday evening there will be the 3rd annual Sheep Race will take place at 7.30 pm, in conjunction with Athleague Hurling Club with total prize money of €1,400 up for grabs! This promises to be a great night of fun and entertainment and will take place outside Bridge House with lots of prizes on the night and music in Hamrock’s by Steve Reilly. Sunday, June 2nd Sunday will kick off with a Fair and Festival Celebration Mass at 10 am in St. Patrick’s Church, Athleague. A 5K/10K Run/Walk will take place from 11 am with registration in Athleague

with a Party in the Park from 6 pm. Visitors can enjoy a delicious lamb BBQ in a unique setting with food served from 6 pm to 8 pm. Dance the rest of the night away with the Odd Socks band while there will also be face painting and a bouncy castle for children. Admission is €10 for adults, €5 for children and €25 for families (2 adults and 2 kids). Children under 5 go free. Monday, June 3rd In conjunction with Tremane Hurling Club the 2ND Annual Athleague Fair and Festival Soap Box Derby will take place outside Hamrocks Bar at 2:00 pm (Registration from 1:00 pm).

Community Centre. All proceeds will go towards Athleague/Tremane underage football Féile teams.

. ir & Festiv The Athleague Fa Bank Holiday Monday at 10 pmmie Kelly on r m To Ba ’s by ck d ro re m so Ha on in people ” flat screen TV sp First prize is a 32 ize is a two-night stay for two l and pr ea m nd g Electrical. Seco tel & Spa including an evenin also be ill w Ho e n le er Al Th . h at Loug worth €150 r pe m ha t an gi third prize is a s on the night! lots of other prize

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on 087-9744745. The Ballyleague Model Railway Exhibition will take place in Athleague Community Centre from 12 pm to 5 pm on Sunday while a local history exhibition will run from 1 pm to 6 pm in conjunction with the Athleague/ Fuerty Heritage Group. At 2 pm on Sunday it’s Soap Box Derby time! Run in conjunction with Tremane Hurling Club, the second annual Soap Box Derby will take place outside Hamrock’s Bar at 2 pm. Check out the

For more information, contact Kevin McGeeney on 087-9848702 or Darren Daly

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Adrian O’Boyle, Jackie Conboy and Thorsten Fillmann pictured at last year’s Athleague Fair & Festival. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

June Bank Holiday Weekend Saturday 1st - Monday 3th of June

Suck Valley Way Quilt Exhibition 10:00 AM

Soapbox Derby 2:00 PM

The 5 th Annual Suck Valley Way Quilt Exhibition, is on in the Suck Valley Way Visitor Centre all weekend. Open: Sat-Mon: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

In conjunction with Tremane Hurling Club the 2 ND Annual Athleague Fair and Festival Soap Box Derby will take place outside Hamrocks Bar at 2:00PM (Registration from 1:00PM). Visit our facebook page for rules and info. Prizes: 1 ST prize: €1000 (Sponsored by Callington Ltd.) 2 ND Prize: €500 (Sponsored by Callington Ltd.) 3 RD Prize: €250 (Sponsored by Class Grass) 4 TH Prize: €100 Best Themed Car (Sponsored by Centre Point Autos) For info contact: Henry: 087 753 1730 Martin: 087 812 5154

Sheep Racing 7:30 PM In conjunction with Athleague Hurling Club our 3 RD Annual Sheep Race is back by popular demand. Total prize money €1000. Come along to a great night of fun & entertainment. This event will take place outside the Bridge House. First race: 7:30 PM. Lots of prizes on the night.

Music ininHamrock’s Music HamrocksbybySteve SteveReilly Reilly.

Party in the Park 6:00PM

Mullens Family Funfair Mullens Family Funfair on all weekend. Fun for the whole family.

Sunday June 2nd Thank you to all our sponsors

Athleague Fair and Festival Facebook page for rules and other information. First prize this year is €1,000 in cash while the runners-up will receive €500 (sponsored by Callington), third place will pocket €250 (sponsored by Class Grass) and the fourth prize of €100 (sponsored by Centrepoint Autos) will go to the Best Themed Car. For more information, contact Henry on 087-7531730 or Martin on 087-8125154. Sunday will come to a close

The Bank Holiday Monday sees the return of the Traditional Fair Day from 11 am to 4 pm. Soak up the old-world atmosphere with horses and livestock, Red Mills Dog Show, (Registration from 12.30, judging from 1.30pm); crafts fair, old photographic exhibition and many other attractions. There will also be a bouncy castle and water zorbing for younger visitors to enjoy. Mullens’ Family Funfair will also be in attendance throughout what promises to be another fun weekend for the whole family to enjoy this June Bank Holiday in Athleague!

Fair & Festival Celebration Mass 10:00 AM St. Patrick’s Church, Athleague.

5K/ 10K Run/Walk 11:00 AM 10k/5k Walk/Run Walk/Runregistration registration from in in Athleague Community Centre. 10k/5k from11:00 11:00am Athleague Community Centre. allproceeds proceedsgo gototoAthleague Athleague //Tremane Tremaneunderage underage football hurling and Hurling All féilefor teams. & Camogie féile teams. Walk /Run starting at 12:00 PM. Walk /Run starting at 12:00pm. Forinfo info contact: contact: For Kevin Mc Geeney: Kevin Mc Geeney: 087087 984 984 87028702 Darren Daly: Darren Daly: 087087 974 974 47454745 AM

Ballyleague Model Railway Exhibition 12:00 PM taking place in the Community Centre on Sunday from 12:00 PM -5:00 PM.

Local History Exhibition 1:00 to 6:00 PM

Local history information by The Athleague/Fuerty Heritage Group. Maps, photographs, Family history guidance and recommendations etc. Taking place in the Suck Valley Way Visitor Centre from 1:00 PM.

Old Photographic & Memorabilia Exhibition In Healys shop Athleague over the weekend. “Take a peek into the past.”

Enjoy a delicious lamb BBQ in a unique setting. Food served 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Dance the night away with the Odd Socks lively band. Face painting/Bouncy castle. Admission: Adults: €10 each Children: €5 each Family: €25 (2 adults +2 kids) *children under 5 go free Music in Hamrocks by The Lancers & music in the Bridge House by Stephen Blake at 10:00 PM .

Monday June 3rd

Traditional Fair Day 11:00AM to 4:00PM Soak up the old-world atmosphere of a Traditional Fair Day. • Horse and livestock • Show your stock for free from 12.30, • Red mills dog show (Registration judging from 1.30pm ) • Crafts and fair • Bouncy castles • Water zorbing • Tombola & many other attractions

Atleague Fair & Festival Monster Raffle Hamrocks Bar Monday at 10:00 PM 1 ST Prize: 32”Flat screen T.V Sponsored by: Tommy Kelly Electrical 2ND Prize: 2 night stay For two at Lough Allen Hotel & Spa including evening Meal.

Music in Hamrocks by Steve Reilly 3 to 6:00PM 3 RD Prize: €150 Giant Hamper. & music in The Bridge House by Dollar Daly at 6:30PM + Many other prizes

Roscommon People Friday 31 May 2019

NewsPeople Sarah O’Doherty

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Roscommon People Friday 31 May 2019

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From 30th May - 15th June at

Hynes Pharmacy Castle Street, Roscommon Choose four free beauty treats & a gorgeous beauty bag when you purchase two or more Clarins products, one to be a moisturiser or serum. Beauty Expert Clarins Beauty Expert, Irene Smith, will be instore on Wednesday, 29th May & Thursday, 30th May to provide expert skincare and makeup advice. Places are limited and booking is advised. Contact (090) 663 4147 for further information.

Roscommon People Friday 31 May 2019

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A big weekend for Roscommon Gaels!

Roscommon Gaels county senior football champions 1962: Front row, left to right: John McGowan, Andy Lynch, Sean Foley, P.J. Penny, M. Hoare, S. Hoare, R. Mescall, A. Brophy, B. Penny. Back row: G. Flanagan, J. Connor, P. Featherstone, J. Mannion, S. Connolly, B. Hoare, S. Keher, C. Mahon, Fr. E. O’Connor, P.J. Costello, O. McGuinness and M. Costello.

PUBLIC NOTICES

DECLARATION OF PUBLIC ROADS

Roscommon Gaels GAA was founded in 1959 when the two GAA clubs in Roscommon town amalgamated to form what we now know as Roscommon Gaels. As part of our 60th anniversary celebrations, we are officially opening our GAA facilities in Lisnamult with a set of events over the June bank holiday weekend. After years of planning and fundraising by the various committees in Roscommon Gaels, we have purchased, developed and built pitches, floodlights, a sports wall and dressing room facilities that we should be very, very proud of; and we should all be there to mark the opening of them. These facilities are there for current and future generations of Roscommon Gaels, the local schools and our community, and they should be celebrated and never taken for granted. There is something for all members to participate

in, and to mark this very important milestone in our club’s history and development. We are looking forward to seeing all

members of Roscommon Gaels at the official opening by our club president and founding member, Mr. Barry Molloy.

Programme of Events Friday, 31st of May: 6.30 pm, Hyde Centre. The inaugural night of our newly-formed Roscommon Gaels All-Stars. A fabulous club initiative to accommodate children with additional needs in taking part in Gaelic games. 8 pm: Lisnamult, Men’s Junior Football Div. 4 league game v Boyle. Saturday, 1st of June: 5.30 pm, Lisnamult, men’s senior football Div. 1 league game v Michael Glaveys. 9.30 pm: ‘Oscars’ function room, Hollywood Bar. 2018 club awards night, and 2018 Hall of Fame presentation to Oliver McGuinness Snr (see separate item). Sunday, 2nd of June: 12-5 pm Lisnamult, U-8s, U-10s and U-12s mini-games in football, camogie and hurling. U-14s Feile teams presentation of sponsored Feile gear. U-6s’ academy skills display. 2.30 pm. Official opening by Mr. Barry Molloy, club president and founding member. BBQ, refreshments, marquee, face-painting, tug o’war, and relay races with a twist. U-16 and Minor, poc fada, penalty shoot-out, cross bar challenge, and plenty of fun and games. Buy an ice cream from our senior players. All proceeds donated to Roscommon Down Syndrome. Monday, 3rd of June: 2 pm. Lisnamult. Roscommon Gaels v Athleague in hurling.

ROADS ACT 1993, SECTION 11 ROADS REGULATIONS 1994, PART 2 PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT ACT 2000 (AS AMENDED), SECTION 180 LOCAL GOVERNMENT REFORM ACT 2014, SCHEDULE 3 Roscommon Municipal District proposes to declare the following roads to be a public road: Road located within housing development at “The Meadows”, Longford Townland, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon.

Castlerea Area Office, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon F45 W578

Road located within housing development at “Aran Court”, Ballinagard, Roscommon

Roscommon Municipal District Office, Aras an Chontae, Roscommon F42VR98

Athlone Municipal District proposes to declare the following roads to be a public road: Road located within housing development at “Burnbrook”, Cloonakille, Athlone, Co. Roscommon

Athlone Municipal District Office, Monksland, Athlone, Co. Roscommon N37 W5P9

Boyle Municipal District proposes to declare the following roads to be a public road: Road located within housing development at ”Hollywood Grove”, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon

Ballaghaderreen Area Office, Courthouse, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon F45 X704

Road located within housing development at “Cois Abhainn”, Warren or Drum, Abbeytown, Boyle, Co. Roscommon.

Boyle Municipal District Office, The Crescent, Boyle, Co. Roscommon F52 X436

Road located within housing development at “Oakport”, Boyle, Co. Roscommon

Boyle Municipal District Office, The Crescent, Boyle, Co. Roscommon F52 X436

Maps outlining the said roads may be inspected at the offices of Roscommon County Council, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon and at the offices listed above during normal working hours for the period from 31st May 2019 to 30th June 2019 inclusive. Objections or representations in relation to this declaration may be made in writing to the undersigned or e-mailed to roads@roscommoncoco.ie no later than 4 pm on 14th July 2019.

Shane Tiernan Director of Services Date of Notice: 31st May 2019

As part of our 60th anniversary celebrations, we are officially opening our GAA facilities in Lisnamult with a set of events over the June bank holiday weekend.

Hall of Fame award for Oliver Roscommon Gaels’ Hall of Fame recipient this weekend is Oliver McGuinness Snr. Oliver was born in 1938 and lived at Main Street, County Roscommon. He played football at all levels for St. Coman’s from juvenile up to senior with considerable success. It was acknowledged by people involved at the time that Oliver was a very skilful and talented player, and that he would go on to have a successful football career. He progressed to the St. Coman’s senior team, and, when the new Gaels were formed in 1959, (following the amalgamation of Eoghan Ruadh’s and St. Coman’s), Oliver played a prominent part in the Roscommon Gaels senior football team. In 1959, the senior team were defeated by St Brigid’s in the County semi-final, and Oliver played at corner-forward at the age of 21. In 1962, the senior footballers began their campaign with a 1-8 to 1-5 win against Shannon Gaels. The County final in 1962 was not played until 1963 as Roscommon qualified for the All-Ireland senior football final. At

Athleague in July 1963, Roscommon Gaels defeated St. Brigid’s by 1-11 to 1-10 and Oliver McGuinness played a prominent role in the victory. Oliver moved from Roscommon in 1963/64 for career purposes, but continued to maintain a keen interest in the Gaels. A truly great Gaels’ family. Well done Oliver.

Roscommon People Friday 31 May 2019

NewsPeople

STRAIGHT TALKING

WITH SEAMUS DUKE

A dramatic weekend of highs and lows… It was interesting to experience the local elections from the other side of the radio. I opted to go to Castlebar, instead of going to the count. There will be more elections, there might not be too many Roscommon wins in the senior championship in MacHale Park! As usual there were winners and losers, great stories and surprises too. In the Roscommon electoral area Tony Waldron came from almost nowhere to sweep into a seat after a brilliantly run campaign. Fair play to Marty McDermott as well. He did a lot of the canvassing on his own and it is not easy for a nonsitting councillor to get elected. Paschal Fitzmaurice got a massive vote and surely now he is looking east towards Leinster House! Fianna Fáil must be thrilled with their vote in this area, with established councillor Orla Leyden also elected. Kathleen Shanagher’s reputation as a hard-working councillor paid off and Nigel Dineen did very well to retain his seat. Commiserations to my old buddy Domnick Connolly who missed out this time around. It was just not to be for him, and he was squeezed with a lot of very high profile candidates running on his doorstep. John Cummins blazed a trail in the Boyle area once again. He is a top class councillor and a great community man. Valerie Byrne also did very well. She is a highly efficient public representative who is building her vote all the time. Michael Mulligan bucked the trend of a collapse in the Sinn Fein vote by holding on to his seat comfortably, while Tom Crosby’s return to the Council is a superb

achievement. Liam Callaghan and Joe Murphy did well to get in in such a competitive field. It’s incredible to note that Liam Callaghan is only one of two Fine Gael councillors elected in the county. Independents Tony Ward and Ivan Connaughton swept up votes all over the place in the Athlone electoral area. John Naughten flew the flag for Fine Gael once again while John Keogh was the only Fianna Fáil councillor elected in that area, which is surprising. The election of Donal Kilduff and Laurence Fallon means that – incredibly – there were four independents elected in Athlone out of the six seats. Overall though, Fianna Fáil can be well pleased with their vote in the county. However, Fine Gael had another very poor outing, with no councillor

“

I opted to go to Castlebar, instead of going to the count. There will be more elections, there might not be too many Roscommon wins in the senior championship in MacHale Park!

elected in the Roscommon/Castlerea area and only two elected overall. Another surprising aspect to this election was the collapse of the Sinn Fein vote locally and nationally. After a decade of steady growth, something has gone badly wrong there and Mary Lou (McDonald, party leader) will come under some pressure now. Nationally, the performance of the Green Party is the story of the election – expect Leo Varadkar and the Government to react to the results with a raft of ‘Green’ policies – including hefty carbon taxes – when the Budget comes around in October. However, being a keen political observer for decades, I have my doubts about this so-called ‘Green Wave’. If the Government slaps a carbon tax of 10 or 12 cent a litre on diesel in the Budget, it will be interesting to see the reaction of the public, particularly in rural areas. Yes, we have to do something about climate change and young people are very exercised about the issue – and rightly so too – but there is a political reality here as well. Having spent the weekend on the road and away from the count, I had plenty of time to tune into radio coverage and I have to congratulate Shannonside on their superb coverage from early on Saturday morning. It was so easy to find out what was going on in the local area. I was involved in many of those election broadcasts over the years, and they have it off to a fine art now. Well done to all concerned. Hopefully when the next count is on it won’t clash with a major championship match!

newsbriefs Sunﬂower Days for Hospice next weekend National Sunflower Days for Hospice take place on Friday and Saturday, June 7th and 8th. Sunflowers will be on sale at local stores in Mayo and Roscommon and you can also make a donation online at www.hospice.ie or by calling 094-9388666. All funds raised go directly to providing local palliative care services, which enable patients to live in comfort and dignity. The Hospice Foundation is most grateful to all who support the cause so generously. The service would not exist without all those who support hospice teams as they support patients and families in their time of need.

Special Mass for Healing in Curraghboy A Special Mass for Healing will take place at Our Lady Star of the Sea Prayer Centre, Curraghboy, Athlone on Friday, June 7th at 8 pm. The celebrant will be Fr. John Walsh. Confessions will be available from 7 pm prior to the commencement of Holy Mass. Individual Blessings and Benediction will take place after Mass. All are most welcome. Contact 086-4054489 for more information.

Barn dance in aid of Hospice A Big White Barn dance in aid of Mayo/Roscommon Hospice will take place in the Punch Bowl, Ballyhean, Castlebar on Friday and Saturday, June 7th and 8th. Music by Cliona Hagan and Stuart Moyles on Friday night and Patrick Feeney and Nigel Livingstone on Saturday night with full bar in marquee. Tickets available at local hospice shops, online at Eventbrite. ie or at the Punch Bowl. All welcome.

Sunﬂower volunteers wanted in Roscommon! National Sunflower Days for hospice will take place on Friday and Saturday, June 7th and 8th and as many volunteers as possible are needed to help raise funds and make the event a success. Sunflowers will be on sale at stores in Roscommon town and other local towns. Any time you can give on those dates would be most appreciated. Make this your special favour to the cause of hospice and call 094-9388666 now or email info@hospice.ie to be included. Your support would be most appreciated.

Roscommon People Friday 31 May 2019

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Delicious dishes at Likee Noodle Box & Asian Food! Located at Castle Street (behind Rockford’s) Likee Noodle Box & Asian Food offers a delicious selection of Noodle Boxes, as well as Chinese, Thai and European food. Open Monday to Thursday from 5 pm to 12.30 am and Friday to Sundays from 4.30 pm ‘til late including Bank Holidays, Likee delivers locally from 5 pm to midnight each day. As well as a delicious array of appetisers, soups, Foo Yong dishes and a special Pick and Mix menu, Likee offers Noodle and Rice boxes including Pad Thai, Kung Po, Black Bean, Thai Sweet Chill Noodles and Singapore, Teriyaka and Sweet and Sour Rice to name just a few. European dishes include 100% Irish beef ¼ pounders and chicken burgers as well as sides including garlic chips, nuggets, sausages and goujons. The team behind Likee has over 15 years experience in business across the county and the restaurant has already become hugely popular in Roscommon town. Visit Likee Noodle Box & Asian Food at Unit 3, Castleview, Castle Street, F42 FX29. Telephone: 0906628582/085-82324696.

OPENING HOURS: Monday - Thursday, 5pm to 12.30am; Friday - Sunday & Bank Holidays: 4.30pm ‘til late Delivery Hours: Daily: 5pm to 12am

Noodle Box & Asian Food Unit 3 Castleview, Castle Street, Roscommon F42 FX29 Tel. 090 6628582. Mobile: 085 823 4696 likeenoodlebox&asianfood

Chinese Food – Thai Food • Parties Catered For – Excellent Prices • Healthy Options • Pick & Mix • Special deals • Kids Meals • European Dishes

Likee’s Chinese Food is very yummy and has its own recipes – everyone is welcome to come and taste

Chicken Satay Sauce with Fried Rice or Chips ............ €7.80 Beef Black Bean Sauce with Fried Rice or Chips ........ €7.80 Chicken Szechuan Sauce with Fried Rice or Chips ..... €7.80 Beef Kungpo Sauce with Fried Rice or Chips ........... €7.80 Chicken Peking Sauce with Fried Rice or Chips ......... €7.80 Beef Pepper Sauce with Fried Rice or Chips ................ €7.80 Chicken Green Curry with Fried Rice or Chips .......... €7.80

Selection of food please go to shop or see likeenoodlebox&asianfood

Roscommon fans had a lot to smile about in Castlebar last Saturday. Photographs: Michael McCormack

Boost for Clooncagh NS! Approval is subject to lending criteria, terms and conditions.

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

Local Fine Gael politicians have welcomed the news that funding has been approved for roof works at Clooncagh National School in Strokestown. Senator Frank Feighan said: “I am pleased that the Department of Education has approved this funding and these

works will proceed once the tendering process has been completed. “The Department’s School Building Unit issued a detailed letter to the school informing the school of the amount of grant-aid sanctioned,” he said. Senator Maura Hopkins said:

“I am delighted to see this application getting a positive response. I will continue to work with Minister Joe McHugh to ensure that the funds are made available to the school as soon as possible and to allow them to have these works completed in a timely manner”.

Roscommon People Friday 31 May 2019

NewsPeople RACE COURSE LTD.

Roscommon Racecourse

OPEN DAY Saturday, 1st June, 2019 from 1pm to 3pm

TO VIEW OUR NEW BUILDING & WORKS CARRIED OUT All welcome to come along Refreshments Served ALL ENQUIRIES: (087) 2203288 E-Mail: contact@roscommonracecourse.ie For updates log into www.roscommonracecourse.ie or follow us on

‘Ming’ and Carthy retain their seats The final three European Parliament seats in the Midlands-North West area were filled on count 13 yesterday (Wednesday), following on from Mairéad McGuinness’s first count victory earlier this week. Independent MEP from Castlerea, Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan, successfully retained his seat, taking a 14.3% first preference tally and 85,034 votes. Sinn Féin MEP Matt

Carthy also retained his seat, with 77,619 votes and 13% first preferences. In a major coup for Fine Gael, newcomer Maria Walsh, from Co. Mayo, won the last seat with 64,500 votes and a first preference segment of 10.8%. Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan was elected after surpassing the quota on count 13 while Carthy and Walsh both won their seats without reaching the quota.

Roscommon Branch Parkinsons Association Parkinson’s support group will have a meeting in Hannon’s Hote, on Thursday, 6th June at 7.30pm. Anybody living with Parkinson’s and their carers are welcome to attend.

Is your mam or dad struggling to stay with the conversation?

newsbriefs Ray Kirrane Memorial Cup is this Saturday The Ray Kirrane Memorial Cup will take place at Castlerea AstroTurf on Saturday, June 1st with €700 in prize money up for grabs on the day. This 5-a-side soccer tournament is sponsored by Norio’s Takeaway, Castlerea, Cathal Dineen’s Full Body Workhouse and Cllr. Nigel Dineen. Teams of five with two substitutes can be entered at a cost of €50 per team. There will be trophies for winners, runners-up, and third and fourth places. There will be a raffle on the day and tickets are priced at €2 or three for €5. All money raised will go towards local charities. For further information, please contact 086-8417264. All support would be greatly appreciated.

Call Blackberry Hearing at 01 697 8470, Ireland’s friendliest hearing aid company for a free consultation near you. *Hearing aids from €499 with grant. Over 50 clinics nationwide.

Sajjad dismayed by missing posters Independent local election candidate, Sajjad Hussain, has expressed his dismay at the removal of 18 of his posters throughout the Boyle electoral area. “There are about 18 posters missing from Ballaghaderreen, Frenchpark, Ballinagare, Tulsk, Strokestown, Tarmonbarry and Rooskey” he said. “I don’t care if they were removed before the election or anything. I just don’t want them to be thrown in fields or around the countryside,” he said.

Newbridge man dies on Mount Everest 56-year-old Kevin Hynes, a father of two originally from Newbridge, Co. Galway, but who had lived in the UK for 30 years, died last Friday as he was descending the 8,848m-high Mount Everest. Mr. Hynes, an experienced climber who had lived in the UK with his wife Bernadette and children Erin and James, was part of UK climbing group, 360 Expeditions, which was attempting to scale the Everest summit from the North Col (Tibetan side).

Woman (71) killed in Longford crash Gardaí are investigating a fatal road traffic accident on the Strokestown road near Aughareagh, Longford yesterday (Wednesday) at approximately 12.50 pm. A 71-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene and her remains were taken to Mullingar Regional Hospital. The scene remained closed for a time pending a Garda technical examination. Anyone with information is asked to contact Gardaí at Longford Garda Station on 043-3350570.

Blackberry Hearing is Ireland’s favourite hearing aid company! Who says so? Hundreds of our customers have taken the time to post positive comments on Facebook describing the life changing impact of Blackberry Hearing’s aids. These validated testimonials may be viewed at www.blackberryhearing.com/testimonials.

y Transparent and affordable pricing. All prices and grant details are shared with you before you visit the clinic and prices start at an incredible €499 per aid with the grant.

As the only Irish owned nationwide supplier of hearing aids, Blackberry Hearing was founded in 2015 by John Ryan and Dave Gleeson. With already over 50 clinics nationwide, the company has grown quickly due its strong customer care philosophy, including:

y The best products. For example; the Evoke 440 is the World’s ﬁrst smart” hearing aid and probably the world’s most advanced hearing aid.

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y Excellent Customer Care. For example; We offer guaranteed satisfaction or your money back and 4 years Free follow ups.

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“The difference these made for me was night and day! An absolutely stellar difference. Truly, half the cost of anything remotely equivalent. Saving every cent for my pair! Thank you for hope.” Micheal O’Coinin The picture shows the full team including the founders and general manager, the audiologists and the dedicated customer care team.

Roscommon People Friday 31 May 2019

NewsPeople Programme of events Friday 7th June 2019

• 16.30: Bio Blitz Launch by Eanna Ni Lamhna who will also announce the winners of the School Painting Competition Entertainment and refreshments will be provided • 21.00: Bat Talk in Castlecoote Community Hall • 22.00: Bat Walk at Castlecoote Bridge

BASE CAMP : The Visitors Centre in Athleague Friday 7th & Saturday 8th June 2019 Opening Ceremony by Éanna Ní Lamhna at 4.30 pm on Friday 7th June Become a citizen scientist and discover what other species you are sharing the Suck Valley with! Follow the event live at www.Discoversuckvalley.ie

Saturday 8th June 2019 • 05.30: • 08.00: • 09.00: • 09.00:

Dawn Chorus Walk, Donamon Castle to Castlecoote Moth Reveal, Castlecoote Church Hall Guided Nature Walk, Castlecoote to Atheague Base Camp will open Activities will commence at noon and include the following... – Drop in Workshops – Interactive Displays – Guided short walks – Meet the experts • 17.00: Final Count and Closing Ceremony

Please use this app to record your finds NBDC App QR Code:

For more details ... call 083 0698795 or visit www.discoversuckvalleyway.ie

(Advertorial)

EASY COLOUR Colour by the Potful & Style Bring some sensational colour to your patios and front door with planted pots. You’ll find all the very best varieties to use in your containers here at Ardcarne Garden Centre and if you do it now, you’ll reap the rewards all summer. Here are a few tips to help you create the perfect summer pots. One or two large pots are more effective than a clutter of small containers and are easier to look after as the compost won’t dry out as fast. Ensure every container has a drainage hole to allow excess water to drain out. Choose a good quality compost – we recommend Professional Multi-Purpose as this has slow release fertiliser added to feed you plants over many weeks. Mix in some Water Saving Gel granules to the compost to act like a reservoir in dry spells. Think layers of colour. Ensure you have a taller feature plant in large containers and shorter plants in front. Finish off with a few trailing plants such as Surfinia petunias to cascade colour over the edge. Some bedding plants such as marguerite daisies can also make a showy feature on their own in a pot. Choose plants to suit the location. Most

Plants & Pots for INSTANT COLOUR QUALIT

ICE Y • V A L U E • C H O I C E • A DV

Ardcarne

Garden Centre

We’re here to help www.ardcarne.ie

At two great g locations: Ardcarne, Boyle, Co. Roscommon. Tel: 071 966 7091 Lanesboro Rd., Roscommon Town Tel: 090 662 7700

Open Monday to Saturday 9-6pm Sundays and Bank Holidays 12-6pm

bedding plants love the sunshine but a few such as begonias, fuchsias and golden creeping Jenny perform very well in light shade. Check your pots for water every day – even one day of warm sunshine can dry out containers. Plants tucked beside buildings also can miss out on getting watered by the rain. It’s best to water thoroughly in the morning or evening when the plants will soak it up easier. Pinch off old flowers as they fade to keep the display looking pristine and promote further flushes of flower. Plants will also flower for longer if given a supplementary liquid feed every week in summer. You’ll always find plenty of inspiration and friendly professional advice on how to make the best of your containers at Ardcarne Garden Centre, just outside Boyle and in Roscommon Town.

Roscommon People Friday 31 May 2019

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Lecarrow Benevolent Fund nd fundraising rafﬂe on Sunday, June 2 OVER €220,000 RAISED FOR CHARITIES OVER THE YEARS

he Lecarrow Benevolent Fund will hold its annual fundraising raffle from 9 pm on Sunday, June 2nd in Coffey’s Bar, Lecarrow. Tickets are currently on sale from committee members for the raffle priced at €2 each or three for €5. Prizes on the night include: €500 in cash; one week’s accommodation in Portugal; €250 in cash; two nights’ B&B and one evening meal in The Galway Bay Hotel; B&B, lunch and tickets to Brendan Shine at The Shamrock Lodge Hotel; two nights’ B&B and one dinner midweek at The Shamrock Lodge Hotel; a 32” flat screen TV; meal for two in The Hodson Bay Hotel; €150 SuperValu voucher; €100 fuel voucher and much more. The Lecarrow Benevolent Fund was

devised by a small group of communityminded individuals in 2001 and is a unique way of assisting people. To date the fund has raised over €220,000, which has been distributed throughout the parish and surrounding areas to those in need and local groups and organisations. The success of Lecarrow Benevolent Fund shows how communities can help themselves. This could not take place without the generous sponsors who come on board every year, the ticket sellers, and the support of the people of the parish and beyond. Lecarrow Benevolent Fund looks forward to welcoming everyone to Coffey’s on Sunday, June 2nd. Music and refreshments will be served.

MONSTER AUCTION AND DRAW in aid of Lecarrow Benevolent Fund Lots for auction on the night include:

• Ewe lambs & freezer lamb amb • AA heifer calves • 40 bales of straw • Live pig on foot • Holiday weekends away way • Fuel vouchers • Meal vouchers • Day With The Stars for ttwo people l • Bay Sports family pass • Leisure Zone, Roscommon: Party for 10 children Lots more for auction on the night

Sunday 2nd June COFFEY’S – LECARROW

Pictured are members of the Lecarrow Benevolent Fund committee ahead of the annual draw in Coffey’s Bar, Lecarrow this Sunday.

Fund has helped many worthy causesrrow!

ca To date, the Le nd has assisted Fu t en ol ing Benev causes includ many worthy ers and n local parishio ups. ro g y it n u m com some of the e st ju av Here are dividuals to h groups and in ions: Saint at received don l; Lecarrow au P e d t ery Vincen s; Knockcrogh Senior Citizen s; Roscommon Senior Citizen t Service; Tusla; Cancer Suppor yard Committee; ve St. John’s Gra y Memorial Cycle; n en K h g Darra d, Ballinasloe ar W s ’ n re ild Ch , chiatric Ward Hospital; Psy niversity Hospital; U Roscommon qua Club; Fr. A Athlone Sub razil missions); (B an n n re Pat B l defibrillators Service of locaSt. John’s (cost €1,000); ntre, Lecarrow; Community Ce Fund; Motor n Hugh Mannio se; John Sherlock ea is D e n ro ouse, Neu rrow; Esker H Stand in Leca te donations to Athlone; priva . those in need

Roscommon People Friday 31 May 2019

NewsPeople

St. John’s Pre-school open day this Saturday, 1st June St. John’s Pre-school, located just half a kilometre outside the picturesque village of Lecarrow, has been in existence since 2005. Our newly-decorated Preschool stands out in vibrant orange and blue colours, colours which were chosen in consultation with the children! These beautiful colours are certainly very child-friendly. This fabulous purpose-built facility is located on a beautiful large site overlooking Lough Ree. It features a large, specially designed spacious outdoor green play area, where a range

of daily activities take place. Incorporated there is a large soft matting area, seating area, swings, slide, climbing frame, outdoor kitchen, sand and mud area, etc. We have a bright, spacious and inviting indoor play area where the children can enjoy the many exciting activities on offer. There’s an interactive white board too…helping to make learning more fun and engaging. St. John’s Pre-school is a community (non-profit making) facility – so all profits are invested

back into this wonderful preschool, making it one of the best and most up to date facilities of its kind in the country. Our staff are among the most qualified around, with many, many years of experience in childcare. Our voluntary committee consists of Breda Keenan (Chairperson), Deirdre Leonard (Secretary) and Anthony Cunningham (Treasurer), all of whom have worked tirelessly since 2005 to create and maintain this beautiful facility for the children in our community. At St. John’s Pre-school we aim

St John‛s Pre-school LECARROW – ROSCOMMON Invites you to our…

OPEN DAY On Saturday, June 1 (12-2 pm)

This is a wonderful opportunity for parents and families to come and view our exceptional facilities and meet our highly qualified staff. Everyone is welcome…call in for a cuppa and some homemade baking! A fabulous, purpose-built facility overlooking Lough Ree

For details, contact

087-6164173

to guide your child to become their own little person by learning and developing with their hands, hearts and minds. We are committed to working in collaboration with parents and families to support each child to realise their full potential. We believe each child has their own characteristics which make up who they are. We are here to support them on their journey of discovery and unlock their passions and interests. Open Day We are holding our Open Day on Saturday, 1st of June from 12 to 2 pm. This is a wonderful opportunity for parents and families to come and view our exceptional facilities and meet our highly qualified staff. Everyone is welcome, so please call in for a cuppa and some homemade baking! St. John’s Pre-school is just a 10-minute drive from Roscommon and 15 minutes’ from Athlone. Our wonderful facility gives the children freedom to enjoy the outside world and its wonders in a fabulous country setting. Our new manager Margaret Slattery is our new Pre-school Manager and Inclusion Co-ordinator. Margaret is mother to three beautiful daughters, and now grandmother to Kate. Margaret is highly qualified with many years of experi-

Margaret Slattery and Louise Sylvester from St. John’s Pre-school.

ence working in childcare. Louise is our Pre-school Practitioner. Please come along on Saturday and meet Margaret and Louise and all the committee. Afterschool service Keeley is the manager of our afterschool service which the children from local schools enjoy. They have the full use of our facilities and take part in many activities. Keeley is highly qualified in childcare and runs our Homework Club. On offer we have the CCS and ECCE programme with the new af-

fordable childcare scheme NCS from October 2019. See www. ncs.gov.ie. Our curriculum, which is inclusive to all children and families, is underpinned by Aistear and Siolta, the national curriculum framework for early childhood education and care in Ireland. So this Saturday, on what promises to be a fun day out for all the family, please come and meet us all here in St. John’s Pre-school, Lecarrow. We’d love to see you! (Enquiries to Margaret on 0876164173).

Roscommon People Friday 31 May 2019

FarmingPeople Castlerea Co-operative ve Livestock Mart Ltd.

IFA: Target and pay €100M Brexit package!

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

THURSDAY WEEKLY: IFA President Joe Healy said it is essential that the €100m Brexit beef package is targeted to the farmers who need it most. It must be paid without delay and there must be no strings attached, he said. “This fund was secured after a lot of hard work and lobbying by IFA.

It’s for farmers – not for factories, agents or dealers. We will insist it is paid quickly and directly to farmers,” he said. Mr. Healy said the allocation and targeting of the €100m to the farmers who need it most is critically important. “It must take account of the farm-

ers who incurred the beef price losses and the income situation”. He said it is very clear that the farmers who sold finished cattle since last September and suckler producers are the two groups who were hit the hardest. IFA National Livestock Chairman Angus Woods said IFA has already

met with EU Commission officials on the details of the €100m package, which he said was essential for winter finishers given the horrendous losses they have taken. Mr. Woods said under no circumstances can Minister Creed allow one cent go to factory-owned cattle or factory feedlot cattle.

SALE OF BULLOCKS, HEIFERS, COWS, CALVES, RUNNERS AND WEANLINGS ALL STOCK PRE BOOKED YARD OPENS AT 8 AM 3 RINGS IN OPERATION ALL SALES COMMENCE AT 11 AM FOR ENQUIRIES CONTACT MART OFFICE OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR DETAILS

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

Bullocks, Heifers, Dry Cows, Weanlings & Suckler Cows Every Friday at 11 a.m. ------------------------------------

Friday, May 31st at 11 a.m.

Special Sales of Bullocks & Heifers

Michael Slyman, Michael Somers and Brian Finneran pictured at the North Galway Vintage & Heritage Show in Glenamaddy. Pic: Mick McCormack

12 pens of bullocks and 10 pens of Heifers on offer Also Dry Cows Please note that Weanlings & Suckler Cows will be sold on Fridays until further notice

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 People MART WATCH Roscommon Mart sample prices Dry cows Lim X 905kgs €1785, Lim 840kgs €1685, Lim X 850kgs €1580, Simm X 850kgs €1500, Simm 715kgs €1500, Lim X 730kgs €1420, AAX 760kgs €1360, Sh 765kgs €1245, AAX 710kgs €1180, BBX 680kgs €1015, AAX 630kgs €920, Lim X 645kgs €1350, Lim X 545kgs €970.

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

Date for your Diary Friday, June 21st at 11 a.m.

Mid-Summer Special Sales for Bullocks & Heifers

Heifers

Also Dry Cows Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 13th ------------------------------------

Lambs, Cast Ewes, Ewes with Lambs at foot Each Wednesday at 11 a.m. Please note from 1st June - all sheep must be tagged with a full yellow EID Tag set

ENQUIRIES 090 6626352

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

Dead & Worn-Out Animals

Find us on facebook

Char X 770kgs €1800, 4 Char 690kgs €1575, 9 Char X 641kgs €1550, Char X 610kgs €1480, Char X 610kgs €1480, Char 535kgs €1440, 2 Char 507kgs €1345, AAX 565kgs €1325, Lim X 470kgs €1300, Lim X 495kgs €1290, AAX 550kgs €1255, Char X 480kgs €1230, BBX 470kgs €1155, Lim X 440kgs €1150, BBX 445kgs €1140, Lim X 405kgs €1070, Lim X 410kgs €1065, Char X 390kgs €1000, Lim X 340kgs €995.

Weanling heifers Lim X 450kgs €1200 - €2.66 per kilo, Lim X 435kgs €1055 - €2.42 per kilo,

Char X 435kgs €1050 - 2.41 per kilo, Lim X 330kgs €1015 - €3.07 per kilo, 2 Char X 407kgs €1010 - €2.80 per kilo, 2 Char X 332kgs €900 - €2.70 per kilo, 2 Char X 320kgs €850 - €2.65 per kilo, Lim X 270kgs €750 - €2.77 per kilo, Lim X 240kgs €640 - €2.66 per kilo, Char X 285kgs €800 - €2.80 per kilo

Weanling bulls 2 Char X 402kgs €1120 - €2.78 per kilo, Lim X 430kgs €1100 - €2.55 per kilo, Lim X 340kgs €1060 - €3.11 per kilo, Char X 360kgs €1040 - €2.88 per kilo, Char X 375kgs €1020, 2 Char X 335kgs €950 - €2.83 per kilo, 3 Lim X 340kgs €890 €2.61 per kilo, AAX 335kgs €865 - €2.58 per kilo, Lim X 320kgs €970 - €3.03 per kilo, Lim X 310kgs €915 - €2.85 per kilo, Lim 255kgs €800 - €3.13 per kilo.

Spring lamb 58.7kgs €115, 47.5kgs €111.50, 50.8kgs €111, 48.4kgs €110, 50kgs €110, 46.2kgs €110, 48.3kgs €109, 47kgs €107.50, 44kgs €105, 42.7kgs €103.

Manager’s report… Brendan Egan, Castlerea Mart “Good numbers of stock presented for sale again this week and trade has remained strong especially for the short keep type of stock and quality stores. “Demand for both the bullocks and heifers was very good for the time of year while the weanling rings reported some very fancy prices with one weanling heifer exceeding €4 a kilo. “The dry cow trade has remained very strong while the breeding stock, calves and runners are commanding a lot of interest at the moment. Cows with calves at foot made from €1,060 to €1,820 per head. Springers made from

€1,020 to €1,040. “Calves remained strong with quality a big factor in the calf trade and prices ranging depending on the breeds. Prices ranged from €15 to €110 for dairy cross calves, while Hereford cross and Angus cross made from €180 to €285 and runners made from €300 to €770 for the continental type lots. “Sales continue at Castlerea Mart today (Thursday 30th) with our usual sale of bullocks, heifers, cows, calves, runners and weanlings on offer. All sales commence at 11 am with three rings in operation”.

Manager’s report… Maura Quigley, Roscommon Mart “There were good numbers and excellent stock on offer at this week’s cattle sale. There was a brisk trade for heifers with prices ranging from an average of €2.36 per kilo up to €2.92 per kilo. Numbers of bullocks on offer were small. Again this week there was a big number of dry cows on offer with prices averaging from €1.70 per kilo up to €2.37 per kilo. Special sales of bullocks and heifers this Friday (May 31st) at 11 am. “There were similar numbers on offer at this week’s weanling sale with a brisk trade for both bulls and heifer weanlings. Heifer weanlings averaged rom €2.40 per kilo up to €3.07 per kilo while bull weanlings fetched from €2.64 per kilo up to €3.13 per kilo. Cows with calves at foot ranged from €1,000 up to €1,980. Springers made up to €1,400. Please note that from June 7th, weanlings and suckler cows will be sold on Fridays until further notice. “There were similar numbers on offer at this week’s sheep sale. There was a similar trade for spring lamb with prices fetching €115 for 58.7kgs. There was a steady trade for cast ewes with prices ranging from €55 up to €129. There was a smaller entry of ewes with lambs at foot on offer this week, however there was a brisk trade for them with a full clearance. Sales continue each Wednesday at 11 am for lambs, cast ewes and ewes with lambs at foot”.

Castlerea Mart sample prices Bullocks Chx 385kgs €1175, Lm 450kgs €1170, Ch 525kgs €1360, Ch 550kgs €1485, AA 505kgs €1085, Ch 440kgs €1135.

Dry cows Ch 850kgs €1705, Lm 730kgs €1500, Lm 705kgs €1500, AA 770kgs €1485, AA 860kgs €1515.

Weanling bulls Ch 295kgs €945, Ch 270kgs €845, Lm 275kgs €760, Lm 465kgs €1125, Ch

380kgs €1035, Lmx 450kgs €1120.

Heifers Ch 425kgs €1070, Lm 395kgs €1000, Ch 405kgs €1040, Ch 490kgs €1370, AA 475kgs €1215, Si 435kgs €1165, Ch 560kgs €1580, Ch 520kgs €1390, AA 590kgs €1330.

Weanling heifers Chx 295kgs €895, Ch 260kgs €805, Lm 205kgs €775, Lm 260kgs €750, Lmx 380kgs €1530, Ch 355kgs €895, AA 360kgs €920.

Roscommon People Friday 31 May 2019

FarmingPeople

IFA welcomes greater price transparency Roscommon IFA Chairman, Jim O’Connor, said the EU Commission’s announcement on greater price transparency, as part of bringing greater fairness to the food chain is another important step in the campaign to give farmers a bigger share of the final consumer price. “While there is full transparency around what farmers are paid, and the final consumer

price, the margins enjoyed by processors and retailers remain a mystery. Farmers find it incredibly frustrating that this information remains hidden from themselves, and indeed consumers. It’s time to lift the lid on this,” Mr. O’Connor said. He said the refusal to disclose the margins only fuels suspicion that those acting between

the farmer and the consumer are doing very well. For consumers, food prices are now lower than they were in 2001. Mr. O’Connor said as part of IFA’s work in chairing the COPA Food Chain Working Group, IFA would be pursuing greater price transparency and working with Commissioner Hogan to move it forward without delay.

IFA welcomes removal of 30-month age limit

Castlerea men, Michael Connelly and Vincent Connell, pictured at the North Galway Vintage & Heritage Show in Glenamaddy. Pic: Mick McCormack

IFA President Joe Healy said the clarification by Minister Creed that the 30-month age restriction for export to Japan has been removed is a welcome step towards reducing processor specification requirements. Joe Healy, who was part of Commissioner Hogan’s trade mission to Japan, said the age restriction and other processor requirements for the in-specification bonus are causing a lot of frustration amongst farmers. The age limit originates from the BSE crisis and there is no veterinary reason for it to remain in place. As part of economist Jim Power’s work on behalf of IFA, he is independently verifying the extent to which the age requirement is still being demanded by retailers, particularly in the UK. “We need to do all we can to persuade buyers that the age limit and other restrictions are no longer necessary so that they can be removed from the requirements for the in-spec bonus,” he said.

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Jessica, Katie and Emily Forde pictured at the North Galway Vintage & Heritage Show in Glenamaddy. Pic: Mick McCormack

Alan Ford, Michael Fitzmaurice TD and Johnny Morris pictured at the North Galway Vintage & Heritage Show in Glenamaddy. Pic: Mick McCormack

Johnny Clarke, John Whyte and Eoin Niland on the loy at the North Galway Vintage & Heritage Show in Glenamaddy. Pic: Mick McCormack

Roscommon People Friday 31 May 2019

NewsPeople

Cancer survivor Sandra raises over €14k for Vita House  DAN DOONER

Pictured at Vita House on Friday were Sarah Brennan, Sandra Dolan and Veronica Corcoran. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

“

Sandra Dolan has raised the grand total of €14,070 for Roscommon Cancer Support Services at Vita House in Roscommon town following her coffee morning and raffle fundraising efforts in Lecarrow last month. The Tonlagee, Cloverhill woman was just 43 in October 2017 when she discovered a lump that would change her life forever. Within weeks, the busy mother of two young children was diagnosed with breast cancer and left to face a gruelling treatment plan in Portiuncula and The Galway Clinic. “I found a lump in October 2017 and I went (to the doctor) straight away with it because I just didn’t like the feel of it. So I went in and was diagnosed with breast cancer in

I went from being like everybody else; working every day and busy with the kids, running and racing around, and next thing you’re hit with this bombshell. It’s like a rollercoaster

Pictured at Vita House on Friday were (front row l-r): Catherine Gaffey, Therese Gately, Sandra Dolan, Marie Duffy, Doris Feeley and Breda Keenan. Back row (l-r): Maggie Gannon, Phil Naughton, Ruth Wallace, Sandra McDermott, Michelle Evans, Claire Kelly, Nuala Dolan and Amanda Duffy. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

early November 2017,” she said. The months that followed were spent receiving treatment in Ballinasloe and Galway. The normal demands of everyday life were forced to take a back seat to Sandra’s new reality; bouts of chemotherapy and radiotherapy sandwiched between two surgeries. Sandra, who works for the HSE in Roscommon University Hospital, came to rely on Roscommon Cancer Support Services at Vita House during the traumatic ordeal. “I went from being like everybody else; working every day and busy with the kids, running and racing around, and next thing you’re hit with this bombshell. It’s like a rollercoaster; you just get on and one thing happens after another. You just can’t can’t catch your breath at all. “My mother had passed away a year before I was diagnosed with cancer and I had been trying to get her into Vita House. I thought it would really do her good. I tried a few times but she just didn’t want to attend. But when I got sick I just thought ‘Oh my God I have to go in now’. I came in (to Vita House) and I met Naomi, the counsellor, and the therapists. At the time there was a monthly Cancer Support meeting so it was just fantastic,” she said. Sandra is eternally grateful to her family, friends and wonderful neighbours for their support during her darkest days. She also paid tribute to Vita House for giving her another outlet. “Everyone says the same thing when you’re going through cancer: ‘Oh be positive, be positive’. Of course you have to be positive but when you’re feeling like crap it’s not always easy. Vita House was somewhere safe where if you did feel like crap it was grand. There was no expectation so you didn’t have to be like ‘Oh I’m great’. Even though you’re going through chemo and have no hair! I found the support unbelievable because it’s so easy to get down during treatment”. The diagnosis was also difficult on her husband James as well as for her daughter Rachel and son Robbie, who were just twelve and nine at the time.

“I had been my mother’s carer and you think that’s bad but when it’s yourself and you have young kids it’s just devastating. You want to have the least effect on them as you can. I suppose they were at an age when they’re trying to find their feet and now they have all this going on. It was brutal,” she said. It wasn’t the Dolans’ first experience of the devastating effects of the disease, and it was following the death of James’ sister earlier this year that Sandra decided she would raise funds and awareness of cancer support services. “My sister-in-law passed away from cancer in March, aged 55, and we had her Mass and then there was a fundraiser down in Fourmilehouse for Vita House. We went to the Mass and then went across to the fundraiser and I was just thinking of the amount of women I knew who were sick. I told my husband James that this was something I could do and that evening I enquired about booking the community centre in Lecarrow for our tea/ coffee morning and raffle”. Neighbours Marie and Seán Mahon sponsored the printing of tickets before they were sold to “anyone who stood still long enough”, according to Sandra. It was a huge effort from family, friends and work colleagues and €6,000 was lodged with Vita House even before the fundraiser in Lecarrow. “I’m so grateful to everyone who helped raise money, whether they sold or bought tickets, baked or helped out on the day. People are so good and there were so many who would come up to me and offered help,” she said. Sandra said she would recommend the cancer support services at Vita House and she was also keen to highlight the range of wigs available at Galaxy Hair and Beauty in Roscommon town for those who lose their hair during treatment. “Cancer is widespread, there’s nobody safe from it. Everybody has someone close to them who has suffered from it. I was aware of the cancer support services at Vita House because my mother was so sick and I felt had to raise awareness of it for other people coming down the line,” she said.

Roscommon People Friday 31 May 2019

NewsPeople PUBLIC NOTICES

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL CIVIC AMENITY SITES Please Note June Bank Holiday Arrangements Closed – Monday 3rd June, 2019 Open – Friday 31st May, Saturday 1st June and Tuesday 4th June, 2019 Open – 8.00am – 4.00pm ROSCOMMON: OPEN THROUGH LUNCH Roscommon fans had a lot to smile about in Castlebar last Saturday. Photographs: Michael McCormack

DECLARATION OF RESULT ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL LOCAL ELECTION – 24 MAY 2019 The following is the result of the poll taken on May 24, 2019 to ﬁll the six seats in the Local Electoral Area of Athlone LEA, Roscommon County Council. ATHLONE LOCAL ELECTORAL AREA

Occupation

Name and address of Name of Political Party, if any proposer, if any

Description Surname

Other Name(s)

Address

Ward

Tony

Carrick View, Curraghboy, Athlone, Co. Roscommon

Public Representative

Non-Party

Connaughton

Ivan

Main Street, Athleague, Co. Roscommon

County Councillor and Auctioneer

Non-Party

Naughten

John

Ardkeenan, Drum, Athlone, Co. Roscommon

Farmer and Public Representative

Fine Gael

Keogh

John

Rose Cottage, Cloongowna, Bealnamulla, Athlone, Co. Roscommon

Solicitor and Public Representative

Fianna Fáil

Fallon

Laurence

Ballagh, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon

Farmer and Public Representative

Non-Party

Kilduff

Donal

Glanduff, Kiltoom, Athlone, Co. Roscommon

Building Contractor

Non-Party

The following is the result of the poll taken on May 24, 2019 to ﬁll the six seats in the Local Electoral Area of Boyle LEA, Roscommon County Council. BOYLE LOCAL ELECTORAL AREA Description Surname

Other Name(s)

Address Occupation

Name and address of Name of Political Party, if any proposer, if any

Cummins

John

Abbeytown, Boyle, Co. Roscommon

County Councillor

Fianna Fáil

Byrne

Valerie

Lisduff, Elphin, Co. Roscommon

Public Representative

Non-Party

Mulligan

Michael Patrick

The Square, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon

Public Representative and Shopkeeper

Sinn Féin

Callaghan

Liam

Rathmoyle, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon

Farmer and Public Representative

Fine Gael

Crosby

Tom

Ballytoohey, Tarmonbarry, Co. Roscommon

Businessman

Non-Party

Murphy

Joe

Gortlustia, Scramogue, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon

Postperson

Fianna Fáil

The following is the result of the poll taken on May 24, 2019 to ﬁll the six seats in the Local Electoral Area of Roscommon LEA, Roscommon County Council. ROSCOMMON LOCAL ELECTORAL AREA

Occupation

Name and address of Name of Political Party, if any proposer, if any

Description Surname

Other Name(s)

Address

Fitzmaurice

Paschal

Ballindrimley, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon

Shop Keeper and County Councillor

Fianna Fáil

Waldron

Anthony (Tony)

Ballintubber, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon

Businessman

Non-Party

Shanagher

Kathleen

Ard Aoibhinn, Athlone Road, Roscommon Town

County Councillor

Non-Party

Dineen

Nigel

Arm Cashel, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon

Auctioneer and Public Representative

Non-Party

Leyden

Orla

Office: Goff Street, Roscommon Town, Co. Roscommon

Public Representative

Fianna Fáil

McDermott

Marty

56 Oldwood, Roscommon Town, Co. Roscommon

Shop Manager

Fianna Fáil

Shane Tiernan Returning Officer, Roscommon County Council

26th May 2019

Roscommon People Friday 31 May 2019

WeekendPeople SUNDAY GOSPEL REFLECTION In today’s First Reading from the Acts of the Apostles, St. Luke gives the surprising news that there is more of the story to be told. The story did not end with the empty tomb, or with Jesus’ appearances to the Apostles over the course of forty days. Jesus’ saving work will have a liturgical consummation. He is the great high priest, and He has still to ascend to the heavenly Jerusalem, there to celebrate the feast in the true Holy of Holies. The truth of this feast shines forth from the Letter to the Hebrews, where we read of the great high priest’s passing through the heavens, the sinless intercessor’s sacrifice on our behalf (see Hebrews 4:14–15). Indeed, His intercession will lead to the Holy Spirit’s descent in fire upon the Church. Luke spells out that promise in the First Reading for the feast of the Ascension: “in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 1:5). The Ascension is the preliminary feast that directs the Church’s attention forward to Pentecost. On that day, salvation will be complete; for salvation is not simply expiation for sins (that would be wonder enough), but it is something even greater than that. Expiation is itself a necessary precondition of our adoption as God’s children. To live that divine life we must receive the Holy Spirit. To receive the Holy Spirit we must be purified through Baptism. The Responsorial Psalm presents the Ascension in terms familiar from the worship of the Jerusalem Temple in the days of King Solomon: “God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord” (Psalm 47). The priest-king takes his place at the head of the people, ruling over the nations, establishing peace. The Epistle strikes a distinctively Paschal note. In the early Church, as today, Easter was the normal time for the baptism of adult converts. The sacrament was often called “illumination” or “enlightenment” because of the light that came with God’s saving grace (see, for example, Hebrews 10:32). Saint Paul, in his Letter to the Ephesians, speaks in terms of glory that leads to greater glories still, as Ascension leads to Pentecost: “May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened,” he writes, as he looks to the divinization of the believers. Their “hope” is “his inheritance among the holy ones,” the saints who have been adopted into God’s family and now rule with Him at the Father’s right hand. This is the “good news” the Apostles are commissioned to spread – to the whole world, to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem – at the Ascension. It’s the good news we must spread today. – Scott Hahn Ph.D., www. salvationhistory.com (and courtesy of Sacred Heart Church)

FRANK

BRANDON

FRANK BRANDON’S

unique take on life ...

Elections were better in the good old days! Sometimes I wonder, as we look back at events that took place many years ago, whether the passage of time colours our memories and if subconsciously we dramatise or romanticise certain things when they were not nearly as dramatic or romantic as we would like to think. Was the weather as good as we older folk always claim it was? Were the never-ending sunshine filled summer days of the fifties and sixties, during which the farmers saved the hay and turf and later the corn, with the minimum of fuss, actually real or was it all just a figment of childish imagination? Were the local carnivals, which every village held for a week or a fortnight during the summer, really as exciting as our ageing minds like us to think? Or were the dances simply an excuse

for filling up with a bucket of porter, and pushing and shoving for an hour or two in the hope (usually forlorn) of meeting a pretty girl before heading home in the early hours fortified by a cup of tea and a slice of cake, compliments of the ladies committee? All these thoughts came into my head last Friday evening when I headed off to my local polling booth, in Lisaniskey National School where there was some excitement missing. Once again, my mind drifted back to the scenes at Creggs NS on election day when I was a young lad. Back in those days it was pretty much a head to head between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, with an odd Labour candidate thrown in here and there. All the parties would mobilise on Election Day and cars would spend

all day bringing people who had no transport into the village. Folk who wouldn’t be seen for the rest of the year would magically arrive into town courtesy of the local Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael driver. On occasion the driver would make a deliberate mistake, and pick up a voter who should be voting the other way but, of course, by giving them a lift in and out of town they would have a good chance of changing their mind! This practice often led to jostling and pushing and shoving at the door of the school, which to a young gasun was manna from Heaven! The other big difference was that most of the candidates would appear during the day, making a last ditch attempt to win over some undecided voters, whereas last Friday I saw no posters

outside the school and, at least while I was there, not a candidate in sight. I did, however, run into a great Rossie, Padraic Whyte, and the next I saw him was on the front page of Monday’s Irish Independent as he celebrated Roscommon’s big win over Mayo in Castlebar on Saturday evening! Anyway, the elections are over and done with, congratulations to the winners and commiserations to the losers, but for me the excitement simply wasn’t there. No inter-party local row to report on, no pushing and shoving at the door, no punches thrown and not even a cross word spoken. Maybe, just maybe it’s a sign of a more mature Ireland. But I’d really have preferred to have had a good scrap outside Lisaniskey National School to tell you about…maybe next time!

I missed the social event of the year!

Lough Key is a real gem! Back in the days when our children were young, one of our favourite places to visit as a family was Lough Key Forest Park, outside Boyle. With its wide open spaces and beautiful walks and parks, it was the ideal place for kids to play football or do whatever young children do, in a completely safe and idyllic environment. Last Wednesday afternoon, my wife Carol and I decided to pay the park a visit for the first time in many years. I have to say we thoroughly enjoyed it and it is an absolute treasure to have it less than an hour away from us. The County of Roscommon should be so

thankful that it has such a wonderful tourist attraction inside its boundaries. Since we were last there many big changes have taken place, with all kinds of activities available for both adults and children and there is also a fine new marina. All of these new attractions seemed to be busy on the Wednesday afternoon, which fortunately happened to be a lovely, bright, sunny one. However, the things that endeared the park to us all those years ago were still there and all around us kids were kicking ball, throwing Frisbees and generally enjoying themselves. We

sat out on the balcony at the restaurant, over a cup of coffee and a bun and thought back to the days when it was our children that were playing out there. We wondered, not for the first time, where have all the years gone. Eventually it was time for us to head off home but not before buying a jar of the most beautiful homemade honey in the garden shop. All I can say is, if you want to experience total peace in wonderful, natural surroundings, then hop in the car and head for Lough Key Forest Park…you will not regret it!

Finally for this week, last weekend I had to travel out of town for a medical appointment and as a result I missed one of the biggest social events held locally for quite a long time last Saturday: the sixtieth birthday celebrations of the former Personality of the Parish, Tom Connolly at Mikeen’s. I’m told it was one of the “best nights ever”, with a huge turnout, great music, food and craic, and as Tom is one of the great characters around the area, it is no wonder so many people turned out to join in the celebrations. The whole thing was a big surprise for the man himself, as he had no idea the party was taking place at all but one thing’s for sure, nothing fazes him and I’m certain he would not have been at a loss for words! I’m sorry I missed it, but heartiest congratulations to Tom and if I’m still around for your seventieth (doubtful, enough I’d say) I’ll make sure I’m there!

Till next week, Bye for now!

Roscommon People Friday 31 May 2019

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Roscommon People Friday 31 May 2019

Motoring People

30pc of all new cars on Irish roads are automatics 30 per cent of all new cars on Irish roads are now automatics. That’s according to new research on trends in the new car sales market for Q1 2019. In the year to the end of March, over 19,000 automatics rolled off the nation’s forecourts – an all-time high

for the transmission type. That’s an 83 per cent increase compared with the same time period 5 years ago when just 6,000 new automatics were sold in the state. The best-selling automatic car makes in the opening three months of 2019 were Toyota, Audi and

BMW with the Toyota Corolla, the best selling model of Q1. Martin Clancy from DoneDeal, who are responsible for the survey said: “New automatic transmissions are extremely intelligent. It’s now common to see seven and even eight gear transmissions which enable

smooth and efficient driving, even at low revs. Therefore burning far less fuel and reducing emissions. “It’s also worth pointing out that alternative-fuel vehicles, including virtually all hybrids and fully electric cars, tend to use automatic gearboxes. With the increase in al-

ternative fuel vehicles, the number of automatics on the roads is sure to rise also”. Diesel was the most popular automatic engine type, accounting for 47 per cent of the automatic market with Petrol Electric (26%) and Petrol (16%) rounding out the top three.

Too tired to drive? Check out these valuable tips Richard Gladman, head of driving standards with the Institute of Advanced Motorists in the UK, shares some tips on how to avoid the dangers of falling asleep at the wheel. Here they are: Extreme tiredness can lead to micro-sleeps. This is a short episode of drowsiness or sleep that could last a fraction of a second or up to 30 seconds. A car driving at 70 mph will travel 31 metres per second, giving plenty of time to cause a serious crash during a micro-sleep. The effects of losing one or two hours of sleep a night on a regular basis can lead to chronic sleepiness over time. So ensure you are well rested and feeling fit and healthy before you set off. Make sure you take regular rest breaks to split up the journey when driving on a long, boring stretch of a motorway. It’s good practise to stop at least every two hours and it’s essential to take a break before the drowsiness sets in.

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If necessary, plan an overnight stop. If you feel too fatigued to carry on driving, then book yourself into a hotel at the next service station and sleep it off. Wake up fresh with a good breakfast, and carry on your journey. It’s good to note that a caffeine high may be a quick fix, but it is not a long term solution and certainly no substitute for proper sleep. You’re bound to be tired after a full day at work, so avoid setting out on a long drive after you have finished for the day. It’s best to start your journey earlier on, and when you’re more alert. If possible, avoid driving between the two peak times for sleepiness. These are between 3 am and 5 am and also between 2 pm and 4 pm. If you have taken prescribed medication, then seek advice from your GP as to whether you should be driving or not. If bought over the counter, then read the instructions on the pack or speak to a pharmacist.

68pc of Irish don’t know how to report insurance fraud New research into Irish adult consumers’ awareness of fraud in car or home insurance claims shows that over two-thirds (68%) don’t know how to report a case of suspected insurance fraud. This despite over half (57%) of Irish adults saying they know what will happen to someone attempting to commit insurance fraud. The research, commissioned by Allianz and conducted by Red C Research amongst 1,002 adults nationwide, found over half (54%) of Irish adults say they have no experience with insurance fraud, however 46% have heard of or know someone who

has committed home or car insurance fraud.

home makers (56%), and retired adults (64%).

Temptation

Reporting Insurance Fraud

Although more than half (52%) of those surveyed would be highly unlikely to make a false insurance claim, nearly one in ten (8%) said they would be likely to. This was especially true amongst those aged between 18-34 years old, those who work full time, and those who personally know someone who has made a fraudulent claim. 52% of adults would not be tempted. This is especially true of those aged 55+ (60%),

When asked about reporting fraud, 45% of Irish adults said they would not hesitate in reporting someone who has made a fraudulent claim on their insurance policy. This is especially true of older adults; 56% aged 60+ claimed they would not hesitate reporting someone who has made a fraudulent claim on an insurance policy. However, a fear of being identified saw 1 in 3 people say they would not report a case of fraud

insurance. This was especially prevalent amongst women, those aged between 35-54, those who were working part time, unemployed, or home makers, as well as those living in the Connaught and Ulster regions. Interestingly, those who have some knowledge about insurance fraud are less likely to share these concerns surrounding identification when reporting suspected fraud. “These findings are concerning and point to the need to further educate the broader public of the consequences of attempted insurance fraud,” said Sean McGrath, CEO of Allianz plc.

Roscommon People Friday 31 May 2019

ELECTION 2019 ELECTION SPECIAL S PECIAL

Best for election exclusives, analysis and commentâ&#x20AC;¦ the poll-topping People!

Cllr. Donal Kilduff pictured after winning a council seat in the Athlone Municipal area. Picture: Michelle Hughes Walsh.

Roscommon People Friday 31 May 2019

ELECTION 2019

Best for election exclusives, analysis and comment…the poll-topping People!

THE RESULTS AT A GLANCE ....

Boyle LEA John Cummins (Fianna Fáil) Valerie Byrne (Independent) Michael Mulligan (Sinn Féin) Liam Callaghan (Fine Gael) Tom Crosby (Independent) Joe Murphy (Fianna Fáil)

Athlone: 6 seats Tony Ward (Independent) - 1,864 (elected count 1) Ivan Connaughton (Independent) - 1,591 (elected count 1) John Naughten (Fine Gael) - 1,465 (elected count 1) John Keogh (Fianna Fáil) - 1,010 (elected count 7) Donal Kilduff (Independent) - 879 (elected count 7) Laurence Fallon (Independent) - 815 (elected count 7) Seamus Kelly (Fianna Fáil) - 704 Malachy Hand (Fianna Fáil) - 663 Ger Grehan (Fine Gael) - 447 Joe Harney (Sinn Féin) - 379 Derek McCabe (Independent) - 66

BOYLE

ROSCOMMON

Boyle: 6 seats John Cummins (Fianna Fáil)- 2,124 (elected count 1) Valerie Byrne (Independent) - 1,641 (elected count 1) Michael Mulligan (Sinn Féin) - 1,431 (elected count 3) Liam Callaghan (Fine Gael) - 1,000 (elected count 7) Tom Crosby (Independent) - 1,017 (elected count 7) Joe Murphy (Fianna Fáil) - 803 (elected count 7) Keith Sufﬁn (Fine Gael) - 622 Andrew Reynolds (Fine Gael) - 584 Sajjad (Saj) Hussain (Independent) - 527 Aidan Sampey (Fianna Fáil) - 491 Mary O’Donnell (Independent) - 119

Roscommon LEA Paschal Fitzmaurice (Fianna Fáil) Kathleen Shanagher (Independent) Anthony (Tony) Waldron (Independent) Nigel Dineen (Independent) Orla Leyden (Fianna Fáil) Marty McDermott (Fianna Fáil)

ATHLONE

Roscommon: 6 seats Paschal Fitzmaurice (Fianna Fáil) –1,962 (elected count 1) Kathleen Shanagher (Independent) – 1,460 (elected on count 3) Anthony (Tony) Waldron (Independent) – 1,333 (elected on count 3) Orla Leyden (Fianna Fáil) – 1,199 (elected on count 5) Marty McDermott (Fianna Fáil) – 1,173 (elected on count 5) Nigel Dineen (Independent) –1,002 (elected on count 5) Gerry Coffey (Fine Gael) –843 Domnick Connolly (Ind) – 643 Séamus O’Brien (Sinn Féin) – 463 Padraig Morris (Independent) – 185 John Groarke (Independent) – 76

Athlone LEA Tony Ward (Independent) Ivan Connaughton (Independent) John Naughten (Fine Gael) John Keogh (Fianna Fáil) Laurence Fallon (Independent) Donal Kilduff (Independent)

Roscommon People Friday 31 May 2019

ELECTION 2019

Best for election exclusives, analysis and comment…the poll-topping People!

First-time candidate A new, young voice for the people and the community

Thanuk Yo Thank you to all who voted, supported and helped me in any way during the local Election Campaign

I would sincerely like to thank you all for the consideration and kindness shown to me and my canvassers during the election campaign. Kind regards, Marty

Tel. 087 3466064

Cllr. Paschal Fitzmaurice celebrates his re-election with supporters, family members and friends at the Hyde Centre last weekend.

Email: marty.mcdermott1@gmail.com 1@g @gma maiill.com ma .co .c om m /marty.mcdermott.184

• Results, tallies and analysis • Winners’ reaction • Guest writers Paul Hickey & Mairead O’Shea In our 20-page ELECTION SPECIAL

Well-known businessman Declan Geraghty, who is supported by Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice, won a seat on Galway County Council at the weekend. Fine Gael’s Michael Finnerty and Aidan Donohue lost their seats in the Ballinasloe electoral area while Glenamaddy’s Peter Keaveney was elected having exceeded the quota with 1,632 first preference votes. Fine Gael Cllr.

INDEPENDENT A Community Candidate with the record to prove it

I would like to thank all who came out and voted for me in the recent Local Elections. Tel. 090 6488294. Mob: 087 9165226 Email: tonywardmcc@eircom.net

– PEOPLE BEFORE POLITICS

• The ﬂoating voter • Comeback kings Waldron & Crosby

Geraghty elected in Galway Finnerty and Donohue lose seats in Ballinasloe

Tony Ward

Keaveney had previous served in the Tuam area before the boundary changes last year. Independent candidate Tim Broderick topped the poll with 2,362 first preference votes while Fianna Fáil’s Michael Connolly (2,168) and Sinn Féin’s Dermot Connolly (1,387) retained their seats. Independent environmental candidate Aisling Dolan (1,082) and Declan Geraghty (1,541) from Williamstown were also elected, meaning there will be three new faces on the Ballinasloe Municipal Council.

Councillor

‘Divorce Referendum’ result in Roscommon Total electorate: 48,654 Total poll: 29,977 Invalid papers: 1,028 Valid poll: 28,949 Votes in favour: 22,605 Votes against: 6,344

John Naughten ARDKEENAN, DRUM, ATHLONE, CO. ROSCOMMON (090) 6437928 / (087) 9019334 E.: cllrjnaughten@roscommoncoco.ie

I would like to thank all who voted for me in the Local Elections Special thanks also to my family, my supporters and my hard-working campaign team.

Roscommon People Friday 31 May 2019

Election 2019

Best for election exclusives, analysis and comment…the poll-topping People!

FF’s hat-trick joy! ANALYSIS Paul Healy Stunning performances by newcomer Marty McDermott (Fianna Fáil) and former councillor Tony Waldron (Independent) and a tremendous

poll-topping show of strength by Cllr. Paschal Fitzmaurice (Fianna Fáil) stand out when one reflects on a fascinating election in the large Roscommon Municipal Area. With Cllr. Orla Leyden once again polling well, Fianna Fáil were celebrating a very impressive three-seat haul, but it was a day to forget for Fine Gael, with the party

embarrassingly failing to win a seat in a six-seat area encompassing the county town. Fine Gael’s failure to run a candidate in the general Mid-Roscommon area proved to be as disastrous as had been feared, with lone party candidate Gerry Coffey – who polled a very respectable 843 – left isolated and vulnerable to a strong line-up

of Independents and Fianna Fáil candidates. The election here was also notable for the fact that sitting Independent councillor Domnick Connolly lost his seat. Cllr. Connolly was philosophical about the loss, acknowledging that strong campaigns by Marty McDermott and Tony Waldron had applied extra pressure on him this

Cllrs. Marty McDermott, Orla Leyden and Paschal Fitzmaurice celebrate their success. Picture: Michael McCormack

time around. Sitting Independent councillor Kathleen Shanagher was re-elected with a huge vote – building on her success in 2014 – and fellow Independent Nigel Dineen also retained his seat, proving to be transfer-friendly and eventually reaching the quota to take the fourth seat. Cllr. Paschal Fitzmaurice topped the poll again, this time with a tremendous first preference vote of 1,962. Cllr. Kathleen Shanagher also polled spectacularly (1,460). A contender for performance of the day countywide was that of Independent candidate Tony Waldron, the former Fianna Fáil councillor storming back into the chamber with a massive 1,333 votes. Cllr. Domnick Connolly (634) lost out on this occasion and there was disappointment too for Seamus O’Brien of Sinn Fein (463). Much further back were Independents Padraig Morris (185) and John Groarke (76). With Cllr. Fitzmaurice having a huge surplus on the first count, and with Cllr. Shanagher and Tony Waldron also elected early in proceedings, that left three seats to be filled. It was clear from early tallies that Fianna Fáil newcomer Marty McDermott was having a sensational electoral debut. His first preference total was 1,173, with Cllr. Leyden on 1,199, an increase on her 2014 vote. That meant three seats in the bag for Fianna Fáil. Meanwhile, sitting Independent Cllr. Nigel Dineen took the fourth seat, joining Shanagher and Waldron in a show of force by Independents!

roscommon municipal area Electorate: 17450 Total poll: 10,495 Invalid: 165 Valid: 10,330 Quota: 1,476 Seats to be filled: 6 First count Coffey, Gerry (FG): Connolly, Domnick (Ind): Dineen, Nigel (Ind): Fitzmaurice, Paschal (FF): Groarke, John (Ind): Leyden, Orla (FF): McDermott, Marty (FF): Morris, Padraig (Ind): O’Brien, Seamus (SF): Shanagher, Kathleen (Ind): Waldron, Anthony (Ind): Paschal Fitzmaurice elected.

843 634 1,002 1,962 76 1,119 1,173 185 463 1,460 1,333

Second count

Third count

Fourth count

The distribution of Fianna Fáil’s Paschal Fitzmaurice’s surplus of 486 votes. + 49 892 Coffey, Gerry (FG) Connolly, Dominick (IND) +13 647 Dineen, Nigel (IND) +157 1159 Groarke, John (IND) +5 81 Leyden, Orla (FF) +41 1241 McDermott, Marty (FF) +22 1195 +25 210 Morris, Padraig (IND) O’Brien, Séamus (SF) +71 534 Shanagher, Kathleen (IND) +9 1469 Waldron, Anthony Tony (IND) +93 1426 Candidates John Groarke (IND) and Padraig Morris (IND) have now both been eliminated and their combined total of 291 votes will now be redistributed.

The distribution of 291 votes following the elimination of John Groarke (IND) and Padraig Morris (IND). Coffey, Gerry (FG) 892 +42 934 Connolly, Dominick (IND) 647 +26 673 1159 +44 1203 Dineen, Nigel (IND) Leyden, Orla (FF) 1 241 +6 1247 McDermott, Marty (FF) 1195 +8 1203 O’Brien, Séamus (SF) 534 +51 585 Shanagher, Kathleen (IND) 1469 +13 1482 Waldron, Anthony Tony (IND) 1426 +67 1493 Candidates Kathleen Shanagher (IND) and Anthony Tony Waldron (IND) become the second and third candidates to be elected in the Roscommon EA. Candidate Séamus O’Brien of Sinn Féin has now been eliminated and his 585 votes will now be redistributed.

The distribution of 585 votes following the elimination of Séamus O’Brien of Sinn Féin. Coffey, Gerry (FG) 934 +44 978 Connolly, Dominick (IND) 673 +53 726 Dineen, Nigel (IND) 1203 +211 1414 1247 +40 1287 Leyden, Orla (FF) McDermott, Marty (FF) 1203 +31 1234 Independent Candidate Dominick Connolly has now been eliminated and his 726 votes will now be redistributed.

Fifth and final count The distribution of 726 votes following the elimination of Independent Candidate Dominick Connolly. Coffey, Gerry (FG) 978 +96 1074 Dineen, Nigel (IND) 1414 +128 1542 Leyden, Orla (FF) 1287 +182 1469 McDermott, Marty (FF) 1234 +160 1394 As there is just one more candidate than the number of seats remaining and no remaining surplus that would materially affect the result, Returning Officer Shane Tiernan declared Fianna Fáil party colleagues Orla Leyden and Marty McDermott elected without reaching the quota.

Roscommon People Friday 31 May 2019

ELECTION 2019

Best for election exclusives, analysis and comment…the poll-topping People!

Marty: ‘I always believed third seat was there!’  DAN DOONER

Newly-elected Councillor Marty McDermott pictured with his wife Deirdre and their daughters. Picture: Michael McCormack.

ROSCOMMON MUNICIPAL AREA

One of the stories of the 2019 Local Elections in Roscommon was the election of popular local tailor, Marty McDermott. The first-time Fianna Fáil candidate polled 1,173 first preference votes and was elected on the fifth count. It was a bittersweet day for Marty whose father Billy was unable to attend the Hyde Centre due to illness. “I am absolutely delighted, I put a lot of effort into it and had a good family behind me supporting me and great neighbours and friends. “I’d like to take the opportunity to thank my father, Billy, he’s always been my right hand man and personal friend to me as well as my father. He’s in hospital at the moment in Galway and unfortunately couldn’t be here today. We miss him sorely and hopefully he’ll make a full recovery. We look forward to having him with us,” he said. The newly-elected councillor said he always felt that there was a seat to be won for the party in the Roscommon area. “It’s an interest I’ve always had, I felt there was an opening there and I went for the convention and I said I’d give it a go and if it was

for me it was for me and if wasn’t it wasn’t. I always believed there was a third seat to be won there. “I got great momentum from the start and that was (down to) working in town for twenty years and living in town for fifteen years and working in a very popular shop as well, where I’d be meeting a lot of people every day. I’m from a very good parish in Oran as well and that was another major factor in this,” he said. A popular local figure in Roscommon town, Marty said he enjoyed meeting people during the canvass but understands that there may be some frustration among the electorate. “I was received very well on the doors and people were receptive of my canvassers so that was fantastic. People are on about politicians getting abuse on doorsteps and that and they might get some. At the end of the day people have frustrations and it’s nothing personal towards the individual, and look if you can’t take that you shouldn’t be in the job. “I’m honoured to be selected and happy to win a third seat for the party because that was a major goal I had. I always believed it was possible and If I didn’t think it was possible I would never have put my name forward,” he said.

Roscommon People Friday 31 May 2019

ELECTION 2019

Best for election exclusives, analysis and comment…the poll-topping People!

Cllr. Kathleen Shanagher and Cllr. Nigel Dineen were re-elected in the Roscommon Municipal area. They are pictured enjoying celebrations with supporters, family and friends at The Hyde Centre. Pictures: Mick McCormack.

Shanagher and Dineen savour success  DAN DOONER

Cllr. Kathleen Shanagher was re-elected in the Roscommon area on count three, having polled 1,460 first preference votes. The popular chairperson of Roscommon Tidy Towns ran a modest campaign but one which paid dividends. “I’m absolutely delighted. It was a hard campaign, and it was just my husband Ray and I out canvassing so there was a lot of ground to cover. There were some areas I didn’t get to but I felt that the areas I did cover I did well in and met as many people as I could on the door.

I’m humbled with all the first preference votes I got in the town where I’d be well-known through community work – Tidy Towns, Lamb Festival, you name it and I have the hi-viz jacket! “It’s a different ball game when you’re knocking on doors as a sitting county councillor because people can challenge you on the doorstep and get your opinion on different issues. “Thanks to everyone who voted for me and thanks to my family for all their support. I’m looking forward to working with the council

staff and my new colleagues on Roscommon County Council for the next five years,” she concluded. Sitting councillor Nigel Dineen was happy to take the fourth seat in a hard-fought Roscommon area. The Independent candidate polled 1,002 first preference votes which he put down to a tireless campaign team. “I’m absolutely delighted and I put it down to my hard work over the last five years and also my campaign team who worked with me for the last two months. We worked very, very hard right across the constituency. We knocked on

every door looking for votes. It comes down to working with the people on the ground and working with the community groups. “My area was the exact same size as the last time so I was happy with that and there are six seats so it was just a matter of getting out and getting to as many houses and as many villages and talking to as many people as possible and hoping that it was going to pay off in the end which it has done so I’m very happy. “Our strategy was to get votes in different areas where we hadn’t got them before and that worked out very well in the end,” he said.

Fitzmaurice tops the poll as FF claim three Orla ‘elated’ as FF claim hat-trick  DAN DOONER

Cllr. Orla Leyden and her father Senator Terry Leyden pictured at The Hyde Centre last weekend. Pictures: Mick McCormack.

Castlerea businessman and sitting councillor, Paschal Fitzmaurice, was re-elected on the first count in Roscommon on Sunday morning with 1,962 first preference votes. He was understandably pleased and put it down to his continued hard work in the west Roscommon area. “I can’t believe the vote I got; I didn’t expect to get a vote like that. I thought if I got maybe 1200 I’d be happy enough considering the amount of people in the field. I am very happy with the vote that I got. “I’ve done work in every area of west Roscommon. I don’t particularly announce that I’m going doing something or I don’t announce that I’ve got something done because a lot of the work you do is done privately for people and you don’t start shouting about it”. Sitting Fianna Fáil councillor Orla Leyden was re-elected with 1,199 first preference votes, an increase of 15% from 2014. The former Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council said it was a good day for the party as a whole. “I’m elated, it’s fantastic! It’s a great

result to get three Fianna Fáil councillors elected in this electoral area; it’s many years since we did. Personally I increased my vote so that too is very positive. It certainly is a good result. “We were certainly a strong team and people saw the calibre of the candidates and they voted on that. People will vote for candidates based on their work rate and in the case of new candidates they’ll look at the potential of the candidate,” she said. Cllr. Leyden believes the electorate will reward those working hard to get results in the community. “I think being involved on the ground keeps you grounded as to what’s actually needed in the community. You’re the whole time learning as you go and responding and representing your community in different ways throughout the five years. “The electorate are looking for two things: they’re looking for people who are connected to the community and need people with a good understanding of community and grants and accessing that in order to develop local communities. “They are also looking for people who will give strong representation on individual issues, so my slogan was ‘Working for you and working with the community’. Working for the individual and working with the community is very much what I’ve done over the years”.

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Waldron humbled by his success One of the performances of the election came from Independent candidate Tony Waldon who polled an enormous 1,333 and took the third seat in the Roscommon Municipal District. He said he was very humbled by his success. “Obviously, it’s a very humbling experience to stand for election and have people put their trust in you – to believe in what I have set out in my election statements and to believe that I will work to achieve those things. “I am very proud that the people of Roscommon have elected me. This is a clear call for change; many people are no

longer satisfied with the status quo, people need to see changes to make their lives better and they are no longer prepared to keep faith in the old political parties that have failed them for so long. They hear about all this economic growth but they don’t see it, they haven’t experienced it. “Of course, getting elected is just the start. It just puts me at the starting line. What is vital for me now is to repay the faith and trust that people have put in me. I have to do that by working as hard as I can to implement the plan that I set out, to make sure there is a plan to promote Roscommon as a tourist des-

tination, to attract sustainable business and to bring our people back to live in the county, to harness the energy and ideas of the new members of our communities from places as diverse as Brazil and China. “I am excited by the challenges that face me. I look forward to working with and for all the people of Roscommon. I want to make a real difference for this great county and I will work tirelessly to achieve my plans”. The newly-elected Cllr. Waldron thanked his campaign team, supporters and the people who voted for him in such large numbers.

Martin Lydon of Roscommon County Council greets outgoing councillor, Domnick Connolly. Picture: Michael McCormack

Connolly: I’ve had a good political innings!  DAN DOONER

Cllr. Tony Waldron celebrates with friends. Picture: Michael McCormack

“I started out in 1991 in Roscommon and back then we had an eight-year term. I lost out narrowly in 1999 and then in 2004 I was first elected on that occasion and I had been elected since then up to this year. I’ve had a good innings in political life…I’ve made an awful lot of friends. It’s not all doom and gloom though, Roscommon went down to Castlebar and beat Mayo yesterday evening (laughs)”. Domnick Connolly was left disappointed last Sunday as he felt the pinch in the Roscommon area. “I feel very disappointed of course but when you’re in the political game it’s not always

easy and there are winners and losers at every election. I was particularly disappointed this time as I thought I had enough done over the five years. “Nobody saw Tony Waldron and Marty McDermott doing as well as they did, they had a phenomenal vote. Apart from that I’m disappointed for the people who voted for me, the people who canvassed with me, they came out on a voluntary basis for the last two months evening after evening. We put in a huge campaign and we got to most houses. “Ivan (Connaughton), and fair play to him, got a great vote. He has a lot of work done as well but in fairness he had half the quota before he left the parish

– Athleague, Fuerty, Donamon and Kilbegnet. That is a huge start for anybody. But Ivan had a lot of work done in fairness to him; Athleague village fell into place for him – it looks perfect – you could play snooker on the streets there!” Looking to the future, Mr. Connolly said that he would consider his options carefully with his family and supporters. “I’ll have to sit down now and take stock of everything with my family first of course and then with my supporters. We’ll see where we go from here… if we go any further or whether there’s somebody else we can back. I certainly won’t be going too far from politics no matter which I decide,” he said.

‘Maybe some people feel FG brand is toxic’ – Coffey REACTION Dan Dooner Gerry Coffey polled a credible 843 first preference votes despite being being the stand alone Fine Gael candidate in the large Roscommon area. He said that while he was disappointed he couldn’t win a seat for the party, he was ready to move on. “Look it’s a disappointment but you sure you move on and there’s no going back now, the people have made their decision and I respect their decision. I enjoy politics, usually I’m on the outside looking in but this time I was in the inside looking out,” he said. Mr. Coffey, an auctioneer by trade as well as chairman of Michael Glavey’s GAA Club, added that the lack of a Fine Gael candidate in Roscommon town hampered his efforts. “I think I said it to the Roscommon People that I wanted someone in the Roscommon town area because it would have mopped up a lot of votes in the area. I resigned from the strategy group when I became a candidate and they made a

great effort to get a candidate but maybe some people feel the Fine Gael brand is toxic in Roscommon and they just couldn’t get someone to run,” he said. The Fine Gael man also believes Tony Waldron’s campaign in Ballintubber meant that other candidates put the squeeze on his area. “The other thing that happened was that Paschal (Fitzmaurice) was fearful that he was going to get a lower vote with Tony Waldron. So he came out in the last week looking for votes and so did Nigel (Dineen), both of them were fearful of Tony’s vote. “I just want to wish all the candidates that are elected well. I’m friendly with a lot of the candidates in the Roscommon area and I’ve made friends with some of the new guys coming on board,” he said. Asked what the future held for Gerry Coffey in terms of politics, he laughed and said: “You’ll see me on my farm tomorrow morning because I’ve neglected my farm and my business for the last couple of weeks so I’ll be farming tomorrow! I’ve silage to make and a business to run”. Mr. Coffey thanked his wife Anne and family and his hard-working campaign team.

Gerry Coffey (second from right) was philosophical about losing out last weekend. Picture: Michael McCormack

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‘FG isolating Coffey helped FF score a hat-trick’ ELECTION PEOPLE Election ’19 viewpoint Mairead O’Shea

t was an extremely good Local Election for Fianna Fáil in County Roscommon, with the party holding onto its six county council seats and taking over one-third of the overall vote for the county. The national trend which saw an increase in numbers moving towards Fianna Fáil was reflected in the County Roscommon ballot boxes, particularly in the Mid-Roscommon area which saw the party pull off a decisive victory by taking three out of the available six seats and securing a whopping 42% of the vote. It was always going to be a gamble to try to win three seats in the Roscommon area with newcomer Marty McDermott and sitting councillors Orla Leyden and Paschal Fitzmaurice, but as the early tallies began to filter through on Saturday morning in the Hyde Centre it was clear that McDermott was matching Leyden almost vote for vote – and the numbers were looking good for the hat-trick as Fitzmaurice looked set to top the poll. When the first count was announced by Returning Officer Shane Tiernan, only twenty-six votes separated Leyden and McDermott – and the pair managed to keep afloat to take their seats in the fifth and final count. It was a remarkable victory for the party, given the stiff competition in the field with heavy Independent hitters such as Kathleen Shanagher and Nigel Dineen, who comfortably retained their seats. Of course it was a feat made all the easier given the fact that Fine Gael only fielded one candidate in the entire Roscommon area, that being auctioneer Gerry Coffey. He still managed to poll a respectable 843 first preference votes but it was obvious the core Fine Gael voters did not come out to support him, and without a running mate in the county town he was always facing an uphill battle to be in serious contention for a seat. Overall it was somewhat of a disastrous election for

Fine Gael in all three electoral areas and it seems that the Fine Gael brand is still toxic in Co. Roscommon and particularly in the county town where the ghost of Roscommon Hospital’s A&E continues to haunt Leo’s troops. Indeed Fine Gael only returned two seats out of six candidates and one of them was heavy hitter John Naughten in the Athlone area who was expected to easily hold onto his seat. There had been rumblings in recent weeks that Tony Waldron was due to cause an upset in the Roscommon area and the former Fianna Fáil councillor (now Independent) was certainly back with a bang on the local political scene as the Ballintubber man stormed to victory, polling a massive 1,333 first preference votes – leaving his sceptics in his wake and his fans mesmerised by the melodic country tune of ‘Winning with Waldron’, which formed part of his innovative campaign message. The Boyle area returned two seats for Fianna Fáil with veteran poll-topper John Cummins bringing in a massive first preference vote of 2,124 and Cllr. Joe Murphy retaining his seat despite a challenge from Fine Gael’s Keith Suffin. In the end the popular Strokestown man had victory in his sights with over 150 votes clear. It was Cllr. Murphy’s first time before the electorate and he must be commended for retaining the seat on his own mandate. Aidan Sampey polled a respectable 491 first preference votes, but newcomer Independent Sajjad Hussain and

“

There had been rumblings in recent weeks that Tony Waldron was due to cause an upset in the Roscommon area and the former Fianna Fáil councillor (now Independent) was certainly back with a bang

Sinn Féin heavy hitter Michael Mulligan mopped up votes in the Ballaghaderreen area. It was a bittersweet day for veteran politician Independent Valerie Byrne who was mourning the death of her mother on the same day that she was reelected to Roscommon County Council, and cross-party voters from the Boyle area returned to and from the Hyde Centre to pay their respects to the late Mai Neary on Sunday evening. Sitting councillors in the Athlone electoral area comfortably held onto their seats with poll-topper Tony Ward storming to victory with an impressive 1,864 first preference votes followed by Independent Ivan Connaughton on 1,591 and Fine Gael’s John Naughten on 1,465, all three elected on the first count. Fianna Fáil’s John Keogh polled over 1,000 first preference votes and was well ahead of the posse to retain his seat. Despite the fact that Fianna Fáil took almost a quarter of the vote in the Athlone area it was disappointing that the party did not take two seats and perhaps a better vote management strategy could have pushed Seamus Kelly over the line, but that is a debate for another day. Both Seamus Kelly and Malachy Hand ran impressive campaigns and worked extremely hard but in the end it was success for the two Independents, Donal Kilduff and sitting councillor Laurence Fallon. Fianna Fáil’s success in the Local Elections in County Roscommon was not reflected in the European elections as at the time of going to press Brendan Smith was still a rank outsider to be in with any chance for the fourth seat. As the count progressed into the late hours of Sunday night huddled conversations had already shifted to talk of an impending General Election as weary canvassers and elections teams tried to muster the appetite to take to the roads again. The general consensus was to dust down the runners and walking shoes and be ready to roll… *A special word of praise to ‘The Captain’, P. Burke, Chairman of the Fianna Fáil Roscommon/Galway CDC and Tally Co-ordinator Noel Carr for a well organised and accurate Tally assisted by students from Roscommon Community College and yours truly! * Former journalist Mairead O’Shea is Parliamentary Assistant to Deputy Eugene Murphy and Fianna Fáil PRO in County Roscommon

Cllr. Joe Murphy Thanks to everybody who came out and voted for me and to everybody we met throughout the campaign and to my family and campaign team.

CONTACT ME ON:

086 1052197

THANK YOU FROM Cllr. Paschal Fitzmaurice Thank you to everyone who supported me, helped in any way and voted for me in last Friday’s Local Election.

TEL. 087 2299980 paschal.fitzmaurice@gmail.com

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THANK YOU I would like to thank most sincerely everyone who voted for me and my dedicated campaign team. I am delighted to be re-elected and to work on your behalf.

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Four roads to victory ELECTION PEOPLE Election ’19 viewpoint Paul Hickey WIN THY OWN BOXES The first rule of politics: if you don’t get them at home, you won’t get them away. A truth that’s well understood by the candidates who did best. John Cummins totally dominated Boyle. Ditto Michael Mulligan in Ballaghaderreen; Valerie Byrne in Elphin. Tony Ward in St. Brigid’s country; John Naughten in the Clann na nGael area. Ivan Connaughton: Athleague & Fuerty; Tom Crosby: Kilglass Gaels-St. Barry’s terrain; Paschal Fitzmaurice: Castlerea; Marty McDermott: Oran; Tony Waldron: Ballintubber; Joe Murphy: Strokestown; Donal Kilduff: Glanduff; Liam Callaghan: Tulsk; Kathleen Shanagher and Orla Leyden: Roscommon town; Laurence Fallon: Knockcroghery; and John Keogh: Monksland & Bealnamulla. In the Galway part of our Dáil constituency, Cllr. Peter Keaveney (Glenamaddy), Declan Geraghty (Williamstown & Glinsk), Tim Broderick (Kilconnell), Michael Connolly (Moylough) and Aisling Dolan & Dermot Connolly (Ballinasloe town) all scored well at home.

BE AN INCUMBENT OR AN EX-COUNCILLOR For the 18 seats in Roscommon, 14 outgoing councillors were re-elected. Two excouncillors (Tony Waldon and Tom Crosby) were re-elected. One son of a retiring outgoing councilor (Donal Kilduff, son of Paddy) was elected. Marty McDermott (FF, Roscommon/ Castlerea area) is the only new face on Roscommon County Council with no previous political connection or experience.

BE AN INDEPENDENT Nine of our 18 councillors are Independents – Valerie Byrne, Tom Crosby, Nigel Dineen, Tony Waldron, Kathleen Shanagher, Ivan Connaughton, Tony Ward, Laurence Fallon and Donal Kilduff. Fine Gael had a very disappointing election. Sinn Féin lost ground. Fianna Fáil lost a seat in the Boyle area and lost two seats in the South Roscommon area.

CAMPAIGN FOR 12 MONTHS + Marty McDermott is the outstanding success story of the 2019 Roscommon County Council elections. On an unremarkable day for FF nationally, he was sandwiched between two heavy hitters from his own party (P Fitzmaurice – Castlerea; O Leyden – Roscommon town), and ex-FF councillor Tony Waldron was going very well in his

The view from the Press Box at the Hyde Centre last weekend. Picture: Mick McCormack.

neighbouring parish. Marty McDermott achieved a stunning result. His long campaign paid off.

ELECTION GIVES TDS AND PARTIES FOOD FOR THOUGHT Michael Fitzmaurice will be the happiest of the Roscommon-Galway TDs. He backed three candidates (Ivan Connaughton, Athleague; Nigel Dineen, Roscommon; Declan Geraghty, Williamstown) – and all were elected. Ivan Connaughton was always going to do very well – he increased his vote. Declan Geraghty performed strongly. The Tony Waldron factor hit Cllr. Nigel Dineen’s first preference vote but he scored well on transfers. Denis Naughten’s brother Cllr. John Naughten, contesting his fourth election in the South Roscommon area, was elected with an increased vote. The Naughtens will be pleased about that. Dominick Connolly’s unexpected result in the Roscommon town area will be disappointing. Laurence Fallon (South Roscommon area) received less votes than in his previous two elections, but got strong transfers from Fine Gael and elsewhere. Eugene Murphy: FF came into the election with eight seats in Roscommon; they emerged with six – a loss of two. FF had a stunning result (3 out of 6) in the Roscommon/Castlerea area, and won their targeted two seats in North Roscommon. FF went from three seats to one seat in the South Roscommon area – a disappointment, given the huge campaign by the party in that area. FF secured only one seat in the Ballinasloe area. And Independent Cllrs. Valerie Byrne & Tom Crosby pulled big votes in ElphinStrokestown-Kilglass Gaels country, which is Deputy Eugene Murphy’s area of strongest support. So – some areas of concerns. Overall however, a solid election for FF and Deputy Murphy.

Fine Gael: Cllr. Peter Keaveney’s personal haul of 1,600 votes in the Ballinasloe area – and the strong vote for new MEP Maria Walsh – are two positive FG stories in an otherwise unsuccessful election. Cllr. Liam Callaghan had a strong performance in North Roscommon, but the party did not win the second seat it was aiming for there. Gerry Coffey (Roscommon-Castlerea) entered the race too late to have an impact outside of Michael Glavey’s country; in six short weeks he could not make up ground on outgoing councillors on Marty McDermott and Tony Waldron, who were both in the field much earlier. And the party campaign in the South Roscommon area was not successful. Roscommon was a disappointment on an otherwise good day for the party in the region. FG is now the biggest party in Longford and is joint biggest in Galway, Sligo, Leitrim and Mayo. After shipping heavy losses across the region in 2014, the party made big gains last Friday in Sligo, Leitrim and Cavan; and added extra seats in Galway, Mayo and Offaly. And the party took two of the four European Parliament seats through Mairead McGuinness and Maria Walsh. Sinn Féin: Roscommon’s sole SF councillor, Michael Mulligan, got a big local vote in Ballaghaderreen and its hinterland again, and the party kept its seat in Ballinasloe with a reduced vote. But based on this performance, Sinn Féin won’t feature seriously in a General Election in Roscommon-Galway. Its vote was down in three of the four electoral areas. Green Party: The Greens had no candidate in Roscommon. That meant that Roscommon didn’t feel the Green surge observed across the country. Or did it? Orla Leyden and Kathleen Shanagher (Roscommon-Castlerea area) take interest in green issues. And new Independent Cllrs. Dónal Kilduff (South Roscommon area) and Aisling Dolan (Ballinasloe area) emphasised environmental concerns in their campaigns. Perhaps they were the ben-

eficiaries in this area of the Green surge?

CONGRATULATE THE WINNERS – AND COMPLIMENT THE OTHERS It takes huge courage to put one’s name on a ballot paper and one’s face on a poster. Congratulations and best wishes to all the winners. Castlerea MEP Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan received a strong vote in the European Parliament election: this remarkably successful politician has now achieved his own fivein-a-row (Roscommon Co. Co. 2004 & 2009; Dáil 2011; Europe 2014 & 2019). Those who were not elected deserve credit too, particularly outgoing Cllr. Domnick Connolly. Domnick was badly hit by the Electoral Commission in 2013 when his Fuerty/ Athleague/Kilbegnet heartland was split into a different electoral area from Roscommon town. Unable to vote for himself since then, his success in the 2014 election was remarkable. In 2019 it didn’t work out. He is a hugely popular community man who is brilliant company for anyone. Had he been a candidate for Fine Gael (whom he represented as a councillor for 20 years), or a candidate in the South Roscommon area where he lives, perhaps the result may have been different. He has given long service as a public representative – and he may do so again in the future. Aiden Sampey (North Roscommon) had a decent election. Seamus O’Brien of Sinn Féin was squeezed out by high profile candidates. And new candidates Gerry Coffey, Seamus Kelly, Malachy Hand, Andrew Reynolds, Ger Grehan, Keith Suffin and Joe Harney also put in determined campaigns. Paul Hickey from Castlecoote is a former journalist, a Fine Gael activist and a keen political commentator

Roscommon People Friday 31 May 2019

ELECTION 2019 ‘If you row in behind me, Best for election exclusives, analysis and comment…the poll-topping People!

 PAUL HEALY

ony Waldron approached his friend Michael Holland one evening near the end of March. He had something to tell him. Well… something to ask him. Waldron revealed that he wanted to run for the Council again, a decade on from his days as a Fianna Fáil councillor. He had been thinking about it

for a long time. A few years, in fact. People had asked him would he consider running again. He had met a couple at a funeral in Roscommon and the lady said “Why don’t you run for the Council again? Just do it! And if you do, you won’t even have to knock at our door, you’ll have two number ones from us!’ Hardly anyone knew that he was giving it serious

Let’s get Roscommon moving again!

Waldron Independent Anthony

Thank you to all who came out and voted for me, to my family, my a supporters and I am delighted to be su re-elected and to work on your behalf. re-

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Please contact Anthony on 086 7866774 or email anthonywaldron@mail.com

Cllr. IVAN

CONNAUGHTON A Strong Independent Voice

Thank You I would like to thank everyone who voted for me, to my supporters and my dedicated campaign team. It was an honour to receive 1,591 votes and be elected on the First Count. I look forward to working for the people over the next five years. Main Street, Athleague, Co. Roscommon, F42 TW70 Tel. Office: 090-6663700 Mobile: 086-8985013 connaughtonivan @ConnaughtonIvan ivanconnaughton14@gmail.com

consideration. Now it was decision time. He had a proposition for Michael Holland. “If you row in behind me, I’ll go for it”. Holland agreed on the spot. “I’m with you, 100%”. They called a meeting in Ballintubber, in what was the old grocery shop in Garvey’s, which would subsequently become the ‘Campaign HQ’. About twenty people were there. There were a couple of doubters…a few heads shaking, once the business of the meeting was outlined. But mostly there was strong support. A couple of days later, on April 4th last, Waldron – who hadn’t even contested the local elections of 2009 and 2014 – publicly declared as an Independent candidate. Most people (outside of his immediate circle) dismissed his chances. Too late, Tony. Too many years on, Tony. Not this time, Tony. Seven weeks later, he romped home with 1,333 first preference votes. is election opponents never really saw it coming. He had ferocious momentum in the final days of the campaign, by which time he was pretty much unstoppable. Not that everyone

believed that. Which is understandable. Because sometimes reports of a candidate having momentum can prove to be a false dawn…but not this time. Back in early April, Waldron and Holland – and others – set about meticulously shaping the campaign. What they needed most of all, was people on the ground. Numbers. And they got them. Teams of canvassers headed off every evening from 5 pm. Maps of the electoral area were drawn, consulted, crossreferenced. Regular meetings were held in the village. Four vehicles were put on the road, all emblazoned with images of the candidate and catchy slogans. Waldron’s nephew, Andrew McDonnell, took responsibility for the social media side of the campaign. It was a big success. Mid-campaign, the Waldron team unveiled a massive and very effective billboard at Casey’s roundabout in Roscommon town. ‘Winning with Waldron’. ‘Let’s Get Roscommon Moving Again’. ‘A man of his word’. Now people – including doubters – began to sit up and take more notice. There were launches, in Ballintubber and Roscommon Town. A launch in Garvey’s,

a rally in Kenny’s, a launch in Nancy’s in Roscommon. Waldron’s election literature reminded would-be voters of the candidate’s donation of his salary to the Castlerea Hub project when he was a councillor from 2004-2009. Former Labour Party Senator John Kelly called to offer his support and hit the canvass trail. Waldron himself kept pushing his message on the doorsteps. And that message was… that he wants to promote Roscommon as a tourist destination, and work to attract sustainable business into the county. He was able to point to his promotion of the Suck Valley Way, and to his support for the annual archaeological digs at Ballintubber Castle. And he was getting a positive reaction. The word may not have spread throughout the large electoral area yet, but people in Ballintubber knew that Tony Waldron was going well. Then came the song… t was Michael Holland Junior’s idea. The song was called ‘Winning with Waldron’. Michael and Austin Waldron were involved, Joe Healy wrote the lyrics. Joe also sang the song, with backing from his daughter Aoife and Des

Byrne. A video showing images of the candidate at various locations in the county completed the job. It caused quite a stir when it was circulated. A week or ten days out from the election, and now there was a very evident ‘Waldron Factor’. Not everyone sensed or noted it, but a growing number of people did. As the hours passed, the momentum became more and more obvious. Could it land a seat? The candidate himself was very confident, simply because of the positivity of the feedback. Messages of support were flooding in. By Election Day, whatever any lingering sceptics thought, his campaign team were counting on getting more than 1,200 number ones. ony Waldron switched off his mobile on Saturday morning. A while later, he went for a walk. He met Seán Og Higgins, who lowered the car window and informed Waldron that he was going well in early tallies in the count centre in Roscommon. Waldron stayed away from the count. He went to Down the Hatch in Roscommon town to watch the Roscommon/Mayo game, where people

congratulated him in advance. On Sunday, came confirmation of the comeback. 1,333 number ones. Elected. Back on the Council. Waldron had picked up votes all over the place. Tallies indicate he took 463 in Ballintubber, 164 in Castlerea town, over 150 in Roscommon. Much of the support was for his message, much of it was down to the hard work of his team. Much of it had to do with his personable nature, his ‘recognition factor’. The job was done, and in emphatic style. On the way into Ballintubber on Sunday evening, the bonfires blazed. They celebrated Waldron’s remarkable election triumph in the village that night. Michael Holland decided to wait for another night. The campaign had taken its toll. The well-known businessman was thrilled with the success, but an early night beckoned. “You’d be very tired” he said of the intensive campaigning. “The App on my phone was telling me that we were walking about 10km every evening!” “It was all down to getting a good team together” Cllr. Tony Waldron reflected this week, “now it’s time for me to get down to work!”

BACK IN BUSINESS: How  PAUL HEALY

Tom Crosby had his eyes on this prize for…precisely five years. Losing his Council seat in 2014 hit him hard. He had been a councillor for 23 years. The Tarmonbarry man experienced the classic election nailbiter that weekend in May of 2014. On the Saturday, tally men were telling him he’d be okay. Safe, albeit only just. At one stage, he was just three votes behind Rachel Doherty. But an unexpected twist in the order of eliminations changed the dynamic – and Crosby’s electoral fate. Charlie Hopkins went out earlier than had been expected. Crosby’s prospects ebbed and flowed on a tortuous Sunday afternoon. By evening, the die was cast. That night, leaving the count centre, Tom Crosby sat in his car with his wife,

Pauline, always a great support. They rationalised what had happened. He was philosophical. Their daughter, Pearl, was very ill at the time. Tom Crosby was facing major business problems – and battles with banks – due to the ongoing fall-out from the economic crash of 2008/2009. Now he had lost his Council seat. He resolved, there and then, to try to deal with what he felt he could control. He would face the challenges with the banks and now he would continue to act as an unelected county councillor – partly because he was embedded in the community, partly because he wanted that seat back. He would not be letting the grass grow under his feet. Losing the seat hurt, but he never felt rejected. He had still commanded a huge vote in his immediate area. The defeat,

he reasoned, was down to the re-drawing of the electoral area, which he said at the time had cost him almost 50% of his base support. Crosby retained his campaign team. They held regular meetings, despite the loss of the Council seat. All eyes were on 2019. Meanwhile, the businessman continued to work on restoring his business fortunes. He knuckled down, telling friends that giving up was not in his DNA. He was grateful for the support of family, friends and neighbours. The years went by, and by late 2018/ early 2019, Crosby and his loyal team were cranking up their machine. The vibes were good over recent weeks. But Crosby was conscious that it was a competitive field and that he didn’t have a large population area on his doorstep. He was grateful for strong local support,

Roscommon People Friday 31 May 2019

ELECTION 2019

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I’ll go for it’

The meticulous campaign, the song, the momentum and the 1,333 number ones: How Waldron found winning ways again

SHANAGHER Kathleen • Independent Community Candidate • – Roscommon Municipal Area –

“Thank You”

I would like to thank most sincerely everyone who voted for me in the Roscommon Municipal Area. I am delighted to be re-elected and to work on your behalf.

Thank you to the all staff who worked at the Count Centre over the weekend. Job well done!

ARD AOIBHINN, ATHLONE ROAD, ROSCOMMON TOWN

Contact: 090 6627138 / 086 3726743 Email: cllrkshanagher@roscommoncoco.ie

Thank You To all who came out and voted for me, to my family, my supporters and my dedicated campaign team.

Comeback Councillors’ Anthony Waldron and Tom Crosby. Illustration: Paraic Newman.

Crosby turned the clock back and went searching for batches of votes elsewhere. This week he said: “I knew I was up against it. I had two strong candidates on my doorstep (Andrew Reynolds and Joe Murphy). They are both very good campaigners with huge energy and passion. They both put in great campaigns. But I got great local support, and all politics is local. They are the people who know you best, they know what time you get up at in the morning!” When his return was confirmed on Sunday night, it was, he said, a great feeling, probably his proudest hour in a long career. This time, five years on, Tom and Pauline Crosby sat back into the car in celebratory mood, the wheels of fortune having come full circle. He says he has his business interests

back under control now. No more sleepless nights. And now he can concentrate on Council work again. He’s known to be a vocal politician, one who in the past was frequently at the centre of the rough and tumble of things. He says he will be tackling the “thorny issues” again, and will challenge officials who “don’t have to face the people”. But he’s not out to “rock any boats”, perhaps an apt expression for a man who developed a marina in Tarmonbarry! So, Tom Crosby is back. “I knew this day would come” he says, thanking everyone who made it possible. “I’m looking forward to the future. I met a 97-year-old man recently who told me ‘Every day we get up, we learn something new’. That’s my mindset now. I don’t give up and I’m glad to be back”.

“

He says he has his business interests back under control now. No more sleepless nights. And now he can concentrate on Council work again

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Roscommon People Friday 31 May 2019

Election 2019 Cummins leads the way in Boyle

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ANALYSIS Paul Healy

Cllr. John Cummins pictured at the Hyde Centre, Roscommon. Picture: Michelle Hughes Walsh.

Huge personal votes for John Cummins, Valerie Byrne and Michael Mulligan and the return of Tom Crosby were the main talking points in the Boyle LEA which returned two Fianna Fáil councillors, one Fine Gael, one Sinn Féin, one Independent/HAC (Hospital Action Committee) and one further Independent. Crosby’s comeback (he lost his Council seat in 2014) was a notable achievement, the Tarmonbarry man returning to the political spotlight in Roscommon after that five-year absence. Sunday was a day of celebration for Joe Murphy too, with the Fianna Fáil man successful in his first campaign (he was co-opted on to the Council in 2016 when his brother Eugene won a seat in the Dáil). Meanwhile, outgoing Fine Gael councillor Liam Callaghan was comfortably re-elected, this time with a notable ‘personal best’ of 1,000 first preference votes. Cummins and Byrne both passed the quota on the first count, and Mulligan could relax too. It was evidence from

early tallies on Saturday that Liam Callaghan and Tom Crosby would also be elected. While Cllr. Joe Murphy polled less than his brother Eugene did in 2014, he was favourite throughout the weekend to hold off Fine Gael’s Keith Suffin the battle for the sixth seat. And so it proved. John Cummins topped the poll with a phenomenal 2,124 votes, and while he clearly gained votes because of the decision of outgoing councillor Rachel Doherty not to run, it was nonetheless a superb vote and a powerful endorsement of Cummins’ status as a hard-working councillor. Valerie Byrne hit a career best with a massive 1,641 on first preferences, joining Cummins in being elected on the first count. Michael Mulligan (Sinn Féin) took the third seat, polling an excellent 1,431. Crosby (1,017) and Callaghan (1,000) were next on the first count and both destined for election. Fine Gael had two more runners, Keith Suffin on 622 and Andrew Reynolds on 584. Suffin stayed longest in the race as the various counts unfolded and there was ongoing speculation that he might have an outside chance of denying Joe Murphy. Meanwhile, Saijad Hussain, while ex-

pressing disappointment that his vote wasn’t higher, impressed observers with his first electoral outing, claiming 527 number ones. Aidan Sampey (Fianna Fáil) polled 491, which kept him out of the business end of things, while Independent candidate Mary O’Donnell attracted 119 number ones and was first to be eliminated. Ultimately Murphy had a good bit to spare over Suffin and the former was elected following the distribution of Andrew Reynolds’ transfers.

“

Sunday was a day of celebration for Joe Murphy too, with the Fianna Fáil man successful in his first campaign

boyle municipal area Electorate: 18037 Total Poll: 10560 Invalid Papers: 201 Valid Poll: 10359 Quota: 1480 SEATS: 6 First count Byrne, Valerie (IND) 1641 1000 Callaghan, Liam (FG) Crosby, Tom (IND) 1017 Cummins, John (FF) 2124 Hussain, Saj (IND) 527 Mulligan, Michael Patrick (SF) 1431 803 Murphy, Joe (FF) 119 O’Donnell, Mary (IND) 584 Reynolds, Andrew (FG) Sampey, Aidan (FF) 491 Suffin, Keith (FG) 622 Fianna Fáil candidate John Cummins and Independent candidate Valerie Byrne have been elected for Boyle on the first count. The surplus of John Cummins 644 vote will now be distributed

Second count

Fourth count

Sixth count

The distribution of the surplus of John Cummins (644 votes). Callaghan, Liam (FG) 1000 +66 1066 Crosby, Tom (IND) 1017 + 37 1054 Hussain, Saj (IND) 527 +25 552 Mulligan, Michael Patrick (SF) 1431 +46 1477 Murphy, Joe (FF) 803 +134 937 119 +18 137 O’Donnell, Mary (IND) Reynolds, Andrew (FG 584 +34 618 491 +63 554 Sampey, Aidan (FF) Suffin, Keith (FG) 622 +221 843 The surplus of Valerie Byrne 161 votes will now be distributed.

The distribution of the votes of Independent Mary O’Donnell (148 votes). Callaghan, Liam (FG) 1113 +1 1114 Crosby, Tom (IND) 1082 +27 1109 Hussain, Saj (IND) 562 +30 592 965 +5 970 Murphy, Joe (FF) Reynolds, Andrew (FG) 643 +9 652 Sampey, Aidan (FF) 56 +5 561 Suffin, Keith (FG) 851 +19 870 The 561 votes of eliminated Fianna Fail candidate Aidan Sampey will now be distributed.

The distribution of the votes of independent Saj Hussain’s (643 votes). Callaghan, Liam (FG 1286 +86 1372 Crosby, Tom (IND) 1139 +104 1243 Murphy, Joe (FF) 1076 +37 1113 Reynolds, Andrew (FG) 665 +38 703 Suffin, Keith (FG) 897 +58 955 The 703 votes of eliminated Independent candidate Andrew Reynolds will now be distributed

Fifth count

The distribution of the votes of independent Andrew Reynolds (703). Callaghan, Liam (FG) 1372 +154 1526 Crosby, Tom (IND) 1243 +178 1421 Murphy, Joe (FF) 1139 +115 1220 Suffin, Keith (FG) 955 +121 1076 Liam Callaghan has reached the quota and is elected, followed by Tom Crosby and Joe Murphy.

Third count Fallon, Laurence (Ind) (+13) The distribution of the surplus of Valerie Byrne (161 votes). Callaghan, Liam (FG) 1066 +47 1113 Crosby, Tom (IND) 1054 +28 1082 Hussain, Saj (IND) 552 +10 562 Mulligan, Michael Patrick (SF) 1477 +12 1489 937 +28 965 Murphy, Joe (FF) O’Donnell, Mary (IND) 137 +11 148 Reynolds, Andrew (FG) 618 +25 643 Sampey, Aidan (FF) 554 +2 556 Suffin, Keith (FG) 843 +8 851 Michael Patrick Mulligan of Sinn Féin has been deemed elected – with a surplus of nine votes. As it would not make a material difference, the 148 votes of eliminated independent candidate Mary O’Donnell will now be distributed.

The distribution of the votes of Fianna Fail’s Aidan Sampey (561 votes). Callaghan, Liam (FG) 1114 +172 1286 Crosby, Tom (IND) 1109 +30 1139 Hussain, Saj (IND) 592 +51 643 Murphy, Joe (FF) 970 +106 1076 Reynolds, Andrew (FG) 652 +13 665 Suffin, Keith (FG) 870 +27 897 The 643 votes of eliminated Independent candidate Saj Hussain will now be distributed

Seventh and final count

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ELECTION 2019

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Tom Crosby’s triumphant return after a ﬁve-year hiatus  DAN DOONER

Cllr. Tom Crosby pictured with his grandson, Niall. Picture: Michelle Hughes Walsh.

BOYLE MUNICIPAL AREA

Tom Crosby made a triumphant return to Roscommon County Council last Sunday. The Tarmonbarry Independent candidate polled 1,017 first preference seats to take the fifth seat in Boyle, having lost out five years ago. “I’ve been elected by five different county councils in the past but to have returned after five years is very, very difficult in my area. I live, as you know, in Tarmonbarry on the border

of Longford. At the re-drawing of the constituency not alone could I not get a vote from Longford, but it took away the vote from the south of me as well. I was in a corner there and I was fighting against bigger towns like Boyle and Ballaghaderreen that would have a multiple of our electorate. “I feel it’s a great achievement and I’d like to take the opportunity to first of all thank my wife Pauline and my girls and their families and extended family and of course the electorate

who came out and gave me such a vote…every single box I picked up votes and I think that says a lot. “In my own area I picked up 70% of the vote and in the neighbouring village of Rooskey I did likewise and I think that speaks volumes. At the end of the day, it’s the people locally that know you and it’s an honour for me to pick up such a vote. “I don’t want to leave out my team who have worked tirelessly canvassing on my

behalf and assisting me in the campaign and also putting up posters. “It’s a great day and I’m looking forward to working with the members on the county council and the staff in the best interests of the entire electoral area and indeed the county. I have been Mayor of the county in the past for three different periods. I have the experience both politically and from a business point of view and I will continue to put that to use in relation to the area and the county,” he said.

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ELECTION 2019

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Cummins coasts home in Boyle!  DAN DOONER

Sitting Fianna Fáil councillor, John Cummins, stormed home in the Boyle area with a whopping 2,124 first preference votes. The 20-year council veteran was delighted with the return which he said was reward for putting local communities first. “I’m absolutely delighted, I’m over the moon I got such a vote. When you get over 2,000 votes in a local election it’s very impressive and I’m very, very happy with that. “I’d put it down to a couple of things: number one, I’ve been a councillor for twenty years and

I’ve built up a good relationship with the community. I would be very much a community person. My election technique, my campaigning technique and my working technique wouldn’t have changed in twenty years. I’d be very much a person who calls to people’s houses, deals with local communities on the ground and then goes to Roscommon or the local area offices and tries to get the situations addressed. That’s the way I’ve operated for twenty years, the people know that and they respect me for it and that’s why when I went canvassing this time I got such a good reception”.

Cllr. John Cummins celebrates his election victory with Cllrs. Paschal Fitzmaurice and Cllr. John Keogh.

Cllr. Cummins said that the two main issues that that were raised in towns and villages were rates for businesses and the practise of people speeding through housing estates and speeding through towns. “Out the country (the main issue is) broadband. I’m not an expert on broadband. I hope what’s being proposed works out for people because the people need something. People need something to be able to communicate better than what we are at the moment. Everybody needs broadband at the moment…much better than the facilities we have. They’re the three main issues,” he said. Cllr. Cummins believes the electorate voted for both the party and the individual in his case. “There’s a mixture. The vote I got would be a party vote but it was also a personal vote that I get from people from all political creeds. They vote for me on a local basis. “A man came to me the other day and said ‘Cummins I always vote for you but don’t come near me at a General Election!’ A local election is just that. People vote locally and you can see that in the transfers today: people are voting very parochial. They vote across all the parties in their local area,” he said before switching his focus to a new term, where he sees job creation as a priority.

Brothers Joe, John and Eugene Murphy pictured after Cllr. Joe Murphy was re-elected at the Hyde Centre, Roscommon last weekend. Picture: Michelle Hughes Walsh.

Postman Joe delivers in Boyle! An Post worker, Joe Murphy was co-opted onto Roscommon County Council in 2016 following his brother Eugene’s election to Dáil Éireann. This time around Joe took the sixth seat in the Boyle area for Fianna Fáil, having polled 803 first preference votes. He pumped the air in delight as he was held aloft in the Hyde Centre last Sunday. “None of it would have been possible without the help of all the people, whether it was family, my director of elections, all the people who canvassed with me or even the people who collected my kids from school. I got my mandate but I wouldn’t have got it without the help of those people. “I do things quietly, I’m just that sort of person”. On his no-poster campaign, he said he was

happy to help on the environment and prevent litter. Housing, rural crime, broadband, and rural investment were some of the issues raised on the doors with Cllr. Murphy while he also described Direct Provision as the “wrong system” in light of the controversy surrounding the Shannon Key West Hotel in Rooskey earlier in the year. Not surprisingly, Cllr. Murphy was unhappy with recent rural post office closures and described them as “more than just a business” and highlighted the social aspect which helps to stave off rural isolation. The Fianna Fáil councillor thanked the staff at the Hyde Centre and particularly Returning Officer, Shane Tiernan and security staff before joining his brother and the rest of the Murphy family to celebrate yet another political success.

Callaghan: ‘This is for my brother Gerry’  DAN DOONER

Having lost out in 2014 before being co-opted onto the Council due to Maura Hopkins’ election to the Seanad, Fine Gael councillor Liam Callaghan was pleased to be given a new mandate by the Boyle electorate. He polled 1,000 first preference votes but was made to wait until the seventh count to confirm his election. Cllr. Callaghan said he felt the pressure due to losing out in 2014 and he also paid an emotional tribute to his late brother Gerry, who passed away in 2017. “I brought a lot of pressure into this campaign because I had lost the seat in 2014, so I needed to get back and every day you go out you’re wondering was your popularity back to where it should be. I found that people were responding well to me on the doorstep. “My brother Gerry passed away a year and a half ago and since I

went into politics he was a main driver behind me from 2009 and 2014 and being co-opted in 2016. So this is for him and my brother Ollie and my whole family,” he said. “It’s a tough area because there are three towns in strategic parts – Ballaghaderreen, Strokestown and Boyle. Unfortunately I’m not resident in any of those so I’m going through a hugely rural area and also trying to connect with the town votes. “I was always up against it so it was important to poll well in my own areas and try and pick up the necessary votes in those different areas. I did that in Strokestown and Ballaghaderreen and with Keith Suffin and Andrew Reynolds I think we ran a great, balanced campaign. I want to thank my own campaign team for the tremendous support they gave me throughout the whole election and I can’t thank them enough,” he said.

A happy Cllr. Liam Callaghan with Gary Stephens and Cllr. John Naughten

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ELECTION 2019

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Michael eyeing 20-year milestone!  DAN DOONER

Sinn Féin councillor Michael Mulligan was delighted to win another five-year term with 1,431 first preference votes in the Boyle area. He praised his campaign team and looked forward to completing twenty years’ service as a Roscommon county councillor. “We put in a very good campaign and I had a brilliant campaign team out, absolutely brilliant workers and we knocked at every single door we could. (I had) a great campaign manager and agent, I couldn’t have had better and I want to thank them wholeheartedly for the work they put in behind the scenes. “I’m absolutely jiggered but this was well worth it and I’m delighted to be here to take this for another five years. You know, I’m not getting any younger I suppose. I might go again and I mightn’t go again but I’m absolutely de- Cllr. Michael Mulligan celebrates his election victory with supporters, family members and friends. lighted and looking forward to the next five Picture: Mick McCormack.. years,” he said. The Ballaghaderreen councillor said that the ground. I’ll do the twenty. If you can do something while headline grabbing political achievements “Quite obviously, they (the electorate in that changes a person’s life or helps them out weren’t always possible in the Boyle area, the Boyle) keep putting me back there time and it means a lot to them. Make life easier for peolocal people had recognised his hard work on time again. I’m there fifteen years now and ple and they’ll look after you,” he said.

Emotional weekend for Valerie Elphin Independent councillor Valerie Byrne’s reelection in the Boyle electoral area was tinged with sadness following the death of her mother Mai Neary on Friday last at the age of 99. The HAC candidate reached the quota on the first count with 1,641 first preference votes. Understandably, Cllr. Byrne was not present at the Hyde Centre but she said she wanted to thank everyone for the kind messages of support she had received. “One only has one mother and I am very sad that she is gone. I want to thank all of the people who voted for me, and who trusted me to carry on representing them. It has been a great honour and I’m especially grateful to the team behind me who ensured I retained my seat. “I also want to congratulate all those who have been elected to the council and commiserate with those who were unsuccessful,” she said.

Sajjad values the positives Independent candidate in the Boyle LEA, Sajjad Hussain, was in philosophical mood following last weekend’s count at the Hyde Centre. The Ballaghadderreen businessman, who originally hails from Pakistan, polled 527 first preference votes in what was his first local election. “It’s my first time and I worked hard for three and a half months on the road – I did my best! I was expecting a few more votes in a few places, and I was promised more, but the good thing is I got votes from every area; I was getting votes from Carrick, Cootehall and Rooskey, not just in Ballaghaderreen. It was good that I got that respect from all those different places. “It has encouraged me and it has been a great experience because I got to meet with people. Obviously there were ups and downs but it was a great experience. I was happy with the way things went. I had nothing to lose; I just tried my level best and then I left it to the people. They voted and as I said the love from all over the constituency encourages me,” he said.

THANK YOU I WOULD LIKE TO THANK EVERYBODY WHO HELPED AND SUPPORTED ME IN MY RECENT ELECTION TO ROSCOMMON CO. COUNCIL. Thanks to everybody who came out and voted for me and to everybody we met throughout the campaign for your kindness and time. A special word of thanks to my family and friends for your continued loyal support. Finally to my entire election campaign team canvassers, those who put up posters, advisers, social and local media and anybody who helped in any way my deepest gratitude to you all. It is my intention and honour to represent you to the best of my ability ility over the next five years on Roscommon Co. Council.

Cllr Liam Callaghan M.: 086 3325839 E. cllrlcallaghan@roscommoncoco.ie

I wish to thank everyone who voted No. 1 for me or supported me with a high preference vote. I am extremely grateful to my campaign team, canvassers, and my family for their incredible support.

I look forward to continuing my work with you and the community in County Roscommon.

Thank yyou..

Andrew Reynolds pictured with supporters at the Hyde Centre. Picture: Mick McCormack.

Reynolds wants less talk, more action!  DAN DOONER

While he failed to get elected, Fine Gael candidate Andrew Reynolds was satisfied with his vote, which included 584 first preferences. He did however question whether there was a genuine hunger for change among the local electorate. “As far as I’m concerned it’s a respectable vote, it’s a good starting vote. I did everything in my power (to get elected), we had a big team out and we did everything we could. But we’re surrounded by very strong, old candidates. “It does bring up a question though: people keep going on about change and new candidates, but it’s impossible to get the support. People are stuck in their ways”. The Rooskey businessman said he would continue to

work for the party in his local community. “This is absolutely not the end. If you were to ask me ten weeks ago before the canvass kicked off, I would have doubted whether I was going to run and I would’ve doubted whether I ever wanted to see politics again. After getting out on the canvass, without doubt it was the most rewarding, most fulfilling experience of my entire life. I met some of the most amazing, fantastic people over the last six weeks. I made some new friends for life. “There are people out there that put their shoulders to the wheel and genuinely wanted to get me elected and for those people and any of the people who gave me first preference I will represent them in an unelected capacity. What people need to realise is that, elected or unelected,

there is so much that we can do for each other. I will be keeping on my position as a local area representative for Fine Gael”.

Dedicated Constituency Office: GOFF STREET, ROSCOMMON TOWN

x090 6634925 or 087 2819918 xcllroleyden@roscommoncoco.ie @orlaleyden

MICHAEL

MULLIGAN BOYLE LEA

Thank you to allthe Pe Standing with the voters, the loyal Ar sonand antoPhoba supporters my dedicated campaign team in the recent Local Elections The Square, Ballaghaderreen

Contact me on (087) 7799781

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Election 2019

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Cllr. Donal Kilduff pictured after he was elected in the Athlone Municipal area. He is pictured enjoying celebrations with supporters, family and friends at The Hyde Centre. Picture: Michelle Hughes Walsh.

Kilduff denies FF as Athlone elects four Independents ANALYSIS

Paul Healy The Athlone (South Roscommon) Local Electoral Area returned a remarkable four Independents in Friday’s election, with Fianna Fáil’s confident expectation of taking at least two seats ultimately dashed by first-time candidate Donal Kilduff’s strong showing. It was a memorable ‘Independents’ Day’ in the south of the county, with

typically barnstorming performances by Tony Ward and Ivan Connaughton, Laurence Fallon getting across the line after a jittery start…and Donal Kilduff succeeding his father (Paddy) on the Council after an impressive electoral debut. That meant that four of the six available seats went to Independent candidates. Fine Gael’s John Naughten retained his seat in great style and John Keogh was comfortably returned for Fianna Fáil. There was disappointment however for Fianna Fáil with Malachy

Hand and Seamus Kelly both losing in the battle for the final two seats. Neither Ger Grehan, Naughten’s running mate for Fine Gael, or Joe Harney of Sinn Fein attracted sufficient number ones to put them into contention for a seat. Independent candidate Derek McCabe polled just 66 number ones. Tony Ward topped the poll once again, improving on his 2014 showing. Ward amassed a first preference vote of 1,864 on this occasion, another stunning showing by the Curraghboy

man. Ivan Connaughton, who quit Fianna Fáil last December, polled a massive 1,591 in his first outing as an Independent. John Naughten (Fine Gael) had 1,465 on the first count. It means that Ward, Connaughton and Naughten had all reached the quota, all three being elected on the first count. Keogh (with a first count total of 1,010) took the fourth seat some time later, leaving a four-way battle for the remaining two seats. There was some speculation on Sarturday (day one of the count) that Cllr.

Laurence Fallon could have a battle on his hands. His first preference vote was down on 2014, but Fallon proved to be transfer-friendly and took the fifth seat with comfort. Fianna Fáil harboured hopes throughout the weekend that one of their remaining candidates – most eyes were on Seamus Kelly – would take a second seat for the party. However, Donal Kilduff (879 on first count) had enough to spare and he was eventually elected following the elimination of Malachy Hand.

Athlone municipal area Electorate: 15,168 Total poll: 10,021 Invalid votes: 138 Valid votes: 9,883 Quota: 1,412 Seats: 6

Second count

First count Quota: 1,412 Connaughton, Ivan (Ind) Fallon, Laurence (Ind) Grehan, Ger (FG) Hand, Malachy (FF) Harney, Joe (SF) Kelly, Seamus (FF) Keogh, John (FF) Kilduff, Donal (Ind) McCabe, Derek (Ind) Naughten, John (FG) Ward, Tony (Ind)

1,591 815 447 663 379 704 1,010 879 66 1,465 1,864

Fallon, Laurence (Ind) (+113) Grehan, Ger (FG) (+22) Hand, Malachy (FF) (+89) Harney, Joe (SF) (+26) Kelly, Seamus (FF) (+30) Keogh, John (FF) (+86) Kilduff, Donal (Ind) (+76) (+10) McCabe, Derek (Ind) Non-transferable votes not effective: 0

928 469 752 405 734 1096 955 76

Third count Fallon, Laurence (Ind) (+13) Grehan, Ger (FG) (+2) Hand, Malachy (FF) (+4) Harney, Joe (SF) (+5) Kelly, Seamus (FF) (+3) Keogh, John (FF) (+6) Kilduff, Donal (Ind) (+17) 9 Non-transferable votes: 26

941 471 756 410 737 1,102 72

Fourth count

Sixth count

Fallon, Laurence (Ind) (+80) 1,021 Grehan, Ger (FG) (+8) 479 Hand, Malachy (FF) (+24) 780 Harney, Joe (SF) (+6) 416 (+13) 750 Kelly, Seamus (FF) Keogh, John (FF) (+18) 1,120 Kilduff, Donal (Ind) (+30) 1,002 Non-transferable votes: 0 Harney has been eliminated, and his 416 votes are now to be redistributed.

Fallon, Laurence (Ind) (+96) 1,159 Hand, Malachy (FF) (+42) 846 Kelly, Seamus (FF) (+167) 935 Keogh, John (FF) (+65) 1,262 Kilduff, Donal (Ind) (+36) 1,134 Non-transferable votes: 90 Hand has been eliminated and his 846 votes will now be redistributed.

Fifth count

Fallon, Laurence (Ind) (+148) 1,307 Kelly, Seamus (FF) (+123) 1,058 Keogh, John (FF) (+221) 1,483 Kilduff, Donal (Ind) (+130) 1,264 Non-transferable votes: 224 John Keogh is elected having exceeded the quota of 1,412, and Laurence Fallon and Donal Kilduff are deemed elected without reaching the quota. Seamus Kelly misses out on election.

Fallon, Laurence (Ind) (+42) 1,063 Grehan, Ger (FG) (+17) 496 Hand, Malachy (FF) (+24) 804 Kelly, Seamus (FF) (+18) 768 Keogh, John (FF) (+ 77) 1,197 Kilduff, Donal (Ind) (+96) 1,098 Non-transferable votes: 142 Grehan has been eliminated and his 496 votes will now be redistributed.

Seventh and final count

Roscommon People Friday 31 May 2019

ELECTION 2019 Ivan: Deputy Fitzmaurice gave me renewed hope! Best for election exclusives, analysis and comment…the poll-topping People!

 DAN DOONER

The fact that sitting Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Ivan Connaughton, was contesting his first election as an Independent candidate in the Athlone LEA was never likely to hamper him and as expected, he was returned on the first count with 1,591 first preference votes. “I got elected five years ago to represent the people and I went out to represent community groups and individuals. One thing you won’t see from me is spouting about or roaring and shouting about work. I like to do things quietly and confidentially because that’s the nature of the game that I’m in. “Basically you go out and you represent the people and if they ask you to do something you do your level best, and if you can’t do it you tell them it can’t be done, rather than sitting on the fence. That’s where politics has gone wrong in the past,” he said. Cllr. Connaughton credited Inde-

pendent TD Michael Fitzmaurice with recharging his political spark after he had decided to bow out due to his disillusionment with his former party, Fianna Fáil. “I wasn’t going to contest the elections at all because of my dissatisfaction with Fianna Fáil but Michael Fitzmaurice encouraged me to go because he wanted a representative in south Roscommon. I’ve been working with Michael for the last six months and he gave me renewed vision and a small bit of hope that there’s life in politics and in politicians,” he said. Cllr. Connaughton ruled out a run in the next General Election, instead pledging his support for Deputy Fitzmaurice. “I’ll be supporting Michael Fitzmaurice in the next General Election and I made that very clear on the doors. He needs a representative on the ground and he’ll have a man on the ground to work with him. We have a good arrangement, there’s no contract signed or anything, it’s mutually beneficial”.

ATHLONE MUNICIPAL AREA

Hand satisﬁed with ﬁrst campaign

Cllr. Ivan Connaughton celebrates with supporters, family members and friends after being re-elected on the first count last weekend. Picture: Michelle Hughes Walsh.

24-year-old first-time Fianna Fáil candidate, Malachy Hand, polled a credible 663 first preference votes in the hard-fought Athlone electoral area. He said he was happy with his campaign and assured the electorate that this was just the beginning. “At 24-years-old, I was the youngest candidate to run in this year’s elections by a mile. I ran a very good campaign and I’m delighted with that. I want to thank all the people who supported me and placed their trust in me. There’s nothing wrong with getting over 600 first preference votes and I really enjoyed the campaign and would do it all over again. “I feel I worked well with my colleagues, John Keogh and Seamus Kelly, and we did get a good vote out there. Maybe geographically questions remain regarding whether we were all well placed together and questions remain regarding the number of candidates also. “I’ll continue to work within my remit as a local area representative”.

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ELECTION 2019

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Naughten back – with a bigger vote!  DAN DOONER

Fine Gael councillor John Naughten was elected for the fourth time in the Athlone LEA having polled 1,465 first preference votes, up from 1,271 in 2014. Reacting to his re-election following the first count, Cllr. Naughten said: “I’ve worked continuously over the last fifteen years and the people of south Roscommon have endorsed me again and increased my vote by over 200 votes. I had an excellent team out behind me over the three months of the campaign and we got every vote possible on the day and I’m delighted over that,” he said. While it was a difficult day overall for his party, Cllr. Naughten believes progress has been made since 2014. “Overall, certainly from five years ago, there were a lot more positives on the ground. We had

the announcement of the delivery of broadband. “Also there has been a lot of investment, particularly in community facilities over the last number of years throughout the county and the country as a whole. There’s been a lot of investment into that element of it and the economy is improving. People are seeing that and the benefits of that and particularly in my own area around Athlone, there is employment there and that is reflected in my vote,” he said. Cllr. Naughten was happy to enjoy this latest victory surrounded by family members including his brother, Independent TD Denis Naughten. “I’m delighted to have my family here. I think there are a lot of sacrifices made by family members when a person is involved in politics – there is a lot of work done out of hours and you’re gone from home a good bit. There are sacrifices and that’s not really seen (by the electorate) but I certainly appreciate the support I get and without that I couldn’t continue”.

Cllr. John Naughten was re-elected in the Athlone Municipal area. He is pictured enjoying celebrations with supporters, family and friends at The Hyde Centre. Pictures: Mick McCormack.

Fallon grateful he was transfer friendly!  DAN DOONER

Cllr. John Keogh was re-elected in the Athlone Municipal area. He is pictured enjoying celebrations with supporters, family and friends at The Hyde Centre. Picture: Michelle Hughes Walsh.

Keogh: Fianna Fáil must step up to the plate!  DAN DOONER

Fianna Fáil councillor John Keogh issued a rallying cry to his party after he was reelected with 1,010 first preference votes in the Athlone electoral area last Sunday. The Taughmaconnell native said it was time for the party “to step up to the plate” adding that the issue of Brexit had been a distraction for too long. “It’s high time, as far as I’m concerned, for Fianna Fáil to step up to the plate and start to address issues of major importance to the country. Health and housing are the two major issues and we are simply not stepping up. It’s time to focus on the national issues, Brexit has distracted the political classes in the country for far too long,” he said. Cllr. Keogh said he was “absolutely thrilled” to be elected once more by the people of south Roscommon and was particu-

larly pleased with tallies from Monksland Bealnamulla as well as his home parish and neighbouring Creagh, Moore and Drum. “I’ve increased my vote from 2014 which I’m very pleased with. Hopefully I’ll be able to represent the people to the best of my ability going forward. There’s a lot of work to be done in the entire area of south Roscommon,” he said. Cllr. Keogh highlighted the realignment of the road from Monksland to Clonakilla NS as well as safety concerns on the N61 between Athlone and Kiltoom. He also vowed to oppose the National Broadband Plan in its current guise. Despite being joined by Seamus Kelly and Malachy Hand in the Athlone area, Cllr. Keogh was the only Fianna Fáil candidate elected and he admitted that there would need to be an analysis of what went wrong.

It was a case of ‘all’s well that ends well’ for Cllr. Laurence Fallon as he held onto his seat in the Athlone electoral area having trailed initially with 815 first preference votes. “There was some concern certainly at the first count, it was a little shaky, but things began to settle down very quickly. The one thing we found was that while we probably didn’t get enough number ones, when we looked at the tallies we found I was going pretty strong on the number twos. I was doing better on the number twos from some Fianna Fáil candidates than their actual running mates. “I’m a long time around politics and a long time around rural Roscommon and I think that people probably see that I do something useful and that’s why I’m transfer friendly! There’s a perception that you’re doing something useful and they might have wanted to give you a number one but had to give it to someone else,” he said. Cllr. Fallon said it was only a matter of time before he felt the squeeze due to ‘political dynasties’ at play in his area. “When you live where I live with dynasties around me – and all pointing at me within three miles, it’s inevitable at some stage that you’ll get sliced! That’s what happened but I’m delighted to get elected and while I mightn’t have got enough number ones, the number twos more than made up for it,” he said. Cllr. Fallon did say that however that due to the nature of the work of a county councillor, parties would struggle to find suitable candidates. “More often than not local elections are about the individual fighting his corner and if his own man or woman gets in the way they have

to shoved a little bit as well. I don’t know if there was a lack of strategy in any party. The problem I see is that there are a lack of candidates in some parties. “Due to the difficulty of being a councillor from a working point of view, we have an awful lot of people that could make huge contributions to County Roscommon, who will not seek to be on the county council be-

cause they can’t afford to or they can’t devote the time to it. “We reduced the number of councillors from 26 to 18 and doubled the size of the areas and yet we’re expected to do the same thing. You’re therefore not getting enough candidates and you’re getting reluctant candidates and things like that. Unless that changes it’s devaluing the role of the county councillor,” he said.

Father and son... Cllr. Laurence Fallon pictured with his son, Michael. Picture: Michelle Hughes Walsh.

Roscommon People Friday 31 May 2019

ELECTION 2019 ‘Delighted the Kilduff name will continue on’

Best for election exclusives, analysis and comment…the poll-topping People!

 DAN DOONER

First-time Independent candidate Donal Kilduff polled 879 first preference votes and followed in his father’s footsteps as he was elected to Roscommon County Council on the seventh count in Athlone. The Glanduff native, who runs Kilduff Construction, said he was confident ahead of the count. “I had huge support from family, friends and neighbours but when I announced I was going the family were half vexed because they thought they were done with canvassing! But then they all came out of the woodwork and they really got behind me and friends, neighbours and colleagues got together and we canvassed a huge area. “I’ve put in many hard days’ work on building sites but canvassing is extraordinarily hard (laughs). It’s exhausting but it’s also a very positive experience. “I knew from the response I was getting on the doorstep that I was going to be there or thereabouts. It was extremely positive and there was loads of engagement. My father would be adept at crunching the numbers and gauging public opinion and he felt that I was definitely in the mix for a seat,” he said. Donal had campaigned on environmental issues among other things and felt he had benefitted from the ‘Green Wave’ and a recent push towards green candidates. “I think I did benefit from the ‘Green Wave’ because I decided I was doing this seven weeks ago and prior to that I had political life ruled out. One of the reasons was that I didn’t really feel that I had something to offer but when I saw kids out marching and the international movement towards green that really hooked my attention because I felt if that’s the way society is going then I can offer something. While it was a very proud day for the Kilduff family, Paddy Kilduff was conspicuous by his absence. He and wife Teresa had flown out that morning to Norway. “Last September, Paddy and Teresa were both 70 around the same time and the family got together and we got them a cruise to the Norwegian fjords

Cllr. Donal Kilduff goes through the potential ‘doubtful votes’ at the Hyde Centre last weekend. Picture: Mick McCormack.

and that was booked today so Paddy took off around lunchtime (laughs). “I’m very pleased for him. There’s clearly a very significant vote in that result for me that’s directly

due to Paddy’s work and his work ethic. There’s no doubt about that. I’m delighted that the Kilduff name is continuing in Roscommon County Council and I think Paddy deserves that.

“But I also think there is my own personal stamp in this election. I don’t think Paddy’s name in itself was sufficient to get me over the line so I had to bring something of myself to this”.

Ward makes gains ahead of fourth term  DAN DOONER

Cllr. Tony Ward celebrates his re-election victory with supporters, family members and friends. Picture: Mick McCormack..

Former Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council and sitting councillor Tony Ward, topped the poll in the Athlone area with 1,864 first preference votes, an increase from the 1,712 he received in 2014. He was looking forward to his new term and picking up where he left off. “I’m very happy to be back in and to continue the work I’ve been doing for the last fifteen years. A big thank you to the people who voted for me. A big thank you also to all of those people who canvassed for me. Some of those people have been canvassing with me for the last twenty years. Of course (thanks to) my own wife Nora and my family, they have always been very supportive. “I’m very happy to be back again in re-

lation to my term on Roscommon County Council. It was about doing a bit of work and making a difference for people. I have a mandate from the people and will be happy to serve again for five years,” he said. Cllr. Ward added that the Athlone area once again proved to be a challenge for candidates and that the 2024 campaign has already begun in earnest. “Everyone has to step up their game in Athlone. I would always say it’s a very, very competitive area. There are a lot of enthusiastic candidates and some young candidates but at the end of the day, I would always say the day you get elected that’s the day you start canvassing. If you do the work for the people the people will repay you at the ballot box and they have a chance to do that every five years”.

Roscommon People Friday 31 May 2019

ELECTION 2019

Best for election exclusives, analysis and comment…the poll-topping People!

THE FLOATING VOTER PAUL HEALY’S wry take on Election ’19 What they say on the doorsteps… Sinn Féin candidate in the Roscom- Ballintubber, there’s a good lot of mon area, Seamus O’Brien felt that votes there and some are votes that he was promised votes on the door- I would have got”. step which were never quite deliv“It was a good campaign, a quiet ered! campaign. I’m glad we’re all out the He polled 463 first preference votes other side and still alive!” before being eliminated on the third count. Mr. O’Brien said that it had been a “very educational trip” but one lesson he had learned was to never believe what you hear on the door! That’s as far as I’ll go there. For the amount of community work (he does) and that you’d be thinking is it worth it? Now, put it this way: in five or ten years’ time I’ll be here again. We’ll keep going!” He felt that Tony Waldron’s successful campaign impacted on his own vote in some areas. Sinn Féin candidate in the Roscommon “There was the Waldron effect in area, Seamus O’Brien

Pictured at the Hyde Centre during the weekend. Picture: Mick McCormack.

‘Easily led up garden path’

Domnick’s advice for Fine Gael … He may have suffered the disappointment of losing his seat, but outgoing councillor Domnick Connolly was philosophical about it all when he arrived at the count centre on Sunday. Domnick was in typically good humour and despite his defeat he chatted and joked with count attendees of all political persuasions. Now an Independent, he was asked about the party he left over the Roscommon Hospital controversy. He offered this assessment: “Fine Gael will have to sit down and rethink the whole thing over again. They have a lot of soul-searching to do to try and recover the ground they’ve lost. “In fairness to Gerry Coffey (Roscommon LEA candidate), he put up great show. He was nearly 30 miles away from Tarmonbarry and was too far away

Domnick Connolly

to pick up a Fine Gael vote. Those Fine Gael people didn’t have a candidate to vote for and I’d say some voted for me and others went for Independents and some went to Fianna Fáil as well,” he said before predicting another election this year”.

Independent local election candidate, Sajjad Hussain, took time out to pray at Dr. Hyde Park during the election count.

Independent candidate, John Groarke hit out at the Irish electorate for voting for the same parties time and time again. Mr. Groarke said the Irish people are very easily taken for a walk up the garden path. “Look at the way they’re voting for Fianna Fáil now and it’s not long since they sunk the country. Fine Gael and Labour were backing in them for years and never cried foul. On polling day they should be hitting them hard but they’re putting them on a pedestal again,” he said. The Tulsk farmer, who took just 76 first preference votes in the Roscommon LEA said he may have been wrong not to talk to the Green Party because “that’s the way I think also”. He said he will be available to talk to them in the future, “if they want me”. – Dan Dooner

Fitz is on a roll…!  PAUL HEALY

Cllr. Ivan Connaughton and Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice.

Just now, Michael Fitzmaurice is virtually controlling the political landscape in Roscommon/Galway. He’s like a footballer who’s in the form of his life! ‘Fitz’ burst on to the scene in recent years, winning the 2014 Roscommon-South Leitrim by-election, then being returned to the Dail in Roscommon/Galway constituency in 2016.

In the years since, he’s had a massive profile as a ‘Man of the people’ – a rural champion – and what must be worrying all his prospective election opponents is the reality that the ‘Fitz factor’ is getting bigger and bigger! If the man with the Midas touch is a sort of political Batman just now, then his trusty ‘Robin’ is surely Marty Ward, key strategist and right-hand-man for Fitz. What will really be concentrating the

minds’ of the political parties and other Independents is Fitzmaurice’s simple but brilliant strategy of creating alliances with councillors/candidates. Already closely aligned with Independent councillors Ivan Connaughton and Nigel Dineen in Roscommon, Fitzmaurice also backed Declan Geraghty, a candidate in the Ballinasloe LEA in Galway last weekend. All three were elected – reinforcing Fitzmaurice’s status.

Roscommon People Friday 31 May 2019

PropertyPeople PROPERTY PARTNERS

PRSA No. 001481

EARLEY

Interest was strong with significant pre-auction viewings. After a brisk bidding contest approx. 24.15 aces with sheds sold for €195,000 while approx. 18.44 acres of lands with lake frontage sold for €120,000. The residence was withdrawn at €55,000 and was subsequently sold for a higher price. Solicitor with carriage of sale was Maria McCahill & Co, Stonecourt, Roscommon. The 2nd property comprised

of approx. 29.01 acres of lands located at Treanacreeve, Scramogue, Co. Roscommon. A well located plot of grounds set out in one lot, it was eventually sold for €145,000. Solicitor with carriage of sale was Jennifer Liddy, Messers Liddy Neilan & Co., Roscommon. John Earley (FIPAV) who conducted the auction reported: “We experienced very strong interest in all lots pre-auction and witnessed very competitive

bidding on the auction floor. All properties sold for satisfactory prices and I am pleased to say that we had a 100% success rate. We now require similar properties for the extensive list of underbidders who registered for the auction”. For further details or a free appraisal of your property contact Property Partners Earley, Roscommon on 090-6626579, email jearley@propertypartners.ie or log on to www.propertypartners.ie.

All offers over €60,000 invited for prime Strokestown bungalow

A prime residential holding of lands containing approx. 16.35 acres on which stands an imposing 4 B/R dormer style residence of approx. 1,890 sq.ft. BER: C1. The said lands are set out on opposite sides of the roadway and contains some of the best fertile and productive agricultural grounds and lands rich in flora and eligible for biodiversity grant aid. Standing to the side of the said residence is an all weather floodlit wood chip surfaced equestrian manège. Altogether this is a quality property to come on the market in a peaceful countryside setting and the auctioneers now invite immediate viewings and final offers to sell. Legal: Thoma Queally, Messers Michael F Butler & Co, Longford. 043 33 41118.

8 CHESTNUT GROVE, TULSK, CO. ROSCOMMON, F45 DP29

A PRIMELY LOCATED 4 B/R SEMI-DETACHED RESIDENCE OF APPROX. 1,427 SQ.FT

David Diffley (MIPAV, TRV) of Property Partners Earley is this week inviting all offers after €60,000 for a primely located two-bedroomed bungalow residence located at Farnbeg, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon. David describes the property as “a most attractive twobedroomed semi-detached bungalow residence of c. 600 sq.ft. primely located beside the town of Strokestown and all amenities. “The said property has the benefit of a substantial rear garden area of c. 0.43 of an acre with side access from the main road. A property in need of some modernisation which would make an ideal investment property due size and location beside Strokestown”. The auctioneers now invite immediate viewings and all offers after €60,000 to sell. BER: F. For further details or to arrange a viewing, please contact David Diffley (MIPAV, TRV) of Property Partners Earley, Stone Court, The Square, Roscommon on 0906626579 or email ddiffley@propertypartners.ie.

Price Guide: €95,000 ono to sell. A quality 4 B/R semi-detached residence located in the attractive Chestnut Grove development and within walking distance of Tulsk Village and all local amenities. The said property is presented for sale in excellent condition throughout and offers spacious living accommodation together with a generous rear garden area. The auctioneers now invite immediate viewings and all offers to sell. BER: D1.

“MOUNT PROSPECT LODGE”, GOLF LINKS ROAD, ROSCOMMON TOWN F42 E179

Launch of Hillview development Property Partners Earley, Roscommon are pleased to advise of the very successful launch of the Hillview development in Ballinlough, Co. Roscommon which took place on Saturday last. John Earley commented: “We enjoyed a hugely successful launch of remainder of this exclusive development on Saturday last with a large crowd in attendance and where we successfully agreed the sale of four of the seven properties on the day. Viewers were hugely impressed with the quality and spacious living accommodation of each of the properties which are block built. Remaining are only one detached dormer residence and two bungalows with prices starting from only

€98,500”. Showhouse viewings are by appointment only and in order to secure a property, early booking is advised. John further commented: “The success of this launch is testament to the quality and value for money of these fine properties. As a detached and entirely block-built development located on the edge of Ballinlough village, the remaining properties should not last long and we now welcome all enquiries and viewings”. For further details, please contact John Earley (FIPAV) or David Diffley (MIPAV, TRV) of Property Partners Earley, Roscommon on 090-6626579 or email jearley@ propertypartners.ie.

N M TO EW AR TH KE E T

Property Partners Earley, Roscommon are pleased to report on the very successful multi-lot public auction that they conducted on Thursday last in the Percy French Hotel in Strokestown when two prime Roscommon properties went under the hammer. A prime residential holding of lands containing approx. 44.39 acres located at Rooaun, Kilglass, Co. Roscommon was the top performer of the day and sold in 3 lots.

A QUALITY RESIDENTIAL HOLDING OF LANDS CONTAINING APPROX. 16.35 ACRES Final offers after €200,000 to sell.

NE W M TO AR T KE HE T

Clean sweep at auction for Earley’s as two farms sold

O FIN IN FFE AL VI R TE S D

COGGALKEENAGH, STROKESTOWN, CO. ROSCOMMON

A BEAUTIFUL 3 B/R BUNGALOW RESIDENCE OF APPROX 1,900 SQ.FT STANDING ON A LANDSCAPED SITE AREA OF APPROX. 1.4 ACRES A most impressive 3 B/R bungalow residence situated in one of Roscommon’s most sought after residential locations overlooking Roscommon Golf Club. This quality property stands on a wonderfully mature and private site area of approx. 1.4 acres and can be sold in one or more lots should market interest dictate set out as follows: Residence standing on say approx 0.5 of an acre. Residence standing on say approx 1.4 acres. Boasting spacious living accommodation throughout, this quality property must be viewed to be fully appreciated. The auctioneers now invite immediate viewings and offers to sell. BER: D3.

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 31 May 2019

PropertyPeople

NEW TO THE MARKET

12 FORGE HILL, STROKESTOWN, ROSCOMMON F42HP30 QUALITY 4 BED SEMI-DETACHED TWO STOREY SITUATED IN A SMALL RESIDENTIAL ESTATE

Offers now invited. AMV: €135,000

LEAM, BOYLE, ROSCOMMON F52TY01 IMPRESSIVE 3 BEDROOM DORMER BUNGALOW ON A LARGE 1 ACRE SITE

AMV: €175,000. Enquiries now invited.

Superb residence within walking distance of Roscommon Town Seamus Carthy is delighted to bring to the market a superb four/fivebedroomed detached family home in close proximity to Roscommon town. The residence is set on a large corner site with mature hedging situated to the front of the Glenview residential estate. It is situated in a highly sought-after area in Roscommon town and within walking distance from all amenities such as supermarkets, schools, train station etc. The residence is presented in excellent condition both internally and externally. Number 3, Glenview is a substantial home on approximately 1,650 sq. ft. and comprises of living room, open plan kitchen/dining area, bedroom/ office/playroom, conservatory, utility, WC, four bedrooms with one ensuite and family bathroom. This is an ideal family home located in Roscommon town. This property is of very high quality and viewing comes strongly recommended by Seamus. This property is excellent value for money and offers are now invited for immediate sale with a guide price of €200,000. For viewings or more information, contact REA Seamus Carthy today 090-6630001 or info@reacarthy.ie.

TOBERELVA, CASTLEPLUNKETT, ROSCOMMON F45W974

Ballybride, Roscommon

Magniﬁcent ﬁvebedroomed property at Ballybride, Roscommon A magnificent five-bedroomed (three ensuite) property situated on a large landscaped site area located c. 1.5 miles from Roscommon town centre (at Ballybride) has come on to the market with Oates Auctioneers. This property, located in a highly sought after residential area, boasts an exceptional finish throughout, with no expense spared. This property offers entrance hallway, open plan kitchen/dining area, utility with WC, living room,

three large bedrooms on ground floor (master ensuite) and a family bathroom. There are a further two large ensuite bedrooms on first floor, both with walk-in wardrobes. All offers above €285,000 are invited with a view to sale. For details, contact Oates Auctioneers (Roscommon) Ltd., Church Street, Roscommon town, Co. Roscommon. Tel: 090-6627878. Email: info@ oates.ie/see www.oates.ie

PSRA Licence No. 001350

QUALITY 4 BEDROOM TRADITIONAL COUNTRY HOME WITH DETACHED OUTBUILDINGS ON A 0.7 ACRE SITE

AMV: €125,000. Quick sale required. Offers now invited

●

Property Sales Lettings Valuations ●

●

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

www.connaughtonauctioneers.ie

PUBLIC AUCTION

NEW TO THE MARKET

4th JULY 2019

Three Bedroom Bungalow Residence at

at FALLONS BAR, DYSART at 4pm

AGHAGOWER, CASTLECOOTE CO. ROSCOMMON F42 D363

Glenview residential estate

GURTEEN, WILLIAMSTOWN, CO. GALWAY NEWLY REFURBISHED 3 BED BUNGALOW ON 18 ACRES OF LAND

Guide price: €230,000

Commercial unit in Ballyhaunis This week Hughes & Company are offering for sale at Knock Street, Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo a commercial unit with living accommodation. The property has huge development potential and is situated in a prominent location with a back entrance, leaving it suitable for further development, subject to planning permission being granted. For further details on all properties on offer with Pat Hughes & Company contact the office on 090-6627003 or email info@pathughesauctioneers.com

Talk to Pat…

ROSCOMMON TOWN T: 090 66 30001 • W: www.reacarthy.ie PSRA Licence No. 002782

Anyone thinking of buying or selling, contact Pat Hughes of Hughes & Co., Abbey Street, Roscommon. Let him advise you – his advice is free. For further details on all properties on offer with Pat Hughes & Company contact the office on 090-6627003 or email info@pathughesauctioneers.com

Residence on c. 38.15 Acres at

SHANBALLYLOSKY & COOLATOBER BALLYFORAN/ DYSART CO ROSCOMMON

• Lot 1: • Lot 2: • Lot 3: • Lot 4: • Lot 5: • Lot 6:

Residence on c. 0.85 Acres c. 13.81 Acres c. 5.85 Acres c. 8.82 Acres (Ballyforan Side) c. 8.82 Acres (Feevagh Side) Overall Property Residence on c. 38.15 Acres PUBLIC AUCTION 4th JULY

Contact the office on 090-6663700 for further details. Solicitor for Sale: Liddy Neilan Solicitors, Abbey St,, Roscommon. (090) 662 7498

• Very attractive three bedroom bungalow residence • In excellent condition located on the outskirts of the Tidy Town Award Winning Village of Castlecoote • The residence stands on c. 0.54 acres • With unrivalled views of the surrounding countryside. Viewing comes highly recommended To arrange a viewing contact the office on 090-6663700 Viewings at evenings, weekends and Bank Holidays also accommodated

Roscommon People Friday 31 May 2019

WeekendPeople Auctioneers & Valuers PRSA no. 001090 NO. 1 ABBEY ST., ROSCOMMON. TEL 090 66 27003. FAX 090 66 26296 EMAIL info@pathughesauctioneers.com Web: www.pathughesauctioneers.com

PSRA Licence No: 003201

NEW TO THE MARKET

NEW TO THE MARKET - FOR SALE

No. 3 Ballinagard Galway Road, Roscommon Town F42 D523

BALLINA, DYSART, CO. ROSCOMMON

Superb 5 bedroom residence located on a large mature site in an intimate development of only 7 houses. Situated just off the Galway Road and within walking distance of all town amenities, finished to a high standard with no expense spared, this fine family home comprises: Entrance hallway, Sitting room, Kitchen, Dining room, Office, 2 Bathrooms, Utility and 5 large Bedrooms, 2 of which are ensuite. Outside, large private garden with attractive patio overlooking large green area. Overall, this is a superb family home in a sought after residential area for which the Auctioneers invite viewings and offers. Price Region: €275,000 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NEW TO THE MARKET 12 Glenview, Galway Road, Roscommon Town F42 Y660 Spacious 4 bedroom semi detached residence located on the Galway Road within walking distance to Roscommon Town and all amenities. Accommodation includes entrance hallway with stairway to first floor and toilet with WHB off. Sitting room with bay window and French doors to open plan kitchen/dining room with utility off. First floor – 4 large bedrooms (Master ensuite) and family bathroom. Outside tarmac drive and spacious lawned gardens to front and rear. Price Region: €145,000. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NEW TO THE MARKET Milford, Creggs Co. Galway F42 TK74 Imposing 6 bedroom residence situated on a mature 0.5 acre site within walking distance to Creggs village. This quality property extends to an impressive 2000 square feet with large double garage to side. Mature trees surround this property together with cut stone walling and attractive entrance gates. Creggs Village is situated on the Roscommon / Galway border and is only 30 miles from Galway city. This property is within walking distance from all shops, schools, sports clubs and fields as well as pubs Price Region: €165,000

AT Ballyleague, Lanesboro, Co. Roscommon

Luxury bungalow near Ballyleague and Lanesboro This luxury four-bedroomed bungalow comes to the market in pristine condition in the ever-popular area of Ballyleague, Lanesboro, Co. Roscommon. It’s on the books of Ivan Connaughton Auctioneers. Lakewood is a one-off property with spectacular views of Lough Ree and the River Shannon from the rear. Nestled beautifully on a site of c. 0.32 acres with tarmacadamed driveway, manicured gardens, two patio areas, outdoor garden bar, playhouse and a host of exceptional features and outbuildings on site. This property is a must for viewing before being snapped from the market. Accommodation includes: entrance porch which leads into a nicely decorated reception hallway, generous-sized sitting room located off with open fire. The kitchen is located to the rear with fully fitted units and integrated appliances. Formal dining room with wooden flooring and sliding door into the large conservatory with views of the gardens and River Shannon. There is also an outdoor space with awning which runs along the side of the residence and adds to the overall available living space in this beautiful property. There are four bedrooms in all, with main bathroom and master bedroom ensuite. There is an adjoining garage (20’ x 10’) which has the potential for future conversion into residential accommodation. Viewing is highly recommended and strictly by appointment. Contact the office on 090-6663700 or info@connaughtonauctioneers.ie to arrange. Weekend, evening and bank holiday viewings available by prior arrangement.

An attractive 2 Bedroomed Bungalow on circa 1 acre site. The property is located less than 1 mile from Ballyforan Village and Dysart and conveniently located to Roscommon, Athlone and Ballinasloe. The Residence is finished to a high standard with accommodation consisting of a Sitting Room, Kitchen cum Dining Room, 2 Bedrooms and a Bathroom. The residence has the benefit of a garage to the rear. Viewing is highly recommended. For further details or to make an appointment to view contact the office on 09066 27003 or e-mail info@pathughesauctioneers.com

FINAL OFFERS Are now being accepted on a circa 55 acre Residential Farm Located at

BALLINCURRY, KILROOSKEY, CO. ROSCOMMON.

ER FINAL OFF

The lands, which are all of top quality are located approximately 5 miles from Roscommon Town. Pat is confirming that they are at an advanced stage of negotiations and are hopeful of concluding a sale in the coming days.

FOR SALE

NO. 56 THE SPINNEY, ABBEYTOWN, ROSCOMMON

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NEW TO THE MARKET Lisduff, Mount Talbot, Co. Roscommon F42 CY29 Attractive 4 bedroom bungalow presented for sale in excellent condition by it present owners. Situated in a quiet country setting 1 mile from the village of Athleague, and 6 miles from Roscommon Town. Mature landscaped grounds surround the property. Price Region: €145,000. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

****** WANTED WANTED WANTED ****** Bungalow residence in Roscommon town centre for cash client All queries dealt with in strictest confidence.

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

Large four-bedroomed two-storey residence on a circa one-acre site located less than a half a mile from the village of Tulsk

Large residence with development potential This week Hughes & Company are offering for sale at Tulsk, Co. Roscommon a large four-bedroomed two-storey residence on a circa one-acre site located less than a half a mile from the village of Tulsk. The residence is finished to a high standard and has huge development potential. There is a large workshop to the rear, measuring approximately 4,000 sq. ft., with an office to the side of the residence. The property has the benefit of a private garden to the rear with a patio area. For further details on all properties on offer with Pat Hughes & Company please contact the office on 090-6627003 or email info@pathughesauctioneers. com

A 5 Bedroomed detached property. Accommodation consists of a Sitting Room, Dining Room, Kitchen, Downstairs Bedroom, Utility, Toilet with WHB. Upstairs has 4 Bedrooms with one En-Suite, Bathroom and a nice private garden to the rear. The Residence is finished to a high standard and situated in one of Roscommon’s most sought - after areas within walking distance of all local amenities. Viewing is highly recommended. For further information or to make an appointment to view contact the office on 09066 27003 or e-mail info@ pathughesauctioneers.com

LANDS TO LET ● Circa 125 acres at Four Roads, Roscommon.

The Lands can be let in one or more lots to suit. For further information contact the office on 090 6627003 or e-mail info@ pathughesauctioneers.com

Roscommon People Friday 31 May 2019

WeekendPeople

Miriam’s

MUSINGS

Words of wit and wisdom with MIRIAM KERINS

ELECTION 2019 Pics: Michelle Hughes Walsh

I put my dog’s needs first and gave Gloria a peaceful passing On 1st May I held my best pal in my arms, and, giving her what I knew, deep in my heart, was the greatest, and indeed the most agonising gift I could ever give, I allowed her, with the help of our lovely veterinarian Hannah, to pass away peacefully and compassionately in my arms. Our precious Gloria was one of our family of adopted fur babies and her death has left me with a sense of sadness so crushing, and so heart-splitting, I find myself tormented by grief at the loss of our much-cherished family member. Like her brother and sisters, Gloria, a beautiful, vivacious, ball of fun, wrapped in a golden mane of fur, was rescued by us, (as then animal welfare officers), from a life of unimaginable cruelty. That was in 2011. However, given this little Pomeranian’s sad circumstances, our shelter vet quickly determined that, if she was going to survive, Gloria would need a nine-hour surgical procedure, with me providing back-up as an emergency ‘stand-in’ assistant. Now perhaps it was Gloria’s incredible will to live, (more likely it was our vet’s expert surgical skills), or perhaps it was my strangling of the 1978 disco hit ‘I Will Survive’ throughout the procedure, (hence her name Gloria after Gloria Gaynor), but miraculously, our little lady made it. And, you’ve guessed it, an attachment was formed, with me telling staff (and hubby) I wanted no arguments, this ball of fluff was joining the mad pack of fur babies that have become our entire world. My difficult decision to end Gloria’s suffering was made on foot of a call from Cloverhill vet Stephen. You see, following what was a two-week fight to save our little lady’s life, it was agreed he’d carry out an exploratory procedure under local anaesthetic to

determine the origins regarding the sudden appearance of a hard, bony lump at the top of our girl’s head. Sadly, it was a neoplastic mass consistent with a multilobular tumour of bone. Unbeknownst to us, this cancer had been slowly growing inside our darling Gloria, killing her from the inside, and, in her twelfth year, had invaded her brain. So, following Stephen’s compassionate advice, having spent 24 hours sitting quietly home alone with my precious girl nestled in my arms, we drove to Cloverhill Veterinary Clinic where we were gently led into a quiet room, and, as myself and Gloria gazed into each other’s eyes, I quietly sang to my little lady, told her how much I loved her, and, proving that love, (with the help of vet Hannah), I allowed my angel to peacefully slip away.

Trump is unpopular, but what if we need him? It’s (un)official, (keep an eye on twitter ‘cos he could still change his mind), but it appears we’re all geared up for a visit from the Tangerine Tornado, sorry, The Donald! Could we be more underwhelmed? But seriously, while Captain Chaos and Melania’s presence on our shores may prove controversial, not to mention costly, (we’re allegedly spending €10 million plus on security), the fact is, Leo did extend an invitation so…blame him! Look, I’m no fan of Trump and find his derisory rhetoric on, well most things, to be nauseating. However, given Theresa May’s resignation and the Brexit bombshell about to befall us, remaining friends with the world’s biggest baby, sorry most powerful man, would prove much more beneficial to us than rebuffing him. You see, if Britain’s next PM is someone who goes to the EU saying ‘screw the Irish, cut them loose and let’s do business,’ as opposed to May’s attempt to try and strike a

middle-ground, then we’re gonna need to fall back on our special friendship with the US. And even though Trump’s an unpopular individual, and we may not wish to make him welcome, as POTUS, we must accept and respect his office. I mean, come on folks, is there anything that terrible about Trump that can’t be cured by a decent haircut and a personality transplant? Look, while I appreciate Trump was caught bragging on tape about using his fame to, “grab (women) by the, (for the sake of decency), lady-bits,” clearly believing his tasteless brand of honesty is medicine to the world’s ears, (we’re clearly in the placebo group Donald), I do think those planning to protest need to rethink their strategy. My reason being, if we’re left high and dry by Brexit, we just may need Trump. So, let’s keep Ireland Inc and our financial future at heart folks, and let’s do this by keeping on the right side of the US!

I’ll tell you readers, losing my Gloria was painful enough, but to have to count down those hours to her humane euthanasia was more than I could bear. I’m not ashamed to say that, a month on, I’m left with a pain in my heart so overwhelmingly powerful, it chokes me up, causing me to suddenly break down crying; often in public places. I’ve got many people to thank for their kindness during Gloria’s brief but devastating illness, all of whom patiently listened to me while I struggled to breathe, talk and cry at the same time, but I must mention my dear friend/colleague Mike Power and my two daughters. I won’t forget how each of you spread your empathy and your love over me, creating a blanket of compassion and understanding. I need to say a heartfelt thank you and pay tribute to everyone at Cloverhill Veterinary Surgery, in particular the true gentleman that is principal vet John Finnegan, and his wonderful staff, the lovely Hannah and the straight-talking yet gentle Stephen who all worked so hard, using every bit of expertise they possessed, to try and save our precious girl. A special mention goes to receptionist Colette who shuffled around many an appointment to fit us in. You’re all legends and you all have my gratitude. Big thanks to Niall at Mayo Pet Crematorium for his compassion while handling/cremating Gloria’s remains. You’re a gent Niall. I want to thank the one person who understands how Gloria was my universe. Who knows how much her precious life, as well as our other fur babies’ lives, are interwoven with our own; he’s also the one person whom, each time he sees me unravelling, lovingly holds me up…my husband Simon.

I won’t miss D’Arcy’s weekly dose of dross Did you know that broadcaster Ray D’Arcy (allegedly) earns €400,000 a year to host what in my opinion have got to be the most monotonous talk shows on TV and radio? I mean, given the choice, I’d rather chew off a vital body part without the aid of an anaesthetic while watching tedious TDs debate during an Oireachtas Committee live-stream than suffer through another Dreary D’Arcy interview. So, while I’d imagine Ray’s a real hoot at the wrap party, as a licence fee payer I’m relieved to read rumours his TV show’s facing the axe! I for one won’t miss D’Arcy’s weekly dose of dross, plugging publicity-starved wannabees desperate for their moment in the spotlight!

Roscommon People Friday 31 May 2019

P lanning your Wedding Day

Wedding Garden Party SUNDAY 9 TH OF JUNE

Ƒ ҃ Ɣ Ƒ Ɣ

• • • • •

Explore our newly re-furbished Clonmacnoise Suite, Secret Garden & Eiscir Riada Lounge Indulge in Canapés & Champagne upon arrival Meet with our hand-picked wedding suppliers Enjoy an outdoor BBQ with Head Chef John Burke Experience live musicians and entertainers & much more...

$o 1omCul o u vr-1; rѴ;-v; 1om|-1| o u );77bm] oou7bm-|ou Michelle on 090 644 2000 / weddings@hodsonbayhotel.com

Winter Wedding Packages from only €65pp! Lough Rynn Castle Estate & Gardens are offering an all-inclusive package from only €65 per person, applicable for selected dates in January, February and March. From the moment you first arrive at Lough Rynn Castle you will realise it is no ordinary venue. From the drive up the tree-lined avenue, the magnificent castle comes into view.

Perfect for a grand affair, the ballroom at Lough Rynn Castle provides an exquisite décor that sets the tone of opulence underneath magnificent chandeliers. Our grand ballroom offers a picturesque floor to ceiling glass backdrop for the top table, overlooking the woodlands and a view of the lake in the distance. It is a stunning location

for your wedding celebration. The romantic setting and breathtaking views are matched by creative menus and impeccable service. The wedding meal is imperative to a wedding reception. Our award-winning executive chef, Clare O’Leary and her team are so passionate about food, with a clear focus that ensures the highest standard of quality

and presentation, using the best local suppliers in the region. Planning your wedding is part of the excitement of getting married, so allow our very experienced wedding team to assist you in every way possible. The long-established team at Lough Rynn are renowned for their friendly attitude and

personal approach, ensuring exceptional attention to detail on all aspects of your special day, and always with a professional and educated flair. For more information on our wedding packages contact the sales team – email: enquiries@loughrynn.ie, tel: 071-9632700 or visit: www.loughrynn.ie.

INCL. PACKAGE FROM

€

pp ENQUIRE NOW!

LOUGH RYNN ESTATE & GARDENS www.loughrynn.ie 071 9632700 ENQUIRIES@LOUGHRYNN.IE

SELECTED DATES IN JAN/FEB & MARCH 2020

Roscommon People Friday 31 May 2019

WeekendPeople

JJ Harlow’s Telephone: 090 6626225 Saturday 1st June:

Dj Quilli Serena Roddy and Cathal Flanagan celebrating after the Connacht SFC semi-final between Roscommon and Mayo last Saturday. Pic: Mick McCormack

Martin Tynan, Rita Lynch, Hilda McNulty and Colman Lynch celebrating after the Connacht SFC semi-final between Roscommon and Mayo last Saturday. Pic: Mick McCormack

Sunday 2nd June:

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

JJ Harlows supporting Irish Micro Breweries i

John O’Grady and Michael Roddy celebrating after the Connacht SFC semi-final between Roscommon and Mayo last Saturday. Pic: Mick McCormack

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

Supporters pictured celebrating in Creaton’s Bar, Ballaghaderreen after the Connacht SFC semi-final between Roscommon and Mayo last Saturday. Pic: Mick McCormack

Saturday, 1st June:

Steve Reilly

Theatre for babies at Annual Hospice Function Roscommon Music on the night with The Lancers Arts Centre Sunday, 2nd June:

Monday, 3rd June:

FAIR DAY

Music in the bar with

Steve Reilly 3-6pm

KENNY’S BAR ROCKFIELD Saturday, 1st June Music with

Joacam Dunne at 10pm Following the OFFICIAL OPENING of the New Walking Track at Rockfield Raffle and spot prizes on the night All functions and parties catered for. Telephone 086 8129635

Roscommon Arts Centre presents ‘Baby Daddy’, an adorable show for babies aged 6 to 8 months and their parents/guardians, taking place on Thursday, June 6th. The show is devised by Replay Theatre Company, one of the leading theatre companies in Northern Ireland who specialise in children’s theatre. Replay have performed at Roscommon Arts Centre on numerous occasions and their shows are always something special! ‘Baby Daddy’ features three performers, each playing a musical instrument, and takes place in a specially designed theatre space which caters for just eight babies and eight adults. Utilising knowledge of sensory theatre, music and play, Replay Theatre Company are experts in working with babies to create unique, safe and fun-filled shows. As capacity is limited pre-booking is advised. There are three performances taking place on the day at 10 am, 11.30 am and 1 pm. Tickets are €5 each and can be booked now by calling the box office on 0906625824.

... IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

Roscommon People Friday 31 May 2019

WeekendPeople

Pictured in Hamrock’s of Athleague on Sunday night were Cllr. Ivan Connaughton, Teresa Fallon, Padraic Fallon and Michael Finneran.

Faces & Places

Pictured in Hamrock’s, Athleague on Sunday night were Dawn Allen, Martin Keane and Aoife Connaughton.

Hamrock’s, Athleague Pics: Michelle Hughes Walsh Pictured in Hamrock’s, Athleague on Sunday night were Aoife O’Callaghan, Bernie Naughton and Deirdre Bradley.

Pictured in Hamrock’s, Athleague on Sunday night were Tommy Mulhern, Teresa Fallon, Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice, Padraic Fallon and Eamon McDermott.

Pictured in Hamrock’s, Athleague on Sunday night were Cathy Jameson and Dympna Hurley.

Roscommon People Friday 31 May 2019

Business Roscommon company outstanding in its own Field The National Enterprise Award 2019 Finalists Padraic Cuddy with his Field Toys, now in their 21st year run by the Local Enterprise Offices. The National Enterprise Awards ceremony will take place on May 29th at the Mansion House, Dublin, with 31 finalists on the night hoping to take home the overall prize fund investment of €40,000. Photo: Leon Farrell/photocall Ireland.

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

‘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

The Field, one of Roscommon’s best small businesses, represented Local Enterprise Office Roscommon at the National Enterprise Awards held at the Mansion House Dublin this week. Now in their twenty-first year, the awards are run by the thirty-one local enterprise offices and offer an investment prize fund of €40,000. The Field was founded by Padraic Cuddy of Castlecoote following his son Tommy’s request for a model toy field to graze his farm animals. The realistic mod-

els, complete with lush green pastures, hedging and a traditional wooden gate, are all elegantly hand-crafted using synthetic grasses to reflect the look and feel of ‘real’ grass. They also come complete with a certificate of title granting ownership of the land to the purchaser. According to Louise Ward, Head of Enterprise at the Local Enterprise Office Roscommon: “The National Enterprise Awards are very much a benchmark for excellence for small businesses across

the country. It is much more than just awards. The businesses involved avail of mentoring and guidance as the process develops and generates connections and leads from other businesses along the way. They also receive signposting for their business helping them to move their company forward, irrespective of whether they win an award. Those who do take part always see the benefit. “Our winners are now employing over 830 people and are exporting across the world with annual rev-

enues in excess of €130million. The class of 2019 looks to be well prepared to follow in their path”. The National Enterprise Awards are one of a number of initiatives that the Local Enterprise Offices run to foster entrepreneurship across the country. For more information see www. LocalEnterprise.ie or contact Local Enterprise Roscommon at localenterprise@roscommoncoco. ie, or visit www.localenterprise. ie/roscommon.

Byrne Carolan Cunningham shortlisted for Irish Law Awards Byrne Carolan Cunningham Solicitors have been shortlisted for the 2019 Irish Law Awards in the category of Leinster Law Firm of the Year. The awards aim to identify, honour, and publicise outstanding achievements, while also recognising those who have dedicated their lives to serving in the legal profession. This

annual event is designed to recognise excellence in the legal profession of Ireland, commending the achievements of lawyers. Commenting on the announcement, founding partner Daragh Byrne said: “We were proud to have been recognised in this category by the Irish Law Awards. During the last 12 months, we have

grown significantly particularly in the medical negligence and personal accidents areas. “We are delighted to have gained this recognition by being shortlisted for this prestigious award which is a testament to both our growing team at Byrne Carolan Cunningham Solicitors and our loyal clients”.

Are you planning a local History, Anniversary Book or School Magazine?

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AVAILABLE: • Editorial, layout & graphic design • Lithographic printing • Digital printing • Print ﬁnishing (saddle stitching, perfect binding, thread sewing & lamination)

CONTACT:

ROSCOMMON PEOPLE Abbey Street, Roscommon www.roscommonpeople.com

For a competitive quotation, contact: Paul Healy, 090-6634632/3 or email: paul@roscommonpeople.ie

Roscommon People Friday 31 May 2019

Classifieds

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

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

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS MEETINGS ST. COMAN’S CLUB, ROSCOMMON Tuesday 1pm; Tuesday 9pm; Wednesday 1pm; Thursday 1pm; Thursday 9pm; Saturday 8.30pm; Sunday 12 noon

Tel: 01 4538988 or 091 767777

BOUNCING CASTLES

CARPENTRY

Bouncy Castles

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

TELEPHONE:

087 4668675

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

CAREER ASSESSMENT & ADVICE

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

CONTACT: Abbeyside House, Abbey Street, Roscommon.

Tel: 090 6630760

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

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

FAMILY CIRCLE CHIROPODIST FAMILY CIRCLE 27/05/19 FIRST PRIZE €50: Winnie Giblin c/o K Hoare SECOND PRIZE €25: Paul Finan c/o K Finan THIRD PRIZE €20: M O’Keeffe c/o K Collins 8 RESIDUAL PRIZES OF €10 EACH:

L Delaney c/o Central Bar Teresa Kilduff c/o K Hoare James Kilmartin c/o K Hoare Josephine Hennigan c/o K Collins Jullia McDermott c/o K Collins Ailbhe c/o Donnellans Pearl Williams c/o Eight Til Late Paddy Joe Burke 5 PROMOTERS PRIZES OF €5 EACH:

Hannah Dimanbzo Kathleen Hoare Kathleen Gordon Hannah + Kirsty Hannah Dimanbzo Total Receipts: €252 Total Prizes: €200

CHIROPODIST

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

EVERY FRIDAY St. Joseph’s Resource Centre, Boyle For appointment

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

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

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

By Appointment Only –

087 2982214

Tel: Catriona Byrne DIP CHFP

Kathleen’s Mobile Footcare

Complete Chimney Services

Provided in the comfort of your own home

CHIMNEY CLEANING

Foot Care Practitioner

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

071 9637984 / 086 3562718

• 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

For appointment: (094) 96 21647 / (089) 4142233

CHIMNEY CLEANING

• Home visits • Insoles and Orthotics prescribed

POWER SWEPT No Mess Reasonable Charge ALSO AVAILABLE FOR POWER WASHING

TELEPHONE: 087 9657933 090 66 26752

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 DC Computer Services

CARPENTRY

CAREER ADVICE

Gerrity

CHIMNEY CLEANING

CHIROPRACTOR ROSCOMMON CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC Specialising in:

• BACK PAIN • HEADACHES • NECK PAIN • LIMB PAIN

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

DRIVING LESSONS

JOHN DOORLY School of Motoring RSA REGISTERED AND FORMER DRIVER TESTER

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

 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  FOR SALE: Angus Limousin and Charolais Bulls for sale from 12-24 months old. Fit for service, good quality, can deliver. Tel: 086 8201258  CALVES FOR SALE: Continental, Angus and Hereford calves for sale. Delivery available. Contact Darragh. Tel: 086 8713864

BOOM SPRAYER TESTING SERVICE

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

EDT Lessons Available

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE

094 96 20099

Tel: 086 2387528

086 8936012

www.aclearsteerdriving.com

FARMING

• Sprayers tested on owners premises • Test report & D.A.F.M. stickers provided. • Small stock parts fitted on site (if necessary) Currently in 2019, sprayers are required to be tested every 5 years according to Dept. of Agriculture regulations. From 2020 all sprayes are required to be tested every 3 years Contact: Thomas Neilan on 087 2395171 or 090 6663069 e-mail: thomasneilan4@gmail.com

D.A.F.M. Approved Reg No: EL000083

Telephone: Mobile: This driving School conforms for the new RSA regulations & legislation

FENCING/GATES

FRANCIS REGAN FENCING LTD

Telephone: 086 8433433

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

● ●

●

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

Tel: 087 2172281

VHI and Laya Covered

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

For all your fencing needs. Glas Fencing Grant Fencing Post Rail

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

FOR SALE  FOR SALE: 2 suites of furniture. (3-1-1). 1 Cherry in colour, 1 light Green in colour. In good condition, Roscommon area. Tel: 086 8571603

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!

Roscommon People Friday 31 May 2019

Classifieds FENCING/GATES

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

087 2346364

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

GARDENING

• Woodchipping • Log Splitting • Tree Surgery • Hedge Cutting

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

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

Phone:

Jeff ’s Fishing Tackle

●

087 2721193

• Certified Arborists • Tree Surgery • Dangerous Tree Removal • Wood Chipping • Leylandii hedges reduced and shaped

●

Comprehensive Insurance Cover. I.S.A. member.

●

Tel: 087 4128081

Tel: 086 6077307 or 086 8125165

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

Phone John on

● Amatsu Therapy Neuromuscular therapy & orthopaedic sports massage

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

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

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

087 9201818 Gift vouchers now available

GATELY GARDENING

PAINTING & DECORATING

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

CORBETT

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

086 4679798

TREE CARE & LANDSCAPING

PAINTER & DECORATOR

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

Private & Commercial Power washing 25 years experience Free Estimates Given

087 6558597

087 2683079

●

REFLEXOLOGY

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

Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon

Tel: 087 2264951 Find us on facebook

Find us on facebook

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

●

www.parklawntreeservices.

GARDENING

REFLEXOLOGY MARINA FUREY (MNRRI) African & Classical Reflexology

DANGEROUS TREE REMOVAL SERVICE

FISHING

Tackle@Kilglass Situated on R371 over looking lake Stockists of most major brands inc: Map Maver Leeda Whychwood Dennetts Grand Slam Sehsas Free parking, professional advice

HEALTH & WELL-BEING

Phone Alan on:

090 6661635 or Mobile:

PROPERTIES TO LET/RENT/WANTED  TO RENT: 3/4 bedroom house to rent in Oran/Donamon, 6 miles from Roscommon town. Solid fuel and oil fired central heating, all mod cons. Suitable for family/professionals, mature gardens. Viewing by appointment only. Tel: 086 8161539

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: Recently refurbished 3 bedroom house in Cnoc Na Gaoithe, Lanesboro. 1 bedrom ensuite. O.F.C.H. Central to all amenities. Tel: 086 3020433  ROOMS TO LET/HOUSE SHARE: 2 double bedrooms (1 ensuite) to let, in clean modern spacious house. Would suit professional/mature person. Located close to Roscommon hospital and short distance from town in a quiet area. Rent reasonable. Tel: 083 3557062

PHYSICAL THERAPY Roscommon Physical Therapy Clinic Movement Matters 20 years experience treating babies to adults. Everyday aches & pains to sports injuries. Physical Therapy CranioSacral Therapy Medical Dry Needling Prescription Orthotics Pilates – Small Classes

Can we help you? Call us today to enquire 090 663 0009 Like us on Facebook www.rosptc.com 1 Castleview, Roscommon F42 C902

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

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

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

CONTACT KEVIN:

090 6630879 or Mobile

087 2835742

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

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

PLANNINGS

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Annette Spellman, intend to apply for permission for development at Pollower, Boyle, Co. Roscommon. The development will consist of the construction of a single storey extension to west side of the house, provision of a new window on the south elevation of the house and ancillary site works. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Alexandra and Thorsten Lenzing, intend to make application to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for the following development, (i) construction of a tool shed with lean-to greenhouse, (ii) construction of a fuel store, (iii) construction of sauna/ garden room, (iv) upgrade existing wastewater treatment system and percolation area to an advanced wastewater treatment system and raised polishing filter, plus all ancillary works at Derrymacstur Td., Rooskey, Co. Roscommon. Signed: MoleskinArchitecture Mote Park, Roscommon 086 3482387 info@moleskinarchitecture.com This planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We are applying for planning permission to retain a turf shed/garage/store ancillary to our dwellinghouse at Aghalustia Townland, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon. Signed: James and Eileen Fannon The planning application may be inspected or purchased, at a fee not exceeding the reasonable costs 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 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 are applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for the following works on behalf of our client Mr. John Feeney (Senior): Installation of new proprietary wastewater treatment system and tertiary treatment option to serve existing dwelling and all other associated site development works at Pollymount, Scramogue, Co. Roscommon. Signed: F.J. Coyle & Associates, Environmental Consultants, Unit One, Limegrove, Ballinlough, Co. Roscommon Email: info@fjcoyle.ie The planning application may be inspected or purchased, at a fee not exceeding the reasonable costs 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 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!

086 3482387

087 2860428

Family Notices

PLANNINGS

info@moleskinarchitecture.com

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The he local paper!

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

090 66 34633 EMAIL:

advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

Roscommon People Friday 31 May 2019

Classifieds PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We are applying to Roscommon County Council on behalf of Seamus Macklin for planning permission for the demolition of existing derelict dwelling house and for the construction of a new replacement single storey dwelling house together with the installation of a waste water treatment system/percolation area and all necessary site services/ancillary siteworks at Derrinlurg, Four Roads, Co. Roscommon. Signed: Seamus Dowd & Associates Ltd, Registered Surveyors, Chartered Construction Managers, Building Consultants. Tel: (090) 6623417 Mob: 086 8546035 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.

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

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

SITUATIONS VACANT

We are seeking a COMPANY REP/FARM MANAGER The successful candidate must have an agri and sales background, be computer literate, enthusiastic and willing to work as part of a team.

The job will include: ● Company van ● Company phone As well as an attractive salary. If you are interested and would ike to learn more about this job then contact Olivia at Evergreen Fields on

087 7206947  CARER: Required for elderly lady in her own home, Monday to Friday, in the region of 25 hours per week. Reply to Box No: 2041 c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon  STOCKPERSON REQUIRED: Laragan Farms/ Milling Ltd., Elphin Co. Roscommon required Stockperson for permanent or summer employment. In-house training, good wages and working conditions . Tel: 086 8524894 C H I L D M I N D E R WANTED FOR SUMMER! I am looking for a responsible female childminder to care for my two primary school children for six weeks during July and August. Ballyforan area. Tel: 086 8737037

PAINTER/APPRENTICE/ PAINTER REQUIRED: Either experienced or willing to serve apprenticeship. Must be reliable and willing to work. Box No: 2042 c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon 

SITUATIONS WANTED  EXPERIENCED BUILDER AVAILABLE: For all types of building work. Specialising in extensions, refurbishments, attic conversions etc. All Insurance Jobs Undertaken. Registered and Fully Insured. Tel: 086 3957842  MAN AVAILABLE FOR WORK: Many relevant certifications including: ● Safe Pass ● Manual Handling ● Dumper Driver ● Health and Safety. Part-time and Fulltime positions considered. Tel: 086 8638657  LADY AVAILABLE FOR KITCHEN WORK: Restaurant, Hotel, Canteen and general work. Carrick, Mohill, Longford, Rooskey, Dromad area. Reply to Box No: 2040 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, 1st June, 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, 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.

TAXIS AND HACKNEYS

Pete’s Cabs

Roscommon

Find that special person for friendship and romance with likeminded people. Safe, reliable and confidential.

Telephone: 087 9216302 087 7720250 DRIVING LESSONS

ROSCOMMON

Driving School 087 2295551 Road Safety Authority Approved Driving Instructor

also Peat Bedding Available

Supplied & Fitted From

(All areas)

Peter Lynch 086 8400002

TOM KILDUFF CABS Tel: (086) 2544662 086 3821515

KELLY’S EYE Taxi and Minibus hire.

 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  PLOTS OF STONE TURF FOR SALE: Accessible with car and trailer in Castlerea/ Loughglynn area. Tel: 086 8306165

087 2727888

 PLOTS OF TURF: Kilrooskey, Roscommon area, four sodded bins, €40 per bin. Tel: 087 6786760

TOMMY GILLIGAN

 TURF FOR SALE: New season turf, delivered in various size loads. Tel: 087 4350736

PHONE:

CABS

 PLOTS OF TURF FOR SALE: In Mantua Bog, already footed. Tel: 087 6405099

TUITION REQUIRED

TELEPHONE: 086 8099 503

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

(086) 2714879

JOHN BEATTIE Cab and Bus Hire Roscommon

086 2670670 BUS HIRE FOR ALL OCCASIONS

Quality Small Job Services For Home or Business

LOFT LADDERS

086 2721812

– Contact –

USEFUL SERVICES

2018 SEASONED TURF Tel: Donal

SOULMATES SOULMATES - DON’T BE ALONE, LOVE IS ALL THERE IS:

TURF/FUEL/ FIREWOOD

 HOME TUTOR: Required for July provision. For 5 year old boy with special needs. Tel: 086 0866014

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

Family Notices

USEFUL SERVICES  SHANE NAUGHTON ROOFING CONTRACTOR Roofing, slating, tiling, 1st and 2nd fixing and flooring. All aspects of carpentry and building undertaken. Tel: 086 3155329

Aluminium

The company that can do all them small jobs

FROM

€190 094 96 31880 087 9100477

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

www.oddjobsolutions.ie Established since 2005  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  PAINTER & DECORATOR AVAILABLE: For all your painting needs, keen and competive prices. Tel: Tom on 086 0815802

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

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

TELEPHONE MICHAEL HAVERTY: 086 8381227 or 086 1997815 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

CRASH REPAIRS

MARQUEE

• 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.

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

Roscommon People Friday 31 May 2019

Classifieds

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

Appointments

ATHLEAGUE Are now Hiring for the following positions Seasonal General Operatives - To work in all areas of the factory – production line & boning hall. Lamb Livestock Operative - To work in the lamb lairage department of the factory. Lamb Livestock Manager - The successful candidate will be responsible for the delivery of livestock to the site through the lairage department. Experience in a similar role is essential. You must also possess adequate IT skills. Maintenance Electricians & Fitters - To support the production teams to ensure the smooth running of the production lines at all times. Knowledge of a food processing environment is an advantage. Both candidates must be fully qualified. Maintenance Apprentice – We will train you to become a fully qualified electrician over a 4 year period with on and off site training. Dispatch General Operatives – To work in our warehouse area, ensuring that our end product is packaged and distributed to our customers. Knowledge of computers is a requirement for this role. The shift is rotating, involving days and nights. Forklift license is an advantage but not essential. If you are interested in any of the above positions please send your cv to

Claire Finneran, HR Manager, Kepak Athleague, Athleague, Co. Roscommon or email claire.finneran@kepak.com. Please specify what position you are applying for.

Experienced Electrical Power distribution and Switchgear technician required for a new engineering, manufacturing and design company located in the heart of the midlands, Athlone.

ROSCOMMON

We are one of Ireland’s leading fashion retailers and have the following opportunity for our Roscommon store.

STORE MANAGER (Ref R005) A proven track record in retail is essential with a good sales approach and the ability to create a motivated atmosphere. An excellent package is available.

The company requires a technician with electrical switchgear building experience to join this quality focused team responsible for the following tasks: • Assemble mechanical and electrical components per a detailed electrical/mechanical design package. • Wire up internal components including ACB’s ,MCB’s MCCB’s, RCBO’s as part of an inclusive skid. • Build, punch and form copper busbar components. • Assemble mechanical enclosures. • Execute QAQC checklists as part of the internal quality guide lines.

Full training will be given to the ideal candidate. Please contact hr@centralswitchgear.ie • Tel: 0906498112 www.centralswitchgear.ie

Full Time Activities Co-Ordinator Required in a Nursing Home Environment Must possess relevant qualifications and experience Immediate start with a competitive salary To arrange an interview

Please apply with full C.V. to:

marj.bell@dv8fashion.com QUOTING REFERENCE NUMBER R002 CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS Sunday, 16th June, 2019

WE’RE HIRING! We’re looking for an experienced

IT Managed Services, Senior Engineer to join our team. Think you might be interested check out our website on trojan.ie for more details. careers@trojan.ie | 071 966 2552

FULL-TIME

APPRENTICE PLUMBERS Required in the Midlands/West regions

Must be hard-working & reliable

Apply to Box No: 2036 c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon

Locally owned ... in the heart of the community

Roscommon People Friday 31 May 2019

Classifieds

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

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES FULLARD Gerry

BEIRNE JP

Cloonbrackna Court, Roscommon 15th Anniversary - 29th May

Grange, Fourmilehouse, Co. Roscommon (11th Anniversary) who died on the 31st May 2008

Just a prayer from those who love you, Just a memory ever true, In our hearts you will live forever, Because we thought the world of you.

Always remembered by loving wife Sadie, family and grandchildren. Mass has been offered.

Lovingly remembered by his brother Tom, sister-in-law Gretta and niece Olivia. Anniversary Mass in Fourmilehouse Church on Saturday, June 1st at 8.15pm. Fond memories of

KELLY John Araghty, Athleague (9th Anniversary) Who sadly passsed away on 31st May, 2010

In loving memory of a dear husband, father, son and brother. Every day in some small way Memories of you come our way Though absent You are always near Still missed, still loved and always dear.

Always in our thoughts.

GANNON Jack Creggs, Co. Galway In loving memory of Jack Gannon who died on 31st May 2009 (10th Anniversary)

Sadly missed along life’s way, Quietly remembered every day, No longer in our lives to share, But in our hearts you are always there.

Fondly remembered by his wife Susan, brothers Alan and Maurice, relatives and friends. Anniversary Mass in Kilbegnet Church on Sunday, 2nd June at 11.30am.

CASEY Mary-Ann (neé Fetherstone) Lisnamult, Co. Roscommon (26th Anniversary)

Who died on 29th May 1993 Age 66 Loved and remembered by Patricia (daughter) and John.

WARD Mary (nee Molloy) Cornaveagh, Creggs, Roscommon (2nd Anniversary)

In loving memory of Mary Ward who passed away on 2nd June 2017 You may be out of sight, We may be worlds apart, But you are always in our prayers, And forever in our hearts.

Sadly missed by her son Seamus; daughter Annette and son-in-law Seamus. ~~~~~~~~~ A loving nature, A heart of gold, The very best This world could hold. Never selfish, always kind, These are the memories You left behind, A silent thought A quiet prayer, For a special Grandmother In God’s care.

Always loved and remembered by your grandchildren, Aidan, Amanda, Laura and greatgrandson Jarlath. Anniversary Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Kilbegnet on Saturday, 1st June at 8pm.

DONNELLY Gerry Rahara, Athleague, Co. Roscommon (15th Anniversary) In loving memory of Gerry who died on 5th June, 2004. R.I.P

Loved and respected wherever you went, Happy, smiling and always content, Helpful, forgiving, but never unkind, These are the memories you left behind.

Sadly missed by his wife Teresa, daughter Orla, sons Luke, Anthony and Damien, brother Liam, daughtersin-law Ann, Siobhán and Helena and grandchildren Dylan, Evan, Keeva, Muireann, Róisín, Carly and Conor. Anniversary Mass in Rahara Church on Sunday, 2nd June at 10am.

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. Amen. M.K.

HURLEY Mary (May) Kilcroan, Ballymoe, Co. Roscommon Who died on April 21st, 2019

We, the family of the late Mary (May) Hurley wish to express our sincere and heartfelt thanks to our relatives, neighbours, friends and work colleagues who sympathised with us and offered support during our recent sad loss. We are truly grateful to those who called personally to our home, attended the Removal, Funeral Mass and Burial. To those who sent Mass cards and messages of condolance and to those who donated to the Patient Comfort Fund, to Harmac Medical for a generous gift cheque to St. John’s Ward, thank you. Thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff at Portiuncula University Hospital for the care and attention shown to Mary during her stay there, to Dr. Marc McCafferty and staff and Tully’s Pharmacy, Castlerea for their kindness, thank you. To Fr. Pat O’Toole and Fr. Joe Poole for calling to Mam each month to attend to her spiritual needs and to Mary, her carer, a special thank you. To Fr. Vincent McKay for celebrating a meaningful Funeral Mass and to Fr. Larry Ebuk for receiving her Remains into the Church, to the servers Róisín, Aaron and Michael to Assumpta the Eucharist Minister, to Kathleen the Sacristan, to all the readers who took part in the Mass, to Carmel McLoughlin for her beautiful music and singing, thank you. Thank you to Niall Flanagan, Undertaker for his kindness and professionalism in the handling of the Funeral arrangements, to our good neighbours for prepaing a beautiful resting place for Mam. Heartfelt thanks to our neighbours and friends who brought food and refreshments during this time. Thanks to Aidan Maloney of Delicious Catering for a beautiful warm meal and to Tommy and Dolores Dowd for the use of their premises, thanks to the Grove Lounge for refreshments. Please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our deepest apprreciation. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions. Month’s Mind Mass for Mary will be celebrated in St. Croan’s Church, Ballymoe on Saturday, 1st June at 12 noon.

FANNON Margaret and James (2nd and 18th Anniversaries) In loving memory of Margaret and James Fannon Cloverhill, Roscommon R.I.P. Anniversary Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Cloonycolgan, Donamon on Sunday, June 2nd at 9.30am.

HANLEY AUDREY (nee Kenny) Lisnaville, Fuerty, Co. Roscommon Who passed away on 23rd May 2015 (4th Anniversary)

May the winds of Heaven blow softly and whisper in your ear, how much we love and miss you and wish that you were here

Love Maudie & Andy. Anniversary Mass in Fuerty Church on Friday, 31st May at 8pm.

KEAVENEY Betty & Padraic Athleague, Co. Roscommon Whose anniversaries occur on 28th & 31st of May (15th Anniversary)

Time passes, Memories stay, Never forgotten, Especially today.

THANKSGIVINGS NOVENA TO ST. MARTHA Oh Saint Martha, I resort to thee and to thy petition and faith. I offer up to thee this light which I shall burn every Tuesday for nine Tuesdays. Comfort me in all my difficulties through the great favour thou didst enjoy when our Saviour lodged in thy house. I beseech thee to have definite pity in regards to the favour I ask. Interceed for my family that we may always be provided for in all our necessities. I ask thee St. Martha to overcome the dragon, which thou didst cast at thy feet. Say one Our Father and Three Hail Mary’s. Light a candle every Tuesday and the above prayer made know with the intention of spreading devotion to St. Martha. This Miraculous Saint grants everything before the five days are ended, no matter how difficult. 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. Amen. M.K.

UNFAILING NOVENA PRAYER TO ST. ANTHONY 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. Publication promised for a great favour received. A.M.K. UNFAILING NOVENA PRAYER TO ST. ANTHONY 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. Publication promised for a great favour received. A.M.K. UNFAILING NOVENA PRAYER TO ST. ANTHONY 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. Publication promised for a great favour received. A.M.K. PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN O Most Beautiful Flower of Mt. Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother. O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. O show me, my Mother, O show me herein you are my mother. O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3 times). This parayer must be said for three days and after that the request will be granted and the prayer must be published. B.S & L.S /RYH·V *UHDWHVW *LIW 5HPHPEUDQFH

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Forever missed by Richard, Rosie, Dylan, Niamh, Liam, Liamóg, Caoimhe, Evan, Michelle, Pauric and Darragh. Masses offered. (PDLO RU FDOO IRU 6DPSOH 3DFN

Roscommon People Friday 31 May 2019

AtYourService CHIMNEY REPAIRS

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

Dr. Suraya Diaz

CHIMNEY PROBLEMS

COMMITTED TO HEALTH

SHOWROOM:

Racecourse Road, Roscommon

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

CATHAL DOOLEY 087 6579064

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

BLINDS

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

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

CHIMNEY REPAIRS

- CCTV Camera Inspection For Professional For Professional Advice Contact Advice Contact: John Hibbitt: Tel: 090 9673336 Mob: 086 2678350 Email: info@athlonechimneyrepairs.ie

DRY LINING

DRY LINING ROSCOMMON Attic Insulation ● Suspended Ceilings ● Metal Stud Partitions ● Plaster Boarding Contact: ●

089 4749447 A L L WO R K G UA R E N T E E D

Nutrition * Herbal Medicine * Naturopathy * Chinese & Ayurveda

Consultancy • • • • • •

uPVC Window and Door Locksmith We are the only Licensed Window and Door Locksmith in Roscommon

• • •

Telephone: 090 66 33026

• • • •

www.roscommonwindows.ie

GLASS

Boyle Glass Ballinameen, Boyle,

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

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

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

TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR HEALTH THE NATURAL WAY

WIDE RANGE OF COMPOSITE DOORS

Tel: 071 96 68368 - Stained Decorative

BRENDAN DOOLIN

VETERINARY

HEALTH CONSULTANCY

WINDOWS/DOORS

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SportsPeople

Horses for Courses

by Tom Red

There are two meetings this evening with Fairyhouse holding their first summer flat meeting off at 5.15 pm and a jumping card at Greenmount Park, Limerick off at 4.55 pm. Tomorrow is the first of two days racing over the sticks at Tramore, off at 5.35 pm and on the level at Down Royal, away at 5.25 pm. On Saturday, Tramore is away at 1.15 pm and the flat is on at Proudstown Park at 12.35 pm. Sunday again sees two meetings, one on the flat at Listowel at 1.45 pm and the other over the sticks at Kilbeggan at 2 pm. Bank Holiday Monday sees another double fixture on the flat at Gowran Park and over jumps at Listowel. Cross channel it’s double classic weekend with the Oaks on Friday and The Derby at Epsom on Saturday. The feature race at Kilbeggan on Sunday is the Kilmurray’s Homevalue Hardware Chase over 3m 1f worth €22,500 to the winner. In the bumper Domitian appeared unlucky in Tipperary this day week and, if turning out again, should collect here. There were large fields in Tipp last Thursday with e/w betting in all races. In the bumper, Joseph O’Brien’s Lady Breffni finished 3rd at 7/1 to Uisce Solas and Domitian, with the favourite Botani 4th, and Kaletto 6th at 100/1. Dreams of an O’Brien Guineas double went up in smoke on Saturday last with the defeat of Magna Grecia. The colts and fillies race went to English raider Phoenix Of Spain ridden by Jamie Spencer who was completing a double having won earlier on another raider, Richard Fahey’s Mr. Lupton. Frankie Dettori completed a raiding treble on William Haggas’s Beshaayir. O’Brien did get some compensation on Sunday with victory in both Group

Blazing Emily wins at Ballinrobe on Tuesday.

1 races, Hermosa in the fillies’ race and Magical in the Tattersalls Gold Cup both ridden by Ryan Moore.

General News Michael Finneran, Secretary/ Manager and the Board of Roscommon Racecourse are holding an open day on Saturday for the public to see, firsthand, all the magnificent work that has been carried out to the weigh room and facilities at the track over the winter from 1.00pm to 3.00pm. This is an opportunity not to be missed and Michael also tells me that refreshments will be served. Some good news in the training ranks at last as Colm Murphy, who won the 2006 Champion Hurdle with Brave Inca is re-joining the training ranks. Murphy handed in his licence in 2016.

Frankie Dettori is back on top aboard Beshaayir.

Point to Point Corner The final weekend of the p2p season is this weekend with two double meetings in Kinsale on Saturday and Sunday and in Ballingarry, between Birr and Borrisokane, on Sunday and Monday. Kinsale has 90 entries on Saturday and 94 on Sunday. In Ballingary there are 101 entries on Sunday and the season draws to a close with 82 on Monday. The eastern region brought the curtain on its season at the rescheduled Laois Foxhounds meeting at Stradbally last Saturday. Barry O’Neill retained his title for the third year running with 30 winners and as he’s leading the overall by 25 he is virtually assured of that title too. Derek O’Connor shared the Western Region Title with

Jamie Codd and all that’s left to resolve this weekend is the Munster title between O’Connor and O’Neill. The Champion Pointer will be decided between Kruzhlinn and Longhouse Music, who are locked together on 12 victories with both holding multiple entries over the three days. In the race for the ladies’ title, Susie Doyle leads Liz Lalor and Maxine O’Sullivan by two with a couple of lady riders only races on this weekend. Michael O’Sullivan leads the novice riders table.

Competition Time Marie Kane, Newtown, Martina Freyne, Ballaghaderreen and Mary Kelly, Creggs, are off to Kilbeggan on Sunday compliments of Paddy Dunican and his committee. Last chance to win one of three pairs of double tickets for Roscommon’s two-day June meeting and we want you tell us who won the Irish 2,000 Guineas last Saturday? Kilbeggan is coming up again on the June 17th and we are giving you your first chance to win one of three pairs of tickets, compliments of Paddy Dunican. To win please let us know who sponsors the featured handicap chase at Kilbeggan on Sunday? Answers as usual please on a postcard to The Roscommon People, Abbey Street Roscommon or by e-mail to tomred17@ gmail.com by 12 pm on Wednesday, June 5th for Roscommon and June 12th for Kilbeggan. Please fo not forget to include your name, address and a contact phone number with all competition entries. As usual all tickets will have to be collected in the office in Abbey Street.

Roscommon People Friday 31 May 2019

Sports People Skyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the limitâ&#x20AC;Ś

Fintan Cregg kicks the all-important point as Roscommon beat Mayo by a point to finally end their 33-year Connacht SFC winless streak in Castlebar last Saturday. Pic: Mick McCormack

Rossies end 33 years of hurt in Castlebar

Roscommon People Friday 31 May 2019

Seamus Duke ON SPORT

@SeamusDuke

A win for the ages in Castlebar! People like me are often accused of living too much in the past. Well there will be none of that this week! Put simply, last Saturday night’s win against Mayo was one of the greatest in the many years that I have been going to see the Primrose and Blue. The game is analysed in detail elsewhere but I give Anthony Cunningham and his backroom team 100% credit for masterminding this mighty win. Last week there was not as much as one sentence about Roscommon in the national media; in the papers, the TV or radio or on social media. It was all about Mayo. Former player David Brady was expecting a 12 to 15 point win, John Maughan said Mayo had bigger fish to fry, Tomas Ó Sé lauded the great job being done by James Horan as Mayo manager. It went on and on. I’d say

Anthony Cunningham and the Roscommon players were delighted that they were being totally written off. And it got worse as the week went on. But even I (who predicted that Mayo would win narrowly) knew that if Roscommon were in the game with ten or fifteen minutes to go that they had a huge chance. Roscommon knew what they were about and when it came down to the last quarter the strength of the bench made the difference. The Smiths, Conor Devaney, Brian Stack, Diarmuid Murtagh and Fintan Cregg are quality players to be able to call in when you need to win a game. It was some feeling when that final whistle sounded. Tears were not far away I can assure you. This group of players have given us some entertainment over the past

five years or so. We have had a thrilling Division One campaign, a brilliant Connacht final win against Galway and now a win against Mayo in Castlebar. I am full of admiration for the players and the management who have brought such joy to the people of Roscommon. But as Anthony Cunningham said after the game, the trick now is to follow one great display with another and Roscommon have not been good at that over the years. A Connacht final against Galway will be a very tough prospect and very hard to win. But Roscommon have never been afraid to face Galway in the championship and if they can replicate the effort and organisation that we saw in MacHale Park last Saturday night there is no reason why they cannot win. Remember also that the

Championship Watch Munster SFC semi-ﬁnals on Saturday at 7pm Clare v Kerry in Ennis Clare are not a bad side but at this time of the year their chances of upsetting Kerry are nil. Prediction: Kerry

Cork v Limerick in Pairc Ui Rinn Cork football is in the doldrums while Limerick upset Tipperary to get to the semi-finals. Don’t rule out a shock, but Cork at home must be the choice. Prediction: Cork

Leinster SFC Quarter-Final replay Longford v Kildare on Sunday in O’Connor Park at 3 pm This was a cracking game last Sunday and Longford have proven great championship battlers over the years. A hesitant vote to Kildare though. Prediction: Kildare

Munster SHC Waterford v Limerick in Waterford at 2 pm A ‘must win’ game for both sides. Limerick got a shock losing to Cork while Waterford have lost their two games. I presume that Limerick have learned their lesson and won’t slip up here. Prediction: Limerick

Roscommon footballers are just one game away from another appearance in the Super 8s which would be some achievement. The national media’s love affair with Mayo continued in the aftermath of Saturday’s game with most pundits concentrating on just how poor Mayo were and it’s now almost a national conversation as to whether they can came back through the back door. However, maybe if Roscommon could put two great championship performances together the national ‘experts’ might come around to the idea that Roscommon are actually not a bad team at all! Later on Saturday night I was in the company of several Roscommon players who gave me a hard time after predicting a Mayo win here last week. It was all great fun and craic and I had to put my hands up,

Roscommon ended a 33-year wait for a Connacht Championship win over Mayo in Castlebar last Saturday. Pic: Mick McCormack

but I was never so glad to have got it wrong! This bunch of lads are a credit to themselves, to their families, clubs and their counties. The effort they

Park on the May 25th. To beat Mayo there for the first time since 1986 is absolutely massive. Thanks lads.

Liverpool start as favourites in Madrid! Hurlers It is very unusual for the teams contesting the Champions League Final to have such a long build up but that’s the way it is this year and both Liverpool and Spurs will be well rested and ready for action in Madrid on Saturday night next. If Liverpool played Spurs ten times then Liverpool would probably win nine of those because they have better players, but in a oneoff game you can never predict what is going to happen. The two managers are top class and it will be interesting to see what the game plan will be for both sides. If the Liverpool front three of Firmino, Salah and Mane are fit then they must be favoured. But Harry Kane will most likely to be back for Spurs and he is certainly their talisman. Spurs have some really great players and Christian Eriksen will have a huge role to play. At his best he is world class. It promises to be a great game and both sides will come into the final on

face Royal tabletoppers

Jurgen Klopp will be hoping to end his dismal run in finals when favourites Liverpool meet Tottenham Hotspur in Saturday’s Champions League Final in Madrid.

the back of incredible semi-final results. I have a slight fancy for Liverpool but don’t rule out a shock!

Outlook has changed for Irish Rugby

Cork v Tipperary in Ennis at 4 pm An unusual venue for what promises to be a cracking game. Both sides will want to put down a marker here with the winners into the Munster final. Not much to choose between the teams but Tipp have looked more dangerous so far. Prediction:Tipperary

Leinster SHC Carlow v Dublin in Carlow on Sunday at 3 pm Prediction: Dublin

Ulster SFC semi-ﬁnal Armagh v Cavan in Clones at 4 pm This will be the game of the weekend in the football championship. Both sides will fancy their chances. I have a slight preference for Cavan but it could go either way. Don’t rule out extra-time. Prediction: Cavan

are putting in is phenomenal and I have the greatest of respect for them. If we never won another game this year I will never forget being in MacHale

Kiltoom native Jack Carty made the Pro-14 ‘Dream Team’ following a very impressive season for Connacht.

It’s amazing how the landscape can change in just a few months in sport. Not that long ago Irish rugby fans were rubbing their hands in anticipation as the World Cup in Japan was on the horizon. In fact, many were giddy at the prospect at Ireland’s chances. Now at the end of the regular season it looks as though Ireland’s strength in depth in certain areas of the field is not as good as we thought. Sean O’Brien is the latest player ruled out which leaves Ireland very short of back row cover. There are also a plethora of players suffering from loss of form and from injuries so I presume that Joe Schmidt will welcome the break of a couple of months before the build-up starts to Japan. On a positive note, it was fantastic to see the rich praise heaped on Jack Carty since the season has ended. He was chosen on the Pro14 ‘Dream Team’ and then was picked at number eight in the rankings of Irish players over the season. It has been a fantastic season for the former Roscommon minor footballer.

Roscommon hurlers can seal an incredible turnaround in fortunes when they take on table-toppers Meath in the Christy Ring Cup on Saturday in Athleague. Already into the semi-finals, Ciaran Comerford’s men can hurl with abandon in the knowledge that they have more big games coming up. We wish them the best of luck!

The Villa are going up! There are a number of clubs in the UK that enjoy huge Irish support and Aston Villa are one of them so there was much joy when Villa were promoted to the Premier League after their 2-1 win against Derby County on Monday. There is usually some sort of an Irish connection at Villa Park and this season Conor Hourihane has been one of their best players. Villa are a big club and they will expect to stay in the top division next season. Leeds United will have to start all over again in the Championship after it looked like this would be their season. It’s so difficult to get out of that league!

Roscommon People Friday 31 May 2019

Royals in Athleague for top of the table clash Christy Ring Cup (Round 3)::Roscommon v Meath on Saturday in Athleague at 1 pm  SEAMUS DUKE

This game will be as close as you can get to the ‘dead rubber’ category as both sides are already in the semi-finals of the Christy Ring Cup. However, there is top spot in the group to play for when the sides

meet in Athleague on Saturday. Both teams have been equally impressive thus far with Roscommon’s remarkable turnaround in fortunes one of the stories of the year at this level. It will be interesting to see what attitude the teams will take to this match with a view

to the knockout games later on. A Roscommon win would certainly put down a marker for a possible clash in the final but I presume that Ciaran Comerford will be looking to fine tune the performance of his team in preparation for bigger tests ahead.

Nevertheless, it should be a very hard-fought game and an opportunity for Roscommon to play a very accomplished side who would certainly be the favourites to win this competition. A very interesting afternoon lies ahead in Athleague. Prediction: Meath

GAA Results Leydon Brothers AFL Division Three St. Barry’s 3-7 Pádraig Pearses 1-12 Creggs 2-11 Western Gaels 1-9 AFL Division Four Roscommon Gaels 0-16 St. Joseph’s 0-8 St. Faithleach’s 1-17 St. Ronan’s 0-12 St. Michael’s 1-7 St. Dominic’s 0-9 Strokestown 1-15 Castlerea St. Kevin’s 1-6 AFL Division Five Mid South Kilbride 1-12 Oran 1-12 Fuerty 2-12 St. Brigid’s 2-11 AFL Division Five North St. Croan’s W/O Kilglass Gaels G&G Electric Junior Hurling Championship St. Dominic’s 4-10 Pádraig Pearses 2-13 Athleague 1-17 Four Roads 1-15

Fixtures Friday, May 31st Leydon Brothers AFL Division Three At Creggs: Creggs v Kilglass Gaels. 8.15 pm AFL Division Four (8 pm) At Tulsk: Tulsk Lord Edwards v St. Ronan’s At Kilteevan: St. Joseph’s v St. Dominic’s At Lisnamult: Roscommon Gaels v Boyle At Ardcarne Park: St. Michael’s v Castlerea St. Kevin’s AFL Division Five Mid South (8 pm) At Rockfield: Oran v Pádraig Pearses At Ballyforan: St. Aidan’s v St. Brigid’s At Kilbride: Kilbride v Fuerty AFL Division Five North (8 pm) At Kilglass: Kilglass Gaels v Ballinameen At Peadar Earley Memorial Park: Michael Glavey’s v Shannon Gaels At Pairc Naomh Bearraí: St. Barry’s v Kilmore

Saturday, June 1st

Pictured is the Kilbride junior ladies team which defeated Kilmore by 4-15 to 5-3 last Wednesday in Kilbride to win the Roscommon LGFA Division Four league title.

Gaels celebrate 60th anniversary Roscommon Gaels are celebrating their 60th anniversary with a number of events this coming weekend. A new initiative entitled ‘Roscommon Gaels All-Stars’ will be launched on Friday evening at The Hyde Centre at 6.30 pm. The club’s annual awards presentation night will be held at Oscars at The Hollywood Bar on Saturday night at 9.30 pm. The official opening of the club’s new dressing rooms will take place at 5.30 pm on Sunday evening and a number of special events will be held throughout the day.

BREAKING BALL Mayo far too strong for U-20s Roscommon’s U-20 footballers suffered another heavy defeat, this time in Castlebar as Mayo ran out 5-15 to 1-11 winners in the Philly McGuinness Development League. Paul Carey’s excellent early goal gave Roscommon hope but when Mayo answered with goals from Stephen McGreal, Mark Moran and Tommy Conroy Roscommon were in big trouble. McGreal and Eoghan McLoughlin were on target with second half goals for the home side and

Roscommon were glad to hear the final whistle. Roscommon: R Kearney; A Gleeson, E Killoran, R Dolan; M Conroy, N Higgins, P Halpin; T O’Rourke, D Sumner (0-1); R Dowd (0-5), P Carey (1-0), D Ruane (0-1); D Keenan (0-1), B Derwin (0-3), J Fitzpatrick. Subs: J Keane for Gleeson, C Corcoran for O’Rourke, A Lyons for Corcoran, C Flnn for Dowd, D Beirne for Fitzpatrick, S Hanly for Carey.

Minors suffer heavy defeat in Ballina Electric Ireland Connacht MFC (Round 2)

4-14

MAYO

0-5

ROSCOMMON After the great win against Galway the previous week, Roscommon minors were brought crashing back down to earth as

they were shown a clean pair of heels by a rampant Mayo team in Ballina on Friday night. Roscommon were never

Young hurlers win three on the spin! The Roscommon U-17 hurlers made it three wins from three in the Celtic Challenge Cup with captain Adam Donnelly and Eoin Kiernan hitting 2-3 apiece as Michael Fallon’s charges ran out comfortable 4-21 to 0-14 winners away to Sligo. The lads play Leitrim in Athleague this Sunday at 12 Noon.

in the game and a clinical Mayo side had racked up 4-8 by half- time and it was all over at that stage. In fact, Roscommon led by two points early on but Mayo blitzed Roscommon after that with goals coming from Ciaran Mylett (who scored two), Frank Irwin and Paddy Heneghan. The second half was a low key

and low scoring affair as the home side coasted to a very easy win. Roscommon face Leitrim in Dr Hyde Park this Friday night at 7.30 pm. Roscommon: James Costello; Patrick Gavin, Tom Shine, Conor Lohan; Cian Glennon, Oisin Cregg, Sean Trundle; Ruaidhri Fallon, Jack McDermott;

Eoin Colleran (0-1), Cathal Feely, Mark Purcell (0-1), Ben O’Carroll, Mark Naughton, Adam McDermott (0-3). Subs: Luke Walsh for Shine, Aaron Oyiki for Naughton, Ronan Garvin for McDermott, Shane Keenan for Feeley, Cormac Regan for Fallon, Andrew Tiernan for O’Carroll.

Seamus Carthy Auctioneers AFL Division One (5.30 pm) At Ballyleague: St. Faithleach’s v St Croan’s At Woodmount: Pádraig Pearses v Clann na nGael At Lisnamult: Michael Glavey’s v Roscommon Gaels At Western Gaels: Western Gaels v Boyle At Kiltoom: St. Brigid’s v Fuerty Connaughton Fuels AFL Division Two (5.30 pm) At Ballyforan: St. Aidan’s v Kilbride At Kilmore: Kilmore v Strokestown At James Timothy Park: Éire Óg v Oran At Tulsk: Tulsk Lord Edwards v Elphin

Sunday, June 2nd Connaughton Fuels AFL Division Two At Johnstown: Clann na nGael v Castlerea St. Kevin’s. 2 pm Leydon Brothers AFL Division Three (2 pm) At Orchard Park: Elphin v Ballinameen At Kilronan Park: Shannon Gaels v Western Gaels At St. Dominic’s: St. Dominic’s v St. Brigid’s

Monday, June 3rd G&G Electric Junior Hurling Championship At Athleague: Athleague v Roscommon Gaels At Woodmount: Pádraig Pearses v Oran At St. Dominic’s: St. Dominic’s v Four Roads

Underage updates Thursday, May 30th U-12 Spring League Division Two At Abbey Park: Boyle v Shannon Gaels. 7 pm U-14 Football League Division One Knockout At Enfield: Western Gaels v Boyle. 7.30 pm

Sunday, June 2nd U-12 Spring League Division Five (11 am) At Western Gaels: Western Gaels v St. Ronan’s At Abbey Park: Boyle v St. Aidan’s

Monday, June 3rd U-12 Spring League Division Five At Lisnamult: Roscommon Gaels v St. Barry’s

Ladies update Results Castlerea Vehicle Recycling AFL Division Four Final Kilbride 4-15 Kilmore 5-3 All-Ireland U-14 Bronze Series (Group C) Stage 2 Round 1 Roscommon 2-6 Wexford 0-2 Round 2 Roscommon 3-10 Wicklow 0-5 Round 3 Roscommon 2-4 Limerick 0-6

Fixtures Saturday, June 1st All-Ireland U-14 Quarter-Final Roscommon v Fermanagh

Sunday, June 2nd McNeill’s Foodstore and Catering LGFA Intermediate Championship (12 pm) St. Brigids v St. Ciaran’s Kilglass Gaels v Boyle Keenan’s Bar and Restaurant LGFA Junior Championship Group A Michael Galvey’s v St. Barry’s St. Croan’s v Éire Óg Group B Kilmore v Four Roads St. Faithleachs v Strokestown

Roscommon People Friday 31 May 2019

SportsPeople

Five set for Intermediate showdowns! The Roscommon LGFA Intermediate, Junior ‘A’ and Junior ‘B’ Championships take centre stage this weekend with the senior championships due to throw in on the last Sunday in June. Five teams will contest this year’s McNeill’s Foodstore and Catering Intermediate championship: Boyle, Kilglass Gaels, St. Brigid’s, St. Ciaran’s and St. Dominic’s. The top team will go straight into the final while second and third placed teams will meet in the semifinals. This promises to be one of the most keenly-contested Intermediate championships in a number of years with all five teams capable of taking the crown. Kilglass Gaels, suffered final heartbreak in 2017 and 2018 and will be hoping to go one step further in 2019 while St. Brigid’s suffered relegation heartbreak and will be looking to make a quick return to the top table. The 2018 Junior champions St. Doiminic’s had a

good league run and will be no pushovers. Boyle won the AFL Division three recently and will be hoping to add more silverware while St. Ciaran’s have an abundance of talent within their ranks and will no doubt have a big say in where the cup will eventually land in 2019.

Boyle

McHugh, Emma Compton, Rebecca Coyle, Louise and Nicola Tully, Majella Cox, Mikaela McHugh and Claire McCormack. Prediction: Although they lost all games in the league, the experience of playing in the last two finals will stand to them. They will look at this as an opportunity to make it back to the top tier.

League form: Division Three winners. Key players: Roisin and Saoirse Wynne, Sinead Glennon, Aisling Feeley and the Keenehan sisters. Prediction: Winning Division Three league will be a boost and the arrival of several players from Ballinameen will help their cause as they attempt to reach the final.

St. Brigid’s

Kilglass Gaels

St. Dominic’s

League form: A dismal run in Division One means they’ll play their football in Division Two next year. Key players: Natalie

League form: Won a league final local derby with arch rivals and neighbours St. Brigids. Key players: Aimee

League form: Made the Division Two final against St. Dominic’s where they were beaten by two points. Key players: Claire Grehan, Aine O’Brien, Kate Nolan, Lauren and Abbie Curran. Prediction: St. Brigid’s are a relatively young, energetic team and a final berth is not beyond them.

O’Connor, Aoife Gavin, Aisling Walsh, Eimear McNally, Rachel and Ciara Corcoran, Saoirse Casey. Prediction: Another young, energetic and up and coming team. Despite this being their first year playing intermediate football, a large number of their players are accustomed to playing at a high level with the county and a final place is very possible.

St. Ciaran’s League form: One win from four to avoid relegation. Key players: Roscommon inter-county players Laura Fleming, Rachel Fitzmaurice and Honor who will be ably assisted by the experienced Daly sisters, Crean sisters, Carmel Killeen and Nora Brennan. Prediction: Vastly experienced and played in the county final in 2015. They will be hoping this year will be the year that the Intermediate championship crosses the Suck.

Castlerea and Glavey’s favourites for Junior title The Keenan’s Bar & Restaurant LGFA Junior ‘A’ Football Championship will feature two groups this year. Group A: Castlerea, Éire Óg, Michael Glavey’s, St. Barry’s and St. Croan’s. Group B: Four Roads, Kilmore, St. Faithleach’s and Strokestown. First and second place in Group A will go straight into the semi-finals. The winners of Group B will play

the third-placed team in Group A while runners-up in Group B will take on the fourth-placed Group B team in a quarter-finals with the winners going on to contest the semi-finals. In Group A, Castlerea were the winners of the AFL Division Three league while Michael Glavey’s survived relegation from Division Two. Both look most likely to make it

straight to the semi-finals with St. Barry’s and St. Croan’s favourites to take the third and fourth spots respectively. In Group B, any of the four teams could make the quarter-finals but the two that get a hesitant nod are Four Roads and St. Faithleach’s. Going on league results, the likely finalists should be Castlerea and Michael Glavey’s.

Pictured at the launch of the Roscommon LGFA club championships, which took place at Loughnaneane Park in Roscommon town recently, were Junior ‘A’ and ‘B’ club representatives Éire Óg, St. Faitheleach’s, Kilmore, Michael Glavey’s, Strokestown, St. Barry’s, Four Roads, Castlerea and St. Croan’s. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the launch of the Roscommon LGFA club championships, which took place at Loughnaneane Park in Roscommon town recently, were Intermediate club representatives from Boyle, St. Dominic’s, Kilglass Gaels, St. Brigid’s and St. Ciaran’s. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Junior ‘C’ teams set for throw-in! The Keenan’s Bar & Resturant LGFA Junior ‘C’ Football Championship features Oran, Roscommon Gaels, St. Michael’s-St. Ronan’s and Kilbride B. All four teams in this competition featured in the AFL Division Four this year. Judging by league form, the most likely teams to progress to the final are Oran

and Kilbride B. Credit must be given to St. Michael’sSt.Ronan’s, however, as both clubs come together in order to give their players an opportunity to play adult football. It’s a great initiative by both clubs as neither have previously competed in an adult championship.

Pictured at the launch of the Roscommon LGFA club championships, which took place at Loughnaneane Park in Roscommon town recently, were Junior ‘C’ club representatives, St. Michael’s-St. Ronan’s, Oran, Roscommon Gaels and Kilbride. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Roscommon People Friday 31 May 2019

SPORTING WORLD WITH DAN DOONER

@dan_dooner

Katie’s the only show in town this weekend! THE LEAD STORY Dan Dooner

Ok, you may say it’s wishful thinking from a Man United fan, but Katie Taylor’s date with destiny is the only televised sport on Saturday worth talking about…

World champion Katie Taylor is looking to make history this Saturday night in Madison Square Garden.

With responsibility for speaking on behalf of Fianna Fáil on Transport, Tourism and Sport, you’d think Robert Troy’s plate was overflowing with things to talk about…but no, he couldn’t help himself and threw together a press release regarding the perceived lack of Katie Taylor coverage! Troy picked up on a social media post calling for more coverage of Katie’s big fight this week and ran with it, using it as an opportunity to land a jab on Minister Shane Ross in

In the sporting diary ....

The sporting brief

Club Rossie Draw

Golf Charlie’s cup!

The deadline for the Club Rossie direct debit scheme is this Friday (May 31st). Members will be in with a chance of winning their choice of a Toyota Camri, Hilux or Land Cruiser in the Grand Prize Draw on Friday, August 9th. Bronze Membership is priced at €100 and includes one draw entry, a car sticker, weekly updates via email and WhatsApp and more. For a €230 contribution, Gold Members will receive four entries to the draw plus an exclusive jacket, entry into draws for All-Ireland football and hurling final tickets, along with the car sticker and news updates. Gold Membership has proven to be the most popular option for those who have joined so far with many commenting on the great value on offer. Membership payments can be spread over three months (June 20th, July 18th and August 2nd). Go to www.clubrossie.ie for more.

Memorial Pool Tournament at The Hollywood The 12th annual Gerry Mannion Memorial Pool Tournament will take place on Friday, 31st May at The Hollywood Bar, Roscommon town. This is a singles tournament and will comprise of approximately 15 players all of whom are family, relations, friends and associates of Gerry. The first round will be played on a one-frame knockout basis, while the semi-finals and final will be the best of three frames. This year a doubles competition will be introduced to get proceedings underway. There will be no entry fee – however donations will be greatly accepted and all monies collected on the night will go towards Mayo Roscommon Hospice. Event starts at 9 pm and everyone is welcome on the night.

We begin our weekly round-up in Athlone where junior member Charlie Kelly won the Junior Scratch Cup in Moate last week with a gross score of 74. Charlie is also a member of the Fred Daly panel which has qualified for the semi finals of the Plate in July. The Jimmy Bruen Shield team had a good win over Cregmore in their first round match on Saturday and will now meet the winners or Mountbellew and Portumna in the semi-final on June 8th. Congratulations also to Ian and Maeve Holmes who won the 9-hole mixed qualifier last Friday. They will now represent Athlone in the regional final in Tubbercurry. Meanwhile, Thomas O’Connor leads the RBK Golfer of the Year on 20 points ahead of Ger O’Kennedy in second place on 18 points. Other recent winners in Athlone include: Tony Reape (Wednesday Open), Michael Rock (Plumbers), Eugene Rafferty (AWGS Outing), Cathryn Mannion and Marion Hendrick (1st Nett in Australian Spoons Foursomes), Margaret King Byrne and Helen King (1st

the process. Playing Devil’s Advocate, the criticism isn’t entirely warranted however. There are dedicated boxing reporters in this country, who in spite of being frozen out by the likes of MTK Global in the past, continue to champion our plethora of talented fighters, Katie Taylor included. I’ll agree that boxing still lags behind the GAA and soccer in terms of coverage however, and in the week of Mayo’s exit from the Connacht championship and all-English

Gross in Australian Spoons), and Chris Furey (97 Club). To Boyle next where Karl Keenan won the Bart Moran Cup with a terrific score of 55 nett. Liam Mullaney came second with 65, Sean Heslin claimed the gross and Mark Whelan came third with 66 nett. Boyle enjoyed another great win last weekend when they beat Co. Sligo in the Mixed Foursomes. Susan O’Mahoney’s 69 nett was just enough to edge Tish Perry (70) into second place in the President’s Prize to the Ladies recently. Peggy Feely claimed the best gross score with 70 while Mandy Toolan finished in third with 71. Mary Kenny won the recent ladies’ competition in Castlerea with 44 points. Catherine Collins and Ciara Maher were second and third respectively, both with 37 points. In Roscommon, Margaret Kennedy won the recent 9-hole qualifying Stableford with 17 points. The Down the Hatch men’s competition was won by Oliver Hannon with 62 nett with Fintan Burke in second on 67, Simon Walker taking the gross prize with 68, Charlie Farrell also on 68 in third and Cian O’Connor taking the Junior prize with 64.

Europa and Champions League Finals, coverage was always going to build slowly. Also, Katie is not the Muhammad Ali or Conor McGregor type and never has been. She’s coming to the end of the most important pre-fight camp of her career and is fully focussed on the task ahead of her this Saturday night as she takes on Delfine Persoon in Madison Square Garden. The humble Bray superstar is standing on the edge of greatness as she attempts to become the undisputed champion of the world by unifying the WBC, WBA, WBO and IBF belts. To do so though she will have to overcome Persoon. The Belgian has a record of 43-1 and hasn’t been defeated in almost a decade. No wonder then that Taylor has said that winning on Saturday would even top her Olympic gold medal in 2012.

The ladies seniors’ competition was won by Una Gleeson with Margaret Brennan in second. The men’s seniors’ competition was won by Michael Tierney. Unfortunately, the ladies’ Minor and Active Revive Cup teams were narrowly beaten during the week. To Carrick, where David McDermott topped the PGA Tankard standings with 41 points with Ciaran Cafferky second on 40 and Kevin Sheerin third with 40. Nathan Flynn took gross with 38 points. The Grafter’s Stableford was won by Attracta O’Connor with 37 points. Phil Emmett and Carmel Stritch were second and third respectively, both with 35 points.

Coverage is a two-way street of course and another issue at play is the very nature of modern professional boxing and the fact that the fight is pay per view (undercard of Joshua v Ruiz). This means that Katie won’t be making her way to the ring until well after midnight Irish time. Difficult therefore to maximise the audience for the biggest fight in the history of women’s boxing. Thankfully, those dedicated boxing reporters I mentioned earlier arrived in New York earlier this week and will be there to give their blow-by-blow accounts! Just look for the likes of Gavan Casey on Twitter. As Katie herself told Gavan earlier this week: “The support’s always been great. To be honest (regarding the coverage), I’ve had more important things to be worrying about this week!”

Athletics Gymnastics update It was a busy weekend for Athlone Gymnastics Club. Mya, Ericka, Orla, Sive, Niamh, Grainne Clíodhna, Stephanie, Isla, Tara, Judy and Jenny took part in the Women’s All Around Competition in the National Indoor Arena on Saturday and Sunday. Ericka and Orla claimed gold and bronze respectively. The club also had gymnasts taking part in the Community Games National Finals in University of Limerick. Ericka and Aoife brought home bronze and silver medals to cap a successful weekend for the club.

People’s champions of the week This week’s People’s Champions are the loyal Rossie fans. After a 33-year wait they had a lot to smile about in Castlebar last Saturday. Pic: Michael McCormack

Roscommon People Friday 31 May 2019

GA A PEOPLE Your weekend starts here!

THE ROVING ROSSIE No recount as Rossies beat Mayo! Enda Kenny, David Brady, John Maughan, Andy Moran, Times Square, Kevin Kilbane…your boys took one hell of a beating!

Hussey hails ﬁghting spirit  SEAMUS DUKE

Michael Glavey’s’ man Conor Hussey was one of many Roscommon players to put in a huge shift last Saturday and he hailed his teammates’ never-say-die attitude in Castlebar.

“It’s an incredible feeling (to win). We knew we had a big performance in us and it was a case of going out and doing it. We didn’t do ourselves justice in the league and we wanted to put that right in the championship. “I thought Mayo were really ex-

cellent today and it was a hell of a match. We said before the game that we were never going to give up…whether we were ten points up or ten points down…and that showed out there today. “When you have the likes of the Smiths and Fintan Cregg to come

off the bench you can see how strong the panel is. We have three weeks to prepare for the Connacht final and it will be incredibly difficult against Galway. But we will enjoy this tonight and tomorrow and we will settle down again and prepare,” he said.

Rumour has it that the local elections count at the Hyde Centre ground to a halt at about 7 pm last Saturday night as the Rossies took to the field in Castlebar against Mayo. It’s more than likely not true but it’s certainly no surprise that there was no first count on Saturday night! Meanwhile, with about ten minutes to go in Castlebar we feared the worst as Mayo started to turn the screw and looked to be moving through the gears while dominating possession. Perhaps in years gone by Kevin McLoughlin’s free would have gone over the black spot and our neighbours would have beaten us in extratime. But there was something very different about this Roscommon team. Niall Daly’s late game-saving block was cheered almost as loudly as Fintan Cregg’s crucial point, and it was further evidence of the Primrose and Blue’s reluctance to bend the knee and stretch an unwanted winless run to 34 years. The tone was set at the half-time whistle when players from both sides went toe to toe. Refusing to take a backward step, the Rossies went into the dressing rooms leading by two points. They returned after the interval fired up and ready to dig deep in order to send their archrivals out the back door for another summer of qualifiers. Nothing has been won of course and there’s still the small matter of Galway in the Connacht Final to come. But as one Rossie from the border said on Sunday, through the haze of the night before: ‘That doesn’t matter right now…as long as we beat that shower!’

Roscommon People Friday 31 May 2019

Connacht SFC Semi-Final: Roscommon 2-12 Mayo 0-17

Superb Rossies end Shock Connacht Cregg-xit for Mayo as Cunningham’s troops prevail in classic ‘To win just once against the odds and once be smiled on by the Gods To race with speed along the track, break the tape and not look back To never have considered losing, as if to win is by your choosing Bare your soul for all to find an honest heart and an open mind’

The Verdict Seamus Duke A few lines from the great Saw Doctors song ‘To Win Just Once’ captures the spirit of Castlebar 2019 on Saturday evening when 33 years of hurt for Roscommon teams and fans was washed away with a nerve-jangling, dramatic win against old rivals Mayo. Anthony Cunningham’s men strode into Elvery’s MacHale Park determined to show the GAA world – and more importantly themselves – that they were ready, willing and able to put the Mayo hoodoo behind them. Despite being written off in almost every quarter, Roscommon got off to a great start and simply refused to bend the knee as Mayo came roaring back at them in the second half, the visitors holding out for a deserved one-point win. It was drama to the very end as first sub Fintan Cregg kicked what was to turn out to be the winning point three minutes into injury-time. Then, with the allotted five minutes almost up, Mayo were awarded a free 25 metres out to the right of the posts. At first it looked like Diarmuid O’Connor was going to kick it but he handed the ball to Kevin McLoughlin, who promptly dropped the free outside the posts and wide. On the kick-out, referee David Gough blew the final whistle. The will to win and never-say-die attitude of this Roscommon team was

remarkable to behold in this incidentpacked game that is up there with the best championship matches we have seen anywhere in recent years. Roscommon simply would not lie down and whatever Mayo threw at them, they gave right back. Even when there was a half-time melee, no Roscommon player took a backward step. It was a clear message to Mayo that this time around Roscommon would not be going back down the road with their heads bowed. Since Anthony Cunningham took over there is a steely determination about this Roscommon team that makes them very tough opponents. Mayo found that out on Saturday night. The feeling leaving MacHale Park was one of immense pride at the display of a mighty bunch of players. Every single man made a contribution to the effort. Darren O’Malley struck over two 45s and a long-range free with ease while his opposite number Rob Hennelly struggled badly in that regard. The Roscommon half-back line was superb on the day. Niall and Ronan Daly did well until Ronan went off injured, while Conor Hussey was simply magnificent at centre half-back. He was commanding all through and is improving with every game. Niall Daly’s late block on Andy Moran was a match-winning intervention. Both midfielders got through a huge amount of work but Roscommon struggled with the amount of breaking ball that went to Mayo in that sector. It is something that the management will have to work on.

Up front, Conor Cox was magnificent. A couple of his points from play were out of the very top drawer. He has been some find for Roscommon this year. Cathal Cregg had another mighty game. His 6th minute goal was spectacular as he showed a clean pair of heels to Keith Higgins before blasting past Hennelly. Ultan Harney was back to his best and he got through a huge amount of work and took his goal really well. But where Roscommon were strongest on Saturday was that they had outstanding players to come off the bench. Every one of them made a major contribution. Diarmuid Murtagh held on to the ball well, Brian Stack got through a mountain of work, Conor Devaney made three incredible interceptions, Enda Smith kicked an inspirational point at a vital stage, Donie Smith won loads of ball and the postman from Elphin, Fintan Cregg, delivered when it mattered most, slotting over the brilliant winning point. It was a real squad effort. The goals from Cathal Cregg and Ultan Harney in the first twelve minutes were the perfect way to start. With Mayo kicking a lot of wides, Roscommon held on to the lead to half-time. Indeed, Roscommon should have had another goal in the 26th minute but Andy Glennon’s effort flew wide. Roscommon were under pressure in the second half but they just would not give in. The mist turned into rain, making the ground very slippy, and it was a real cauldron as the final minutes neared. When Fergal Boland pointed in the 61st minute to edge Mayo ahead

The Roscommon team which beat Mayo in the Connacht SFC semi-final in Castlebar last Saturday. Pic: Mick McCormack

for the first time, many Roscommon fans would have been forgiven for thinking ‘here we go again’ – but not this time. Cox nailed a really difficult free in the 65th minute to tie up the scores again and when it came down to it in injury-time, Fintan Cregg had the composure, while Kevin McLoughlin did not. After such a fantastic win and after such a battle, one tends to lose sight of the fact that this was only a Connacht

semi-final. There was no silverware at stake. The final will be another very difficult assignment as Galway will feel that they will have the measure of Rocommon at Pearse Stadium. But this magnificent win has lifted the whole county, not least the players themselves. It will give them massive confidence. There is loads for the management to work on, but if the same desire and will to win is there on June 16th Roscommon will not be far away.

Ultan Harney turns in possession during last Saturday’s Connacht SFC semi-final in Castlebar. Pic: Mick McCormack

Roscommon People Friday 31 May 2019

Connacht SFC Semi-Final: Roscommon 2-12 Mayo 0-17

33-year hoodoo Stat Attack Wides: Roscommon 9 (4 first half) Mayo 15 (9 first half) Red cards: None Black cards: Roscommon 1 (David Murray 67) Mayo 1 (Andy Moran 71) Yellow cards Roscommon: 5 (Niall Daly, Tadhg O’Rourke, Cathal Cregg, Ultan Harney, Conor Cox) Mayo: 4 (Patrick Durcan, Keith Higgins, Lee Keegan, Conor Diskin) Scores from play: Roscommon 2-7 Mayo 0-13 Attendance: 20,471 Man of the Match: Conor Cox (Roscommon)

Teams and Scorers Roscommon: Darren O’Malley (0-3, 1 free, 2 ‘45s); David Murray, Sean Mullooly, Conor Daly (0-1); Niall Daly, Conor Hussey, Ronan Daly; Tadhg O’Rourke, Shane Killoran; Hubert Darcy, Cathal Cregg (1-0), Niall Kilroy; Ultan Harney (1-0), Conor Cox (0-5, 2 frees), Andy Glennon (0-1). Subs used: Diarmuid Murtagh for Glennon (h/t); Brian Stack for R Daly (45), Conor Devaney for Darcy (48), Enda Smith (0-1) for C Cregg (50); Donie Smith for Harney (55); Fintan Cregg (0-1) for Kilroy (60). Mayo: Rob Hennelly; Chris Barrett, Brendan Harrison, Keith Higgins; Paddy Durcan (0-2), Mark Plunkett, Lee Keegan (0-1); Matthew Ruane (0-2), Aidan O’Shea; Fergal Boland (0-2), Jason Doherty (0-1, 1f ), Diarmuid O’Connor; Evan Regan (0-3, 2 frees), Darren Coen (0-5), Kevin McLoughlin. Subs used: Andy Moran (0-1) for Regan (45); Conor Diskin for Coen (60); Conor Loftus for Doherty (69); Cian Treacy for Moran (black card, 71). Referee: David Gough (Meath).

Cathal Cregg races towards goal during last Saturday’s Connacht SFC semi-final between Roscommon and Mayo in Castlebar. Pic: Mick McCormack

Key Moments

Seamus Duke

First half Mayo kicked the opening two points within five minutes, with Matthew Ruane and Darren Coen on target.

Darren O’Malley pointed a ’45 and a long-range free from 48 metres in the remaining minutes of the first half, but points from Evan Regan, Lee Keegan and Matthew Ruane ensured that there was only two between the sides at half-time.

Roscommon rocked Mayo back on their heels in the 6th minute. Shane Killoran made a great run and passed to Cathal Cregg who spun and tore past Keith Higgins before blasting the ball into the top corner for a mighty goal.

As the sides went in for the break tempers boiled over as a minor melee broke out in the tunnel area. Paddy Durcan and Lee Keegan and Niall Daly and Tadhg O’Rourke were booked by referee Gough for their part.

Jason Doherty (free) and Paddy Durcan pointed for Mayo and when Andy Glennon was on target for Roscommon with a point from play it was 1-1 to 0-4 after eleven minutes.

Half-time score: Roscommon 2-6 Mayo 0-10

A minute later Rob Hennelly made a complete hash of his short kick-out which was grabbed by Ultan Harney. A quick one-two with Andy Glennon and the Clann na nGael fisted to the Mayo net. Roscommon 2-1 Mayo 0-4. Conor Daly kicked a super point from play in the 16th minute but Mayo hit back with points from Coen and an Evan Regan free. Two Conor Cox points (one a free) saw Roscommon ahead by 2-4 to 0-6 after 26 minutes. In the 26th minute Roscommon should have had a third goal. Referee David Gough threw the ball up on the 20-metre line and it fell to Andy Glennon who was in the clear – but his first time shot screwed wide of the posts.

Second half Evan Regan’s free in the 38th minute narrowed the gap to one but Darren O’Malley scored another ’45 (in the 40th minute) to restore the two-point margin. Conor Cox kicked a marvellous point from 30 metres out and close to the sideline in the 45th minute before Mayo’s best attacker, Darren Coen, replied with a fine point a minute later. In the 47th minute Coen’s effort from 35 metres looked wide but the white flag was shown and the gap was down to one again. Cox scored another wonder point for Roscommon in the 49th minute but Mayo were now on top and Paddy Durcan and sub Andy Moran were both on target with points from play. By the 52nd minute

the sides were level. Another Roscommon sub, Enda Smith, edged the visitors ahead before Fergal Boland levelled matters again by the 58th minute. By now the conditions were worsening as the heavy rain came down on MacHale Park. Boland kicked a long-range point to put his side ahead for the one and only time in the game in the 60th minute, but Roscommon would not lie down and accept defeat. Conor Cox pointed a free in the 64th minute and as the tension rose, it looked like it might need extra-time to separate them. Roscommon’s Davy Murray was shown a black card in the 67th minute and Roscommon had to finish the game with fourteen men as Anthony Cunningham had already used his six subs. The board showed five minutes of injury-time as Mayo pressed forward. Niall Daly brilliantly blocked down Andy Moran who was shown a black card for a hand trip in the same incident. The ball was quickly kicked to Roscommon sub Fintan Cregg 30 metres from goal and he popped it over the bar with nerves of steel. Brian Stack then gave away a needless free 25 metres way from the Roscommon goal to the right of the posts in the final seconds. Diarmuid O’Connor handed the ball to Kevin McLoughlin and his kick went narrowly wide. On the kick-out the final whistle sounded. Final score: Roscommon 2-12 Mayo 0-17

Roscommon People Friday 31 May 2019

Connacht SFC Semi-Final: Roscommon 2-12 Mayo 0-17

‘Grown men dancing in the rain’  SEAMUS DUKE

Roscommon selector, Mark Dowd, believes the hard work is beginning to pay off following Saturday’s sensational Connacht semi-final win over Mayo in Castlebar. “It’s hard to put that into words. I’m still thinking back on all the things we did well in the game. Some vital incidents like Conor Devaney’s interceptions and Fintan Creggs’s winning point come immediately to mind. But when you see what it means to the Roscommon people out there on the pitch it makes all the effort worthwhile. There were grown men dancing in the rain out there. It’s great to see. “We had a great start with the two goals. We missed our first few chances against Leitrim and it was so important to get scores on the board early today. The early goal was crucial. Once we got ahead we wanted to keep pushing on because we knew Mayo would come back. “The hard work started preseason with our gym work. We had the belief that we had worked hard on our strength and we knew we had a good fitness level and the players had it in the back of their minds that they had a lot of

work done. They all knew their jobs going out on the pitch and they played with great confidence,” he said. “It will give the lads great confidence when they look back at this match and see that whatever Mayo threw at us we were able to answer them back. We didn’t want to go two or three points down and drop the heads like Roscommon teams might have done in the past here in Castlebar. We just drove on and it was the work-rate of the players that was the most pleasing aspect of today’s win. “They dominated the breaking ball and that’s one thing we have to work on for sure. We have 36 players on the panel and they are all fighting for places on the team. The team is picked on form. We were not holding lads back to bring them in or anything like that. It just worked out that the lads that came on did well but the lads that started were the most impressive guys in training. “We were in Salthill a few weeks ago and played Galway in the league and you saw what happened in that match so if we are not tuned and if we do not turn in a performance like today, plus 10 or 20 per cent, then we will not be winning anything”.

Diarmuid Murtagh celebrates at the full-time whistle as Roscommon beat Mayo in the semi-final of the Connacht SFC at Elvery’s MacHale Park, Castlebar last Saturday. Pic: Mick McCormack

Harney hails ‘cool as ice’ Cregg!  SEAMUS DUKE

Ultan Harney fists home Roscommon’s second goal during last Saturday’s Connacht SFC semi-final in Castlebar. Pic: Mick McCormack

Speaking after the final whistle in Castlebar last Sunday, goalscorer Ultan Harney said Roscommon’s bright start proved crucial as they came out on top in a championship “dogfight”. “It was never going to be easy coming down here but it’s a mighty win. It was a dogfight and it could have gone either way. They had a lot of wides and it could have been a draw too, but we stayed at it and it’s a win we needed more than anything. “It was a great start and when we got ahead we had strong players to bring in off the bench and I thought that won us the game. We went at it as hard as we could for the first 50 minutes and then we had great players to bring in. “We were under pressure for the last ten minutes. They were pressing us high and we were down to 14 men too but look, Fintan (Cregg) got the chance to win it and there’s no better man; he was as cool as ice and we’re just thrilled!”

Roscommon People Friday 31 May 2019

Connacht SFC Semi-Final: Roscommon 2-12 Mayo 0-17

Roscommon selector Iain Daly and manager Anthony Cunningham look on during last Saturday’s Connacht SFC semi-final win over Mayo in Castlebar. Pic: Mick McCormack  SEAMUS DUKE

nthony Cunningham was a very happy man at the final whistle last Saturday in Elvery’s MacHale Park. He praised his Roscommon team’s courage as they held off Mayo to end a 33-year championship losing streak in Castlebar. “Coming down here to Mayo we knew what to expect and it was always going to be a tough, tight match. I was just delighted with the performance. We kept to the script. We got a great start but Mayo showed all their experience and they chipped away at us but we held our nerve and that counted there at the end. “When you are down here (in MacHale Park) and Mayo are chasing you with the home crowd behind them, it’s an ever harder task. The rain and the mist in the second half made things even tougher. There was a lot of hard challenges out there and nothing was spared out there but our players showed great resilience and they stuck to the task well and that’s something we want to build on. “For us we had to play

every ball; there was no grand plan. When we have the ball we want to score, when we don’t have the ball we want to defend better than Roscommon have done over the past few years and we have worked hard on that. But this is just one match for us. We will re-set again and get ready for Galway. But we will take the positives out of it and what we need are repeat performances,” he said. The Roscommon manager also highlighted the impact his substitutes had in the closing stages. “Our bench is very strong and they brought a bit of freshness to it in the last 20 minutes and that was vital. Conor Devaney made a few vital interceptions, Fintan (Cregg) scored the winning point in the finish. We want a strong panel and these days you need a strong panel because hopefully we still have a lot of football to play this summer but it’s one day at a time,” he added. Cunningham also had high praise for his forwards and in particular, man of the match Conor Cox. “Conor Cox has been a huge find for us this year and he is bringing a bit of

‘These players are capable of more!’

genius to it (in terms of attacking play) because Mayo have top class defenders, probably the best in the game. “For us today is very satisfying but we just have to kick on now. We were very disappointed after we played Mayo here in the league and after that match we knew we could match them. We used Mayo’s success as an inspiration for us. The players know each other well so we feel why can’t we aspire to be as good as they are?” “You could see how much this win meant to Roscommon GAA people out there on the pitch after the match. That’s what the GAA is all about. That’s what a good performance brings, but for us it’s on to the next day and we have to get a result in the next game too,” he said. Strength and conditioning played a vital role in Saturday’s win and while Anthony Cunningham was pleased with that aspect of Roscommon’s performance, he admitted that there are tweaks needed ahead of June’s Connacht final againg Galway. “There is huge improvement needed from us, let’s be very clear about that. Mayo did outfox us on the

kick-outs and that comes with experience. We will have to get better at that aspect of our game. “Modern-day players are very fit and they work on their strength and conditioning every day of the week. The gym work hasn’t been as strong in

Roscommon over the last few years but it has to be strong. We are working away at that all the time, the same as every other team,” he said. The Roscommon manager concluded by laying down a challenge to his players.

“I’m in this job because I love coaching. Iain Daly and Mark Dowd are tremendous coaches too. It is so satisfying when the players produce what they are capable of. These players can perform and they can go a step or two more as well but they

must decide that themselves. “The big trick now is to repeat that performance the next day. Roscommon have not been good at doing that over the years but we have to re-set now and go again in the Connacht final”.

Man of the Match, Conor Cox, assesses his options during last Saturday’s Connacht SFC semi-final win over Mayo in Castlebar.

The Roscommon players line up for the national anthem ahead of last Saturday’s Connacht SFC semi-final against Mayo in Castlebar. Pic: Mick McCormack

Roscommon People Friday 31 May 2019

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