2019.09.13 by Roscommon People

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SOCIAL PEOPLE!

13 September 2019

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‘Bully boy tactics’ slammed amidst fears over Kepak jobs  DAN DOONER

Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice has slammed what he described as “bully boy tactics” from Meat Industry Ireland following the group’s announcement that up to 3,000 of its members would be temporarily laid off. Deputy Fitzmaurice’s comments came following unconfirmed reports that some workers at the Kepak plant in Athleague had been temporarily laid off on Tuesday. According to sources, a number of the plant’s canteen staff were laid off. Kepak announced on Wednesday that 1,125 staff had been temporarily laid off

Farmers are in the news this week, and have much to reflect on! These two men were pictured in conversation at Strokestown Agricultural Show last weekend. Pic: Mick McCormack

from meat plants around the country. It is feared that further lay-offs are imminent unless the cur-

rent dispute is resolved. It is claimed that SIPTU had written to MII three weeks ago in relation to

the dispute but failed to receive a response ahead of recent lay-offs. Deputy Fitzmaurice said: “Talks should have begun a week ago. If this dispute is not resolved and farmers continue on the same path, then there will be no factories or workers. This dispute needs to be resolved for the sake of farmers and their families”. Meanwhile, there have been positive developments following last night’s (Wednesday) meetings between Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed, farm organisations and beef processors, with talks set to resume in the current days. See more on page 3.

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Roscommon People Friday 13 September 2019

NewsPeople ROSCOMMON

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DOLORES GACQUIN – SOLICITOR Tel: 090 6478433 • info@bccsolicitors.ie

Cycling Accident I was cycling on a country road about a year ago when I was knocked off my bicycle by a passing car. The car’s wing mirror clipped my handlebar causing me to fall to the ground. I went to the local hospital at the time as I was badly injured. I am still attending a physiotherapist. My friend advised me to talk to my solicitor. Is it too late to investigate my rights? Please advise me. Cyclists are recognised as vulnerable road users and such vulnerability makes it almost inevitable that a cyclist will come off the worst in any accident involving a car. Even a minor incident can result in a cyclist being thrown off their bicycle and sustaining horrendous injuries. I note that your bicycle accident occurred about a year ago. It is not uncommon for people to bring compensation claims for injuries sustained in an accident many months after the accident. On occasion, one may not fully appreciate the true and full extent of injuries sustained until several weeks or months after an accident. The law determining the time limits in which one may claim compensation for injuries following an accident is called the Statute of Limitations. One normally has two years from the date of accident to bring a compensation claim for personal injuries. This differs in the case of an injured child in that ‘limitation period’ does not start to run until the child reaches eighteen years old i.e. a child may bring a claim for injuries sustained as a child up until their 20th birthday. If you believe that your injuries were sustained as a result of the fault of another person contact Byrne Carolan Cunningham Litigation Department who will fully advise you of your rights. It is imperative that you do so without further delay.

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

You’re back from your holidays! So are you! Both: We are! And what a week or two it’s been! Yes, high drama! Amazing scenes! That epic battle on the television…very physical exchanges, fierce tackles, robust clashes, nobody sure of the outcome as the clock ticked…down to the wire… Yeah, loved Dublin v Kerry… No! Not the match, the scenes in the House of Commons the other night! Brexit! Boris! It’s enthralling. Labour MPs jostling with yer man…the Speaker. Who? The Speaker! Bercow, John Bercow! The Speaker of the House. No idea who you are talking about… OR-DER! OR-DER!!!! Oh, HIM…that guy, oh yeah, all very entertaining. Still, it will be no joke if we end up with a hard border. Won’t happen. Leo has everything under control. And Simon. And Helen. And Paschal. Sounds like a new band. Leo, Simon, Helen and Paschal… Yeah, biggest hit…their version of The Supremes’ classic…er…‘Backstop! In the name of Love!’ Ha ha. But seriously, what a week it’s been. Did you see the love-in on the Late Late… That crowd from Love Island? No! Ryan and…Sinead O’Connor. He was

Endangered Species The barstool boyos

fawning all over her. I’d say Gaybo was fuming watching at home. Ah Gaybo, sure nothing compares to him. And what about Keano, did you watch that interview he gave the Newstalk lads? Yeah, I watched the highlights after the kids were tucked up in bed and the dog was gone to sleep. That man should come with a health warning.

Ah Keano’s good craic. I think it was all tongue in cheek. You gotta love Keano. Anyways, are you ever going to buy a pint? Are you sure it’s my round? Yes, I am, my friend! Your Right Honourable Friend! Wha’? Isn’t that what they say…in the House of Commons… Yes, but they don’t mean a word of it, well, not usually. Yeah, I saw Rees-Mogg the other evening, he was ‘Right Honourable Friend’ this and ‘Right Honourable Friend’ that…he was in mighty form. Went on for an hour he did. Great speaker. Good old Jacob. Yeah, saw a bit of that…he went on a long time alright. No wonder he had to lie down. Wha’? He lay down, had a little snooze, did you not see the photos of him stretched out in the chamber… Oh yeah. Ah sure he was probably cream crackered. Ah the ould Cockney slang. Yeah, he was probably knackered alright. Cream crackered! Love it! Well, he IS Jacob… Eh? Well, you know, Jacob’s cream crackers…. Oh dear. Go on, buy that pint will you, for God’s sake… Me? Yes, you! OR-DER! OR-DER!!!!

PIC OF THE WEEK… Marissa Tansey was pictured at the Ballyforan Fair & Festival launch in Ballyforan – along with friends! Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

What we liked… It was a thrilling weekend for club football in Roscommon, with several exciting championship matches, pointing to a great season finale over the coming weeks. See our sports section for more.

What we didn’t like…

The stand-off between Meat Industry Ireland and beef farmers has escalated. On Tuesday came news of significant numbers of staff in meat factories being temporarily laid off. It’s high time this dispute was resolved. People’s livelihoods, across the board, are at stake.

Our Alternative Awards The er… ‘Resignation of the Week’ Award What was Jo Johnson up to, resigning as a Minister and MP and adding, with dreadful timing, to the discomfort of his under-pressure brother, PM Boris? That was one high profile resignation this week. Then, melodramatic House of Commons Speaker John Bercow announced that he will be stepping down next month (Strictly Come Dancing next year?). But the exit of the week goes to

poor John Bolton, National Security Advisor in the Trump administration in America. Well, I say resignation…Trump tweeted: ‘I informed John Bolton last night that his services are no longer needed at the White House…I asked John for his resignation, which was given to me this morning’. Next!

The ‘Who says it’s not all about me?’ Award After hogging the half-time panel talk during the recent All-Ireland Football Final, shy Joe Brolly now says he was wrong about the performance of referee David Gough (last weekend’s Sunday Independent: ‘I was wrong. David Gough was right’).

Roscommon People Friday 13 September 2019

NewsPeople

Taoiseach asked to intervene as beef crisis escalates Council Alliance invites supermarkets and butchers to meeting The Fianna Fáil-Fine Gael led Alliance Group on Roscommon County Council has invited supermarkets and local butchers to a meeting in Co. Roscommon this weekend. The group (which also includes Independent councillors Tom Crosby and Laurence Fallon) and Cathaoirleach Paschal Fitzmaurice, want to discuss the 30-month beef rule with local butchers and supermarkets. The councillors believe that the support of local supermarkets and butchers could bring great influence on supermarkets nationally and assist farmers if an equitable market can be established for 30-month plus beef. The Alliance group say they are “hugely concerned” with the current impasse and want to see the beef factories return to talks immediately in the interest of farm families, factory employees and the local economy.

 DAN DOONER

Fianna Fáil TD Eugene Murphy has called on Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to intervene in the ongoing beef crisis, stating that it’s imperative that Meat Industry Ireland (MII) returns to the negotiating table. Deputy Murphy welcomed Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed’s calls on MII to return to talks following the group’s announcement that it would walk away on Monday due to ongoing blockades of meat processing plants throughout the country. “If Meat Industry Ireland fails to re-engage in these talks then we need the Taoiseach to intervene as the situation is escalating. Progress can only be made by getting all the groups back to the table. It is the only way we will have success and a resolution in the beef crisis,” Deputy Murphy said. Meanwhile, Independent TD Denis Naughten has called on IBEC, the umbrella organisation for Meat Industry Ireland, to intervene in the ongoing dispute. “Walking away from talks and locking the gates as Meat Industry Ireland has done will not only fail to resolve the current beef

price impasse but is likely to lead to farmers leaving the industry altogether, which will have long-term consequences for meat processors,” he said. Deputy Naughten added that the Irish beef sector was at a “crossroads” and that immediate steps needed to be taken to resolve the dispute. “I cannot recall a situation where an IBEC member organisation has snubbed the invitation of a

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Cabinet Minister to sit down to talks. The fact is that this situation can only be resolved around the table and we now need constructive movement from the meat industry and IBEC,” he concluded. MEP Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan said he believes a “root and branch reform” of the entire sector is needed. “The protesting beef farmers have rightly identified the key issues that are undermining their sector, the

30-month rule, the 4-movement rule and the 70-day residency rule. These rules have no scientific justification and are trade distorting and anti-competitive,” he said before urging farmers to “hold steadfast” in demanding movement on these issues and calling on Minister Creed to intervene with a major review of “all aspects of the beef industry”. Sinn Féin MEP Matt Carty had previously insisted that Minister Creed not be a “neutral observer” to beef talks and called on him to bring forward “supportive proposals to help secure the future viability of this sector”. Meanwhile, following Meat Industry Ireland’s announcement that 3,000 members have been temporarily laid off due to “continuing illegal blockades of factories and intimidation of staff and suppliers by protestors”, SIPTU has called on the Government and Minister Creed to establish a taskforce to tackle the ongoing crisis. Meetings to resolve the ongoing row were underway in Dublin last night (Wednesday) between the Minister for Agricultural Michael Creed, farm organisations and meat factories.

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Roscommon People Friday 13 September 2019

NewsPeople Come and visit our Stand at the 2019 National Ploughing Championships in Ballintrane, Fenagh, Co. Carlow

Contact Brendan on 086 6097200 or 0949880052

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Church Street to reopen following waterworks

SALES SERVICE CRASH REPAIRS

Diversions were still in place on Church Street in Roscommon town this week due to Irish Water works.

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TEMPORARY CLOSING OF ROADS ROADS ACT 1993, SECTION 75 ROADS REGULATIONS 1994, ARTICLE 12 Roscommon County Council has decided to close the road set out in the schedule hereunder for the period and the reason speciﬁed. Road to be closed: R368 from its junction with the N61 in Four-mile-house to its junction with the N5 in Strokestown. Period of Closure: 8.00am Monday 23rd of September 2019 to 6.00pm Wednesday 2nd October 2019. Alternative Routes: N5 & N61. Reason for Closures: To facilitate road overlays. Shane Tiernan, Director of Services

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National Ploughing Championships from next Tuesday (17th) in Ballintrane, Fenagh, Co. Carlow. (Bio-Friendly Ltd. will be located at Block No. 3, Row No. 26, Stand No. 609). For more information, contact Bio-Friendly Ltd. by email: info@biofriendly.ie, phone: 094-9880052 or mobile: 086-6097200.

Irish Water works are ongoing in Roscommon town with the next phase due to begin on Monday, September 16th. Church Street is expected to reopen to through traffic today (Thursday) while the next phase will see closures from the AIB to Ward’s shop on Goff Street and on the Athlone Road. The commencement of the next phase was confirmed by a spokesperson on behalf of Irish Water yesterday (Wednesday). “Irish Water, working in partnership with Roscommon County Council, is replacing the ageing water mains in Goff Street, Athlone Road, Church Street and Abbey Street to provide a more reliable water supply, reduce high levels of leakage, and improve water quality for businesses and homes in

Roscommon town. “To date, 540 metres of new water main have been laid on Abbey Street and Church Street. The next phase of the works will start on Monday, September 16th. These works will include traffic management and road closures. “We would like to thank the businesses, and general public for their patience during these essential works”. The following closures will come into affect between next Monday (16th) and Sunday, November 3rd: Closure 1: AIB Goff Street to Ward’s Shop; Closure 2: Ward’s Shop to the roundabout; Closure 3: Athlone Road. These road closures are set to be in place until the Sunday, November 3rd.

Knights’ fresh veggies to aid those in need Minister for the Office of Public Works and Flood Relief, Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran has praised a “unique venture” which sees members of the Knights of St. Columbanus providing the Midlands Simon Community with fresh vegetables from the group’s allotment in Athlone. He praised the Knights for initiating such as scheme in order to help a worthy cause before Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, Minister for the Office of Public Works and Flood Relief, makes a presentation of fresh vegetables to Tom Keady, board member of Midlands Simon Community. Minister Moran recently launched the Knights of St. Columbanus project ‘Fresh Veggies for the Needy’. Pictured (l-r): Ray Joyce, Grand Knight, Knights of St. Columbanus; Peter Agbanobi; Martin Byrne; Cora McDonnell, Emergency Accommodation Services, Miidlands Simon Community; Padraic Dunne; and David Fenton.

calling on other organisations to do the same. Minister of State Moran also paid tribute to the Simon Community for the “Trojan work” they do for those in need. Minister of State Moran visited the allotment recently to present Tony Keady of the Midlands Simon Community with a basket of vegetables from the allotment.

The ongoing project entitled ‘Fresh Veggies for the Needy’ was organised by Martin Byrne and Padraic Dunne who are assisted by David Fenton and Peter Agbanobi. The organisers wish to thank Seamus Mitchell, Horticulture Department, National Learning Network, Athlone, who provided much-needed vegetable plants to the Knights for the project.

Roscommon People Friday 13 September 2019

Roscommon Citizens Information Centre is moving! Roscommon Citizens Information Centre is moving from its current location at Castleview, Castle Street, Roscommon to:

Office Tower B, Roscommon West Business Park, Golf Links Road, Ballypheasan, Roscommon. To facilitate this move our office will be closing on Wednesday 18th September at 5.00pm and will reopen at the above address on Thursday 26th September at 10.00am. During the above closure period you can access information, advice and advocacy from Boyle Citizens Information Centre, Elphin Street, Boyle. Opening times Monday to Friday 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm or by telephone on 0761 07 6330. Or you can access the Citizens Information Phone Service, available from 9am to 8pm, Monday to Friday on 0761 07 4000.

Or by visiting our website at www.citizensinformation.ie We apologise for any inconvenience caused during our relocation. South Connacht Citizens Information Service is funded by the Citizens Information Board to provide an information, advice and advocacy service, to the public on their civil and social rights and entitlements.

Roscommon MABS is moving! Roscommon MABS is moving from its current location at Abbey Street, Roscommon to:

Tower Block A, Roscommon West Business Park, Circular Road, Ballypheasan, Roscommon To facilitate this move our offices will be closing on Wednesday 18th September at 5.00pm. and will reopen at the above address on Thursday 26th September at 9.00am. There will be a limited telephone service available during this period, but for health and safety reasons our doors need to remain closed. We apologise for the inconvenience this will cause. If you are experiencing financial difficulties or feel that the situation is getting out of control, seek advice immediately. Ignoring debt problems tends to make the situation worse in the long term.

Roscommon MABS: 0761 07 2720 MABS National Helpline: 0761 07 2000 MABS Website: www.mabs.ie MABS is Free, Confidential, Independent and Non- Judgemental. MABS is funded and supported by the Citizens Information Board

Roscommon People Friday 13 September 2019

NewsPeople

NEWS…at a glance Come along to NCBI Coffee Morning The National Council for the Blind Roscommon branch will host a number of fundraising events in coming weeks and welcome all support. On Saturday, September 21st NCBI will host a cake sale while on Saturday, 28th volunteers will take part in a fundraising bag pack in Tesco, Roscommon town. In between, on Wednesday, September 25th the charity will host a Coffee Morning in NCBI Roscommon on Church Street from 10 am. Optician John Weldon will be the guest speaker from 11 am. The organisers invite you to come along and meet John who has kindly given up his valuable time to explain the power of sight; the various causes of sight loss, and the steps you can take to care for your eyes. Local community radio station Ros FM will also be broadcasting live from the event. Don’t miss this chance to come and support NCBI in their fundraising efforts!

Athleague Active Age meeting on Monday

As part of Culture Night on Friday, September 20th, an exhibition entitled ‘Finding Common Ground’ will take place in Spells Bar, Ballaghaderreen from 6 pm to 9 pm.

Mass for cancer patients/survivors The annual Mass for survivors of cancer, those undergoing treatment and those who have gone to their eternal reward will take place on Friday, September 20th in Donamon Castle at 7.30 pm. All are welcome.

Kevin Hoare Memorial Golf Classic

Athleague Active Age will meet on Monday, September 16th in Athleague Angling Centre due to renovations which will be taking place in Athleague Community Centre over the next few weeks. The group would like to apologise for any inconvenience.

Culture Night exhibition in Ballaghaderreen

The exhibition will be organised by Community Art Group, Ballaghaderreen and Ballaghaderreen Writers’ Group and will take place in the Rum and Black Performance Area upstairs. Most of the visual art works on display will be available for sale at affordable prices. There will also be an opportunity for visitors to do some art or writing of their own at the Open Table and work can be brought home. This is a free event and all are welcome to come along on Culture Night, September 20th from 6 pm to 9 pm. For more information, please contact Spells on 094-9860144 or the Art and Writers Group on 0871202432.

The Kevin Hoare Memorial Golf Classic will take place in Kilkee Golf Club, Co. Clare this Saturday (14th). Kevin, who was a son of Michael Hoare, formerly of Roscommon town, sadly passed away following a workplace accident in London in 2017 at the age of 26. Proceeds from the Golf Classic will go towards Clare Crusaders Children’s Clinic. Booking available with Mike on 087-4196583 or through Kilkee Golf Club on 065-9056048. Cost is €120 per team of four. Organisers are also running an auction on the Kevin Hoare Memorial Fund Facebook page with some terrific items available.

Pictured at Strokestown Agricultural Show last weekend. Pic: Mick McCormack

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

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Roscommon People Friday 13 September 2019

NewsPeople ADVERTORIAL

‘Empowering older people so that they can remain independent’

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Geraldine Beirne, right, has dedicated herself to a career in care for the past 31 years, and she’s very proud of the positive impact her work has had, not just on her clients and their families, but on society as a whole. “Empowering older people so that they can remain as independent as possible, supporting clients through their physical weakness, disability or age, while enabling them to make personal choices and preferences to keep their identity as individuals, are just some of most rewarding aspects of my job,” says Geraldine, who is a senior CAREGiver with Home Instead Roscommon. “Quality care, says Geraldine, really makes a difference to a person’s quality of life, their mood and their overall health and well-being – and considering the contribution older people have made to the country through their working lives, it’s the very least they deserve in later life,” she adds. There is huge variety to the work, says Geraldine, and each day brings an opportunity to learn something new. “No two days are the same – providing support and care for clients comes in many differ-

Abbey Hotel to host Taste the Island event

ent forms and shapes; whether it’s helping with housekeeping, personal care, making meals, social and emotional support. And looking after the needs of vulnerable individuals has enhanced my own life experience, and improved my decisionmaking and problem-solving skills, which has helped me grow in confidence,” she says. It takes a very special kind of person to succeed as a CAREGiver, says Geraldine – and no one quality stands out. “You need to have empathy, as aging can be a difficult process. Tasks a person once carried out easily may become more difficult, so it is important to connect with the person and help them through challenges and varied emotions. “A CAREGiver also needs to be interested in people, be approachable and friendly whilst

remaining professional. A good sense of humour and good degree of common sense is also vital. Trust and honesty is good for building up relationships! “You also need to be able to take a flexible approach to work – and for many CAREGivers this flexibility is actually a huge advantage. I use the time between calls to do the shopping, visit the family or go home to put the washing out,” says Geraldine. “You can work as much or as little as you want.” Geraldine is a highly valued member of the team at Home Instead Senior Care Roscommon and she’d advise anyone looking for a flexible and rewarding job to look no further! “I have been given the opportunity to work as a senior CAREGiver, Home Instead review all personal experience and give job opportunities. All the staff are approachable and treat everyone with respect and dignity, I truly enjoy working with Home Instead … maybe one day I’ll see you there!” If you would like to become a CAREGiver with Home Instead Senior Care Roscommon, visit HomeInstead.ie/Roscommon-jobs or call 071 931 7051 for further details.

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‘Embracing Local’ on UP TO 50% OFF th Sunday, October 20 The Abbey Hotel, Roscommon will play host to a ‘Taste the Island’ local food and drinks producers event in the ballroom from 2 to 5 pm on Sunday, October 20th. ‘Embracing Local’ was a niche marketing idea created by Abbey Hotel Marketing Manager, Geraldine Grealy, primarily to give all local artisan food and drink suppliers in the region a unique opportunity to showcase their produce. Geraldine explained: “We hope to embrace the concept of ‘Embracing Local’ and meet the makers on a local level by inviting local and regional suppliers to showcase their products here on the day at the Abbey. “From organic farm producers, local drink distillers, cheese and wine makers, jam and brown bread makers

Pictured are Sarah McCarthy, Programme Officer, Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands; Geraldine Grealy, Marketing & Public Relations Manager, Abbey Hotel, Roscommon; Fiona Egan, Cloughan Farm, Abbeyshrule; Mark McGovern, Manager at Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, at the recent Failte Ireland-Taste the Island launch in Athlone.

to beekeepers, egg suppliers to vegetable producers, we want to hear from all of you,” added Geraldine. “We also welcome niche independent craft suppliers whose products may compliment the food and drink industry. Admission is free to the public on the day. Visitors can enjoy cookery demonstrations from our awardwinning Abbey Hotel chefs and sample some canapés and free goodies from suppliers. We will even have free face-painting for the little ones”. Exhibitor stands cost €50. To register call 086-3276584 or email: geraldine.grealy@abbeyhotel.ie.

B i ht Ideas, Bright Id TTalbot lb t Avenue, A Athlone, Co. Westmeath. T: 090 6492449 www.brightideas.ie

Roscommon People Friday 13 September 2019

NewsPeople newsbriefs Open auditions for Cór Comáin Cór Comáin Roscommon Choir will hold open auditions for children (boys and girls) on Thursday, September 19th and for females on Friday, September 20th. To apply, contact Artistic Director Derek Mahady on 086-3052204 or email corcomain@gmail.com. Rehearsals take place every Thursday during term time from 6 pm to 7 pm for the children’s choir and from 8 pm to 9.30 pm for the female choir.

Afterlife discussion group at Gleeson’s

Roscommon water gets EPA approval – Naughten Deputy Denis Naughten has welcomed the publication of a report on the quality of drinking water supplies by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which for the first time in a decade does not list any boil water notices in County Roscommon. “This clean bill of health for public water supplies throughout County Roscommon is a very welcome development following significant investment in water supplies and treatment

systems throughout the county over the last number of years,” said Denis Naughten. “The saga of boil water notices in County Roscommon, which had been going on for years, has at long last been resolved and this EPA Report is the first since the 2007-08 report which does not mention County Roscommon in the list of boil water notices. “This is an issue that I have been pursuing, particularly over the last six years, and I now

hope that as a result of the investment we never have a repeat of the scale of boil water notices that we have experienced in County Roscommon. “Due to the scale of the investment throughout County Roscommon we now have some of the most modern water treatment facilities in the country and we can now use this to attract new employment into our area,” concluded Denis Naughten.

An Afterlife discussion group meets in Hannon’s Hotel, Roscommon at 7 pm on the first Thursday of every month with the aim of supporting members in body, mind, and spirit. For more information, contact Mick on 0863688604 (after 6 pm) or Malcolm on 0874565988 (daytime/evening).

Roscommon Wellness Workshop on October 7th Suicide or Survive (SOS) in partnership with the HSE, will present a Wellness Workshop from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm in Roscommon town on Monday, October 7th. To find out more, visit www.wellnessworkshop.ie.

One-day retreat to Lough Derg in September A one-day retreat to Lough Derg will take place this Saturday (14th) departing from the Sacred Heart Church car park (Roscommon) at 6.30 am sharp and stopping in Tulsk and Boyle. For more information, contact Teresa on 090-6661188 or Noreen on 086-3529916/0906625209.

‘Save Your Hospice’ campaign kicks off with coffee morning The South Westmeath Hospice Committee has announced details of their first ‘Save Your Hospice’ campaign event. The committee, along with their supporters, will host South Westmeath’s biggest ever coffee morning on Saturday, September 21st in Athlone GAA Clubhouse from 10 am to 2 pm. There will be plenty of family activities on the day. For more information or to assist in any way, please email southwestmeathhospice@ gmail.com or text 086-7721065.

Marc’s unhappy with driving licence system Fianna Fáil spokesperson on Transport, Tourism and Sport Marc MacSharry says the driving licence system is too complex – with many returning emigrants not able to exchange their full driving licence for an Irish equivalent. Deputy MacSharry believes that returning emigrants who are experienced drivers should be able to obtain a licence without needing to apply for a learner permit. “There is a serious inconsistency in this system. Why are Irish citizens, drivers with a full US licence, forced to go through the full application process like a teenager – when people returning or emigrating from countries like Taiwan and South Korea can exchange their licences for an Irish one? “Common sense is needed. The Minister for Transport needs to look at the current process. Discretion, within a strict criterion, should be applied when there is a clear level of undeniable competence and experience”. Deputy MacSharry has called on the driving licence system to be reviewed.

Pupils from Cloontuskert National School

WEEE did it! Cloontuskert NS top of the class Cloontuskert National School has gone to the top of the class for battery recycling in Roscommon, as part of the Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Pledge. Students and teachers from the school collected the equivalent of 5,400 AA batteries. This placed them on top of the

leader board in Roscommon as part of the battery-recycling programme. The WEEE Pledge is one of Ireland’s most successful environmental schools’ education programmes. It is now present in more than 2,500 schools. Amazingly, students and teachers in schools across the country

saved almost 1 million AA batteries from being disposed of in landfills last year. European Battery Recycling Week is currently running from September 9th to 15th. Heading into the new academic year, WEEE Ireland aims to bring the environmental programme on to the school curriculum and

inspire the next generation to become guardians of our planet. Communities around the country are encouraged to recycle their waste batteries in local shops throughout the year. For further information on how your school can take the WEEE Pledge today visit www. weeepledge.ie.

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Roscommon People Friday 13 September 2019

NewsPeople newsbriefs Tisrara/Four Roads Active Age Coffee Evening Tisrara/Four Roads Active Age Group will host a Coffee Evening on Thursday, September 19th in Tisrara Community Centre from 6 to 8 pm. All welcome.

Roscommon Heritage Group returns The Roscommon Heritage Group will recommence activities next week after its summer break. The group’s aim is to conserve archaeology for future generations. Members will hold a meeting on Tuesday, September 17th at 8.30 pm in Gleeson’s Townhouse in The Square, Roscommon town. For more information, please contact Theresa on 0877554393 or email grouproscommonheritage@ gmail.com.

Highest grade for local Sub Aqua diver Roscommon Sub Aqua Club member, Bernie McCarrick, recently passed the Mon 3 exam in Knightstown, Co. Kerry. The exam is the highest grade available in scuba diving and is only achieved by the most experienced and dedicated divers in the country. In order to be put forward for the exam, Bernie had to be nominated by CFT (Irish Underwater Council). She is now the sole Mon 3 diver in the midlands region having undergone theory exams, fitness tests and a four-dive day exam showcasing her skill at organising and planning dives at depths of 45 metres. Bernie is now qualified to act as jury president for various dive exams across the country. Roscommon Sub Aqua Club this week released

a statement paying tribute to Bernie’s wonderful achievement. ‘This exam is the highest grade available in Scuba diving and is only achieved by the most experienced and dedicated divers in the country’. Roscommon Sub Aqua Club will hold a launch night in Hannon’s Hotel on Friday, October 4th where those interested in scuba diving are welcome to attend and chat about the sport and what the club has to offer. The club will also host ‘Try A Dive’ nights in the Coral Leisure Centre so that visitors can experience the joys of the underwater world. Further information can be found on the Roscom- Roscommon Sub Aqua Club member, mon Sub Aqua Facebook page or by phoning train- Bernie McCarrick, recently passed the Mon 3 exam in Knightstown, Co. Kerry. ing officer David on 087-7446053.

Pop-up exhibition in Knockcroghery

Local artist Anne Rigney will host a pop-up exhibition featuring limited edition prints in Murray’s Bar, Knockcroghery from 7 to 8 pm on Friday, September 20th as part of national Culture Night events. Refreshments will be provided and the exhibition will be followed by some classical guitar by Christopher Fry. Christopher will then perform a tango with his Argentinian partner Norma. Following this, Ukephoric – Knockcroghery’s Ukulele Collective – will perform with solo performances from members and guests. All are welcome along for a night of culture!

Nora Owen to deliver Michael Collins lecture County Roscommon Historical & Archaeological Society (CRHAS) in association with Roscommon County Council will host a commemorative lecture on the life and times of Michael Collins, which will be given by former Justice Minister, Nora Owen, a grand-niece of Collins’. The lecture will take place at Áras an Chontae on Tuesday, September 17th at 7 pm. The event is part of the decade of Centenaries commemorative programme supported by Roscommon County Council. All welcome.

Naughten welcomes improved access to Roscommon Abbey Deputy Denis Naughten has welcomed works by the Office of Public Works (OPW) to improve access to Roscommon Abbey for wheelchair users and buggies. The Abbey, which is over 750 years old, will benefit greatly from the installation of a new accessible gate, according to Deputy Naughten. “When Minister Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran visited Roscommon Abbey last year I asked him to have the issue regarding gate access addressed and this work has now been completed. “Many more people will now be able to visit Roscommon Abbey and view the effigy of Felim O’Conor, King of Connacht, in the Abbey itself”.

Open Evening at GMIT Mayo campus Thursday 12 September (5 – 8pm)

The Mayo campus of Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology will have information about the following accredited courses at its open evening: LIFELONG LEARNING PROGRAMMES SEPTEMBER 2019

(apply directly via www.springboardcourses.ie)

MSc. in Quality & Safety (Health and Social Care)

Certiﬁcate in Sustainable Building Technology (Level 8)

PG Diploma in Science in Quality & Safety (Health and Social Care)

Certiﬁcate in Information Technology Project Management (Level 7)

MSc. in Palliative and End of Life Care

Certiﬁcate in Network Cybersecurity (Level 7)

PG Diploma in Science in Palliative and End of Life Care

Certiﬁcate in Digitalisation For SME’s (Level 6) – January 2020 entry

PG Certificate in Science in Palliative and End of Life Care BSc. (Honours) in Nursing for Registered Nurses (Level 8-Add On) Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education & Care (Level 7, Years 2, 3 & 4 entry) BSc. (Honours) in Information Technology Services Management (Level 8) Diploma in Foundation Studies (Level 6, part-time) [in conjunction with NUI Galway] BA in Contemporary Art Practices (Level 7, part-time) BA in Human Resource Management (Level 7) (Year 2 & Year 3 entry) Certificate in Supervisory Management (SPA) (Level 7) Certificate in Law and HR (SPA) (Level 7) Certificate in Managing Operations (SPA) (Level 7) Certificate in Nursing in Procedural Sedation (SPA) (Level 9 – September & January entry) Certificate in Acute Medicine Nursing (SPA) (Level 8 – September & January entry) Certificate in e-Health (SPA) (Level 8 – January 2020 entry)

ACCREDITED EVENING/SHORT COURSES (Levels 6, 7 & 8) Including Employment Law, NISO (Occupational Health and Safety), Geographical Information Systems, Improving Organisational Performance, Leading Organisational Change, Developing Professional Practice, Employee Compensation, Traditional Signwriting, Art History, etc. For full details on all courses offered please see https://tinyurl.com/y5244wuo

GMIT Mayo

@GMITMayoCampus

SPRINGBOARD

Certificate in Greening Enterprise Skills (Level 6) – January 2020 entry Certificate in Climate Resilience For Business (Level 8) – January 2020 entry Post Graduate Certificate in Digital Media And Marketing (Level 9) – January 2020 entry

CAO PROGRAMMES (FULL TIME) The Open Evening will provide valuable information to anybody interested in pursuing a full or part time programme in the Mayo campus, particularly mature students, leaving certiﬁcate students and their parents. The Mayo campus has available places on full time day programmes in September 2019 in the following programmes: Levels 6 and 7 GA862 History and Geography GA870 Outdoor Education and Leisure GA872 Culture and Environment GA871 Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education And Care Apply via www.cao.ie (Available Places) For further information and a prospectus, please contact GMIT Mayo Campus, Westport Road, Castlebar, Co. Mayo. Tel: (094) 9043156/9025700, visit our website http://www.gmit.ie/LLM and/or email LLLMayo@gmit.ie GMIT reserves the right to cancel any course that has an insufficient number of enrolments

www.gmit.ie

Roscommon People Friday 13 September 2019

NewsPeople

POLITICAL PEOPLE ON TWEET STREET…

Luke Ming Flanagan reacts on Twitter to Phil Hogan’s appointment as EU Trade Commissioner… Hip hip hooray for the man who signed us up to #Mercosur

Frank now in driving seat ... OUR NEW TERM WISHES Local TDs have their say: Page 17

 PAUL HEALY

There’s been another pre-election twist in the Sligo/Leitrim constituency with the decision of Fine Gael councillor Sinead Maguire to follow in the footsteps of former TD Gerry Reynolds and withdraw as a candidate for the next General Election.

Cllr. Maguire’s decision to withdraw suggests that Senator Frank Feighan is now in the driving seat as the party’s sole candidate (currently) and very much in contention for a seat. Fine Gael initially selected Sligo-based Cllr. Maguire and Leitrim-based Mr. Reynolds to run, but both have now withdrawn. Former Roscommon TD Frank Feighan was recently selected to run for Fine Gael after Mr. Reynolds had opted out.

Now Cllr. Maguire’s decision to withdraw has left the party in some disarray again. Cllr. Maguire, selected as a candidate over a year ago, said that it has become clear to her that if elected to Dáil Éireann, the demands involved in doing the job to the best of her ability would have had a significant impact on her young family. “As a mother of two young children, I have come to the firm conclusion that the impact of all this time away

from my family would be too much, when combined with the work required at constituency level while at home. Therefore I have decided to withdraw my nomination for the Fine Gael ticket for the General Election in the constituency of Sligo/Leitrim/South Donegal/North Roscommon”. Stating that she was withdrawing with “a heavy heart”, Cllr. Maguire thanked everyone for their support over recent years.

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Roscommon People Friday 13 September 2019

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Family Fun Day at Castlerea Demesne this Sunday Castlerea Town Trust is hosting a super Family Fun Day this Sunday, September 15th, to celebrate 100 years of the Demesne, Castlerea. Sunday’s Family Fun Day is, in essence, a ‘thank you’ to the public for its support of the Demesne and also an opportunity to further showcase the magnificent family-friendly facility. From 2 pm to 5 pm on Sunday there will be a range of fun events at the Demesne which the whole family can enjoy. There will be music too, and also lots of information regarding the great history of the Demesne.

100 years young The Demesne, a large expanse of land in the heart of Castlerea, was part of the old Sandford Estate. In 1919, a group of local merchants purchased a parcel of lands from the Sandford family, with a view to using these lands as a recreational facility for the people of the town and environs. After the War of Independence, the Land Commission took over the Sandford Estate, and additional lands were provided. Castlerea Town Trust was formed and has been in charge of the Demesne ever since. In recent years ‘new blood’ was inject-

ed into Castlerea Town Trust. Current Chairperson is Liam Scahill, Valerie Callaghan is Secretary and Paraic Newman is PRO. Mr. Newman told the Roscommon People: “Over the years the Town Trust has been involved in many positive projects, such as providing sites for housing in Knockroe and Ballindrimley. The Trust has also provided long-term leases to sporting bodies, industries, etc”. Land has, for example, been provided for Castlerea St. Kevin’s GAA Club, Castlerea Community School, and others. Indeed, amongst the sporting bodies with a presence in the Demesne are the local GAA and soccer clubs. There’s also a swimming pool, scouts’ den, etc. The IDA Industrial Estate is located there, as is a community playground. There have been innovations in the Demesne parkland area, such as the Fairy Village, new paths and new signage. The Park Run is held there every Saturday. A new project in 2020 will be the provision of a Sensory Playground. Mr. Newman says that Sunday’s Family Fun Day is a celebration of the Demesne’s centenary, and a “thank you” to the local community. It will, he acknowledges, also be a way of further

showcasing what a wonderful amenity this is. “Absolutely. We want more and more people to become familiar with and utilise the Demesne. In some ways it’s still a hidden gem in Castlerea”.

Sunday’s Family Fun Day This Sunday’s Family Fun Day runs from 2 pm to 5 pm. It will feature live music, and lots of fun activities. There is free admission, and all events, etc. are free. Everyone is welcome. Music will be provided by the local Comhaltas group, Castlerea Brass & Reed Band and by Ukephoric, the Roscommon Ukulele Collective. There will be free refreshments, with a Food Stall, ice cream, etc. Children can enjoy face-painting, Punch & Judy show, storytelling, magicians, inflatable superheroes, etc. There will be a fascinating ‘Birds of Prey’ attraction, and also a Fisheries Demo and Nature Walks. A big attraction will be renowned storyteller Eddie Lenihan, who will perform (for adults). Mr. Pyers O’ConorNash of Clonalis House will host a walking tour of the Demesne. It promises to be a wonderful community day.

Lanesboro/ Ballyleague group to host ‘Think Tank’ Members of a Lanesboro/Ballyleague collaborative group will host a Think Tank/Brainstorming event to discuss the impact of potential Bord na Móna/ESB job losses in the local community on Saturday, September 21st at St. Mary’s Hall in Lanesboro. The group, which is supported by both Longford and Roscommon County Councils, is made up of five members from both Lanesboro on the Longford side of the bridge and Ballyleague on the Roscommon side. Group member and local businessman, Joe O’Brien, said: “With the greater likelihood of closures within Bord na Móna and ESB, the group wants to be proactive in their approach towards future development in Lanesboro and Ballyleague. “The group wants to see a major employment hub created in our twin towns filling all surrounding communities once again with workers who can enjoy the benefits of country living while bringing life back into their own communities.

“The upcoming ‘Think Tank/ Brainstorming’ event will welcome people from all areas of the country who feel Lanesboro/Ballyleague is the place for them to site their business”. The group is seeking viable ideas with a view to forming a business plan going forward in order to aid local communities

that are being affected by the unfolding events in Bord na Móna and ESB. The group invites all interested parties to St. Mary’s Hall, Lanesboro, on Saturday, September 21st from 2 pm to 6 pm. Those interested are asked to confirm attendance to joeaobrien@outlook.com.

Roscommon People Friday 13 September 2019

NewsPeople

Farmers in stand-off at Strokestown Show Gardaí were called to the scene of a tense standoff between farmers and members of the Strokestown Agricultural Show committee at Strokestown Park last Saturday afternoon. It is believed a number of farmers attempted to address members of the public using the public address system at the event but were prevented from doing so by committee members. It is understood that the farmers intended to address the ongoing beef prices’ controversy. This resulted in a standoff between committee members and the group

of farmers before Gardaí, who had been on site initially but had been called to a road traffic collision, were recalled to the show grounds. It’s understood the incident lasted approximately ten minutes before the group left the show

grounds. A spokesperson for the Strokestown Agricultural Show declined to comment on the incident but said that the matter would be discussed at the committee’s next meeting, following which the committee may decide to issue a statement.

Roscommon People Friday 13 September 2019

NewsPeople

STRAIGHT TALKING

WITH SEAMUS DUKE

A battle for the heart and soul of rural Ireland I am not of farming stock, but the ongoing protests at the meat factory gates around the country symbolise far more than a battle for better prices for cattle. It is a battle for the heart and soul of rural Ireland. This is not only a problem for the meat companies, it is a problem for the Government too. They will have to decide what they want for the future of rural areas. I understand that the demand for beef is down and that the factories feel that they cannot pay any more, but the farmers cannot be expected to be losing money hand over fist, as is the case at the moment. It is very hard to see a way out of the impasse at the moment, but unless there is a solution found we will be facing an even bigger problem for rural Ireland than any we have at the moment. The threat of South American beef flooding into the Irish market in the next five years plus the depressed price for cattle is making it a very worrying time for farmers. The easy solution is to appeal to the EU for further financial supports, but that is not sustainable in the long run. The factories and the big processing firms will have to play ball too, as in the long-term their future is at stake as well. We also have to remember that there are thousands of people working in these factories, many of whom

have now been temporarily laid off. We have experienced a massive flight from the land in the past decade in particular. Local shops, pubs, garda stations and post offices have been shut down. The motorways into Dublin and Galway are overflowing with cars every day, as rural people flock to the cities for work. Sports clubs are struggling to field teams at underage level as population levels in country areas fall year after year. Soon

“

The authorities will have to decide what do they want in the future. Do they want a vast wasteland where there is little more than forestry in rural areas, or do they want to try to keep people on the land?

we will see small rural primary schools closing down – that’s the reality. The Government might think that this dispute is nothing to do with them, but the quicker there is a solution the better for everyone in rural Ireland. The authorities will have to decide what do they want in the future. Do they want a vast wasteland where there is little more than forestry in rural areas, or do they want to try to keep people on the land? Now we hear that thousands of workers at meat processing plants have been laid off because of the dispute. Those people have families to support too. It’s a situation that simply cannot be allowed to continue. Remember, the spectre of a no-deal Brexit is looming large and such an outcome would have catastrophic implications for our food industry, particularly if there is a hard border. I know that farmers have been accused in the past of protesting too much, but while I would never support anyone breaking the law, the situation now for many small farmers is dire. It is clear to me that they are at breaking point. I think it’s time for Leo Varadkar and Simon Coveney to step in and try and solve this before it gets out of hand and is too late. Everyone deserves a fair price for what they produce. That includes farmers and processors. The people working in the factories deserve to live too.

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL SALES REP. PAT DONOHUE 086 - 2529761 JJ O’CONNOR 087 6808590 GARY CAULFIELD 086 8620994

newsbriefs ‘Self Care to Wellness’ at Primary Care Centre A ‘Self Care to Wellness’ Programme for people living with an ongoing or long-term health condition is starting on Monday (16th) in Roscommon Primary Care Centre. The course is for 2.5 hours each day and runs for six weeks. The programme costs €20. For further information contact Jackie Lynott on 087-7185615/0949034980 or email selfcaretowellness@mayocil. ie.

‘House ﬁre Beneﬁt Social’ in Frank’s A ‘House fire Benefit Social’ will be held in Frank’s of Ballybeg, Strokestown on Friday, September 20th. There will be a draw for three €100 vouchers on the night as well as raffle prizes. Music will be provided by the Frank Nelson Band. Tickets cost €10 and ticket sellers will be calling on houses in the coming weeks. Please support this worthy cause.

Hospice coffee morning on September 19th Mayo/Roscommon Hospice is appealing for individuals, companies, groups, schools, coffee shops, etc. to host a coffee morning/evening on their behalf on ‘National Coffee morning for Hospice’ on Thursday, September 19th or any date that suits. Coffee and promotional material provided, kindly sponsored by Bewley’s. All donations are welcome or you can pledge your donation by calling 094-9388666, logging onto www.hospice.ie or emailing info@hospice. ie. Please support.

5K Walk/Run in aid of Tarmonbarry/Scramogue Deﬁbrillator Group A 5K Walk/Fun Run in aid of DARA Tarmonbarry/Scramogue Defibrillator Group will take place on Sunday (15th) at 4 pm on Sliabh Bawn Mountain (Curraghroe entrance). Refreshments will be provided and a raffle will take place afterwards in Leavy’s Pub, Scramogue. Registration will take place on the day from 2 pm, and entry is €10 per adult and €5 for students/children. This event is a fundraiser for the purchase of new boxes, insurance and general maintenance of equipment. The committee is kindly asking the local community to come out and support this worthy cause. For further information, please contact Linda on 087-2612834.

Messages from the Scriptures at Hannon’s Messages from the Scriptures are being shared at Hannon’s Hotel, Roscommon every Sunday from 7 to 8 pm. All are welcome. Contact 0868468566 for more information.

Moylough Heritage Society to walk Rinn Dúin Moylough Heritage Society will visit Rinn Dúin, Lecarrow, Co. Roscommon this Sunday (15th) as part of a monthly series of local walks. The guided walk has breathtaking views of Lough Ree and the loop is approximately 4.5km in length. The society will be leaving Moylough Community Centre at 9 am (carpooling) with the walk starting in Rinn Dúin at 10.15 am. The walk is expected to last two hours and the registration fee is €5. To register, please phone Moylough Resource Centre on 087-3480583 or email mrc@moylough.com. All welcome.

Roscommon People Friday 13 September 2019

NewsPeople

Cathaoirleach: ‘N60 closure is unnecessary’  DAN DOONER

Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr. Paschal Fitzmaurice, has described the closure of an 800-metre stretch of the N60 Roscommon to Castlerea road from next Monday (16th) as “unnecessary”. The road will be closed to traffic travelling in both directions for a six-week period, something Cllr. Fitzmaurice believes will cause huge disruption for motorists. “The approved route while these works are taking place is the R367 from Ballintubber to Castleplunkett and Tulsk, which is a very long way around.

Unfortunately, there are no decent roads near to this closure. “I’m not happy with this because no other national route would be closed for six weeks. It’s a huge inconvenience for people and there will be those who use what are called ‘unapproved routes’. This will put terrible pressure on local roads,” he said. The Castlerea-based councillor said he believes the disruption could have been avoided. “The opening of this new road and the realignment works will be very welcome by me and everyone else but I’m disappointed that the road couldn’t have been kept open during this six-week period. A stop-go system could have been put in place or half

Cathaoirleach extends sympathy to Council CE on bereavement

the road could have been built, leaving the other half for traffic. “The work could also have been carried out at night or at quieter periods like weekends. I think we’ve been given a poor option here,” he said. Kevin Geoghegan, executive engineer with the Roscommon National Roads Regional Office in Roscommon town, has advised motorists using the road prior to the closure point to take the official diversionary route onto the R367. This route gives access to Ballintubber, Castleplunkett, Tulsk and the N61 to Roscommon. He confirmed that works on the entire new route are expected to be completed by June 22nd 2020.

Show launch in Glenamaddy The annual Glenamaddy District Ploughing & Agricultural Show will be held on Sunday, 29th of September next. A very successful launch took place last week. Full details in forthcoming issues. Pictured at the launch of the Glenamaddy District Ploughing & Agricultural Show at Glenamaddy Equestrian Centre were Jack and Patrick Ganley. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

The death has occurred of Peggy Cummins, who was the mother of Eugene Cummins, Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council. The late Peggy Cummins (nee Kelly) of Pound Road, Ballygar, Co. Galway, passed away at her residence on Tuesday last, September 10th. Wife of the late Michael, she was also predeceased by her son Ken, daughter Mary and son-in-law Paddy. She is mourned by her daughter Anne, sons Mickey, Eugene and Joe, further relatives and friends. Cllr. Paschal Fitzmaurice, the Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, has extended sympathy to Mr. Eugene Cummins and the extended family. Cllr. Fitzmaurice said: “On behalf of all members of Roscommon County Council I wish to extend our sympathies to Chief Executive Officer Eugene, his sister Anne and all the Cummins family on the passing of Peggy Cummins. We know that this is a sad time for themselves and the extended family, all of whom are in our thoughts and prayers”. The late Peggy Cummins will be reposing at Moran’s Funeral Home, Ballygar, on Thursday evening (12th of September) from 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm. Removal afterwards to St. Mary’s Church, Ballygar. Funeral Mass on Friday at 12 noon will be followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.

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Roscommon People Friday 13 September 2019

NewsPeople

Cycle from London to Ballaghaderreen to support research into brain diseases  IVAN SMYTH

A team of over 40 men and women will embark on a cycle from London to Ballaghaderreen as they aim to raise £100,000 in aid of diseases that affect the brain. The group will cycle roughly 550 km to generate funds for treatment of Motor Neuron Disease (MND) and Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). This cycle has brought people together to remember the life of Ballaghaderreen’s Frank Kelly. He was a family man and friend to many while he worked as a postman. Frank was an integral part of Ballaghaderreen GAA Club both as a player and manager. Cyclists will be aided by a full support team and will leave the Claddagh Ring pub in London on September 30th and cycle to Liverpool over three days. They will then get the ferry across the Irish Sea to Dublin. On Friday, October 4th an official recep-

tion at Croke Park will be held, where approximately 12 more cyclists will join the group. The team will set off for Athlone and on to Roscommon town. They will then cycle through Ballymoe and Castlerea, heading for their final destination, Ballaghaderreen. The finish line is Ballaghaderreen GAA club house and pitch, which was Frank Kelly’s

hallowed ground. The group cycling from London to Ballaghaderreen includes Ailish Connollly (Claddagh Ring/ Roscommon), Pat Towey, Paul Casey, John Beirne, Pádraig Mulligan and Peter Kelly (all Ballaghaderreen). Barry Kelly, Pat O’Grady, Pat Phillips, Regina Casey, Martin Coyle, Mark Kilgallon and Gary Conway are among those

who will cycle from GAA Headquarters to their native Ballaghaderreen. The support team includes Roscommon’s Bernie Harrington. MND is caused by a problem with motor neurone cells in the brain and nerves, and AD is thought to come about due to abnormal build-up of proteins in and around the brain cells. The symptoms of MND are noticeably

Friends of the late Frank Kelly at the launch of the London to Ballaghaderreen bike ride.

physical; such as slurred speech, muscle weakness and difficulty swallowing and walking. AD tends to present itself as changes in the person’s mind (brain), usually in the form of memory problems, confusion, disorientation and personality changes. Unfortunately there is no cure for either disease but the cyclists want to help improve the quality

of life for those with these diseases and the level of support for their families. Last Sunday, September 8th, the Ballaghaderreen Men’s Shed held a tractor run which raised €935. Recently, a tea dance in Glenamaddy raised an incredible amount of money after only a few hours of dancing. There are ongoing fundraisers in many parishes

between now and October 5th. People are asked to come out and welcome the cyclists to the GAA Club and to the Brusna Inn to celebrate Frank’s Life. Towey’s Spar Express and Top Service station on the Dublin Road (Ballaghaderreen) are also playing a big role. During September they will donate 2 cent for every litre of fuel purchased towards this cause.

Roscommon People Friday 13 September 2019

NewsPeople newsbriefs Knockcroghery Community Alert Knockcroghery text alert subscriptions expire on September 30th. Renewal cost is €10 per mobile phone number. Committee members are required to attend Knockcroghery Community Centre on Monday, September 16th and Monday, September 23rd from 8 pm to 10 pm to facilitate your renewal. Or you can place €10 (per mobile number) in a sealed envelope with your name and number(s) and drop it in to Knockcroghery Post Office. Thank you.

Friends of Breastfeeding Mum2Mum group On Saturday, September 21st, Roscommon Friends of Breastfeeding Mum2Mum group will be holding its monthly meet-up in Sensory Me, Roscommon town. All babies, children, parents and parents-tobe are welcome to join us at 10.30 am to share breastfeeding information and support. The group meets on the third Saturday of every month. Contact Julie O’Donoghue on 087-7554385 for further information or find us on Facebook at Roscommon Friends of Breastfeeding Mum2Mum Group.

Cllr Naughten wants extension of Monksland bus route Cllr. John Naughten is calling for the extension of the Monksland bus route. He has confirmed that he will propose a motion at the next meeting of the Athlone Municipal District, seeking a meeting with Bus Éireann. Route A1 currently travels from Bealnamulla and on to Monksland, Battery Heights, the bus/rail station, Golden Island, AIT, and the IDA Industrial Park in Garrycastle, before ending at the Creggan Court Hotel. Route A2 also starts at Bealnamulla and serves Monksland, Barrack Street, the bus/rail station, Golden Island, Clonbrusk, AIT, and the IDA Industrial Park, before concluding at Creggan Court. “I will be requesting that the Council seeks a meeting with management at Bus Éireann to seek an extension of the local bus service in Monksland,” explained Cllr. Naughten. “This extension could then serve the new secondary school Coláiste Chiaráin and also serve a number of housing estates in the Summerhill area”.

Urology initiative at Roscommon Hospital hailed by Feighan Fine Gael Senator Frank Feighan has said that a Urology initiative at Roscommon Hospital is set to become the blueprint for other smaller hospitals around the country. “I want to commend Consultant Urologist, Professor Eamon Rogers and all involved in developing this national lead project at the hospital, which offers rapid access to diagnostics for patients who have symptoms of blood in the urine. “As Professor Rogers, a Roscommon native himself, explained at the official launch of the National Urology Model of Care at Roscommon Hospital, blood in the urine is a serious medical condition and strongly associated with an underlying malignancy. The new service for the investigation of blood in the urine provides a one-stop shop, allowing patients to receive the required procedures and investigations within 28 days”. Senator Feighan says that over the last six months, 229 patients, from ages 17-95, have used the service, with 21 having cancer detected. “Patients are travelling from the West and the North-West to avail of this service in Roscommon and during the launch, it was noted how activity at the hospital has increased substantially over the last decade. Indeed, there is more surgery taking place now at the hospital than there was 10 years ago”. Senator Feighan said that he is proud to have spearheaded multi-million euro investment at the hospital over recent years.

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK A column by Roscommon People editor

paul@roscommonpeople.ie

Back to work… We had a very nice, and very welcome, holiday in France during August…I’ll write a bit on our latest French ‘sojourn’ in next week’s edition. Back home…and as ever, Brexit and Trump seem to be dominating the news agenda, plus the beef farmers’ crisis (see report by Dan Dooner this week; comment from Seamus Duke). Speaking of Brexit/Trump and such matters, the great man – Donald – was in Biarritz (for the latest G7 summit) while we were in France during August. What the locals think of Brexit and Trump and all that type of thing, I can’t really say. Well, I did meet one French man who greeted me in a café under a television showing Trump and Macron in conversation. The French man asked where I was from. Then he gestured towards the television. He raised his eyebrows, shrugged disapprovingly, and muttered his disdain. Enough said. He wasn’t great at the English and I wasn’t great at the French. The language of anti-Trumpism sufficed. Anyway, it’s good to be back. I’ll throw in my tuppenceworth here on the issues of the day over the coming weeks, as I resume writing this column. As ever, I mostly avoid the serious stuff on this page, instead taking a wry and hopefully humorous view of matters. After all, you really do have to laugh…

Surreal soap…! I caught a glimpse of the laugha-minute Eastenders the other

Jill, Grace and Kate O’Flaherty, Autumn Quigley, Gretta Pipinitta and Alfie pictured at Strokestown Agricultural Show last weekend. Pic: Mick McCormack

day (Memo to self: insert ‘I don’t watch it; it just happened to be on when I was in the room’ here)… and it was the familiar mayhem. Some chap was in the Queen Vic bar…holding customers hostage at gunpoint. Not the greatest actor of all time, he was engaging the manic stare which ‘baddies’ are presumed to call on in these circumstances. Unsurprisingly, virtually all the locals seemed to be in the pub, even though it was early evening (they do drink a lot in the soaps, don’t they?). Naturally, a pregnant woman was singled out by the hostage-taker. Meanwhile, good old Phil Mitchell (laughably trying to look tough) seemed to be trying to break into the bar with an iron bar, with a view to being the hero of the (half) hour. A few questions: (1) Is this in-

terminably dreary ‘soap’, with its diet of violence and misery, really appropriate viewing for 7.30/8 pm? (2) Why did I watch it? (3) How come the Queen Vic is doing so well? It’s amazing people still frequent it, considering all the trouble there’s been there over the years…(4) If there’s a television in the Queen Vic and you tuned into BBC 1 on it most weekdays at 7.30/8 pm, what programme would be on?

A helping hand… Monday morning, and for some strange reason, the television was on. Rushing around, I could just

about hear the soft but firm tones of the man’s voice. Ah, probably Dr. Phil, I thought. I usually only see him once or twice a year, and that’s always late at night. Dr. Phil is yer only man. From what I could hear on Monday, he seemed to have a lost soul on as a guest… a bumbling, deflated, middle-aged man beset with woes. It sounded like Dr. Phil was patiently trying to hold his guest by the hand, to lead him towards a better way. I could hear the usual gasps from the audience, the familiar self-pity of the guest, then the smooth, calming tones of the presenter. It was only when I finally glanced at the television that I realised it wasn’t an episode of Dr. Phil; it was Leo and Boris’ press conference in Dublin.

Grumpy man talks for three hours… Oh dear – he’s at it again. That noisy neighbour’s been sounding off yet again – and I, for one, am getting tired of it! Once, he was a majestic, magnificent footballer, easily one of the greatest ever to grace the Premier League. There has never been a Captain Fantastic quite like him. We were proud of Roy then – this marauding Irishman who lorded the midfield battlegrounds with Manchester United – and we should still be proud of him now. But then, as retirement sat uneasily with him, he slowly turned into a bit of a caricature. And now he’s at it again. In last week’s now famous Off the Ball Roadshow, attended by over 2,000 people, ‘Keano’ fired in all directions. To be fair, the tirade was offset by a considerable amount of humour and some wisdom. Gary Neville was present in a supporting role; in reality, it was all about Keane. His fans will say it was sensational, that he’s

unique…box office. He’s certainly box office. But should he be? Is it not all getting more than a bit tiresome? I’ll acknowledge that, as an interviewee in a cliché-ridden industry, Keane has always been refreshingly different…he’s honest, candid, a straight-talker, often very entertaining and insightful. But there is also the strong suspicion that he is now at least in part performing a role for his audience, playing to the persona that has formed. The media utterly worships him. People expect drama and controversy when he’s in town. At the Bord Gáis Theatre, the presenters poked, and Keano responded. The crowd lapped it all up. Roy made sure to deliver his steely stare, the one that’s supposed to have people quaking. Disquieting too is the reality that Keane can be nasty, vindictive, bitter, as he was at times during the Off the Ball Roadshow. Churlishly and childishly, Captain Fantastic claimed to

have no empathy for Alex Ferguson, Keane’s ancient grudge seemingly more important than all their shared good times, not to mention Sir Alex’s brush with death. Or was Keano just playing up to the persona? Irish international players whom Keane was coaching (with Martin O’Neill) less than a year ago, were ripped into, served up to a mostly salivating audience for cheap laughs. Does Keane really expect many job offers when he thinks it’s okay to poke fun at players that he was working with ten months ago? Is this really professional conduct by the great self-styled perfectionist? For all the good one-liners, the ‘value’ he gives, the noisy neighbour is becoming a pain. Prone to hypocrisy. Too personal with his put-downs. Too angry. Too self-centred. Box office, perhaps, but many of us will choose to look the other way. A world class player is in danger of becoming a bitter world class bore.

Roscommon People Friday 13 September 2019

NewsPeople

17 Special Report: DAN DOONER

NEW TERM, NEW GOALS The Dáil will resume on Tuesday, September 17th as Brexit chaos continues in the UK and a worsening beef dispute rumbles on at home. Ahead of a return to Leinster House, Roscommon/Galway’s three TDs offer their views on the challenges facing both the constituency and the State in the coming months…

‘Time to focus on Brexit and rural Ireland’  DENIS NAUGHTEN, INDEPENDENT TD

A lot of local businesses are dependent on trade with the UK or through the UK so they will be impacted upon by Brexit. Other local issues include the future of Bord na Móna; home help and the health service in general, and the care of older people. The longer-term issues are job creation, particularly bringing jobs into County Roscommon, and the housing crisis, which is a particular difficulty in Roscommon, Monksland and Ballinasloe. The reality is I’ve had a lot of engagement with different investors. We’ve had a lot of difficulty getting them to look at Athlone. While they already have a foothold there, the vast majority of their employees are based in Dublin and Cork. It will be a challenge to ensure that the bulk of those jobs come to their software development centre that they’ve already established in Athlone, rather than to Cork and Dublin. The difficulty is that we’re competing with locations in Ireland and on the continent. It’s not a case of Athlone competing with Roscommon or Roscommon competing with Longford for these jobs. A lot of the time you’re competing with major cities. The idea behind Ireland 2040 is to use Athlone as a hub to bring businesses into the region and on foot of that locating them in Roscommon. These are very complex discussions and a lot of the time it’s taken three or four years by the time the initial engagement takes place to an actual announcement. There’s a huge amount of anger out there at the moment particularly in rural Ireland that this Government hasn’t delivered. The National Broadband Plan is one key aspect to drive the local economy. This project is ready since last October but because of politics it has been dragged out. It would not only make provincial towns in rural Ireland more attractive for foreign direct investment, but it also makes it more attractive for people starting or developing their own business. It’s a key future driver of economic development in our region. In terms of our climate change commitments, we are not going to reach our 2020 targets. I think the targets that were set were not realistic. I think our targets for 2030, while very challenging, are far more realistic. We do need to make significant progress in areas like renewable energy where we have a huge opportunity on the west coast of Ireland to develop offshore renewables. The challenge for us is in terms of the agricultural sector. While progress can be made, this idea that Irish agriculture is a stand-alone sector and cannot be considered in the European context is just not fair or reasonable. The reality is that the vast majority of beef that we produce in Ireland is to serve European consumers so it needs to be looked at in a European context. We produce beef far more efficiently than any other major beef exporter…it makes far more sense for European consumers to be getting Irish beef which has a relatively low carbon footprint compared to the relatively high carbon footprints of beef coming from South America and Brazil. I think the important thing for us at this stage is to focus on what is in front of us: Brexit and the huge challenges that are there, but also the huge challenges in rural Ireland and rural communities. They need to be the primary focus of every politician in Leinster House rather than a focus on when or if the next election will take place.

‘Change of Government only ray of hope’  EUGENE MURPHY, FIANNA FÁIL TD

I really dislike the current deal which Fianna Fáil is tied up in, but unfortunately due to the unstable political landscape in the UK and the uncertainty it poses for Ireland, as much as I would like an election I don’t believe it can happen at this stage. I have nothing personal against any Fine Gael supporters, but this has been a bad Government for the region – they have no understanding of the many challenges facing rural Ireland. No-one can predict when an election will occur, but all the experts seem to indicate it is most likely next spring. I am not sure however that we will get that far and we could very well have an election before then. The challenges and difficulties are multi-fold. This Government has been woefully inadequate in terms of bringing jobs to the region of Roscommon and Galway despite the constant talk about balanced regional development. There has been a complete lack of leadership when it comes to the crippling challenges facing the farming sector and in particular beef farmers. There has also been an appalling lack of understanding for the ESB and Bord na Móna workers who are facing such an uncertain future. We were led to believe that this changeover from peat would be a gradual move over an 8 to 10-year period but instead it was foisted upon the people of the region and the Government has shown very poor leadership in that regard. There has been little or no progress in relation to broadband while there are still very real threats to two and three-teacher schools in many rural areas. Many small to medium-sized businesses in this region are also struggling to survive as they are crippled with rising insurance premiums while many festivals and committees in the region do not see a future for some community-type events due to the crippling insurance overheads. I accept that some funding has been granted to villages and town projects, but the reality is that many of our rural towns and villages are dying a slow death despite the best efforts of local communities. The only ray of hope that I see is a change of Government and that needs to happen sooner rather than later. Fianna Fáil has been working on a range of policies which we will be bringing forward into the next election and much of our focus will be on pro-rural policies which aim to inject life back into our rural communities.

‘Middle Ireland needs a break!’  MICHAEL FITZMAURICE, INDEPENDENT TD

Brexit is the main issue because no-one knows what’s going to happen. We’re in the hands of the Gods in terms of what’s going on across the water. The knock-on effect on farmers and the agriculture sector in general from a no-deal Brexit will be pretty tough. There needs to be an intervention for the Irish beef sector to make sure that there’s no cliff edge. There also needs to be a Brexit fund ready to go and we need to ensure businesses are protected also. We have to have a backdoor ready in the event of a worst-case scenario. At home, there have been a lot cutbacks in terms of home help hours, the Fair Deal, school buses, etc. In my view, it’s down to the recklessness around the development of the new Children’s Hospital. A hospital is needed but it also needs to be kept in check. Locally, there were promises made such as a new building for the Sacred Heart Hospital. There has been no movement on that yet. Why? Added to that is the ongoing closure of mental health facilities in County Roscommon. In terms of the upcoming Budget, Micheál Martin has said that there would be no General Election, which gives this Government an open goal in terms of the Budget. There are a lot of challenges facing rural Ireland in particular. Reports this week confirm that a no-deal Brexit will not affect those in Dublin as much as rural Ireland. We need to ring-fence any problems facing rural Ireland and that’s where the mechanisms of the State come in. As it is, there are around 130,000 farming families around the country that will be affected. Small businesses will also suffer in terms of cashflow. We need to ensure that we are supported by the EU. There are some positives. There are more people working around the country and though they might not be earning high wages, it’s a positive sign. There are a lot of things this Government has reneged on however and the housing situation is not a great story. They also seem to be dragging (their feet) on a lot of issues such as Group Water Schemes, septic tanks, etc. The unfortunate thing about this Government is that work is created by business people and not by government and it’s the ordinary people who are bringing this country back following the last recession. But while we’re supposed to be living in better times now, I still see a lot of people struggling to send kids to school. ‘Middle Ireland’ needs a break rather than being hit by costs such as the carbon tax because these are the people who keep giving everything. Because of the huge borrowing following the last recession, any future recession will be an even harder hit.

Roscommon People Friday 13 September 2019

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Mayo men John Kane and Christy Maxwell pictured at Strokestown Agricultural Show last weekend.

MONDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER:

BULLOCK SALE WILL RESUME ON MONDAYS (Above) Garry and Clodagh Rogers, Scramogue, pictured at Strokestown Agricultural Show last weekend.

THURSDAY 19TH SEPTEMBER:

WEANLING SHOW AND SALE MONDAY 23RD SEPTEMBER:

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CONTINENTAL HEIFER SHOW AND SALE AND BELGIAN BLUE WEANLING SHOW AND SALE MONDAY 30TH SEPTEMBER:

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Joe and Niamh O’Flaherty pictured at Strokestown Agricultural Show last weekend.

(Right) Cyril Beirne and Jack Kelly pictured at Strokestown Agricultural Show last weekend. Pics: Mick McCormack

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Heifers Lim X 615kgs €1285, Char X 500kgs €1115, Char X 500kgs €1020, Lim X 355kgs €840, 3 Lim X 363kgs €850, Char X 380kgs €885, 2 Lim x 422kgs €900, Char X 445kgs €925.

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Char X 710kgs €1550, Char X 675kgs €1545, Lim X 625kgs €1540, 3 Char X 626kgs €1470, 2 Char X 572kgs €1425, 2 Char X 565kgs €1400, 2 Char X 547kgs €1400, Char X 575kgs €1380, 3 Char X 548kgs €1360, BBX 555kgs €1300, Lim X 570kgs €1250, Simm 560kgs €1190, Lim 495kgs €1150, Char X 430kgs €1120, Lim X 465kgs €1120, Lim X 390kgs €945.

Weanling heifers Lim X 435kgs €130 - €2.98 per kilo, BBX 470kgs €1160- €2.46 per kilo, Char X 415kgs €1040 - €2.50 per kilo, Char x 445kgs €1000 - €2.24 per kilo, Lim X 390kgs €920 - €2.35 per kilo,

2 Lim X 360kgs €870 - €2.41 per kilo, Lim X 335kgs €825 - €2.46 per kilo, Lim 345kgs €800 - €2.31 per kilo, Simm X 270kgs €680 - €2.51 per kilo, Char X 335kgs €800 - €2.38 per kilo.

Weanling bulls Lim X 505kgs €1400 - €2.77 per kilo, BBX 425kgs €1190 - €2.80 per kilo, Char X 490kgs €1180 - €2.40 per kilo, Lim X 410kgs €1100 - €2.68 per kilo, Lim X 385kgs €1005 - €2.61 per kilo, Lim X 455kgs €1055 - €2.31 per kilo, 3 Char 430kgs €1050 - €2.44 per kilo, Char X 385kgs €990 - €2.57 per kilo, 2 Char X 375kgs €950 - €2.53 per kilo, Lim X 395kgs €915 - €2.31 per kilo, Lim X 295kgs €845 - €2.86 per kilo, Lim X 320kgs €835 - €2.60 per kilo.

Finished lambs 50.7kgs €102, 54.8kgs €102, 51.1kgs €102, 52.4kgs €100, 51.7kgs €97, 48.8kgs €95, 51.8kgs €95, 48.3kgs €95, 50.3kgs €95.

Ewe lambs 55kgs €135, 52kgs €125, 55.4kgs €125, 48.3kgs €118, 46.1kgs €113, 47.4kgs €111, 43.6kgs €110, 44.4kgs €110, 49.8kgs €101, 44kgs €99, 41.2kgs €98.

Manager’s report… Brendan Egan, Castlerea Mart “600 cattle presented for sale on Thursday last, as numbers continue to increase due to poor weather conditions. Trade and prices were similar to previous weeks with prices remaining steady and demand on par with previous weeks. “Cows with calves at foot made from €750 to €1,550 per head. Young calves made from €130 to €390 per head with runners making from €300 to €700 for continental lots on offer. “Sales continue at Castlerea Mart today (Thursday 12th) 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. “Please note bullock sales will resume as and from Monday, September 16th”.

Manager’s report… Maura Quigley, Roscommon Mart “There were good numbers of excellent quality cattle on offer at Friday’s sale. There was a positive trade for bullocks with the majority of lots sold. Prices ranged from €2.09 per kilo up to €2.60 per kilo. There were plenty of customers in attendance who were anxious for stock. The numbers of heifers on offer was small due to the large entry for next week’s special sale (81 pens on offer) with prices ranging from an average of €2.02 per kilo up to €2.36 per kilo. Prices for dy cows averaged from €1.42 per kilo up to €1.59 per kilo. “This Friday (13th) the mart will host its usual sale of bullocks and dry cows from at 11 am. There will also be a special sale of heifers with 81 pens on offer. “On Friday, September 20th, there will be a Harvest Special Sale of bullocks, heifers and dry cows. Bookings accepted up to 5 pm today (12th). “There was a very good entry of top-quality weanlings on offer at the show and sale held on Tuesday. There was a brisk trade for weanling bulls with lots averaging from €2.30 up to €3.16 per kilo. There was a strong trade for weanling heifers with lots fetching from €2.21 per kilo up to €2.98 per kilo. “Again, this week exporters and agents were very active, with farmers also anxious for stock. In comparison to the same sale last year, weanling bulls were back on average 5 cents per kilo or an average of €20 per head on a 400 kilo animal with weanling heifers back 12 cents per kilo or an average of €48 per head on a 400 kilo animal. There is no sale of weanlings on Tuesday, September 17th. A Harvest Special of Weanlings will take place on Tuesday, September 24th at 5 pm. Bookings accepted up until 5 pm on Thursday 19th. “There was a large entry of sheep at this week’s sale. There was a steady trade for finished lambs with prices fetching €102 for 50.7kgs. There were plenty of excellent quality ewe lambs on offer with a top price of €135 for 55kgs. There was a good trade for cast ewes with prices ranging from €70 up to €115. “Sales continue each Wednesday at 11 am for lambs and cast ewes. Please note all sheep must be tagged with a full yellow EID Tag set”.

Castlerea Mart sample prices Bullocks Ch 470kgs €1170, Ch 445kgs €1120, Lm 510kgs €1220, Ch 500kgs €1090, Ch 575kgs €1280, Lm 560kgs €1175, 630kgs €1430, Hex 730kgs €1450, Ch 770kgs €1400.

Dry cows Lmx 750kgs €1490, Lm 850kgs €1445, Lm 720kgs €1365, Lm 680kgs €1290, BBx 785kgs €1345.

Weanling bulls PTX 295kgs €760, Ch 295kgs €720,

Ch 405kgs €900, Ch 425kgs €860, Lm 320kgs €750.

Weanling heifers BBX 300kgs €835, Lm 340kgs €800, Ch 370kgs €875, Lm 260kgs €625, Ch 270kgs €630, Lm 340kgs €800, Ch 360kgs €830.

Heifers Lmx 390kgs €880, Lmx 350kgs €845, Lm 490kgs €1090, Lm 450kgs €1035, Lm 505kgs €1430, Ch 665kgs €1350, Lm 665kgs €1320, Ch 630kgs €1320.

Roscommon People Friday 13 September 2019

FarmingPeople

O’Beirne: ‘Strokestown Show a huge success’  DAN DOONER

The chairperson of Strokestown Agricultural Show, John O’Beirne has hailed last weekend’s event as a huge success and said that visiting judges were impressed with the high quality cattle on display. Mr. O’Beirne said: “It was a brilliant show and the quality was superb. I had judges ringing me the next day to say they couldn’t get over the quality of stock at the show”. The Strokestown Chairman added that the event “went like clockwork” and while the

weather has been poor recently, the grounds help up well. “There were 18 and 20 cattle in each class – I think the highest was 21 in one class. These are huge classes and you won’t get that in any other part of the country. “Our All-Irelands went well too and Neven Maguire (celebrity chef) was a huge success. The food and drinks fair in general was ‘wedged’ across both days and that’s something we’ll be pushing more in the future,” he said. Mr. O’Beirne said the Horse Show was also

well received and the judges on the day were given a difficult task due to the quality on offer. “There was a new ring for the horses in front of Strokestown Park House, which was ideal. The quality (of entries) was unbelievable and it took our two judges from Cork and Kildare two hours to judge the event. “We also had a huge Dog Show – I wouldn’t like to even guess how many dogs we had. The Show itself was, above all years, a huge success. It was also good to see a local man, Ciaran Clarke, winning the draw for a heifer,” he concluded.

(Proudly serving farmers for over 60 years) Property Services Providers Licence No. 001373

Bullocks, Heifers & Dry Cows Each Friday at 11 a.m. ------------------------------------

Fall/Autumn Special Sale of Heifers Friday, September 13th at 11 a.m. 82 pens on offer Also Bullocks & Dry Cows ------------------------------------

Extra Special Sale of Bullocks Friday, September 20th at 11 a.m. Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, September 12th.

Also Heifers & Dry Cows ------------------------------------

Harvest Special Sale of Heifers Friday, September 27th at 11 a.m. Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, September 19th

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

Tuesday, September 24th at 5 p.m.

Harvest Special Sale of Weanlings Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, September 19th

(Above) Damien Ellen and Keelan Fallon pictured at Strokestown Agricultural Show last weekend.

Also Suckler/Springer Cows ------------------------------------

Lambs & Cast Ewes Each Wednesday at 11 a.m. Ewe Lambs will be sold separately All sheep must be tagged with a full yellow EID Tag set ------------------------------------

Breeding Ewes & Hoggets (Left) Seamus Dockery pictured at Strokestown Agricultural Show last weekend.

Noel Mahon, Sean Grady, Daniel Grady and Fred Gill pictured at Strokestown Agricultural Show last weekend.

Each Saturday Sale at 11 a.m. Gates open at 8 a.m. Included in sale this Saturday, September 14th

Dispersal Sale of 80 Ewes 2, 3 & 4-year-old Ewes All 2-year-old Ewes are vaccinated with Trovax and Enzovax for prevention of abortion This vaccination should last the breeding life cycle of the ewes, All well-conditioned ewes fit for breeding. ------------------------------------

Saturday, September 14th

Pedigree Charollais Sheep Show & Sale 36 Ram Lambs & 4 Hogget Rams on offer

Show at 1 p.m. Sale at 2 p.m. ------------------------------------

FOR SALE 1993 Thwaites Nimline 2000 - 1 Tonne Dumper 2 Wheel Drive- Manual Start Tenders in writing to the Manager

ENQUIRIES 090 6626352

Kate O’Flaherty and Alfie pictured at Strokestown Agricultural Show last weekend.

Kathy, Darragh, Chloe and Aoibhin McKenna, from Ballinagare pictured at Strokestown Agricultural Show last weekend. Pics: Mick McCormack

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

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Roscommon People Friday 13 September 2019

Business New Homesavers store set to create over 60 new jobs Homesavers are proud to announce that they will open their 24th store in the county town of Roscommon, creating employment for over 60 people from the local and surrounding areas. ‘Variety, choice, value’ are the foundations of Homesavers, the company said. Homesavers is a one-stop-shop for all lifestyle and family needs and they guarantee customers will find those special purchases in their stores. The Centre Point store is currently undergoing a €1.5 million refit to ensure it can cater for a wider range of items.

During a recent visit to Roscommon, Chief Executive Tom Keogh said: “We are delighted to be bringing Homesavers to Roscommon and to open the largest store in our brand to date. We have had great success in opening stores across the communities of Ireland, and having spent the vast expanse of my career working in the Irish retail sector I understand how important it is for Homesavers to continue to be community-orientated and customer-focused”. HomeSavers Centre Point will open on Thurs-

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day, October 3rd at 10 am, and you are invited to join in the opening celebrations! HomeSavers is a privately owned Irish firm who are aiming to become a nationwide brand. To achieve this goal they have committed to an initial investment of €25m. This has successfully delivered 23 store openings in 13 months. This rapid expansion plan will see a further seven stores open by the end of 2019, at which point Homesavers will be situated in 22 counties and employ in excess of 1500 people, with a focus on local employment.

Three local businesses nominated for National Q Mark awards Abbey Health & Fitness (Roscommon), Bridgestock Care and SPAR Express Corrib Oil Castlerea have been nominated for prestigious business awards. The National Q Mark Awards are known as ‘The Oscars of Business Excellence’, and are the highest accolade an Irish business can achieve, given both the intense competition and the exacting standards required.

The awards are presented only to companies who achieve the highest standards of quality and excellence. Inclusion on this list of nominations means these businesses are ranked in the top six per cent of all audits completed by the Excellence Ireland Quality Association (EIQA) on the island of Ireland. The National Q Mark Awards celebrate the success of businesses over a range of sectors

that review all their processes and procedures so that they continually operate best practice standards. This year sees nominations from across the full business spectrum with representatives from 25 different counties including Roscommon on the short-list. The 2019 National Q Mark Awards will take place on Friday, September 27th at The Clayton Hotel in Dublin.

Ireland West Airport in new strategic partnership with Connacht Rugby ‘Roscommon’s favourite local broadband provider’

Ireland West Airport have announced an exciting new partnership with Connacht Rugby. The partnership will see strong brand collaboration between the

two organisations and will strengthen the experience of visitors to Ireland West Airport and supporters of Connacht Rugby throughout the province.

Real Broadband for Real Users

Both organisations share a vision to bring to life all that is good about the community of Connacht and both also have a longstanding history and heritage in the West of Ireland. This partnership now demonstrates a formal alignment between the two organisations. Ireland West Airport is the main international travel hub for people through-

out the West and NorthWest of the country with over 800,000 passengers expected to pass through its doors in 2019. Visitors through the airport will be greeted by the newlyrefreshed Connacht brand identity which will be increasingly visible throughout the airport in the coming months. Across the upcoming season of Champions Cup

and PRO14 action in the Sportsground, the airport will provide fans attending home games with the chance to win a pair of flights to a host of European destinations. The winners of each pair of tickets will have the opportunity to select from routes such as Barcelona, Cologne, Faro, Milan, Liverpool, Bristol, Nottingham and Edinburgh.

Fast, reliable, friendly

Contact Tonya on 090 66 34319

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

Ann-Marie Casey won Irish Hairstylist Of The Year 2019 at the Irish Hair & Beauty Awards. The award ceremony was held in The Galmont Hotel & Spa in Galway city on Sunday, September 8th. Ann-Marie has been a hairstylist for the past 18 years and is currently working in ‘Jack Edwards’ located on Main Street in Roscommon town.

Ireland West Airport have announced an exciting new partnership with Connacht Rugby.

WEEKEND PEOPLE Roscommon People Friday 13 September 2019

Celebrating local literature and music Three of Roscommon’s best known writers – Brian Leyden, Jane Clarke and Michael O’Dea – will feature in an event which recognises the distinct literary heritage of Roscommon and the surrounding areas. Roscommon Arts Centre will host the 8 Degrees West programme on Saturday, September 14th which will feature an afternoon of masterclass workshops and will be followed by a

collection of readings and music. The ‘Heartlands Writers’ recognise the Hidden Heartlands of Roscommon and surrounding counties as a region which possesses a distinct literary heritage similar to the writing tradition that Northern Ireland has long been appreciated for. “The Hidden Heartlands are the lands of literary giants such as (Oliver) Goldsmith, (John) McGahern and

Douglas Hyde – but they are also the lands of present-day writers such as Brian Leyden, Jane Clarke, Vincent Woods, John Waters” explains Michael O’Dea. “In much the same way as we have undersold the touristic potential of these counties, we have not fully appreciated the richness of their literary heritage either”. The Heartlands Writers event at the arts centre will consist of three workshops, one with Jane Clarke entitled ‘The Art of Metaphor’, ‘Write On’ with Brian Leyden and ‘Sculpting a Poem from the Rough Block’ with Michael O’Dea. Workshops take place from 2 pm to 5 pm. Later that evening from 7 pm to 8.30 pm the three writers will present a Literary Miscellany in the arts centre’s auditorium, accompanied by musicians. Tickets for the workshops are priced at €15 each while tickets for the Literary Miscellany are also €15. There is a special ticket offer of €25 available to anyone who wishes to attend both a workshop and the Literary Miscellany. Booking is open now at Roscommon Arts Centre on 090-6625824.

IF THE CAP FITS… Sean and Rory Flaherty pictured at Strokestown Agricultural Show last weekend. Pic: Mick McCormack

Arts Cabaret at JJ Harlow’s on September 21st

Jane Clarke and Brian Leyden

M2 which features artists Noel Molloy and Patrick Anderson McQuoid, in conjunction with Culture Night (September 20th) and Roscommon Arts Office, will host a night of Arts Cabaret including performance, poetry, music and video in JJ Harlow’s Bar, The

Square, Roscommon on Saturday, September 21st from 7 pm to 11 pm. This is a free event and all are welcome. For more information, see https://faxboxart.weebly.com/ news-2019.html news-2019.html

SiarScéal Festival returns to Roscommon SiarScéal Festival 2019 will take place at Roscommon County Library in Roscommon town on Friday and Saturday, October 11th and 12th. Highlights include the presentation of the annual Hanna Greally International Literary Awards and Beneath Western Skies, a poetry and photographic exhibition by Anni Wilton

Jones, who will also host all SiarScéal festivities this year. The guest poet and adjudicator for this year’s Hanna Greally Awards is Faye Boland. Friday, October 11th will feature the launch of Beneath Western Skies exhibition at 11 am. The exhibition will go on tour to libraries across Roscommon, Leitrim and Sligo

in November. The presentation of the junior section of the Hanna Greally International Literary Awards will take place on Friday, October 11th also. The presentation will be officiated by Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr. Paschal Fitzmaurice and there will be readings from winning entries.

The presentation of the adult section of the Hanna Greally International Literary Awards will take place on Saturday, October 12th from 10 am to 12.30 pm. This will also be officiated by Cllr. Paschal Fitzmaurice and there will be readings from winning entries. The Ger Hanily Memorial Cup will also be awarded

locally to the writer/school with the best sense of place or identity. The featured production is the Galway Medley poetry/ choral recital from the WriteOn Group in Galway. There will also be an Open Mic from 1.30 pm to 4.50 pm and all are welcome. The prizes on offer for

the 2019 Hanna Greally International Literary Awards include an Overall Prize of €500 with two Highly Commended Prizes of €100 each. Trophies will be awarded to other highly commended entries in a categories of national, local and international.

Roscommon People Friday 13 September 2019

WeekendPeople

FRANK

BRANDON

FRANK BRANDON’S

unique take on life ...

We give out about the weather… but do we realise how lucky we are? It’s Monday evening… and here in the west of Ireland, it’s a sunny, bright (though cold) September evening, and even though it’s normal for us to give out about the weather, the truth is that we have very little to complain about, as we hardly ever experience any major weather-related disasters. Last week Hurricane Dorian absolutely ravaged The Bahamas, and although, so far, the official death toll is only in the mid-forties, leaders there believe hundreds, if not thousands, remain missing, and they predict that a “staggering” death toll will be the end result. Photographs on national and international media outlets show the total and utter devastation that has followed on from the visit of the hurricane, with homes completely flattened like paper houses, and basic life

necessities like food and water in short supply, and a massive humanitarian aid mission is required to try to keep the desperate survivors alive. And so it would be easy to believe that these natural disasters tend to only occur in povertyridden islands, like The Bahamas, Haiti, and Papua New Guinea, but, as Irish

Independent journalist Rachel Farrell, has recently discovered, the most powerful state in the world, the United States of America, has suffered enormous damage from weather-related incidents over the last 10 years or so. Almost 7.3 million Americans have been displaced in those ten years, with many losing

! s s a l c s a w e i Camog

final in a losing their thirdI thought of e er w f el ys I found m ind you, when On Sunday last lled, as the cam- row. M men have won under Brian ra r th ei en th l g, sympail- al watchin st whatever bit of Galway and K ogie players of t a thrill-a-minute Cody, I lo I had. kenny played ouor camogie final, thy that g with the camogie, and ni in se ay St nd a iving end All-Irela ay girls won by were on the rece which the Galwints, but it was the Galway fic comeback in the interflattering six po ent and intensity of a terri final, when Westmeath ble mediate a seven-point half-time quality, commitm brought to the ta at overturned that both teams eir first ever title e. m ed deficit to win th o points). az xthat am se ed em ing de (by tw At the risk of be expected loads that gradehowever the reaction of ve as ha w ld It ou w I Greville, h , uc ist aybe not as m anager, Johnny of skill, with mthe exchanges were their m e it so memorable, as his physicality, but ugh as any man’s that mad d sheer joy at the victory every bit as toonderful advertise- delight anmagical. I can’t do it jusgame, and a w ie. Why they don’t was just few written words, but I’m tice in a re in the ment for camog , I don’t know. ll find it somewhed, if you ng u’ rli yo hu re it su ll ca d st ju oughly enjoye cial media, an Anyways, I thorcredit to the Gal- land of so I guarantee you won’t ll it, fu d nd fi an for me s do the game, le of their playeri- be disappointed. Anyway atch the up co A . rls gi ay w w y first time to tic, especially N were just fantasand captain Sarah it was mfinals, but after Sunday, it ie ny og art cam amh Kilken the last. tiny way my he Dervin, but in a ilkenny team who won’t be K e th to t went ou

their homes altogether, some living in hotels, some relying on strangers to help them, but many of them still have no place to go. There is a national emergency fund, FEMA, which set up to try to alleviate the suffering of the millions of displaced residents, but the sheer scale of the numbers, in both

actual and monetary terms, means that progress is too slow, and many of those who are already homeless may always remain so. On top of those unfortunates, it is calculated that every year a quarter of a million people in America will have to leave their homes as a result of various disasters. These will be added to the already enormous list, and nobody knows when, or if, they will ever be re-housed. As we face into a winter where we may have a bit of frost, or, God forbid, an inch or two of snow, it’s time for us as a nation, to be grateful for the exceptionally kind climate that we are blessed with, and even though we have had some people displaced here due to flooding in recent years, as a rule of thumb we are very lucky with the weather we have, and the very little damage that it does.

Happy to hear the cuckoo! Recently I have watched television programmes which have highlighted the damage being done to our natural habitats, and how birds like the corncrake, curlew and the cuckoo have more or less disappeared from our countryside. And so it was with a large amount of joy that, this morning, at about 7.15 am, I heard the unmistakable sound of the cuckoo. I know that sometimes she can sound a bit like a pigeon, but this morning there was no doubt – the sound was perfectly clear, and could not have been anything other than the sound of a bird that we tend to regard as a bit of a parasite. (This is because the cuckoo has the reputation of taking over the nests of other birds). That may or may not be true, but regardless, I definitely heard a cuckoo this morning – and was delighted to do so. A sceptic (or two) wondered if I was dreaming, as 7.15 am is a bit early for me, but I have no doubt… I was wide awake and heard what I

heard. Wouldn’t it be great if they were to make a comeback?

And finally… Finally for this week, we have only four weeks to the big dance in Dowd’s of Glinsk…so from Monday next we will be hitting the highways and the byways, and calling to as many doors as we can get to. Hopefully your generosity will be as good as it has been for so many years now. Two great causes, Cancer Care West and the Lourdes Invalid Fund, have benefitted greatly over the years, so please God we can once again dig deep and help people who are less fortunate than we are. The Lancers are all set for the night, which, by the way, is October 12th, so put it in your diary…and we look forward to seeing you all over the next week or two.

Till next week, Bye for now!

Future of Sligo veterinary lab is secured Fine Gael politicians in Sligo/Leitrim have welcomed confirmation that the

long-term future of Sligo veterinary lab is safe, with major plans announced to upgrade the existing facility. Senator Frank Feighan said: “Agriculture Minister Michael Creed has confirmed that there will be the design, building and commissioning of a stateof-the-art laboratory in Sligo, replacing the existing facilities there by the end of 2024. “The plans have been announced as part of an estimated capital investment of €33.5m in rebuilding the (national) Laboratory Network over the next 10 years. This major investment will copperfasten the long-term future of the Sligo lab”. Also welcoming the news was Cllr. Sinéad Maguire. She said: “This facility provides laboratory diagnostic services to the farming community and will see a new state-of-the-art laboratory developed, replacing the existing facilities by the end of 2024. “I have lobbied on this issue for many years so I’m delighted that this announcement will help secure the future of the Lab and the employment of the 15 staff working there. This demonstrates the confidence that the Government have in the farming industry in the North West region,” said Cllr. Maguire.

SUNDAY GOSPEL REFLECTION In today’s Gospel Jesus has just been healing and casting out demons in Galilee. Along with the crowds, who flock to Him so that He can’t even take a break to eat, come people who do not understand what He is doing. Even His friends think He has lost His mind and needs to be taken away for a while. But the scribes who came down from Jerusalem are not just honestly mistaken; they accuse Him of being possessed by the prince of demons. The reality is just the opposite. Jesus is revealing Himself as the one promised in our First Reading. He is the seed of the woman who has come to crush the head of the demonic serpent. In the parable of the strong man, Jesus reveals that He has come not just to punish the devil but to free those bound by him. As St. Bede explains, “The Lord has also bound the strong man, that is, the devil: which means, He has restrained him from seducing the elect, and entering into his house, the world; He has spoiled his house, and His goods, that is men, because He has snatched them from the snares of the devil, and has united them to His Church”. The scribes blaspheme by attributing this work of the Holy Spirit to demons. Jesus adds a statement that shocks us at first: “whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness.” That does not mean that there are any limits to the mercy of God (CCC 1864). Rather, the only sin that cannot be forgiven is the deliberate refusal to accept the mercy offered through the Holy Spirit. Instead, we must imitate those who sat at Jesus’ feet. For, as He said, “Whoever does the will of God is my brother, and sister, and mother”. – Scott Hahn Ph.D., www.salvationhistory.com (and courtesy of Sacred Heart Church)

Roscommon People Friday 13 September 2019

WeekendPeople

Miriam’s WORLD ALZHEIMER MONTH: A Roscommon People series

World Alzheimer Month takes place this September and over this month, the Roscommon People will be focusing on a different aspect of dementia each week

Dementia and nutrition This week we take a look at dementia and nutrition, and the things that you can do to help a person with dementia have a balanced diet. Dementia can lead to changes in appetite and sense of taste and smell, which can reduce the person’s desire to eat. Some people with dementia have difficulties with sight and perception, and so can struggle with using cutlery. Some people won’t recognise cutlery or remember its purpose, and will prefer to pick up food

from a plate with their fingers. It is also the case that a person with dementia may lose their sense of time, and so forget to eat. Equally, they may have difficulty associating feelings of hunger with the need for food. These are all things that we take for granted but, for a person with dementia, they may be challenging. Dementia can also result in difficulties in chewing and swallowing. Because of these difficulties, the person may need longer to eat each meal, and so they may eat less. If you are supporting a person with dementia, it can be upsetting to see them struggle with eating and drinking. However, plenty can be done to help a person with dementia to continue to enjoy food and eating.

Tips for meal-times Here are some things you can do to help the person with dementia: • Remind the person when meals are due • Consider having someone call at meal-times • Use specially-adapted utensils • Avoid patterned table coverings and distracting items on the table • Serve food on small plates if a person has a small appetite • Consider foods that are easily eaten with the fingers

Difﬁculties eating When a person has difficulty eating or has reduced their food intake, you could adopt a ‘little-and-often’ meal pattern and introduce nourishing snacks and drinks regularly throughout the day. You can also maximise the calories of the food eaten by adding milk or butter to mashed potato or grating cheese over a savoury dish.

First port of call GPs and public health nurses are a good first port of call for useful advice on improving protein and calorie intake. If a person with dementia is coughing during or after meals, it is important to let their GP know. This article series has been developed by Dementia: Understand Together, which is a public support, awareness and information campaign led by the HSE in partnership with The Alzheimer Society of Ireland and Genio. For more information, including details of dementia supports and services in Roscommon, visit understandtogether.ie or Freephone 1800 341 341.

MUSINGS

Words of wit and wisdom with MIRIAM KERINS

Stop being school-flakes – and follow uniform rules! A school in Ashby-de-la-Zouch in the UK made headlines last week for allegedly removing over one hundred students from class (on their first day) for apparently turning up to school wearing footwear that was considered to be ‘unacceptable,’ thus breaching the school’s uniform rules. Now, while many parents were angered by this – in fact, if you were to read some of the social media posts, I’d go so far as to say some went ballistic – in this instance, I’d say, they’ve only got themselves to blame. If these parents had bothered to read the school’s guidelines, which, according to the principal, were ‘announced before the summer break,’ they’d have known what was, and what wasn’t acceptable for this particular school. In addition, in an attempt to make their new uniform policies crystal clear, the school in question even provided visual prompts for those parents who were either too dim to get the message or were so smug they thought the rules didn’t apply to their little darlings! Yes folks; pictures of acceptable footwear was apparently posted on the school’s website. So, armed with all of this information, I’d conclude that, in this instance, the school’s actions were entirely justified. Look, one of the reasons I’d imagine school uniforms are worn by students is to reduce what may be the obvious socioeconomic disparities existing among them in the hope of encouraging a level playing field for everyone. You see readers, as we

live in an era of high fashion brands where certain items of clothing have become a definitive status symbol – separating the haves and the have nots among us – no parent wants their child to feel ‘different’. And, while it’s awful to think that some kids may use another’s choice of clothing as a reason to pick on them or to isolate them, I’d support the wearing of a uniform as it allows less opportunity for some to be singled out by their less compassionate peers. Look, my granddaughter started secondary school last week and, while the list of dos and don’ts regarding her uniform and her PE gear were longer than Greece’s national anthem…(it has 158 verses… swear to God), both herself and her mother have chosen this school and they have to comply. Now don’t get me wrong, I fully support the thinking that everyone, (and in this case students) should be allowed to express their own individuality, and I’m not opposed to that. Indeed I love the whole gender neutral uniform policy being adopted by many schools where they offer students a range of options; but again, parents need to adhere to these. Now I’m not skirting the issue (sorry, that was a terrible pun), but I believe if parents enrol their kids in a particular school, they do so in the knowledge that they sign up to, and fully embrace that school’s rules and mandatory uniform policies, whatever they are. Simples!

However, if a parent is strongly opposed to uniforms, believing they restrict their little darling’s freedoms of expression, then that’s fine, and, in order to keep everyone happy, they should seek out a school more appropriate to their kids’ specific needs. Here’s the thing…our kids go to school to learn, and to gain what we hope will be valuable skills and knowledge they can confidently apply to their future real-life situations and careers. And, while school should be a place where students can freely express themselves, the fact is, in order to keep in line with the establishment’s ethos, some limitations will apply. Now, while I know some schools’ uniform policies may cause severe stress on a family’s budget, often sending many into debt, (especially if they insist on including specialist items), I’d strongly advocate for a system that prioritises a value-for-money and affordability ethos over specific bespoke elitist attire. At the end of the day, if your child joins An Garda Síochána, becomes a firefighter, a pilot, a flight attendant, a doctor, a nurse, a soldier, a chef, a delivery driver, a fast food operative, or a lifeguard, etc., (all great careers), they’ll be required to wear a uniform. With that in mind, school-flake parents, stop getting shirty (aagh, I did it again), and remember, you chose this school because you believed it was the best one for your kid!

Nobody does drama, difficulty and disaster like Sinead O’Connor RTE Director General Dee Forbes should really be a travel agent for guilt trips, given the woman’s tenacity and capacity for rattling that begging bowl! Yes readers, according to the Irish Times, poor put-upon Dee has informed her staff that they must now face cutbacks as the station cannot afford to “continue as we are,” if they don’t receive an increase in funding. And about time too! Look, to be honest, as a reluctant licence fee payer, it has always been my belief that RTE, with its humdrum shows being fronted by tedious presenters trying to sell washed-up lacklustre guests as TV gold, has long since passed its sell-by date. I mean, excitement must surely be thin on the ground at Montrose House if someone thinks teasing has-been Sinead O’Connor as a reason to tune into last Friday’s Late Late Show is what passes for titillation. I’d rather read Donald Trump’s Twitter updates than tune into a show featuring a drama queen who appears to feel duty-bound to create controversy, viewing just about everything as an ultimate disaster. Don’t get me wrong, I do feel a certain amount of empathy for Sinead’s, let’s say, circumstances, but, is it so awful of me to be sick to the back teeth of her continuous angst-ridden sagas? It’s as if adversity, calamity and tragedy have now become as natural to her as breathing. Yes, the woman is a talented singer, yes, she’s clearly a troubled soul and I have huge compassion for her, I really do…but OMG Sinead love, do drama, difficulty and distress absolutely have to be your weapons of choice when appearing on d’telly?

Roscommon People Friday 13 September 2019

BallyforanFair&Festival

Saturday 21 & Sunday 22 September

Best wishes to Ballyforan Fair & Festival from

St. Aidan’s GAA Club Best wishes to Ballyforan Fair & Festival from

Senator MAURA

HOPKINS 086 856 4206 maura.hopkins@oir.ie @maurahopkinsfg @hopkins_maura

www.maurahopkins.com

Best wishes to Ballyforan Fair & Festival from

Michael & Conor Slyman PLANT HIRE Curracoolia, Ballyforan Co. Galway

Tel: 087 2490146 (Michael) Tel: 087 7726301 (Conor) Best wishes to Ballyforan Fair & Festival from

Cllr. Laurence Fallon BALLAGH, KNOCKCROGHERY, CO. ROSCOMMON. 090 6488232 086 8575512 cllrlfallon@roscommoncoco.ie Best wishes to Ballyforan Fair and Festival from

Kennedy Brothers

Agricultural Contractors • Ballyforan • (087) 6222172/(086) 0678221

Pictured at the Ballyforan Fair & Festival launch in Ballyforan were committee members. Back row (l-r): Oliver Flanagan, Aidan Thompson, Alfie Gately, Denis Connolly, Dermot Kelly, Liam Tansey and Brian Hyland. Front row (l-r): Sean Finnerty, Carmel Hoey, Rita Tansey, Emer Kelly, Tony White and James Flynn. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Ballyforan revs up for big weekend! Fair & Festival returns on 21st and 22nd Ballyforan Fair & Festival returns on Saturday and Sunday, September 21st and 22nd with a whole host of attractions and €6,000 in prize money up for grabs! Headlining this year’s event is An Ri Dubh Road Racing Supporters Club from Kilkenny. Current Irish Superbike champion Derek Sheils, and Derek McGee will be in attendance and they will be joined by some of the biggest names from the world of biking. This is guaranteed to get pulses racing with a bike display on Saturday (21st) and a Road Racer Bikes demonstration on Sunday 22nd. This year’s fair and fes-

tival will kick off with the Horse and Sheep Fair at 10 am on Saturday 21st. The Horse classes will include Children’s Family Pony Lead Rein; Draught Mare with foal at foot; Best Cob; Best Sport Horse; Best Connemara Mare; Best Pony; Best Pony Foal; Best Sport Horse: Foal; Best Mare and Foal; Best Donkey and Best in Show. The Sheep classes include: Best White Ram; Best White Ram Lamb; Best Black Faced Ram; Best Black Face Ram Lamb; Best Texel Ram; Best Texel Ram Lamb; Best Overall Ram of the Fair. There will also be prizes

for Best Pens of Breeding Ewes; Breeding Hoggets; Cull Ewes; Ewe Lambs; Store Lambs; Wooled and Overall Fleece as well as Young Handler and Best Pet Lamb. Prizes for Sheep will be presented at 11 am prior to Goat judging at 11.15 am and the presentation of Horse prizes at 12.30 pm. The Poultry Show and Judging will then take place from 12 pm to 4 pm while the County Roscommon Hunt will present at 12.45 pm. Also on Saturday, there will be Cattle classes from 1.30 pm and that will be followed by the presentation of prizes from 2 pm. Sunday will see plenty of

Best wishes to Ballyforan Fair and Festival from

Dermot Kelly & Sons ●

on The Green and much more!

Best wishes to Ballyforan Fair & Festival from

Cllr. Tony Ward

Nora and family Independed Member of Roscommon County Council Contact Tony on (090) 64 88294 or (087) 9165226 Email: tonywardmcc@eircom.net Best wishes to Ballyforan Fair & Festival from

JOHN GREENE BALLINASLOE

TELEPHONE: (090) 96 88606 / (090) 96 88830 / (090) 96 87651

REMOVAL OF DEAD & WORN-OUTANIMALS

● Spraying ● Mowing Square Baling ● Combine Harvesting ● Square Bales of Straw available

(087) 6776731

fun for all the family with live music and an auction

Pictured at the Ballyforan Fair & Festival launch in Ballyforan were Cllr. Aisling Dolan, Senator Maura Hopkins, Denis Connolly (Chairperson), Emer Kelly (Secretary) and Rita Tansey. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

– Lowest price guaranteed – Daily collection

Roscommon People Friday 13 September 2019

BallyforanFair&Festival

Saturday 21 & Sunday 22 September

Family Fun on Sunday! Sunday (22nd) promises to be a fun-filled day for the whole family to enjoy at Ballyforan Fair & Festival. The day will begin with the Athlone SPCA Car Boot Sale which starts at 10 am and runs until 3 pm. There will also be a cake sale at 11.15 am before the annual Baking Competition takes place from 12.30 to 1 pm. Other highlights include: St. Aidan’s GAA Fun Day activities from 1 pm to 4 pm; Dog Show at 2 pm; Bonny Baby at 2 pm; a Magic Show at 3 pm and Arts & Crafts at 3.45 pm. There will also be a Road Racers demonstration, Clay Pigeon Shoot, live music and an auction on The Green and a Pet Farm. McFadden’s Amusements will also be in attendance right throughout the weekend!

Pictured at the Ballyforan Fair & Festival launch in Ballyforan were Sean Finnerty, Enda Hoey, Peter Kenny and Cllr. John Naughten. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Ballyforan Fair & Festival launch in Ballyforan were Senator Maura Hopkins, Denis Connolly (Chairperson) and Cllr. John Naughten. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Ballyforan Fair & Festival launch in Ballyforan were committee members Oliver Flanagan, Carmel Hoey and James Flynn. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

An Ri Dubh Road Racing events This year, An Ri Dubh Road Racing Supporters Club from Kilkenny will present a fundraiser in The Big Apple Pub on Saturday, September 21st in association with Ballyforan

Fair & Festival. There will be a draw and auction on the night with prizes on offer and camping available. Sunday, September 22nd will see the club hosting a

€6e0M0on0ey Priz

Ballyforan Fair & Festival

Sat. 21st, Sun. un. u un n.. 2 n 22 2nd SE S SEPTEMBER EPTEM PT P TE T E 2019

‘Display and Parade Lap’ of Irish Road Racing Warriors including current Irish Superbike champion Derek Sheils. This is an event not to be missed!

SATURDAY 21st September 10am 10.30am 11am 11.15am 11.30am 12pm 12.30pm 12.45pm 12pm - 4pm 1.30pm 2pm

Horse & Sheep Fair Sheep Judging Presentation of Prizes Goat Judging Presentation of Prizes Horse Judging Presentation of Prizes Hunt Poultry Show & Judging Cattle Judging NEW! Presentation of Prizes

Miley Cash, Horse Buyer will be in attendance • Sheep Dog Trials all day • Road Racers display Motor Bike NEW!

SUNDAY 22nd September 10am - 3pm Athlone SPCA Car Boot Sale NEW! 11.15am Cake Sale 12.30pm - 1pm Baking Competition registration 1pm - 2pm Baking Competition Judging 1pm - 4pm St. Aidan’s Fun Day Activities NEW! 1pm Dog Show registration 1.30pm Bonny Baby Entries 2pm Bonny Baby Competition 2pm Dog Show 3pm Presentation of Prizes (Baking) 3pm Magic Show NEW! 3.45pm Arts & Crafts Poultry - Bring, Buy & Sell From 1pm

Pictured at the Ballyforan Fair & Festival launch in Ballyforan were Brian Hyland, Darragh Trappe, Peter Kenny and Mikey Hyland. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Keen Print 090 6625787

Clay Pigeon Shoot • Road Racers NEW! • Live Music on the Green • Pet Farm • Auction NEW!

McFadden’s Amusements All Weekend!!! Call Dermot 087 6776731 Dennis 087 7678120 Ballyforan Fair/Facebook Stalls welcome (Must be Pre-booked), Trade Stands, Live Music , Tullyboy Express

Roscommon People Friday 13 September 2019

WeekendPeople

Hamrock’s Athleague, Co. Roscommon. Tel.: (090) 6663325 Saturday, 14th September:

John Molloy

Dalton’s Pub Fuerty, Co. Roscommon Sunday, 15th September

Joe Newman

Sue, Cameron and John Duke pictured at Sue’s birthday celebration in Dalton’s of Fuerty.

Sue Duke and Lynette Gorman pictured at Sue’s birthday celebration in Dalton’s of Fuerty.

Starting at 6.30pm

TAKE YOUR PICK JACKPOT

€1,100 Daltons Public House - FB Page

JJ Harlow’s Telephone: 090 6626225 Saturday 14th September: 10PM

Joe Dolan with Sue and Gerry Duke pictured at Sue’s birthday celebration in Dalton’s of Fuerty.

Faces & Places

Dalton’s Fuerty

Roma Connolly, Sue Duke and Lorraine Gately pictured at Sue’s birthday celebration in Dalton’s of Fuerty.

Photographs: Mick McCormack

THE HARTONES

Sunday 15th September:

RETRO GROOVE

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

Sue Duke, Mary and Pat Gorman pictured at Sue’s birthday celebration in Dalton’s of Fuerty.

Anja Hanley, Sue Duke and Tony Gorman pictured at Sue’s birthday celebration in Dalton’s of Fuerty.

JJ Harlows supporting Irish Micro Breweries i

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

Emmelie Rylander and Patrice Lecuyer pictured at Sue Duke’s birthday celebration in Dalton’s of Fuerty.

Sue and Gerry Duke pictured at Sue’s birthday celebration in Dalton’s of Fuerty.

Roscommon People Friday 13 September 2019

WeekendPeople

Chloe Williams, Darren Coffey, Sara Hanly and Kayleigh Forkan pictured at the Michael English concert in the Midnight Club, Ballaghaderreen during the recent Lakes and Legends Festival. Pic: Mick McCormack

Kevin Sullivan, Noel Duffy and Padraig Durr pictured at the Michael English concert in the Midnight Club, Ballaghaderreen during the recent Lakes and Legends Festival. Pic: Mick McCormack

Alan Higgins and Catherine Moran pictured at the Michael English concert in the Midnight Club, Ballaghaderreen during the recent Lakes and Legends Festival. Pic: Mick McCormack

Faces & Places MIDNIGHT CLUB, BALLAGHADERREEN: Lakes & Legends Festival Pictures: Mick McCormack

Edel Doherty and Aoife Frain pictured at the Michael English concert in the Midnight Club, Ballaghaderreen during the recent Lakes and Legends Festival. Pic: Mick McCormack

John McCabe and Bernie and Jimmy Brennan pictured at the Michael English concert in the Midnight Club, Ballaghaderreen during the recent Lakes and Legends Festival. Pic: Mick McCormack

Teresa Gallagher and Patricia Madden pictured at the Michael English concert in the Midnight Club, Ballaghaderreen during the recent Lakes and Legends Festival. Pic: Mick McCormack

Carrie Loftus performing in the Midnight Club, Ballaghaderreen as part of the recent Lakes and Legends Festival.Â Pic: Mick McCormack

Seamus Madden, and Con and Emer McMahon pictured at the Michael English concert in the Midnight Club, Ballaghaderreen during the recent Lakes and Legends Festival. Pic: Mick McCormack

Peter Devine and Ann Horan pictured at the Michael English concert in the Midnight Club, Ballaghaderreen during the recent Lakes and Legends Festival. Pic: Mick McCormack

John Dempsey pictured at the Michael English concert in the Midnight Club, Ballaghaderreen during the recent Lakes and Legends Festival. Pic: Mick McCormack

Tom Madden, Mick Carroll, Mick Connor and PJ Flynn pictured at the Michael English concert in the Midnight Club, Ballaghaderreen during the recent Lakes and Legends Festival. Pic: Mick McCormack

Roscommon People Friday 13 September 2019

WeekendPeople

Ben Glynn, Ruth Nally and John Geraghty pictured on their first day of school at St. Coman’s Wood Primary School, Roscommon.

Callum Hoare, Zuzanna Smolinska and Dawid Stachera pictured on their first day of school at St. Coman’s Wood Primary School, Roscommon.

First day at St. Coman’s Wood

Junior Infants Conor Gilleran and Joe Mannion pictured on their first day of school at St. Coman’s Wood Primary School, Ella Mae Daly, Kate Cunniffe and Sadhbh Murray pictured on their first day of school at St. Roscommon. Coman’s Wood Primary School, Roscommon.

Laragh and Aisling pictured on their first day of school at Gaelscoil de hÍde in Roscommon.

Aoibhinn Belton and John Hanley pictured on their first day of school at St. Coman’s Wood Primary School, Roscommon.

Diarmuid McNamara and Thomas Byrne pictured on their first day of school at St. Coman’s Wood Primary School, Roscommon. Pics: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Lorcán, Annabelle, Molly and Liam pictured on their first day of school at Gaelscoil de hÍde in Roscommon.

First day at Gaelscoil de hÍde

Leila and Viktoria pictured on their first day of school at Gaelscoil de hÍde in Roscommon.

Ciara and Paige pictured on their first day of school at Gaelscoil de hÍde in Roscommon.

Eve and Amelia pictured on their first day of school at Gaelscoil de hÍde in Roscommon.

Zack, Senan and Donnacha pictured on their first day of school at Gaelscoil de hÍde in Roscommon.

Elissa and Ruby pictured on their first day of school at Gaelscoil de hÍde in Roscommon. Pics: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Property People Roscommon People Friday 13 September 2019

Quality duplex apartment

Stonecourt, The Square, Roscommon.

Prime residential farm available at Earley’s Sportsman’s Inn, Elphin Street, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon

The landmark Sportsman’s Inn, Strokestown, available at Earley’s John Earley (FIPAV) of Property Partners Earley, Roscommon is this week offering new to the market the renowned Sportsman’s Inn public house and adjacent investment property (tenant not affected) located at Elphin Street, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon. John describes this as “a rare opportunity to acquire one of the region’s most established and renowned seven-day licensed premises’ located in the heart of Strokestown and close to all local amenities”. The said property offers character commercial accommodation throughout with six bedrooms (three ensuite) over two upper floors and carries out a substantial turnover.

Standing to the side is a two-storey residential/investment property of approx. 2,130 sq.ft. of which part of the ground floor is presently let on favourable terms to a beauty salon. The auctioneer says this is a ‘must view’ property and now invites immediate enquiries and all offers to sell. For further details and trading figures, apply to the office. All offers after €300,000 to sell. BER: C1. For further details or to arrange a viewing, contact John Earley (FIPAV) of Property Partners Earley, Stone Ct., The Sq., Roscommon on 090-6626579, email jearley@propertypartners.ie or visit www. propertypartners.ie.

ipav

PROPERTY PARTNERS PUBLIC AUCTION ON THURSDAY 3rd OCTOBER 2019 AT 4 PM IN HANNONS HOTEL, ROSCOMMON TOWN (unless previously sold) PRIME LANDS CONTAINING APPROX. 45.6 ACRES SET OUT IN 3 LOTS AND LOCATED AT

KILLAGHAN AND GORT, TOBERDAN AND KELLYBROOK, LECARROW, CO. ROSCOMMON (being the estate of the late Patsy Kilcline) Lands of Toberdan & Kellybrook, Lecarrow which can be sold in 1 one more lot should market interest dictate, set out as follows: Lot 1: The Entire approx. 21.3 acres Lot 2: approx. 10.4 acres Lot 3: approx. 10.9 acres

Lands of Killaghan & Gort of approx. 15.6 acres.

John Earley (FIPAV) of Property Partners Earley, Roscommon is this week offering to new the market aa prime residential farm of lands containing approx. 36.8 acres in total located at Carrowduff Upper, Ballinturley, Ballymacurley, Co. Roscommon (which can be sold in one or more lots should market interest dictate). John describes the property as “a select countryside farm located in a good farming district”. The said lands are set out on the opposite sides of the public road and are offered for sale in one or separate lots. The auctioneers now invite immediate viewing and all offers to sell. To arrange maps or for further details contact John Earley (FIPAV), Property Partners Earley, Stone Ct., The Sq., Roscommon on 090-6626579. You can email jearley@propertypartners.ie or log on to www.propertypartners.ie. Find us on Facebook at www. facebook.com/propertypartnersearley. Institute of Professional Auctioneer & Valuers

PSRA Licence No. 001481

EARLEY

A MOST ATTRACTIVE AND SUPERBLY LOCATED 5 B/R DETACHED 2 STOREY RESIDENCE FINISHED TO AN EXTREMELY HIGH STANDARD LOCATED AT 11 THE PADDOCK, ATHLEAGUE, ROSCOMMON, F42 Y272 Price Guide: €215,000 A most attractive and superbly located 5 B/R detached 2 storey residence finished to an extremely high standard. the said property has the benefit for first time buyers who can avail of a tax rebate of 5% of the purchase price for this property. (See help to Buy Scheme for First Time Buyers). Incorporated in the price is €5,000 PC sum to allow for the completion of Kitchen/ Utility units and/or wardrobes. The auctioneers now invite immediate viewings.

NE W M TO AR T KE HE T

David Diffley (MIPAV, TRV) of Property Partners Earley is this week offering new to the market a quality two-bedroomed duplex apartment located at 23, Stonecourt, The Square, Roscommon. Price guide: €90,000 ono to sell. David describes the property as “a prime rental and investment property due to its location in the town square. The property is presented for sale in good condition. Altogether, this is a quality apartment to come available in a select town centre location and we now invite final viewings and all offers to sell”. For further details or to arrange a viewing, please contact David Diffley (MIPAV, TRV) of Property Partners Earley, Roscommon on 090-6626579, email ddiffley@propertypartners.ie or log on to www.propertypartners.ie.

A PRIMELY LOCATED 2 B/R BUNGALOW RESIDENCE OF APPROX. 880 SQ.FT LOCATED AT

CREEVY ROAD, ROSCOMMON TOWN, CO. ROSCOMMON

Legal: Brid Miller, Solicitor, Athlone Rd, Roscommon. 090 66 27777.

All offers after €100,000 to sell A primely located 2 B/R bungalow residence of approx. 880 sq.ft which stands on a site area of approx. 0.37 of an acre. Situated in a renowned residential location beside Roscommon town, the said property is presented for sale in solid condition but in need of modernisation throughout. A rare opportunity to acquire a prime property on the outskirts of Roscommon town offering huge potential. The auctioneers now invite immediate viewings and all offers after €100,000 to sell.

NE W M TO AR T KE HE T

Lands of Kellybrook of approx. 8.7 acres.

Stone Court, The Square, Roscommon Email: jearley@propertypartners.ie www.propertypartners.ie Tel: (090) 6626579 / 6626796 Fax: (090) 6625405

Roscommon People Friday 13 September 2019

PropertyPeople 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

MACHINERY AUCTION SATURDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER AT 12 NOON

SALE OF FARM MACHINERY ON OUR SITE AT EMOE, LANESBORO ROAD, ROSCOMMON Number 19, Hyde Court, Roscommon town

Items included in sale:- Fiat Tractor with Loader, Massey Ferguson 165 with loader, Massey Ferguson 65, Massey Ferguson 290, Fiat 90-90, Chain Harrow, Tipping Trailer 10 x 6, 2 Furrow Plough, Lely Lotus Hay Turner, Ivor Williams 12 x 6 Cattle Trailer, Fransgard Rotary Mower in need of repair, Bale Spike, Fleming Land Roller, Troughs, 8 x 6 Ivor Williams trailer with Crates, Vicon Fertilizer Spreader, Shear Grab, 87 Same Laser, Pottinger Hay Turner, Hay Bobs, Tooth Harrow, Hardy Sprayer, Flayl Hedge Cutter, Gas Bottles and Cutting Equipment, Lamb Scales, Concrete Mixer, Steel Tipping Trailer 14 x 7, Abbey Slurry Tanker, Cattle Trailer Tractor Drawn, Fiat 780 Tractor, Hitachi Zaxis 30 U Zero Tail Swing 2006 (2400 Hrs), 14 x 6 Pro Tri Axel Trailer, Calf & Sheep Feeders, Chain Harrow, Power Harrow, Bale Splitter and many other items too numerous to mention. Clearance sale of farm Machinery. For further details contact the office on 09066 27003 or e-mail info@pathughesauctioneers.com

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FOR SALE AT

ARAGHTY, ATHLEAGUE

Luxury four-bedroomed house with garage in Hyde Court, Roscommon Connaughton Auctioneers are delighted to bring to the market an exceptional, luxurious four-bedroomed family home in the much sought after area of Hyde Court, in Roscommon town. Number 19, Hyde Court has been constructed to a very high standard with the focus on high quality materials, design and layout. No expense has been spared by the current owner during the construction of this beautiful residence. Upon entering, the reception hallway has a feeling of grandeur with the impressive staircase the main focus of attention. A large sitting room off to the right can be accessed via glass-panelled double doors. This room contains solid wood flooring, a feature marble fireplace with gas inset and a ceiling coving with centre rose feature. To the left of the reception hallway is the office, also overlooking the front gardens. A guest WC is conveniently located to the rear

left of the stairwell. The rear of the ground floor is dedicated to the kitchen, utility, dining room and conservatory. It contains a kitchen which is fully fitted with solid maple wood units and has many features such as a centre island, integrated unit lighting and downlighters, ample work surface areas in granite, plenty of storage, etc. The formal dining room is accessed via double glass panel doors with solid wood flooring, feature stone fireplace with gas inset and sliding glass double doors to the gardens. The conservatory is located off the kitchen and contains a beautiful feature wood ceiling, tiled flooring, and is fully insulated with ample radiators with a door off to the rear gardens. Proceeding to the first floor of this impressive residence, there are four large double bedrooms off the spacious bright landing, each unique in décor, and there is also a large main bathroom which is fully tiled with bath and separate shower and enclosure.

The master bedroom contains both built-in wardrobes with vanity unit and a walk-in wardrobe with a fully tiled ensuite bathroom tucked discreetly behind. All wardrobes have heating via radiators. Externally this property requires no attention as it has been lovingly designed with an array of mature trees and shrubbery, manicured lawns and a tarmacadamed driveway with a cobble locked pathway around the house. There is a traditional stone wall with piers and railings to the front. The large detached garage is accessed via roller door and side access door. The property is serviced by oil-fired central heating and gas open fireplaces, mains sewerage and mains water. The location is exclusive and only a short walk from Roscommon Golf Course. Viewing is strictly by appointment and can be arranged by contacting the office on 0906663700 or info@connaughtonauctioneers.ie.

Attractive bungalow with view of Roscommon Castle This week Hughes & Company of Abbey Street, Roscommon are confirming that there is a lot of interest in an attractive five-bedroomed dormer bungalow on a large landscaped site with excellent view of Roscommon Castle. The residence is situated a few minutes’ walk from the town centre in a nice quiet cul-de-sac. For further details contact the office on 090-6627003 or email info@ pathughesauctioneers.com. Viewing by appointment on 090-6627003.

Viewing of six-bedroomed residence highly recommended

Circa 26 acres of top-quality land. The lands are located less than 1 mile from the Village of Athleague overlooking the River Suck. The Lands are divided into two blocks by a road leaving them suitable for development subject to planning permission being granted. The lands have excellent road frontage and are located on the main Galway to Roscommon Road. For further details contact the office on 09066 27003 or e-mail info@pathughesauctioneers.com

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FOR SALE AT

SHANBALLYLOSKY, BALLYFORAN, BALLINASLOE, CO. GALWAY

A selection of some items on offer in our upcoming Machinery Auction

Strong interest in upcoming Machinery Auction Circa ½ acre site. The Site is located approximately 1 mile from the Village of Ballyforan on the main Dysart to Ballyforan road. The site is being sold subject to planning permission. For further details contact the office on 09066 27003 or e-mail info@pathughesauctioneers.com

This week Hughes & Company of Abbey Street, Roscommon are confirming that enquiries are flooding in in relation to their forthcoming Machinery Auction which they are holding on Saturday, 21st of September at 12

noon. The company has confirmed that they are not accepting any outside lots as it is a clearance sale for two farmers who have retired from farming. A full list of items available can be found on their website at www.

pathughesauctioneers. com. Viewing of the items will be held on the morning before the auction commences. For further information, contact the office on 0906627003 or email info@ pathughesauctioneers.com

Pat Hughes & Company have for sale at Circular Road, Roscommon Town an impressive six-bedroomed twostorey residence. The residence stands on a large site with a garage to the rear and is located in a prominent location in Roscommon Town and close to all amenities. Accommodation consists of two sitting rooms, dining room, kitchen, utility, bathroom and downstairs bedroom with fitting units. Upstairs has five double bedrooms (all ensuite) with two having the benefit of walk-in wardrobes and the other three with fitted units. Viewing is highly recommended. For further information or to make an appointment to view, contact the office on 090-6627003 or email info@pathughesauctioneers.com

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

Roscommon People Friday 13 September 2019

PropertyPeople

Exciting commercial opportunities on books of Sherry FitzGerald P. Burke A number of exciting commercial opportunities have recently come to the market with Sherry FitzGerald P. Burke, Roscommon. In Carrick-on-Shannon, a purposebuilt unit consisting of a drive-through takeaway/restaurant and ancillary accommodation extending to c. 2859 sq. ft. has just become available for lease. The property is in excellent condition throughout and benefits from 36 car parking spaces. Located in a busy trading retail park, this unit offers great potential in an excellent location. Also in Carrick-on-Shannon are two attractive commercial units for lease located in the Business and Technology Park. Both units are modern, openplan office spaces extending to over 9000 sq. ft. P. Burke commented: “This is an excellent business opportunity in a thriving location beside the global headquarters of King & Moffatt Electrical Contractors and renowned medical industry supplier VistaMed”. There are still several retail and commercial properties available throughout Roscommon town. New to the market is a purpose-built single-storey creche in the Oldwood Estate which is approximately 1 km from Roscommon Town Centre. Surrounded by over 80 residential homes with a further 10 currently under construction and plans for a further 25 in 2020, this unit is a highly

Ballypheason House

Harrison Centre, Roscommon

Creche, Oldwood, Roscommon

Roscommoon Business Park.

attractive opportunity. The creche can accommodate up to 40 children and has an outside play and recreation area and a large off-road parking area. It comes to the market with an asking price of €350,000 or is available to let at €25,000 pa. Ballypheasan House is pivotally located at the junction of the Athlone Road and Circular Road in Roscommon town, directly opposite Casey’s Circle K & Ward Topline Providers. There are ROSCOMMON

Carrick-on-Shannon

two remaining units for sale in this top quality business development. Unit 5 comprises of a two-storey property (71.7sq. m.) that would be suitable as an office space or retail unit with office space overhead. The second property (Unit 1) has an internal area of 3800 sq. ft. over three floors. This turnkey accommodation is suitable to a variety of users – office, call centre, etc., plus it has the added bonus of a large storage space on the top floor.

FOR SALE €350,000 OR TO LET €25,000 PA

CRECHE, OLDWOOD, ROSCOMMON, CO. ROSCOMMON

Both properties have secure parking to the rear and come with an asking price of €120,000. In the heart of the town the Harrison Centre has two bright spacious retail units to let. With access from Main Street to Tesco and a large carpark, these properties benefit from a high volume of footfall on a daily basis and would make an excellent business opportunity. And with high profile retailers such

as Born Clothing and Iceland as your neighbours in Roscommon Retail Park, the remaining 2500 sq. ft. retail space would make a strong stand for any retailer looking to start up or expand into Roscommon. There is also over 7000 sq. ft. of office space available. For more information on any of these properties please phone P. Burke Sherry Fitzgerald on 090-6627200 or call into our offices on Main Street, Roscommon.

PSRA Licence No. 001350

●

Property Sales Lettings Valuations ●

●

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

www.connaughtonauctioneers.ie Call 090 662 7200

GOFF STREET, ROSCOMMON Find out more at mysherryfitz.ie

CARRICK ON SHANNON

TO LET NEW TO THE MARKET

DRIVE - THRU RESTAURANT, ROSEBANK RETAIL PARK, DUBLIN ROAD, CARRICK ON SHANNON

• • • • •

Bright modern purpose built unit Fully fitted restaurant Busy trading retail park 36 customer car parking spaces Offering great potential PRSA No: 001316

CALL PADRAIG BURKE: 0906 627200

• • • • • •

Purpose built single storey creche Approx. 1km from Roscommon Town Surrounded by over 80 residential homes Can accommodate up to 40 children Outside play & recreation area Large off road parking area PRSA No: 001316

CALL PADRAIG BURKE: 0906 627200

ROSCOMMON

€120,000

FOR SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION

FRIDAY 20th 20th SEPTEMBER 2019 AT 4 P.M.

FRIDAY 44th th OCTOBER 2019 AT 4 P.M.

in The Mill Bar, Bealnamullia, Athlone N37 B8F5 C. 28.16 ACRES AT

in the Birch Grove Bar, Ballinasloe H53 FW72 C. 20.95 ACRES AT

CLOONGOWNA, BEALNAMULLIA, ATHLONE, CO. ROSCOMMON

LOWTOWN KILCASHEL, BALLYDANGAN, ATHLONE, CO. ROSCOMMON

UNIT 5, BALLYPHEASON HOUSE, ROSCOMMON, CO. ROSCOMMON.

• • • • •

Prime commercial unit c 770 sq ft. Ideal location Off street parking Excellent investment opportunity Within walking distance of town centre.

CALL PADRAIG BURKE: 0906 627200

It’s not just about property. It’s about people. PSRA No. 001316

PRSA No: 001316

• Prime property comprising derelict residence altogether standing on c. 28.16 acres set out in five lots and can be sold in one or separate lots. • Located on the outskirts of Bealnamullia/Athlone and close to the M6 Motorway and all amenities • These lands are earmarked as future development lands due size and location. • Lot 1: c. 22.04 acres of good quality lands fronting onto the Cross River • Lot 2: Derelict residence on c. 0.71 acres • Lot 3: c. 5.41 acres of lands with potential fronting onto the Cross river • Lot 4: Entire Property: Residence on c. 28.16 acres • Lot 5: one undivided 8th Part in c. 26.66 acres of commonage boglands at Cloongowna Contact the office on 090-6663700 for further details Solicitor for the carriage of sale: Mr. Owen Carty, Northgate Street, Athlone, Co. Westmeath. Tel: (090) 647 2862

• Prime parcel of agricultural lands containing c 20.95 acres • Located just off the old Athlone to Ballinasloe road in a renowned farming district • These lands hold huge potential with extensive road frontage • These lands offer the opportunity for a local farmer Contact the office on 090-6663700 for further details Solicitor for the carriage of sale: Mr. John O’Carroll, Walker O’Carroll & Hogan, Pearse Street, Athlone, Co. Westmeath. Tel: (090) 64 92692

Roscommon People Friday 13 September 2019

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

Kind Irish Times reader comes to the rescue A letter from Castlerea woman, Samantha Webb, appeared in the Irish Times’ letter to the editors section on Tuesday, offering thanks to a kind reader who offered Samantha, her son Jamie and her sister a lift home from Barretstown recently. The letter is reproduced here with Samantha’s permission.

Pictured enjoying the recent Family Fun Day in Portrun as part of Heritage Week. Pic: Mick McCormack

Castlerea, Co. Roscommon Sir, Recently your published a report on the Irish Rail service, ‘People were gone demented – I’ll never travel on Irish Rail again’ (Irish Times News, August 22nd), in which your reporter Colin Gleeson interviewed me, my sister and my son Jamie, among others, regarding the appalling conditions on the Westport to Dublin train. We were travelling to Dublin on the train to attend Barretstown for the weekend, as part of Jamie’s treatment for leukaemia at Crumlin Children’s Hospital. As a result of your article, we received a phone call on Saturday while we were in Barretstown, to say that a reader had contacted your office to offer us a lift home! He had read your article and was adamant that we would not have to be subjected to such

conditions on the homeward journey. Your reader came from Dublin to Barretstown on the Sunday afternoon, and drove myself, Jamie and my sister home to Castlerea, Co. Roscommon. I just wanted to acknowledge in your paper the kindness and generosity of your reader, who sacrificed his Sunday to come to make life easier for a sick little boy he had never met before. We cannot thank him enough. He knows who he is and will never be forgotten. Yours, etc., Samantha Webb

Reader ‘drained’ by this issue… Dear Editor, I would like to find out who is responsible for maintaining water drains on roads in Roscommon town. I presume it is Roscommon County Council – or maybe the National Roads Authority? The reason I’m asking is that down Convent Road (as an example) there are water drains that have not been cleaned out/unblocked for close on ten years (see photograph). I’m not sure what the logic is in ignoring this obvious work/maintenance that is required to make the water drain fit for purpose. When there is heavy rain the water flows past the blocked drains and heads down to the little roundabout where it creates a flood in two places on the Lough Road. This can make it

dangerous for drivers who are forced to pull out to avoid floods. Some pull into oncoming traffic which is approaching the roundabout from Fuerty – these cars don’t expect traffic coming from the other direction in their lane. This year, the roads were totally resurfaced and it seemed that the drains were removed, or at least covered in tarmac. I thought maybe the plan was to remove the drains, but wondered where the water was going to go! Alas, the drains were not removed, they were just covered in tarmac – and when tarmac was removed/cleared the drains had still not been unblocked – a missed opportunity. If it is the responsibility of Roscommon County Council, maybe we have a situation whereby they expect the residents of the road to unblock the drain, or at least cut the grass growing from the drain? I would have thought paying Local Property Tax would cover the maintenance of drains. Maybe they will get unblocked this year…or even by the end of next year, when that decade is up! Yours sincerely, (Name and address with Editor)

St Joseph’s GAA Club supporting HPV vaccine jersey initiative  IVAN SMYTH

St. Joseph’s GAA Club in Kilteevan is one of about 50 GAA clubs nationwide which is supporting the HPV vaccine jersey initiative which was launched by the family of the late Laura Brennan. Laura died on 20th March 2019 from cervical cancer caused by HPV (the human papillomavirus). She appeared on ‘The Late Late Show’ to discuss her diagnosis. The Clare native spent the last 18 months of her life campaigning to improve uptake rates of the HPV vaccine, which could have prevented her cancer from developing. Laura approached the HSE in 2017 after receiving a terminal diagnosis. There has been an almost 20 per cent increase in the uptake of the vaccine after her work in promoting it. After Laura’s death, her brother Kevin was approached by Clare GAA with an offer of support, to help honour Laura’s legacy and improve the uptake of the vaccine. He asked them to wear the HPV vaccine logo on their jerseys.

Former Roscommon manager Kevin McStay took to social media with a powerful video with his three daughters urging parents of first year boys and girls in secondary school to get the vaccination.

Kevin went on social media and asked his community for support. Within a week

there were over 40 clubs on board and that number is growing by the day and now

includes St. Joseph’s GAA Club in Roscommon. Former Roscommon manager Kevin McStay took to social media with a powerful video with his three daughters urging parents of first year boys and girls in secondary school to get the vaccination. To encourage clubs outside of Clare to get involved, past and current GAA stars including Kieran Donaghy, Anthony Daly and Eddie Brennan came on board. First-year boys in secondary school will be offered the HPV vaccine for the first time, which helps protect people against a variety of cancers. Girls have been offered the vaccine since 2010. For more information visit www.hpv.ie. * Any club that is planning on purchasing club gear over the coming weeks are asked to consider placing the HPV logo on their club gear. Alternatively, training jerseys with the HPV logo, a club’s colours and crest and player’s initials are available from shane@borusports.ie at a cost of €17 for an adult size and €15 for a child’s size.

Roscommon People Friday 13 September 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

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

‘YOUR SUCCESS IS OUR BUSINESS’ Contact Nuala

090 66 25818 086 0352849 Email: mcgacco@gmail.com Web: www.mcgowanaccounting.com

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

Bouncy Castles

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

TELEPHONE:

087 4668675 CHIROPODIST 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

PODIATRIST/ CHIROPODIST Mark Kilgallon B.Sc Podiatry (Hons) M.Ch.S.I. EVERY FRIDAY St. Joseph’s Resource Centre, Boyle For appointment

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

WE HAVE MOVED TO BALLINTUBBER Open Fridays or by appointment PHONE HELEN:

087 6833053

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

CHIMNEY CLEANING

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

Kathleen’s Mobile Footcare Provided in the comfort of your own home Kathleen Wynne MCFHP, MAFHP

Foot Care Practitioner

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:

087 2798704

CHIMNEY CLEANING 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

COUNSELLING

Are you experiencing difficulties in your life? Such as depression, anxiety, life or spiritural crisis. Are you having difficulties in relationships at work? Have you experienced sexual abuse or abuse and need counselling to help you? Please call Glynis on

COMPUTERS

Dental Design Studio

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

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

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

085 2514394

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

For appointment: (094) 96 21647 / (089) 4142233 • Home visits • Insoles and Orthotics prescribed

CHIROPRACTOR ROSCOMMON CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC Specialising in:

• BACK PAIN • HEADACHES • NECK PAIN • LIMB PAIN

email: downeyglynis@yahoo.co.uk

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

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE

Tel: 086 2387528 www.aclearsteerdriving.com

Telephone: 086 8433433

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

Fergal 086 1016899

KELLY’S EYE

Paul McStay

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

EDT Lessons Available Telephone:

094 96 20099

Sligo I.T. Bus Sunday, 15th August 2019

RETURNING (Friday) Sligo I.T. 2.00 pm Boyle 2.45 pm Tulsk 3.15 pm Roscommon 3.30 pm Ballygar 3.50 pm

Contact: Jim Kelly 087 2727888

Clinical Dental Technician

Henry Street Medical Centre Roscommon TELEPHONE:

090 66 65917 087 228 8780

 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: Round and big square bales of straw. Can be delivered. Tel: 087 2781024  WINTER GRAZING WANTED FOR SHEEP: October/November - Januany approx. Cattle farms big or small areas considered, Knockcroghery and surrounding areas. Tel: 087 7754745

Mobile:

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

 HEDGE CUTTING SERVICE AVAILABLE: Excavator with saw/flial for hire, Roscommon and Longford areas. Tel: 086 8534011

VHI and Laya Covered

COUNSELLING

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

Patrick Lynch

FARMING

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

COUNSELLING & HYPNOTHERAPY

DENTAL

DC Computer Services

fergalkelly@live.com

BUS SERVICE

LEAVING Ballygar 7.00 pm Roscommon 7.20 pm Tulsk 7.35 pm Boyle 8.05 pm Sligo 8.50 pm

CHIROPODIST

COUNSELLING

Gerrity

Department of Health Approved

BARBERS

CHIMNEY CLEANING

BOOM SPRAYER TESTING SERVICE

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

FOR SALE  FOR SALE: 2003 Blue Peugeot 206 NCT until September 2020. €800. Ideal for lady driver. Tel: 086 1530319

FARMING  FOR SALE: Excellent quality square bales of hay. Sold in lots to suit, €2.50 a bale and delivered. Tel: 086 2628439

• 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

Roscommon People Friday 13 September 2019

Classifieds FENCING/GATES

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

GARDENING

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

087 2346364

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

● ●

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

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

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

Contact Walter on 087 9519873

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

Phone John on

087 2860428

JOE HEALY

Phone:

087 2721193

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

Tel: 086 6077307 or 086 8125165 www.parklawntreeservices.

CONTACT JOHN

086 4679798 PAINTER & DECORATOR Private & Commercial Power washing 25 years experience Free Estimates Given

or Mobile:

or Mobile

087 2835742

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

087 6558597 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

Find us on facebook

HOLIDAY ACCOMODATION

ALGARVE, ALBUFEIRA, PORTUGAL

PROPERTIES TO LET/RENT/WANTED  TO LET: 2 bed apartment to let in Athleague village. Tel: 087 7541730  TO LET: 2 bed apartment to rent, 10 mins drive from Roscommon town. Recently decorated. Parking. References essential. Tel: 087 2765421  TO LET: One bed apartment to let. Athlone Road Roscommon town. Contact 087 8048853

PLANNINGS

Phone Alan on:

090 6661635

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

For all your decorating needs

090 6630879

Tel: 087 2172281

WALTER BEGLEY

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING & DECORATING CONTRACTOR

CONTACT KEVIN:

●

GARDENING

PAINTING & DECORATING

087 2683079 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

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

Luxury 1 or 2 bed apartments for rent, SKY TV, shared pool, for long or short lets, special winter rates. Phone Sean

 TO LET: 1 bedroom apartment to let at Lower Main Street Castlerea, newly decorated. REFERENCES REQUIRED. Tel: 086 2505325

087 2371716

 ROOM TO LET/HOUSE SHARE: Double bed room (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

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

086 3482387 info@moleskinarchitecture.com

facebook.com/moleskinarch

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 ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I Michael Doorly am applying to Roscommon County Council for retention permission for existing slatted shed and all ancillary site works at Pollymount, Scramoge, Roscommon.

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, James and Caitriona Gleeson intend to make application to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to convert existing flat roof over sitting room/rear lobby and boiler house to pitched roof to match dwelling, demolish chimney stack from boiler house, associated site development works and services at Celtic Avenue, Cloonbrackna, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon. Signed : Gaynor Architectural + Design Services Ltd. Architects Fallon Avenue, Roscommon Phone: 090 6626974 Mobile: 086 8115449 The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of a fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I am applying to Roscommon County Council for full planning permission on behalf of Andrew Phelan to construct a dwellinghouse, garage, waste water treatment system and associated siteworks at Gortanabla, Taughmaconnell, Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon. Signed: Seamus Murray, Project Managers, Engineers & Surveyors. Castle St., Roscommon. Phone: 087 2222874 The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I am applying to Roscommon County Council for full planning permission on behalf of Cian Dunne to construct a dwellinghouse, garage, waste water treatment system and associated siteworks at Gortanabla, Taughmaconnell, Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon.

Signed: Michael Doorly

Signed: Seamus Murray, Project Managers, Engineers & Surveyors. Castle St., Roscommon. Phone: 087 2222874

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of a fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We Patrick McKeon and Michelle Walsh intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to erect a new dwelling house and provide a sewerage system and a treatment plant, to provide secondary and tertiary treatment and all associated works at Cornasleehan Td., Kilmore, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Roscommon. Signed : Patrick McKeon and Michelle Walsh The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of a fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Nuala Parsons intend to make application to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for retention of garage/store to rear of existing dwelling, associated site development works and services at St. Patrick’s Street, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon Signed : Gaynor Architectural + Design Services Ltd. Architects Fallon Avenue, Roscommon Phone: 090 6626974 Mobile: 086 8115449 The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of a fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We are applying to Roscommon County Council on behalf of Aidan O’Reilly for planning permission for change of granny flat plan together with a change in the location of the flat on site to that granted under Planning permission PD/19/212 at Monksland, Old Galway Road, Athlone, Co. Roscommon. Signed: Seamus Dowd & Associates Ltd, Surveyors, Project Managers & Building Consultants. Phone: (090) 6623417 Mobile: 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.

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We are applying for planning permission for erection of dwelling house and domestic garage with sewerage treatment plant and percolation area and ancillary site development works at Corboley, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon. Signed: Shane and Anne Beirne The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of a fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, James Nugent and Karen Jury, intend to apply for planning permission for development at this site: Ardkeenan, Drum, Athlone, Co Roscommon. The development will consist of (i) the construction of a storey and half extension to the rear of the existing dwelling, (ii) decommissioning of existing septic tank (iii) installation of a new effluent treatment unit and percolation area (iv) all associated site works. A submission or observation, in relation to the application, may be made in writing to the planning authority, Roscommon County Council, Aras an Chontae, Co Roscommon 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 on behalf of The Board of Management of St Coman’s Wood Primary School for Planning Permission for the construction of a temporary prefabricated building (80 square meters providing a classroom with ensuite toilets) to the rear of the existing school and alongside the existing temporary prefabricated building and all associated site development works at The Senior Abbey Site, Ballypheasan Td, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon. F42 X275 Signed: AOL Design Ltd. Consulting Engineers C/O Albert Looby, Killeenboy, Kilteevan, Co Roscommon. Tel: (090) 66 28184 Mobile:(086) 8167365 The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of a fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Roscommon People Friday 13 September 2019

Classifieds PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL Aras An Chontae, Roscommon, County Roscommon. SITE NOTICE OF SIGNIFICANT FURTHER INFORMATION/REVISED PLANS Name of Applicant: Ben & Becky Duffy Location: Cloonmore Td, Portrunny, Co Roscommon Ref Number of the Application: 18/612 The Development applied for consisted of permission to construct an extension to an existing dwelling house with all associated site development works. Significant Further Information/Revised Plans including the provision of a new on-site wastewater treatment system, have been furnished to the planning authority in respect of this proposed development, and are available for inspection or purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours, and that a submission or observation in relation to the Further Information or Revised Plans may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 not later than two weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority. That there will be no fee payable on a further submission/observation if it is accompanied by a copy of the acknowledgement of a previous submission/observation.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We Rathcroghan Designs intend applying for planning permission on behalf of Aidan and Geraldine Dowd to retain revisions to previously granted permission under Planning Reference Number PD/04/1673 and PD/17/376 to include 1) Revised site boundary 2) Construction of domestic garage together with all associated site works at Cashelnagole Td., Bellanagare, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon. Signed: Martin Dowd Rathcroghan Design, Ballyconboy, Ballinagare, Co. Roscommon 086 2328484 The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within a period of five weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We are applying for Retention Permission for dwelling house as constructed at revised location to include alterations from previously granted planning permission under Planning Reg Ref PD 17/69, on site at Lisdillure, Drum, Co. Roscommon. Signed: B Lennon and T Browne The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of a fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

To advertise, telephone 090 66 34633 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Tony Colli am applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for change of use of building from previous use as public house and residential to pizzeria restaurant at premises known as The Village Inn, Main Street, Athleague, Co. Roscommon, F42 XN75.

TAXIS AND HACKNEYS

JOHN BEATTIE Cab and Bus Hire Roscommon

086 2670670

Signed: Tony Colli The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of a fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

BUS HIRE FOR ALL OCCASIONS

Pete’s Cabs

 PERSON REQUIRED: We are a professional couple looking for a kind, caring, punctual and trustworthy person to help out in the mornings. Two days per week (School term only). Duties would include preparing children’s breakfast and lunch and bringing them to local school. Return to house to attend to light housework eg. ironing and meal preparing. We would need recent references and someone with their own transport. We are happy to pay well. Tel: 087 3550660  CHILDMINDER REQUIRED: For 7 month old baby in Roscommon town. Apply to Box No: 2068 c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon  CHILDMINDER/HOUSEKEEPER REQUIRED: Kind reliable person required to mind 3 school-going children, school runs, homework and some housework. Must have own car. Tel: 086 8269638

Peter Lynch 086 8400002

HUGH KILDUFF CABS Tel: 086 2479829

KELLY’S EYE Taxi and Minibus hire.

PHONE:

087 2727888

TOMMY GILLIGAN

CABS

TELEPHONE: 086 8099 503 EXPERIENCED FORK LIFT DRIVER REQUIRED A min of 5 years experience is essential. Experience working in a busy warehouse environment. Excellent fork lift skills and current licence & manual handling cert. Email CV’s to hr@ross-es.com  FULLTIME BAR STAFF REQUIRED: For pub in Roscommon town. Experience essential. Fluent English perferable. Apply to Box No: 2069 c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon

MATHS GRINDS

Padraig Healy Car & Mini Bus Hire Wheelchair Accessible

2018 SEASONED TURF

Now enrolling for September 2019 Roscommon Town Experienced Higher Level Teacher Excellent notes provided Outstanding results record

also Peat Bedding Available

Contact by phone/text:

(All areas)

Lorraine Beirne 086 3688302 EMAIL: roscommonmathsgrinds @gmail.com

 TUITION: Irish, French, German tuition. Oral, written and exam paper technique for Higher Level and Ordinary Level, Junior Cert and Leaving Cert, Castlerea town. Tel: 087 3515985

– Contact –

TURF/FUEL/ FIREWOOD

ROSCOMMON

Roscommon

SITUATIONS VACANT  MATURE CARER REQUIRED: Part-time (afternoons/evenings) to help woman in own home. Ballygar area. Meal preparation, housekeeping and errands. Vehicle required. Tel: 087 2562009

TUITION

Tel: Donal

086 2721812  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

 TUITION: Castlerea/Tulsk area, Leaving and Junior Cert. Maths, French, Irish. Private tuition in your own home. Tel: 086 3282437  TUITION: Maths grinds available. Junior and Leaving Cert. Very experienced teacher. Dept exams corrector. Excellent results record. Exam technique and notes provided. Tel: 086 4067270 or 090 6662234 after 6pm  IRISH GRINDS: Expert exam focused. Concise notes provided. Everything broken down in a clear manner and explained thoroughly. Lots of practice orals. Call Catherine 087 3983399  IRISH GRINDS: Leaving Cert, Junior Cert from experienced teacher. Tel: 087 2190748  FRENCH GRINDS: From French native. Glenamaddy area. Leaving Certificate, Junior Certificate, or general help. Oral and written. Syllabus followed. Good results guaranteed. Call or email for further information. 086-3305827 ~ fanny.peters@hotmail.com

ENGLISH GRINDS Junior and Leaving Certificate Students Higher Level Open to 2nd/3rd years and 5th/6th Years • Roscommon/Athlone • Highly experienced tutor/ examiner • Excellent notes • Excellent results

Contact Aidan O’Connor on 086 6078154 asconnor@icloud.com

USEFUL SERVICES

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

Quality Small Job Services For Home or Business

OIL BOILER SERVICE

ONLY €80 Includes new nozzle, Efficiency report, Printout, etc ....

 TURF FOR SALE: In tonne bags, delivery to Roscommon town and surrounding areas. Price €50. Tel: 086 8534011  HIGH QUALITY SEASONED HARDWOOD TIMBER: Split and suitable for stoves and open-fire. Available in bulk bags and 25kg bag. Very competitively priced and delivery can be discussed. Call 086 3312411 after 6pm.  FOR SALE: Large lorry loads of turf. Screened and delivered. Orders for this year’s turf taken now. Tel: 086 7236301  FOR SALE: Loads of good black turf and bags of turf. Tel: 086 2544294 or 086 3903120

REFLEXOLOGY

REFLEXOLOGY MARINA FUREY (MNRRI) Reflexology may bring relief from conditions such as: • Allergies • Colic • Eczema • Constipation • Migraine • Back Problems • Stress • Infertility • Insomnia • Respiratory Disorders • Blood Pressure • Pain • Bowel Disorders • Joint/Muscle Problems • Thyroid Imbalance • Emotional Disorders - Fertility Reflexology - Ante Natal Reflexology - Baby Reflexology - Cancer Care Reflexology - Special Needs Reflexology

Call car direct

Mobile Service Available Marina Furey B. Sc. (Hons)

(086) 2714879

Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon

Tel: 087 2264951 Find us on facebook

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

LEAKING TAPS Interior & Exterior

Repaired or Replaced All small & big jos catered for Call L. Coen (087) 1948286

USEFUL SERVICES

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

Contact Luke on 087 1948286  SHANE NAUGHTON ROOFING CONTRACTOR Roofing, slating, tiling, 1st and 2nd fixing and flooring. All aspects of carpentry and building undertaken. Tel: 086 3155329  ELECTRICIAN AVAILABLE: Rewires, first and second fix new houses, fuse board upgrade. All farm buildings and sheds, security lighting and garden lights. Tel: Tom on 086 0815802

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

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

TELEPHONE MICHAEL HAVERTY: 086 8381227 or 086 1997815 WANTED: Fallen trees for firewood. Ash, Beech, Birch and Whitethorn. We are safety certified and insured. Phone:

086 2437376

CRASH REPAIRS

 HANDYMAN SERVICES: Do you need odd jobs doing around your home/yard? Do you have no time to do them yourself? Don’t want to contact a specialised tradesman to carry out these tasks? ● Gardening ● Stonework ● Clean up/Tidying ● Concrete repairs ● Fence repairs ● Pointing/Repointing ● Cutting/Chopping firewood. Honest Service Provided at a Reasonable Rate. Phone: 087 2176205

 CARPENTER AVAILABLE: For work on first and second fix, roofing and slating, all maintenance. Tel: 087 6467322

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

WINDOW CLEANING

Roscommon People Friday 13 September 2019

AtYourService CHIMNEY REPAIRS

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

WINDOWS/DOORS

CHIMNEY PROBLEMS

Appointments

CAROLINE BURKE COACHING 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

BRENDAN DOOLIN

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

CHIMNEY REPAIRS

WE SUPPLY & FIT Double & Treble Glazed Windows & Doors, Patio Doors, French Doors, Porches and Conservatories WIDE RANGE OF COMPOSITE DOORS

CAREER COACHING: CV WRITING AND UPDATING / INTERVIEW GUIDANCE CHANGING JOB AND HOW TO JOB SEARCH PERSONAL COACHING: BECOME MORE ASSERTIVE/CONFIDENCE BUILDING! HELPING YOU TO LIVE A MORE BALANCED LIFE/DEALING WITH CHANGES IN PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCES, E.G. RETIREMENT, NEW JOB, SEPARATION, STUCK IN A RUT ETC ...

HELPING YOU TO MAKE BETTER MORE INFORMED COURSE CHOICES

For appointment call me on 086 8229606 www.roscommonwindows.ie

GLASS

Boyle Glass Ballinameen, Boyle,

Tel: 071 96 68368 - Stained Decorative

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

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

WINDOW AND DOOR REPAIRS

OR email your enquiry to carolinebburke@gmail.com

BLOCKED DRAINS

Blocked Drains DOWNPIPES AND GUTTERING repaired, cleaned etc. Call L. Coen (087) 1948286

WINDOW AND DOOR REPAIRS • Door Handles • Door Locks • Letterboxes • Window Hinges • Patio Door Repairs • Misted and Double Glazed Units • Reseal Windows and Doors

DRYLINING

Contact David Martin on 087 9959417

TARMACADAM

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

9673336 Mob: 086 2678350

KEEN and COMPETITIVE PRICES

DRY LINING

M: 086 3912396 PH: 090 66 62892

Slabbing Cosy Board ● Suspended Ceilings ● Metal Stud Partitions ●

Email: info@athlonechimneyrepairs.ie

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

Phone: 087 6660409

TARMACADAM

Kiltoom, Athlone, Co. Roscommon T: 090 64 93386 M: 086 8207242 or Darren on 086 8972265

CARPENTRY Cellulose, Sheepswool, Fibreglass, SIGA Airtightness New Buildings & Retroﬁt

Ballybane Industrial Estate, Unit 2, Ballybrit Industrial H91 P5k5 BlockEstate, 12, Galway Galway

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ROOFING, CARPENTRY AND BUILDING SERVICE

New clients welcome Established 1990

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Tel 085 8057722 roscarpentry@gmail.com

info@ecowise.ie

RECYCLING

E: gerrymonaghan1@eircom.net

FARMING

Castlerea Vehicle Recycling All NCT Failures ● Destruction Certs Issued ● Sale of Second Hand Parts ● Contracted to all Major Car Companies ● Farm Machinery, Old Gates ● Metals, Iron Baths ● Old Cooking Ranges ● Weighbridge on Site ●

Dead & Worn-Out Animals Contact JOHN GREENE BALLINASLOE TEL: (090) 96 88606 (090) 96 88830 or (090) 96 87651

The local paper!

Office: 094 9659428 Mobile: 087 2543722 24 Hour Service

Over 30 years experience

091 768 768

Lowest price guaranteed Daily collection

The Right Vet for your Pet GlenamaddyVeterinary Clinic F45 F430

Cut/Truss and Flat Roofs, Slating, Tiling and Single Ply Flat Roofing 1st, 2nd Fix Carpentry and Flooring New Build Houses, Extensions, Renovations and Maintenance Foundations, Drainage, Drives and Patios

Call in or contact us for free advice and quotes

VETERINARY

Ros Carpentry

Bonded Bead Cavity Wall Insulation

www.ecowise.ie

CLEANING SERVICES • ROSCOMMON

Specialising in Air-tightness

Gerry Monaghan

SERVICES: • Tarmacadam • Kerbing • Patio • Domestic & Commercial

STEPHEN HOARE

Gerry Maguire

INSTALLATION

CContact: GGerry M Monaghan h

CLEANING

• Carpets & Upholstery Cleaning • WINDOW CLEANING • POWER WASHING Fascias & Soffits • Gutters & Down pipes • Drive ways ‘paths and patios’

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

Apply to Box No: 2070 c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon

EDUCATION COACHING: CHOOSING THE RIGHT COURSE FOR YOU!

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

Telephone: 090 66 33026

Full Time + Part Time positions availabe at Roscommon Pharmacy

RECYCLING OF END-OF-LIFE VEHICLES

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Vaccinations Pet Passports Pain Management Neutering & Dentals Digital X-ray

www.glenamaddyveterinaryclinic.ie

LOCKSMITH

Chris’s Locksmith Service ●

Springfield, Williamstown, Co. Galway Window restrictors ● Burglary repairs ● Window locks ● Cylinder replacement ● Hinge replacement ● Glass replacement ● Lock replacement ● Window and door seals ● Window and door handles supplied and fitted ● Aluminium and uPVC doors and windows repaired.

Te l : 0 8 5 2 1 9 1 2 3 4 email: chrislocksmith.162@gmail.com 08383

RECYCLING ALL TYPES OF METAL

C ASTLEREA ELV RECYCLING LTD., CLOONKEEN, CASTLEREA KEVIN & MARTINA KEENAN TEL: 094 96 21250 MOB: 086 2522231

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

Roscommon People Friday 13 September 2019

Classifieds

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

Appointments ROSCOMMON SPORTS PARTNERSHIP LTD

FAMILYNOTICES .... FLYNN Jack & Maureen

O’BRIEN John

Late of Grange, Four-MileHouse, Co. Roscommon

Carrownderry, Kiltoom, Athlone, Co. Roscommon Who died on 13th September 2018

MONTH’S MIND GRADY Rita Carnamadda, Lecarrow, Co. Roscommon Who died on 7th August 2019

Roscommon Sports Partnership, an equal opportunities employer, funded by Sport Ireland, invites applications from suitably qualified persons for the following position:

OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR 6 month fixed term contract @ 37 hours per week. Candidate Booklet and Application forms are available on our website www.rosactive.org or by email to info@rosactive.org. Completed application forms, must be received no later than 12.00 noon on Friday, 20th of September 2019 by email to info@rosactive.org or by post to Roscommon Sports Partnership Ltd, GRETB Offices, Lanesboro Street, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon. Canvassing by applicants or their representatives will disqualify.

Henry Street, Roscommon PART-TIME

SALES/STORE POSITION AVAILABLE Apply with CV to: Info@mgfelect.com (ONLY)

In memory of Jack who died on 2nd July, 2004 and Maureen who died on 3rd September, 2010 We can never forget ye We don’t even try We just miss ye more As time goes by

Anniversary Mass in St. Brigid’s Church, Four-Mile-House, Co. Roscommon on Saturday, 14th September at 8.15pm. Our Lady of Knock pray for them.

HANILY Rita

On the First Anniversary of John’s death, his brothers Bernard and Michael, sister Mary, sisters-in-law Ann and Mary, niece Claire, nephews Barry and Aidan, together with the Delaney family would like to express our heartfelt thanks to all who sympathised with us during our sad loss. A special appreciation to everyone who helped out during the time of John’s Funeral and to our neighbours and friends for their kindness and support. We would also like to express our sincere thanks to everyone who called to John’s home and attended his Funeral Mass. We are so grateful to the gravediggers, everyone who brought food, catered for visitors, patrolled traffic and helped us out in so many ways. To all who sent messages and made donations to Croí, thank you. We would like to thank Fr. Michael McManus and his concelebrants, Deacons and everyone who helped with the Funeral Mass. Our grateful appreciation and thank you to Pat and Tom Smyth Underatakers for their professionalism and support. A special mention to the staff of the Hodson Bay Hotel who catered for our family and friends following the Funeral Mass. The Holy Sacrament of the Mass will be offered for your intentions. John’s Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in Ballybay Church, Kiltoom on Sunday, 22nd September at 11.30am.

CURLEY Bridget Tobberconnor, Rahara (11th Anniversary) 11th September 2008

Keanspark, Frenchpark, Co. Roscommon (2nd Anniversary)

FIORENTINI (nee Curley) Bridie Tobberconnor, Rahara and Cheltenham, England (8th Anniversary) 24th September 2011

Activity Coordinator Previous Dementia/AlzheImers experience required Experience in a similar role ● Completion of Sonas & Imagination Gym courses ● Enthusiastic, caring, reliable and empathetic nature ● Strong Communication skills ● Fluent level of English both written and oral ● Confidentiality highly important ● ●

Apply in strict confidence with cover letter and CV to: s.curran@allenfield.ie or telephone 043 33 27300 between 9am - 4pm

Care Assistant Required Full/Part time We are looking for a compassionate care assistant with an interest in Elderly care.

Apply in strict confidence with cover letter and CV to: s.curran@allenfield.ie or telephone 043 33 27300 between 9am - 4pm

O’BOYLE Thomas and Mary Kate Newtown, Ballydooley, Co. Roscommon

Maternity Fixed Term Contract October 2019- June 2020

Innis Ree Lodge Nursing Home Ballyleague Lanesboro Co. Roscommon.

Rita’s son Andy, daughter Marion and sister Eileen together with her extended family would like to thank most sincerely all those who sympathised and supported them on their recent bereavement. To all who called to our home, attended the Funeral Mass and Burial, sent Mass Cards, Mass enrolments, letters of sympathy and floral tributes, we are very grateful. A special word of thanks for the wonderful support of our extended family, our caring neighbours and very good friends who brought food and worked tirelessly in our home providing refreshments in abundance and attended to traffic and parking during Rita’s Repose. We will always be grateful for all your kindness. Rita would be so proud of the hospitality you afforded everyone. We express our gratitude to Fr. Ray Milton for the beautiful Funeral Mass and also to Fr. Justice and Fr. Evaristus who concelebrated the Mass. Thank you to Rita’s G.P. Dr. Martina Hanratty for looking after Rita’s medical needs and cares. Our sincere gratitude to all the Staff of St. Coman’s Ward, Roscommon University Hospital for the exceptional care they gave to Rita over the last few weeks of her life. We are also very grateful to the carers and nurses who called to Rita at home giving her such loving care and attention. Our sincere appreciation to Tom, Rene and Pat Smyth for your professionalism, advice and support in arranging and conducting the Funeral. Thank you to our great neighbours and friends who prepared Rita’s final resting place. As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our sincere gratitude to you. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions. Rita’s Month’s Mind Mass will be celebrated in St. John’s Church, Lecarrow on Saturday, 14th September at 11am.

In loving memory of Rita, who died on 17th September 2017. R.I.P. We honour you for whom you were, And the special things you’ve done. That made your life so rewarding. And made you such a special woman. Your memories are ours to cherish. As we fondly remember your ways. Keeping you safely tucked in our hearts, Is where you’ll always stay. The world will never be the same, because of the beautiful difference you’ve made.

Lovingly remembered by her sons Joseph, John and Paul and their families and extended family. Anniversary Mass in St. Asicus Church, Frenchpark on Saturday, 14th September at 8.30pm

In loving memory of our dear Mother and sister, Deep are the memories and there they will stay, No passing of time can take them away. You are in our hearts and there the both of you will stay.

MULLEN (nee Grady) Marie Island View, Canine Creche, Lecarrow, Co. Roscommon (4th Anniversary)

Loved and remembered by daughters: Mary, Ann, Veronica and sons-in-law.

Loved and remembered always by your daughter Francesca, sisters Mary, Ann Veronica and brothers-inlaw. Also remembering at this time our dearest: Father: Jimmy Brother: Michael Sister: Catherine May all of you Rest In Peace. Anniversary Mass to be offered in the Church of Mary Immaculate, Rahara on Sunday, 15th September at 10 am.

THANKSGIVINGS PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN O Most Beautiful Flower of Mt. Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother. O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3 times). Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands (3 times). Say this prayer for 3 consecutive days. S.F.

Treasured memories of our parents, Thomas and Mary Kate A tribute of love to parents so dear So close to our hearts every day of the year. We will always have memories to treasure and hold Of wonderful parents more precious than gold.

Lovingly remembered by your daughters Mary, Margaret, Una, Bernadette and Joan, sons-in-law Bernie, Michael, Tony and Sean and grandchildren. R.I.P.

Cherished memories of Marie who passed away on the 17th September 2015. R.I.P. Sadly missed by your husband Michael, family and friends. Memorial Mass was celebrated on 26th May 2019 for Marie her sister Anne, brother Noel and father Patrick. May they Rest In Peace.

Roscommon People Friday 13 September 2019

Classifieds

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

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES SHERLOCK Margaret and Pat In loving memory of Margaret Sherlock, The Walk, Roscommon who died in December 1979 and Pat Sherlock, The Walk, Roscommon who died on 1st September 1987

Lovingly remembered by Mary, Martin, Patricia and Philomena, The Walk, Roscommon. Masses offered.

KING Brian

LOHAN Paddy

Ballyfeeney, Kilglass, Co. Roscommon (12th Anniversary)

Racecourse Road, Roscommon (11th Anniversary)

In memory of Brian who died on 11th September 2007 Silent memories keep you near As time unfolds another year. From our lives you may be gone But in our hearts you still live on.

Sadly missed by Gerry, Helena, Ellie-Ann and Katie. Anniversary Mass in Kilglass Church on Sunday, 15th September at 10.30am.

Cherished memories of a dear husband, father and brother. Loved and remembered by his wife Bridie, son Mark and daughter Jacqueline,daughter-in-law Lisa, son-in-law David, brothers and sisters. May he Rest in Peace

Anniversary Mass in St. Bridget’s Church, Four-Mile-House on Saturday, 14th September at 8.15pm.

LEONARD (nee Gately) Kathleen

Kathleen Leonard Nee Gately Birmingham and formerly of Tubber Connor, Rahara who passed away on 6th June 2019 in Birmingham. Will those who think of Kathleen today A little prayer to Jesus say.

Loved and sadly missed by Noel (New York), Marcella (Elphin), Margaret (Ballygar), Elizabeth (Keelogues) Bernie (Rahara), extened family and friends. Memorial Mass for Kathleen in the Church of Mary Immaculate, Rahara on Wednesday, 18th September at 7pm.

DEANE John Ballymacfrane, Donamon, Co. Roscommon. (4th Anniversary)

FALLON Kieran Clooneenbane, Roscommon (7th Anniversary) In loving memory of John who died on 11th September, 2015.

COSTELLO Josephine (Josie) 22 Henry Street, Roscommon (5th Anniversary)

May he Rest in Peace

In loving memory of Kieran, who died 10th September 2012 Those we hold most dear never truly leave us. They live on in the kindness they showed. The comfort they shared and the love they brought into our lives.

Fondly remembered by Peggy and all his family. In loving memory of a dear mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, who died on 13th, September 2014 A whisper on a September Day You heard a gentle call You took the hand of Jesus And quietly left us all.

Always remembered with love by your daughter Kathleen, son-in-law Seamus and family.

Anniversary Mass in Cloverhill Church on Saturday, 14th September at 8pm.

Your life was one Of kindly deeds A helping hand for others’ needs Sincere and true In heart and mind Beautiful memories Left behind.

Lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his brother Michael and Family. Anniversary Mass in Clooneycolgan Church, Donamon, Co. Roscommon on Sunday, 15th September, 9.30am.

Ros Memorials Headstone, Memorial & Gravestone Specialists

KNOCKCROGHERY, CO. ROSCOMMON

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

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

DIFFLEY Gussie Quarry Springs, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon Who passed away on the 15th September 2018 (1st Anniversary)

We do not need a special day to bring you to our minds. The days we do not think of you are very hard to find. Each morning when we awake we know that you are gone. And no one knows the heartache as we try to carry on. Our hearts still ache with sadness and secret tears still flow, What it meant to lose you no one will ever know. Our lives go on without you, but nothing is the same, We have to hide our heartache when someone speaks your name. We’ve cried so many tears and they still freely fall, as living here without you is the hardest part of all

MONTH’S MIND FITZPATRICK (Joseph Joe) Cloonagerragh, Kilrooskey, Co. Roscommon Who died on 15th August 2019

You did so many things for us, your heart was kind and true, and when we needed someone, we could always count on you. You were always there – a firm foundation through all our storms of life, a sturdy hand to hold on to in times of stress and strife A true friend, when times were good or bad One of our greatest blessings The man that we called Dad We sat beside your bedside, ours hearts were crushed and sore We did our duty to the end, ‘til we could do no more In tears we watched you sinking, We watched you fade away And though our hearts were breaking We knew you could not stay They say that memories are golden, well maybe that is true But we never wanted memories we only wanted you Our lips cannot speak how we loved you, our hearts cannot tell what to say But God only knows how we miss you in our home that is lonely today They say that God only takes the best and for you that was very true, We just wish He would have left you here to share our lives with you

Forever loved and missed by his heartbroken family, wife Bernie, son Bernard, daughters Sinéad and Áilish, son-in-law Padraig, daughter-in-law Deborah and adored grandson Páidí. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We think about you always, we talk about you still, you have never been forgotten, and you never will, We hold you close within our hearts and there you will remain, To walk and guide us through our lives until we meet again.

Always remembered by Raymond, Rosarii, Celene and Sean ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Your life was one of thoughtful deeds A helping hand to others’ needs. Sincere and true in heart and mind Wonderful memories you left behind.

Joe’s family would like to express our heartfelt appreciation for the support and sympathy shown to us on the sad death of Joe. We will be forever grateful to the many people who paid their respects and offered their condolences. Thank you to everyone who called to the house, attended his Removal, Funeral Mass and Burial, those who sent Mass Cards, letters of sympathy, phone calls and text messages and those who contributed to the Sacred Heart Nursing Home Patient’s Comfort fund. A special thanks to those who travelled long distances to be with us at this sad time. To all the staff and residents of the Sacred Heart Home, Roscommon we cannot express enough gratitude for the care, love and attention shown to Joe and the rest of the family. Thanks to our wonderful neighbours and friends and to our extended family for their help and support during Joe’s illness. To those who brought food to the house, thank you and a very special word of thanks to R.S.G. Derrane for all your help during a hard few days. To Fr. Desumanta, Fr. Cohpan, Fr. Gillooley and Deacon Seamus Talbot thanks for the beautiful Mass they celebrated. Thanks to Teresa Costello for making the Mass so special with her vocals and music and to Vincent Collins and Neville McCormack for their stunning rendition of “21 years”. Thanks to Fianna Fáil for the Guard of Honour, to Anne Harlow for the beautiful flowers and to Pete Gormley who prepared Joe’s final resting place. Thanks also to Donal and Vera Rattigan for the refreshment and hospitality after Joe’s Removal. Thanks to Ursula and the staff of Hannon’s Hotel for the lovely meal after Joe’s Burial. Our grateful appreciation to Pat and Tom Smyth, Funeral Directors for their professionalism and kindness throughout a very difficult time, for their attention to detail and for the dignified way Joe’s Funeral was carried out. As it would be impossible to thank everybody individually, please accept this acknowledgement as a gesture of our sincere gratitude and heartfelt appreciation. The Holy Sacrament of the Mass will be offered for your intentions. Joe’s Month’s Mind Mass will be celebrated in St. Mary’s Church, Ballagh on Saturday, 21st September at 8pm.

Sadly missed by Anne, Austin, Michael, Aisling, Joseph and Brian. Gussies’ 1st Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Sunday, 15th of September at 12.15pm.

THANKSGIVINGS

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

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Roscommon People Friday 13 September 2019

Sports People

Kicking on! Club Championships reach knockout stages Over the bar! Niall Higgins gets his shot away as Boyle’s Conor Flanagan closes in during last Sunday’s Hodson Bay Hotels Roscommon SFC Group C match at Frenchpark. Pic: Mick McCormack

Roscommon People Friday 13 September 2019

SportsPeople

Kevin McStay to launch Roscommon job memoir Former Roscommon Senior Football manager, Kevin McStay, will launch his memoir, ‘The Pressure Game’, in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon town at 7.30 pm on Thursday, September 26th. Special guest on the night will be RTÉ’s Darragh Maloney. Published by Hero Books and written by Liam Hayes, the book is a memoir of McStay’s time as Roscommon senior football manager and details what it was like to “Walk the walk on the county sideline”.

The book’s overview describes how ‘Former Mayo Allstar footballer Kevin McStay gave up 20 years of working as a commentator and analyst on RTE’s ‘Sunday Game’ to take up the position of Roscommon team manager in 2016. ‘The whole country watched to see how he would survive on the sideline – and how he would face up to the pressures of facing Jim Gavin’s Dublin, Mayo and Kerry and Tyrone, on the toughest stage in Gaelic football. ‘In his three years in charge,

McStay led Roscommon to a Connacht title in 2017 and a prized place in the Super 8s in 2018 before quitting the job. He has now returned to the RTE broadcasting booth’. McStay has lived in Roscommon town for the last 30 years and his memoir has been described as a “must read” for all GAA fans and sports followers. Priced at €20, the book is set to released in October following the launch on Thursday 26th at The Abbey Hotel.

Horses for Courses This weekend’s action The Listowel Harvest Festival started on Sunday and continues for the next three days with eight-race mixed card this evening and again tomorrow starting at 1.55 pm. The festival draws to a close with a seven-race full national hunt card on Saturday at 1.45 pm. The Longines Irish Champions Weekend starts at 1.55 pm at Leopardstown on Saturday and continues Sunday at the Curragh first race off at 1.20 pm with ten Group races down for decision. On Monday racing heads west to Ballybrit for Monday, national hunt racing, and Tuesday, racing on the flat.

Listowel Festival Gordon Elliott got off to a great start at the festival as JP McManus’s The Big Lense won the featured Kerry Group Handicap Chase under Luke Dempsey on Sunday. On Monday Aidan O’Brien and son Donnacha won the €50k Listed Listowel Stakes with Lancaster House and Johnny Murtagh trained Pearl Warrior won the €50k handicap under Andrew Slattery. The feature on Tuesday went to the small Kilkenny yard of Ray Cody, who only has twelve horses in training, and is helped by his nephew, also Ray, and wife Gillian when Razoul won the Liam Healy Memorial Lartigue Hurdle under Donagh Myler. Yesterday the €300k Kerry National produced a rip-roaring finish as Rachel Blackmore held on aboard Henry de Bromhead’s

Poker party by a head from the fast finishing Ravenhill ridden by Denis O’Regan for Gordon Elliott with James Motherway’s Na Trachtalai Abu 4¼l away in 3rd under Jonathan Moore. It was Rachel’s first win at the Listowel festival. The winner and third home run in the same colours of owner Brian Acheson’s Robcour.

by Tom Red

Poker Party leads Ravenhill and faller Shantou Village, green, over the last.

Longines Irish Champions Weekend Day one of the weekend on Saturday at Leopardstown sees five Group races including two Group 1 contests backed up by two Group 2 and one Group 3. The Group 1 races are the Coolmore Fastnet Rock Matron Stakes and the Quipco Irish Champion Stakes. Day two at the Curragh on Sunday also sees 5 Group races, this time four Group 1 and one Group 2. The Derrinstown Stud Flying Five Stakes, the Moyglare Stud Stakes, the Vincent O’Brien National Stakes and the Comer Group International Irish St Leger all carry Group 1 status and the Moyglare Jewels Blandford Stakes Group 2.

Racing News The Mark Johnston-trained colt Elarqam, third in the Juddmonte at York last month, has been supplemented for Saturday’s Group 1 Qipco Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown at a cost of €75,000. He will face ten others including Ballydoyle’s Magical, English raider Roger Charlton’s Headman, Kevin Prendergast’s Madhmoon and the Japanese trained Deirdre.

The six-times champion jockey Kieran Fallon made a return to the saddle in the Mondialiste Leger Legends race showing he has lost none of his ability finishing 4th on board Nigel Tinkler’s Kilbaha Lady. He was delighted to share the weigh room with son Cieran Fallon who rode Asoof for Saeed Bin Suroor into the same position in the following race. Fallon Jnr. also rode for Tinkler on Roundhay Park in the concluding Parkes Bros Roofing Contractors Handicap and again finished 4th. Down Royal’s first Grade 1 race of the jumps season, formerly called the JNwine.com Champion S´chase, will now be called the Ladbrokes Champion Chase after the firm was announced on Tuesday as the new sponsor of the November festival. The Grade 1 Ladbrokes Champion

Chase will have prizemoney of €140,000.

Competition Corner First chance to win tickets for Roscommon’s final meeting of the year on Monday fortnight, the 30th of September and we have three pairs of tickets for the meeting. To win the tickets we want to know which horse won the Kerry National yesterday? Answers please on a postcard to The Roscommon People, Abbey Street Roscommon or by e-mail to tomred17@gmail.com by 12 pm Wednesday the 25th September. Please don’t forget to include your name, address and a contact phone number with all competition entries.

Roscommon People Friday 13 September 2019

Seamus Duke ON SPORT Topsy-turvy county championships! @SeamusDuke

What a topsy-turvy weekend it has been in the football championships in the county. Hats off first of all to Fuerty who are not only playing in their first ever campaign but they topped their group as well and are seeded. Their game against Elphin at the weekend was a cracker and a draw was predicted here as well! Elphin survived by the skin of their teeth as their late equaliser meant that they advanced and St. Croan’s were sent into the relegation play-offs. St. Brigid’s put up a huge score against St. Croan’s. The big question is whether the men from Kiltoom are back in business? We will know after next Sunday’s match against Western Gaels.

Roscommon Gaels have looked the most consistent team so far. They have ticked all the boxes and have emerged unscathed from their group. They have played well in all three games and that is something that no other team has done so far. Strokestown were worthy winners against St. Faithleach’s last weekend and the Ballyleague men are in freefall since the championship started. Michael Glavey’s are slipping back after a good start but are still standing. Pádraig Pearses, meanwhile, were everyone’s fancy before the start of the championship and while they still can win the Fahey Cup they have made hard work out of their two wins and suffered the shock defeat of the

championship against Clann last Sunday. Boyle and Western Gaels could both be labelled dark horses. Their game last Sunday was the game of the championship so far and both sides have really strong forward lines. In the Intermediate Football Championship Castlerea and Tulsk continue to make the running and they look the two best teams in the competition. Oran have a lot of injuries but could also come back into the fray. All will be revealed in the quarter-finals. The jury is still out on the new format this year but there were certainly a number of very exciting games last weekend. We will leave it another while before delivering a verdict!

Niall Higgins and Dylan East in action during last Sunday’s Roscommon SFC game between Western Gaels and Boyle at Frenchpark. Pic: Mick McCormack

Championship Watch

Wary of Japan ahead of RWC…

All-Ireland SFC Final replay Kerry v Dublin on Saturday in Croke Park at 6 pm Replays are funny. They take on a life of their own and are seldom like the drawn game. After the classic that we saw two weeks ago there are so many questions to be answered. Did Kerry leave it behind them or will they finish the job this time? Did Dublin get away with it in the drawn game and can they play much better this time around? Was the extra man a huge advantage for Kerry in the drawn game? Can this young Kerry team finish the Dubs five-in-a-row ambitions? One thing is for certain, if the game is half as good as the drawn match it will be another classic. I was of the opinion that the Dubs would win the drawn game with a bit to spare but was proved wrong. I definitely underestimated how good Kerry were but I certainly did not foresee how poor some of the Dubs main men would play. Brian Fenton, Con O’Callaghan, Paul Mannion and Ciaran Kilkenny were way below par and James McCarthy was roasted by Sean O’Shea. But this week I am of the opinion that Dublin will never play as poorly again. Jim Gavin has been a magnificent manager over the years but he will have been annoyed not only with the performance of his team in the drawn game, but his own performance too as he slipped up badly not moving Jonny Cooper off David Clifford after the yellow card. He will have a plan formulated to deny possession to Clifford, Geaney and O’Shea. His trusted lieutenants like O’Callaghan, Mannion, Kilkenny, McCarthy and Fenton will surely never play as poorly again. Once again, however, Stephen Cluxton will be key. He was magnificent in the drawn game. Jack McCaffrey won’t be as prominent as he was in the drawn game; it’s probably too much to expect that. But James McCarthy will step up to the plate. Kerry will come all guns blazing and I expect them to put up stern resistance. David Moran will be so important to them. They need another big display from him in the middle of the field. Dublin could well pick James McCarthy alongside Fenton in the middle of the field with Cian O’Sullivan coming in at centre back and Michael Darragh MacAuley dropping out. It will also be fascinating to see how Kerry use Tommy Walsh. Are they tempted to start him? All in all, it’s a fascinating prospect. I’m sticking with the Dubs on the basis that they played poorly in the drawn game and got away with it. In the end they will win by three or four points and write their own chapter in the history books. Prediction: Dublin

Galway triumphed over Kilkenny in last Sunday’s Liberty Insurance All-Ireland Senior Camogie Final at Croke Park.

All-Ireland camogie ﬁnal was a thriller It was great to see that last Sunday’s All-Ireland senior camogie final was such a great attacking and thrilling game. The finals in 2017 and 2018 were dour defensive and boring matches and the game badly needed a spectacle. It shows that when the game is played and ref-

ereed properly it can be as attractive as any other. It was also good to see that almost 25,000 people were there on the day. This Sunday it’s the turn of ladies football and I’m sure the organisers are hoping for another huge turnout. In the senior final Dublin are go-

ing for three-in-a-row. It could be a very big weekend for football in the capital! There will be big interest in Roscommon in the intermediate final when Meath face Tipperary. Michael Finneran’s Roscommon have lost out to Meath in the semifinal for the past two years.

Last Saturday’s final Rugby World Cup warm-up match between Ireland and Wales was a ‘nice’ occasion and a good way to complete preparations but it was lacking intensity and a million miles away from what we will see when the championship starts in Japan at the end of next week. It was good to see the likes of Robbie Henshaw and Johnny Sexton back in the fold and we will need all those players when the tournament starts. The first two games against Scotland and Japan will be the big ones. Two wins will be what’s needed there and it will be a tough task. I have a feeling that Japan will be a very dangerous opponent. They are playing at home and they will want to cause a stir.

Contradictory Keane is box ofﬁce!

Roy Keane didn’t hold back when discussing his Manchester United exit at Newstalk’s Off The Ball event recently.

For those of you who are interested in sport and who didn’t hear it, I would strongly recommend that you listen to the Newstalk podcast from The Bord Gáis Theatre with Roy Keane and Gary Neville from last week. It was absolutely compelling stuff from start to finish. Neville is knowledgeable and easy to listen to, but Keane stole the show. He is the most contradictory personality I have ever come across in Irish sport. He was funny, honest, brutal, bitter, withering, laid back and intense all in one evening. Some of his comments about players he worked with during Martin O’Neill’s reign were brutal. But it was his comments about Alex Ferguson that were most controversial. I thought that what he said reflected a bitter and troubled man who is certainly not happy with himself. Whatever row they had, surely it’s time to let it go. Ferguson bought Keane and made him a superstar. Yes, Keane had the ability and was one of the greatest players that I have ever seen, but it is sad to see him so ill at ease with himself and everyone else around him. Having said all that, he is box office, he is sharp as a tack and compelling to listen to whether you agree with him or not.

Roscommon People Friday 13 September 2019

SportPeople Creggs RFC Report

THE GAIN LINE

Creggs advance to Cawley Cup Final Cawley Cup Semi-Final: Dunmore 13 Creggs 33. Holders Creggs advanced to the Cawley Cup Final following an impressive away win over Dunmore in Sunday’s semi-final. Creggs dominated the early exchanges and got the opening score in the 14th minute when winger Chris Duignan rounded off a superb handling move for a high-quality try. Shane Purcell kicked a penalty to extend Creggs’ lead before marauding number 8 Brian Diffley burst through for a fine try after Purcell’s welltimed pass gave him space in midfield. Purcell’s conversion put Creggs ahead by 15 points but Dunmore clawed their way back into the game with two penalties from former Creggs underage player Adam Canny. With half-time approaching, Chris Duignan got over for his

second try to put Creggs 20-6 ahead. The third quarter belonged to Dunmore with Creggs pinned back in defence and struggling to clear their lines as the pressure intensified. A break by the Dunmore outhalf resulted in a try out wide, which the impressive Canny converted to reduce Creggs lead to seven points. That lead could have been wiped out entirely but for a dropped pass with the try-line beckoning in the 63rd minute as Dunmore threw everything into attack. Thereafter, Creggs regained the initiative with two well-struck penalties by Shane Purcell. Kevin Gavin crossed for Creggs’ fourth try in the final minute and Purcell’s conversion gave Creggs a 20-point winning margin, which does not adequately reflect Dunmore’s contribution to a close-

ly-contested game. Creggs play their first league game of the season at home to Sligo next Sunday and will be hoping to build on the many positives from two successive cup wins over Tuam and Dunmore. Creggs will meet Castlebar RFC in the Cawley Cup Final in December, a repeat of the pairing from last season, which Creggs won. Castlebar defeated Connemara and Monivea to reach the final. Curley Cup: Creggs Development 8 Carrick-on-Shannon 30. In their first outing of the season, Creggs’ Development team gave a spirited display but Carrick’s superior forward power proved decisive last Saturday in Creggs. The visitors led by 13-0 at half-time and added another penalty before Creggs responded with a try and a penalty to trail 16-8 heading into the

The Creggs U-17 squad that defeated Tuam in in the Connacht League last Friday night in Creggs.

final quarter. Carrick finished strongly however and scored two converted tries for a welldeserved victory. The Connacht J1C League commences in a fortnight and this squad is developing good structures that will stand to them in their league campaign, which kicks off against Tuam Seconds.

Youth Rugby Connacht U-17 League: Creggs 22 Tuam 17. Creggs U-17s got their Connacht League campaign off to a good start with a hard-fought win

over Tuam on Friday evening last in Creggs. Early Tuam pressure saw Ross Fahy cross the Creggs line for a try, which was converted. Creggs however controlled the rest of the half resulting in two wonderful tries from Sean O’Rourke and Mark Kilcommins giving the home side a 12-10 lead at half-time. A further brace of tries from Mark Dowd and Edimar Filhmo gave Creggs some breathing space but Tuam came back with a converted try of their own which led to a tense but highly entertaining final ten

minutes. Creggs U-18.5 Boys will play their first Connacht League game of the new season against Sligo at 12 pm in Creggs next Sunday. They played a warm-up game against Monivea last Friday night in Creggs, winning on a scoreline of 40-14.

Mini Rugby Creggs Mini Rugby returns on Saturday week, September 21st. Full details next week on registration and the first day back for the new season.

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

Dooner’s weekend predictions Congratulations to Castlerea Celtic’s Jack Higgins and Glen Celtic’s Michael Heneghan, who have been chosen for the Republic of Ireland Regions Cup squad for the game against Northern Ireland on September 25th. Mick Corrigan of Boyle Celtic has also been called up as standby for the fixture, which will be played at RDFL grounds in Lecarrow. Meanwhile, champions St. Peter’s will face a difficult trip to Ballinasloe to take on The Town in the second round of the FAI Junior Cup (Date TBC). The sides meet this Sunday in what is the game of the weekend in the Premier Division.

Friday, September 13th RDFL Premier Division (8 pm) Castlerea Celtic v Kilkerrin United United gave a good account of themselves against St. Peter’s but you’d still have to fancy the hosts. Prediction: Castlerea Celtic Boyle Celtic v Shiven Rovers Boyle bounced back last weekend as predicted and they should have enough to get the job done this weekend.

Prediction: Boyle Celtic RDFL Second Division (8 pm) Ballymoe FC B v Moore United FC B The hosts get a slight nod. Prediction: Moore United FC B

Saturday, September 14th RDFL Second Division (8 pm) Glen Celtic AFC v Boyle Celtic B Difficult to look beyond the home side. Prediction: Glen Celtic AFC

Sunday, September 15th RDFL Premier Division St. John’s Athletic v Ballymoe FC. 11 am Mixed starts for both sides but the hosts are capable of getting something from Sunday’s fixture. Prediction: Draw St. Peter’s FC v Ballinasloe Town. 2 pm We didn’t have to wait long for the first crunch fixture in the Premier Division. Are the champions as strong as they were? This game will provide some clarity. Prediction: Ballinasloe Town

RDFL First Division (11 am) Dysart FC v Rahara Rovers FC Home win. Prediction: Dysart FC CP Ajax v Dunmore Town AFC The hosts to bounce back. Prediction: CP Ajax Cam Celtic v Roscommon United A strikeforce of Vando and Jamie Bracken gives United a chance against anyone in this division. Bracken hit a whopping seven while Vando scored a hattrick last weekend as they ran riot against Dunmore Town. Prediction: Roscommon United Ahascragh United v Ballaghaderreen FC Away win. Prediction: Ballaghaderreen FC Cloonfad United v Castlerea Celtic B With twelve goals in two games so far, Cloonfad are going to take some stopping this season. Prediction: Cloonfad United RDFL Second Division (2 pm) St. Cuan’s United v Cloonfad United B

Home win. Prediction: St. Cuan’s United Manor United v St. John’s Athletic B The hosts can keep pace with Glen Celtic. Prediction: Manor United

Roscommon United B v Ballaghaderreen FC B An encouraging debut for United last weekend but they may have to wait a little longer to get off the mark. Prediction: Ballaghaderreen FC

Soccer Results RDFL Premier Division Ballymoe FC 0 Boyle Celtic 1 St. Peter’s FC 1 Kilkerrin United 0 Moore United 1 St. John’s Athletic 2 Skyvalley Rovers 3 Moylough ’79 2 RDFL First Division Cam Celtic 1 Ballaghaderreen FC 6 CP Ajax 1 Dysart FC 3 Rahara Rovers 0 Cloonfad United 4 Roscommon United 10 Dunmore Town 2

Pictured is Norio Morelli on behalf of Norio’s Family Restaurant, Roscommon presenting a cheque to Niall Kelly, Chairman of Roscommon & District Football League. Norio’s are the Division One sponsors this season.

RDFL Second Division Ballaghaderreen FC B 3 Manor United 4 Cloonfad United B 0 Glen Celtic 3 St. John’s Athletic B 1 St. Cuan’s United 2 Boyle Celtic B 1 Skyvalley Rovers B 2 Ballymoe FC B 0 Ballinasloe Town B 3 Manor United B 4 Roscommon United 2

Roscommon People Friday 13 September 2019

SPORTING WORLD WITH DAN DOONER Resisting the ‘gracious loser handshake’ @dan_dooner

THE LEAD STORY Dan Dooner Despite the many highlights post2012, there have been moments during this dominant Dublin era when supporters of the Boys in Blue have been mentally preparing to offer their congratulations to opposition supporters. Last week, one dedicated Dubs supporter admitted that his group feared the worst on Hill 16 on September 1st as Kerry threatened to tear up the five-in-a-row script. He had that quiet moment of reflection where he readied himself to accept a gut-wrenching defeat graciously.

I vaguely remember watching (enduring) the 2017 All-Ireland Final in Lanzarote, surrounded by Mayo supporters who seemed to grow in confidence as the match went on. Lee Keegan had raised a green flag early in the second half as Mayo regained their half-time lead before both teams had players sent off (John Small and Donie Vaughan). The moment I braced myself ahead of my anticipated ‘post-match gracious loser handshake’ arrived in second-half stoppage time as Cillian O’Connor prepared to strike a free at the Hill 16 end. Fortunately, from a Dublin point of view, he struck the upright and my heart could start beating again. The rest, as they say, is history as Dean Rock struck the winning point

via GPS around four minutes later. Looking ahead to Saturday’s replay and it was clear to all watching that The Kingdom had Dublin’s number the first day. While Jonny Cooper’s dismissal certainly didn’t help, Dublin were once again below-par for the main event. Whether that will be chalked down as an off day for the Dubs or as a result of irresistible Kerry pressure will be decided this Saturday. One thing’s for sure, Jim Gavin’s post-match interview that day hinted that he was preparing to offer his own gracious loser’s handshake to Kerry manager Peter Keane. That’s not a position Gavin is too familiar with and it’s one that he’ll have done everything in his power to dodge once more come 7.30 pm this Saturday.

Dublin manager Jim Gavin and Kerry manager Peter Keane shake hands following the drawn All-Ireland Senior Football Final at Croke Park recently.

In the sporting diary ....

People’s champions of the week

Kevin Hoare Memorial Golf Classic The Kevin Hoare Memorial Golf Classic will take place in Kilkee Golf Club, Co. Clare this Saturday (14th). Kevin who was a son of Michael Hoare, formerly of Roscommon town, sadly passed away following a workplace accident in London in 2017 at the age of 26. Proceeds from the Golf Classic will go towards Clare Crusaders Children’s Clinic. Booking available with Mike on 087-4196583 or through Kilkee Golf Club on 065-9056048. Cost is €120 per team of four. Organisers are also running an auction on the Kevin Hoare Memorial Fund Facebook page with some terrific items available.

Roscommon Darts AGM on Friday The Roscommon Darts AGM will take place in Hannon’s Hotel this Friday (13th) at 9 pm. All teams must have at least one representative present on the night and all are welcome.

Boyle Golf Club Management AGM Congratulations to Ballaghaderreen Cricket Club who won the Connacht Senior Cup against Sligo Cricket Club at Ballaghaderreen Community Park last Sunday. Ballaghaderreen will now go on to compete in the RSA Bob Kerr Irish Senior Cup next year.

The AGM of the Boyle Golf Club Management Committee is planned for Sunday, December 1st in the clubhouse. All members are both welcome and encouraged to attend. No dates have been set yet for the men’s and ladies’ clubs AGMs, but they are anticipated to occur in November.

The sporting brief Golf

On par! We tee off in Boyle where the recent men’s 12-hole Stableford saw a tie for first place, Sean Heslin and Lorcan Egan, both having 20 points following count back. Paul Connolly was third with 19 and the ‘2s club’ went to Patrick Egan. In Castlerea, Dara Gunning won the recent men’s competition with 42 points. Ignatius Hayden was runner-up with 38 points. The recent ladies’ Audrey O’Donoghue Cup was won by Celia Mulligan with 75 nett. Mary O’Gara was second with 78. Looking ahead, the first 18 holes of the President’s Prize for Men will be played this Sunday. The ladies will play their first 18 on Tuesday, 17th. Roscommon is gearing up for a ‘Super September’ with three teams competing at All-Ireland level. The Jimmy Bruen, Fred Daly and Ladies’ Senior Foursomes are all in action with the Jimmy Bruen team first to tee off on the weekend of the 20/21st in

Westport. The AIG Ladies Cup also takes place from September 26th to 29th. A coffee morning will take place in he clubhouse from 10 am this Friday (13th) to help defray some of the costs. A 9-hole Open will also take place this weekend. The recent ladies’ competition was won by Mary J O’Riordan while Matt Farrell was best of the men’s seniors. Colm O’Reilly (39 points) overcame Noel Sharkey (38) to win the recent men’s competition. Kevin Connaughton took gross while Tom Donohoe was third and Patrick Fallon won the Junior prize. Ladies’ Thursday Club was won by Fenn Thompson with 35 points while the 9-hole qualifying competition was won by Leah Lennon with 21 points. Carrick ladies will host an Open Week from September 16th to 22nd. It’s €10 for visitors and the event will begin with a Ladies’ Singles Stableford. Junior Golf resumes on Wednesdays. Finally, Athlone’s Mixed Foursomes team lost out to Ulster champions Ardglass in their AllIreland semi-final at Castletroy

last weekend. They went down by three games to two in what was a very tight match. Recent winners at the clubhouse included Paul Burke (Eddie Murphy Menswear Competition); Gerry Brennan (Men’s Club Singles); Linda Corbett (Ladies’ competition); David Cunniffe (Barber Bob’s Competition); Eamonn Flanagan (Summer Series); Yvonne Walsh (97 Club); Pat Ryan (Plumbers); Anne O’Sullivan (McSharry’s Ladies’ competition).

Handball

All-Ireland defeats! There was no joy for Roscommon in last Sunday’s 60x30 AllIreland finals in Moycullen after Michael Egan and Glenn Walshe were both defeated by Munster opponents. Egan faced an uphill battle against Clare’s very experienced Fergal Coughlan in the Junior ‘B’ decider. Egan had difficulty establishing a serve and frequently took

the wrong options resulting in a decisive 21-8, 21-10 victory for Coughlan. Glenn Walshe had a very different encounter in his Over 35 ‘B’ final against Limerick’s Keith Heelan. Walshe started superbly, going 7-0 up before Heelan found his rhythm and levelled matters at 10-10. The Limerick man grew stronger as the game went on and powered to a 21-11 win. A change of serve served Walshe well in the second and after storming to a 20-10 lead, he eventually clinched it 21-15. Heelan appeared to be tiring but he ground out a number of aces and rode his luck at times to take the decider 21-12.

The Hollywood Bar Darts Superleague Shield winner Joe Elliffe (right) pictured with runner-up Tomas Rushe.

Darts

Boxing

Elliffe’s Shield

Bronze for O’Rourke!

Joe Elliffe was victorious in the The Hollywood Bar Superleague Shield final recently when he overcame Thomas Rushe 6-5 in an exciting finale. Joe had beaten Donal Coyne 4-3 in the quarterfinals before a 5-0 win over Pat Egan in the last four set up the final showdown with Rushe.

A week on from her sister, Aoife, hitting the headlines following her sensational European Elites win in Madrid, Lisa O’Rourke added to the family’s growing honours roll at the European

Youth Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria. The Castlerea fighter was already guaranteed bronze in the 75kg class before her semi-final bout against Lithuanian fighter Gabriele Diekontaite, which she lost on a split decision. O’Rourke had been impressive throughout the competition, most notably in the quarter-final where she stopped Romanian Georgina Schinte in the first round.

Roscommon People Friday 13 September 2019

SportsPeople

Strokestown on top in feisty encounter Hodson Bay Hotel Roscommon SFC (Group B)

STROKESTOWN

0-17 ST. FAITHLEACH’S

game of the weekend  SEAMUS DUKE

Strokestown were the fully deserving winners of this feisty clash of the neighbours in Strokestown last Sunday afternoon. The home side needed at least a draw to ensure they were not dragged into a relegation scrap while the visitors had to win following two losses. But the home side got their noses in front in the second quarter, and while Faithleach’s never gave up, the home side always looked in control and they had a bit to spare in the end if truth be told. Faithleach’s’ season is imploding after a promising league campaign. The three Murtagh brothers started but none finished the game as Brian and Diarmuid were shown red cards (two yellows each) and Ciaráin (just returned from his summer in the USA) was carried off the field with seven minutes to go with a nasty looking ankle injury. Strokestown, on the other hand, were well organised and well up for this match. Cathal Brogan and David Neary were outstanding in defence, Paddy Brogan brilliantly directed traffic at midfield and up front Colin Compton was outstanding. It was three points each after a low-key

2-7

opening quarter with Colin Compton scoring three frees for the home side and Diarmuid Murtagh (free) Dave Rooney and Darragh Hussey on target for Faithleach’s. The key score of the opening half arrived in the 23rd minute when Brogan and Diarmuid McGann did the spadework and Tony Lavin punched to the net to give his side a four-point lead. Points from Diarmuid Murtagh (free) followed by a splendid effort from play from Ciaráin Murtagh and an equally impressive strike from Keelan Beirne meant that at half-time it was Strokestown 1-6 St. Faithleach’s 0-6. On a couple of occasions in the second half Faithleach’s reduced the margin to two but every time they threatened Strokestown were able to go downfield and get that vital score. In the 36th minute Darragh Hussey was clean through on goal but Paddy Brogan made a superb tackle to disposes the Faithleach’s man and the danger was cleared. Eight minutes later Brian Murtagh was red-carded after getting two yellow cards within a minute, but Faithleach’s battled on. By the 52nd minute points from Darragh Hussey, Ciaráin Murtagh and a converted free from Diarmuid saw the gap down to just one. But Ciaráin Murtagh had been carried off in the incident that led to the awarding of the free. It was a huge blow for Faithleach’s. But Strokestown never panicked and they swept downfield two minutes later

Strokestown’s Tony Lavin and St. Faithleach’s’ Connell Kennelly in action during last Sunday’s Roscommon SFC match at Strokestown. Pic: Mick McCormack

and McGann was the creator once more with Colin Compton supplying a cool finish. It was game, set and match to Strokestown after that and indeed there was more disappointment to come for Faithleach’s as Diarmuid Murtagh was shown a second yellow by referee Gerry Carmody in injury-time.

Strokestown march on into the quarterfinals after a poor start to the campaign, while for Faithleach’s they will have to face a relegation battle without Ciaráin Murtagh and they have really slipped back in terms of their form since reaching the O’Rourke Cup final earlier in the year.

Stat Attack Wides: Strokestown 4 (2 first half ) St. Faithleach’s 3 (2 first half ) Red cards: Strokestown 0 St. Faithleach’s 2 (Brian Murtagh 48, Diarmuid Murtagh 62) Black cards: None Yellow cards: Strokestown 3 (Keith Murphy, David Neary, David Butler) St. Faithleach’s 8 (Brian Murtagh x 2, Diarmuid Murtagh x 2, James Browne, David Harrison, Dave Rooney, Darragh Hussey) Man of the Match: Paddy Brogan (Strokestown)

Teams and Scorers

Topsy-turvy! St. Faithleach’s’ Kevin Farrell takes a tumble following a challenge from Strokestown’s David Butler as Diarmuid Murtagh looks on during last Sunday’s Roscommon SFC match at Strokestown. Pic: Mick McCormack

Strokestown: John McHugh; Kevin Shiel, Cathal Brogan (0-1), David Neary; Dylan Owens, Keelan Beirne (0-1), Michael Fallon; Paddy Brogan, David Butler; Tony Lavin (1-1), Daniel Rogers, Cian Lavelle; Keith Murphy, Colin Compton (1-6, 5 frees), Diarmuid McGann (0-2). Subs: Ruairi Molloy (0-1) for Lavelle (54), Cian Corcoran for Butler (58), Luke Kelly for Brogan (63). St. Faithleach’s: Mark Tarmey; Stephen Ormsby, Mikey Cox, Karl Nerney; David Harrison, Adrian Murtagh, Kevin Farrell; Brian Murtagh, Cathal Gunn; Diarmuid Murtagh (0-6, 5 frees), Ciaráin Murtagh (0-3), Dave Rooney (0-1); Aidan Dooney, Darren Carbery, Darragh Hussey (0-3). Subs: James Browne for Nerney (24), Senan O’Grady for Gunn and Connell Kennelly for Carbery (both h/t), Jonathan Hussey for Rooney and Colm Mangan for Dooney (both 45), Darren Carbery for C Murtagh (52). Referee: Gerry Carmody

Roscommon People Friday 13 September 2019

Kepak Roscommon SHC Semi-Finals

Brigid’s win goal-fest to reach play-off Hodson Bay Hotel Roscommon SFC (Group A)

ST. BRIGID’S

3-25

ST. CROAN’S

4-7

 SEAMUS DUKE

If someone had told you before the match that St. Croan’s would score 4-7

and still lose by 15 points you would be forgiven for laughing at the thought. But that’s exactly what happened in this truly bizarre

match played at Dr. Hyde Park on Saturday evening. Brigid’s needed to win and St. Croan’s needed a draw to stay in the championship but any notion that this would be a cautious defence-driven affair was dismissed as Brigid’s in particular went for the jugular from the first whistle. The game was over as a contest by half-time when Brigid’s

St. Brigid’s’ Eddie Nolan (right) made the Roscommon People SFC Team of the Week following his performance against St. Croan’s in last Saturday’s Group A match at Dr. Hyde Park. Nolan is pictured closing down St. Croan’s’ Michael Holland. Pic: Mick McCormack

led by 1-16 to 0-2. Indeed were it not for the heroics of Croan’s net-minder Vinny Egan, the Kiltoom men could easily have scored at least three more goals in that opening half such was their dominance. Down 18 points starting the second half, Croan’s threw caution to the wind, scored four goals, hit the frame of the goal twice and missed at least another three excellent goal chances such was the crazy nature of the contest. But Brigid’s could always keep their opponents at arm’s length and they won pulling up. It was one-way traffic in the opening half. With Brian Stack, Ciaran Sugrue, Padraig Kelly, Ronan Stack and company in total control the scores piled up and the only goal of the half arrived in the 19th minute, a splendid team effort finished by Paul McGrath. Croan’s’ first goal arrived in the 34th minute when Damien Goggins converted a penalty after Dan Malone was fouled. But Brigid’s put the foot on the accelerator after that and by the 48th minute they led by 2-21 to 1-4, their second goal coming from the boot of Ian Kilbride. Croan’s persisted, however, and Cathal Connelly grabbed a second goal in

Man of the Match Ciaran Sugrue sees his effort blocked by the impressive Vinnie Egan in the St. Croan’s goal. Pic: Mick McCormack

the 49th minute and with nine minutes to go Keith Muldoon fisted a third for the Ballintubber men and the same player was on hand to convert again in the 53rd minute. Brigid’s were never under any threat, but the fact they conceded four goals will not have pleased their management. Brian Stack completed the goalfest in the 60th minute with a converted a Brigid’s penalty. After two poor performances, Brigid’s have found their shooting boots, and while they are certainly a team in transition, they will be dangerous opponents in the play-off stages. For Croan’s, who were only eliminated from the championship by Elphin’s late equaliser against Fuerty, it’s a relegation battle.

Teams & Scorers ... St. Brigid’s: James Martin; Pearse Frost, Niall McInerney, Alan Daly (0-1); Ronan Stack (0-2), Peter Domican, Eoin Sheehy (0-2); Ian Kilbride (1-2), Eddie Nolan (0-3, ’45); Padraig Kelly (0-4), Paul McGrath (1-0), Gearoid Cunniffe (0-2); Brian Derwin (0-2), Brian Stack (1-1, 1 pen), Ciaran Sugrue (0-5). Subs: David Cunniffe for Sheehy (48), Gavin Byrne for McGrath (50), Conor Gleeson (0-1) for Derwin (53), Eamonn Cunnane for Nolan (56). St. Croan’s: Vinnie Egan; Derek Conway, Greg Grogan, Philip Leech; Mark Kilcommins, Maurice Connaughton, Ger Connaughton; Richard Thompson (0-2, 2 frees), Dean Muldoon; Cathal Connelly (1-1), Aidan Brogan (0-1), Adrian Collins; Keith Muldoon (2-3, 1 free), Dan Malone, Damien Giggins (1-0, 1 pen). Subs: Michael Holland for Collins (26), Brendan Pacey for Conway (h/t), Jason Egan for Brogan (55), Adrian Collins for Goggins (59). Referee: Kevin Naughton Man of the Match: Ciaran Sugrue (St. Brigid’s)

Elphin survive while McKeon stars for Boyle! Hodson Bay Hotel SFC Round-Up Group A

Honours even Elphin 1-15 Fuerty 1-15 A point from Frankie Cregg in the 6th minute of injury-time saved Elphin from defeat and a place in the relegation scrap at Strokestown on Saturday night. There was drama from the first whistle as Elphin led by two points at the break 0-10 to 0-8. Christy Leahy scored an opportunist goal for Fuerty in the 38th minute but Elphin responded almost immediately when Frankie Cregg blasted home. Aaron Brady scored four crucial placed balls for Elphin but it looked like Fuerty’s day when Ger Ennis pointed a free in injury-time. There was still time for Aaron Brady to miss a long-range free before Frankie Cregg saved Elphin’s bacon. Scorers - Elphin: Frankie Cregg (1-5), A Brady (0-4), M McCaffrey and G Cregg (0-2) each, E Killoran and G Higgins (01) each. Fuerty: N Kilroy (0-7), G Ennis

(0-5), C Leahy (1-1), D Heavey and B McGahon (0-1) each.

Group B

Gaels prevail! Roscommon Gaels 2-13 Michael Glavey’s 1-8 Roscommon Gaels maintained their unbeaten record with the minimum of fuss against a disappointing Glavey’s side at Lisnamult. The town team played with the stiff breeze at their backs in the opening half and dominated the game. They shot a total of 11 wides in the half but still led by 0-9 to 0-3 at the interval. Glaveys scored a point from Andy Glennon on the restart and then he was fouled by James Fetherstone and Gary Patterson converted the resultant penalty. But the Gaels responded immediately and Mark Nally set up Peter Gillooly for a well taken goal. Indeed the same player drilled home his second goal in the 47th minute and Liam McNeill’s men were home and dry.

Scorers - Roscommon Gaels: P Gillooly (2-2), R Carolan (0-4), B Kelly (0-3), D O’Gara and O Walsh (0-2) each. Michael Glavey’s: A Glennon (0-5), G Patterson (1-0), D Ruane (0-2), S Comer (0-1).

Group C

All square! Western Gaels 3-16 Boyle 3-16 This was the game of the senior championship so far as Boyle fought back from a seven-point deficit and only 14 men at one stage to snatch a thrilling draw last Sunday in Frenchpark. Enda Smith was first on the goal trail in the opening half but Niall Higgins scored a well-taken goal in reply. Cian McKeon fisted home his first goal of the game to keep Boyle ahead. But the home side struck for two goals with Niall Higgins and Cathal Cregg on target, and by half-time led by six points. Michael Hanmore saw red for Boyle early in the second half but when McK-

eon scored his second goal of the game with ten minutes left to play it was back in the melting pot. McKeon then converted a sensational long-range free in injury-time to hand his side a deserved share of the spoils. Scorers - Boyle: C McKeon (2-7), D Smith (0-8), E Smith (1-1). Western Gaels: N Higgins (2-8), C Cregg (1-2), A Dowd (0-2), S McDermott, B Creighton, K Higgins, and F Cregg (0-1) each.

Late winner! Clann na nGael 1-13 Pádraig Pearses 1-12 Who would be a pundit? Clann, who had been beaten by 20 points by Boyle in the previous round, sensationally beat Pearses who were the title favourites up until recently. Clann were six points down at one stage and were down to 13 men for the final quarter, yet they dug out a win. Emmett Kelly scored a goal for the home side in the 27th minute and at halftime they led by 1-7 to 0-7.

In injury-time Donie Shine was fouled and he converted the resultant penalty to give his a side a huge boost as they face into the relegation play-off match. Scorers - Clann: D Shine (1-7), E Kenny and C Callinan (0-2) each, C McManus and C Lennon (0-1) each. Pearses: E Kelly (1-3), P Carey (0-5), H Darcy (02), R Daly and A Fehily (0-1) each.

The Outcome The seeded teams are: Fuerty, Roscommon Gaels, Padraig Pearses and Boyle (who were drawn out of the hat). The unseeded teams are: Elphin, Strokestown, Michael Glavey’s and either Western Gaels and St. Brigid’s who meet on Sunday next. The draw for the quarter-finals will take place on Sunday next. Teams who have played each other already cannot meet again. Relegation: Clann na nGael play St. Croan’s next Sunday with the loser playing St. Faithleach’s to see who is relegated to the Intermediate ranks for 2020.

Roscommon People Friday 13 September 2019

SportsPeople

WEEKEND REVIEW

Roscommon People SFC Team of the Week

1 Aaron Brady (Elphin)

Aengus Lyons (Fuerty)

Niall McInerney (St. Brigid’s)

Shane Pettit (Clann na nGael)

David O’Gara (Roscommon Gaels)

8 10

Eddie Nolan (St. Brigid’s)

Top Scorers

Niall Higgin s (Western G aels) 2-8 Cian McKeo n (Boyle) 2-7 Donie Shin e (Clann na n Ga

el) 1-7

Colin Compton (Strokestown)

Aidan Dowd (Western Gaels)

Paddy Brogan (Strokestown)

STAR MAN! Cian McKeon rescued Boyle with a late free during last Sunday’s Roscommon SFC Group C match against Western Gaels. Pic: Mick McCormack

David Neary (Strokestown)

Enda Smith (Boyle)

Cian McKeon (Boyle)

Brian Kelly (Roscommon Gaels)

Frankie Cregg (Elphin)

Niall Higgins (Western Gaels)

Club Football Championship update Fuerty have excelled in their first season playing senior championship football. They remained unbeaten and topped their group and will be waiting on Sunday’s quarter-final draw.

Roscommon Gaels are the only senior team to win all three of their games. The club also unveiled their magnificent new electronic scoreboard at their game against Michael Glavey’s at Lisnamult

last Sunday. Castlerea and Tulsk are making the running in the IFC with both sides unbeaten in the group stages. They will be kept apart in the quarter-final draw next Sunday.

Ballinameen remain favourites to win the junior title following another impressive win last weekend. St. Michael’s and St. Joseph’s are the other ‘junior’ clubs left in the championship.

Intermediate teams set for last eight! Mulryan Construction IFC Round-Up Group A

Tulsk still unbeaten Tulsk Lord Edwards 3-16 Creggs 1-9 Tulsk maintained their unbeaten run with a strong second-half showing against Creggs at Dr. Hyde Park last Saturday. It was an enjoyable encounter in the opening half. Noel Gately was superb for Creggs and he scored a sensational goal just before half-time. But Tusk replied with Ryan Galvin’s goal and at the break led by three 1-9 to 1-6. Tulsk were the stronger team overall and second half goals from Jack Conlon and Thomas O’Rourke saw them win comfortably. Scorers - Thomas O’Rourke (1-3), P Scott (0-6), J Conlon (1-2), R Galvin (1-1), D Carlton (0-2), G Galvin and D Connolly (0-1) each. Creggs: N Gately (1-6), R Dowd, S Dowd and E Conneran (0-1) each.

Walsh winner! Kilbride 2-9 Kilglass Gaels 2-8 Henry Walsh was the Kilbride hero as he scored a goal and a point late on to put

Kilbride into the quarter-finals. Kilbride had a first-half goal from Dan O’Neill but Kevin Feeney converted a penalty and Kilbride led 1-5 to 1-3 at the break. Feeney scored another Kilglass goal mid-way through the second period, but Walsh struck late to send his side through by the minimum margin. Scorers - Kilbride: H Walsh (1-4), D O’Neill (1-0), D Clabby (0-2), P O’Grady, T O’Grady and M Feeney (0-1) each. Kilglass: K Feeney (2-1), C McHugh (0-3), T Cox, G Tully, B Conroy and S McCormack (0-1) each.

Group B

Éire Óg dominant Éire Óg 2-17 St. Barry’s 1-6 Éire Óg gave notice to their rivals in Loughglynn with a dominant performance against St. Barry’s. The hosts scored some excellent points in the opening half and despite conceding a penalty to Barry’s (converted by Padraig Halpin), they led by 0-9 to 1-2 to half-time. Jason Doory and Thomas Greene scored fine second-half goals to see Éire Óg run out impressive 14-point winners. Scorers - Éire Óg: L Creaton (0-7), T Greene and J Doory (1-1) each, M O’Brien (0-3), C Lavin (0-2), F Nolan, E Crawley and Ciaran Lavin (0-1) each.

St. Barry’s: P Halpin (1-2), C McManus (0-3), C Casserly (0-1).

Castlerea through! Castlerea St. Kevin’s 0-13 Shannon Gaels 2-4 Castlerea are safely through to the quarter-finals but they were made fight all the way by Shannon Gaels at Croghan. Shane Beirne scored a goal in the first half and it meant that the home side were a point up at the break 1-4 to 0-6. Matthew McDermott’s goal mid-way through the second period put the Gaels ahead again but excellent point scoring from Ronan Raftery and Darren McDermott saw Castlerea through. Scorers - Castlerea: D McDermott (0-6), R Raftery (0-5), N Bligh and J Keane (01) each. Shannon Gaels: M McDermott (1-1) M Burke (0-3) S Beirne (1-0).

Group C

Fallon’s late leveller Kilmore 2-13 St. Dominic’s 2-13 St. Dominic’s came late to grab a draw after an entertaining match in Kilmore.

Dominic’s scored first-half goals from Sean Kenny and Conor Fallon and the visitors led by 2-4 to 0-9 at the break. But when Kilmore scored two goals within a minute from a Derek Connellan penalty and Oisin Boland, they led by four going into the final five minutes but Conor Fallon pointed a free in injury-time to give the visitors a deserved draw. Scorers – St. Dominic’s: C Fallon (1-7), D Keenan (0-3), S Kenny (1-0), N Carney, N Connaughton and D Donnelly (01) each. Kilmore: D Connellan (1-4), O Boland (1-1), J Gannon and B Connellan (0-3) each, G Connellan and K Caslin (01) each.

Oran easy winners Oran 1-17 St. Aidan’s 0-5 This was a comprehensive win for impressive Oran who dominated throughout. Darragh Walsh was the goal-scorer in the second half after they had led by 0-11 to 0-2 at half-time. Scorers - Oran: D Walsh (1-5), C Casey and C Lawless (0-3) each, T Fetherston and M Dwyer (0-2) each, J Casey, and K Whyte (0-1) each. St. Aidan’s: T Kelly (0-2), K Waldron, C Mears and P Kenny (0-1) each.

The Outcome The seeded teams in the IFC are: Tulsk, Castlerea, St. Dominic’s and Creggs. The unseeded teams are: Oran, Éire Óg, Kilbride and either Kilmore or Shannon Gaels who meet on Sunday next. The quarter-final draw will take place on Sunday next. Teams that have already met cannot meet again. Relegation: St. Barry’s play St. Aidan’s on Sunday with the losers playing Kilglass to see who will be relegated to the junior ranks for 2020.

King and Moffatt JFC Round-Up The seeded teams are: St. Brigid’s, Ballinameen, Clann na nGael, Roscommon Gaels. The unseeded teams are St. Joseph’s, St. Michael’s, Western Gaels and either St. Dominic’s or Pádraig Pearses who meet next Sunday. The quarterfinal draw will take place on Sunday next. Teams who met already cannot meet again. Relegation: Elphin and St. Faithleach’s will meet in the relegation play-off.

Roscommon People Friday 13 September 2019

Gaels to deliver mortal blow? Seamus Duke’s Weekend Previews Hodson Bay Hotel Group SFC Play-Off St. Brigid’s v Western Gaels on Sunday in Dr. Hyde Park at 2.30 pm What a match this promises to be with so many sub-plots lurking beneath the surface, not least Frankie Dolan coaching the Gaels against the club with which he won so much over his glittering career. Brigid’s were very poor in their opening game against Elphin and while they improved slightly against Fuerty in round two, they were lucky to get a draw. But last Saturday evening they certainly found their shooting boots and ran riot against St. Croan’s. It’s a Brigid’s team in transition but they can still call on the likes of Niall McInerney, Ronan Stack, Ian Kilbride, Padraig Kelly, Gearoid Cunniffe and Brian Stack. I am also reliably informed

that Senan Kilbride could make a surprise return this weekend after his recent illness. That would be very welcome and would be a massive boost for the Kiltoom club. Western Gaels have played well in the championship this year and were involved in the game of the championship so far against Boyle last Sunday. They have an impressive attacking unit led by Cathal Cregg, Niall Higgins and Finbar Cregg who are in great form, while further back Seanie McDermott, Ciaran Cafferky, Aidan Dowd and Kevin Higgins have been playing well. This could well be another very close game. On the basis that Western Gaels have played well in all their games against the likes of Pearses, Boyle and St. Faithleach’s and put up big scores too, they look to have enough to account for a Brigid’s team who are certainly in transition. It remains to be seen if that high-scoring performance last weekend from Ger Ahearne’s men can be trusted in terms of form. Prediction: Western Gaels

Mulryan Construction Services IFC Relegation Play-Off St. Aidan’s v St. Barry’s on Sunday in Knockcroghery at 2 pm There won’t be much between these two either. Both sides have struggled for form this year. St. Aidan’s’ draw against St. Dominic’s looks to be the best performance that we have seen from either side thus far. On that basis I am giving them a very hesitant nod to win narrowly. The losers will play Kilglass Gaels. Prediction: St. Aidan’s

Mulryan Construction Services IFC Play-Off Kilmore v Shannon Gaels on Sunday in Elphin at 2 pm What a game this promises to be be-

Following their scoring blitz last weekend, St. Brigid’s will be hoping to seize their moment this Sunday when they take on Western Gaels in the Roscommon SFC Play-Off at Dr. Hyde Park. Pic: Mick McCormack

tween two clubs who are not alone neighbours but who are amalgamated at under-age level also. You can make a case for both sides and Shannon Gaels are capable of putting up a big score. But Kilmore look the more consistent side. It might take extra-time to separate them though. Prediction: Kilmore

Hodson Bay Hotel Group SFC Relegation Play-Off Clann na nGael v St. Croan’s

BREAKING BALL

Clann displayed plenty of spirit against Pearses last Sunday after their implosion against Boyle. If they can do that again here they should be able to account for a Croan’s side who admittedly scored 4-7 against St. Brigid’s last Saturday but who were losing 1-16 to 0-2 at half-time. It would be a major shock if Clann were to come unstuck here. St. Faithleach’s will play the losers. Prediction: Clann na nGael

GAA Results

Champions Kilbride to meet Clann in Ladies’ ﬁnal Clann na nGael and Kilbride will contest the Abbey Hotel Senior Ladies’ Football Championship Final after both teams enjoyed comprehensive victories in their semi-finals last Friday evening. Clann overcame Shannon Gaels 3-12 to 1-9 at Tarmonbarry with goals from Rosie Lennon (1-6), Ciara Quinn (1-1) and Danielle Greasely (1-0). Meanwhile, Kilbride remained on course for the fourth consecutive senior title on Saturday week when they proved too strong for Éire Óg-Michael Glavey’s. Goals in either half from Eilish Fannon and Niamh Shanagher, who scored 2-7 between them, gave them a 2-15 to 0-10 win.

on Sunday at 4.15 pm in Dr. Hyde Park

Jim McCausland, Site Manager Casey’s Londis, and John Haughey, Financial Controller, Casey’s Londis pictured presenting new kit bags to Roscommon Camogie Chairperson Marie O’Brien and Orla Connolly and Niamh Fitzgerald, joint captains of Roscommon U-16s.

Hodson Bay Hotel Group SFC (Group A) Elphin 1-15 Fuerty 1-15 St. Brigid’s 3-24 St. Croan’s 4-7 Hodson Bay Hotel Group SFC (Group B) Strokestown 2-12 St. Faithleach’s 0-13 Roscommon Gaels 2-13 Michael Glavey’s 1-8 Hodson Bay Hotel Group SFC (Group C) Western Gaels 3-16 Boyle 3-16 Clann na nGael 1-13 Pádraig Pearses 1-12 Mulryan Construction IFC (Group A) Tulsk Lord Edwards 3-16 Creggs 1-9 Kilbride 2-9 Kilglass Gaels 2-8 Mulryan Construction IFC (Group B) Castlerea St. Kevin’s 0-13 Shannon Gaels 2-4 Mulryan Construction IFC (Group C) Oran 1-17 St. Aidan’s 0-5 Kilmore 2-13 St. Dominic’s 2-13 King and Moffatt Building Services JAFC (Group A) Roscommon Gaels 1-8 St. Brigid’s 2-5 Pádraig Pearses 2-10 Elphin 0-10 King and Moffatt Building Services JAFC (Group B) Ballinameen 5-13 St. Faithleach’s 0-9 St. Dominic’s 1-12 St. Joseph’s 2-9 King and Moffatt Building Services JAFC (Group C) Clann na nGael 2-12 St. Michael’s 0-7 Western Gaels 5-8 St. Ronan’s 3-4 King and Moffatt Building Services JBFC (Group B) Kilbride 1-16 St. Aidan’s 0-13 Fuerty 3-13 St. Croan’s 2-7

Fixtures Friday, September 13th King and Moffatt Building Services JAFC Play-Off At Kiltoom: Pádraig Pearses v St. Dominic’s. 8.15 pm King and Moffatt Building Services JAFC Relegation Play-Off At Strokestown: Elphin v St. Faithleach’s. 8.15 pm King and Moffatt Building Services JBFC (Group B) At TBC: St. Aidan’s v Fuerty. 8.15 pm

Sunday, September 15th

Pictured is Marie Conroy, Mahon Sweeney Solicitors. presenting tops to Geraldine Greene, Roscommon Camogie Development Officer, Susan Spillane, Roscommon Junior Camogie captain, Nuala Diffley, Club Rossie and Marie O’Brien, Roscommon Camogie Chairperson.

Hodson Bay Hotel Group SFC Relegation Play-Off At Dr. Hyde Park: Clann na nGael v St. Croan’s. 4.15 pm Hodson Bay Hotel Group SFC Play-Off At Dr. Hyde Park: St. Brigid’s v Western Gaels. 2.30 pm Mulryan Construction IFC Relegation Play-Off At St. Dominic’s: St. Aidan’s v St. Barry’s. 2 pm Mulryan Construction IFC Play-Off At Orchard Park: Kilmore v Shannon Gaels. 2 pm King and Moffatt Building Services JBFC (Group A) (12 pm) At Tulsk: Tulsk Lord Edwards v Shannon Gaels At Peadar Earley Memorial Park: Michael Glavey’s v Clann na nGael King and Moffatt Building Services JBFC (Group B) At Rockfield: Oran v Kilbride. 1 pm King and Moffatt Building Services JBFC (Group C) At Strokestown: Strokestown v Kilmore. 12 pm At Abbey Park: Boyle v Pádraig Pearses. 1 pm

Roscommon People Friday 13 September 2019