Roscommon 2-21 Cork 0-13

After a miserable day in Navan six days previously, Roscommon footballers put their promotion bid firmly back on track with an impressive and comprehensive win against Cork at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Saturday night last.

A tentative enough first-half display from Davy Burke’s men was followed by a superb second-half performance as Roscommon were razor-sharp up front, looking dangerous whenever they were on the attack. Ben O’Carroll was back in the starting line-up and he looked back to his best, scoring 1-3. Meanwhile, Conor Hand continues to enhance his reputation.

Enda Smith was once again commanding around the middle of the field while Diarmuid Murtagh was unerring from the placed ball and Shane Cunnane turned in a fine display all through. It was also good to see Niall Daly back on the field (as a late sub). He weighed in with his customary long-range point in the final seconds.

In contrast, Cork were very wasteful and although they had plenty of possession they missed many chances over the course of the match. Their total of 13 wides to Roscommon’s three tells its own tale. In truth they were well beaten in the end.

Páirc Uí Chaoimh is a magnificent venue. After the drama of the Cork/Kilkenny hurling match that was on beforehand there was a low-key start to this game. Cork were competitive in the opening quarter and by the 16th minute they led by 0-5 to 0-3. Those scores for the home side came from Mark Cronin with four points (one two-pointer) and Conor O’Mahony.

A Robbie Dolan score, a cracking point from Ben O’Carroll, and a converted ’45 from Conor Hand kept Roscommon ticking over before the visitors had a purple patch, scoring six points with reply. A mark from the excellent Shane Cunnane, four points from Diarmuid Murtagh frees (one two-pointer) and another smart point from Ben O’Carroll saw Roscommon lead by 0-9 to 0-5 after 29 minutes.

Diarmuid Murtagh (free) and Mark Cronin exchanged two-pointers, and when Conor Hand pointed in the final seconds it meant Roscommon were ahead by 0-12 to 0-8 at half-time.

Roscommon were much more assured and clinical in the second half. Points from Ultan Harney, a two-pointer from the lively Conor Hand, and another Ben O’Carroll score helped them into a 0-16 to 0-11 lead by the 43rd minute.

In the 48th minute Ciarán Lennon was tripped in the Cork penalty area and Enda Smith converted the resultant penalty and now Roscommon were eight points to the good. Another excellent two-pointer from play from Hand extended the lead in the 54th minute, and the two league points were in the bag at that stage.

Cork did have plenty of possession but they missed chance after chance. Indeed they hit the crossbar twice late on. Sub Sean Powter’s shot went over after hitting the woodwork in the 58th minute while Brian O’Driscoll’s effort struck the crossbar and went out wide in the 65th minute.

Roscommon punished those misses ruthlessly. In the 64th minute Rory Maguire attempted to pass the ball back to his goalkeeper (not allowed under the new rules) and when the ball was pinched by Ben O’Carroll he made no mistake from close-range for Roscommon’s second goal.

There was a welcome sight late on as Niall Daly returned to action from the bench and the last play of the game saw the Padraig Pearses man shoot over from long-range (he was denied a two-pointer as Cork goalkeeper Doyle got a hand to the ball as it headed over).

This was a very satisfying win for Roscommon who now face Cavan at home and Westmeath away in their final two league games. A win in one of those fixtures should guarantee promotion and a place in the Division Two final.

Putting up a big score again will have pleased manager Davy Burke and his selectors and with the likes of Brian Stack, Conor Daly and Eddie Nolan still to return, the squad is taking shape ahead of the championship which is now only a few weeks away.

Note: This was the first time I had been to SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh since it was refurbished. It is a superb venue with excellent facilities for supporters and the media alike.

Teams & scorers

Scoring key: tp = two-pointer from play; tpf = two-point free

Roscommon: Conor Carroll; Pearse Frost, John McManus, Niall Higgins; Shane Cunnane (0-1, mark), David Murray, Robbie Dolan (0-1); Enda Smith (1-0, pen), Keith Doyle; Ben O’Carroll (1-3), Ultan Harney (0-1), Conor Hand (0-6, 1 tp, 1 ‘45); Diarmuid Murtagh (0-7, 2 tpf, 2 frees), Cian McKeon, Ciarán Lennon. Subs: Ciaráin Murtagh (0-1, free) for McKeon (35); Ronan Daly for McManus (46), Eddie Nolan for Harney (52), Niall Daly (0-1) for Dolan (67).

Cork: Patrick Doyle; Sean Brady, Daniel O’Mahony, Neil Lordan; Brian O’Driscoll, Rory Maguire, Mattie Taylor; Ian Maguire, Colm O’Callaghan (0-1, free); Paul Walsh (0-1), Tommy Walsh (0-1); Sean McDonnell; Mark Cronin (0-8, I tpf, 1tp, 3 frees, 1 mark), Chris Og Jones, Cathal O’Mahony (0-1). Subs: Sean Powter (0-1) for Walsh (43), Ruairi Deane for O’Mahony (45), Sean Walsh for McDonnell (59), Conor Cahalane for Paul Walsh (60), Hugh O’Connor for Chris Og Jones (68).

Referee: Johnny Murphy (Limerick).

Stat Attack

Wides: Roscommon 3 (2, first half); Cork 13 (4, first half)

Red cards: 0

Black cards: 0

Yellow cards: Roscommon 1 (John McManus); Cork 0

Attendance: 5,000 (approx)

Man of the Match: Enda Smith (Roscommon)

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The only identifying mark on the photographs, which appear to date from the 1950s era, was the name of the photographer, ‘M.A. Farrell in Roscommon’. However, no clear link to a specific family or location was evident.

The black and white photographs were found scattered along the footpath in late December 2024 by a woman who was out for a walk when she made the discovery.

The Longford resident told the Roscommon People: “I found a photo on the footpath, but as I went along, there were many more photos scattered along the path, which was wet and muddy in places.

“I collected all the photos, brought them home, and spread them on a lard board to dry off.”

The woman who found the photos said she does not know anyone in Roscommon and thus decided to pass them to the Roscommon People in the hope that a reader might recognise them or be able to reunite them with their rightful owners.

“I would hate to think photos of my relatives would be thrown on the ground somewhere,” she said.

She continued: “I do not know if the photos were lost. They were scattered about as if they had been thrown from a passing car, or lost from a handbag.”

It remains unclear whether the subjects of the photographs are connected to Roscommon or if they were simply developed here, adding to the mystery.

Anyone who believes they may recognise the photos or be in a position to assist in reuniting them with their possible owner is encouraged to contact the Roscommon People at news@roscommonpeople.ie in the hopes of returning them to their rightful home.

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Commenting on the upcoming fair, event organiser Declan Donoghue said: “The idea behind the fair is not just markets but to cater for everyone based on my own past experiences with going to Christmas markets. As they have become such a popular part in the lead up to Christmas and having my own kids, I wanted to inject a bit of magic back into an event and I think it’s important that every child that attends leaves with something.”

“This event is not only for the people of Tulsk but for all neighbouring communities, everyone is welcome. Through the generous sponsorship of business both here in Ireland and the UK, it allows me to achieve what I set out to do which is to have Free Entry to the event, providing FREE facepainting, cookie decorating, arts and crafts, kid’s characters, singing and dancing and much more.”

“Christmas is an expensive time of the year for families and what is supposed to be a joyful occasion can often be overshadowed with worries by the shear expense of everything.”

Families can also enjoy a competitively priced Santa Experience for just €5. Attendees can browse through 26 indoor and outdoor market stalls featuring hot food and beverages, take part in story time with Mrs. Claus, enjoy kiddie rides, and visit ‘The Candy Cottage.’ Live entertainment will fill the stage throughout the day, showcasing everything from Irish music and dance to local choirs and brass bands, as well as line dancing. We are particularly excited to announce a special performance by the incredibly talented soprano singer Maria Matthews, who recently performed at the Factory Gala Concert during the Wexford Festival Opera.

Please note that this is a not-for-profit event, and any surplus funds generated, including from the Santa experience, will be dedicated to the Tulsk Macra Hall. This fair is not just for the people of Tulsk but invites all neighbouring communities to join in the celebration. We look forward to welcoming everyone to this Christmas event, where you’ll find enjoyable entertainment and a variety of stalls that will truly capture the magic of Christmas.

Follow @tulsk_christmas_fair_2024 on Instagram for a sneak peek at everything available at this year’s Christmas Fair!

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The Award recognises outstanding female students in STEM²D disciplines: Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, Manufacturing and Design. 82 students from Trinity College Dublin, University of Limerick, University College Cork, University of Galway, Munster Technology University, Atlantic Technological University and Maynooth University have received awards as part of the programme. This marks a 33% increase in recipients compared to 2023, highlighting the programme’s growing impact and recognition of talented female students in STEM²D fields.

This is the ninth year of the annual awards programme in Ireland, highlighting Johnson & Johnson’s dedication to promoting female excellence in STEM. A day-long event, carefully structured to foster their growth and development was hosted by the Company at Thomond Park stadium. Attendees availed of workshops and breakout sessions, gaining essential skills and knowledge to prepare them for successful careers.

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Campaign fatigue strikes

I think ‘campaign fatigue’ has hit the experts; and yours truly.

On Today FM, an Electoral Commission expert-type is discussing the ins and outs of the voting process with Matt Cooper.

A listener texts in to enquire why they haven’t received their polling card.

A touch wearily, the expert said he has some sympathy with An Post, as they have to try and deliver about three and a half million cards in ten days. It’s inevitable (he reckoned) that some get lost. “It’s like when one of your socks goes missing in the dryer and you never find it”.

All very well I suppose, as long as one doesn’t get a sock in the post and find their polling card in the dryer.

FRIDAY

Marron and the Doc

On Liveline, Joe Duffy is chatting about one of my heroes, the late Sunday World editor Kevin Marron, 40 years on from his tragic death.

A very original columnist, Marron was a great wit. As with the late Con Houlihan, certain Marron classics have remained with me.

I remember the story about the wall that was built around the house in Cootehall of the late Roscommon politician Sean Doherty. This was back in the 1980s. During Doherty’s term as Minister for Justice, there was lots of controversy.

A newspaper reported that the wall had been built at taxpayers’ expense. Initially, Doherty said it was a security wall. The fact that the wall was only four foot high seemed to undermine that explanation.

As controversy about the wall continued, Doherty referenced a Fianna Fáil colleague (and critic) who wasn’t particularly tall, quipping: “I built it to keep Seamus Brennan out”.

As for Kevin Marron… he addressed the controversy in the Sunday World. When it came to the small wall in Cootehall, Kevin wasn’t sure if this was money well spent either… “as Sean Doherty can still get out”.

FRIDAY

Voting the whole way!

Voted at 9.20 pm tonight. Not really cutting it fine… just had a busy day running and racing.

That included collecting two of our daughters who made it their business to travel back to Roscommon from college (one in Galway, one in Dublin) because they were anxious to vote. Which is good.

The ladies in Ballymurray NS (our polling station) reported a busy evening’s activity.

Grasping the power briefly transferred to me, I surfed the democracy wave and disappeared behind the booth wielding the 11-name ballot paper.

Eleven strokes later (why not all eleven?) I forfeited my power and returned to the outside world to indulge in a little small talk with the remaining late arrivals.

As for those eleven strokes on the ballot paper… it’s probably a daft habit that I’ve got into. After all, by giving every single candidate a stroke, you end up voting for people you don’t really want to support. Maybe I just feel respect for everyone who has put their name forward. Plus, I feel the power!

SATURDAY

At the count

It’s shortly before 10 pm in the Hyde Centre, and Michael Fitzmaurice has stormed back into the Dáil.

There were 12,002 reasons to smile for ‘Fitz’ when the first count result was announced just before 9 pm. He had topped the poll in style, elected on the first count.

There was a flurry of activity from around 7 pm onwards. Given the scale of their votes in earlier tallies, poll-topper Michael Fitzmaurice and Claire Kerrane and Dr Martin Daly all knew that they were destined to cross the winning line. A round of media interviews began.

All three are delighted, humbled and gracious. It’s a massive milestone for Dr Daly, who has just admitted that being elected a TD has been a lifetime ambition, one he says he kept to himself for a long time.

Speaking glowingly of Fitzmaurice and Kerrane, the Ballygar man thanked his canvassing teams and supporters for the great campaign which has led to this success. He also paid tribute to Eugene Murphy, wishing him well in his future endeavours.

Revealing, with a smile, that Dr Daly is his GP, Michael Fitzmaurice hailed his canvassing teams, who had done so much great groundwork in recent weeks. He was thrilled and humbled with the size of his vote, particularly as he was down a few thousand votes due to constituency boundary changes.

Claire Kerrane is speaking to the media as I write. She and Martin Daly have just exchanged words of congratulations. Now all three will set about serving the people who have placed their faith in them.

SUNDAY

The late Terry Griffiths

Terry Griffiths will always have a place in the sporting Hall of Fame. Rightly so.

An unknown at the time, he took part in the 1979 World Snooker Championship as an amateur… and won the title. It was a sensational feat. He was never an unknown again.

The public, realising that this superb cueist was also the most modest and decent of men, took him to their hearts. Griffiths became one of the most loved players on the circuit (even if his style of play was less than exciting). Later, he became one of the sport’s most sought after coaches, Stephen Hendry amongst the players he assisted.

Griffiths, who died today at the age of 77, won that world title in 1979, and was also Masters champion in 1981, and UK Championship winner in 1982. For a period, he was one of the best players in the world, competing for titles with the great Steve Davis, his recently deceased fellow Welsh man Ray Reardon, and Alex Higgins.

Griffiths qualified for the quarter-finals of the World Championships for nine years in a row, and reached number three in the world rankings. He was a very accomplished cueist – and a gentleman.

MONDAY

Joe’s pardon

I see where that elderly ‘Mr President’ in America has been up to his tricks again, pulling a stroke, showing some favouritism, and dare I say it… arguably abusing his power!

But it’s not president-elect, Mr Donald Trump… it’s the incumbent, Joe Biden! He is facing a big backlash over the rather brazen decision to issue an official pardon to his son Hunter, who had been facing criminal charges.

Ah sure maybe he was right to do it when he could!

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Unfortunately, it is all too easy to underestimate the time, energy and money required to properly care for our furry friends long-term. To forget that they chew, need patient toilet-training, and grow much larger than their original cute puppy or kitten phase. The festive season is entirely unsuitable for integrating a new fur baby – manic as it is in all households.

The Roscommon SPCA invariably end up trying to cope with a post-Christmas wave of abandoned and surrendered pets, which is hugely upsetting. As a non-funded organisation entirely dependent on a core group of dedicated volunteers, this also stretches the team to their limit.

The Roscommon SPCA do not have their own premises so trying to source new homes is a difficult, costly, and emotionally draining endeavour.

The Roscommon SPCA have a range of beautiful animals crying out for adoption throughout the year. So please – press pause (or ‘paws’) this Christmas to weigh up all the commitment required to being a responsible pet owner.

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The notices are due to a deterioration in raw water quality entering the Dunmore Gortgarrow Water Treatment Plant as a result of recent heavy rainfall. All homes and businesses served by both supplies must boil their water before drinking.

Customers on the following group water schemes linked to the Dunmore/Glenamaddy Public Water Supply are also affected by the notice and must boil their water before use: Boyounagh/Ballyedmond, Brookloon and Cloonkeen.

Uisce Éireann recently took in charge the Garrafrauns, Grange and Cathill Group Water Schemes and customers in these areas are also affected by the Boil Water Notices and must boil their water before use.

The Kilmascahill Group Water Scheme under the Glenamaddy Public Water Supply is also affected by the Boil Water Notice.

Maps of the affected areas are attached and available to view on the supply and service section of water.ie.

Uisce Éireann’s primary focus is and always will be the protection of public health. Drinking water experts from Uisce Éireann are working, in consultation with the HSE, to implement solutions to lift the notice as quickly and as safely as possible. In the meantime, all customers on this supply are advised to boil and cool their water before use until further notice.

Uisce Eireann’s Justin Doran acknowledged the impact of this notice on the community.

“Public health is Uisce Éireann’s number one priority and we would like to assure customers that the notice has been put in place to protect public health. We are working to resolve the issue and lift the notice as quickly as possible.”

Uisce Éireann’s drinking water standards, as per EU Drinking Water regulations, are strict and include wide safety margins. Where risks to water quality are identified through Uisce Éireann’s enhanced testing and monitoring programme, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is consulted, and Boil Water Notices are issued to protect public health. In all instances immediate action is taken to address the cause of the issue to enable the lifting of the notice as quickly as it safe to do so, in agreement with the HSE.

Vulnerable customers who have registered with Uisce Éireann receive direct communication on Boil Water Notices. Customers are reminded that the water is safe to consume once boiled.

Water must be boiled for:

• Drinking;
• Drinks made with water;
• Preparation of salads and similar foods, which are not cooked prior to eating;
• Brushing of teeth;
• Making of ice – discard ice cubes in fridges and freezers and filtered water in fridges. Make ice from cooled boiled water.

What actions should be taken:

• Use water prepared for drinking when preparing foods that will not be cooked (e.g. washing salads);
• Water can be used for personal hygiene, bathing and flushing of toilets but not for brushing teeth or gargling;
• Boil water by bringing to a vigorous, rolling boil (e.g. with an automatic kettle) and allow to cool. Cover and store in a refrigerator or cold place. Water from the hot tap is not safe to drink. Domestic water filters will not render water safe to drink;
• Caution should be taken when bathing children to ensure that they do not swallow the bathing water;
• Preparing Infant Formula: Where a Boil Water Notice is in place, you can prepare infant formula from tap water that has been boiled once (rolling boil for 1 minute) and cooled beforehand. Bottled water can also be used to make up infant formula. All bottled water, with the exception of natural mineral water, is regulated to the same standard as drinking water. It is best not to use bottled water labelled as ‘Natural Mineral Water’ as it can have high levels of sodium (salt) and other minerals, although it rarely does. ‘Natural Mineral Water’ can be used if no other water is available, for as short a time as possible, as it is important to keep babies hydrated. If bottled water is used to make up infant formula it should be boiled once (rolling boil for 1 minute), and cooled in the normal way. Ready-to-use formula that does not need added water can also be used.

Great care should be taken with boiled water to avoid burns and scalds as accidents can easily happen, especially with children.

Uisce Éireann is committed to keeping customers informed across multiple platforms 24/7 and we encourage customers to engage with us through our website, X channels @IWCare and @IrishWater, on Facebook and LinkedIn and through our customer care helpline which is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278.

Uisce Éireann has launched a free text service, providing real-time updates for local issues. Customers can sign up with their Eircode and mobile number at www.water.ie

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In an email to Cllr Waldron, RUH confirmed the challenges posed by the hospital’s limited parking infrastructure, which has failed to keep pace with the steady growth of services and activity on-site.

“Our parking is very limited, and I fully acknowledge the difficulties this causes for our patients, relatives, and staff,” RUH stated. “While it is positive that our services have grown, unfortunately, infrastructure, including car parking, has not developed in tandem”.

To mitigate the immediate challenges, the hospital encourages the use of a set-down area outside the Urgent Care Centre for patients being dropped off. For those being collected, drivers are advised to bring their vehicles closer to the hospital to minimise walking distances. RUH added that a small number of Older Persons and Disabled Parking spaces would be reinstated at the hospital entrance in the coming weeks, following the completion of a CT project.

In their correspondence with Cllr Waldron, RUH explained that additional parking is being prioritised as part of a new Spatial Plan, currently under development with HSE Estates. This plan aims to guide future infrastructure and service improvements.

There was a meeting held last year between Roscommon County Council and the hospital, where solutions such as improved transport links between the hospital, town centre, and public transport hubs were discussed.

Cllr Waldron reaffirmed his commitment to addressing the issue, stating that parking is a key concern for the community and must be prioritised in future developments.

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