Speaking at the official launch of the 51^st show in Hannon’s Hotel last month, Show President Christy Tully said the event had endured many challenges over the past five decades but had “stood the test of time”.

“This would not have been possible without our hard-working committees. There would be no show without the help of our volunteers, sponsors, and exhibitors,” he said.

The show will take place at Hannon’s Field on the Athlone Road and Mr Tully thanked the Hannon family for the use of the land and the hotel, describing the venue as “the best place for a show”.

Chairperson Damien Hannon said the event highlighted “the best our agricultural sector has to offer” but added that the committee faces greater challenges each year to keep the show on the road.

“Year after year, the event becomes a greater challenge for us as the general costs rise and health and safety tightens,” he said, before paying tribute to the show committee for “putting their shoulders to the wheel” to make it happen.

Mr Hannon thanked the show’s many generous sponsors and other backers including: the Irish Shows Association; Department of Rural and Community Development; Department of Agriculture; Horse Sport Ireland; Local Enterprise Board; and Roscommon County Council.

The chairperson added that without the show’s numerous sponsors, the event wouldn’t survive each year.

Guest of Honour on the night was Roscommon football captain Brian Stack, who travelled from Dublin to attend the launch.

“Local events such as the Roscommon Industrial & Agricultural Show are very important. We know the support everyone in Roscommon gives us on the football pitch from January to July each year so any chance we get to give something back we’ll always take it,” he said.

National Secretary of the Irish Shows Association, Jim Harrison, was also present on the night.

Mr Harrison highlighted the importance of youth involvement, saying he was delighted to see the amount of classes on offer for younger participants.

He added that the show was an important social outlet for many people in rural areas and that State funding was vital in keeping the events going nationwide.

Mr Harrison said sustainability was “the way to go” and that shows would soon feature ‘sustainability villages’ more prominently.

He also encouraged the Roscommon committee to invite the likes of Bord Bia, Teagasc and the Department of Agriculture to attend the event.

The post Rescheduled Roscommon Agricultural Show takes place this Saturday appeared first on Roscommon People.

Addressing last month’s launch at Hannon’s Hotel, the head of the sheep section, Pat Naughton, said: “The most exciting thing we have this year, and we can thank Cllr Anthony Waldron for it, are the classes for the Roscommon sheep.

“I’m at sheep all my life and I thought the Roscommon sheep were gone, but they are not, thanks to the work of the Roscommon Sheep Breeders’ Association”.

Mr Naughton introduced Longford native, Noel Kiernan, praising him for his work in saving the iconic sheep breed.

He said that this year’s section would feature four classes for the Roscommon Sheep breed, sponsored by Cllr Waldron, and that the committee were delighted to have them.

Mr Kiernan said he had become interested in rare sheep breeds such as the Roscommon breed and that he had travelled by bicycle to Four Roads/Brideswell where he met Willie Dolan.

“Willie pointed out a ewe…I call her Eve now because she was the start of rekindling the breed,” he said.

Mr Kiernan then sourced a ram from Gort, which he called ‘Adam’, and from that union two ram lambs were bred.

“We’re delighted to have categories in the show to show the sheep off to you. They are nice sheep and easy to handle,” he said.

As well as the historic Roscommon Sheep classes, there will also be up to 30 other classes in the section, according to Pat Naughton, including traditional, modern, and continental breeds.

The head of the sheep section also highlighted the young handlers’ class, which was free to enter, and aimed at encouraging younger participants.

“They can bring a pet lamb if they like. If they know a few things about the sheep, they can win a prize. We’ll give everyone a rosette just to encourage them,” he said.

Sticking with the theme of encouraging more participation in the Roscommon Show, Mr Naughton urged others to come forward to help run the event.

“It would be great to see someone else coming on board,” he said.

“If we don’t get younger people (involved in running the various sections), then I don’t know what’s going to happen”.

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The group held a public meeting on Wednesday, August 30^th in Knockcroghery to discuss a new application for the construction of a turbine in the area. The latest application is seeking permission to erect a turbine with an 81-metre tower and tip height of over 149 metres. The application, received on August 17^th, also includes the installation of a hard standing area, underground cabling, and a substation.

Natural Forces Renewable Energy lost its An Bord Pleanála appeal last September to overturn a Roscommon County Council decision to refuse planning for a 150-metre turbine at Kilcash.

The current application is described as ‘incomplete’ but a spokesperson for the Kilcash Wind Turbine Action Group said members expect the application to be resubmitted shortly.

The spokesperson has called on residents in the area to unite against the proposal and said the meeting on Wednesday of last week was very positive.

“There was a really good turnout at Culleen Hall and we are united on this. The community is very much against this proposal and are quite upset and angry about this,” the spokesperson said.

“We are steadfast in our view that the impact on the environment remains the same and we are calling on neighbours and local residents to make as many submissions as they can opposing this”.

The Kilcash Wind Turbine Action Group has called on the local community to come together in opposition to the proposed wind turbine and claims there has so far been no engagement from Natural Forces.

Natural Forces Renewable Energy Limited have been contacted for comment but none was forthcoming at the time of going to press.

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 From arranging flowers to arranging music, 24-year-old Roscommon singer and florist Ciara Lawless, works in her flower shop by day before writing and recording her own music by night!

Her new single ‘I Am Your Healer’ is available now from Human Angel Records and across all streaming services.

Ciara made her mark on the music industry with her debut single, ‘Half The Man’, in May of this year. Since then, she has been sharpening her stage skills over the summer while performing at various festivals including The Mná Festival at Dun na Sí, Co. Westmeath and The Lovestock Festival in Tuamgraney, Co. Clare.

With I Am Your Healer, Ciara delves into the profound themes of love, self-discovery, and healing. Set for release this September, the song promises to captivate hearts and minds, leaving an indelible imprint on all who encounter its ethereal melodies.

Ciara told the Roscommon People this week that “this is only the beginning”, as she has plans to release a new album in May 2024.

Ciara writes and sings contemporary pop songs exploring modern themes of mindfulness and wellbeing. Her songs are easy listening folk-pop songs and feature acoustic guitar as the primary instrument, with melodic and catchy choruses.

The songs are mellow and melodic, evoking a sense of nostalgia and exploring modern themes of mindfulness and wellbeing, delivered with Ciara’s particularly distinctive voice.

Ciara’s music journey began at a young age when she started taking classes in acting and singing. She later developed an interest in classical and opera, training at the Academy of Music in Tullamore, where she also competed in national and international competitions.

While some singers cut their teeth while climbing the music ladder, Ciara earned her stripes as a funeral singer before embarking on her current musical journey.

You can find Ciara’s music on all streaming platforms.

The post Ciara goes from arranging flowers to arranging music! appeared first on Roscommon People.

Tulsk dairy farmer and elite athlete, Ed Payne, will be lacing up his running shoes once again this weekend as he sets off on a mammoth 200-mile run in aid of Tulsk National School and South Roscommon Family Resource Centre.

Ed’s run will take him from Shannon Harbour in County Offaly to the Grand Canal in Dublin before returning to Tulsk via the Royal Canal on Sunday afternoon, a distance of over 330kms.

The kind-hearted runner, who will be supported by wife Jennifer and sons Ben and Aaron this weekend, says this will be the longest run he has ever attempted.

“I’ll be setting off around six o’clock on Friday evening and running continuously throughout the weekend…apart from a few ‘disco naps’ here and there,” he said.

“The hardest part will be running in the depths of night at around 2 am to 4 am. But I am hoping to return to Tulsk National School some time on Sunday afternoon where there will be a bit of a party hopefully!”

Ed, who is a member of Sliabh Bán Athletics Club, is encouraging other runners to come and join him on different parts of the route.

“Hopefully people can join me on the canals and Sliabh Bán. It’s for two very good causes. Tulsk National School, where both our children are students, is fundraising for a new AstroTurf pitch while South Roscommon Family Resource Centre are looking to expand their services. That’s an organisation that does great work for families in Roscommon,” he said.

“We’re very grateful for all donations so far and whatever people can contribute to these two worthy causes is very much appreciated”.

The post No Payne, no gain for local charities! appeared first on Roscommon People.

The Castlerea MEP claims offensive comments referring to naked pictures of then Green Party candidate Saoirse McHugh were posted from his account after it was hacked in the early hours of September 28^th 2020.

The accused has been named as Diarmuid Hayes, who worked as an assistant to Mr Flanagan in Brussels from 2018 to 2019. Saoirse McHugh and Emma Sheeran, an assistant of the MEP, have been named as victims in the case. Mr Hayes has yet to enter a plea.

The case, which is understood to revolve around two alleged breaches of Belgian law, was adjourned until January 3^rd of next year because Mr Hayes’ lawyer must appear at the Brussels terror attacks trial.

Mr Flanagan appeared at the hearing in the Palais de Justice on Monday with members of his family. He had previously said his Twitter account had been hacked and an “extremely damaging” message was posted before being deleted. He said this was done by a third party and “against my will and knowledge”.

The post ‘Ming’ phone hacking case adjourned to January appeared first on Roscommon People.

Addressing the recent show launch in the Percy French Hotel, chairperson John O’Beirne thanked the Callery family for again hosting the show in such a “beautiful setting”.

He confirmed there will be a “very full programme for spectators” with gate entry fee at just €15.

Among the highlights will be the €6,000 Sweeney family All-Ireland Beef Bullock Final and the €12,000 Angus finals in the cattle section as well as the €17,000 Draught Filly classes in the horse section.

The show also boasts a a huge sheep section as well as classes for farm and garden produce, flowers, turf, cookery, handcrafts, photography and much more.

‘Flavours from the heart of Ireland’ also returns this year with a number of cookery demonstrations and food stalls.

The ever-popular Dog Show also returns with 23 classes and Champion and Reserve of the Show and a prize fund of over €1,000.

The Mid-Roscommon Vintage Club will also be present with a display (see below).

There will be free admission for those under the age of 15 and amusements for children to enjoy.

The post 155th Strokestown Show takes place on Saturday appeared first on Roscommon People.

Gardaí have issued an appeal for information this week after the man was assaulted by a number of people and a sum of cash was taken.

The man was taken to Midland Regional Hospital in Tullamore where he was treated for non life-threatening injuries.

A technical examination has since been carried out at the property and investigations are currently ongoing.

Gardaí have appealed to anyone who was travelling in the Ballykeeran/Glasson Road (N55) area between 1 am and 5 am on Saturday morning and may have noticed anything out of the ordinary to contact them.

Road users who may have camera footage (including dash cam) from the area at this time are asked to make it available to Gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Athlone Garda Station on 090-6492600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666111, or any Garda station.

The post Man (70s) injured in Athlone burglary appeared first on Roscommon People.

HLB Ireland said the partnership “reinforces its commitment to supporting exceptional athletes and fostering a diverse and inclusive society”.

“As a paracycling athlete, Richael Timothy has demonstrated unparalleled determination and skill, serving as an inspiration to individuals nationwide. Her unwavering dedication and outstanding achievements align closely with HLB Ireland’s core values of excellence, collaboration and focus,” a statement read.

Speaking about the sponsorship Mark Butler, Managing Partner of HLB Ireland, added: “We are delighted to support Richael Timothy and her remarkable journey. At HLB Ireland, we believe in empowering individuals to reach their fullest potential, and Richael embodies the spirit of determination. We are inspired by her achievements and look forward to supporting her continued success”.

Commenting on the new partnership, Richael Timothy said: “I am extremely grateful to HLB Ireland for their belief in me and their commitment to empowering athletes. This sponsorship will enable me to focus on my training and compete at the highest level. I am excited to represent HLB Ireland as I strive to achieve my goals and inspire others along the way”.

Richael recently returned from the the UCI Cycling World Championships in Scotland on a high having picked up two bronze medals. The C3 competitor finished third in the scratch race and, thanks to that performance, sealed third place overall in the multi-event Omnium.

HLB Ireland’s sponsorship will provide vital support to Richael as she pursues her athletic goals. The funding will aid in her training, equipment, and participation in various national and international competitions as she continues her journey to qualify for the upcoming Paralympic Games in Paris 2024.

The post HLB Ireland announces Richael Timothy sponsorship appeared first on Roscommon People.

The festival originated from the state of Kerala in southwest India and this recent event was organised by the Ros Malayalees group, which is made up of families from that area.

Local parish priest, Fr Pravin Dhason, who hails from the neighbouring Indian province of Tamil Nadu, explained the origins of the event.

“This is a festival of thanksgiving, which is celebrated every year in Kerala. The people from that region, who have migrated all over the world, come together wherever they are to celebrate and to keep up this tradition and pass it on to the next generation,” he said.

  “Southern India has a tradition called the Dravidian tradition and both Kerala and Tamil Nadu fall under this. So while we speak different languages, there are similarities and though we have our own cultural festivals in our own regions, they are all connected.

“The people here today put on traditional dress and dance and eat food together to celebrate. It is a mythical tradition, but we might also claim that some of it is true too!”

The festival is said to mark the return of King Mahabali to Kerala. According to mythology, he was a kind-hearted king and always took care of his people. It’s perhaps not surprising then that thousands of people from modern-day Kerala have migrated to countries like Ireland where they are primarily employed in the healthcare sector.

The Ros Malayalees group was established in 2015 in Roscommon with around 15 families who had come from Kerala to work here. The group has now expanded to include over 60 families, most of whom work in Roscommon University Hospital, the Sacred Heart Home, Roscommon Hospice, and in nursing homes and other care facilities across the county and further afield.

The Onam celebration in Roscommon is also a chance for members of the wider Indian community in the west of Ireland to come together too. It’s a platform for the Indian community to create new friendships and connections. It’s very much a social event with music and food and children happily playing together in the community centre hall.

The organisers of the event, who afforded the Roscommon People a very warm welcome, say that the county is now home to many Indian families and they hope to reach out and become part of other local events in future. They are also very thankful to the local community in Kilbride for their support of the event.

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