THURSDAY
On thin ice
It’s a PR company’s dream (well, not really; it’s just a quiet afternoon in the office).
Today, as people who aren’t walking like penguins (as advised recently by RTE) continue to slip and slide in those parts of the country most affected by the much-hyped snow and frost, a press release arrives into the Roscommon People from one of the many PR companies engaged in trying to maximise media coverage for clients.
‘Dancing on Ice returns to Virgin Media Television this Sunday’ reads the headline. What wonderful timing!
Meanwhile, Micheál Martin and Simon Harris continue to woo Michael ‘Kingmaker’ Lowry, dismissing questions about the controversial Tipperary TD’s character.
It looks like FF and FG are about to do business with Lowry and his Regional Independents Group, with no government role on the cards for our own Michael Fitzmaurice and Independent Ireland.
Dancing on ice… or skating on thin ice?!
FRIDAY
Bunsen burner
Congratulations to all local students who participated so imaginatively in the 2025 BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition.
In my day, there was none of the ingenuity we marvel at these days! We got very excited when a Bunsen burner was introduced into our class (early 1980s), but I think our notably memorable science/chemistry exposure more or less peaked at that.
FRIDAY
If the cap fits…
Now it emerges that Deputies Michael and Danny Healy-Rae are in the ‘Government formation’ talks zone. Having previously met with Fianna Fáil Leader Micheál Martin, the duo have now held talks with the Taoiseach, Simon Harris. Could Ireland be about to have its first ever (permanently) cap-wearing minister?
SATURDAY
Lough Funshinagh
I was pleased to hear positive news on the Lough Funshinagh issue. The affected residents have been living through a dreadful ordeal.
An Bord Pleanála has now approved an application by Roscommon County Council for the development of an interim flood relief scheme to pump water from the lough and discharge it to the Cross River, within the townland of Carrick.
Roscommon Council and politicians across the political spectrum are welcoming this development, with the local authority saying it paves the way to provide much-needed relief to properties affected by the flooding.
In the meantime, efforts will continue to achieve a permanent solution.
SUNDAY
Famous birthdays
A glance at the ‘This week’s birthdays’ section in the Sunday Independent is usually oddly satisfying. This weekend, it begins with a Roscommon man (Chieftains’ flautist Matt Molloy celebrates his 78th birthday today).
As per the concept, there are many notable entries. Matt shares his birthday (12th of January) with former UK chat show host Michael Aspel, now a ripe old 92. I was surprised at how relatively young golfer Ronan Rafferty (61 on Monday), and snooker player Stephen Hendry (56, also on Monday) still are.
It’s interesting to see which celebrities share birthdays. Actor James Nesbitt, Claudia Winkleman (currently presenting Traitors on BBC One) and music promoter Pete Waterman all have their birthday on January 15th.
January 16th is also interesting: listed are singer Sade, model Kate Moss, radio presenter Ian Dempsey, snooker’s Cliff Thorburn, GAA star Denis ‘Ogie’ Moran, soccer’s Matt Doherty and James May (of Top Gear renown). Well, Dempsey is allegedly 64, but he is of course ageless.
There’s another Roscommon music connection (kind of), as singer Paul Young celebrates his 69th birthday on January 17th. Last summer, Paul married Roscommon woman Laura Kelly, who hails from Tarmonbarry. Love of the (Ros)Common People… sorry.
The ‘Wherever I Lay My Hat’ singer shares a birthday with both Michelle Obama and Jim Carrey (how is the latter now 63?).
Speaking of ‘How are they that age?’ type musings, if one-time youngest-ever Taoiseach Leo Varadkar turns 46 this Saturday (as he does), it’s a sobering reminder that we are all getting older.
Then again, if Samantha Mumba is only 42 this Saturday (as she is), it almost feels like we are all getting younger, or at least ageing more slowly than we thought!
MONDAY
In pursuit of justice
I went to Rooskey yesterday to attend the unveiling of a plaque at the residence of the late Liam Farrell, the nature of whose death in 2020 remains a mystery.
I’m originally from Rooskey. Liam was a family friend, and one of nature’s gentlemen. His family have been through a harrowing time since his passing, with numerous unanswered questions concerning what happened in the early hours of January 12th, 2020.
Liam (87) was found dead outside the back door of his residence. His family are convinced that his death is suspicious and that their father was attacked by a third party.
There was a great turnout in Rooskey for Sunday’s ceremony as the people of the area came out in support of the Farrell family. A high-level Garda review of the original investigation is now underway. The Farrell family, and the local community, must get the answers – and justice – they deserve. We have a special report on pages 16 & 17.
TUESDAY
Tony Slattery
It’s sad how many great comedians have ‘demons’ – the latter probably not a very PC word to use in this context. Be that as it may, I was saddened to hear of the passing today, aged 65, of British comedian Tony Slattery.
I read an interview in one of the British Sunday papers a year or two ago in which Slattery spoke about his mental health struggles. At the time, he spoke optimistically of a career comeback. It was well underway. He launched a podcast just last October and had a tour planned.
Readers who recall the popular Channel 4 show ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway?’ – it ran from 1988 to 1999 – will remember Tony Slattery, then in his prime. He was a regular on the very popular improvisational programme along with fellow comedians such as Stephen Fry, Rory Bremner and Paul Merton.
Gifted, and very highly regarded by his peers, Tony Slattery had many struggles in latter years, and it is very sad that he has died just as he was going back on tour. As a pioneering comic talent, he shone very brightly. And he was loved. May he rest in peace.
