The Health Minister says she wants to develop more community healthcare services to ease the pressure on hospitals.

Local councillor Peggy Nolan says she's encouraged following the Minister's visit.

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill gave no commitment to increased services in Longford earlier today.

However, Cllr Nolan, who has voiced criticism of the HSE, says there are signs of progress:

A county Leitrim GAA club has lodged ambitious plans to enhance their club facilities.

Leitrim Gaels Community Development Ltd has submitted an application in relation to expanding club facilities in Leitrim Village.

This planning application includes the proposed construction of a new training pitch, two 20mx10m padel courts and the proposed construction of a gym.

Also included is the proposed construction of a community walkway and the proposed erection of a digital scoreboard to serve the existing playing field.

Permission is also being requested for the proposed change of use of the first floor of the existing clubhouse from general storage to community use.

The application also details plans for the proposed construction of a detached single storey building to the west of the existing clubhouse comprising a community gymnasium, changing rooms and all associated signage.

A decision is expected to be made by planners by September 2nd.

People living in Roscommon and Leitrim are living furthest away from healthcare settings.

According to the CSO, Leitrim residents are on average 38 kilometres away from their closest General Hospital, while those living in Roscommon are furthest away from their GP, pharmacy and nearest emergency department.

Dublin is the closest to GPs, pharmacies, emergency departments and maternity departments.

Monaghan residents live furthest away from their closes maternity hospital at 44 point 4 kilometres.

The average distance to the local pharmacy nationally is 1 kilometre, while the average distance to a general hospital is 10 and a half kilometres.

That increases to nearly 13 kilometres for an emergency department, 16 point 8 kilometres for a maternity department and 1 point 2 kilometres for the GP.

If you live in Dublin though you're less than 4 kilometres from a general hospital, 4.6 from a A&E and 7 point 7 kilometres from a maternity hospital.

That shrinks to just 600 metres for the local pharmacy, with the nearest GP being just 700 metres away.

Bishop Paul Connell has announced a number of diocesan appointments and retirements that will take effect in September across the Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnois.

The appointments include the retirement of five parish priests following many years of dedicated ministry.

Five parish priests have retired, they are:

• Father John Quinn, Parish Priest of Gortletteragh.
• Father Ciaran McGovern, Parish Priest of Clonguish.
• Father Bernard Hogan, Parish Priest of Drumlish.
• Father Seamus McKeon, Parish Priest of Colmcille.
• Father Sean Casey, Parish Priest of Killoe.

To ensure the continued pastoral care of the affected parishes, Bishop Connell has announced a number of new appointments and additional responsibilities for priests already serving within the diocese.

Father James McKiernan, Administrator of the Cathedral Parish of Templemichael, will also become Administrator of the Parish of Clonguish.

Father Tom Murray, Parish Priest of Ballinalee, will also serve as Administrator of the Parish of Killoe.

Father Nigel Charles, Parish Priest of Mohill, has been appointed Administrator of the Parish of Gortletteragh in addition to his current responsibilities.

Father Seamus O'Rourke, currently Curate in Carrick-on-Shannon, has been appointed Administrator of the Parish of Colmcille.

Father Eamon McNerney, who is on loan to the diocese from the Archdiocese of Edmonton in Canada, has been appointed Administrator of the Parish of Drumlish.

The appointments will come into effect from the weekend of 6 September.

Lidl Ireland say they "remain committed" to opening a new store in Monksland. Roscommon County Council turned down plans for a new supermarket in South Roscommon last Friday.

They say a new store in Monksland would have been too car-dependent for shoppers. In a statement issued to Shannonside FM this evening, Lidl say they are disappointed to receive the decision but remain committed to opening a new store.

The fallout continues into an 'enforcement operation' carried out by the Department of Agricuulture on county a Roscommon farm. Dozens of cows were destroyed by Department officials following animal welfare concerns at the farm. Videos circulating on social media show the operation was carried out with support and assistance from Gardaí.

The methods by which the animals were handled and killed sparked a strong reaction from the IFA and others. A meeting between IFA delegates and officials from the Department of Agriculture has taken place. Speaking on this morning's Joe Finnegan Show, forensic veterinay expert David Martin says appropiate steps must be taken:

Fr John Gannon is set to become the parish priest of Boyle in Co Roscommon next month. He currently holds the same role in Tulsk and will take over in Boyle on August 15th.

Fr Gerry Hanly is retiring after 28 years in charge of the north Roscommon parish. Former mayor of Boyle, Jane Suffin, is paying tribute to the 75-year-old:

The Health Minister says she wants to develop more community healthcare services to ease the pressure on hospitals. Jennifer Carroll MacNeill was in Longford today, where she visited a number of local facilities.

There have been repeated calls for increased services in the county including further development of the minor injury unit. Speaking at St Joseph's Care Centre today, the Minister said she was committed to further development:

South Roscommon councillors have expressed their disappointment at plans for a new Lidl Supermarket in Monksland being turned down. Roscommon County Council says a new store in Monksland would have been too car-dependent for shoppers.

The decision to turn down the application was raised at today's Athlone Muncipal District meeting. Fine Gael Councillor Valerie Duffy says there's huge disappointment in the area:

Fianna Fáil Councillor John Keogh says there's a need for a new supermarket in South Roscommon:

Gardaí have issued an appeal over a suspected arson attack in county Longford. The alleged incident happened shortly after midnight on Sunday in the Devine Crescent area of Edgeworthstown. In a statement, Gardaí say that they attended the scene of an incident of criminal damage of a car by fire at a house in Edgeworthstown, Co. Longford in the early hours of Sunday morning. The blaze was extinguished by local fire services, and no injuries have been reported.

This is the latest in a string of similar incidents in the county in recent weeks. Last week, a car was set on fire in Longford town. The incident occurred in the McEoin Park area in the early hours of Thursday morning, July 16th. Gardaí say no injuries were reported. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Longford Garda Station or the Garda Confidential Line. Enquiries into both incidents are ongoing.

Almost 300 children with disabilities in the Shannonside region are overdue needs assessments. They need to have them done to get the help they need. An 'assessment of need' allows a child to be diagnosed with a disability, such as autism, so they can access the care they need. Under the Disability Act, the HSE is supposed to complete the assessments within six months. But, in the first three months of this year, the national average time for completing an assessment was nearly 24 months.

Children and Disability Minister Norma Foley says 125 kids in Roscommon were overdue assessments in the first quarter of the year - with 105 more than three months late. There were 91 overdue in Leitrim and Sligo - with over half more than three months late. And, in Longford-Westmeath, a total of 66 were overdue.

Minister Foley says her department and the HSE have been working intensively to address the delays. She says 43 per cent more assessments were finished last year than in 2024.

Roscommon County Council says a Lidl supermarket in Monksland would have been too car-dependent for shoppers.

The local authority rejected planning permission for the store.

Lidl wants to build a single-storey supermarket near the Joe Duffy car showroom in Monksland.

There'd also be a cafe or restaurant and a retail unit.

But last Friday the council turned the plans down.

It says the development would have prioritised people going there by car.

The council says it wants to prioritise walkers and alternatives to car-use, under new active-travel plans.

The local authority also says it doesn't fit in with the zoning for the area, which involves more mixed use for new developments.

It also has issues with the design of the building, saying it lacks 'architectural merit'.

Lidl has four weeks to lodge an appeal with An Coimisiún Pleanála.

Just over 20 per cent of prisoners locally reoffended within one year of being released.

That's one of the findings of a new report published by the CSO.

In 2023, 43 prisoners were released across Longford, Leitrim and Roscommon.

A total of 20 were released in Longford, 14 in Roscommon, while there were nine in Leitrim.

Of these nine were convicted of a crime within one year after their release from custody.

Roscommon saw the highest with 4, there were three reoffenders in Longford and in Leitrim, there were two.

Nationally, 2,987 prisoners were released in 2023, 1251 of who reoffended within one year of being released.

Around 100 people attended a meeting in Lanesboro last night to hear a proposal for the future use of Lough Ree Power Station.

Leitrim businessman JJ O'Hara outlined plans for a national fire testing centre among other projects.

The FutureCast CEO told those in attendance the company had completed a feasibility study.

The ESB remains adamant, however, that the power station will be taken down to make way for a battery storage facility.

Dismantling the station could cost up to €25 million, while FutureCast's proposed refurbishment would cost €20 million.

JJ O'Hara says he remains upbeat despite the ESB's refusal to give up the site:

Contraband worth an estimated value of over 213 thousand euro has been seized in seizures, including the Midlands.

29.9kg of cannabis resin valued at more than 179 thousand euro was seized alongside 200 grams of herbal cannabis and other illicit drugs.

109 counterfeit items and tobacco products were also confiscated.

The drug seizures followed risk profiling with the assistance of detector dogs Daithi and Ciara, with parcels originating in the USA, India, the UK and Portugal.

Investigations into all the seizures remain ongoing.

Serious safety concerns have been raised outside a national school in County Roscommon.

A survey of parents at Threen National School near Castlerea found 96 per cent felt unsafe dropping and collecting their children.

52 per cent of parents said they'd witnessed a near miss involving a child at the school.

The results of the survey were presented by Cllr Ruth Conboy at this morning's meeting of Roscommon Municipal District.

Roscommon County Council says it will review existing signage near the school and advised the school to apply for funding from the National Transport Authority.

She a number of other schools have expressed similar concerns:

The Fine Gael councillor says she's urging Roscommon County Council to take action:

Shane Moran has stepped down as Roscommon minor manager after the conclusion of his term.

Moran departs having overseen one of the most successful periods in recent history for Roscommon Minor football.

Under his leadership, Roscommon secured back-to-back Connacht Minor Football Championship titles in 2025 and 2026.

Indeed, the success in 2026 formed a key part of an historic season for Roscommon football. Where, the county won the senior, Under-20 and Minor Connacht Football Championships in the same year for the first time ever.

Shane’s contribution to this remarkable achievement ensured his place in one of the most memorable chapters in Roscommon GAA history.

“On behalf of Roscommon GAA; I would like to sincerely thank Shane and his management teams for the outstanding commitment, professionalism and leadership they have shown throughout their time with the Roscommon Minor team” said Roscommon GAA Chairperson Thomas Murray.

“Winning back-to-back Connacht Minor Championships is a tremendous achievement in itself. But, to play such an important role in Roscommon’s historic Senior; Under-20 and Minor Connacht Championship treble in 2026 is something that will forever be remembered as a landmark moment in the history of our county”.

“Shane, his management teams and players have left a lasting legacy, and we are extremely grateful for everything they have done for Roscommon football”.

“We wish Shane and his family every success in the future.”

Roscommon GAA also extends its sincere appreciation to John Rodgers, Padraig Kelly; Colm Garvey and Niall Carty for their dedication and commitment throughout their time with the Minor panel.

The process to appoint a new Roscommon Minor Football Manager will commence in due course.

All under 18s will be banned from e-scooters from next month under changes agreed by the Government today.

It will also be mandatory for all users to wear helmets and high visibility jackets from August.

Later in the year, e-scooters will be reclassified to fall under the same rules as other mechanically propelled vehicles - which means they'll require a licence and registration.

A total ban is being kept on the table.

Local Cllr Seamus Butler believes greater enforcement is needed:

Plans for a new Lidl supermarket in south Roscommon have been refused. The German chain applied to Roscommon County Council to build a new store on a 3-acre site in Monksland. A public meeting in support of the development took place last month.

A number of locals and politicians also made submissions in support of the project. Roscommon County Council have yet to publish the reasons for refusing the application.

To quote a wordsmith far more eloquent than I:

They think it’s all over, it is now!

And that is that, the end. Spain are Champions of the World for a second time, 16 years after their first triumph in 2010, Ferran Torres’ goal in extra-time saw them past Lionel Messi’s Argentina, who’s attempts to control where the game’s destiny was going were foiled within the first 45 seconds of the second half of extra time at the New York New Jersey Stadium. We all knew this final would be a tense affair, and we all knew it had zero chance of living up to the Bronze Final; where England defeated France 6-4. In a just world, we could write 20 articles on the spectacle of that game, but unfortunately it was the warm-up act the day before the final, which in itself was a show, and a football match, being opened by the likes of Robbie Williams and Tom Cruise; cinema’s greatest action star delivered an impassionate speech about the journey we all went on during the tournament, which is in no way a subtle attempt to promote his upcoming film. I digress. Eventually the football got underway, five minutes past a scheduled 3pm kickoff in New Jersey, and to say that the greatest game in sport was a tepid, painful and at times, drab affair would be a fair conclusion to make about Spain V Argentina. The 2022 champions sat behind the ball, Spain’s possession and patience shining as chance after chance was either saved by Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez or squandered by the likes of Lamine Yamal, Mikel Merino or Mikel Oyarzabal.

Half-time came and went, with an added half-time show part of the festivities, before more of the same in the second half. All of the drama kicked off in the 93^rd minute, where 11 minutes after being booked for dissent, Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez was sent off for a crunching tackle on Spain defender Pau Cubarsi, who as it so happened won the Young Player of the Tournament. Fernandez received his marching orders after a lengthy protest, before Lamine Yamal could’ve booked his place in footballing history by firing a free-kick past Martinez, but Villa’s number one covered immense ground to pull off a sensational save, denying Yamal the greatest moment of his career. That being said, he’ll have plenty of chances to make history. He’s 19 in case you didn’t know, or forgot. Extra-time was more of the same, despite Spain having a goal ruled out for a foul on former Manchester City defender Nicolas Otamendi being fouled by Merino, but in the 106^th minute, it was Ferran Torres who emulated Andres Iniesta, scoring the winner for Spain to clinch not just the World Cup, but the coveted and rarely achieved Euros-World Cup double, which was last achieved by Spain in 2008, when they won the Euros, and in 2010, winning the iconic World Cup in South Africa.

Jubilant scenes followed despite some of the Argentinian camp losing their cool, before FIFA President Gianni Infantino and US President Donald Trump handed the trophy to Golden Ball winner, Rodri, who lifted it high into the Jersey sky to cap off a wonderful, calculated and calm Spanish campaign in North America. And then silence fell over the stadium; the fans slowly trickled away, as did the players, coaching staff and the media, as the 23^rd FIFA World Cup came to an end after six enthralling weeks of non-stop action. There’s no doubt that the expansion of the tournament has worked, which is music to the ears of Mr Infantino, who’s considered interest in expanding the tournament again for the 100^th anniversary in 2030; that World Cup is mostly going to be held in Morocco, Portugal, and in the backyard of the new World Champions, Spain, a feat that has never happened before.

FIFA will be very happy with how the tournament played out; the final raked in half a billion dollars, but from a sporting perspective, it wasn’t as bad as people feared with an extra knockout round, and it offered drama everywhere you looked. Who would’ve thought that Pico Lopes of Shamrock Rovers and co would shock the entire globe with their heroics with Cape Verde? Who would’ve seen Germany losing on penalties to Paraguay? Who would’ve imagined the likes of Curacao strutting their stuff on the world’s stage? The storylines were endless and the memories were infinite, but to wrap it all up, here’s the Northern Sound World Cup 2026 Awards, voted for by Dave Hooper, Kevin McDermott, Sean McCaffrey, and Luke Watson (After much debate and discussion)

Player of the Tournament: Rodri (Spain, Manchester City)

Young Player of the Tournament: Michael Olise (France, Bayern Munich)

Game of the Tournament: Argentina 3-2 Egypt

Story of the Tournament: Folarin Balogun’s re-instation by FIFA following his red card

Underrated Player: Mikel Merino (Spain, Arsenal)

Goal of the Tournament: Sidny Lopes Cabral’s equaliser against Argentina in the Round of 32.

So after 104 matches, Spain have earned their second star, deposing the Argentinians to win the greatest sporting event on Earth. I started with a quote from a legendary broadcaster, so I’ll finish with one from another legendary broadcaster, with a slight change at the end:

20 odd men kicked a ball around for 120 minutes, and in the end, do I really need to tell you, the Spanish won.

That’s all folks. Luke Watson - 2026 World cup Diary

There were over 30 patients waiting for a bed at hospitals serving the Shannonside region this morning.

That's according to the INMO's latest trolley watch report.

27 were waiting at Sligo University Hospital,

This inclued 16 in the emergency department and 11 on wards elsewhere.

Elsewhere, there were six at Mullingar and one in Portiuncula.

University Hospital Limerick remains the country's most overcrowded hospital with 107 patients waiting there this morning.

Work has got underway on a new astroturf pitch at a Co. Roscommon school.

CBS Roscommon held a sod turning ceremony this morning to mark the start of construction on the project.

The school has been involved in a major fundraising drive in recent months as they look to raise around €200,000 for the project.

Principal Kevin Scollan says it's a landmark day for the school:

Roscommon County Council Cathaoirleach Domnick Connolly says many local athletes will benefit from the facility:

A local councillor has slammed Transport Infrastructure Ireland for its failure to tackle a dangerous junction in County Roscommon.

Fianna Fáil councillor Marty McDermott was responding to a letter from the TII in relation to the new stretch of the N60 at Oran.

He had previously asked the TII to consider safety works and said the junction was 'a fatality waiting to happen'.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland said it hadn't been identified as a 'high collision location'.

The N60 Oran Road Realignment Project was only completed in 2020 at a cost of €14 million.

Cllr McDermott described the response as 'a disgrace' and urged them to visit the area:

The N63 between Lanesboro and Longford Town has closed for a period of six weeks.

Longford County Council says the closure is to facilitate pavement improvement works between Kilashee Village and Gowlan.

The closure will be in effect until Friday, August 28th.

When travelling from Longford, motorists are being diverted onto the R397 to Terlicken and then R392 to Lanesboro.

While motorists travelling from Lanesboro will be diverted onto the R392 to Terlicken and then turn left and take the R397 to Ballymacormack.

Traffic exiting Longford will be unable to access Killashee village along the N63 during the road closure.

In the interest of road safety, motorists are requested to follow diversions and heed all signs.

Government Ministers have been meeting the Garda Commissioner to discuss potential measures.

The Taoiseach, Tánaiste and a number of Ministers including the Transport and Justice Ministers have been meeting with the Garda Commissioner through the morning and early afternoon.

Some Ministers have suggested a total ban could be introduced in response to safety concerns.

Labour thinks that's a cop out - with TD Marie Sherlock saying many people use e-scooters for transport legitimately and safely

Drumshanbo-based Cllr Brendan Barry feels measures need to be introduced:

Concern has been expressed over GP services in Lanesborough.

Earlier this year, Dr Ali retired after serving the and Longford town for many years.

His practice was then taken over by another GP, serving both locations.

However, many patients are believed to missing out on essential appointments at Lanesborough due to restricted opening hours.

Local TD Micheál Carrigy says a full service is needed:

The Fine Gael representative is calling for the contract to be honoured:

Longford is the most expensive county for car insurance.

That's according to new research by Chill Insurance.

Their findings reveal that it costs motorists in Longford an average of €785 to insure their car.

Leitrim was ranked 7th cheapest in the country with the average price standing at €628.

Roscommon came in at 15th on the list with it costing motorists an average of €656 to insure their car.

A sod turning ceremony is taking place at a Co. Roscommon secondary school this morning. Work is due to start on a new astroturf pitch at CBS Roscommon later today.

The school has been involved in a major fundraising drive in recent months as they look to raise around €200,000 for the project. Principal Kevin Scollan says they're very close to reaching their target:

A decision on plans for Boyle's historic post office is due this week. Aaron Sharkey's proposal includes eight bedrooms, a takeaway coffee facility and other works.

A decision on the development was due earlier this year, however Roscommon County Council sought further information on the project. County Planners are due to issue their decision on the plans tomorrow.

The showpiece event in the camogie calendar, Glen Dimplex All-Ireland final day, is taking shape.

Antrim will play Laois in the intermediate decider on August ninth. Whereas, the premier junior final will see Armagh take on Cavan to kick off the action in three weeks’ time.

Cavan’s group form made them heavy favourites over Kildare in their semi-final. However, the Lilywhites pushed their opponents all the way in Tullamore before losing out by 2-12 to 1-9.

Hannah Fitzsimons gave Cavan a perfect start with a sideline cut that was deflected to the Kildare net.

Cavan were seven points ahead midway through the half; only to be reeled in and overtaken by a sensational Kildare second quarter.

Caoimhe Ní Bhuirceall found the net and late points from Aoife Stynes and Aoife McDermott put two between them at half-time.

The second-half was one-way traffic. However, as Kildare couldn’t get going up front in the face of a dominant Cavan half-back line of Aideen Coyle, Alannah Tierney and Rebecca Fitzsimons.

Whereas, Niamh Keenaghan’s 1-1 and two Shanise Fitzsimons points backboned Cavan’s surge to victory.

Armagh, went into this year’s campaign as the overwhelming favourites. They showed all their class in a high-quality, high-scoring semi-final win over Roscommon, 4-19 to 2-19.

Roscommon did their best hurling in the first-half, inspired by a wonderful performance from Orla Connolly. Connolly finished with 1-9 on the day.

Player-of-the-match, Sinéad Quinn found the net from a long range shot while Rachel Trainor notched 0-7 in the first-half alone.

Antrim dent Roscommon come back

However, turning around with the wind at their backs, Roscommon were well poised when they trailed by just two (1-11 to 0-12) at half-time.

This game was effectively decided in the five minutes after the interval when Armagh scored 2-3 unanswered; the goals coming from Rachel Trainor and Corina Doyle.

Roscommon rallied late and reduced the gap to three points briefly on the back of Connolly’s goal and a Rachel Dooley point, but Armagh won the next puckout as Quinn set up Trainor for the decisive score of the game.

In the intermediate games. goals were the difference in Antrim’s game against Meath at Breffni Park, with Éabha McAllister first to hit the net for the Saffrons.

Playing into a strong breeze, Meath responded well, kicked off by a monster free from distance from Aoife Minogue.

Emma Regan fired over three in succession to draw them level. It took an inspirational strike from Maeve Kelly to wrest the initiative back Antrim’s way.

The game was still in the melting pot five minutes into the second-half when McAllister hit the net a second time.

Antrim kept five or six between the teams until Griffin struck the clinching goal in a 3-10 to 0-12 win.

Seven points was the margin in Tullamore for the other semi-final as well. However, it felt much more comprehensive as Laois conceded a goal at the start of each half and still eased to a 1-17 to 2-7 win.

Jackie Horgan pounced on a dropped ball to fire in the opening goal inside 60 seconds. Kerry doubled that lead with three quick points, only for Laois to hit back with six in a row.

Kerry power into final

Gráinne Delaney ended a run of three Laois wides with a pointed free, Kaylee O’Keeffe missed a goal chance but raised the white flag, and there were further scores from play from Aimee Collier and Sarah Creagh to level the game, with the breeze favouring Kerry at this point.

1-4 to 0-8 behind at half-time, Kate Lynch gave Kerry another super start to the second half and they led by three approaching the midway point.

Collier struck four frees to bring her tally to eight points overall, while Eimear Hassett’s late goal confirmed a return to Croke Park for last year’s premier junior champions.