A man arrested in relation to a shooting incident which took place in Longford Town last February has been released without charge. The incident occurred on Wednesday, February 4th at around 2.50am.

A man, aged in his 20s, was arrested in Co. Galway yesterday but Gardaí have confirmed he has since been released without charge. A file will now be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

A man who exposed himself to a five-year-old girl at a children's party in Co Roscommon has avoided a jail sentence. But he's been warned he'll be imprisoned if he steps out of a line during a suspended sentence. Roscommon Circuit Court heard this offence happened at a kids' party in May 2024. A 22-year-old man, who can't be named to protect the anonymity of the victim, showed his penis to a five-year-old girl in an upstairs bedroom of the house. He pleaded guilty to exposing his genitals intending to cause fear, distress, or alarm to another person. But Judge Kenneth Connolly noted he later told a probation officer he went into an unoccupied bedroom and engaged in an act of self-gratification and the child walked in.

He said this was a very different scenario to that he'd pleaded guilty to. He said this 're-writing of the facts' was a 'significant aggravating factor'. The judge said, even if what he accepted what he called the 'bizarre and sanitised version', it would be very odd conduct in a neighbour's house. He said the child had been adversely impacted, with a victim-impact statement saying it had taken away the innocence of her childhood. He noted the man was at high-risk of sexual-offence reconviction, according to a probation report.

He also noted how the incident came on the back of his 'significant alcohol intake' and mental-health difficulties. Judge Connolly said he made a 'genuine' apology and had now been off drink and drugs for two years. He gave him a one-year prison sentence but fully suspended it for five years but warned him it would be activated if he stepped out of line.

A former Roscommon GAA player who died in a collision last weekend will be laid to rest later today. Harry Crowley of Cargins Park, Donamon passed away in a single-vehicle collision in the area on Sunday morning, aged in his 60s. The Oran footballer was a popular presence in the local GAA circle, having won an under-21 All-Ireland Football Championship title against Kerry in 1978. He scored Roscommon's last point that day, finishing with 0-2.

Mr. Crowley was also part of the Roscommon panel that won a Connacht Minor Football title in 1975. His funeral mass is taking place in St Patrick's Church, Clooneycolgan at 11.30am with burial taking place afterwards in Oran cemetery.

Children in Co. Longford starting primary school are being invited to visit their local library to pick up a free book bag. It's part of the 'My Little Library Book Bag' initiative by Longford County Council which aims to to help children prepare for starting school.

Children and their parents or guardians are invited to collect their bag at any library in the county. Longford County Council say the bags will be available throughout the summer.

An appeal has been issued over a burglary in county Leitrim. The incident happened in the early hours of Thursday, May 21st in the Carrigallen area.

A number of motorbikes were stolen during the course of the incident. Speaking on Shannonside FM's Crimeline, Sergeant Darren Corcoran appealed for information:

Safety has been raised as a concern among migrants in Longford. That's according to local community activist, Sadia Athar. She has been speaking at the Immigrant Council of Ireland's annual conference in Dublin today, which highlighted the social and economic contribution made by migrants in Ireland.

President Catherine Connolly attended the event and described migrants as a "shining light" on communities across the country. Activist Sadia Athar says she is hopeful that ongoing work will make Co. Longford safer and more inclusive:

Gardaí have arrested a man in relation to a shooting incident which took place in Longford Town last February. The incident occurred on Wednesday, February 4th at around 2.50am.

A man, aged in his 20s, was arrested in Co. Galway today and is being detained at a station in the Garda North Western Region. Gardaí say investigations are ongoing.

Over 5,000 families in the Shannonside region are to benefit from an extension of the Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance Scheme.

For the first time, it will be extended to include two and three-year-olds.

Over 2,300 families will receive the payment in Sligo-Leitrim.

In Longford, 1500 families will receive the payment while Roscommon sees 1,400 recipients.

Payment is made at a rate of 160 euro for under 11s and 285 euro for children aged 12 years and over.

Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary says it is part of the Government's plan to tackle child poverty:

A trial is set to be held in Roscommon Circuit Court in October for a man accused of animal cruelty.

The Department of Agriculture alleges up to 500 calves died on an Elphin farm between 2023 and 2025.

Sean Coughlan, of Cum, Lahardane, Ballina, Co Mayo, is charged with 40 counts of animal cruelty and alleged related offences at his dairy farm in Laragan, Elphin.

A further 38 charges relate to his company, Coughlan Farming Limited.

Mr Coughlan has pleaded not guilty.

The matter came before Roscommon Circuit Court this morning, where it was heard Mr Coughlan has now got legal representation, having previously represented himself.

Judge Kenneth Connolly said he was 'delighted' with this.

Barrister Fergal McMorrow, for Mr Coughlan, said he’d just received the book of evidence this morning.

Judge Connolly said the trial would be held in October.

He adjourned the matter until June 19 for mention and remanded Mr Coughlan on bail, noting he recently got bail in the High Court.

The company which sold tickets to a popular county Leitrim music festival has confirmed has ceased trading as it plans to enter liquidation.

Earlier today, Simon Power, the Managing Director of Drumcoura City which hosts Cowboys and Heroes told Shannonside FM that 'a substantial amount of money' by Tickets.ie.

2026's festival took place last week at the popular south Leitrim venue.

The statement said Oshi Software Limited, trading as Tickets.ie, ceased trading and the directors are taking steps to place the company into liquidation and appoint a liquidator over the company.

They said the winding up is being conducted in accordance with the Companies Act.

The company thanked its "customers, event promoters, and partners for their support and loyalty over many years".

"It has been a privilege to serve the Irish events community, and we are grateful for the trust you placed in Tickets.ie,"

Statement in full:

The directors of Oshi Software Limited, trading as Tickets.ie, can confirm that the company has ceased trading and that a resolution for the voluntary winding up of the company has been passed in accordance with the Companies Act 2014.

This decision was not taken lightly. The directors sought and acted upon independent legal and professional insolvency advice and are satisfied that winding up the company is the only responsible course of action in the circumstances. The process is being conducted in full compliance with Irish company law and the directors are committed to ensuring it is handled properly and fairly for all parties involved.

A creditors' meeting will be convened in accordance with the Companies Act 2014, at which a liquidator will be formally appointed. All creditors will be contacted directly in advance of that meeting and will be kept informed as the process develops.

The company is not in a position to make further comment at this stage. Enquiries from creditors should be directed to orders@tickets.ie in the interim. All other enquiries will be responded to through the liquidator once formally appointed following the creditors' meeting.

Roscommon will be away in Round 2 of the All Ireland series following the draw. The Rossies have been drawn against Monaghan who lost out to Mayo by a point on Sunday past. St Tiernachs Park Clones will play host to the fixture. Speaking at the All Ireland championship launch Diamuid Murtagh noted they will face a tough trip up to Clones

The Other pairings in group 2B will see Dublin making the trip to Kingspan Breffni to take on Cavan. Kildare are set to host Kerry while Meath are away to Derry. The winners of those games will go into group 3 while the losers will see their championship campaign come to an end

In Group 2A Galway and Westmeath are set to meet in Pearse Stadium, Cork face a long trip to take on Donegal, Tyrone will host Mayo and Armagh will be away to Louth. The winners of those fixtures will go through to the quarter final while the losers will face the winners from group 2B. All those fixtures are scheduled for the weekend of June 13th with the CCCC to confirm times and venues later today(Wednesday)

Longford County Council is set to launch a new social media campaign next week.

The 'Love Life Love Longford' campaign is aimed at promoting good news stories in the county.

It was originally proposed by Fine Gael Councillor Peggy Nolan and will now be led by the council's communications team.

Cllr Nolan says it's important to celebrate the positive things happening in Longford:

Almost 4,000 students across the Shannonside region began Leaving or Junior Cert exams this morning.

Over 1,800 students in Roscommon, Leitrim and Longford are sitting their Leaving Cert exams this year whilst just over 2,000 are doing the Junior Cert.

Ballymahon Vocational School in County Longford is among those hosting state exams today.

These students reveal what they think will be their toughest tests over the next couple of weeks:

A dumping incident in west Roscommon has been condemned by a local farming official.

A number of items of clothes and shoes were discovered at Loughglynn in recent days.

It is the latest in a series of incidents in the area, with Ballaghaderreen experiencing a number of of incidents.

IFA Environment & Rural Affairs Committee's Roscommon representative Jim O'Connor says those responsible should be held accountable:

Roscommon County Council has released a statement on the matter.

They say a complaint of illegal dumping at Loughglynn Demesne was investigated by Roscommon County Council's Environment Department.

An inspection by the Council's Litter Warden found the waste had been dumped on private property.

Following a land registry search, the landowner was contacted and informed of their responsibilities under waste management legislation.

The landowner subsequently arranged for the removal and proper disposal of the waste.

Roscommon County Council has since received confirmation that the site has been cleared and the case is now closed.

Gardaí have issued an appeal over an assault in Carrick-on-Shannon.

The incident happened in the early hours of Saturday, May 2nd.

A man suffered minor injuries as a result.

Speaking on Shannonside FM's Crimeline, Sergeant Darren Corcoran appealed for information:

A decision on plans for Boyle's historic post office have been delayed.

Aaron Sharkey's proposal includes eight bedrooms, a takeaway coffee facility and other works.

A decision on the development was due this week, however Roscommon County Council has sought further information on the project.

The development would see the protected structure on Shop Street refurbished and repurposed as an eight-bedroom hostel, complete with communal facilities for guests and an associated takeaway coffee outlet.

The plans also include the demolition of an existing shed and the conversion of an outbuilding into storage space for the hostel.

However, planners have raised a number of concerns requiring clarification.

Chief among them is the proposed removal of a masonry wall on the second floor of the building.

The council is seeking a detailed structural survey from a qualified engineer to demonstrate that the works would not affect the stability of the roof or wider building structure.

The authority has also requested revised plans showing appropriate staff toilet and wash-hand facilities for employees of the proposed coffee shop, following consultation with the Health Service Executive.

Developers have additionally been asked to provide a construction and demolition waste management plan and to outline how any asbestos discovered during the project would be safely handled and disposed of.

No final decision will be made until the requested information has been submitted and assessed by the council.

The Managing Director of a popular Leitrim venue says the company's been left 'in limbo' due to the closure of a ticketing website.

Simon Power, who runs Drumcoura City, says they're owed 'a substantial amount of money' by Tickets.ie.

It follows the successful 'Cowboys and Heroes' music festival last weekend.

A message on the Tickets.ie website says Oshi Software Ltd, trading as Tickets.ie, has ceased trading.

It says the directors are taking steps to place the company into liquidation.

The message also advises customers with tickets for upcoming events to wait to hear from the relevant event promoters.

Simon describes the moment he discovered there was a problem:

He says he's not clear how the company can go about recouping the money:

Shannnonside FM has contacted Tickets.ie for comment.

There are over 800 households on the social housing wait list in the Shannonside region.

The figures have been published as part of an RTÉ Investigates report into dereliction and how it is being managed.

The social housing list data is based on figures published by the Housing Agency, as of November, 2025.

Central Statistics Office population data is dated 2022.

Figures show there were 299 on the list in county Longford, this is 64 households per 10,000 people.

297 households were on the waiting list in county Roscommon, 42 households per 10,000.

While 284 were on the list in county Leitrim, which is 81 per 10,000.

There are over 40 patients waiting for a bed at hospitals serving the Shannonside region.

39 patients are waiting at Sligo University Hospital with two at the Midland Regional Hospital in Mullingar

Today's figure puts Sligo fourth nationally in terms of overcrowding.

University Hospital Limerick remains the country's most overcrowded hospital with 85 nationally.

Longford County Council wants to demolish a derelict cottage in Granard and build 10 new homes.

The cottage is beside the former Hourican's Hotel on Main Street, which has already been knocked down.

The new homes would be built in four three-storey blocks, and they'd have a combination of one, two and three bedrooms.

Councillors will decide whether the local authority gets planning permission, and the public can make submissions until July 17th.

Almost 4,000 students across the Shannonside region will start their Leaving or Junior Cert exams this morning.

Over 1,800 students in Roscommon, Leitrim and Longford are sitting their Leaving Cert exams this year, while just over 2,000 are doing the Junior Cert.

They all start with English - with the last exam taking place on June 23rd.

Joe Bambricke is a retired programmes co-ordinator from Carrick-on-Shannon Community School.

He has this advice for students sitting exams later today:

The head of Ballymore Properties says he's 'very encouraged' with progress in developing Ireland's first 'Green City' in Athlone.

Sean Mulryan was speaking yesterday after he received the Freedom of Roscommon from the county council.

The Oran native has plans to turn Athlone into a carbon-neutral city with a population of 100,000 people by 2040.

Those in attendance at yesterday's ceremony in Aras an Chontae were told about his business success as well as his support for local and international causes.

Mr Mulryan said he felt it was important to give back to the places he's called home:

Gardaí in Longford arrested a driver, who has been disqualified twice after stopping a vehicle over the weekend.

Gardaí said the driver, who was already serving two driving disqualifications, was found to be 10 times over the legal alcohol limit.

Three intoxicated male occupants were in the car, with open alcohol bottles discovered inside the vehicle.

The vehicle was seized at the scene and court proceedings are expected to follow.

Motorists are being reminded to not to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

A west Roscommon woman has outlined the shock and dismay she felt after a dumping incident.

Mildred Beirne was horrified after a number of items of clothes were left in black bags in Loughlynn.

It is the latest in a series of incidents in the west Roscommon area, with Ballaghaderreen bearing the particular brunt.

Speaking on the Joe Finnegan Show, Mildred has described the situation which greeted her:

County Roscommon has the second highest number of derelict homes, per 10,000 dwellings.

The figures have been published as part of an RTÉ Investigates report into dereliction and how it is being managed.

Dereliction data is based on estimates using GeoDirectory data for the second quarter of 2025 and excludes commercial buildings.

Dwelling counts are based on 2022 CSO Census housing stock data.

Rates are calculated per 10,000 dwellings and all figures are estimates.

Data shows there were 1209 derelict homes in Roscommon during that time, coming in at 363 per 10,000.

674 derelict homes were recorded in Leitrim with 352 per 10,000.

While in Longford, there were 456 derelict homes and 232 per 10,000.

Crime levels across much of the Shannonside region have continued to decline.

New figures examining crime rates at Garda stations show less offences were recorded in 2025 compared with 2021.

The figures are an analysis of more than 274,000 crimes recorded on the Garda Pulse system.

In county Longford, over 2,200 crimes were recorded in 2025, a decrease from 2021's figure of 2,800.

Road traffic offences accounted for the highest amount across the county at 497.

Offences overall in county Leitrim decreased on the last four years, by 25 to 1,402.

They did, however, increase at Ballinamore, Carrick-on-Shannon and Carrigallen stations.

223 assault/ threats were recorded in the county in 2025.

1,424 offences were recorded in county Roscommon, a decrease from 1,997 in 2021.

Similarly to Longford, it was road traffic offences which saw the highest number of offences.

In terms of stations, both Boyle and Roscommon recorded less.

However, increases were reported in Castlerea and Elphin.

Roscommon property developer Sean Mulryan said it was deeply humbling to receive the Freedom of Roscommon.

The Ballymore Properties CEO was awarded the honour at a special ceremony in Aras an Chontae this afternoon.

Oran native Sean Mulryan was joined by family and Ballymore colleagues for today's ceremony at Aras an Chontae.

The Ballymore CEO was honoured for his contribution to his native county.

His support of Roscommon GAA and local charities including Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation was highlighted by Cathaoirleach.

Roscommon County Council Chief Executive Shane Tiernan described Mr Mulryan as one of Ireland's most successful businessmen.

He said his achievements were testament to his hard work and philanthropy.

Addressing those in attendance, Mr Mulryan said to receive the Freedom of your own County was very special.

He said both he and his wife Bernadine were born in Roscommon and carry the county with them wherever they go.

He said the award meant more to him than he could put into words.

Over 10,000 people attended a music festival in Boyle over the weekend.

The Night and Day Festival started in Lough Key Forest Park on Friday night and continued until Sunday night.

Eoghan Murphy attended the event and sent us this report:

Roscommon County Council says it will continue to support the Night and Day Festival in the coming years.

Over 10,000 people attended the event in Lough Key Forest Park in Boyle over the weekend.

The park itself is a joint venture between the council and Coillte.

The festival has been held there for the past four years - and Darragh Kelly, from the council, says they'll continue to back it:

Eugene Murphy, from Strokestown, says the event was a great success this year:

Property developer Seán Mulryan is to receive The Freedom of Roscommon later today. Mr Mulryan, a native of Oran will receive the honour at a special event at Áras an Chontae. Mulryan's Ballymore Group plan to make Athlone Ireland's first green city with a population of 100,000 by 2040.

He was previously awarded the Freedom of London in 2025. Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr Liam Callaghan proposed the matter at April's meeting. The Fine Gael representative says Mulryan's name is synonymous with the county: