Despite scoring 2-18, Roscommon were edged out by Armagh in Kingspan Breffni Park this afternoon.

Roscommon started strongly taking a two point lead inside two minutes.

Armagh got their opening goal of the game after 17 minutes, giving them a two point lead, 1-5 to 0-6.

Two points separated the sides at the break with the Orchard County leading by two, 1-11 to 0-12.

Armagh found the back of the Roscommon net twice early in the second half as they led by 11 points after 34 minutes, 3-14 to 0-12.

Roscommon had their first goal on 44 minutes, reacting fastest to a rebound from a penalty.

Their second goal arrived on the 60 minute mark, setting up a tense finale but Armagh struck for their fourth goal just before full-time; sealing their place in the decider where they will face Cavan in GAA HQ.

A series of community briefing sessions will take place in Lanesboro-Ballyleague next week.
Facilitated through the EU Just Transition Programme, they're aimed at building an united community organisation.
The briefing sessions will commence at St Faithleach's GAA Club on Tuesday from 10am to 8pm.

Further sessions will follow at St Mary's Hall on Wednesday, July 22nd and Lanesboro Library on Tuesday, July 28th.
Local businessman Joe O'Brien says they'll be lead by Just Transition Activator Colm Croffy:

A Leitrim councillor has been appointed as the new chairman of the Northern and Western Regional Assembly.
Fine Gael's Enda McGloin formally took up the role yesterday.

The Assembly represents counties Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Leitrim, Sligo, Roscommon, Mayo and Galway.
It negotiates with stakeholders at EU, national, regional, and local level to accelerate regional development.
Councillor Enda McGloin explains what the assembly has been working on:

A special celebration is taking place today to mark the 50th anniversary of Knock Basilica.
Several events are taking place there, finishing with an anniversary Mass at 3 o'clock this afternoon.

Millions of pilgrims from across the world have visited the basilica since it opened in 1976.
87-year-old Danny Burke, from Castlerea, remembers the opening well:

Labour is glad a deal has been worked out with the HSE to resolve a pay dispute for ambulance workers.
Members of SIPTU and UNITE have voted to accept Labour Court recommendations on pay.

It'll see paramedics and Medical Emergency Technicians get significant pay hikes after they held a 24 hour strike in May.
Labour's Health spokesperson Marie Sherlock says it's right they get what they're due:

An impressive 16-point win over Rathcline saw Abbeylara open their Championship campaign in emphatic fashion.

Rathcline opened the scoring inside 25 seconds with a point when Shane Kenny found the target from play.

However, Abbeylara responded in a determined fashion as they hit 1-6 without reply in the 13 minutes that followed.

Points from Robbert Smith and Fergal Battrim handed Abbeylara the lead before Dylan Ledwith found the back of the Rathcline net having been teed up by Cathal Galligan.

Robbie Smith, Colin Gilna and Nigel Rabbit rounded off a dominant spell with points as Abbeylara moved eight-points ahead, 1-6 to 0-1.

Rathcline had a goal of their own after 14 minutes. Oran Kenny played an excellent pass, leaving Shane Kenny with the task of placing the ball past Barney Crawford.

Oran Kenny kicked two points after the Rathcline goal, reducing the deficit to three, 1-6 to 1-3.

Abbey had their second goal of the evening after 19 minutes. Cathal Galligan found the net having found the back of the Rathcline defence thanks to a Robert Smyth handpass.

Robert Smith and Sean Fagan added points for Abbey before they struck for their third goal.

Dylan Ledwith was again teed up by Cathal Galligan after 25 minutes, leaving Abbeylara a nine clear, 3-8 to 1-5.

Robert Smith and Oran Kenny traded points before Abbeylara got the final score of the half. The ever-present Smith finding the target again, this time with a two-pointer.

Abbeylara held an 11-point lead at the break, 3-11 to 1-06.

Abbey pile on the pressure

Abbeylara broke quickly from the traps in the second-half. Two points from Robert Smith and Nigel Rabbitt in the opening two minutes.

Oran Kenny replied for Rathcline with a pair of well taken points inside 60 seconds. Rathcline desperately sought a way back into the contest, playing with the aid of a slight breeze.

Abbeylara piled on the pressure and kicked five unanswered points one of which was a Nigel Rabbitt penalty.

His penalty having been seen saved on 47 minutes; along with efforts coming from Cathal Gilligan, Jason Kelly and Sean Fagan.

Abbeylara led by 16 points after 51 minutes, 3-19 to 1-9.

Rathclines next two points came from Oran and Shane Kenny, before they scored their second goal of the evening.

A long ball from midfielder Osin Kenny caught Barney Crawford cold in the Abbeylara net. After 55 minutes Rathcline trailed, 3-21 to 2-11.

However, Abbey finished the stronger of the sides, kicking the final three points.

All coming from substitutes JJ Reilly, Nigel Rabbitt and Jason Kelly, sealing an impressive opening round victory for Frankie Dolans outfit.

Abbeylara running out 16-point winners in Glennon Brother Pearse Park, 3-24 to 2-11.

Last night, Killoe got the better of Mullinalaghta in the first game in group A.

Granard opened the Longford championship with a statement 10-point win over Colmcille.

St. Mary’s under new manager Pat Flanagan, where sharper, springer and all over better to this deserved opening day win.

A flurry of opening scores saw Granard lead three points to two after 10 minutes.

Two from Brendan Martin either side of Barry McKeon inside the first five minutes, edging Granard ahead.

Eoin O'Hara and Keelan Hudson exchanged points inside seven minutes. Declan Reilly levelled the game on 11 minutes.

Jamie Brady Hynes saw his goal bound effort bravely saved by Noel Farrell as Granard took control. However, David Gallaghan and Jordan Martin moved Granard two clear on 21 minutes.

Dylan McCabe reduced the gap to one on eight minutes before half-time. Colmcille’s final score of the half.

A Darren Gallagher 45 and point either side of a Brady Hynes point saw Granard lead eight points to four at half-time. St. Mary’s having kicked six first-half wides.

However, the expected Colmcille fire didn’t materialise as Granard snuffed out the flame from the restart. A brilliant Ben Blessington goal three minutes after restart setting the tone.

Granard fire from second-half traps

Blessington firing under Farrell into the net to stump Colmcille. Liam Sullivan added a point a minute later, making it 1-9 to four points.

Barry McKeon sent over a 35^th minute free. However, surprisingly Colmcille wouldn’t change the scoreboard for another 25 minutes.

Eoin O’Hara and Cian O’Donnell moved Granard 10 points clear before Jamie Brady Hynes finished the contest on 52 minutes.

A brilliant fast break away from St. Mary’s saw Colmcille’s Dylan McCabe spill a high ball. Jamie Brady Hynes pounced to fire home a goal.

Cathal Reilly’s aggressiveness brought Colmcille more into the contest, but his side recorded a remarkable six second-half wides.

Barry McKeon converted a two-point free as the clock struck 60 minutes. McKeon again stuck a two-pointer to make the score respectable.

Alas, Paul McKeon was penalised for not releasing after the whistle. Darren Gallagher converted the advanced 2pt free as Granard won out 2-13 to nine points.

Scorers: Granard: Jamie Brady Hynes 1-1, Ben Blessington 1-0, Darren Gallagher 0-4 1’45, 1 2pf, Brendan Martin, Eoin O’Hara 0-2 each, David Gallaghan, Jordan Martin, Liam Sullivan, Cian O’Donnell 0-1 each.

Colmcille: Barry McKeon 0-6 1f, 1 2pt, 1 2ptf, Keelan Hudson, Declan Reilly, Dylan McCabe 0-1 each.

Motorists are being advised of traffic restrictions around Boyle this evening due to 5K race event. The race will commence on Abbey Terrace at 8 o'clock and is due to finish at around 9pm. There will be restrictions in place for the duration of the event.

The route includes the N61, Abbey Terrace, Shilling Hill, Wooden Bridge Road and Boyle Marina. Dan Dooner spoke to race organiser Melissa Doohan earlier, who said all proceeds will go towards the Jack and Jill Foundation:

A Leitrim Councillor has praised the work of emergency services after a lorry carrying a load of straw caught fire. Fianna Fáil's Paddy O'Rourke was driving the vehicle when it caught fire in Newtowngore this week.

No injuries were reported following the incident. Cllr O'Rourke praised the efforts of those who attended the scene:

A public meeting will take place in Lanesboro on Monday to discuss the future of Lough Ree Power Station. The ESB-owned plant was closed in December 2020 following 62 years of electricity generation. It was originally intended to run until 2027 but ESB failed to secure permits to switch from peat burning to biomass.

The closure lead to significant job losses in the region and it's been confirmed it will cost up to €25 million to demolish the station. Monday's meeting will be hosted by Independent Ireland MEP Ciaran Mullooly. He's against ESB plans for a battery storage facility:

Roscommon Fire Service is being praised for putting out a blaze at a Strokestown supermarket yesterday.

It broke out in the store room of Hanly's Eurospar at 11 o'clock in the morning.

It was caused by an electrical fault and there was extensive smoke damage to the supermarket.

Three fire-brigade units put out the blaze.

Local man Rory Doyle says he's very sorry to hear about the incident:

Work is set to start on a new AstroTurf pitch at a Co Roscommon school next week.

CBS Roscommon have been involved in a major fundraising drive in recent months as they look to raise around €200,000 for the project.

The school has almost reached that target and work on the project will begin next Monday.

Principal Kevin Scollan says they hope the project will be completed in three months:

A local TD says school bus issues need to be solved ahead of the next academic year.

Independent Ireland's Michael Fitzmaurice raised the issue with Tánaiste Simon Harris in the Dáil this week.

He says a lack of school bus places exists in all areas across Roscommon-Galway.

Deputy Fitzmaurice also says the same issues reoccur every year:

He also called on the Tánaiste to resolve the problem:

Gardaí are investigating an incident of criminal damage after a car was set on fire in Longford town.

The incident occurred in the McEoin Park area at around 3.20am yesterday.

Gardaí say no injuries were reported and investigations are ongoing.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Longford Garda Station or the Garda Confidential Line.

A former jeans factory in Co Longford is set to be sold for up to €8 million.

The former Atlantic Mills plant in the Clondra/Tarmonbarry area once employed over 600 people, before it closed in the late '90s.

It includes an industrial facility of 360,000 square feet and 78 acres of land.

Local councillor Tom Crosby says it's been sold, subject to contract - and he believes it will lead to a jobs' boost:

A Strokestown supermarket will remain closed until further notice after suffering extensive damage in a fire.

A blaze broke out in the store room of Hanly's Eurospar at 11 o'clock yesterday morning.

It was caused by an electrical fault and there was extensive smoke damage to the supermarket.

Three fire brigades attended the scene and put out the blaze, and no one was injured.

Local councillor Sean Moylan says a significant number of staff work in the supermarket:

A Longford senator says it's "crazy" there are hosepipe bans and water shortages.

Fine Gael's Paraic Brady made the comments in the Seanad.

A hosepipe ban is currently in place in Dublin, south Tipperary, parts of Kildare, Meath, Wexford and Wicklow.

Senator Brady also criticised Uisce Éireann this week:

Sligo University Hospital will get a special mental-health nursing team next year, according to the Mental Health Minister.

The service is being rolled out in 10 hospitals this year - but not in Sligo.

Minister Mary Butler was challenged about the issue in the Dáil this week.

Local Sinn Féin TD Martin Kenny says distressed mental-health patients are attending the emergency department in Sligo - and end up on trolleys.

Minister Butler says Sligo should be included next year:

A late Mullinalaghta showing pushed the reigning Longford champions all the way.

Mullinalaghta started the stronger in this contest racing into a three-point lead with points form Cian Mackey, David McGivney and Donal McElligott inside the opening three minutes.

Killoe got their opening score of the contest when Conor Mulligan opened his account for the evening. Mark Hughes followed up with Killoes second score of the evening.

Mullinalaghta kicked the next two scores with Shane Mulligan and Donal McElligot registering a point each before Killoe dominated the following 12 minutes.

The reigning champions kicked seven unanswered scores with a pair of Cian Farrelly two pointers. Efforts from Daniel Mimnagh, Gavin Farrelly and Davin Donnelly leaving Killoe in a six-point lead after 21 minutes, 0-11 to 0-5.

Mullinalaghtas 16 minutes scoring drought came to an end when Ronan McGoldrick kicked a point from play on 25 minutes.

Killoe hit three scores on the bounce with their entire half forward line of Daniel Mimnagh, Ronan McGoldrick and Cian Farrelly all on target as they moved into an eight-point lead approaching half time 0-14 to 0-6.

David McGivney kicked the final score of the half for Mullinalaghta as Killoe took a seven-point lead to the break.

At half-time it was Killoe leading 0-14 to 0-07.

Killoe open eith victory

Mullinalaghta opened the scoring for the second half when Aidan McElligott kicked a point from play.

Killoe replied with points from Cian Mackey and Donal McElligot as they retained their double score lead after 33 minutes, 0-16 to 0-08.

The opening goal of the contest arrived on 43 minutes when James Rogers was disposed by Conor Mulligan, with the Killoe corner forward finding the back of the Mullinalaghta net, as Killoe moved into a 10-point lead, 1-16 to 0-9.

Mullinalaghta got their opening two pointer of the contest on 45 minutes when Cian Mackey raised the orange flag, with Ronan McGoldrick and Jayson Matthews trading scores for both sides as Killoe were still in control.

A late Mullinglaghta comeback commenced on 55 minutes when Cian Mackey got his second two pointer of the contest, with David McGivneys move to full forward proving fruitful as he buried the ball to the back of the Killoe net, leaving four between the sides.

Mullinalaghta were then awarded a penalty on the stroke of full time after David McGivney was brough to ground. Cian Mackey stepped up and made no mistake from the spot as only two points separated the sides heading into injury time.

Mullinalaghta tried to engineer a tow pointer to bring the game level in the dying moments, but Killoe held out as last years Longford Senior Football Champions started their campaign with a win.

Killoe running out two-point winners, 1-19 to 2-14 in Glennon Brother Pearse Park.

A new riverside project will lead to an increase in visitors to a Roscommon village.
That's according to the county's EU Just Transition Tourism Activator, who says a recent feasibility study was a success.

Gillian McGarry was speaking after plans were recently announced for Tarmonbarry Riverside Park.
She says the village has huge potential for development:

Gillian says the lack of available accommodation across the region is being addressed:

Criminal law solicitors practising in Roscommon met with two local TD's yesterday over the new fee structure for free legal aid.
More than a hundred solicitors have resigned from the free legal aid panel in protest at the move.
It sees a set €520 fee given for District Court work as opposed to the old system, where there was a €240 fee plus €60 for every further court appearance.

Criminal law solicitors in Roscommon met with Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane and Independent Ireland's Michael Fitzmaurice at Leinster House yesterday to raise urgent concerns about the new model.
The solicitors used the meeting with the local TDs to ask them to raise the matter directly with the Minister for Justice.
However, Jim O'Callaghan said earlier this week he won't be revising the changes.

A former TD says a judge dealt with an armed robbery in Strokestown in a 'firm' way today.
34-year-old Steven Maughan, with an address at Callan Bridge Park, Co Armagh, was given a 10-year prison sentence.
Judge Kenneth Connolly dealt with the case in Roscommon Circuit Court today.

Maughan was armed with a gun when he and three others entered the Bank of Ireland in Strokestown in 2018.
They stole nearly €9,000 in cash - and Eugene Murphy says the crime had a major impact on people's lives:

A seven-million-euro project at the historical Ballinamore courthouse has been given the green light.
Councillors gave the plans the go ahead at a special meeting of the Ballinamore Municipal District earlier today.

The council plan to turn the building into a vibrant, multi-cultural and community hub.
There would also be a gallery and events venue, residency opportunities for writers and artists, an interpretative space and a tourist-orientation point.
Sinn Féin Councillor Brendan Barry says he hopes the project can be completed before 2030:

After a stellar month with Dundalk, versatile 20-year-old forward Eoin Kenny has won SSE Airtricity/Soccer writers Ireland player-of-the-month.

Kenny come out on top of the voting over Harry Wood (Shelbourne) with Kian Leavy of St Patrick’s Athletic third.

Kenny topped the poll by virtue of more second preference votes after both amassed 32 votes each.

Each person receiving the same number of first preference votes. The count went to the second preferences with Kenny just receiving two more in one of the tightest votes in recent memory with all six nominees receiving a fair spread of votes.

Also on the June shortlist were Adam Brennan of Shamrock Rovers who made his senior Irish debut against Canada recently.

Harry Vaughan of Bohemians was capped at U21 level against Croatia and the evergreen Padraig Amond of Waterford. Amond became the oldest player to score a hat-trick in the League of Ireland for 98 years.

Kenny continued to impress in the Lilywhites colours in June, Including man-of-the-match performances against Bohemians and Waterford where he also contributed two goals. Including an important winner against the Gypsies.

Portsmouth secured the services of Kenny

Kenny’s form over the month saw him make the move on a three-year contract to Fratton Park with Portsmouth.

Kenny is a son of former Republic of Ireland boss, Stephen Kenny and a brother of current Miss Ireland, Caoimhe Kenny.

He was born in Derry and played his youth football with Foyle Harps. Rock Celtic before joining the Lilywhites in 2020 before a loan move took him to Wexford in 2023.

Prior to winning the SWI monthly gong, Eoin won the SSE Airtricity Men's First Division title and promotion with Dundalk last year and also picked up a Leinster Senior Cup winners’ medal with the Lilywhites in 2024/25.

Kenny made a total of 91 appearances for the Oriel Park side, scoring 18 goals.

A local senator says the Garda model in Roscommon-Longford is not working.

Fine Gael's Gareth Scahill made the comments in the Seanad.

In a social media post this week, Ballaghaderreen councillor Micheál Frain called for increased Garda visibility in the town following anti-social behaviour.

Senator Scahill backed his call and says he wants a debate on rural policing the Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan in September:

The funeral of Athlone teenager Martin Greene has heard about his kindness and his passion for sport.

The 15-year-old died in a swimming tragedy last weekend.

His funeral mass took place earlier today in Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, Coosan.

Gifts brought to the altar included a pair of football boots, his phone and a PlayStation controller.

David Walsh from St Francis FC spoke about Martin's love for football:

He also paid tribute to Martin's family:

A man who was armed with a gun during a bank robbery in Strokestown has been given a 10-year prison sentence.

The 34-year-old says he was on 'cocaine, heroin and tablets' at the time.

This case dates back to April 20, 2018, when four people entered the Bank of Ireland in Strokestown and stole almost €9,000 in cash.

They were wearing balaclavas, masks and gloves, and arrived in an Audi car, armed with nail bars and a gun.

Today was the sentencing hearing for 34-year-old Steven Maughan, with an address at Callan Bridge Park, Armagh, in Roscommon Circuit Court, sitting in Longford.

He has 129 previous convictions in Northern Ireland and was extradited from the North in relation to the Strokestown crime, for which he pleaded guilty to one count of robbery.

Judge Kenneth Connolly noted Maughan appeared to be the only one armed with a gun and pointed it at a person's face in the bank.

He gave him a 10-year prison sentence and said 609 days he's already served in custody for this offence, in the North and here, will be taken into account.

Defence barrister Diarmuid Connolly said two of Maughan's co-accused were deceased because of drug-taking, and another was dealt with previously by the courts.

Maughan apologised in court and said he was on heroin and cocaine at the time of the crime.

A €7 million project at the historical Ballinamore courthouse is expected to get planning approval today.

Leitrim County Council has recommended local councillors give the overhaul the green light.

Ballinamore courthouse was built in 1829 and is a protected structure, given its historical significance.

It closed as a courthouse 16 years ago and is now in poor condition.

Leitrim County Council intends a major overhaul for the building.

It first intends to carry out essential repairs on the structure and work to restore its character.

Work would also be carried on genealogy building beside it.

The Ballinamore courthouse complex, as the council calls it, would then be turned into a vibrant, multi-cultural and community hub.

There'd be a gallery and events venue, residency opportunities for writers and artists, an interpretative space and a tourist-orientation point.

There'd also be commercial elements, with opportunities for social enterprise, visitor retail and spaces for hire.

The project went out for public consultation in May and council management is now recommending local councillors give it planning approval.

A special meeting of Ballinamore Municipal District is taking place this afternoon, at which the project is expected to be formally given the thumbs up.

No one was injured in a single-vehicle crash on the N4 between Carrick-on-Shannon and Boyle this morning.

It happened at Woodbrook around 7.10.

Gardaí said: "No injuries have been reported at the time."

A high-temperature warning remains in place for Longford, Leitrim and Roscommon.

The status yellow alert continues until tomorrow morning at 6 o'clock.

Met Éireann says it will be over 27C during the day and over 15C at night.

It says this could lead to heat stress, difficult sleeping conditions, forest fires, drought and water safety issues.