Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Towns in Co. Roscommon - Information & Photos / Prayers for Tommy O'Donnell / The Beauty Queen of Leenane / Boyle Fire Service Charity Car Wash / Roscommon County Youth Orchestra Concert / Roma Grill Takeaway has reopened / Tai Chi / CCTV at Cash Points

Towns in Co. Roscommon - Information & Photos

Four years ago I had the pleasure of gathering photos and information as well as creating a website for Roscommon Co Council/Look West, about ten towns in County Roscommon. Information on each needs to be updated. Please let me have current information and suggestions by emailing sean@realboyle.com Yes, I know Frenchpark needs to be included and I will develop information and take photos. Click on any or all of the town links named below:
Ballaghaderreen : Ballyleague : Boyle : Castlerea : Cortober
Elphin : Knockcroghery : Monksland : Roscommon : Strokestown

Prayers for Tommy O'Donnell

At mass in St. Joseph's Church, Boyle this morning, prayers were requested and offered for Tommy O'Donnell, Church View, who is currently in Hospice, Sligo.

> Sunday: Michael Conroy Perpetual Cup (Angling) 10am to 4.30pm on Lough Skean
> Sunday: Boyle Senior v Kilmore at the Abbey Park at 12 noon.
> Sunday: Boyle's annual Run Walk N Roll from the Crescent at 3pm

The Beauty Queen of Leenane

Saturday 11th October 2014, St. Joseph's Hall, Boyle.
Boyle Drama Group gave a stunning production of the Martin McDonagh classic. Director Frank O'Mahoney picked an excellent cast: Marina Scally, Natalie Golden, Conor McGowan and Cormac Martin, all of whom held the large audience riveted through this West of Ireland story of love, disappointment and tragedy.

Boyle Fire Service Charity Car Wash

Well done to our Boyle Fire Service ... always visible and always ready to help the community.

Roscommon County Youth Orchestra Concert

© realboyle photos

Saturday, 11th October at 4pm (doors open at 3.45pm)
St. Joseph's Church, Boyle. Roscommon County Youth Orchestra were delighted to welcome the Orchestra of the Music School of Binningen Bottmingen, Switzerland to Boyle. With over 70 young musicians performing together, this concert was one not to be missed! Admission was free.

Roma Grill Takeaway has reopened

Our excellent Roma Grill Takeaway on the Crescent has reopened following extensive renovations. The shop looks great and Lucio's chips etc etc are excellent - you won't find better! Opening hours: 12 noon till late, 7 days a week. New photos to follow.

Tai Chi

Beginner Taoist Tai Chi Classes will start with a free Introductory Class on Monday 13th October 7:30pm-9:30pm at the Convent Primary School, Carrick Road, Boyle. Contact Trish 087 746 7282 for more information. Everyone welcome.

CCTV at Cash Points

Following last night's knife-point robbery at Abbeytown Stores by a lone raider and other such offenses through the country, it is recommended that CCTV cameras and panic alarm buttons be installed at all cash points. Knowing that cameras and alarms are installed must surely help deter robbers, even though they wear disguises.
If you notice suspicious activity anywhere in the area, please contact Boyle Gardai on 071 966 4620

Boyle Area Information / Value Properties in Boyle / Tony Conboy's Oblique View / Text Alert Scheme / Information about Boyle Bridge

Area Information

• Read a short history of Lough Key and Castle Island [here...]
• Read the Local Legend of Úna Bhán [here...]
• Where is Boyle? View our location on Google Maps [here...]

Image © realboyle photos

Value Properties in Boyle

Mike Smith said: "Now is a great time to invest in a Boyle property. At Property Team Smith, Kelly, Scott we have a selection of commercial and residential properties for sale or/and lease in this beautiful part of Ireland. Call for details: 071 966 2124"

Free Classes

Galway Roscommon Education and Training Board (formerly Co. Roscommon VEC) are offering the following free classes for Adults in Roscommon Learning Links, Elphin Street, Boyle:
• Computers for Beginners starting 10am Tuesday 14th October.
• English for speakers of other languages ESOL 6pm Wednesday
Contact: Maureen @ 086 046 4378

Tony Conboy's Oblique View

Tony covers a range of interesting topics this week ... Sports Books and other Markets / GAA Rule Changes / Proposed New House-Buying Financial Regulations / T.V. Social Issue Programmes and offers Congratulations to some special people.
Tony will be delighted to receive your comments and questions by email -tconboy1@eircom.net

Text Alert Scheme

Tawnytaskin Deerpark Corrigeenroe Text Alert Scheme official launch date is Wednesday 15th October at 8.30pm in Tawnytaskin Centre just off the N4. Garda Michael Pilkington Liaison Officer Boyle Garda Station and Serrgeant Paul Mc Dermott Crime Prevention Officer Roscommon will be in attendance on the night and will be available to speak to anybody who has concerns re safety of their property.
All signed up members to this Scheme are welcome on the night and anybody in the area who wishes to join this scheme is very welcome to come along and get information on the night. You will have an opportunity to join on the night if you wish.

Information about Boyle Bridge

The bridge over the river Boyle in the centre of town has been the subject for countless photographs, postcards and featured in many publication. The bridge was damaged a few months ago. Restoration works are now underway.
Local historian Frank Geelan has supplied information about the history of the bridge.
In 1763, Sir Edward King had a statue of King William erected on the bridge of the time, possible a wooden structure. This statue was moved to a site on top of a stone plinth in what was know as the Town Park, and now named the Pleasure Grounds. The statue was moved before the rebuilding of Boyle Bridge in 1834.

FCA Visitor Centre Launch: / The Royal Hotel / GAA updates / RosWIN Masquerade Ball & Casino Night / Paul Deane, Domestic Appliance Repairs

FCA Visitor Centre Launch:

The Visitor Centre at the 19th Infantry Battalion FCA Association will be launched on Sunday 26th October at 6.30pm by Colonel Brendan McAndrew, ADC to President Michael D Higgins. Col McAndrew is a Ballymote native and served previously with the 19th Battalion. The event will be attended by members of the Battalion, the county Librarian, armed forces personnel and specially invited guests.

The Royal Hotel

View from the Ship Bar, Royal Hotel, Boyle

The town has been buzzing with rumours that the Royal Hotel was sold to a local businessman. However, current information suggests that the hotel contents are currently being removed and the site cleaned up ahead of an auction by receivers Grant Thornton.

GAA updates

Fergal O'Donnell © realboyle photos

> The U13 Feile game versus St Dominics will be played on SATURDAY at 1pm -NOT- Sunday as stated elsewhere.
> Saturday: Under 13 v Padraig Pearses in Kiltoom at 5pm
> Sunday: Boyle Senior v Kilmore at the Abbey Park at 12 noon.
> Mark O’Dowd has been ratified as Manager of the Roscommon Under 21 Football team
> Fergal O'Donnell has stepped down as the Manager of Roscommon Minor Football team.

RosWIN Masquerade Ball & Casino Night

RosWIN is a business network for women in Roscommon. Each year we hold a fund raising event for a local charity or group. This year we have chosen Jigsaw Roscommon which is a support group for young people with mental health issues. They do great work and we hope to raise some much needed funds for them. We will hold a Masquerade Ball and Casino Night on Friday 24th October in Hannon's Hotel, Roscommon.

Paul Deane, Domestic Appliance Repairs

Why Choose Boyle? / Brogans Totalhealth pharmacy /Moone Boy Fest - Úna Bhán / Freedom of Roscommon for Chris O'Dowd / James Kilbane Church of Ireland Fundraiser / Irish Water now a disaster!! / Six One News - behind the scenes

Why Choose Boyle?

Here are some reasons: Boyle's West of Ireland location, beautiful local scenery, access to the N4 National Primary route, all of the 7 up and 7 down daily trains stop at our railway station, we are 25 miles from Sligo City and Atlantic Ocean seaside resorts, 45 minutes from Knock International Airport, close to us are the River Shannon and 3 large famous lakes, a plethora of historical treasures, sports and social clubs abound.
• We have prime Tourist Attractions: King House, Boyle Abbey and Lough Key Forest Park We have leading edge schools, houses for sale, an active Town Council and Chamber of Commerce, High Speed Broadband, no pollution, a friendly "live and let live" attitude, fine shops and services, many highly talented inhabitants as well as excellent accommodation providers, restaurants and services.

Brogans totalhealth Pharmacy

Moone Boy Fest - Úna Bhán

Freedom of Roscommon for Chris O'Dowd

Chris O'Dowd and his wife Dawn O'Porter

The Cathaoirleach and Members of Roscommon County Council have issued special invitations and will host a Reception in honour of Boyle actor Chris O'Dowd in King House on Wednesday 22nd October, starting at 7pm. During the reception Roscommon Co Council will bestow Chris with the civic honour of The Freedom of the Administrative Area of County Roscommon.

James Kilbane Church of Ireland Fundraiser

Irish Water now a disaster!!

A former minister who helped establish Irish Water has criticised the company's approach to introducing water charges, describing it as an unmitigated disaster Ex-junior environment minister Fergus O’Dowd, who developed the legislation which set up the utility, said it had abjectly failed in selling its message to consumers.
In an unprecedented attack from a Government TD, Mr O’Dowd said: Irish Water has come across as arrogant and uncaring, demanding money and demanding PPS numbers without properly explaining why all of this is necessary.

Realboyle viewer Dermot H was well placed at the right time and captured this great scene. Thank you Dermot!

Six One News - behind the scenes

Bryan Dobson, RTE TV Newscaster

Ciarán Mullooley (RTE), Louise Fitzpatrick and Anna Robertson (L. Key)
Christina McHugh (Editor Roscommon Herald)

The Sth Leitrim Roscommon Constituency, its candidates and the possible outcome of next Friday's by-election were discussed in live broadcast segments during the RTE Six One News this evening. Bryan Dobson interviewed Ciaran Mullooley, RTE's western correspondent and Christina McHugh, Editor Roscommon Herald.

Monday, October 13, 2014

Boyle GAA update Monday 13th October 2014

Congratulations to Club Officer Aidan Lavin on being the recipient of a special award from the National Blood Transfusion Service for having reached 50 blood donations. The GAA strongly encourages blood donation and the Club urges all our members to make a conscious effort to give blood at the nearest available blood transfusion clinic.

The following were €20 winners in the most recent Club Lotto draw which was held in An Craoibhin;- Christy Dolan, Brid and Conor McGowan, Michelle and Michael McGrath, Eimer Carron, Jimmy Flaherty and Irene Tivnan. The house prize was won by John Murray. The jackpot wasn’t won and it will be at €7,300 for next Saturday night’s draw which will be held in the Railway Bar, with Team C in charge.

Our U13s lost to St Dominics in the Feile Competition in the Abbey Park on Saturday. The U14s got a walkover from Michael Glaveys in the first round of the Garda Cup competition. They will play Eire Og in the next round of this competition in Loughglynn on Sunday next at 12 noon.The National Automation Limited minors will play Michael Glaveys in the Division 3 Minor Championship Final on Saturday next at 1.30pm. This is a big event for the Club and full support is requested. The Cooney Motors/ Cooney’s Centra Juniors will play Kilmore in the last round of the Division 4 League on Sunday next at 1.30pm in the Abbey Park. It is expected that the McGovern Directional Drilling Seniors will play Kilmore in their remaining O’Rourke Cup game on the following weekend, and that the National Automation Limited U21s will commence their Division 1 Championship thereafter.

Congratulations to Boyle actor and former Boyle player Chris O’Dowd on being nominated for a Freedom of County Roscommon Award.

Boyle GAA Clubs (male and female) are delighted to announce that the famous “Who Wants to be a Thousandaire” show is being brought to Boyle and it will be staged in St Joseph’s Hall on Saturday night 6th December. This is a major undertaking for the Club and it will prove to be a great opportunity for businesses to advertise their goods and services to a capacity audience and indeed to display their products/ services on the night. Further details will be announced in the coming weeks.

Boyle Golf Club Update 13th October 2014

The second round of the winter league took place last weekend with Gary Carty and Michael Rush leading on 89pts. There are three teams in joint second on 79pts, Sean Heslin and Ted Hestor, Michael Simon and Paddy McLoughlin and Terry Canning & Michael Bannon. Top scores last Sunday were Gary Carty and Michael Rush 43pts, Gerry Carty and Eamon Perry 42pts and Sandra McCrann and Michael Gilmartin 41pts.The weekly was won by Charlie O’Donnell with 25pts, 2nd Michael Rush 23pts. Charlie O’Donnell moves to top of the leader board with 107pts. Competitions this week are the weekly nine hole Monday to Sunday and the final round of the winter league Thursday to Sunday

Date for your diary is the Club Fundraiser on the October Bank Holiday weekend. (Saturday, Sunday & Monday) Format will be a three ball shambles.

There was a great turnout for the club outing to New Forest last Saturday with 38 people taking part. Mens Winners were 1st Donal Smith, 2nd Lorcan Egan, 3rd John McGuinn. Ladies Winners 1st Bernie O’Donnell, 2nd Peggy Feely, 3rd Moira Egan. Thanks to Michael Rush for organising and sponsoring first prize and thanks to all who travelled and took part.

There will be a Club EGM on Sunday November 9th. The AGM of the Ladies and Mens Club will take place on the same day. Details will be placed on the noticeboard and notices will be sent to Members

Friday, October 10, 2014

LOUGH KEY

LOUGH KEY ...a basic history.

Lough Key is frequently referred to as the "Jewel of the West". From the more westerly Lough Gara, the Boyle River flows into Lough Key, before continuing its journey through to the mighty River Shannon.

If the first waters from Lough Gara had a voice, they must have said "We will rest here a while, and leave an everlasting memory". The waters rested, filled an almost circular valley, 3 miles wide, created 33 beautiful islands, and became known as Lough Key (Loch Cé). It is our beautiful "Jewel of the West" and star attraction of the area to later become Port-na-Carraige, Rockingham and subsequently Lough Key Forest Park.

Writers, poets, artists and later, photographers, have chronicled and recorded the history, legends and images of Lough Key for nearly 1000 years. Despite such attention, the Lough Key area still seems shrouded in mystery, and at times a forgotten place of beauty, sensibly protected from the short-term promises offered by the increasingly avaricious world of commercialism. The Fitzpatrick song, "The Isles Of Lough Key" beautifully captures one man's pen-picture of the area:

"The emerald green valley lay smiling,
'neath the shade of a beautiful moon,
As I wandered along to the hillside,
Which cradles the grey Rock Of Doon.

And from there I gazed down enchanted,
On a scene that was heaven to me,
For the angels must surely have fashioned,
Those lovely green Isles Of Lough Key.

Lough Key with your silvery moonlight,
With you background of woods and green braes,
I'm wondering why bards have forgotten,
To sing e'en one song in thy praise.

Perchance you prefer your soft slumbers,
And resent this intrusion of mine,
On your sweet tranquil sleep of deep silence,
Lough Key with your islands divine".

Back in around 1041, when the Annals of Lough Key were being compiled on Castle Island, and when the Annals of Boyle were being compiled on Trinity Island, little did those scribes think we would be eternally grateful to them for their immense contribution to the history of this region. Both documents are now preserved in Trinity College, Dublin, and tell of countless battles fought around the lake's shores and on its islands, as powerful local chieftains, such as the McGreevy and MacDermot, fought off attackers.

Castle Island:To this day, many wonder why the island is also referred to as "The Rock". Questions remain as to its origin. Some claim that the island is man-made, and was created on top of a large rock that projected above the waters of the lake just 100 metres from the south eastern shore of Lough Key. This theory says the island was created as an inhabited location or lake dwelling that could be easily defended against human and animal attackers, something similar to the Crannóg dwellings on neighbouring Lough Gara.

At some stage, a settlement was created on the island and a wooden structure built there. An early report says it was struck by lightning in 1187 and burned down.

A castle built later featured in the final act of the conquest of Connacht in 1235, by Richard de Burgo whose army included 500 mounted knights. The castle came under siege, first by a raft-mounted catapult, and then by fire ships made of wood from nearby Ardcarne. A combination of rocks and flames proved too much for the castle garrison, forcing Cormac MacDermot, King of Moylurg to surrender.

The castle is mentioned frequently in the ancient annals, being a focus for both fighting and partying. A poem addressed to Tomaltach-an-einigh MacDermot (King of Moylurg 1421-58) tells the story of the Hag Cé, after whom the lake is called, and who used (or abused) Cormac MacDermot's (1218-44) hospitality by staying on the Rock for a full year, and laid upon the MacDermot family the obligation of perpetual hospitality. Brian of the Carrick, Chief 1585-92, is reported to be last head of the clan to live on the island.

A poem by Eochaidh O hEoghusa, written about 1600, laments the castle's uninhabited and ruinous condition:

"...Thy bright fair form has changed,
gone are thy gold-rich dwellings
from thy fair comfortable long-walled enclosure,
nor does the lime-white adorning of thy frontal remain..."

In later times, during the 19th century, Lord Lorton employed the renowned English architect John Nash to design and build a folly castle on top of the earlier castle walls as one of the adornments to the estate whose centrepiece was Rockingham House

Isaac Weld, writing in 1832, describes as part of "the castle proper" 2 rooms, one above the other, each 36 feet by 22 feet, with walls of over 7 feet thickness. It is not clear whether this refers to part of the original castle, or the later construction. The folly castle, used as a summerhouse, was gutted by fire shortly before the Second World War.

I feel a closeness to Lough Key, to Castle Island and the Boyle area in general.
It calls me back, it holds me here, and I am happy to be captivated
by the location, its beauty and its people.

The Legend Of Úna Bhán:

Úna Bhán:

MacDermot was chieftain of Moylurg, a Celtic Kingdom in North Roscommon. He had a beautiful daughter, Úna Bhán - so named because of her long blonde hair. His neighbour was Tomás Láidir Costello, a good and sincere man, handsome and strong.

Úna Bhán and Tomás Láidir fell in love but MacDermot would not allow the relationship because he believed Tomás Láidir was not good enough for his daughter. Tomás Láidir was banished from the area and MacDermot had Úna Bhán confined on Castle Island, Lough Key, then called "The Rock".

Úna Bhán went into a deep melancholy and was dying of grief. Tomás Láidir, hearing of the situation went to see her, and when he left, vowed that if MacDermot did not send a message for him to return before he reached the river, he would never go back. The messenger was sent, but did not reach Tomás Láidir until after he had crossed the river. Being a man of honour Tomás Láidir was unable to break his vow and did not return.

Úna Bhán died of a broken heart and was buried on Trinity Island, Lough Key. In his grief Tomás Láidir used to swim to the island every night to keep vigil at her grave. Eventually he got pneumonia, and realising that he was dying requested that MacDermot allow him to be buried beside Úna Bhán. His request was granted and so the two lovers were belatedly united.

Tradition says that two trees grew up over their graves, entwining together to form a Lovers Knot, standing guard over the site.

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

RosWIN

Masquerade Ball & Casino Night

In aid of Jigsaw Roscommon Youth Mental Health Service

RosWIN, Roscommon Women in Business Network, are hosting a charity Masquerade Ball & Casino Night in Hannon's Hotel in Roscommon Town on Friday 24th October.

The event will commence at 8.30pm with a free cocktail and canapé reception. Ticket price will also include casino chips so you can try your hand at Black Jack or roulette in the specially designed ‘’Las Vegas Room’’, with biggest winners on the night competing in a grand final for the prestigious title of 'Roscommons Highest Roller'.

Once the games are over the very talented Derek Campbell will take to the stage to belt out the tunes...so get practising your best moves for what promises to be a fantastic, fun filled night!

‘’Remember, dress to impress! And as it’s a Masquerade Ball, don't forget your mask!’’

Ursula Hannon of Hannon’s Hotel and Chairperson of RosWIN says: ‘’We are delighted to say that all proceeds from this charity event will be going directly to Jigsaw Roscommon so that they can continue with the wonderful work that they do in supporting young people across County Roscommon’’

Tickets are €20 per person and can be purchased online at www.iregister.ie/RosWin or from selected outlets. For further information please contact Elaine O’Beirne on 086 049 0935 or by email at info@roswin.ie. All funds raised will go directly to Jigsaw Roscommon, which provide a free and confidential service supporting the mental health and well-being of young people (aged 15-25) in Roscommon.

“We are so delighted to have been chosen by RosWIN as the beneficiary of this wonderful charity Masquerade Ball & Casino Night” said Justin McDermott of Jigsaw. “The funds they raise will make a huge difference to us and to the service we provide in supporting young people who are struggling with their mental health across the county”

The purpose of RosWIN is to foster entrepreneurship among women in County Roscommon by providing a relaxed and informal forum where they can make contacts, get new ideas, promote their business, develop their knowledge, network together and meet other women in business.

Basically RosWIN is an organisation set up to encourage women to network, make contacts and meet other women in business. It’s a great forum to get to know people, get ideas, and get encouragement & support, and get signposted to other organisations for information and training.

Jigsaw Roscommon is a free and confidential service supporting the mental health and well-being of young people (aged 15-25) across Roscommon. Jigsaw also provides advice and guidance to parents, family members, friends and other professionals worried about a young person. For more information contact Jigsaw Roscommon on 090 666 5687, visit www.Jigsaw.ie/Roscommon or email Roscommon@Jigsaw.ie

For more information contact:

Elaine O’Beirne

Business Co Ordinator

RosWIN

Mob: 086 049 0935

Email: info@roswin.ie

Notes to the editor:

Please find attached two photographs from the launch of our charity event. The captions for the photos are as follows:

Image 1

“Pictured at the launch of the RosWIN Masquerade Ball & Casino Night in Hannon’s Hotel are (L to R) Elaine O’Beirne, RosWIN; Leah Winston, Jigsaw Roscommon Youth Advisory Panel and Irene Walsh, RosWIN”

Image 2

“Pictured at the launch of the RosWIN Masquerade Ball & Casino Night in Hannon’s Hotel are (L to R) Niamh Dillon, Leah Winston and Fiona Rafferty all of the Jigsaw Roscommon Youth Advisory Panel”

Monday, October 6, 2014

Boyle Marching Band / Boyle Bridge Repairs

Boyle Marching Band

A video presentation to mark the achievements of the 2005 European Gold winning Boyle Marching Band is on its way. King House Boyle, October 17th at 8.30pm. Doors open 8.00pm. Limited number of tickets available at Better Buy, The Crescent, Boyle. 071 966 2526 and Úna Bhán, Grounds of King House, Boyle. 071 966 3033. Proceeds to Tommy Simon Care Fund.

Boyle Bridge Repairs

Viewers will be delighted to know that repair works are well advanced at Feelystone, Boyle, and that Boyle Bridge will be fully repaired and open, complete with new footpaths for a scheduled date in November. Today contractors are securing the site ahead of erecting the necessary scaffolding before the repaired stonework is installed.