The region's politicians react to Budget

Surprise, surprise ...Government TD's Denis Naughten and James Bannon are in favour, while Fianna Fail's Robert Troy, Sinn Fein's Michael Colreavy and Independent Luke 'Ming' Flanagan are not in favour!

Congratulations to Donal & Enda

Tony Conboy wrote: Congratulations are extended to Donal and Enda Smith and to Tadhg McKenna who were presented with their Connacht Minor Championship winners medals in Roscommon on Saturday night last. Special congratulations are extended to Donal on being selected as Roscommon Minor ‘Player of the Year’. It's a well deserved award for Donal.

The Legend Of 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.

What does Boyle and its area mean to you?

Boyle town has a 'heritage' feel, and is a very pleasant place in which to live, work, and to visit. The Boyle area is a special place. To its 2,500 population it is home. The Boyle area can boast its attractions King House, Boyle Abbey, Lough Key Forest Park Visitor and Activity Centre, Fine shops, Schools, Housing, Services, Bed & Breakfast and Accommodation Providers, Three great nearby lakes with superb fishing, Boyle Arts Festival, Talented musicians and performers, Sports facilities, Social and Hobby clubs, the Legend of Úna Bhan, the Dromanone Megalithic Dolmen. Just a short drive from Boyle are Carrowkeel and the Bricklieve Megalithic Cemetery, Original Mining Experience, Douglas Hyde Centre at Friend, the Dollars Coleman Centre in Green, Eireann Castle Hotel, Cromleach Lodge Hotel, and more. 10 miles from Boyle are our good neighbours in Carrick-on-Shannon with its Swimming Pool, 4-screen Cineplex, Indoor Bowling and International Stores.

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 8 up and 8 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.

Langan's Adam's Apple - Fresh & Healthy

Loose premium grade dried fruit your Christmas baking: cherries, raisins, mixed nuts, golden raisins, mixed peel, sultanas, currants.

• Loose premium grade snacking dried fruit: prunes, apricots, pineapple, papaya, coconut, mango, strawberry, melon, cranberry.

• Call and shop at Langan's Adam's Apple for all your fruit and vegetables. We stock the widest range available, fresh, tasty and healthy!

Get Photos taken by an expert!

Tony Geoghegan, photographer, will be in Kelly's SuperValu over the next few weeks taking photographs. Tony and Vanessa will base themselves in the unit formerly 'William Thomas Hair Stylist':

Thursday 8th & Friday 9th: Photos with Santa Claus 11am-1pm and 2pm-5pm

Next Wednesday/ Thusday/ Friday: Tony will have props set up of a Christmas Scene as well as a plain background for Portraits (all ages) 10am-5pm

Thursday 22nd: Similar to above

Tony is an excellent professional photographer. The dates above will be an opportunity to have those special family and individual photos.

Daly's Bar, Bridge Street

Thursday, December 8th - Sarah Jane wrote: 7.00pm until 9.00pm You are welcome to our Annual Wine Fair where we will be sampling new and exciting Wines from 4 different wine companies. Special offers and great deals to avail of and a Fantastic raffle on the night with a delicious hamper to be won worth €250. €10 entrance fee- proceeds to local "G.R.A.C.E" charity ... A perfect night to start off your Christmas

Where to Pay Bills? - Carty's Daybreak!

Did you know? Over 150 bills can be paid at the same, one-stop shop ... Carty's Daybreak Supermarket, Mockmoyne, including: Airtricity, Bord Gais, ESB, Eircom, WERS Waste Ltd, Littlewoods, UPC, Barna Waste & Recycling and many more!!

• TV Licence - yes you can you can renew your TV licence, get One4all Gift Cards, International Call Cards, M50 eFlow Toll and Bill Payments, Buy Stamps, 3V Credit top-Ups, PayzoneWorldwide Money top-up, Ukash, and Mobile Phone top-ups

• Carty's Daybreak, open early till late, 7 days-a-week, all year round

Brogans Pharmacy

Celebrate Christmas with gorgeous gifts and great savings: 10% OFF Chanel & Clarins for three days this week - Thursday, Friday & Saturday. Free Gift with all Fragrances, Free gift with Vichy & La Roche Posay while stocks last. 50 Digital Prints 6x4 Free with every camera purchased.

• Wishing you a very Happy Christmas from all at Brogans Pharmacy!

"A National Treasure ..."

Charlie McGettigan refers to Limerick singer/songwriter Johnny Duhan as a "National Treasure". I agree! Johnny played just once in the good old Moving Stairs here in Boyle. His quietly delivered, thought provoking songs will remain an inspirational memory. Johnny was lead singer with the excellent "Granny's Intentions" band. His songs have been re-recorded by luminaries like Christy Moore & Mary Black ("The Voyage") and The Dubliners ("Don't Give Up Till It's Over"). Johnny's "A Winter's Night" is a beauty. Check it out on Youtube [here...]

• Oh My God, I thank you for the beauty of Music, for the Human Voice and for the Thought Process You have enabled within us ... listen and enjoy Johnny Duhan.

King House Charity Concert

Tommy Egan wrote: Childrens Charity Concert in King House next Saturday starting at 4pm. The children come from Drumshanbo schools, and give a concert every year for a worthwhile charity. They were here last year and the concert was a great success. It is expected the concert will be over by 5.30 and of course everyone will be welcome to attend.

Dog Found

Edain wrote: Beautiful dog has appeared in our neighbourhod - definitely a pet ...if you wouldn't mind positing this just in case someone is broken hearted after losing their dog. Found wandering, the Plains, Boyle, a young black female collie cross. A very friendly family dog, who is house trained and great with kids. If unclaimed will be looking for a loving home. Please ring 087 2859814

St Stephen's Day Charity Treasure Hunt

Rhona wrote: The Annual St Stephen's Day Treasure Hunt will start at 2.30pm in Lough Key Forest & Activity Park followed by the Raffle/Auction in Clarke's Bar, St Patrick Street, Boyle. Please bring your unwanted Christmas gifts to Clarke's. All welcome for this annual fundraiser. €1,650 was raised in 2010 for Mayo/Roscommon & North West Hospices and Western Alzheimers. Further information 086 818 7929

Naomi Draper Exhibition 7th-10th December

Some years ago my late friend Fergus Ahern R.I.P. advised me "Look out for a Boyle Star of the Future. Cecil and Caroline's daughter Naomi Draper will be that star". I have seen several of ber beautiful art pieces, and you will be able to as well. Naomi's current exhibition will run in "The Rockingham Arms Building" Bridge/Shop Street, 7th to 10th December. All are invited to the opening tomorrow night, 7pm to 9pm (Wednesday 7th) www.naomidraper.com

Curlieu Wheelers Cycling Club

Carmel Regan wrote: The club will hold a 'very informal' Christmas Party in Daly's Bar, on Friday 16th December at 8.30pm. Members are encouraged to come for a bit of craic and it is hoped that voting will take place for the Club Jersey. Three versions have been chosen as a shortlist and members can vote on the night for their favourite

Benefit Social

A Benefit Social in aid of the Kneale family, will be held in the Saddler's Inn, Kingsland on Saturday the 10th December, 8.30-11.30pm. Music by Mickey Clerkin, Admission Optional. Proprietor Sean Flanagan has graciously offered to provide a lift home as required.

Boyle Courthouse Closure

Shannonside FM Report: Those opposed to the closure of the courthouse in Boyle have submitted a plan to the Court Service outlining reasons why it should be retained. The landmark building is due to close next month when sittings are transferred to Carrick-on-Shannon and Roscommon.

• A group representing local solicitors, the business community and politicians met with the Courts Service a number of weeks ago. Boyle Solicitor Dara O'Callaghan is hopeful the Courts Service will reverse the decision on a Boyle Courthouse closure.

Last Weekend & A look Ahead

2/3/4th December
Friday 2nd:
• Boyle Camera Club Christmas Party in Daly's Lounge with fabulously tasty food by chef Seamus McGlynn.
Saturday 3rd:
• Ardcarne PlantsPlus Garden Centre celebrated 25 years in business with finger food, mulled wine and birthday cake for a large attendance. Special guests were the excellent Cootehall Choir accompanied by a group of local musicians whom I regard as "second-to-none"
• Santa Claus made his annual pre-Christmas visit to Boyle and was greeted by a large group of parents and children on the Crescent. Song & Dance man Colin Galligan gave a high-energy MC performance. Santa's Reindeers came from Lough Gara Riding School.
Sunday 4th:
• Lough Key Visitor Centre was a joy to visit. The Christmas decorations are in place - and I'm wondering which of the gift parcels has my name on it :-)

Christmas Cracker Weekend 8/9/10 December
Shops and Traders are offering discounts and special offers and many are having demonstrations and displays, to include flowers, food, fashion and beauty, afternoon tea sessions, art exhibitions, wine tasting, drinks promotions and general festive goodwill throughout Boyle Town. Our aim is to provide our Customers Quality, Value and Service so make no mistake - Boyle will be the place to shop this Christmas!
• Make a weekend of it and stroll around the shops, enjoying the demonstrations and the perks of attending. Don’t worry about your car - its FREE PARKING all day. See below for schedule of Events:
Thursday 8th December
• Art Exhibition by Glass Artist Naomi Draper at the Rockingham Arms
• 3-5pm: Tea at Margaret's Cafe – Enjoy a Free Mince Pie or Christmas Cake Slice with your cuppa
• 7pm: Daly's Christmas Wine Tasting Event with the launch of their cheeses and chutneys
Friday 9th December
• 11.30pm: Marians will host a special In Store Fashion Demonstration and Fashion Tips. Don't Lose Out! - "Dress For Success Fashion Tips" on Dressing For Day and the Secrets Of How To Move Seamlessly Into The Night! How To Work Your Wardrobe Focusing On Value For Money And Value For Wear ; Learn How To Make The Seasons Styles Work For You. Fantastic Discounts for Those Attending,
• 12.15pm: Taylors - Come Party with us - display of party food and novelty cakes
• 1pm: Pure Flowers - Christmas Arrangement Demonstrations
• 2pm-5.30pm: Boles - Image Colour & Fashion Consultant, Kate Hegarty will offer professional advice to all who attend on how to best utilise your wardrobe using key elements of colour & shape and will assist you with all your fashion queries.
• 4pm-6pm: Stone House Cafe - Free slice of cake with afternoon Tea
• 5pm: Enhance Beauty Salon - demo Microzone Skin Fix Treatment
• 6pm–8pm: Moylurg Inn will have Pints & Hot Whiskeys for €3
Saturday 10th
• All Day: Lookwell Dry Cleaners giving Free Muffins to all their Customers
• 11am onwards - Greenan Electrical – Saorview Demonstrations
• 1.30pm: Magees Fashions - In Store Fashion Show
• 2-4pm: Come & Enjoy the Carol Singers at Better Buys & Surprises
• 4pm: Daly's Wine Tasting
• 4pm: Vanity Beauty Salon. Get Ready for Christmas and see demonstration of Semi-Permanent Eye Lash Extensions

Massive Giveaway at Aidan Ray Menswear

Aidan Ray Menswear, St. Patrick Street are celebrating 25 years serving Quality, Value and a huge range from Top Brands to customers in Boyle and the surrounding region. For the month of December, €2,500 worth of prizes will be won by customers, and every customer who comes into the shop during December will be entered into a Weekly Draw.
• Two winners each week from each of the four weekly draws. All eight winners will go into a hat and names will be drawn at random. The first name out, and so on, will choose an envelope naming their prize.
• Prizes: a €300 Kartel Suit, a €300 Bugatti Coat and other casualwear form Top Brands: Bennett, Kartel, Robbie and Tricot Marine.

Family House Fire

A Bank Account has been set up where your donations will be most welcome: Bank Of Ireland, Boyle - Sort Code: 90/53/28 Account Number: 92836410 Contacts for further cash donations: John Keville 086 811 3398 and John Cawley 087 240 5332. As previously mentioned, due to the generosity of supporters sufficient items of clothing have been donated. Items like, heating oil, etc etc will hopefully be forthcoming, and as suggested, vouchers will be welcome and can be used later ...
• All client contact details as well personal phones were lost in the fire. To help recreate a list of current Clients (phone, email, address) and Booked Events at Lough Gara Riding stables. Please text, phone or email your details to: Laura at 086 805 1007: email laurabe@eircom.net

Advent Retreat

Bishop Willie Walsh will give a retreat in the Galilee Community, Tintagh, Boyle on Saturday 10th December. The theme will be "Advent - a time of hope". Tea at 10.30am, Mass at 4.30pm a light lunch of soup will be served the cost for the day will be €20. For more information please phone 071 966 4101.