Boyle Abbey panorama

Boyle Cistercian Abbey, View from the west tower, photo Tuesday 25th June

Meanwhile in Australia, on the 18th June, 38 year-old Ballyfarnon man Paul O'Connor completed the Northface 100km race across the Blue Mountains of New South Wales, Australia. There were 1,022 entrants in the race with 701 finishers. Paul O'Connor finished the race in 9th place, at a time of 10hrs 50mins 20secs. Paul's wife Charlotte and his sons Seamus (4yrs) and Ciaran (21 months) were there to meet him at the finish line. Paul's sister, Sarah Sweeney (O'Connor) and her husband Padraig Sweeney {from Boyle) were also there to support and celebrate with Paul on this amazing achievement.

For today ...

For today ...

He never wanted to draw attention to himself. He was a bit like a grounds man before an important game. He lined the pitch, mowed the grass just right and got everything ready as it should be. Then when the game started he stepped back knowing his job was done. 

• There are many people who quietly work away in a similar way. The work they do is vitally important and often they do not get the praise or attention they deserve.

Get Messy, Get Painting, Have FUN!!

Tuesday 1st - Friday 5th July For Kids - At King House, Boyle

Start the summer holidays in style with Naomi Draper’s fun art camp at King House. Explore your creative side through the world of the artists whose work is on show at King House, bringing them to life through storytelling, drawing, printing, book making and animation techniques. 

Tuesday 1st - Friday 5th July | €45 | 11am - 1pm 4 - 7 year olds | 2pm - 4pm 8 -12 year olds

Booking: King House 071 966 3242 *Spaces limited*

Boyle & District Municipal Council

Boyle & District Municipal Council is a title we will become familiar with following the May 2014 elections. From then onwards, Boyle Town Council with its 9 locally elected Councillors will no longer exist. It will be replaced with the new local authority and cover a wider area. Roscommon Co Council will have 18 Councillors, instead of 26. in other words, there we will have a total of 24 elected county representatives and not 35.

• Independent Boyle Town Councillor Frank Geelan tells me that the new Boyle & District Municipal Council will cover a large area including Boyle, Ballaghaderreen, Frenchpark, Ballinagare, Tulsk, Strokestown, Rooskey, Tarmonbarry, Elphin, Croghan, Ballinameen, Ballyfarnon, Keadue, Arigna, Cootehall and Cortober.

• We will miss Boyle Town Council, and the easy access we had to our locally elected, always available Councillors. I'm guessing of course, but suspect the there will be only one Councillor from Boyle town. Though there will be 5 more covering the whole area, district splitting, the usual tradeoffs and party political allegiances will leave many local issues on some 'back burner' or other

Choir concert in Boyle Abbey

There was a wonderful Concert featuring St Eugene Adult Choir and St Eugene Handbell Choir and Violinist Mary Stryck in Boyle Abbey and what a beautiful setting it was for the event. The current phase of works on Boyle Abbey is almost complete, and if you haven't done the tour, I encourage you to do so. Not only will you appreciate the transformation, but you will have an opportunity to listen to an informative, lively and humorous history and tour of the building from our own irrepressible Tony Conboy.
• View a set of photos [here...]

Boyle Arts Festival 2013

Details of a very exciting and diverse programme of events have just been announced following the recent launch of the 24th annual Boyle Arts Festival Programme. The official launch of BAF 2013 took place on Tues. June 25th in the grounds of Boyle Abbey, following a concert given by the St. Eugene Adult Choir, the St. Eugene Handbell Choir and violinist, Mary Stryck.

• The nationally renowned Boyle Arts Festival will launch on Thursday 25th July and open fully on Friday July 26th continuing until Sat/Aug/3rd. The programme is already bursting at the seams with an eclectic mix of visual arts, music, drama, film, free family events, craft workshops, storytelling, readings and much more!

Fundraiser for Boyle Summer Show

The Cottage Restaurant (Jamestown), proprietor and chef Sham Hanifa will host a night of cookery magic in the Visitor’s Centre in Lough Key Forest Park on Wednesday 17th July at 8pm.  A most enjoyable night is guaranteed in a beautiful location where Sham will demonstrate how easy it is to rustle up a magnificent combination of meals anyone can try.
Tickets are €10 each, available from UnaBhan Tourism Co-op, (Boyle), Lough Key Visitor’s Centre (main desk), and Sásta Fitness, (Carrick on Shannon).
Book tickets early to avoid disappointment.
All proceeds go towards hosting the Boyle Horse and Summer Show, August 25th at Deerpark, Boyle

Demonstration Against Cuts in Special Education

Wednesday 26th June 6:00pm - 7:00pm at the Town Clock on the Crescent: The Special Needs Parents Association is calling all parents to come and support each other in a demonstration against further reductions in children’s Resource Hours. The reduction now stands at an overall 25% hit since the first cut in 2011. There has been a decrease of 15% in the specialist teaching hours allocated to all children with more moderate to severe levels of special needs, with a further 10% cut to those essential teaching hours expected from this September. Talk to other parents in your school, spread the word, share transport and join us next Wednesday.

Stewarts Diesel Depot Pay Point

The new Cash & Credit Card Pay Point at Stewarts Diesel Depot on Mill Road, Boyle, makes it possible for motorists to top up their diesel at keenest prices by cash or Laser card, 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Riverside at 7.00am

Riverside, Boyle at 7.00am this morning

Later today I must clear away those weeds on the edges of the footpath. Boyle Town Cllrs please note: Roscommon Co Council is responsible for cutting grass on the green area to the left of this photo, and have been reminded of this ... but have not done so!

Boyle Cistercian Abbey

Boyle Cistercian Abbey at 8.30am this morning

Now that the hoardings have been removed, we can get a clear view and appreciate the completed works at Boyle Cistercian Abbey.

Over 50s for Group photo - Thursday

Damien wrote: I'm Damien Fee and I am a student at IT Sligo. I am working in a team with 3 other students and our mentor, Padraig Harte, and we are going to Russia in July to compete in the world finals of the Microsoft Imagine Cup. We are currently in the process of shooting videos for our presentation and we have arranged for RTE to shoot a video on Thursday at Lough Key Forest Park. We are looking for a group of people over the age of 50 as we will film an ariel group shot.

• We would require the people to be at Lough Key Forest Park at 10am on Thursday 20th June. Please let me know if you can help out and get some people. Kind regards, Damien Fee 085 198 1389.

Crossroads Dancing on Bonfire Night

Poster designed by Edain O'Donnell

Edwina Guckian wrote: Hello all! I'm organising a Crossroads Dance on Bonfire Night, Sunday 23rd June, starting 8.30pm, outside McLoughlin's Bar, Effrinagh Cross - that's about 10 mins from Carrick-on-Shannon. I'd love to revive the crossroads dances that were huge here in the 1920s and 1930s. All musicians and dancers welcome!

• We'll all be dressing up in the style of the 1920s in Ireland if you'd like to join in! ... Hope ye can make it

• In Boyle many will fondly remember the fun, music and dancing to the "Goatskin Band" on Bonfire nights way back in the 1950s. As I remember those great nights, the band under the leadership of Annie Sharkey (Dudley's wife) on button accordion sat on a timber form below the Mockmoyne wall (close to Francie O'Connor's house), started playing before dusk, and later moved downtown to play at McDonagh's Corner ... please correct me if I am wrong  :-)

Casino Royal Fundraiser

A most enjoyable, very well attended Casino Royal Fundraiser was held in the Patrick's Well on Saturday 15th, in aid of Cancer Care West and Roscommon Parkinson's Association. View a set of photos [here...]

The Paddy Sharkey Perpetual Memorial Lough Gara Cup

Sunday June 16th: The Paddy Sharkey Perpetual Memorial Lough Gara Cup competition was held on Lough Gara. Fishing was from 11am to 6pm, check in and entries were taken at Templeronan Pier. Presentation in The Moylurg Inn, Boyle with live music by Spirit of Freedom from 8.30pm.
View Photos [here...]

Clarke's Bar & Restaurant - Great Chef Specials this weekend:

Friday lunch special main course, dessert tea/coffee €12

Saturday and Sunday evening from 5pm special menu available to treat all the DADS 4 course menu €20

Call Clarke's on 0719662064 to book your table.

Weed Control Clinics - Ardcarne Garden Centres - Saturday 15th

Weed Control Clinic at Ardcarne Garden Centre, Boyle (11am) and Ardcarne Garden Centre Roscommon Town (2.30pm), this Saturday 15th June. Join Colm O’Callaghan, an expert on weed control, who will demonstrate how to tackle weed problems in difficult areas of the garden, such as plant borders, vegetable patches and lawns in a safe and effective manner.

** Free Event – All welcome! **

Boyle Ladies GAA

The Ladies Club is deeply grateful for the generosity of Mr Alan Simon of Ultimate Insulation Limited who presented sets of jerseys to the U14 and U12 girls panels, and to Mr Pat Brogan of Brogans and Natural Options Pharmacies who sponsored First Aid Kits for Boyle Ladies Club. 

Pat Brogan - Brogans  and Natural Options Pharmacies, Boyle presenting First Aid Kits to Adrian Brogan Boyle Ladies GAA Club

Alan Simon - Ultimate Insulation Limited presenting new jerseys to the Boyle Ladies GAA Club Chairperson Laura Gannon and U14 Manager Michael Kerins 

Alan Simon - Ultimate Insulation Limited presenting jerseys to the Boyle Ladies GAA Club Chairperson Laura Gannon and U12 Manager Adrian Brogan & Sabrina Kerins

Boyle Residents Associations

All members of Residents Associations in Boyle are invited to attend a meeting in Boyle Sports Complex, Abbey Community College on Wednesday 19th June at 8pm. Information on grants available for the Better Energy Warm Homes Programme, Household Benefit Programme and Senior Alert Programme will be made available at the meeting.

• The meeting has been organised by Marian Road Community Council for its members and those of other Residents Associations.

The Moorings Bar & Restaurant, Castlebaldwin

View a set of photos [here...]

McDermotts Bar & Restaurant, Castlebaldwin

View a set of photos [here...]

Roscommon Summer Solstice Concert - next Sunday

Sunday 16 June, 8pm: St. Joseph's Church Boyle, Admission Free

• Featuring almost 100 singers from choirs all around the county, including Boyle! Come and enjoy a full programme of well known songs from a variety of genres including great Irish ballads and songs of inspiration & hope, showcasing the talent in County Roscommon. Admission is free. Voluntary donations on the night will be distributed to Western Alzheimers Association, Mayo Roscommon Hospice, Society of St Vincent de Paul. Concerts in St Nathy's Church Ballaghderreen Friday 21st June and Sacred Heart Church Roscommon Saturday 22nd June
• www.rossummerconcerts.com

Boyle Arts Festival 2013

Boyle Arts Festival 2013 is only weeks away! The Festival will open this year on July 25th and run until August 3rd and a very

exciting, eclectic programme of events has just been finalised, ahead of the official launch, later this month.

• Once more the Boyle Arts Festival Committee has arranged a wide-ranging programme of events spanning Exhibitions, Workshops,

Live Gigs, Classical Music, Drama, Literaure, Spoken Word and Family Events.

• Read the full programme [here...]

Enhance Health & Beauty - Launch Evening in Carrick

Wednesday 19th June: Enhance Health & Beauty, Carrick-on-Shannon are delighted announce a Launch Evening in aid of Marie Keating Foundation Wednesday 19th of June in Carrick with special guest Caroline Morahan, Irish actress and television host and former presenter on TV fashion show Off the Rails on RTÉ One.
• Enhance Health & Beauty is located at new premises in Cortober Business Park next to Sásta Fitness, Carrick Cineplex, close to Supermacs and Glancy's SuperValu. Telephone for bookings, 071 962 3254

• Set of Photos [here...]

Cairde Le Cheile - Run & Fun Day

Sunday 14th July: 10km Run, 5km Fun Walk and Family Fun Day at The Saddlers Inn, Kingsland, Boyle. All proceeds raised will go to Hospice... event in honour of Mary Flanagan and Eileen Kelly of Killaraght. Entry Fee: €10 per person & €15 per family

The Moorings Bar & Restaurant, Knockvicar

You can be sure of a warm welcome, delicious, well-prepared and presented food from a comprehensive menu in the Moorings Bar & Restaurant, Knockvicar, Boyle. Open for Lunch and Evening Meals 7 days every week.
• Set of Photos [here...]

Is Summer 2013, a case of "that was a week that was" ?

Following a week-long feast of sizzling in the sun, we can look forward to another pleasant day as we head back to work or school this morning. On what was undoubtedly the warmest weekend of the year, there were those who experienced unfamiliar problems ... In Oughterard, Co Galway, the annual sheep racing festival had to be delayed until the evening to ensure the woolly competitors were not overcome before they reached the finishing tape!
• Met Eireann forecasts that the week ahead promises dry spells broken by showers and temperatures in the mid-to-high teens rather than the early 20s. "It will be much more changeable and cooler, with breezes from the south and south west." 

Boyle Courthouse Committee AGM

Boyle Courthouse Development Committee AGM in Boyle Enterprise Centre at 8pm on Tuesday 11th June. All welcome to attend.
• Are you aware of the future planned/suggested for Boyle Courthouse? Have you ideas on what its future uses should be? Come along and express your thoughts, views and suggestions.

A Taste Of Carrick

Gaelic Chieftain Sunset

Thursday 6th June

I was just a couple of minutes late or I would have been able to have the sun in this photo before it sank behind that distant cloud!

Saturday in Boyle

McDermotts Bar & Restaurant, Castlebaldwin

Every Friday Night is Burger Night. Book Your Table Today - 071 916 5132

Choose from a selection of Boston Burgers and get your free pint or a glass of wine. *Kids Eat Free*

Pumpkin Seeds for a "beach body"

I read this in the Irish Independent: 

• "PUMPKIN SEEDS are a major beautifying food, as they are loaded with our beauty minerals zinc, calcium, potassium and magnesium, 

as well as B vitamins and collagen-repairing vitamin C and vitamin E."

• Read the full article:
http://www.independent.ie/woman/diet-fitness/how-greens-can-get-you-a-beach-body-29308468.html

Boyle Summer Show Poster Campaign.

Aileen Madden wrote: "To celebrate the return of horse jumping to Boyle for the first time in over 30 years, we have invited all the schools in the area to enter a competition to design the poster which will advertise the 2013 show.
• The theme for the poster is ‘The Boyle Horse and Summer Show’. Paintings or drawings must be on an A4 piece of paper, they can be as abstract as desired, the only stipulation is that the artist’s name and school/contact detail is included on the back of the picture.
• All schools in the area have been contacted (junior infants to second year college)
Pictures will be collected from all schools on the 7th June or you can drop them into the Úna Bhán office on or before 7th…
• The overall winner will be notified and invited to the Show launch where the poster will be revealed, they will also be a special guest at the Show on Sunday 25th August."

Evening Shadows viewed from the Gaelic Chieftain on the N4

Too many Bank Holidays?

Well what do ya know ... it's almost the weekend again, and last weekend seems like just a couple of days ago. These short weeks are far too frequent for me as I slide ever more quickly towards an older old age. Slow down please, and let me enjoy more 'todays'!

• The 'slide' is bad enough for me, but a new film, The Bling Ring, highlights how teenagers want to broadcast their lives via a screen, rather than savouring the moment. Has this generation lost touch with reality? Sometimes kids can look like they’re living in another world. While the day whirls around them, they’re lost in their mobile phones – photographing, Tweeting, texting, emailing ...

Blue & Green

Blue & Green, that's Boyle this morning! Long may this beautiful summer weather last ...

"Little Guide to the Big House"

This "Little Guide to the Big House" is an excellent reference for anyone wishing to know more about Rockinham House. It features text an photos compiled very well by local girl (lady) Triona Mullaney Dignam. I can recommend this booklet highly and suggest you purchase a copy at any of the following Boyle locations:
• First Chapter (SuperValu), Una bhan, Abbeytown Xpress, Lough Key Visitor Centre
• It is available also in Carrick-on-Shannon at: The Reading Room, Mulveys & Priors

Boyle Musical Society: Celebration Concert last Friday

Friday 31st May: The accomplished, award-winning chorus and soloists came together for what was a truly magical and memorable musical experience. An audience of over 1,000 thoroughly enjoyed the hugely talented BMS cast as they performed big chorus numbers, gave solo and duet performances, and featured songs from Les Miserables, Oklahoma, Blood Brothers, Oliver, Chess, West Side Story, Grease, Sister Act, Jesus Christ Superstar, Sound of Music and many more. A spectacular night’s entertainment indeed!
• More photos [here...]

Moone Boy Series 2 World Premiere

Moone Boy David Rawle and Chris O'Dowd arrive at the Premiere in  Sky rickshaw

Family group with Sky executives at the Moone Boy premiere

Sky TV were sponsors for the "Cat Laugh Comedy Festival" over the weekend. There too, in the Watergate Theatre, was the World Premiere of Series 2 of Moone Boy. The theatre was packed and I believe, thoroughly enjoyed seeing Episodes 1 and 2 of Series 2. The rumour machine told me the series will be transmitted on Sky starting at the end of August. I can promise you there are some great moments and tons of laughs in Series 2.
• Photos from the Moone Boy Series Two Premiere [here...]
• Photos "A walk around Kilkenny" [here...]

Chris O'Dowd "Delighted to be here, can't wait to get in" :-)