Captain's Prize competition at Boyle Golf Club / Clarke's Bar / Restaurant updated opening times / Wednesday's Boyle Arts Festival 2014 / Boyle Arts Festival 2014 - Thursday and Friday

Captain's Prize competition at Boyle Golf Club

Next Sunday, August 3rd will be the highlight of the golfing year at Boyle Club when almost sixty players compete for Club Captain, Padraig O’Connell’s Captain's Prize. The competition will get underway from 8am and finish at approximately 9pm. Presentation of prizes will take place at 10pm in the Clubhouse.
The weekend kicks off today, Thursday, with a Mens Twelve Hole with a difference ... only four clubs allowed. Friday evening there will be a Scramble and Barbeque, draw at 6.30. Saturday will be a rest day when players will fine tune their games and meet with personal trainers/dieticians in preparation for the big day! Good luck to all taking part.

Clarke's Bar / Restaurant updated opening times:

Lunch Monday - Saturday from 12
Evening meals Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 5pm. Sunday from 4pm
Clarke's is always available outside of these opening hours. Please call on 071 966 2064 to make your booking.

Wednesday's Boyle Arts Festival 2014

'Band of Brass' in the Church of Ireland [photos...]

'Joining The Club', Nessa Young and James Carty in Dodd's Bar [photos...]

'Sionna' in King House [photos...]
 

Boyle Arts Festival 2014 - Thursday and Friday

Thursday 31st July
1pm: Aidan O’Donnell & Alan Colfer, King House €5
4pm: Fruitcake with Mary McEvoy, Margaret's Cafe €8
7.30pm: Teenage Kicks, Daly's Storehouse Free
8pm: Chequerboard, John Lambert on Guitar, King House €10
8pm: Boyle Singers Workshop with Len Graham, Dodd's, €5
10pm: Boyle Singers, Dodd's, €5

Friday 1st August
1pm: Róisín Ní Ghallóglaigh & Alan Reid, King House €5
4pm: Curator Tour of the Roscommon Forum Artists exhibition with Annie Dignam, Roscommon Herald Building, Free
6pm: Lemma Howell, Literature Wales Dylan 100 event King House €6
8pm: Mícheál O Súilleabháin, Kenneth Edge & Carolan String Quartet, Church of Ireland €15
10pm: The Jazz Lads, Clarke's €5

Boyle Bridge / Boyle Arts Festival - Guitar Event tomorrow at 8pm / Tuesday's Boyle Arts Festival 2014 / Ardcarne Garden Centre / Boyle Arts Festival 2014 / Tony's Oblique View / Monday's Boyle Arts Festival 2014

Boyle Bridge

Shannonside FM report: "The National Roads Authority says it’s working with the heritage section of Roscommon County Council on plans for the repair of the bridge on Bridge Street in Boyle. The stone bridge which is over 100 years old was badly damaged when a car collided with it at the beginning of this month. The car fell into the river underneath, and the elderly couple in it escaped without serious injury, but the bridge has been left with temporary fencing since.
The NRA has told Shannonside News the bridge is an historic structure and it needs to work closely with the heritage section of the council on plans for its full restoration. It’s hoped agreement on the plans can be reached over the coming weeks, and work can get underway soon after."

Boyle Arts Festival - Guitar Event tomorrow at 8pm

The featured guitarist at this year's Boyle Arts Festival will be John Lambert. John records and performs under the name Chequerboard and there will be a rare chance to see the Dublin musician in the beautiful surroundings of the Main Salon in King House this Thursday evening at 8pm. For this unique performance, John will be joined by cellists Mary Barnecutt and Lioba Petrie in what promises to be a truly atmospheric and memorable concert, set against a backdrop of visuals by photographer Miranda Driscoll. Tickets €10. For more information go to www.boylearts.com  www.eventbrite.ie  or call into the Festival Office beside Marians Fashions on Bridge Street.

Tuesday's Boyle Arts Festival 2014

Joseph O'Connor in King House [photos...]
 

John Clapison and Triona Dignam-Mullaney - lecture in King House
"Robert & Caroline King" [photos...]
 

Deirbhile Brennan Piano Recital in King House [photos...]
 

Trad music with John Carty, Harry Bradley, Donal Lunny, Maggie & James Carty
and Ryan Owens in the Church of Ireland [photos...]
 

Songwriters in Wynnes [photos...]
 

Ardcarne Garden Centre / Boyle Arts Festival 2014

Ardcarne Garden Centre is another great Boyle Attraction. I am looking forward to spending time there on Saturday for what will surely be two entertaining and revealing events:
1pm: Free Lunchtime Concert in Ardcarne Garden Cafe with local super trad band 'Rakish'
2pm: Lecture "Ireland's Wild Flowers" with local expert Michael Archer. Booking advisable ... call 071 966 3085
 

Boyle Arts Festival 2014 - Wednesday and Thursday

Wednesday 30th
1pm: Sionna, King House €5
3pm: Film: "Philomena" (12A) King House €5
6pm: One Act Play: Local Drama Group (Boyle), "Joining the Club", Dodd's Bar €5
8pm: Band of Brass, Church of Ireland €10
10pm: Johnny Fean & Stephen Travers, "A Journey" Railway Bar €5

Thursday31st
1pm: Aidan O’Donnell & Alan Colfer, King House €5
4pm: Fruitcake with Mary McEvoy, Margaret's Cafe €8
8pm: Chequerboard, King House €10
7.30pm: Teenage Kicks, Daly's Storehouse Free
8pm: Boyle Singers Workshop with Len Graham, Dodd's, €5
10pm: Boyle Singers, Dodd's, €5
 

Tony's Oblique View

Last week's update became "submerged", as Tony might say. I transferred it to Blog form, but forgot to press the Upload Button. 'Better late than never', even though a little dated, please log to Tony's Oblique View [here...]

Monday's Boyle Arts Festival 2014

Lynda, Ciara, Lizi and Anne (piano) in King House [photos...]
 

Sinead Campbell-Wallace, Soprano in the Church of Ireland  [photos...]

 

Oliver Fallon lecture "Irishmen in the Trenches", King House [photos...]
  

Boyle Bridge

A reliable source told me that plans for repairs to Boyle bridge have been drawn up and agreed, and that tenders will be sought to undertake the work shortly. It is not clear yet what form the works will take
I discussed this information with former town cllr Frank Geelan. He made a valid suggestion which might be considered ... remove the footpath on the side of Stonehouse Cafe. Outside the bridge, construct a walkway similar to the one on the bridge in Carrick-on-Shannon. This would reduce traffic congestion on the bridge for many years to come.

Boyle Golf club Update

Hard luck to our Connacht Shield Team who lost to Strandhill. Reminder re volunteering Tuesday and Wednesday evening from 6.00pm. Thanks for any support you can give Scramble and Barbeque on this Friday night, please put your names on noticeboard.
Last Sunday’s 18 hole was won by Gerry Carty with 38pts, 2nd Tom Kearney 38pts, Gross Gary Carty, 3rd Michael Simon 37pts. The winner of the Captains Prize to Ladies was Aisling Gaughran with a 68, 2nd Liz Dwyer, Gross Tish Perry, 3rd Moira Egan.
[more...]

Boyle GAA update

Our U12s, fresh from their Spring League success, suffered a 4 point loss to St Aidans in a high scoring 12 Division 2 Championship game during the week. The U16s will play Castlerea St Kevins in Castlerea in the Division 3 Championship on this Wednesday at 7pm. The National Automation Limited Minors will have their next Division 3 Championship outing against Tulsk on 8th August. The McGovern Directional Drilling Seniors drew with Elphin in the Orchard Park on Sunday in the O’Rourke Cup. It was a game that could have gone either way. They will have two 0’Rourke Cup games in the coming week. They will travel to Ballyforan to take on St Aidans at 8pm on Friday evening and they will travel to Lisnamult to play Roscommon Gaels on Bank Holiday Monday next 4th August at 2pm.
Best wishes are extended to Evan McGrath and the Roscommon Minors in the All Ireland Quarter Final which will be played in Markievicz Park on Saturday next.
Congratulations are extended to senior player Tadhg Lowe on being awarded one of a small number of Sports Scholarships by DCU. Tickets are available from Club officers for the Roscommon GAA Race Day which will be held at Lenabane on Tuesday evening next 5th August. Tickets cost only €20 and this includes a race card, free bet, finger food and exclusive admission to the Roscommon GAA enclosure at the racecourse.
The Club encourages as many Club members and supporters to attend and make this an enjoyable social evening for the Club and County. Details will be announced in the coming days of a fundraising Club draw for very attractive prizes.
The Club extends its sympathy to the Finneran family, Ballinagare on the death of Gerry who was County Board Treasurer for many years.

Ladies Club
The adult ladies will play the final game in the group stages of the Intermediate Championship next weekend against Roscommon Gaels. Date, time and venue are to be confirmed, but it is expected that it will be played in Lisnamult on Monday next. Comiserations to the Roscommon U16 girls on their narrow defeat in the Connacht Final in Charlestown on Sunday, and especially to our own representatives;-Roisin Wynne who had an excellent game and to panelists Mellissa Mattimoe and Rachel Maidment.

Boyle Arts Festival 2014

Kieran Goss and Annie Kinsella in King House on Friday night

Niall deBurca "Where The Poppies Grow" Lecture in King House on Friday

Sunday 27th
11.30am: Windsong Harp Ensemble, St Joseph's Church Free
2.30pm: The Corner boys Dalys €5
5pm: Sinéad Crowley, Can Anybody Help Me King House €5
6pm: Egan & McGlynn Lough Key Free
7.30pm: An Evening of Poetry and Prose King House €5
10pm: Donal O’Connor Open Table €8

The full programme [here...] Festival Website [here...]
Previous realboyle BAF photos:
[2013...] [2012...] [2011...] [2009...] [2008...] [2007...]

Visual Arts - Boyle arts Festival 2014

Main Exhibition in King House, 11-6 daily
Tony O’Malley Retrospective, King House, 11-6 daily
"Trees", a sculpture by Jackie McKenna on lawn between the Abbey and Abbey Terrace bridge
Boyle Open Art Exhibition, Boyle Parochial School, 10-6 daily
Visual Art Form Exhibition, rear of Roscommon Herald, 11-5 daily
"Lone & Level Sands", The Shambles, 11-4 daily
Frances Crowe (textile artist), Abbey Community College
Yew Tree Studio Exhibition, Artist Studio 1, on the grounds of King House
Boyle Camera Club, Boyle Library, Library opening hours
Another Journey" by Mixed Hues Group, Family Life Centre, 11-7 daily
Craft Expo, Abbey Community College, 11-5 daily
Visual Art In Town through the festival in various shops and shop windows

BAF photos (Thursday 24th) / Pieta House Fundraiser / Stolen Horsebox / Sue Hill paintings for Boyle Civic Collection

Boyle Arts Festival photos (Thursday 24th)

6.30pm: "Another Journey" by Mixed Hues Artist Group, Family Life Centre [here...]
7pm: Boyle Camera Club in Boyle Library [here...]
8.30pm: Launch of BAF 2014 in King House [here...]

BAF Committee: Brendan McGee, Gerry Kielty, Brendan Maloney (Chairperson),
Irene Madden, Belinda McCauley, Christine Kelly,
Sharon Tighe, Patricia Golden, Barry Feely, (rear) Susan Mannion

Boyle Arts Festival 2014

Friday 25th
11am: Niall de Búrca - Family storytelling, King House €2/€5 family
1pm: Niall de Búrca - Where the Poppies Grow (10-adult) King House €5
2pm: Patrick Murphy - tour of the exhibition, King House Free
4pm: Artist Talk: Sean Rafferty, Lough Key, Free
6pm: Sam Moore: Carrowkeel-Keash Passage Tombs, King House €6
8pm: An Evening with Kieran Goss, King House €18
10pm: We Cut Corners, Dalys €10
Saturday 26th
11am: Coffee Concert: Satoko Inoue - piano, King House  - €5
1pm: Declan Burke: Emerald Noir - Irish Crime Novel. King House €5
4pm & 5pm: Film - The Essence (over 18) King House €5
6pm: Withering Zithering, King House €5
8pm: Clock Theatre Group "The Communication Cord", St Joseph's Hall €10
10pm: Frank Simon in Dodd's, The Crescent Bar, €8
The full programme [here...] Festival Website [here...]
Some of the many previous realboyle BAF photos:
Festival 2013 [here...] Festival 2012 [here...] Festival 2011 [here...] Festival 2009 [here...]
Festival 2008 [here...] Festival 2007 [here...]

Pieta House Fundraiser at Boyle Golf Club

Boyle Golf Club is one of eighteen clubs across Connacht selected as a stop off point for a Pieta House fundraising challenge this Saturday 26th July.  Vinny Mullen of Dunmore Golf Club will play a different hole in each of the eighteen clubs and is expected to arrive at Boyle Golf Club at approx. 4.00 pm. He will play the 13th hole in Boyle and will finish up in Dunmore Golf Club later that evening.
Pieta House in Tuam opened in December 2013 providing 121 therapeutic supports for people in suicidal crisis or engaging in self harm. The service is free of charge with no letter of referral required. Service can be accessed in confidence by contacting 093 25586.

Stolen Horsebox

Gardai in Boyle are appealing for information on a stolen horsebox taken from a property along the main N4 last night. Anyone who has information is asked to contact the Gardai in Boyle +353 71 966 4620

Sue Hill paintings for Boyle Civic Collection

Jack O'Connor and Barry Feely and one of Sue Hill's "Táin Bó Cúailnge" paintings

Jack O'Connor, Doon, Boyle kindly bequeathed five Sue Hill paintings to Boyle Civic Art Collection. Sue completed five of a commissioned ten paintings on the Táin Bó Cúailnge theme before her death on Monday 13th July 2009. The paintings are now on display in Boyle Enterprise Centre, Quarry Lane, Boyle.
Read the legend of Táin Bó Cúailnge - scripted by Kate Denison Bell [here...]

Jack O'Connor with Civic Collection Committee members
Conor Dowling, Kate Denison Bell and Barry Feely

Wishing Boyle Arts Festival Good Luck / Fergus Ahern / Boyle gAA / Higgins & Sons Funeral Directors / "Trees" sculpture

Wishing Boyle Arts Festival Good Luck

Fergus on 10th July 2010. He died suddenly on Sunday 19th September 2010

Assuming that there is a hereafter, Fergus Ahern is surely looking on us kindly today and wishing well to the dedicated, conscientious BAF committee as they launch the 25th Anniversary of Boyle Arts Festival 2014. Fergus was the engine that drove Boyle Arts Festival from the humble beginnings set down by Barry Feely and myself 25 years ago to the heady heights of national and international recognition. We grew and played together as children in St. Patrick Street. Today I remember my old friend Fergus, the challenges, his flamboyance, his generous nature and all he did for Boyle. Fergus, I pray you are at peace.
View a small set of realboyle photos of Fergus [here...]

Boyle GAA

Boyle succumbed to a 3:13 to 1:13 defeat by Western Gaels in the O’Rourke Cup game, Wednesday 23rd in Abbey Park
[more...] [more...] [more...] [more...] [more...]
 

Higgins & Sons Funeral Directors

Marty wrote: Higgins & Sons Funeral Directors, caring for your loved ones with the respect and dignity they deserve. The office is now open Monday-Friday from 2-6 PM. Services provided include Pre-Paid Funeral Planning, Traditional Funerals, Cremation and Green Burials. Please feel free to drop in and we will be happy to answer any of your queries. For more information/appointment contact: Marty or John at 086 232 8291/086 075 8044 Main Street, Boyle
www.funeraldirectorswest.com  Email: info@funeraldirectorswest.com
 

Boyle Arts Festival 2014

Realboyle will be delighted to give comprehensive coverage of Boyle Arts Festival with comment, news and photographs. Festival 2014 will launch Thursday 24th at 8.30pm in King House and run to Saturday August 2nd ... you are invited to attend !
 

"Trees" sculpture

"Trees" is a stunning sculpture now installed on the lawn between Boyle Abbey and Abbeytown Bridge. Renowned sculptor Jackie McKenna will curate an exhibition on this beautiful location.
[more...] [more...] [more...] [more...]

"Not on your Nelly" / Annie Egan - 90th birthday celebrations / Boyle Town Council

"Not on your Nelly" at Sloans on Main Street

View / Download Sloans Summer Sale Brochure [here...]

 

Annie Egan - 90th birthday celebrations

Annie Egan celebrated her 90th birthday last weekend with all her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. They came from all parts of the world to be with her on this significant occasion. We send our very best wishes to Annie for many more years of good health and happiness.

Annie Egan photos courtesy of Marian Leahy

For all their years of service ...

Boyle Town Council ceased to exist after last May 31st. Our former Boyle Town Councillors have received notice that they will each receive a gratuity. The amount for each gratuity appears to be related to the number of years a Cllr served on the council. It is not anywhere near the rumoured €30,000 for each Cllr. In my opinion the monies are very small when one considers the amount of time and effort each of our Cllrs worked diligently on our behalf.
Raymie Maughan will receive €4,500 for his 10 years. Frank Geelan will receive €10,100 for his 35 years (his early years did not include eligibility). Each will work out at approx €9 a week !!

The Táin Bó Cúailnge (‘Cattle Raid of Cooley’)

The most famous and beloved stories in Irish mythology is The Táin Bó Cúailnge (‘Cattle Raid of Cooley’).  This tale of epic scale, at the centre of the pre-Christian Ulster Cycle of mythological sagas, is brimming with romance, power, wealth, the supernatural and raging warfare – high drama at its best.  The saga survives in three original manuscripts, including in Ogham (Old Irish).

In a nutshell, the story revolves around legendary Queen Medb (or ‘Maeve’) of Connacht and her husband Ailill, both very powerful rulers and competitive with each other as to who was richer.  Because King Ailill possessed a stud bull of high pedigree, white-horned Finnbennach (fertile bulls a coveted currency and sign of wealth), Medb desired to match him in status.  She asked Ulsterman Daire MacFiachna, who owned the equally potent Donn Cuailnge (‘brown bull’), to loan his bull for a year.

In return, Queen Medb offered Daire fifty heifers, a plot of Connacht land, chariot and friendship.  But during the celebration feast some of the inebriated partygoers were overheard claiming that the bull would have been robbed, if Daire had refused Medb’s offer.  The Queen was furious when she was told this and she and Ailill immediately put together an army from across the provinces and declared war.  Because Ulster was suffering from a curse, or ‘pangs,’ Medb was confident that she would win despite a disturbing prophecy from a fortune teller.

Medb’s army marched to Ulster to capture the famous bull but despite Ulster’s ‘pangs,’ they faced teenaged Cúchulainn, a champion warrior, who ended up killing hundreds of opponents.  The Queen attempted to bribe him with money, land and women. Instead, he challenged that if he was sent just one of her warriors to fight every day until he lost, he would stop attacking.  But Cúchulainn slayed each warrior, despite one morphing into a beautiful woman then various animal forms (like a wolf and eel), until Medb was forced to ask his stepfather, Fergus, to fight him.  But once in the battlefield, Fergus could not bring himself to fight his stepson.  Both men agreed to a truce with each other on condition that Fergus would return the favour in the future

.

Another one of Cúchulainn’s kin, his foster brother Ferdia, was summoned and threatened by Medb that he if didn’t fight next, that she would tell everyone in her kingdom that he was a coward.  In order to weaken Ferdia’s resolve, she got him intoxicated and offered her daughter’s hand in marriage.  She also told him a lie that Cúchulainn wouldn’t consider a victory over him wouldn’t be much of a triumph, which further challenged the foster brother.  The battle lasted for days and although both men were equally matched, Cúchulainn had the stronger armor and spear and killed Ferdia.  While Cúchulainn was recovering from grief and exhaustion, Queen Medb captured the coveted brown cow.  Meanwhile, Ulstermen, including King Conchobhar, began to revive from their ‘pangs’ and went back into battle to recapture the bull.  Cúchulainn, although he was still recovering, eventually joined the fight, demanding that his stepfather Fergus honour his promise that he yield.  Fergus agreed, who pulled out his 3,000 troops, which left Medb and Ailill retreating back to Connacht, with the prized bull.

Finally, the Donn Cuailnge, the brown bovine, clashed with Ailill’s famous white bull, Finnbennach, to the death.  The Cooley cow hoofed it back to Ulster, with the remains of Finnbennach hanging from his horns, dropping body bits all over the land into Ulster, until he, himself, succumbed too.  After all this bloodshed, Ailill and Medb made peace with Ulster and Cuchulainn for seven years, and so ends this epic tale.

References:  www.askaboutireland.ie; http://en.wikipedia.org

Boyle Arts Week / Sports Review:

Boyle Arts Festival 2014

Boyle Arts Week is regarded as one of the finest such festivals in the country. This is a tribute to the people who have been involved down the years. It will celebrate 25 years of the best of Irish Arts and Culture this year. I cannot really say what was the highlight of those years for me. I would want to google my memory for that.

Perhaps it was meeting one of my heroes, Seamus Heaney, and having him autograph my son’s leaving certificate anthology for him. I later acquired a lovely drawing of Mister Heaney from the Local Artists Exhibition by a talented young man named Shane Meehan. One of the pictures from the King House exhibition also sticks very much in my mind is of a boot and blood flowing from it into a sidewalk culvert. It was representing the Northern Troubles. 

I have gone through this summer’s programme and have marked a number of the many events which I could easily attend. They include Kieran Goss on Friday night and Donie O’Connor on Sunday with Brian Friel’s ‘The Communication Cord’ in between.

The three talented ladies Lizzie, Lynda and Ceara entertain on Monday though one might develop a conscience for allowing oneself the luxury of an afternoon  indulgence. On Tuesday Joseph O’Connor continues the tradition of an impressive array of writers of fact and fiction who have been present down the years. Mister O’Connor is a very impressive contributor to the Drivetime Radio Show with his ‘Drivetime Diaries’. I had meant to access his address at the Royal Albert Hall for the Michael D. Higgins concert, on the occasion of the President’s English visit, but it slipped through the net. On Wednesday there is the Mayo ‘Band of Brass’ in the Church of Ireland and ‘The Plains of Boyle’ concert on Friday night. Perhaps I might get to a talk by one of Boyle’s gentlemen, Michael Archer, on ‘Habitats and Wildflowers’ on the Saturday. On Sunday August the 3rd I am obliquely involved in the celebration of the visit of Maureen O’Sullivan to Boyle over 25 years ago. I will treat of that next week. Oh yes on further review there is the gifted guitar playing of Frankie Simon on Saturday the 26th and John Carty and company on Tuesday night. There is a feast of events so do not miss out.  ‘Nothing Beats Being There’ .

Sports Review: 

Approaching  the Business End of the All-Ireland Championships:

While I do my best, I happened to miss a game I would like to have been at, that is Boyle’s under 12 League Final win over St. Brigid’s in Oran. It was an impressive display and a convincing victory I am told and the names from this side will resonate over the coming years on Boyle teams. It is nice to hear the sound of the traditional winning cavalcade as they do their victory tour of the town subsequently. Memories of these evenings last a long time.  

Armagh proved too strong for Roscommon on a muggy evening in Hyde Park. It was a difficult evening for football due to the rain but Armagh adapted well and suffocated Roscommon’s efforts.

Still this team is a work in progress and being in division Two of the League next season should provide the experience and maturation for a championship challenge in 2015. Hope springs eternal and I am optimistic for real progress in the next two or three years. The quality of the GAA football Championship this summer to date has been pretty miserable. As all the indicators suggest It is hard to see Dublin being beaten. The blitzkrieg style that humbled Meath on Sunday looks imperious at the moment. This week-end has Cork v Sligo with the winners playing Mayo in the Quarter Finals/Tipperary v Galway, winners play Kerry/followed by Armagh v Meath and Kildare v Monaghan winners playing Dublin and Donegal. It is hard to go beyond the provincial winners for the semi-finals.    

It is left to the hurling to provide the drama again  as it did last year. This coming week-end has Limerick playing the welcome surprise packet of the summer in Wexford and Tipperary, a real All-Ireland challenger, should overcome Dublin. Dublin have become stranded at a level that is just not going to make what would be a historic and meaningful  breakthrough.

In Roscommon we are now back to ‘domestic’ fare with League and championship games coming thick and fast so keep an eye on the fixtures. 

Boyle Arts Festival / Topline at Sloans - Summer Sale 2014 / Boyle Arts Festival 2014 / Bridget Cummins (nee) Donohoe R.I.P. / Boyle Civic Amenity Centre / Heatwave / Plunkett Avenue mass

Boyle Arts Festival

Declan Burke, Joseph O'Connor, Sinead Crowley, Alan Graham's painting

Spoken Word, Drama & Film programme at Boyle Arts Festival 2014: Joseph O’Connor, Sinead Crowley, Mary McEvoy, Declan Burke, Niall de Búrca and Tarquin Blake will all be in Boyle during the 25th annual Boyle Arts Festival which will run from July 25th to August 2nd.
Read Brendan McGee's article [here...]
 

Topline at Sloans - Summer Sale 2014

View / Download the full Sale Brochure [here...]
 

Boyle Arts Festival 2014

Following Thursday night's launch, we will be delighted to provide comprehensive day-by-day information and official photos of happenings at Boyle Arts Festival 2014. We will also provide an 'easy-read' 2-day diary and links to the main programme of events.
Friday 25th
11am: Niall de Búrca - Family storytelling, King House €2/€5 family
1pm: Niall de Búrca - Where the Poppies Grow (10-adult) King House €5
2pm: Patrick Murphy - tour of the exhibition, King House Free
4pm: Artist Talk: Sean Rafferty, Lough Key, Free
6pm: Sam Moore: Carrowkeel-Keash Passage Tombs, King House €6
8pm: An Evening with Kieran Goss, King House €18
10pm: We Cut Corners, Dalys €10
Saturday 26th
11am: Coffee Concert: Satoko Inoue - piano, King House  - €5
1pm: Declan Burke: Emerald Noir - Irish Crime Novel. King House €5
4pm & 5pm: Film - The Essence (over 18) King House €5
6pm: Withering Zithering, King House €5
8pm: Clock Theatre Group "The Communication Cord", St Joseph's Hall €10
10pm: Frank Simon in Dodd's, The Crescent Bar, €8
The full programme [here...] Festival Website [here...] Festival 2013 [here...]

Bridget Cummins (nee) Donohoe R.I.P.

The death has occurred of Bridget Cummins (nee) Donohoe R.I.P. Ardcola, Ballinameen, Boyle, Co. Roscommon. Bridget died July 20th, in her 94th year. Reposing at Mahon's Funeral Home tomorrow evening (Tues) from half past five until half past seven. Removal to St. Attracta’s Church, Ballinameen arriving at eight o’clock. Mass of the Resurrection on (Wed) morning at half past eleven. Burial afterwards in adjoining cemetery. Family flowers only. Donations to Western Alzheimer Association care of Mahon's Funeral Directors, Boyle.

Boyle Civic Amenity Centre

Information to hand suggests that Boyle Civic Amenity Centre will open for only Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays, 8am-4pm, from the end of September, and that there will be no local Ros Co Co staff reductions ... they will be deployed to other local functions.
It is uncertain where significant savings will be made since the lease on the Centre and staff wages will still have to be paid.

Heatwave ...

Ireland is set for a heatwave this week. Temperatures are expected to hit 25 degrees over five days, Met Eireann has advised. "This week certainly there’s a possibility of a heatwave. Temperatures will be up around 25 degrees over most of the week. It’ll be a pleasant, very warm, and humid week." A heatwave in Ireland is classified as five consecutive days of temperatures over 25 degrees. Warm, humid and dry conditions are expected until the end of the week. More [here...]

Plunkett Avenue mass

The Annual Plunkett Avenue mass will be held at 7.30pm on Wednesday 23rd at the Famine Memorial. Mass will be conducted by Canon Gerry. All welcome. seating available for any veterans attending.

Boyle Golf Club Update / Boyle GAA Club (Facebook) / Boyle Arts Festival 2014 / Ireland's Toughest Muckers / Councillors Served with Malachy Beirne R.I.P / Boyle Men's shed (Facebook)

Boyle Golf Club Update

Yesterday’s 18 hole stableford was won by Pat Conroy with 40pts, 2nd Gary Carty 40pts, Gross Terry Bright, 3rd Pat Brogan 39pts. Thursday night's Mens Competition was won by Martin Wynne with 27pts, 2nd Michael Rush 27pts, 3rd John McGuin 26pts. Friday's Scramble was won by Lorcan Egan, Michael Simon & Michael Rush.
Boyle Golf Club Blog [here...]

Boyle GAA Club (Facebook)

"Congratulations to the U12 Boys on their fine 3 13 to 2 6 victory over St Brigids in the Spring League Division 1 Final in Oran.
Well done also to the Intermediate Ladies on their Championship win over Castlerea St Kevins in the Abbey Park. This is their third win in the group stages and they have one further group game to play -- against Roscommon Gaels on the August weekend."

Boyle Arts Festival 2014

Over 11 months of planning by Boyle Arts Festival committee will lead to Thursday night's launch of Festival 2014. "Celebrating 25 Amazing years! Welcome to Boyle Arts Festival 2014, we truly hope you enjoy this year’s exciting mix of events! Presenting 10 days of interesting drama and literary events, stunning exhibitions, hands-on workshops for children and adults, with all genres of music and lots more - there is so much to see & do!"
You are invited to the opening of BOYLE ARTS FESTIVAL 2014 by Thomas Ryan RHA on Thursday 24th July, 2014 at 8.30pm in King House, Boyle Celebrating 25 years of Irish Arts and Culture and featuring Tony O'Malley retrospective.
Download or read the full programme [here...]

Ireland's Toughest Muckers - [here...]

Ireland's Toughest Muckers is a 10km obstacle challenge set in the stunning location of Lough Key Forest Park in Boyle. For its 130 competitors from all over ireland, the challenge was tough, dirty, sweaty, wet, but most of all it was fun. 20 natural and imaginatively created manmade obstacles designed by our award winning firemenmade this a unique event.
I spoke with event organiser Darren O'Flaherty who told me that he and his dedicated team spent many hours over the past 3/4 months setting up this expensive, well-thought-out spectacular challenge. "We hope to run Muckers as an annual event ... maybe even twice a year, and have planned the next Toughest Muckers at Halloween, later this year" Photos [here...]

Toughest Muckers were the Alley Bar Team
(L-R) Aaron Calpin, John Connolly, Gerard Casserly, Philly O'Grady and Lee Mckillen.

Councillors Served with Malachy Beirne R.I.P.

Councillors who served with the late Malachy Beirne : Patsy Quinn, Tommie Egan, Connie Fallon, Tom Murray, Roy Shannon, Frank Tarpey, Sean O'Dowd, Sean Davitt, Barry Feely, Marian Gaffney, Francie Geelan, Kitty Shannon, Denis Dodd, John Murphy, Adrian Wynne, Seamus Flaherty, Eithne Sheridan, Christy Brady, Michael Corrigan, Emma Dodd, David McKenna, Willie Tiernan, Keith Suffin

Boyle Men's shed (Facebook)

"WANTED COMPUTER TUTOR : Is there anyone out there that would like to give up a few hours a week. We hope to open our computer room soon. We need someone to run a basic class in computers for people of all ages."

SPOKEN WORD, DRAMA & FILM PROGRAMME AT BOYLE ARTS FESTIVAL 2014

SPOKEN WORD, DRAMA & FILM PROGRAMME AT BOYLE ARTS FESTIVAL 2014
By Brendan McGee

Declan Burke, Joseph O'Connor, Sinead Crowley, Alan Graham

Joseph O’Connor, Sinead Crowley, Mary McEvoy, Declan Burke, Niall de Búrca and Tarquin Blake, will all be in Boyle during the next ten days as part of the 25th annual Boyle Arts Festival, which runs from July 25th to August 2nd.

The Festival’s spoken word & literature programme will start off with two events by traditional storyteller, Niall de Búrca, in King House on Friday July 25th. The first is a family storytelling event and the second is ‘Where the Poppies Grow- Stories of the first World War’. Following this, BAF Curator Patrick T. Murphy RHA will conduct a tour of this year’s BAF Main Exhibition. Later, at 4pm in association with Roscommon Arts Centre, Irish born Australian artist Sean Rafferty will discuss ‘Rockingham’ in the Moylurg room in Lough Key Forest Park. The day will finish with a discussion on ‘Relics of the Ancestors’ and the Carrowkeel Passage Tombs, by Archaelogy lecturer Sam Moore, in King House at 6pm.

Two events will make up our ‘Crime Writers Weekend’ in King House. First up is Author, Declan Burke who will present ‘Emerald Noir’ and give a talk on Irish Crime Writing on Sat. July 26th at 1pm. Declan, who reviews crime novels for the Irish Times is also the author of ‘Crime Always Pays’ and ’Absolute Zero Cool’. On Sunday July 27th at 5pm, Arts & Media correspondent with RTÉ, Sinéad Crowley will read from her first novel ‘Can Anybody Help Me?’

An Evening with the Moylurg Writers is always a special event and Sunday July 27th will see an enchanting night of poetry and prose in King House. The results of the 2014 BAF Poetry Competition will also be announced by writer Michael O’Dea, followed by a reading of his own work. Australian poet Ross Donlon will also contribute. This very special event will take place at 7:30pm.

‘No Room for Two Sets of Heroes’ will examine the role of the Connaught Rangers in the Great War on Monday July 28th. Oliver Fallon will discuss their fate, when they returned to a much changed Ireland in 1919. This event will take place in King House at 6pm. On Tues. July 29th, award winning novelist Joseph O’Connor will make a welcome return to Boyle with a lunchtime reading from his latest novel ‘The Thrill of it All’ in King House at 1pm. And later the same evening at 6pm, John Clapison and Triona Mullaney-Dignam will discuss ‘Fueds, Feminism and Frankenstein’ the remarkable story of Robert & Caroline King.

Don’t miss the chance to avail of a Curator’s tour of the Roscommon Forum Exhibition. This exhibition will take place throughout the Festival in the Roscommon Herald building and on Friday Aug. 1st at 4pm, joint curators Linda Shevlin and Angie Duignan will take you on a tour of the Exhibition. In collaboration with Literature Wales, BAF welcome Welsh writer, Gemma Howell to King House on Friday Aug. 1st where she will discuss a centenary of Dylan Thomas at 6pm.

The final day of Boyle Arts Festival, Sat. Aug. 2nd will include a ‘Historic Walking Tour of Boyle’ presented by Danny Tiernan. The walk will begin outside King House at 12pm. Local man Michael Archer, will discuss the ‘Habitats and Wild Flowers of Boyle’ in the Ardcarne garden centre at 2pm  and the BAF spoken word programme will conclude with a discussion on ‘Ancient Ireland’ by explorer, photographer, author and historian Tarquin Blake in King House at 4pm. For more details on the lecture and literature events, please check the Festival programme. 

The Drama programme will  jump into action when the recently formed ‘Clock Theatre Group’ present Brian Friel’s hilarious comedy ‘Communication Cord’ in St. Joseph’s Hall on Sat. July 26th at 8pm. This is the group’s third consecutive drama for BAF and it is one show not to be missed. On Wed. July 30thst the Local Drama group (Boyle) will present ‘Joining the Club’ a short one act comedy in Dodd’s Crescent Bar at 6pm.

Starring Mary McEvoy as Della Dolan, ‘Fruitcake’ starts off as a cookery demonstration but develops into an account of one woman’s life. Beat the recession depression with this funny, poignant play which will be performed in the unique surroundings of Margaret’s Café on Thurs. July 31st. Admission includes Tea/Coffee. Two children’s puppet shows will conclude the BAF drama programme on Sat. Aug. 2nd. Little Gem Puppets will present ‘Maggie’ at 2pm followed by ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ at 4pm in St. Joseph’s Hall.

In the Film programme, ‘The Essence’ is a short film by Frank Loopmans that explores artistic creativity as understood by artists from different art disciplines. They each deliver their own personal interpretation of what creativity means to them. This powerful, compelling film will be shown at 4pm and 5pm on Sat. July 26th in the King House auditorium. There will also be a chance to see the recent highly acclaimed film ‘Philomena’ on Wed July 30th at 3pm. And for children, there will be a screening of ‘The Lego Movie’ on Monday July 28th at 3pm.

Full details of all the events are in the festival programme. For booking and further information, call to the Festival office in Bridge St. Boyle, beside Marian’s, open every day (except Sundays) until August 2nd. Also go to www.boylearts.com  Online booking for selected events at www.eventbrite.ie  email info@boylearts.com  Tel. 071 9663085 or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Brogans Total Health Pharmacy / Ardcarne Garden Centre / Kelly's Londis - July Sale / Boyle Arts Festival Workshops / Ireland's Toughest Muckers

Brogans Total Health Pharmacy

Celebrations at Brogans Total Health Pharmacy

Today was a special day at Brogans Pharmacy on Shop Street as they joined with Total Health and will be referred to as Brogans Total Health Pharmacy. With a dozen employees on the payroll, Pat Brogan is a popular, premium employer in Boyle. His late mum and dad, Mary and Frank would have been so proud to note how Pat has moved the business forward to being one of the finest in the region. A friendly welcome and excellent service are assured to Brogans many customers. I take this opportunity to offer congratulations to Pat, Mary and staff and very best wishes into the future. View photos [here...]

Pat and Mary Brogan with their family

John Cummins, Chairman Roscommon Co Council cut the opening tape...

Ardcarne Garden Centre

The July garden is a melting pot for fragrances as many of the most deliciously scented flowers reach their best. "We've put together our six favourite shrubs and perennials that really should be in every garden to lace the summer air with their gorgeous perfume ... lavender. Gertrude jekyll, Honeysuckle, Lilies, Dianthus and Butterfly Bush." "If you still have a few gaps in your pots or beds do call to us - we've lots of really fantastic plants for instant colour. Hope to see you soon." View this week's Newsletter [here...]

Kelly's Londis - July Sale Today

 

Boyle Arts Festival Workshops

Drama & Theatre Workshops starting next Monday

Starting next Monday, for your budding young movie star!! Boyle Arts Festival will host Drama & Theatre Workshops with Drama Works Ireland! July 21st to 25th in Abbey Community College. Drama games, songs, mini-plays & role play!! A special one-day Masterclass will take place on Saturday, 26th July for teenagers. Bookings: 071 966 3085 or call to the Boyle Arts Festival Office on Bridge Street directly.
View Workshops [here...] Brendan McGee's Workshops Press Release [here...]

Ireland's Toughest Muckers - tomorrow

Ireland's Toughest Muckers is a 10km obstacle challenge set in the stunning location of Lough Key Forest Park in Boyle. This challenge is tough, dirty, sweaty, wet, but most of all it is fun. We have natural and man made obstacles that you may need help to complete but it is all part of the challenge, and just when you think you cant take anymore we have a surprise in store (lets just say you better get on that stepper). This course is designed by firemen who got silver medals in the world police and fire games last year, so you can except it to be full of exciting and tricky obstacles.
Event schedule and times: Registration begins at 10am on the morning and the race starts at 12.00. There is ample parking in the forest park. Waivers will need to be signed on the day. It is advisable to wear training gear for the race but remember to bring a change of clothes to enjoy the festivities afterwards.

Boyle Arts Festival Workshops

Press Release by Brendan McGee

1.

This year, an exciting range of children’s and adults workshops have been organised for Boyle Arts Festival. For children and teens there will be Drama & Theatre workshops for ages 4 to 7 and 8 to 12 years, in Abbey Community College, followed by a one day Teens Theatre Masterclass, all with Drama Works Ireland. 

2.

If there are any 7 to 14 year olds out there, who would like to learn to sing ‘Glee’ style, then Singskool with Róisín Egan is for you. 

3.

Creating Art with Susan Boyle is a workshop, focusing on paper sculpture, glass and silk painting and an introduction to watercolours. This is a one day workshop for 5 to 7 years and ages 10+. Please see our separate Children’s Workshop programme for details and call into the office to avail of special discounts, when enrolling two or more children!

4.

For adults, on Saturday July 26th there will be all day Writing Workshop in the Enterprise Centre. Marking the 2nd Gathering of Roscommon Writers, look out for poetry with Geraldine Finn and Joan O’Reilly along with Flash Fiction by John Mulligan in the morning, followed by Poetry with Michael O’Dea, Short Fiction with Rose Byrne and Screenwriting with Laurence Henson during the afternoon session.

5.

Sunday, July 27th will see ‘Catching Poems’ a poetry Workshop with Ross Donlon in the Enterprise Centre from 2pm to 4pm. Ross has taught numerous workshops in Australia and England and he asks all participants to bring an object of significance, to be the subject of a poem.

6.

Don’t miss the Singer’s Workshop with Len Graham in Dodd’s Crescent bar on July 31st and Frances Crowe’s weaving workshop in Abbey College on August 2nd.

For full details of all the workshops, please see our Festival programme or go to www.boylearts.com and follow the link to ‘workshops’ under the ‘Festival’ heading. Please note that advance booking is required for all workshops. 

For more information, call in to The Festival office, situated next door to Marian’s, on Bridge St. The office is open every day (excluding Sundays) from now until August 2nd. For more information and our full programme go to www.boylearts.com  Tel. 071 9663085. Email info@boylearts.com or find us on Facebook.

Boyle Arts Festival is supported by the Arts Council and Fáilte Ireland.

Tony Conboy's Oblique View / Brogans Pharmacy / Malachy Beirne R.I.P. / Happy days for shopfront painters / Carrick Water Music Festival

Tony Conboy's Oblique View

Tony is an astute observer and viewers tell me they look forward to his weekly updates ... and so do I. This week read Tony's articles on Boyle Tourism / Brazil and The World Cup / Roscommon GAA Advance / Boyle Ladies GAA / Garth Brooks Concerts / Political Discomfort. [here...]

Brogans Pharmacy

Call in tomorrow (Friday) for lots of Special Offers as Brogans joins with TotalHealth. Hampers to be won, Win an iPad, 20% off all cosmetics and fragrances

Malachy Beirne R.I.P.

Malachy Beirne photographed some years ago in Abbey Park, Boyle
© realboyle photos

Malachy Beirne, husband, father, former Town Cllr and Peace Commissioner died in the Hospice last night (Wednesday 16th) with his family around him. He was an outstanding Boyle citizen and a friend to many including my late parents and myself. Countless times we chatted, discussed local issues and laughed together. I will miss my friend Malachy Beirne, may he Rest In Peace.

Happy days for shopfront painters

With the weather 'pretty-okay' for the past few months many of Boyle's shopfronts have been repainted. The streetscape looks very different and more appealing than it did earlier this year. Shortly I will have a set of photos for your viewing pleasure. I have attempted to complete the set many times, and have to wait so that parked cars do not hinder best photo views ... but I'm getting there !! Watch this space :-)
 

Carrick Water Music Festival

St. George's Church, Carrick-on-Shannon

Ahead of Boyle Arts Festival, our friends in Carrick-on-Shannon hold the Carrick Water Music Festival featuring performances by artists across a wide range of musical styles. The 10th Annual Carrick Water Music Festival started last night Tuesday 15th and will run to Sunday 20th July 2014. In St. George's Church, the Voce di Donna Trio. "Disarming Divas and Spicy Roles" This was an excellent performance in a beautiful location.
View Photos [here...] St. George's Church [here...] Festival Programme [here...]

Civic Amenity Centres / A Groove Back to the 80’s / Where to stay in the Boyle area / Parker’s Disco memorabilia / Kelly's Londis / Boyle Arts Festival - invitation

Civic Amenity Centres

Apparently the Civic Amenity Centre in Castlerea will soon be reduced to a 3 day week service. Could this be true? ... and will that apply also to the Civic Amenity Centre here in Boyle?
Does Roscommon Co Council have a long term plan to remove themselves from Civic Amenity Centres and hand them to private operators, just as they did with waste collection? If so, will they reduce rates accordingly?

A Groove Back to the 80’s

Parker’s Disco Memories, Daly’s Storehouse 19th July from 10pm. DJ Dermot Leydon belting out the 80’s tunes - Dress Code – everything 80’s - Prizes for best outfits.Admission €10 : Fundraiser in aid of the Boyle Horse and Summer Show

Where to stay in the Boyle area

Viewers have requested a complete list of B&B and Hotels in the Boyle area. View [here...] Please let me know if I missed a premises. I will add Self-catering shortly.
I added Trisha McHugh's Amber B&B (Corrigeenroe) and Kilronan Castle Hotel to the list today.

I am compiling a new list of "Where to eat out" in Boyle, detailing opening times, contact details and a general 'Bill of fare' indicator. Like our "Where to Stay" list, this "Where to eat out" list will be the complete list, and as such, it will be the only one available. Watch this space :-)

Parker’s Disco memorabilia

"We are looking for any old photos, ticket stubs, borrowed ashtrays (!), you might have from the old Parker’s era to display at the 80’s Disco in Daly’s Storehouse this Saturady 19th July. All items will be returned at the end of the night. Tickets on sale in Daly’s Bar and Unabhan tourist office. Doors open at 10pm, admission €10, prizes for the best 80’s outfits, 80’s disco moves and 80’s hairstyles!"

The weather

Met Éireann's latest national forecast says that "from Thursday onwards, it will be very warm and humid with temperatures reaching the low to mid 20s". "Mostly cloudy with heavy showers or longer spells of rain and a risk of thunder" doesn’t sound good for Friday, but we can look forward to "decent dry spells with some warm sunshine" for the weekend – still with some rain thrown in, of course!

Kelly's Londis - July sale

 

Boyle Arts Festival - invitation

You are invited to the opening of BOYLE ARTS FESTIVAL 2014 by Thomas Ryan RHA on Thursday 24th July, 2014 at 8.30pm in King House, Boyle Celebrating 25 years of Irish Arts and Culture and featuring Tony O'Malley retrospective.

Pianist Elena Alekseva will play in King House, Saturday August 2nd.Photo courtesy of Brendan McGee

Brendan McGee wrote: Classical Music has always been one of the cornerstones on which the Boyle Arts Festival is firmly established and the 2014 Festival, which will start on  July 24th, is no different. This year, audiences can look forward to some very special appearances from some of the country’s finest performers in the Classical music genre.
Full programme www.boylearts.com   Tel 071 966 3085. Email info@boylearts.com