Boyle GAA Update 29th September

The following were €20 winners in the most recent Club Lotto draw which was held in Brunos Bar and Restaurant; Jackie and Gabriel Valentine, Shane and Louise Spellman, Tom and Pat Cox, Michael Harrington, Marina Furey and M. Drury. The house prize was won by Michael Furey. This Saturday night’s draw will be held in An Craoibhin with Team B in charge. The jackpot will be €7,200.

Our U12s retained the Keenan Cup with a comprehensive victory over Castlerea St Kevins on Thursday evening last in the Abbey Park. Well done to the boys and their management on their success. Thanks to all who helped with the organising of the event and especially to the ladies who did an excellent job in catering for everyone who attended. Thanks to Ernie and Mary and Karl Keenan who were on hand for the presentation and to Karl for making the presentation while on vacation from Australia. We wish him bon voyage on his return journey.

Thanks also to Sean Young and Danny Burke who presented medals to the respective panels. The lads, with the assistance of some of our U14 panel, had a good win over Strokestown in the first round of the U13 Féile competition in Strokestown on Sunday. They will play Padraig Pearses in the next round of this competition on Saturday next at 1pm.

We are still awaiting details of the U14 Garda Cup competition.Cooney Motors/ Cooney’s Centra Juniors lost their County Junior B Championship Quarter Final to Oran in the Centre of Excellence, Ballyhaunis on Friday night last. This completes their championship campaign for this year. Thanks to all the lads who participated throughout the season and to Liam Conroy and his management team.It is expected that the McGovern Directional Drilling Seniors will play their final round O’Rourke Cup game versus Kilmore on Sunday next in the Abbey Park. See fixtures for confirmation.

The National Automation Limited U21s are still awaiting details of their fixtures in Division 1 of the County Championship against Padraig Pearses, Roscommon Gaels and Michael Glaveys.The Fuel Draw will take place in the Clubroom on this Tuesday at 8.30pm. All are welcome to attend and witness the draw and perhaps be lucky enough to see their number coming out. There will be a final chance to purchase tickets on the evening in advance of the draw. 

The Draw will be followed by a meeting of the Thousandaire Leaders.

Ladies Club

The Lynch’s Veterinary Services Intermediate Ladies will play Shannon Gaels in the Intermediate Championship Shield Final on Sunday evening next in the Abbey Park.

Press Statement from Frank Feighan TD

Press Statement from Frank Feighan TD

September 27th 2014

I understand that people are angry and upset at the way the A & E in Roscommon was downgraded.

I have always supported people’s democratic right to peaceful protest. 

However, I believe protests regarding Roscommon Hospital have become far too aggressive.

In the last number of years, my staff and I have been subjected to a torrent of physical, verbal and social media abuse while carrying out our duties as best we can.

Today, I had a meeting in Roscommon Hospital with Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar and a number of stakeholders.

We were briefed that more people today are employed at Roscommon Hospital than in 2011 and once a €20million capital investment programme is completed, the hospital will be physically twice as big and seven times busier.

Most importantly, consultants at the hospital have confirmed on the public record that patients in County Roscommon and further afield are now much safer, helped significantly by the introduction of the air ambulance service. As a result, scores of lives are being saved.

Yesterday, Fine Gael members, families and their children had come to Roscommon Town to meet Taoiseach Enda Kenny. Assessing the situation when he arrived, I formed the opinion that the Taoiseach was going to be confronted in an aggressive and physical manner.

In hindsight, I misread the situation and overreacted in a tense situation.

As a Fine Gael TD and a member of the Government, the public expects the highest standards.

I regret if any actions of mine caused hurt to anybody especially the Hospital Action Committee candidate and former Roscommon senior county goalkeeper, John McDermott.

Sabrina & Eamon / Kelly's Londis - this week's special offer / National Ploughing Championships / Boyle Camera Club photo shoot / Run Walk N Roll / Boyle GAA / Recycling Centres Opening Hours

Sabrina & Eamon

pic © realboyle photos

Best wishes to Boyle raeidents Sabrina McGinn and Eamon Downes who will get married tomorrow (Thursday 25th) in Athlone

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Kelly's Londis - this week's special offer

 

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National Ploughing Championships

Over 200,000 people are expected to attend this year’s National Ploughing Championships in Co Laois. The three day annual event is one of the largest agricultural events in the world. The event location is on the 800 acre site in Ratheniska near Stradbally. People travelling to the event are advised to allow plenty of time – and to adhere to the special traffic plan in operation.

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Boyle Camera Club photo shoot

pic © realboyle photos

This month's photo shoot will begin at Elphin Windmill and take in some sites of interest in the surrounding area. Members will have a guided tour, full access to exhibits and enjoy refreshments for a reduced fee. Meet on The Crescent in Boyle at 9.30am for car pool

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Run Walk N Roll

Boyle's annual Run Walk N Roll will take place on Sunday 12th October. This is a fun event for all the family, formally known as The Terry Fox Run and now in its 19th year in Boyle. Raising in excess of €120,000 for Cancer Research in Ireland over the years. A day out for all the family. More details later. Contact Damian 086 394 2388

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Boyle GAA

The big event this week will be the Keenan Cup Final between Boyle and Castlerea in the Abbey Park on Thursday evening at 6.15pm.
IMPORTANT NOTICE; Club Treasurer will collect all draw cards and money for the upcoming Fuel Draw from 6.15pm in the Abbey Park on this Thursday during Keenan Cup Final. All who have cards are asked to complete their sales and return the cards to Mary by Thursday evening.

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Boyle Celtic Condolences

Boyle Celtic FC offer sincere condolences to the McNama family following the recent death of Sean, the Corrigan family following the recent death of Jimmy Barry Corrigan and the Ryan family following the recent death of Paddy – May they rest in peace.

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Recycling Centres Opening Hours

With effect from Monday 29th September 2014 the following will be the opening hours at all four of Co Roscommon's Recycling Centres. Open Monday, Friday and Saturday from 8am to 4pm. Closed for lunch from 1pm to 1:30pm at Boyle, Castlerea and Ballaghaderreen only. Roscommon open during lunch. All four sites closed every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Win-Win for Students / Ireland West Airport Knock / Grange N.S. Cultural Evening / Boyle Curlew Walkers - Open weekend / By-Election News / Nude Selfies - Amanda Brunker

Win-Win for Students, Employers / Organisations

Students who are currently working towards a Major Award Level 5 in Information Processing at Roscommon Learning Links, Elphin St., Boyle  are looking for 2 weeks Work Experience late Oct/November time.
This Work Experience is an essential part of their course and we are appealing to Businesses and organisations in Boyle to make contact with us if there are any areas that a Student could assist them with. A business may have a backlog of paperwork, filing, promotional work, restaurant work or any office applications updated. An organisation may be in need of updating databases or help organising forthcoming events.
If you see an opportunity to offer a student the chance to gain two weeks Work Experience which can be included on their CV and allow them achieve a Major Award, please contact Siobhan at Roscommon Learning Links on 071 966 4510 or e-mail info@roscommonlearninglinks.com. Many students are restricted to locating this experience in the Boyle area due to lack of transport.

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Ireland West Airport Knock

Ireland West Airport Knock recorded another major milestone last month experiencing its busiest ever month with a total of 102,774 passengers passing through the terminal in August - the first time in the 28 year history that over 100,000 passengers have used the airport in a calendar month.

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Grange N.S. Cultural Evening next Friday

Grange National School, Boyle, will host a Cultural Evening on Friday 26th September 2014 at 8pm - 10pm with music & dance plus refreshments of tea / coffee. The evening will be a relaxed & enjoyable gathering & a great community feel is guaranteed. All are welcome and for those that can play a musical instrument bring it along to join in the fun.

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Boyle Curlew Walkers - Open weekend

Logo design Sean O'Dowd

Saturday 27th Castlebaldwin to Boyle 20km
Sunday 28th Keadue to Boyle 25km
Shortened walks arranged for both days. Meet at the Crescent in Boyle 11am on Sat and Sunday. Contact Philip 086 335 3000 or Tom Brown 087 237 9632

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By-Election News

Instead of the old idea of 'election promises' it seems candidates now settle for 'calls for...' Shannonside FM reports the latest 'calls for...':
Tom Crosby (Independent) is calling for Property Tax reductions
Ivan Connaughton (Fianna Fáil) is calling on the Taoiseach to support Knock Airport
Maura Hopkins (Fine Gael) calls for money to be spent on school repairs
John Kelly (Labour) is calling for improved broadband access for farmers since they are now moving online to do business
> Reminder from Maura Hopkins: "Deadline to register to vote in the Roscommon-South Leitrim bye-election is today (Tuesday, 23rd September).
> See www.checktheregister.ie and make sure you can vote."

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Nude Selfies - Amanda Brunker

Waterford Whispers News: Sunday World journalist Amanda Brunker has expressed concern that her saucy snaps may make their way into the public eye. "Ugh, I just can’t handle computers so I’m not sure my account is even that well protected", said Brunker, who knows Bono. "And the password to my iTunes account, well, I just went with my name in all caps followed by four zeroes. I hope that’s enough to outwit whoever is hacking celebrity phones, if not then pictures of me completely naked could end up online at any time"

Boyle GAA Fuel Draw / Did You Win €86.7 million? / Boyle Library - Summer Reading Challenge / September 2014 Weather / Boyle Parish Pastoral Council / Folk For Hospice Concert - Saturday 20th

Boyle GAA Fuel Draw

The Club's monster fuel draw will take place on Friday next 26th September. First prize is a trailer load of firewood, 2nd prize is 500 litres of heating oil, and 3rd and 4th prizes consist of a €100 voucher and €100 cash. You can be in the draw for as little as €2. Club officers and players have draw cards. Please support as the funding will go towards the improvement of our training pitch

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Did You Win €86.7 million?

The winner of the gigantic €86.7m EuroMillions jackpot has made contact with the Lotto offices. Although the winning ticket is believed to have been sold in Dublin, it is not known if the winner is Dublin-based or is part of a syndicate win like last week's Donegal Irish Lotto winners.

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Boyle Library - Summer Reading Challenge

Jaga & Franek Rykowska receiving their certificates from Patricia Flaherty, having completed the Summer Reading Challenge at Boyle Library
 

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September 2014 Weather

Bridge Street, Boyle, Sunday 21st September

Generally, September is among Ireland's wettest months and if you're packing for a trip to the Emerald Isle during this time, the advice used to be "be sure to leave extra room for an umbrella, boots and a raincoat". However, this year, the statistics will show that we are enjoying warm sunny days, seldom but a light shower and gorgeous blue skies daily.

Lough Key Forest Park, Sunday 21st September

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Boyle GAA Update, Monday 22nd

The big event of the coming week is the Keenan Cup Final between Boyle and Castlerea which will be held in the Abbey Park on Thursday evening at 6.15pm. This is a competition that is synonymous with Boyle Club as the trophy is dedicated to a young Boyle footballer who died some years ago, the late Ernan Keenan. Ernan's briother Karl who is home from Australia, will be on hand to present the cup to the winning captain. Come along and support those Under 12 footballers.

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Folk For Hospice Concert - Saturday 20th

(Left to Right) Greg O'Donnell, Niall Sheerin, Johnny McGlynn, Derek Cardbeck
James Carty, Brendan Maloney, Seamie Simon
View large version [here...] Graphic © realboyle.com

Saturday night's audience in St. Joseph's Hall were treated to a superb concert of folk music favourite songs performed brilliantly by Derek Caldbeck and friends. Following Mike Smith's introduction on behalf of Mayo Roscommon Hospice, Donal O'Connor and Bernard Flaherty performed an excellent set. A member of the audience confided "I could have listened to them all night". The Derek Caldbeck concept "Folk For Hospice" followed featuring a grouping of some of the very best performers in the area. Cries for "More, More, More" rang out until well past 11pm 

Boyle GAA Update Monday 22nd September 2014

The big event of the coming week is the Keenan Cup Final between Boyle and Castlerea which will be held in the Abbey Park on Thursday evening at 6.15pm. This is a competition that is synonymous with Boyle Club as the trophy is dedicated to a young Boyle footballer who died some years ago, the late Ernan Keenan. Ernan's briother Karl who is home from Australia, will be on hand to present the cup to the winning captain. Come along and support those Under 12 footballers.

The Cooney Motors/ Cooney’s Centra juniors will play Oran in the Junior B County Championship Quarter Final on Friday night next in Tarmonbarry at 8.30pm.

It is expected that the McGovern Directional Drilling Seniors will play their remaining O’Rourke Cup games versus Kilmore very shortly.

The National Automation Limited U21s have been informed that they will be in a Division 1 group that includes Roscommon Gaels, Padraig Pearses and Michael Glaveys. Their fixtures will be coming up shortly.

The National Automation Limited minors are qualified fro the Division 3 Championship Final and they await details of their opponents.

It was hoped that the Garda Cup competition would have commenced during the recent spell of good weather but no fixtures have yet been confirmed.

The Club will hold the winter fuel draw at the coming weekend. First prize is a trailer load of firewood. Second prize is 500 litres of heating oil (sponsored by Corrib Oil/ David O’Connor), Third prize is a €150 voucher (sponsored by Greenan Electrical. Fourth prize is a €100 voucher (sponsored by McDonagh’s Garage/Mace). Fifth prize is €100 cash. All players and officials who have draw cards are asked to make a special effort complete their sales and to return all cards and remittances to Club Treasurer Mary Smith by Thursday night.

The Club is embarking on a major fundraising/social event when it brings the hugely popular “Who Wants to be a Thousandaire” to Boyle at the end of November. More details will follow in the coming weeks.

Sympathy is extended to the Ryan family, Boyle on the death of Paddy, father of former Boyle and Roscommon player Tom. Sympathy is also extended to the Corrigan family on the death of Jim.

Boyle Golf club Update - 22nd September 2014

Results for Sunday/s 18 Hole stroke were 1st Terry Canning (62), 2nd Brendan Gaffney (63), Gross Gary Carty, 3rd John McGuinn (64). 

Sunday's result saw Gary Carty crowned as “Golfer of the Year” with 100pts, after a tight battle with Tom Kearney and Gerry Carty who came 2nd & 3rd. Terry Canning finished 4th. At the presentation Gary said he was delighted to win and thanked Michael Rush for organising the completion and for all his work at the club. He thanked all his playing partners during the year with special mention for runners up Tom Kearney and Gerry Carty. He thanked Mary for looking after the members so well and also thanked all those who volunteer for the club. Full golfer of the year results on noticeboard.

The King Harmon presentation to Martin Wynne also took place last Sunday. Receiving the prize Martin said he was delighted to win and thanked Michael Rush for organising the competition. He complimented all those who look keep the course in such great condition including Charlie Beirne, Michael Rush, John McGuinn & Willie Tiernan. He thanked all his playing partners with special mention for Jonathan Egan, finalist, and Liam Mullaney who he wished a speedy recovery. He also thanked Mary, Gary & all those who look after the bar. He finished with a glowing tribute for the clubs “media department” which was met with great acclaim by the “press corps” present.   

Thursday night’s Mens Competition was won by Lionel Lynn 24pts, 2nd Owen Garvin 23pts, 3rd Paddy McLoughlin 20pts. As this was the last Thursday competition for the season, thanks to all who took part and to all who sponsored prizes Thanks also to Mary for looking after us so well and to Gary and all who helped in the bar. Special thanks to Michael Rush for a great job and we look forward to the Thursday nights starting again next April. The weekly nine hole was won by Sean Heslin 23pts, 2nd Michael Bannon 23pts. Well done to Liam Whyte who put in an “excellent” performance to win the Shepherds Crook Captains Prize in Portlaoise.

Competitions for this week are the weekly open Monday – Saturday with an 18 Hole next Sunday. The winter league draw details are on the noticeboard.

A club outing to New Forest Golf Club will take place on Saturday October 11th. Cost will be €30 plus €5.00 for prizes. Please put your names on the noticeboard.

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The September draw was won by Seamus & Marie Gallagher €70, runners up John McGuinn & Sean Heslin €40 each. Thanks to all who took part.

The Club extend sympathy to Mary Ryan and Family on the death of Paddy Ryan last Saturday. Paddy is fondly remembered as a past Captain, Treasurer & Committee Member who’s did great work at the club. May he rest in Peace. The Club also extend sympathy to Michael Corrigan & Family on the death of his brother Jimmy Barry Corrigan last week. May he rest in Peace.

Irish Times Top Shops / Paddy Ryan R.I.P. / Games Arcade now open / Aerial survey / Boyle Sports Complex re-opened / Folk For Hospice Concert / Culture night 2014 / Sports Complex reopening / Simpson's Arcade / Culture Night readings with Gerry Boland / Living The Scriptures Joyfully / Smash and Grab at Taylors Jewellers

Irish Times Top Shops 2014 - three are in Boyle

Congratulations to Mary O'Donoghue "The Book Lady". The Irish Times Top 100 Shops in Ireland 2019 is where you will find only the best in a number of categories. Mary tells me she is 'over the Moon' to feature in the Bookshop category. "I can't believe my good fortune" said Mary, "The shop is open only two years. The judges visited my shop unannounced and didn't mention anything to me at the time"
The Irish Times wrote: The nearly 28,000 nominations posed a big challenge for our team of secret shoppers and the judges"
Marians Fashions and Kelly's Londis, two of our iconic shops also feature in the top 100. What a great accolade for Boyle ... three shops in Irish Times Top 100 Shops 2014.

Paddy Ryan R.I.P.

The death has occurred of Patrick Joseph (Paddy) RYAN, MPSI, FAOI, Main Street and late of Corner Pharmacy, Boyle, peacefully surrounded by his family. Sadly missed by his beloved wife Mary (nee Cronin), sons John and Tom, daughters in law Chrona and Eleanor, sisters Nell Lynch, Ann and the late Maureen (Shiel) and Agnes,  brother in law John Cronin, dearly loved grandchildren Isabelle, Tom, Ellen, Emily, Phoebe, Mary, Olivia, Harry and Mollie, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and a large circle of friends.
May Paddy Rest in Peace
Reposing at Mahons Funeral Home, Boyle, on Monday (22nd Sept) from 4.30pm with removal at 6.30pm to St Joseph's Church, Boyle to arrive at 7pm. Funeral Mass on Tuesday (23rd September) at 11am. Burial afterwards in Assylinn Cemetery. House private please.
 

This was the Ryan's Pharmacy building on St. Patrick Street that
we all remember so well from several years ago

Games Arcade now open for youngsters

Simpson's Games Arcade is now open on Main Street. For many years we have listened to the call for "something for young people to do" in Boyle. Certainly we are blessed, having excellent sports clubs, their dedicated management teams, coaching, indoor and outdoor facilities. We also have music classes, NYP and are delighted to note Lisa McDermott's new creative group, but there was still a gap ... somewhere for youngsters to meet up, hang out, and develop social skills in a less structured atmosphere. The newly opened Games Arcade may well become the venue to fill that gap.
The Games Arcade has three pool tables, a juke box, air hockey and the like, but NO gambling machines. View a set of opening night photos [here...]

Aerial survey

An aerial geological survey is in progress now over counties Roscommon, Longford, and Westmeath. The airborne geophysical survey will continue for the next three months using two small aircraft. Owners of sensitive livestock such as horses, and other animals are being encouraged to contact the Tellus North Midlands team if they have any concerns on www.tellus.ie or 1800 303 516.

Boyle Sports Complex re-opened

Boyle Sports complex was officially re-opened (Friday 19th) following a re-furbishment project during July and August. The project, funded by the National Lottery and user organisations included the installation of new lighting, re-painting of the sports hall and full re-furbishment of the sports hall floor. The complex, originally built in the 1970’s, is used by Abbey Community college and local sports clubs and organisations. It has also been the venue for regional sports events and was used for Sunday Masses between 1977 and 1980 when St Joseph’s Church was burned. The complex was previously refurbished in 2007. The Chairperson of the Complex Eileen Callaghan thanked all those involved in the project and complimented the high standard of the work. She thanked the National Lottery for its funding and all those who use the complex for their great support. She thanked the management committee for managing the complex and for their guidance during the work. The complex, she said "is a tremendous facility for the town and a wonderful venue for all who use it!". Special tributes were also paid to all those who were previously involved in the construction and management of the complex. "Without their foresight", she said, "we would not have the facility we have today"
As part of the project the complex now has a one wall handball facility to support renewed interest in the sport and the handball & squash courts have been re-wired. The complex is owned by St Joseph’s Pastoral Council and it is managed by a committee made up of organisations using the complex and members of the parish council. The project manager was Brendan Maloney of Archer Associates.

 

Folk For Hospice Concert - Saturday 20th

(Left to Right) Greg O'Donnell, Niall Sheerin, Johnny McGlynn, Derek Cardbeck
James Carty, Brendan Maloney, Seamie Simon
View large version [here...] Graphic © realboyle.com

Culture night 2014 - tonight Friday

King House: Free one hour guided tours of King house starting from 5.30pm

King House: at 7pm - Exciting talk entitled ‘Robert and Caroline King – Feuds, Feminisam and Frankenstein’. John Clapison and Triona Mullaney-Dignam will give their very informative and interesting talk on the marriage of Robert King to Caroline Fitzgerald. Their marriage ensured that the King family would become one of the wealthiest land-owning families in Ireland.

King House: Meet artist’s resident in the new Harrington Studios in the courtyard of King House and talk to them about their work. Artists Gavin Porter and Dr. Susan Mannion will be on site from 6pm – 8pm

Boyle Library: Writer In Residence with Roscommon County Council Gerry Boland will review 5 books in Boyle Branch Library.

Dodd's Bar: a night of Traditional Music in Dodd's, The Crescent Bar from about 10pm. All will be welcome.

Sports Complex reopening tonight

Boyle Sports Complex at dusk, 800 ISO

September 19th at 6pm: Re-opening of the Sports Complex next Friday, following its recent re-furbishment that included a new lighting system, repainting of the interior and re-furbishment of the sports hall floor. The handball/squash courts were rewired as part of the project. The work was funded by the National Lottery and users of the Complex.

Simpson's Arcade opening tonight

Simpson's Arcade: Air Hockey, Juke Box, Boxing Machine, Pool Table
 

Culture Night readings with Gerry Boland

pic: Our Lady of Mercy Primary

Friday 19th September, 6 and 8pm: If you like books, then you may be interested in a Culture Night event in Boyle Library on at 6pm. Gerry Boland, Roscommon Writer-in-Residence, has chosen five library books and will review and read extracts from them. The titles of the books will not be revealed till the night, but the five will include a recent and acclaimed novel, a well-known collection of poems, a collection of short stories, a memoir and a fascinating book about animals. Three of the five are by Irish writers. It promises to be an interesting and entertaining evening. The choice of books is deliberately varied in the hope that there will be something for most readers to relate to and to enjoy. This event, as with all Culture Night events, is free. There is no need to book, just turn up at 6pm or as near to as you can manage.

Living The Scriptures Joyfully

A series of talks in Galilee Community on 6 consecutive TUESDAYS beginning on Sept 30th. The speakers are Sr. Moya Hegarty, Fr. Vincent Sherlock, Fr. Noel Rooney, Ms. Carole Barry, Fr. John Coughlan. Sessions begin at 8pm and conclude at 9:30pm. Donation €5.

Smash and Grab at Taylors Jewellers (Thursday 18th)

Taylors Jewellers were victims of a Smash and Grab raid before 4am this morning. A thief or thieves broke a shop window and stole several thousand euros worth of gold rings, chains and some watches. They did not enter the premises, and left a hammer on the ground afterwards. Garda investigations are underway. CCTV cameras were in operation at the time.
Please contact Boyle Gardaí if you noticed anything suspicious in the area last night by calling 071 966 4620

Roscommon / Sth Leitrim by-election

The Roscommon/South Leitrim by-election has been set for Friday October 10th. The person elected will fill the seat vacated by Luke 'Ming' Flanagan

Boyle Musical Society's 'Grease' / Yoga for Beginners / Tony Conboy's Oblique View / Jim (Jimmy Barry) Corrigan. R.I.P / Ardcarne Massive Autumn Sale / Co Cllr Maura Hopkins - Boil Boyle Water update

The cast of Boyle Musical Society's 'Grease'

new graphic © realboyle.com

Boyle Musical Society are delighted to announce that all the principal parts have now been cast for their forthcoming November production of 'Grease'.
Adrian King will play Leading man, Danny
Colette Noone will play Leading lady, Sandy
Marc Egan will play the part of Kenicke
Grainne Caldbeck will play the part of Rizzo
Ceara Conlon will play as Marti : Robert Reid will play as Roger : Darragh Beirne will play Doody and newcomer to BMS, Tracey Gunning will play Jan.
Edel Dwyer will play as Frenchie : Conor Durkin the character Sonny : Gavin Wardwill take on the role of Eugene and Kayleigh Geoghegan will play Cha-Cha andBrendan Reid Teen Angel
There are still a few more parts to be cast and we will keep you updated over the coming days. 'Grease' will open on Wednesday November 19th and continue until Sunday November 23rd.

Yoga for Beginners Thursday 18th

Tony Conboy's Oblique View, 18th September

This week Tony sadly remembers 'The Passing of a Friend ... Sean McNama / Roscommon Victory of 1944 / Kerry v Donegal and the Scotland Vote. Read Tony's Blog column [here...]

Jim (Jimmy Barry) Corrigan. R.I.P.

The death has occurred of Jim (Jimmy Barry) Corrigan, Drumderrig Nursing Home, Boyle and formerly of Marian Road, Boyle. Reposing at Mahon’s Funeral Home, Boyle on Saturday from 3.30pm until 5.30pm with removal arriving to St. Joseph’s church, Boyle at 6.15pm. Mass of Christian Burial on Monday 11am. Funeral afterwards to Assylinn cemetery.

Ardcarne Massive Autumn Sale

For this week

Friday	> Hospice Coffee mornings at several Boyle locations > Simpsons Games Arcade, Main Street opening 6pm > Boyle Library Gerry Boland "If you like books" at 6pm > Sports Complex reopening at 6pm
Saturday	> King House "The Great War Roadshow" with Dr. Myles Dungan
Sunday	> High Nelly ... Cycle Club - Ride out 12 noon from the Crescent

Co Cllr Maura Hopkins - Boil Boyle Water update

"I wanted to let you know as soon as I heard this important news. Homes affected by long-term boil water notices will be 100% exempt from water charges with immediate effect."
Read more [here...]

Marking the retirement of John Murphy

A Celebration of Volunteering – 

Marking the retirement of John Murphy

John and Maura Murphy with volunteers of Roscommon Citizens Information Service

On Tuesday 16th September, Roscommon Citizens Information Service celebrated the retirement of John Murphy. At the celebration where past and present volunteers, staff and Board members of Roscommon CIS who came together to acknowledge and thank John for his fantastic contribution of 35 years as a volunteer with the information service.  

Back in 1979, John Murphy along with other forward thinking, community spirited individuals from Boyle, founded the then Boyle Community Information Centre. This was one of the first such centres in the Country and now, over 35 years later there are 42 Citizens Information Services countrywide, operating out of 268 locations, staffed by over 1,200 volunteers, 271 paid staff and 204 scheme staff. 

John Murphy a native of Dublin and has lived in Boyle for 50 years and considers himself a Boyle man through and through. Over the 50 years he has lived in, what he describes as his lovely Boyle, he never lost his yearn for his beloved Shamrock Rovers; he considers them the best football team, not alone in Ireland, but the whole of Europe!

John’s greatest love is his family, he has been married to Maura for 47 years and they have 2 children and are the proud grandparents to six grand and two great grandchildren. John is adamant that “the support of his family has helped him fulfil his career and allowed him to devote time and energy to the many voluntary roles he has undertaken over the years”. 

John spent 22 years as a member of the Irish Defence Force and he cherishes the memory of those years and the fantastic people he met. John and his army comrades served in the Congo in 1960 and of that time he said “what we saw then was man’s inhumanity to man, man at his worst and still even in those dark days there were shining examples of man at his best, when people made the ultimate sacrifice to help their fellow man”. 

The comradeship John experienced in his army days are carried forward to this day in his voluntary work. For over 35 years he volunteered in the Connaught Branch of the Ex-service Men. He has been Area Council President of that Branch for over thirty years and he believes that “being part of something is an integral part of why he volunteers in his community. He does not see volunteering as a chore or a tax on his time. He sees at as part of what we owe each other in our society, as a means to support and learn from each other”. 

Since John was a young man he has undertaken many voluntary roles. In the late 50’s and 60’s, after a hard day’s work, he volunteered with the Morning Star Hostel in Dublin, helping the homeless and those who had met hard times. 

After retiring from the army in 1975, John worked as a chef for many years in the Royal Hotel in Boyle. But he still found time to volunteer on the Termon Road association and as a Boyle town’s Commissioner for fourteen years. 

But it was in his role as one of the founding members of the Boyle Citizens Information service, back in 1979 that John looks back fondly and notes “It has been a pleasure to volunteer and work with each and every one of the people who have worked in the centre over the years. The people of Boyle have come to rely on the information service as a stalwart of the community, it is there for when people need that little extra help, when they need someone to talk to, when they need some advice on what to do. This assistance is given without judgement and in total confidence” 

John further adds “to many the Citizen’s Information Service is a friendly listening ear willing to give time and advice, to others it has advocated for, it is a lifeline and has helped lift the heavy burden from many a person’s shoulders”.

When asked why he has volunteered in so many roles over the years John is very clear in his response “There were hard times in the 50’s and 60’s, the recession in the 80’s and now we are in the longest recession on record since the founding of the State. The last few years have been particularly hard on the local people, a kind word, a helping hand and getting involved costs nothing but your time, but that time could change someone’s life for the better”. 

He further added “volunteering is a great social outlet, when you volunteer you feel part of something bigger than just yourself. You feel great pride and achievement in the organisation you volunteer in when they achieve the goals they aim for. I feel I have learnt so much from working and volunteering with people in my community. I hope I and my fellow volunteers have contributed in supporting and developing our community”.

On a final note, of the future John says “I will miss my volunteer colleagues and those who work in the Citizens Information Service but in the main I would like to direct my comments to the young people of Boyle, I say to them - get involved, volunteer, join a club, participate, contribute, make a difference, put simply be part of something that makes you happy” 

News from Maura Hopkins / Stewarts Oil / John Murphy Retirement / The Railway Bar / The Violin on the N5 / Irish Experience of the Great War / "High Nelly .....Cycling Club" / John (Sean) McNama R.I.P. / Speech & Drama classes / Roscommon Learning Links - Invitation -

Co Cllr Maura Hopkins - Boil Boyle Water update

"I wanted to let you know as soon as I heard this important news. Homes affected by long-term boil water notices will be 100% exempt from water charges with immediate effect."

Stewarts Oil continues to grow

Stewarts Oil is a growing and expanding Boyle company supplying Home Heating Oil, Agri Diesel and Auto Diesel throughout Roscommon and surrounding counties Sligo, Longford, Leitrim and East Galway. More recently they have opened Stewarts 24 Hour forecourt sales supplying Auto Diesel 24 hours a day, a first for Boyle. Many of the original mill staff remain and extra staff are currently employed working in Stewarts office, sales and oil delivery departments.

The Stewart family have been trading in Boyle since 1880. Reflecting markets in their time they started with batteries, grain drying,  generating Boyle electricity and through to latter years producing and distributing a premium range of quality animal feed rations. It may seem sad to see the end of milling in Boyle and an auction of milling machinery on 2nd October [details...] but Boyle Mills feed continues be manufactured by Lakelands Mill.
Who knows what's next for the Mill building! ... watch this space!

John Murphy Retirement

John & Maura Murphy at John's retirement from Boyle CIC
© realboyle photos

John Murphy retired today from Boyle Citizens Information Centre after 35 years of distinguished volunteering. Glowing and well deserved tributes were paid by manager Richard Regan to this ever-calm, always caring and humorous Boyle man. I count myself blessed to be a friend of John's.
View photos [here...]

The Railway Bar, Elphin Street

pic © realboyle photos

This is the Railway Bar's excellent new window graphic. I enjoyed the Liverpool match and a chat with Peter and Eddie in the Railway Bar on Elphin Street ... try it ... you'll like it

The Violin

pic © realboyle photos

The steel sculpture on the N5 Bypass outside Longford Town by Alex Pentek represents the upper portion of a giant 20m long violin as if it has been partly unearthed by the newly cut-away embankment. Using a bold, elegant, yet simple visual language this idea aims to communicate Longford’s rich musical heritage as both an expression and as part of the surrounding landscape.

For this week

Wednesday	> Pilates in Boyle contact Ann 086 308 8873
Thursday	> Yoga for beginners in St. Joseph's Resource Centre 7pm. Call Christine for details 087 225 1138 > Boyle Library Lecture at 7pm "Irish Soldiers in World War 1
Friday	> Hospice Coffee mornings at several Boyle locations > Simpsons Games Arcade, Main Street opening 6pm > Boyle Library Gerry Boland "If you like books" at 6pm > Sports Complex reopening at 6pm
Saturday	> King House "The Great War Roadshow" with Dr. Myles Dungan

The Irish Experience of the Great War

© image greatwarroadshow.ie

Lions, Donkeys and Paddies: This lecture on Saturday in King House will examine the principal military engagements in which Irish soldiers participated in World War 1. Dr. Myles Dungan offers an assessment as to the performance of these soldiers at all levels – from the foot soldier through to the higher command echelons.
His talk address the issue of the Irish military contribution to the Great War in numerical and proportional terms. Were Irish soldiers more or less efficient than their British, Australian or American counterparts? Were they well led, or ‘lions’ under the command of ‘donkeys’? Did Ireland make a similar contribution in terms of recruits and fatalities as the other nations who came to make up the Entente forces?

"High Nelly .....Cycling Club"

Ride out Sunday 21st September at 12 noon. Meet/start the Crescent Boyle to Lough Key Forest Park.

John (Sean) McNama R.I.P.

The death has occurred of John (Sean) McNama, Felton Road, Boyle, Roscommon, Peacefully after a short illness bravely borne, at the residence of his brother Leo, Riverside, Galway. Deeply regretted by his family brothers Jim and Leo, sister-in-law Rita, nephew, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces, relatives and a wide circle of friends.
Rest in Peace
Reposing Mahon's Funeral Home Boyle, Tuesday evening from 4.30pm to 6.30pm arriving St.Joseph's Church 7pm. Mass of Christian burial on Wednesday at 11am with funeral afterwards to Assylinn Cemetery. Family flowers only, donations, if desired, to Galway Hospice c/o Mahon's Funeral Directors, Boyle.

Speech & Drama classes

The Dwyer School of Speech & Drama will recommence with enrolment on Thursday, 18th September between 7 & 8pm in the Convent Primary School, Boyle. Classes aim to build confidence & will include voice & speech work, mime, acting & preparation for Speech & Drama exams & performance. Classes are divided into Juniors (4-7 years), Middle (7-10 years) & Seniors (Over 10 years). Post primary students also catered for. Small classes are guaranteed. For more information, please contact Bernadette on 071 966 6040 or 087 221 9911

Roscommon Learning Links - Invitation -

Open Day Tuesday 16th September to encourage anyone currently unemployed to pop in and chat to us in relation two Courses:
> Level 4 Major Award in Information & Communications Technology
> Level 5 Major Award in Information Processing
These will be Full Time courses, Monday-Friday over 34 weeks
For further details please contact Siobhan or Martina at Roscommon Learning Links, (next door to Trojan and across from Citizens Advice Office) Elphin St, Boyle or call 071 966 4510, or just drop in on Tuesday 16th anytime between 10am and 4pm

Boyle GAA Update September 15th

The following were €20 winners at the most recent Club Lotto draw which was held in Dodds; Gary Sheerin, William and Martina Beirne, Jim Brennan, Saoirse Noone, Ryan Daly and Liam McNamara. The house prize was won by John Joe Queenan. The jackpot wasn’t won and it will stand at €7,100 for next Saturday night’s draw which will be held in Bruno’s Bar and Restaurant. Team A will be in charge. 

The U12s had a good win over St Brigids in the Abbey Park in the Division 5 Championship on Saturday. The Division 1 team play Elphin on Monday the 15th (last night). The Keenan Cup team is awaiting details of their final of this competition. The U14s are in preparation for the Garda Cup. It is hoped that fixtures can be planned while weather conditions are favourable. The National Automation Limited minors had an easy win over St Aidan's in the Division 3 Championship in the Abbey Park on Sunday. They have now qualified for the final of this competition. The National Automation Limited U21s are awaiting details of their Division 1 Championship fixtures. The Cooney Motors/Cooney’s Centra Juniors will play their quarter final against Oran in Tarmonbarry on friday at 8:30. Tickets are available from Club members and players for the fuel draw which will be held on Friday 26th September. First prize is a trailer load of firewood. Second prize is 500 litres of heating oil. There are further prizes of a voucher for €100 and a cash prize of €100. Those who have cards are asked to actively sell them as the funds are needed to carry out improvement works to the training pitch. Sympathy is extended to the Flaherty family, Forest View on the death of Bobby, and to the McNama family, Felton on the death of John. Both Bobby and John were ardent GAA supporters.

Ladies Club

The Lynch Veterinary Intermediate Ladies suffered an agonising one point defeat to Western Gaels in the Intermediate Championship Semi Final in the Abbey Park on Saturday. The Boyle girls got off to a great start with two goals in the first half. They looked  in command at half time. However,  Western Gaels dominated the first twenty minutes of the second half to take a seven point lead. To the credit of the Boyle girls, they clawed their way back into the game and reduced the deficit to one point and they were in attack when the final whistle sounded. Boyle will play Shannon Gaels in the Shield Final on a date to be determined. Thanks to all who helped on the occasion and to the many Boyle supporters who came to cheer on the girls. Best wishes to Western Gaels in the County Final. Congratulations to Boyle Ladies player Mairéad King and Colm Sheerin who got married on Friday last.

Boyle Golf Club Update - 14th September

The weekend two ball scramble was won by John McGuinn & Pat Conroy with 59pts, 2nd Aisling Gaughran & Charlie O’Donnell 63.5pts, 3^rd Sean Heslin & Michael Rush 64.75pts. Thursday night’s Competition was won by Gary Carty 23pts, 2^nd Owen Garvin 20pts, 3^rd John McGuinn 20pts. Friday's scramble was won by Adrian King, Maura O’Farrell & Sean McLoughlin, 2^nd Lorcan Egan, Lucy Gaffney & Pat Conroy, 3^rd Liam Whyte, Eithne Gaffney & Cillian Doyle. This was the last of the scrambles for the season.

Thanks to all who took part, to Mary for her food and to all those who looked after the bar. The weekly nine hole was won by Michael Reid 24pts, 2^nd Owen Garvin 20pts. In King Harmon news well done to Martin Wynne who is the 2014 champion with commiserations to beaten finalist Jonathan Egan. Thanks to all who took part in the competition.

Competitions this week are the weekly nine hole Monday – Saturday and the Mens Competition on Thursday. Next Sunday will be an 18 hole stroke and will be the final round of the Golfer of the Year. Top of the leaderboard is Tom Kearney with Gary Carty 2^nd & Gerry Carty 3rd. Presentation of prizes will take place next Sunday evening and will be followed by the Club Draw. The draw for the winter league will also take place.  Entry sheet is on the noticeboard.

A club outing to New Forest Golf Club will take place on Saturday October 11th. Cost will be €30 plus €5.00 for prizes. Please put your names on the noticeboard.

Well done to our Ladies Team who were joint winners in the three ball ILGU Charity event in Bundoran last weekend. Well done also to Peggy Feely who had a hole in one in Castledargan

John Reilly Plaque

View a larger version [here...]

The John Reilly plaque was unveiled on Saturday 13th at Bruno's on the Crescent, Boyle. The event was attended by a large number of people in beautiful sunshine. The organising committee members are pictured here (Left to right) Kevin Flynn, Fergus Lyons (who designed the plaque) Helen Grehan, Bernard Flaherty, Gerry O'Daly. Photos [here...]

Dr. Ian Paisley R.I.P. / Boyle Angling / Boyle Celtic / Culture Night readings with Gerry Boland / Computers for the Terrified! / Sports Complex reopening / Ardcarne Garden Centre / BBC World Service / the Bazaar / Coffee mornings for Hospice / Ireland and the Great War / john Mulligan / Tony Conboy / Dead Poets Society

Dr. Ian Paisley R.I.P.

Tributes are being paid to Northern Ireland’s Former First Minister – Dr Ian Paisley – who has died following a long illness at the age of 88. Former President, Mary McAleese and her husband Dr Martin McAleese said 'Dr. Paisley will be remembered by many people in Northern Ireland as a controversial figure, a political giant and spiritual leader'.

Boyle Angling event today (Saturday)

Saturday 13th September 11am-5pm: Martin Mitchell Charity Perpetual Cup (Incorporating the Ladies Cup). This will be a Lough Key Boat Event. Entries at Doon Shore. Ladies Invited. Presentation Venue - An Craoibhín at 8.30. Please note change of venue from that previously published. All proceeds from this event will be donated to Charity. For more info contact please Jane 086 830 2361. Club Blog [here...]

View a list of competitions for autumn 2014 [here...] For more information please contact Jane 086 830 2361

John Reilly plaque unveiling today (Saturday)

Gerry O'Daly and the gentleman who cast the plaque in bronze are
pictured here fixing the plaque to the wall at Bruno's yesterday.
The plaque was designed by Fergus Lyons

A Plaque in memory of the late John Reilly, Traditional Singer, will be unveiled Saturday 13th at 3pm at Bruno's Bar formally Grehan's Bar on the Crescent in Boyle. On the morning of the unveiling Charlie McGettigan will have the Grehan Sisters and others on his Shannonside Radio Show speaking about John Reilly's life, so tune into Shannonside Radio on Saturday Morning the 13th of September 2014 after the news at 10am.

Boyle Celtic Training today (Saturday)

Boyle Celtic U8 training starting back this Saturday at the earlier time of 11am on the astro pitch. All girls and boys aged 5 to 8 most welcome

Culture Night readings with Gerry Boland

pic: Our Lady of Mercy Primary

Friday 19th September, 6 and 8pm: If you like books, then you may be interested in a Culture Night event in Boyle Library on  at 6pm. Gerry Boland, Roscommon Writer-in-Residence, has chosen five library books and will review and read extracts from them. The titles of the books will not be revealed till the night, but the five will include a recent and acclaimed novel, a well-known collection of poems, a collection of short stories, a memoir and a fascinating book about animals. Three of the five are by Irish writers. It promises to be an interesting and entertaining evening. The choice of books is deliberately varied in the hope that there will be something for most readers to relate to and to enjoy. This event, as with all Culture Night events, is free. There is no need to book, just turn up at 6pm or as near to as you can manage.

Computers for the Terrified!

Age Action Ireland organises beginner computer classes for the over 55’s. The aim of the “Getting Started” programme is to introduce older people to the basics of internet and email. Participants will be taught in small groups by trained volunteer tutors. The course normally runs for 2 hours once a week for 4 weeks and costs €20.
Classes run in Boyle To book a place, Please call Age Action on 091 527 831

Sports Complex reopening

Boyle Sports Complex at dusk, 800 ISO

September 19th at 6pm: Re-opening of the Sports Complex next Friday, following its recent re-furbishment that included a new lighting system, repainting of the interior and re-furbishment of the sports hall floor. The handball/squash courts were rewired as part of the project. The work was funded by the National Lottery and users of the Complex.

Ardcarne Garden Centre

Everyone loves roses and this weekend you can pick yourself up a real bargain during our Rose Sale. All roses are 25% Off and as usual you can choose from one of the best range of rose varieties in the country, including the world famous David Austin roses, renowned for their fragrance, long flowering and old rose appearance.
Saturday September 13th, 11am: You can also join a Free Bulb Talk this Saturday. This is the best time of year to plant spring-flowering bulbs and you can find out how to make the most of them in your garden and containers. Hope to see you soon.
Saturday 13th September, 11am: FREE bulb event this at both Ardcarne Garden Centre BOYLE and ROSCOMMON TOWN. Discover the best varieties for naturalising in grass and ways to use bulbs in the garden and containers for maximum colour and impact. Now is the best time for planting bulbs and you'll also find the best selection at this time of year.

BBC World Service filming in Boyle

(L-R) Sam Jones, Alison Clarke and Diarmaid Fleming.
Sam is a film cameraman and Diarmaid a journalist with BBC World Service

BBC World Service have seen fit to highlight the water situation in Ireland. A segment in a scheduled online live programme on October 1st is set to focus attention on water in Boyle and our need to 'Boil Boyle Water'.a

Nice wall paintings at the Bazaar

One of Michelle Simon's wall paintings at The Bazaar. Bridge Street

The weather is promised good again today. I will definitely be one of many who will enjoy a cuppa and a 'calorie-free' {joke!) snack bar at The Bazaar on Bridge street. I will enjoy the peaceful oasis Glen and Diane have created in the newly decorarted courtyard through the back door of their coffee shop. I really like the ambiance of this space helped along greatly by Michelle Simon's continental-flavoured wall paintings. Sample it for youself while the good weather is still with us.

Coffee mornings for Hospice

Mayo/Roscommon hospice appeal for your support at one of the venues in Boyle taking part in the nationwide hospice coffee morning.
Thursday 18th September - Clarkes, St.Patrick St :  Dalys, Bridge Street :  An Craoibhin, Elphin street.  Stewarts Oil and the Family Life Centre.
Friday 19th September: Loftus Medical Centre
Thursday 25th September: Auntie Bees Cafe, King House.
All proceeds will go towards the local Pallitative Care service.

Ireland and the Great War

Image: Roscommon Co Council

John Mulligan wrote:

"Irish water estimates that 20,000 consumers are affected in Ireland. Local data shows just over 20,000 people affected in Roscommon, so effectively the problem is confined to one small region in Ireland, a triangle encompassing Castlerea, Boyle and Strokestown. If every other county council in ireland was able to provide clean water, this debacle points to one thing -- incompetence by Roscommon County Council and the unwillingness or inability of the elected councillors to deal with that.
I debated this on the Matt Cooper show with councillor Pascal Fitzmaurice earlier in the week, but he still doesn't get it; he is still in denial as to the reason why our water is undrinkable.
I thought we got rid of most of the non-performers in May, but maybe we missed a few."

'An Oblique View' by Tony Conboy

Again this week Tony Conboy has his eye on the ball and scores a winner with articles on: The Scottish Referendum / All-Ireland Hurling Final / Sheepdog Trials / Boyle GAA Ladies
Read more [here...]

Dead Poets Society Fundraiser

Thursday 18th September: Dead Poets Society Fundraiser Screening at Carrick Cineplex. In recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day 2014, Carrick Cineplex would like to announce a special film screening of one of Robin William's finest films, 'Dead Poets Society', next Thursday  at 8.30pm. Robin Williams stars in this Academy Award winning drama English teacher John Keating, who inspires his students to develop a love of poetry and to seize the day. Admission is a suggested donation of €10 on the door in aid of Pieta House, Preventing Suicide and Self Harm. Please support this worthy cause!
Carrick Cineplex  -  www.carrickcineplex.ie   -  071 96 72000