Update 30th December

Gardai to target poorly lit cars

Gardaí are asking motorists across the Shannonside Northern Sound region to ensure that their car lights are working properly.  It’s part of their Christmas road safety campaign, which will also target drink driving, driver fatigue, and distraction driving.

Lough Key Visitor Centre - overnight flooding

The Lough Key Visitor Centre was flooded during the night and will reopen today, hopefully around lunchtime! A tree that fell on the main avenue from the N4 has been removed. The Center will be closed Thursday and Friday, but will be open for your enjoyment on Saturday and Sunday, 2nd/3rd January

Did you know?

424 members of the Irish army are currently serving in 15 countries around the world.

68% of Roscommon water unaccounted for

Shannonside FM report: More than two thirds of drinking water supplied in Country Roscommon goes unaccounted for. The Performance indicators in Local Authorities Report shows the county had the highest level of water being lost in the country between January and June of this year.
Roscommon 68% loss : Leitrim 55% loss : longford 44% loss : Cavan 33% loss

Boyle GAA Lotto

Boyle GAA Lotto jackpot now stands at a massive €10,500. To guarantee that your name is in the draw every week you can sign up for annual lotto membership for 2016 for €120. You can pay €10 per month if you wish by standing order. All funds raised through the lotto are reinvested in the club which fields male and female teams at all levels. Please email boylegaatreasurer@gmail.com or call 086 852 6329 for further details.

Edward (Eddie) Wynne R.I.P.

Peacefully at Drumderrig House Private Nursing Home Eddie will be sadly missed by his relatives, neighbours and the staff, residents and his many friends in Drumderrig House Nursing Home.
• May Eddie's Gentle Soul Rest In Peace
• Reposing at Gaynor's Funeral Home Castlerea on Wednesday evening from 6.30pm until 7.30pm. Funeral arriving to St. Joseph's Church, Boyle for Mass of the Resurrection at 11am on Thursday. Burial afterwards in Asslylinn Cemetery.
• No flowers please. Donations to the Patient Comfort Fund, Drumderrig House Private Nursing Home c/o Paul Gaynor Funeral Director.

Realboyle Photo Memories - December 2007 to 2015

Betty Meyler and TV presenter Baz Ashmawy at Doon Shore (December 2008)

Once a month I will feature realboyle photos from the past. Click on a year below to view photos each year for the month of December.
[2007...][2008...][2009...][2010...][2011...][2012...][2013...][2014...][2015...]

Boyle Marching Band - we miss you

realboyle photo from June 2008

60 realboyle Bands Competition photographs in Abbey Park, June 2008 [here...]

Frank Feighan TD

Boyle Marching Band Video

Erwin Springbrunn R.I.P.

The death has occurred of Erwin SPRINGBRUNN (Goldsmith) 1939 ~ 2015 December 27th 2015 Peacefully at his home. Loving husband and best friend to Doris and loving father to Hinerk. Rasmus, Dorin, Julian, Anjan, & Wiebke, Deeply mourned and sadly missed by his loving wife, children, extended family, neighbours, colleagues in the Goldsmith Profession and a large circle of friends. May He Rest In Peace.
• Lying in repose at The Sharkey Funeral Home, Frenchpark on Tuesday (Dec. 29th) from 3pm to 5pm. Private Cremation will take place at Lakelands Crematorium Cavan. Family flowers only, donations in lieu, if desired, to Mayo/Roscommon Hospice at www.hospice.ie or in care of Sweeney Funeral Directors, Louisburgh, Co. Mayo

Boyle GAA annual Quiz & Awards 2015

Quizmaster Tony Conboy compiled an excellent set of questions for the event

The 6th annual Boyle GAA Quiz and Awards 2015 was a most enjoyable, very well organised Christmas Social Event in St. Joseph's Hall on Sunday night, 27th December. Congratulations to Quizmaster/MC Tony Conboy and his support team who kept the show moving for the large audience and packed 70 Quiz questions, a Draw and Annual Club Awards into just over 2 hours. 48 teams took part. Aidan Ray Menswear and Magee Fashions were main sponsors.
• The Gilmartin/Murphy and Kearney/Flanagan teams shared as joint quiz winners.
• Under 21 Player of the Year: Gareth Gilmartin
• Junior Player of the Year: Ciaran Beirne
• Player of the Year: Sean Purcell
• Club Person of the Year: James O’Boyle
• Hall of Fame Award: John Keenehan
• Ladies Club Player of the Year: Nicole McDermott
• The Boyle Junior Team, were presented with their winners medals by Chris O’Dowd.

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Boles of Boyle, New Year Sale

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Drumderrig House Nursing Home, Christmas Lights 2015

Despite our New Year Wishes and hopes for a peaceful and happy future, many of us will not be here to see Christmas Lights 2016.

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Angela Mary QUINN R.I.P.

The death has occurred of Angela Mary QUINN, No.5 St.Joseph Avenue, Boyle, Peacefully at Portiuncla Hospital, Ballinasloe.Deeply regretted by her sons Gerald, Augustine and David, sister Rosaleen, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many relatives and friends.
May Angela Rest In Peace.
Reposing at her home. Removal to St.Joseph's Church, Boyle, Wednesday for mass of Christian burial at 11 o'clock. Funeral afterwards to Assylinn Cemetery

Update 27th December

Clarke's Bar & Restaurant

 

Apres Christmas Sales

5k Fun Run /Walk, today, Sunday 27/12/2015

Majella Frizzell nee Mc Crann from St Patrick Street, is organising a 5k Fun Run /Walk for tomorrow Sunday 27/12/2015 starting at 2pm in Lough Key Forest Park in aid of Children with Autism. Rapid Prompting Ireland Ltd is a charity supporting Education and Communication to those living with Autism. For further information contact Majella on 086 812 3594.

A most enjoyable Netflix Christmas Special

Subscribers to Netflix: It’s that time of the year when holiday specials and themed shows begin coming down like snow on a winter’s night. Near the front of the reindeer herd (after a lack-lustre opening sequence) is the excellent "A Very Murray Christmas", with, as the title suggests, the nearly universally loved Bill Murray and a cast of famous and fabulously talented friends ... superb pianist Paul Shaffer, suave George Clooney and Miley Cyrus singing an amazing version of "Silent Night" .... WOW! she will add to her multitude of fans!!

Politically active in 2016

This Christmas, Elphin diocese Bishop Kevin Doran remembers people who have been flooded out their homes in the region, as well as the refugees from the Middle East and homeless people across the country. He is encouraging people to be politically active during the coming year and encourage the government to deal with these issues in 2016.

Boyle Christmas Lights Draw Winner

Siobhan wrote: Declan Beirne from Stewart’s Oil (who sold the winning ticket) on left, Brian Kelly Better Buy/Surprises (Boyle Christmas Lights Committee and Council member of Boyle Chamber of Commerce) and Séamus Davey (who works for Stewart’s Oil) on the right

Brogans totalhealth Pharmacy

Christmas opening hours:
• Emergency After hours Service Phone 087 388 4208
• Christmas Day and St.Stephens Day - Closed
• Sunday 27th December Open 10.30am - 12pm
• Monday 28th December Open 9.30am - 4pm

Boyle Free €1500 Christmas Draw

Two of 15 winners, Catriona Casey and Grace Flanagan collect their €100 vouchers from Mervyn Boles

Tony Conboy's best Happy Christmas Wishes to you

Shannonside - 18,000 meals for those in need ...

FoodCloud is non-profit social enterprise that connects businesses that have surplus food with charities in their community that need it. Under their scheme, nearly 16,900 meals will be distributed in Longford this Christmas, while 770 meals will be distributed in Roscommon and 15 meals will be delivered in Leitrim.

Update 24th December

Boyle Free €1500 Christmas Draw

Mervyn wrote: Winners of the Boyle Free Christmas Draw €1500 Fund, sponsored by the newly formed Boyle Town Team. There were 15 winners each receiving Boyle Money to the value of €100. The €20 vouchers can be redeemed in any Boyle business before 31st March 2016. The draw took place to a full house in Mattimoes Bar, Boyle. There was over 10,000 tickets given out by 74 Boyle businesses. Thanks to All involved
No. 1 Mary Hanney
No. 2 Mena Beirne
No. 3 Nuala Casey, Cloonloo, Boyle
No. 4 Gwen Acheson. Cavan
No. 5 Angela Evans. c/o Marians, Boyle
No. 6 Evan Scully, Ballymote
No. 7 Fr. John Coughlan, St. Joseph's Church, Boyle
No. 8 Johanne Kelly, Knockvicar, Boyle
No. 9 Rory, Martin, 5 The Marina, Boyle
No. 10 Grace Flanagan, Grangebeg, Boyle
No. 11 Henry Rowan
No. 12 Rosaleen Cryan, Frenchpark, Boyle
No. 13 Dolores Higgins, Deerpark, Boyle
No. 14 Maureen Geelan, 9 Hanley Ave, Boyle
No. 15 Catriona Casey, 5 Warren Way, Boyle

Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh

Gold ... well we know what that is, but the others? Both Frankincense and Myrrh are prized for their alluring fragrances and are derived from tree sap. Magi, or wise men, followed a bright star in the east to Bethlehem where Jesus had been born:
"And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh"

Update 23rd December

Bringing people home for Christmas since 1936

 

Christmas Greetings to you...

Storm Eva to hit Ireland later today

Source: earth.nullschool.net

An orange alert weather warning has been issued by Met Éireann. The system’s strong enough to warrant a name under the new Anglo-Irish storm-naming system.
• This one is called Eva – and it’s the fifth to hit this winter, after Abigail, Barney, Clodagh and Desmond, which swept across the country at the start of the month, leading to heavy flooding across the Shannon region.

Cesh Corran Bed & Breakfast

 

Boyle GAA Quiz & Awards Presentation Night 2015

Raffle on the night with prizes of two signed team jerseys, Ireland International Rules and Roscommon GAA. Spot prizes on the night too.
• The night will also feature the Player of the Year Awards for Senior, Junior and U21s (male) and Senior (ladies), Club Person of the Year and Hall of Fame Award. There will be a medal presentation to our successful junior men's’ team. Along with a highly enjoyable quiz, the event is the ideal opportunity to meet up with everyone coming home to Boyle for Christmas

View photographs from Boyle GAA Quiz & Presentation Nights ...

Stewarts Oil Vouchers

"Make My Day" may have been Clint Eastwood's request in 'whatever' movie, but YOU can Make Someone's Day with a Gift Voucher for Central Heating Oil from Stewarts Oil, Boyle.
World Oil prices are now at an amazing low, so there may never be a better time to Make That Day ... Get your Stewarts Oil Gift Vouchers at Stewarts Filling Station (during normal office hours) or call and order on 071 967 0100

Boyle TM Christmas Draw

Boyle Chamber Lotto Results, Monday December 21st

Numbers drawn: 1, 5, 23, 30
Match Three winners: B. Connell, Denise, Brendan & Mary
Jackpot winner: None
Thank you to all who support the draw and a Happy Christmas from the Chamber Lotto
Next draw Tuesday December 29th at 11.00pm in Wynne’s Bar. Lotto Jackpot €13,980

Don't be fooled by promises to restore A&E

Top Consultant Surgeon Liam McMullen says he has apologised to 'vilified' frank Feighan, and issues a pre-election warning to voters "Don't be fooled by promises to restore A&E"
• "Dear Editor," wrote Mr.McMullan in the Roscommon People, "I would like to publicly thank Deputy Frank Feighan for his unrelenting efforts in getting the new twin endoscopy suite for Roscommon Hospital. In the depth of recession in 2011 he was key in getting €5million to build the project" "and key recently in getting for the staff to run the unit"
• "No government of whatever hue will sanction this (referring to restoring and funding the A&E unit), either financially, or on the basis of logical medical planning."

Boyle Town Team - Shop Windows Initiative

Our newly-formed Boyle Town Team have a number of projects in hand that will add to Boyle's attractiveness. The photo above shows the first of six premises with Boyle Area photos printed and fitted Paul Byrne Signs, Boyle. It is an image on Marians Juniors Shop showing a special view of Boyle Abbey and the Brothers Sculpture created by Tony Murphy
• It is hoped that all six images will be in place before Christmas Eve. Photos to follow.

Christmas greetings from some of our traders

Recently I created Christmas graphics and uploaded them to a page on realboyle.com ...
If you are not there already and would like a free Christmas graphic for your business, I will be delighted to add your greetings to the page ... email: sean@realboyle.com

Roscommon Senior GAA prepare for 2016

Shannonside FM report: The Roscommon senior football team stepped up their preparations for the 2016 season with a victory over Laois on Saturday night last in a senior challenge match that was played in Kiltoom. They will be looking to serve up another “Christmas Cracker" on Tuesday December 29th when they face Meath once again in Kiltoom at the earlier time of 6.30. This game will an opportunity to watch progress of the new Management Team, Fergal O’Donnell and Kevin Mc Stay.

Christmas Lights Draw Results

Our €2000 Cash draw for the Boyle Christmas Lights Fundraiser was held last night in Creighton’s Bar & Lounge. A great crowd were present awaiting eagerly for the Winners to be announced. Shortly before the Chamber Lotto took place, the five winning Lines were drawn as follows:
1. Seamus Davey (€1,000)
2. Mary Rush (€500)
3. Noel Conroy (€250)
4. Kevin Purcell (€150)
5. Eugene Coleman (€100)
• Seamus Davey the Winner of the 1st Prize is a driver with Stewart oil and was delighted to get the good news, as were our other winners, all natives of Boyle.
• €6000 was raised on the draw and we thank sincerely all who supported it, both businesses selling the lines and the public & businesses buying them.
• Of course sincere thanks too to the wonderful crew who give of their time so willingly over many evenings in November to erect the lights and of course dismantle them in January!
• We congratulate all our five winners and wish all the Community a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year. An investment of over €30,000 was made last year on our Town Lights, and new Feature pieces were added to the collection this year, we thank Boyle and the wider Community for your continued support in ensuring Boyle is lit up throughout the festive season.
• Next fundraiser will be Good Friday night March 25th 2016…. so mark your diaries for our Annual Table Quiz in search of Boyle brightest Sparks!

St. Joseph's Church Christmas Day Newsletter [here...]

For Your Diary

• Wednesday 23rd: Boyle Farmers Market: Just in time for Christmas! The market will resume as usual on January 2nd from 10am to 2pm.

• Saturday 26th: Annual St. Stephen's Day Treasure Hunt: Treasure Hunt in aid of Hospice, Lough Key Forest & Activity Park 2.30pm. Answer sheets can be handed in afterwards at Clarke's Bar & Restaurant, St.Patrick Street, Boyle where there will be a Fun Auction.

• Sunday 27th: Curlew Walkers Club: Meet on the Crescent at 1pm, leader Denise O’Dowd. The walk will take place at Erronagh Bog

• Sunday 27th: Boyle GAA Quiz and Awards Night: St Joseph's Hall at 7:30pm: This year GAA have teamed Magee's Fashion Shop and Aidan Ray's Menswear. The winning team will receive a mixture of 'his and hers' vouchers to a total value of €200. Along with a highly enjoyable quiz, the event is the ideal opportunity to meet up with everyone coming home to Boyle.
 

St. Joseph's Church Masses

• Christmas Eve at 9.30pm
• Christmas Day at 9.30am and 11.30am
• Saturday 26th December Mass at 12 noon.
• Please note the will be no 7.30pm Vigil Mass on Saturday 26th
• Sunday 27th December: 9.30am and 11.30am

Boyle Musical Society says thank you

Boyle Musical Society committee would like to extend a very sincere thanks to you, the community and the business people of Boyle, for responding so generously yet again, both by subscribing to the funding of the show and by your presence in such large numbers at every performance. We are also very grateful to everybody who travelled long distances, to attend the show. To those who contributed to the show, either financially or otherwise, and were too late for inclusion in our programme and to all who sponsored prizes in our draw – a very special Thank You.

Nollaig Shona from all in Gaelscoil Liatroma!

Méabh Ní Chathasaigh wrote: It has been a very busy few weeks in Gaelscoil Liatroma. Everyone was delighted to hear that work is commencing on the building of the new school and the new school plans are very exciting! The children took on roles as entrepreneurs with the production of beautiful handmade cards, Christmas logs and Christmas decorations. These were sold at the local Farmers Market. Great way of teaching the importance of mental maths! Thanks to all who helped out with this venture.

Update 22nd December

Frank Feighan TD / Mr. Liam McMullen, Consultant Surgeon

Click on the image above to view a larger version

Frank Feighan TD wrote: "Attached is a published letter from Mr. Liam McMullen, Consultant Surgeon, Roscommon Hospital which is very much welcomed. Roscommon Hospital has been an issue which has been damaging to me, the Fine Gael Party locally and nationally. I trust this will clarify the matter I would appreciate if you could please take a minute to read it."

Christmas Carols at Abbey Haven Care & Nursing Home

Monday 21st December: Teachers and Pupils of Scoil na nAingeal Naofa delighted residents and staff of Abbey Haven Care & Nursing Home with a beautiful selection of Christmas Carols and Seasonal Songs
• Additional photos in this album show some of the gorgeous seasonal wall hangings made by Abbey Haven residents during Siobhan's Craft Sessions

Winter Solstice, December 21st/22nd

The North Pole is tilted furthest from the Sun. This is the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, and is referred to as the shortest day of the year. December Solstice in Longford, Ireland, Tuesday, 22nd December 2015, 04:49 GMT
• The Date Varies: The December Solstice can happen on December 20, 21, 22 or 23, though December 20 or 23 solstices are rare. The last December 23 solstice was in 1903 and will not happen again until 2303.

Christmas Lights Draw tonight

• Final hours of Countdown to Boyle Christmas lights €2000 Cash Draw tonight in Creightons Bar, Monday 21st at 10.30pm, everyone welcome.
• The weekly Boyle Chamber of Commerce Weekly Lotto Draw will be held after the "Lights Draw" for an accumulating Jackpot of €13,850

Galilee Community - Christmas message

;

"May you experience God’s blessing of mercy, wonder and hope in the star you follow during this coming year. May it lead you away from the safe and sure and deeper into your own heart. Along the way, may you find joyful and merciful companionship with God, one another and all creation.
• With gratitude and blessings in the New Year, Galilee Community, Olive, Margaret, Mary and Mae"

Cllr Eugene Murphy goes forward for Fianna Fáil

Congratulations to Cllr Eugene Murphy who will contest the general election for Fianna Fáil having beaten Sean Óg Higgins at Sunday evening's selection convention in the Abbey Hotel. 216 votes to 145

Boyle Farmers Market

The last Farmers Market of 2015 will be on Wednesday 23rd December, just in time for Christmas! The market will resume as usual on January 2nd from 10am to 2pm. "We wish to thank all of our wonderful loyal customers and stallholders who have supported the market in 2015."

Nire Ltd., Boyle

Staff of Nire Ltd, Boyle, met with its new management team in the Forest Park Hotel, Boyle on 21st February, 1979.

Boyle Musical Society in St. Joseph's Church

Bernie Casserly's "Oh, Holy Night" fully deserved the enthusiastic applause it got

Saturday 19th December: From the moment the first of Anne Kielty's piano notes rang out we sensed that we were could look forward to another special performance from members of Boyle Musical Society at Saturday 19th evening mass in St. Joseph's Church, Boyle.
• And so it was ... beautiful choral singing with stellar solo performances from this talented group of over 40 members of BMS under the direction and accompaniment of the always excellent Anne Kielty.
• Canon Gerry Hanly's comment at the end of mass was accurate "We should have BMS at every mass and we would have a packed church!"

Drumderrig Nursing Home Santa 2015

This little lady was happy to meet Santa in Drumderrig

There was another spectacular Santa visit to Boyle on Saturday 19th December. Santa arrived at Drumderrig House Nursing Home in a stylish pony and trap. While there he turned on Drumderrig's splendid Christmas Lights and had gifts for each of the large number of children present.

Lough Key Visitor Centre, Christmas 2015

The Visitor and Activity Centre in Lough Key Forest Park has been given the 'Christmas Makeover' for the season that's in it. Take a trip to the park, admire the setup and enjoy a wide range of tasty refreshments in the Lough Key Cafe

Roscommon Safelink / Christine Stewart Yoga

Roscommon Safe link wish to thank Christine Stewart Yoga, for her wonderful fundraising yoga event on Friday morning. We also wish to thank the Lough Key Forest Park for use of their facilities and for the refreshments afterward. Today is a good news day for our service, based in Elphin St., Boyle in that we have received a communication from Tusla, our core funders saying they will be continuing to fund our vital project and services into 2016.
• We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Boyle community for your support and assistance during 2015, this includes all our volunteers, social work teams, social welfare officers, St. Vincent de Paul, St Joseph's Hall Committee, and the Garda Siochana to name but a few. We made an appeal last week for toys, clothes, food and other basic useful items for families we work with who were in need. the response we have received would bring a tear of joy to your eye.
• May we wish you all Happiness this Christmas and the hope that you will have a Healthy, Peaceful and Abundant 2016 Our offices on Elphin Street, Boyle, will be closed from Wednesday next 23rd December at 1pm, but we will continue to provide an emergency service. You may contact us on 071 966 4200

Christmas in Grange National School

The Christmas tree was decorated with the children's own handmade decorations.
• Photos courtesy of Maeve Campbell

Annual Ecumenical Carol Service

Were you one of the large congregation at the Annual Ecumenical Carol Service in St. Joseph’s Church on Thursday 17th?
• If you were there you will doubtless agree that it was a beautiful ceremony made up of readings and familiar Christmas hymns. "Peace on Earth and Goodwill to Mankind" came clearly as a theme for this year's ceremony
• Canon Gerry Hanly, Rev Ronnie Bourke, Fr. John Coughlan and Rev. Molly Deatherage were clerical readers, ably assisted by Hazel Boles, Mary O'Connor and a gentleman who's name I cannot remember just now. Seasonal hymns were beautifully sung by St. Joseph's Folk Choir and a truly angelic Scoil na nAaingeal Choir accompanied by Elaine Purcell who's piano arrangements were superb.

Brogans Pharmacy Nativity Window

Click on the photo to view a larger version

Ardcarne Garden Cafe

A great choice on the Ardcarne Garden Cafe menu - a delicious Fish Stew

Puppeteer with Boyle roots features in Star Wars

Mike Quinn, son of Boyle native Edward Quinn and his puppetry company Quinn Zone Studios feature in the latest Star Wars movie "The Force Awakens". Mike Quinn is a puppeteer and has also worked on a previous Star Wars film "Return of the Jedi", as well as on the Muppets movies, and more.
Mike Quinn is another on the growing list of Boyle people who have been involved in movies, a list that includes Maureen O’Sullivan, Chris O’Dowd, Paul Young and others

Tony Conboy "An Oblique View"

This week's "must read" from Tony leads us nicely towards the penultimate 2016 start weekend with articles on a number of topics: Pleasure Ground The Play : Brooklyn the Movie : Carrick Cineplex : Congratulations to Seamus Sweeney : The Writer William Trevor : Wren Boys Day Came Early : ‘Documentary on One’ at 2 on Saturdays : Connacht Rugby Woes : Sport’s Withdrawal Symptoms : tconboy1@eircom.net

Station Road, Christmas Crib 2015

Station Road residents have put this lovely scene in place for Christmas 2015

Boyle GAA Quiz and Awards night

"Plans are well under way for our big social night of the year - the Boyle GAA Quiz and Awards night on Sunday 27 December, in St Joseph's Hall at 7:30pm. We are delighted to announce that this year we have teamed up with two Boyle businesses, Magee's Fashion Shop and Aidan Ray's Menswear. The top team on the night will receive a mixture of 'his and hers' vouchers to a total value of €200. Along with a highly enjoyable quiz, the event is the ideal opportunity to meet up with everyone coming home to Boyle for Christmas."

Plunkett Home upgrade

Shannonside FM report: 1.2 million euro is being provided for refurbishments to the Plunkett Nursing Home in Boyle and work will begin on that project from July and it’s listed to be complete by October. This is to allow the centre to comply with HIQA standards.

Family Life Centre - Spring/Summer 2016

Boyle's family Life Centre has published its programme of courses and activities for Spring / Summer 2016
• View Cover and Back Page [here...]
• View Inside pages of programme [here...]

Essays and Observations

As the end of the year comes closer we think of events and happenings that coloured our lives during the past 12 months. During 2015, several Boyle residents passed on, among them a Boyle hero, John Joe Nerney. Tony Conboy wrote a fine John Joe article back in 2010 that I am delighted to share with you once more.

Boyle Chamber Lotto Results, Monday December 14th

• Numbers drawn: 10, 16, 22, 25
• Match Three winner: E. Comer
• Jackpot winner: None
Thank you to all who supported the draw. Next draw plus Christmas Lights draw Monday December 21st at 11.00pm in Creighton’s Bar. Lotto Jackpot €13,850

St. Stephen's Day Treasure Hunt

Rhona wrote: The Annual St. Stephen's Day Treasure Hunt in aid of Hospice will take in place in Lough Key Forest & Activity Park at 2.30pm on St Stephen's Day. Answer sheets can be handed in afterwards to Clarke's Bar & Restaurant, St. Patrick Street, Boyle where there will be a Fun Auction of a few selected items, which should be popular with sports fans.
• The 2007 Treasure Hunt Photos - some faces are ageless [here...]
• The 2008 Treasure Hunt photos [here...]

Boyle Christmas lights €2000 Cash Draw

Countdown to Boyle Christmas lights €2000 Cash Draw ... Would you like to win 1st prize of €1,000 for Christmas or any of the five cash prizes? You still have time to purchase a line in Boyle Christmas Lights draw - one line €2 or three lines for €5 - available in all premises around Boyle - draw takes place In Creightons bar Monday 21st at 10.30pm, everyone welcome

Merry Christmas and Thank You

A special message to our supporters: Your constant support is the catalyst that ensures realboyle.com will continue to bring you the 'Best of Boyle' with daily comment, local and wider news, photos, graphics, top class contributors and more, yet, we are still only scouting at the edges of possibility.
• Realboyle is viewed on computers, tablets and smartphones worldwide.
• Constantly upgrading since 2003, realboyle.com has established itself as the pathway for others to follow and provides a link with home for emigrants from Boyle as well as a 'one-stop-shop' for locals.
• Here's to the future ... your future whether at home or far from home ... thank you!

Santa to visit Drumderrig Nursing Home

Free Car Wash at Stewarts Oil

Which do you buy - Red or White Cheddar Cheese?

Everyone has one they prefer. It’s like King and Tayto, or Barry’s and Lyons. Red cheddar is a bit of an Irish institution. It’s a glorious comfort food.
• According to sales in 149 Tesco stores in Ireland, shoppers prefer red cheddar with over two times more red cheddar sold than white. But here’s the thing: ‘red cheddar’ doesn’t really exist. In the sense that it’s exactly the same as white cheddar. In the main in modern Irish cheddar, there’s no difference. The red is only a food colouring dye added ... and the dye does not change the flavour!!!
• 11 cheese toastie recipes that will literally make you drool [here...]

Rosie, Ciaran and Olivia's Christening

Irish TV - featuring Boyle

Michael Frayne wrote: Boyle will feature on the Roscommon County Matters programme on the following dates
• Monday 28th December: Review of 2015, Colour Run Lough Key

Blueway Next Steps Event

You are cordially invited to attend the Blueway Next Steps Event on Wednesday 16th December 2015. A Blueway is a recreational area with water activities at its core – refer towww.bluewaysireland.org for more information.
Who Should Attend? This event is open to everyone including members of the trade, community reps, agencies, local residents etc.
 

 

Pleasure Ground

Actor / playwrite Jarlath Tivnan.

Photos and review of his brilliant play "Pleasure Ground" to follow.

St. Joseph's Hall, Saturday 12th December: A hundred thoughts run through my head as I reflect on Jarlath Tivnan's brilliant play "Pleasure Ground".
John Mulligan was there last night and wrote: "Jarlath Tivnan manages to capture small-town Ireland perfectly in a sparse set with just four actors and some fine direction. This is no 'mother macree' version of rural Ireland; it is gritty and modern, a serious piece of social comment interspersed and made palatable by some brilliantly written comedic dialogue that had the audience laughing in recognition.
We have seen lots of good work in this hall over the decades, but nothing that will linger as long in the palate as this fine work.
If you missed it, you missed a real treat. If you see it playing somewhere, go and see it.

Origin Farmers Market

 

Ardcarne Garden Centre, Cheque Presentation

Pictured Mary Cooney and Peggy Feely of the Boyle Support Group Mayo/Roscommon Hospice receiving a cheque for €1030 from Ciara, Liz and Mary Francis of Ardcarne Garden Centre. This was the proceeds of a fund raiser at the launching of their Xmas Shop. Thanks to everyone who supported this worthy cause

 

 

Members of Boyle Mens Shed ... core group left to right Padraic Butler/ Martin Connolly/ Colin Sparrow/ Derek Winter/ Eddie Litton/ Gerry Casey/ Arthur Blakeley.
pic: supplied by Tony Conboy

 

Boyle GAA Executive Committee: Aidan Lavin Lotto and former Chairman/Martin Purcell, pitch co-ordinator/Mary Smith, Ass. Treasurer/ Kathleen Hanmore, Vice-Chairperson/ Martin Dolan, Chairman/ Mary Clifford, Secretary/ Ml. Furey, Insurance Officer/ Tony McGovern, ‘McGovern Directional Drilling’ main sponsor/ James O’Boyle, Treasurer.
pic: supplied by Tony Conboy

Roscommon Co Council Tenders

1. Roscommon County Council will shortly invite tenders for a lease-holder for the restaurant on King House Grounds.
2. Roscommon County Council invites tenders for the Provision and Management of Dog Warden Services in County Roscommon

Did you know?

graphic © sean o'dowd

Brogans totalhealth Pharmacy on Shop Street are hosting a special Christmas Caption Competition? Beside their fully stocked Fragrances/Cosmetics counter 'Santa in his grotto' is monarch of all he surveys and invites all to submit captions for the scene. Winners of valuable prizes will be announced during Christmas Week .

Brussel Sprouts

WWN Report: The famously patient leafy green vegetable has been biding its time, but has now made its annual move to a prominent place in the Nation’s supermarket veg section.
• A proud member of the Gemmifera group of cabbages, the Brussel sprout begins the calendar year in the corner of supermarkets ignored by each and every customer, however, its use of incremental movements pays off come late November and early December.

Emma Burke, Station Manager Ocean FM

Boyle girl Emma Burke, daughter of John & Marie Burke, Marian Road, has been appointed Station Manager at Ocean Fm. We are so delighted for her and so proud of our young people and what they are achieving. Long may their successes continue...

Boyle Country Meats Christmas Mega Draw

graphic © sean o'dowd

 

€5,000 Cheque Presentation from "Through Christy’s Lens"

Pic: Enda Regan

Mary Regan,Boyle. pictured making a Presentation of a Cheque for €5,000 to S.H.O.U.T.. Sligo Hospital Oncology Treatment Unit, to Grainne Cawley, Director of Nursing & Treasurer of S.H.O.U.T.pictured with Dr, Andy Hodgson, Hematology Consultant S.H.O.U.T. Chairperson, Fiona Lavin, Staff Nurse, Nuala Gill, Staff Nurse, Berna Kavanagh, Staff Nurse. The Presentation took place in Sligo Regional Hospital, proceeds from Christy’s Book "Through Christy’s Lens", which is still on sale.
It will be available at the Craft Fair in King House, & various out lets in Boyle : Cooney’s Garage, First Chapter, Better Buy & Boyle Motor Works & Shops.

Brogans totalhealth Pharmacy - Christmas Offers

St Teresa's NS Corrigeenroe - Quiz Winners

Congratulations to St Teresa's National School Corrigeenroe Quiz team on winning the Roscommon County Library final in Roscommon Town Library on Monday 7th October 2015. Well done to all involved and special thanks to their mentor Ms Bernadette Lyons.

Grange Community Text Alert Service

"Grange Community Alert is currently working on setting up a TEXT ALERT SERVICE in the Grange area. This service is operating in other areas and nearby parishes and has proven to be of great benefit. A member of Grange Community Alert Group will explain all details of this service to you when they call to your door in the coming weeks."
• The contact for the group is Mary Lavin 085 112 6777 if you wish to speak to her directly,

Frank Feighan TD Press Releases 7th December

1. Better support for 8,000 elderly people in Roscommon as Christmas approaches

2. Fall of 22.5% in Roscommon Live Register as local economy strengthens

New Website - tasteleitrim.com

Taste Leitrim is the definitive guide to places to eat, food experiences and the wonderful food and drink producers of County Leitrim. "We may be Ireland's smallest county but we certainly pack a culinary punch!"

 

Flooding following Storm Desmond

Boyle Canal viewed from the N4

Boyle River viewed from the N4

Doon Shore Lough Key

Part of road washed away

Seamus wrote: "During the storm at the weekend, part of a little used road leading from Ballyfarnon /Boyle road, beside the old AOH dance Hall to Corrigeenroe Catholic Church was washed away. The road was recently resurfaced but left unfinished. Entrance is in Doon and 200mtrs from the main road. A stream runs under road and a build up of water did the damage (about 2 metres wide). The stream is boundary between Doon/Tintagh townlands. This road is supposed to be part of the new cycleway which is planned for area."

Roscommon's Brown Bread winner in Aldi

Margaret Sexton, from the Walk Roscommon town, was the winner of the Brown Bread Baking Competition at this year’s National Ploughing Championships. As part of her prize, her loaf, which was commended for its traditional appearance and perfect texture will be sold in Aldi stores across the country for at least six months.