Update 30th April

Change the Future - Astonishing Fact - April 28th

• By the year 2050, up to one million additional deaths from malaria may be occurring annually as a result of climate change.
Facts Courtesy of Abbey College students James Bolger, Luke Connelly and Cillian Doyle.

This morning in Boyle

7.45 am in Boyle this morning - sunny and cold following a recent rain shower

Roscommon Herald

The Roscommon Herald has a vacancy for a senior reporter. The successful candidate must have a proven track record in news writing, feature and court reporting, ideally in a newspaper setting. Knowledge of all aspects of social media would be an advantage. It is essential that candidates have their own transport.
Applicants should send their CV to: The Editor, Roscommon Herald, St. Patrick Street, Boyle county Roscommon, or email edotor@roscommonherald.com before Wednesday, May 6th.

Top young GAA players honoured.

Boyle GAA players Enda Smith and Tadhg Lowe were 2 of 30 of the best young GAA stars in the country honoured at the Independent.ie GAA Rising Stars awards in Croke Park on Wednesday 29th April. Awards were presented by Uachtarán CLG Aogán O Fearghail and Ger Kevillie (Sports Editor Independent.ie) while among the recipients in attendance were Conor Moynagh and Mickey Quinn from Sigerson Champions DCU and Brian Troy and Tommy Heffernan from UL, winnners of this year's Fitzgibbon Cup
• Click on top of page photo to open gallery of recipients. Scroll through (via the arrows) to see © pics of Enda Smith receiving his award and Stephanie Lowe receiving the award for her brother Tadhg Lowe [here...]

Boyle GAA Update - busy weekend

• Friday 1st May: (Division 3 League Final) National Automation Limited Minors v Kilbride in Tulsk at 7pm. The lads would appreciate as much support as possible.
• Friday 1st May: The U12s v Kilmore at 7pm in the Spring League.
• Saturday 2nd May: U14 Div 4 v St Croans in Abbey Park at 7.15pm
• Bank Holiday Monday 4th May: Cooney Motors/ Cooney's Centra Juniors v St St Barrys in the Division 5 League on at 2 pm in Abbey Park.
The U14 League game versus St Brigids due to be played tomorrow evening in Abbey Park, now likely to be played in Kiltoom on Monday next, May 4th.
• The annual Church Gate Collection in aid of the underage section of The Club (male) will be held on this coming weekend.

Lack of Roses in Leitrim

SHANNONSIDE FM REPORT: There are real fears that Leitrim may not have a representative at this year’s Rose of Tralee festival. So far, only three girls have come forward to take part in the Leitrim Rose contest for 2015, which is due to take place this Sunday at eight o’clock in the Bush Hotel.

Money Found in Roscommon

A large sum of money has been found in Roscommon Town today. Gardaí are trying to locate the owner of what they’ve described as a considerable amount of cash. The owner is asked to contact Garda Eugene Kenny at Roscommon Garda Station on 090 66 8300.

Contributors to realboyle.com

Adding to our regular realboyle.com contributors, I am delighted to welcome John Mulligan, an acclaimed, award-winning writer, Irish author, journalist, lyricist, human rights campaigner and hiking enthusiast, and also a long time friend of mine. John's column in the weekly Roscommon Herald newspaper, "The Kettle's Boyled" explores and comments on issues of concern to Boyle. John is a keen observer of happenings local and national
The first in this mini series of articles is a 'must read' and demonstrates very well the power of a well written Short Story ... ‘Give a sucker an even break’ was awarded third place in the Fish International Awards in 2012, and was first published in the ‘Fish Anthology’ 2012. © John Mulligan, 2012.

Plane Finder

Screen grab from planefinder.net at 10.10am this morning

The website planefinder.net shows live flight tracking in the airspace above Europe, USA, Australia and worldwide. Also available as mobile apps.

Snippets on the Internet (Facebook etc)

"I have the simplest of tastes - I am only satisfied with the best"
• Boyle Arts Festival 2015: 23rd July to 1st August. Submission of entries 3rd & 4th July
• Curlew Walkers: Next walk Sat 9th - Sun 10th May, Clonblur Lough Mask
• Daly's lounge: Live music Saturday & Sunday night
• Kelly's Londis: '1 week only specials'While stocks last
• Kelly's SuperValu: Great Offer on Wine this Thursday!
• Marians Fashions: In stock, dresses size 10-16
• Magee's Fashion Shop: Dress options for cooler evenings
• Taylors Interiors: Everyone seems to love Green (see our front of shop displays)

Ardcarne Community Games

Ardcarne Community Games Sports Day, Bank holiday Monday 4th May in Ardcarne Park. Registration from 2pm - 2.50pm. First race at 3pm sharp. €10 Euro for a family entry. Hope you will all come along for a nice family day of fun.

Boyle Musical Society AGM

Following last Friday's untimely death of our dear friend Aidan Callaghan, the AGM of Boyle Musical Society scheduled for Thursday April 30th, will now be postponed until Tuesday May 12th.

Ian Forsythe R.I.P.

The death has occurred of Ian Forsythe, Abbeycrest, Boyle. Ian was a valued member of the Family Life Centre Support Team. Peacefully, at Sligo General Hospital. Deeply regretted by his sister Debra Forsythe, Cheshire, England, family and friends.
Rest in Peace.
Reposing Mahon's Funeral Home, Boyle, Saturday morning from 10am to 10.30am, arriving at St. Joseph's Church, Boyle, for Mass of Christian burial at 11am. Cremation afterwards in Mount Jerome Crematorium, Dublin.

Grange NS Past Pupils Project

Over the past two months a group of pupils and teachers have been working on a Grange NS project involving designing and painting a canvas representing the core values of the school. They also organised a Family Fun Day for Sunday 26th April.
The Fun Day included a Soccer Blitz sponsored by Trojan Software, Boyle, as well as a range of events for all ages.
Families and members of the local community got involved and supported this very enjoyable event.
• Thank you Maeve for the photos ...

Primary School Teacher Wanted

Marian wrote: Primary School teacher to deliever July Provision Home Tuition. Tutor must be registered with the Teaching Council of Ireland, Garda vetted through them and have experience with Autism. Please Contact: mbenny@live.ie 086 258 8498

Eating Out In Boyle

At last count we have 13  restaurants/ including takeaway venues in Boyle. Sandwiches, Breakfast Rolls and other Hot Foods are available also at other locations around town.

Mayo Roscommon Hospice

Boyle Support Group Mayo Roscommon Hospice would like to acknowledge receipt of the sum of €1133 from the McTiernan family, proceeds of their fundraising activity "Shave or Dye" on Easter saturday night in the Moylurg Inn.
Monies are used by Mayo Roscommon Hospice to fund palliative & hospice care for terminally ill patients and their families throughout Mayo and Roscommon. We would like to thank the McTiernan family members and all who contributed to the event. Thanks indeed to all of you who contribute throughout the year.
Our next fundraiser will be on Sunflower Day on Friday 5th June.

For your Smartphone - Irish Radioplayer

Great App for your smartphone! Listen worldwide to 43 online Irish Radio Stations. Available for iPhone and Android ... download "Irish Radioplayer"

Family Life Centre

SUPPORT FOR THE SUICIDE BEREAVED: Suicide is devastating; its suddenness can leave many unanswered questions. One to one and group support available:  please contact the Family Life Centre, Boyle on 071 966 3000 for more information. You are not alone in your pain! Facilitator: Fr. Brian Conlon.
SPRING CLEANING TIME AGAIN: There is a clothing bank outside the Family Life Centre, Boyle which accepts old clothes and bed linen, handbags, and shoes which are sent for recycling. Your support and donations would be very much appreciated as this helps raise funds towards the Centre's programmes and community work.

Community Games Athletics Results

SIOBHAN WROTE: Our annual Sports day was held on a wet and windy day on 11th April last, although the weather didn't play its part there was a good turnout, so thank you to all the parents and children who participated on the day. A word of thanks as always to Martin Dolan and Claire Byrne for their help on the day, and to all the parents who helped out on the day! Those who will be going forward to the county finals in June will be notified shortly by a member of the committee.  Congratulations to all the participants (especially the parents!). All results and further updates will be available on boylecommunitygames.blogspot.com

Update 27th April

The N4 towards Sligo

View from the bridge at the Abbeytown entrance to L.Key Forest Park Sunday 26th April
Click on image to view a larger version. photo © realboyle

Michael Gilmartin's Sponsored Cycle

Westport to Achill Greenway Cycle: Michael Gilmartin, represented Boyle Enterprise Centre/Role Skillnet on a sponsored cycle on the Westport to Achill Greenway last Friday. The chosen charity was the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation who provide direct funding to families of children with brain damage up to the age of 4 who suffer severe intellectual and physical developmental delay. If you would like to make a donation please forward it to Sonia Dunne, Sponsored Cycle, Boyle Enterprise Centre, Quarry Lane, Boyle or call 086 203 9182. Thank you for any support you can donate.

 

Noel Scally to participate in NYC Marathon

Noel Scally wrote: I will participate in the New York City Marathon in November 2015 in order to fundraise for the Billy’s World Ireland Charity. I would be delighted with any sponsorship or support to help me reach my fundraising target of €4500.

Lough Key from the Moylurg Tower 25th April

Click on image to view a larger version. photo © realboyle

Updates

Boyle Golf Club Monday 27th April

Úna Bhán Community Notes

Sunday in Lough Key Forest Park

Click on image to view a larger version. photo © realboyle

Though temperatures remained in single figures centigrade on Sunday we enjoyed sunshine. I spent part of the day in the company of the good staff in Lough Key Forest Park and took plenty of photographs.

St. Joseph's BNS pupils, National Digital Award

The boys at St. Joseph's BNS have been working hard all year enhancing their ICT skills and their hard work has paid off as they have been awarded the Digital Schools of Distinction Award. Digital Schools of Distinction is a flagship programme which aims to promote, recognise and encourage excellence in the use of technology in primary schools.
Schools that successfully complete the 3 step programme receive a nationally recognised Digital School of Distinction Award, accredited by the Dept. of Education and we are delighted with the news that the boys along with their teachers have reached this level of excellence.

Snippets from St. Joseph's Parish Newsletter 26/4/2015

From Sunday next, 3rd May, at thereafter, I will have the complete Newsletter for you. Also I hope to feature news and updates from religious brethren in the area.

• The parents of St. Therese of Lisieux will be the first married couple to be canonised
• Assisted Pilgrimage to Lourdes: Call Mary on 086 816 4541 or Des on 255 3085
• Knock Shrine now recruiting handmaids/stewards for the Pilgrimage season
• Pieta House 'Darkness into Light' prevention of suicide events Saturday morning 9th May
• Communion calls: Fr Gerry Thursday and Friday next, Fr. John on Tuesday 28th April

Thought - from St. Joseph's Parish Newsletter

Vocations Sunday: "Hearing and following the voice of Christ means letting ourselves be attracted and guided by him, to offer our own lives in the Kingdom of God" - Pope Francis

Noel Scally to participate in NYC Marathon

Noel Scally wrote: "I will participate in the New York City Marathon in November 2015 in order to fundraise for the Billy’s World Ireland Charity.  I would be delighted with any sponsorship or support to help me reach my fundraising target of €4500.  I have set up a fundraising page on the mycharity.ie website so if anyone would like to make a donation please do or alternatively contact me directly on 087 222 8466.  Thank you in advance.

http://www.mycharity.ie/event/noel_scallys_event/

Billy’s World Ireland is a new charity set up with the purpose of building a wonderful adventure theme park for families of children with special needs and their siblings – a place for the whole family to enjoy, together. This park will serve as a recreation, enjoyment, holiday centre, a seminar and network facility to so many families. The park will offer those families so hard pressed with caring for their child, with whatever condition, a chance to have a holiday the entire family can enjoy together. It will also act as an information centre with seminars and lectures on various conditions and syndromes as well as acting as a host for events for many other charities. 

The man behind this amazing vision is Tony Byrne from the Boyle Road in Carrick-on-Shannon who lost his son Billy (whom the park is named after) when he passed away on March 24th, 2013, just one week short of his sixth birthday. Billy had been diagnosed with Pallister Killian Syndrome (PKS), a very rare chromosomal disorder at 13 months of age. Billy was one of only three children in Ireland with PKS at the time. Tony and his family had found it nearly impossible to take holidays together as a family as nowhere catered for Billy as well as his siblings. So, with the tragic passing of Billy, Tony has made it his life’s purpose to give other families the opportunity that was denied to him and his family – and so was born the Billy’s World Ireland Project!"

Update 25th April

Change the Future - Astonishing Fact - April 20th

• The average meal travels 1,200 miles from the farm to your plate. Buy local. You support your community and reduce your food miles.

Facts Courtesy of Abbey College students James Bolger, Luke Connelly and Cillian Doyle.

Gold Ring found

A gentleman found an old gold ring on St. Patrick Street this evening (Friday). If it is yours please call 086 169 7294.

Blue and Green

photo © realboyle.com

Busy Day in King House

Today, Friday 24th was a busy one in King House with the running of three special events.
• Gallipoli Beach diorama in the Connaught Rangers Room

• Harrington Studio Launch

• Roscommon Co Enterprise Award

Úna Bhán Community Notes [here...]

Boyle Country Meats Weekend Specials

graphic © realboyle

What's on Diary

• BOYLE MENS SHED: Friday 24th April at 2pm King House. "We are holding the unveiling of our Gallipoli V Beach diorama together with Boyle Rangers. As part of WW1 - 100 year anniversary of all Irish Soldiers. You are all invited"
• THE HARRINGTON STUDIOS LAUNCH: Roscommon Co Council cordially invites you to the official opening of the Harrington Studios in the grounds of King House, Boyle on Friday 24th April at 2.30.
• FAMILY LIFE CENTRE: Friday April 24th, Crafting with Glenda Devlin 10.30 - 12.30
• GALILEE COMMUNITY: Friday 24th Taize Prayer 9-10pm for the drowned migrants
• DODD'S BAR: Friday 24th April, Trad Music Session from 10pm
• BALLINAFAD: Saturday 25th April, Concert at 7.30pm in Ballinafad Church with The Millennium Choir and friends.
• GRANGE NS: Sunday April 26th, Family Fun Day. 1pm seven a side. 3pm events for all ages.

It's Bluebell time 2015 - check them out at Derreen Wood and L. Key Forest Park
Photo album of our bluebells from various local locations to follow ...

Tony Conboy "An Oblique View"

This week I am delighted to publish one of Tony's most-informative-ever articles. I highly recommend that you should read it. Among his articles Tony gives us "Lá ar an bPortach" ... a detailed account of old fashioned turf cutting.

Taize Prayer

Friday, April 24th. Taize Prayer in Galilee Community 9pm-10pm Special time of Prayer for the migrants who were drowned recently in the Mediterranean.

Scanlons Bar Reopening

Scanlons Bar reopening, Friday (24th April) under new management

Local attractions

Ballinafad Playground is a great place to bring your children

As well as others I have been guilty of limiting the list of local attractions to the 'Big Three', King House, Boyle Abbey and Lough key Forest Park. In future, I will include and recommend visits to Ardcarne Garden Centre, Doon Shore, Ballinafad Playground, maybe the Drumanone Dolmen and certainly Tullyboy Farm that I hope to visit in coming days with photos to follow.

"What it says in the papers"

Trad Music Session

graphic © realboyle.com

DODD'S BAR: The board has decided there will be a Trad Music Session on Friday 24th April, from 10pm(-ish). No arguments, just be there :-)

Boyle Golf Club fundraiser

photo © realboyle.com

Boyle Golf Club will hold a club fundraising classic May Weekend (Sat 2nd- Mon 4th) with a prize fund of €1200. Format will be a four ball rumble with a cost of €100 per team including hot meal. The competition can be played Saturday, Sunday or Monday and re-entry is €10. Prizes are for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, Best Ladies Team, Nearest the Pin and Longest Drive. Tee-times can be booked on line at www.boylegolfclub.com. The weekend will start with a “Quiz & Curry Nite” on the Friday evening; tickets are €15 including free entry for the scramble. Funds raised will go towards ongoing course improvements including greens, teeboxes and bunkers. All support appreciated.

Collectors wanted

MARIAN WROTE: I am looking for help for this weekend 25th & 26th April - Bucket Collectors to cover Mass times at St Joseph's Church Boyle on behalf of the Irish Society for Autism (autism.ie) If anyone can spare a half an hour please contact Marian on 086 258 8498