Boyle Town Team update 30th November

Boyle Town Team is now up and running with a number of positive initiatives planned for 2015 and into 2016.

Over the past year Roscommon County Council has pursued a policy of establishing Town Teams in six key areas within the county to develop, promote and regenerate the towns and areas in which they are located. This has been achieved through a series of public consultation workshops and as a result Town Teams have been established in each of six towns, namely Boyle, Strokestown, Roscommon Town, Ballaghaderreen, Castlerea and Monksland.  Membership of Town Teams represents the wide variety of interests from the community, voluntary, business and statutory sectors that will influence the successful development of the towns and their hinterlands. 

Boyle Town Team is made up of volunteers from various community groups, town and district businesses and other community activists all of whom have the common goal of improving the town of Boyle and the surrounding district. The aim is to breathe fresh life into the town which was severely hit during the recent recession.

The Team is chaired by Brian Nerney, with secretary Justina Gavin and a committee consisting of John Cummins, David Gunning, Trevor Conroy, Tish Golden, Sinead Devine, Martin Connolly, Cecil Draper, Mervyn Boles, Bodo Funke, Frank Geelan, Dara Callaghan, Alison Clarke, Siobhan Gallagher.

The Teams are receiving funding from Roscommon County Council to carry out some small scale initial projects in the area. These projects will be of benefit to everyone living in the area and will once more restore a sense of local pride. These short-term initiatives, some which will take place before Christmas and have been drawn up by the Boyle Team, include the following:

• Power washing monuments and features in town

• Placing window art in derelict buildings

• Publishing a Town Event calendar for 2016

• Assisting Town Traders in Christmas promotions

• Funding new features for Boyle Christmas Lights

• Funding plants and bulbs for Tidy Towns 2016

• Funding phase 1 of a CCTV system for Boyle

• Promoting “ Fall in Love with Boyle” weekend in 2016.

• Developing Greenway from Lough Key to Boyle

Small towns and villages are highly dependent on a vibrant rural economy in each catchment area. As the rural economy declines, so our towns and villages began to show the impact of lost revenues and are gradually becoming sites of dereliction. Once upon a time economic decline in a town may have been evident but this was generally concentrated on the peripheries. Since the recession of 2008 the rate of economic decline has accelerated to the point whereby the very centre of many towns is now a scene of dereliction and abandonment. This presents an on-going challenge to policy makers, leaders and to communities to find innovative responses to current problems including the mass exodus of local populations.

In this regard, Roscommon County Council is enhancing the “Putting People First” concept and has been pro-active in tackling this decline in particular by taking the initiative in 2014 of establishing six Town Teams which can now be the driving force and the catalyst for economic regeneration. Establishment of the six Town Teams is aimed towards helping Roscommon County Council, retailers, consumers, citizens and communities to energise and reinvigorate their towns and hinterlands with the collaboration and support of Roscommon LEADER Partnership, Roscommon LEO and other agencies and service providers. The aim is to create jobs, facilitate start-up businesses and above all re-instil the pride we all should have for our towns and their environs. 

The Town Teams initiative has been put in place through an agreement with the traders in the county who showed a willingness to forgo some of the promised discount on their rate bills in order to allow the Council to support the establishment of Town Teams in each of the six towns in the county, Plans are being put in place to guide the rejuvenation of each town in the county. The aim is that these plans will positively impact the growth and prosperity of town centres through an increase in local and visitor revenues and in the provision of additional jobs. Each plan will identify priority actions and projects and funding sources to provide for implementation. 

Boyle Town Team will also seek the views of the broader public as to what they see as being necessary to restore the town to its former glory. This will be done through the distribution of a questionnaire to local residents. All ideas will be examined and may help towards the formation of a more long-term plan for the town and district. In particular the views of local teenagers are also being welcomed. The goal of Boyle Town Team is to develop community ideas into action for enhancement of the town and district.    

The Council has employed the assistance of a professional facilitator, John Higgins of JH Public Affairs to assist with getting the Town Teams up-and-running. John is well known for his work in community enterprise initiatives and will be working again throughout 2016 with the Town Team Programme in order to be available as a mentor who will help bring more medium and long term initiatives into action.

Update

For inclusion on realboyle.com please email details of your
upcoming events to sean@realboyle.com or text/call 086 193 5452

Monster Bingo Session

Roscommon Safe Link will host a Monster Bingo today Sunday 29th November, in St. Joseph's Hall, Boyle at 3pm. €4000 on prizes as well as spot prizes and valuable raffle prizes. This fundraiser is being held to coinside with the 16 Days of Action Opposing Violence against Women and your support would be appreciated for this worthy cause

Boyle Country Meats - Christmas Orders

Clarke's Bar & Restaurant - Beef Lunch - a great choice

Mayo Roscommon Hospice

The Boyle support group advise that the following items are available now.
Christmas cards at the following locations
• SuperValu, Boyle
• The Christmas Fair in King House on the 4th & 5th Dec.
• Cost 5.99 for a box of 12
"Shine a Light gift cards"
• Brogans Total Health Pharmacy
• Ryans Pharmacy Abbeytown
• Family Life Centre
Cost: €5 per envelope
Christmas Cake Raffle:
Tickets are on sale now for our Christmas cake. You can see it in the Hospice Shop on Ryans corner. €2 for a strip or 3 for €5.
They will also be on sale at the King House Craft fair and draw will take place at 5pm on Sat 5th in King House.
• Many thanks for your continued generosity and support of the Hospice.  All donations go to the provision of Hospice services in the Roscommon area and is greatly appreciated.

TGIF (Thank God it's Friday) and we have another well-written, thoughtful Blog from Tony Conboy. Tony informs, remembers and suggests in his non-dictatorial accustomed manner on topics: The 1960s -The Decade of the Beatles : "Pleasure Ground" : Power and Influence : Speaking of Goldmines : Galway v Dublin hurlers, in the cathedral of baseball, Fenway Park, Boston : Robert Fisk-An Alternative Voice : The Great Ronnie Delaney : Be Safe Be Seen : Miriam O’Callaghan and Stephan Nolan TV Show

Abbey Community College Exhibition

Period photo - note Hill of Keash and Caves in the background

Abbey Community College will take part in a 1916-2016 exhibition at the Dock Arts and Cultural center Carrick-on-Shannon. For this reason we are asking our students and the broader community in Boyle; what does 1916 mean to you?
• We are doing this through Historical research, Music and Art.
• On the 9th of December Abbey Community College will hold its open evening and we are asking anybody who is going to attend to bring any photographs documents or family memorabilia that they are willing to have copied and used for this exhibition. All material will be sensitively handled and copied on the night for use only in the exhibition; no original documents will be retained.
• All of the gathered material will form the basis or our exhibition and we are hoping for some interesting feedback. Many thanks, Aengus Martin

Business rates to remain the same

Shannonside FM: Roscommon County Council adopted its budget for 2016 at a special meeting held Thursday 26th November. The budget will see no increase in the commercial rate charged to businesses. Over 70 per cent of businesses in the county can qualify for a five per cent reduction if they pay early.

"Who's that standing at my door?"

Full marks to you if you answered "Matt Smith". Matt and Kay Smith had just taken over Maud and Alice Callaghan's famous pub on Elphin Street when the photo was taken. A big thank you to Matt for sharing this photo with Tony Conboy who shared it with me.
• By the way, Tony and many more locals would love to get photos of Maud and Alice, so if you know of some, let's share ...

Boyle Arts Festival "Pleasure Ground"

pic courtesy of Brendan McGee

"Pleasure Ground" written by Jarlath Tivnan and performed by Fregoli. Following a sell-out run on the main stage at Galway’s Town Hall Theatre recently, Fregoli in association with Boyle Arts Festival are delighted to bring the play Pleasure Ground home to Boyle - which is of course also home town to the writer, Jarlath Tivnan and the director Maria Tivnan.
• Pleasure Ground will be performed in St. Joseph’s Hall, Boyle on Saturday December 12th at 8pm. This production is not suitable for children under 16. Tickets priced €12 and €10 are available now from Taylors Jewellers, Bridge Street, Únabhán Tourism, King House, Boyle and on www.eventbrite.ie

When your taste buds say "Chinese this evening"

Thai Beef Red Curry at the Tai Chi Court, Bridge Street

Grange National School

"Hi Seán, a random pic of some 4 seasons paintings that children have done recently."

Peter Horan - died 2010

Peter Horan died on Sunday 17th Ocrober 2010. He was noted as an exceptionally gifted and influential flute Player, Horan was also a versatile fiddler, indeed techniques more common to the traditional violin were adpoted by Horan to the flute and this in part gave him his distinctive style. He had two longstanding musical partners, first Fred Finn with whom he played for three decades and latterly Gerry Harrington with whom he made two CDs. Peter Horan was a recipient of the TG4 Gradam Award.
• I took this photo of Peter in February 2010, never thinking that this wonderful man and friend of so many, would not see the end of the year.

Asthma Society of Ireland

Does your child have asthma? Would you like to attend our upcoming FREE parent/carer information evening?
• We are holding an information evening in your area. The interactive session will include expert advice from an asthma nurse specialist, a free asthma management pack along with an opportunity to share experiences and meet other parents/carers of children with asthma.
• The information evening will take place on Wednesday 2nd December in the Landmark Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon from 19.00-21.00.
• Places are limited so please book your place today by calling 01 817 8886 or email aisling.doherty@asthma.ie

Brogans totalhealth Pharmacy

Gift ideas for you and you and you! This year, in addition to favourite brands of fragrances, preparations and cosmetics (Boss, Chanel, Brut, Revlon, Giorgio Armani etc), Brogans have 'signature' products from Celine Dion, David Beckham, Beyonce, Jean Paul Gaultier, Halle Berry and more ... The prices are right ... call in today while stocks last!

Moone Boy 'tops the poll' again ... and again and again

By fitting a Moone Boy cap at the top of our Town Clock, our Christmas Lights people pay homage to Moone Boy - the TV programme that has brought local, national and international recognition to Boyle in a way more than any effort to date.
• Well done in particular to Boyle Mens Shed for this tribute and who light up the town clock each year!

Magees Fashion Shop - Black Friday Bargains

History was made at Roscommon courthouse

History was made at Roscommon courthouse in recent days when the last county council meeting was held in the building. The local authority is in the process of moving into its new purpose-built headquarters this week and hopes to be fully operational there by the 7th of December.

Family Christmas Bazaar 2015

Aughanagh Parish Fundraising Committee will host a Family Christmas Bazaar in Ballinafad Community Centre on Sunday 29th November at 4pm. Please go along and enjoy a fun filled day full of Christmas Cheer and cheer and raffles galore, face painting, post your letter to Santa and much more. Any gift donations would be greatly appreciated. (No BRIC a Brac please) Please leave donation items in to Fr Alan P.P in Ballinafad Presbytery. Tel: 071 966 6006. All welcome and thank you for your support

Leaving Cert Irish Grinds/Lessons

A viewer wrote: "Hello Sean would u know öf anybody in the Boyle area that does Leaving Cert Irish grinds/lessons? The closest I could find was Castlerea or Cootehall.. Thank you"
• Please email sean@realboyle.com if you know of a teacher or PM me on Facebook ...

Abbey Community College - open evening/enrolment

Roscommon Local Enterprise Office is moving office

Gerry Gray R.I.P.

The death has occurred of Gerry GRAY, Salthill, Galway, (formerly St. Patrick Street, Boyle), Unexpectedly but peacefully at home. Beloved husband of Therese and loving father to Gabrielle and Rachael and father-in-law to Rob and George. Sadly missed by his loving family, relatives and many friends. Arriving at the Church of Christ the King, Salthill on Friday 27th November for Requiem Mass at 11.00am. Funeral after Mass to Rahoon Cemetery. Family flowers only please. Donations if desired to National Rehabilitation Hospital, Dun Laoghaire, Co.Dublin.

Lough Key Craft Classes

Coffee Morning

SNPA Roscommon: Support Group for Parents of Children with Special Needs, Coffee Morning Tuesday 1st December at Open Table, Boyle, 10am-12noon. Parent Liaison: Marian Frawley 083 845 6991

Arts & Disability Week 2015

Roscommon Co Council in association with Roscommon Citizens Information Service and Roscommon Leader Partnership Company will present "Celebrating Ability through the Arts" -
• Mon 30/Nov: "Celebrating Ability through the Arts" launch 4pm, Abbey Hotel, Roscommon
• Tues 1/December: "Information Evening" King House, Boyle, 7-10pm
• Wed 2/December: "Wills & Enheritance" Citizens Information Office, Boyle 10am-1pm
• Thurs 3/December: "Disability Equality Training for Artists" Hannons Hotel Roscommon, 9.45am-4pm - ALSO - "Christmas show to celebrate and recognise International Day for People with Disabilities" in The Resource Centre, Derrane, Roscommon - 2.30pm

Christmas Craft Fair & Outdoor Market 2015

Abbey Haven Care Centre & Nursing Home

Annual Sale of Works and Cake Sale on Saturday 5th December. As always, I will have photos of the Works and Cakes on sale for you before the 5th.

Last Sunday's Parish Newsletter

Altar Servers and Parent Supervisors

An information evening will take place on Wednesday 25th November at 8p.m. in the Day Chapel of St. Joseph’s Church for parents of children from 3rd class up. This meeting is for parents only.

Remembrance Service – Sligo General Hospital

The Paediatric & Neonatal Intensive Care Staff of Sligo Regional Hospital together with the Hospital Chaplains will hold an Ecumenical Prayer Service in remembrance of all deceased children on Wednesday 25th November 2015 at 7.30pm in the Out Patient Department of the Hospital.

St. Joseph’s Boys National School Cash For Clobber

Items that can be collected: New and Used Men’s and Women’s & Children’s Clothing, Footwear, Belts, Handbags, Hats, Household Textiles (curtains, blankets etc), Mobile Phones (put these in a separate bag or hand into reception in the school). All bags can be left outside the side gate at of the school on or before 8th December.

Daly's Annual Wine Fair

"We are delighted that Black Donkey Brewing Company will be joining us next Thursday 3rd December 7.30pm-9.30pm for our Wine Fair. Craft beer has grown so much & is a specialty of ours so we are moving with the times and adding it to our Wine Fair."

Boyle Chamber Lotto Results Monday November 23rd

• Numbers drawn: 5, 8, 19, 25
• Match Three winners: S. Connolly, K. Early, B. McQuaid, M. Kirnan, D. Dodd
• Jackpot winner: None
Thank you to all who supported the draw. Next draw Monday November 30th at 11.00pm in Gerry Mattimoe’s Bar Jackpot €13,460

Strandhill, Co. Sligo

A photo from many years ago, it's still one of our favourite seaside resorts - Strandhill, Co. Sligo. Many thanks to Kevin Flynn for the photo.

The 9 at 9: Tuesday

realboyle.com is always delighted to share local, national and international news, comment and more with viewers worldwide. Check out the bigger picture. Here is news you need to know this morning.

Counter terrorism training for Gardai

Ireland’s elite counter- terrorism units have significantly increased their training to deal with the threat posed by jihadi fighters in the past year.

An Craoibhín Bar & Restaurant

John Purcell: "We are noe serving Sunday Lunches. We are also taking bookings for Christmas parties."

Bank of Ireland Refurbishments

Our Boyle branch of Bank of Ireland has undergone a comprehensive makeover and extensive refurbishments, and now looks modern and inviting.
• In step with current ethos, "Express Banking" is encouraged via in-bank machines for cash and cheque lodgements and withdrawals. Areas for Cashier and Customer Services are provided as always, and booths provided for customers who wish to conduct online transactions or avail of head office services.

Boles of Boyle - special days this week

Molly Condon's Christening

Saturday 21st November was Molly Condon's Christening Day in st. Joseph's Church, Boyle with Keith, Majella, families and friends. Celebrations continued afterwards in Wynne's Bar with delicious food courtesy of Mary Condon and music by the excellent David Byrne

Galilee Community - Advent 2015

Ardcarne Garden Centres - Floristry Workshops

graphic © sean o'dowd

Boles of Boyle - Christmas 2015

Boles of Boyle - just one of their excellent Window Displays for Christmas 2015

Doug's Field

"Doug's Field at Sunset", Friday 20th November. It is certainly a scene worth painting or a scene for interpretations. The field is located beside Boyle Canal.

Blueway Workshops

Sheena wrote: BENEFIT FROM THE BLUEWAY COMMUNITY & COMMERCIAL WORKSHOPS: If you are a community member or a service provider in the towns and villages along the Shannon and Shannon-Erne (including Boyle), we welcome you to our second workshop on how to benefit from the recreation and tourism opportunities on the Blueway. The draft Blueway food, culture & heritage, activity and craft trail maps will be presented and there will also be an opportunity for communities and clusters of service providers to identify Blueway itineraries, events and packages.
• Boyle Workshop: Monday 23rd November, 7.30pm in Boyle Enterprise Centre
• Your attendance at these workshops would be greatly appreciated as we value your participation. Please pass this information onto anyone else you think may be interested in attending.

For a great weekend read of local and general interest, you won't find better than "An Oblique View" by Tony Conboy. This weekend Tony writes on a number of topics that I find fascinating: Maud and Alice ‘The Dazzler’ : Sir Patrick Hannon Boyle Connections : Sports Review : Sebastian (Seb) Coe : U.K Referendum and the E.U. : The Wizard of Oz
email: tconboy1@eircom.net