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
• 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.
• 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
• 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
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"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"
• 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!"
• 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
• 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
• 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.
• 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
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...]
• 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
• 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...]
• 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!
• 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...]
• 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
• 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.
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.
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
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
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
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.
• 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.
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,
• 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
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.
