Other towns are struggling too
Sometimes we think that Boyle is the only place in the country that is struggling at present but of course that is not the case. Big towns are also feeling the pinch. This week in Sligo three businesses closed their doors – a well known coffee shop/restaurant and two newsagents. If shops like these can not make it in large centres of population, what does the future hold for the small town like Boyle? Like Sligo, Boyle has had a number of business closures this month and more are in the pipeline, but there will be openings too. January is the traditional month for closures as businesses weigh up how the previous year turned out. But the days are now getting longer, the snowdrops are showing their head above the ground and spring is around the corner. Better days hopefully lie ahead.
Better broadband needed in Boyle
Last week’s poll here on Boyletoday.com showed that 88% of respondents were not happy with the broadband service they have in Boyle. This, despite an extensive campaign recently by one of the main providers -Eircom that “superfast” broadband is available. What they forgot to tell us is that superfast broadband is available to those close to the exchange in Green St and only in certain areas of the town. For many Eircom customers and those with other carriers, an intermittent, slow and irritable service is the norm. If we are serious about attracting industry to Boyle it is imperative that we have the equivalent of high speed fibre optic broadband in place. We can have all the offices, factories and business units in the world available for rent but slow and unreliable broadband will be the biggest stumbling block in bringing a much needed major employer to our town.
Enterprise Town gains momentum
It was heartening to see such a large crowd in King House on Monday last for the Enterprise Town meeting. Bank of Ireland and the local branch manager Gerry Whelehan are to be complimented on geting the town selected for this iniative. It is a great opportunity for Boyle, especially with the bank covering the cost of the weekend! The meeting on Monday night heard many questions asked and answers given with the previous trade expo of a number of years back being mentioned more than once. While that expo in itself was a success, people should not get hung up on making comparisons with what is planned for February 27th/28th. There are many people around now who never attended that expo so in that regard, it is irrelevant. Concern was also expressed at what venue the event(s) would be held in. What a great position we are in here in Boyle that we have this problem! The weekend is one that should be welcomed with one arms, the Bank should be thanked and everyone should get behind the project wholeheartedly.
Plan now for St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s day is a little over six weeks away, so now is the time to get your thinking caps on for a float for the parade. The 17th March is one of the more enjoyable days out in Boyle which always attracts a large crowd that grows in size year on year. But the parade is only as good as those who participate in it. Following on from the momentum that will hopefully build with the Enterprise Town iniative, it would be great to see 2015 witness the biggest entry ever in the Boyle St. Patrick’s Day parade.
And finally….!
A husband had just finished reading the book, ‘MAN OF THE HOUSE’.
He stormed into the kitchen and walked directly up to his wife, Pointing a finger in her face, he said, “From now on, I want you to know that I am the man of this house, and my word is law! I want you to prepare me a gourmet meal tonight, and when I’m finished eating my meal, I expect a sumptuous dessert afterward. Then, after dinner, you are going to draw me my bath so I can relax. And when I’m finished with my bath, guess who’s going to dress me and comb my hair?”
His wife replied, “The funeral director would be my guess.”
