‘An alternative to Centre Parcs’
With all the hype at present surrounding the opening of Centre Parcs it was nice to see Boyle’s Lough Key Forest Park get a mention in Saturday’s Irish Independent as one of ‘Ten Alternatives to Centre Parcs”. Under the heading ‘Whats Similar’ it says “Lough Key is an outdoor playground for kids and adults. There is a tree canopy trail, a Zipit forest obstacle course and Boda Borg where you all work together to conquer quests. It’s a beautiful lakeside setting, away from the main road, with lots of walking and cycling (you can rent segways too) though it can get busy in peak season. Oh, and the lakeside cafe does great pizzas… ‘What’s different’: There are no lodges so you will need to bring your own tent or caravan…or arrive by boat. ‘Details’: Camping pitches start at €22 per night, with activities from €5 per child at www.loughkey.ie
Support for Pride of Place Judging
There are now only four days remaining until the Pride of Place judges arrive in town (Tuesday August 13th at 3pm). While many students probably will spend a sleepless night next Monday worrying about their Leaving cert results the following day, spare a thought for the hardworking Pride of Place committee here in Boyle who will also be on tender hooks as they await the judges arrival. At this stage it is vitally important that the business owners in Boyle come out to say hello to the judges, attend the 20 minutes welcome reception at 3pm and that clubs and organizations send a representative to the event which takes place between 3pm – 6pm. And if you own a Child of Prague- put him or her out also as good weather will assist in having our town looking it’s best for the judges tour!
Well are blessed with great local organisations
In advance of Tuesday’s judging, well done to a number of local organisations who have made a special effort to have the town looking well. In particular well done to Boyle Angling Club who commenced a clean up of the river last week. Then on Thursday the Ladybirds, Brownies, Girl Guides and their leaders went out and painted the rocks at the back of the Royal prior to the judges arrival. Many other organisations have done work nice and quietly in the background over the last few days to have our town looking its best. We all accept that there are parts of the town that do not look great at present and one has to wonder at the rationale behind highlighting these areas online (not on this website) at this important time. On Tuesday the judges will be shown plans for the regeneration of all areas in Boyle including those looking well and those not looking well and those presently underway and those proposed under Boyle 2040.
More praise for Rock the Clock
While the weather did not assist on Sunday evening last, it wasn’t that bad in general for last weekend’s Rock the Clock festival. There has been nothing but praise over the last few days for the festival and the three organisers – Joe Ryan, Barry Simon and Aaron Sharkey, especially from those who attended the fireworks display. One visitor to the town who attended the display on Saturday night posted the following on Boyletoday.com Facebook page: Huge congratulations to the organisers of the Fireworks display tonight. Absolutely Amazing!!We are annual summer visitors to Boyle but our 1st time over the August bank holiday weekend & it won’t be our last. Well done to all.
Another group of visitors from a neighbouring town who had earlier enjoyed a meal in Boyle followed by a few drinks discussed how refined and orderly the gathering was considering it was the Saturday night of a bank holiday weekend during a festival! Well done again to Joe, Barry and Aaron and remember the postponed duck race will take place this Sunday evening after the Summer Show concludes.
And finally….!
A touring golf professional was having a drink at the golf club bar, when he was approached by a bloke with a white cane and dark glasses, who introduced himself as a golf champion.
“I’m Champion of the Blind Golfers Association, and as one Champion to another, I’d like to challenge you to a match which could be a fundraiser for the blind”, he said.
The blind gent said he didn’t want any favours or special treatment and told the pro, he’d be happy to play for €50 a hole.
The embarrassed pro tried to avoid the challenge, but the blind gent was very insistent and finally, the pro agreed.
“O.K.”, said the pro, “When would you like to play?”
“Oh, you can pick the night – any night at all, will do”
