It’s All Happening In Boyle
There will be plenty to do in Boyle once again this weekend. Friday night will see Canon Gerry Hanly celebrate his 40 years in the priesthood with a celebratory Mass followed by refreshments in St. Joseph’s Hall. Saturday brings an All Ireland girls semi final to the Abbey Park, a free introduction to Mountain Biking workshop in Rockingham, a free music event in King House with free entrance to the facility and then a summer barbeque outside The Shambles courtesy of The Stonehouse Café and Mattimoes’s Bar. On Sunday the Curlew Warrior Challenge walk/run takes place in the town and a family cycle to the Park will also take place to celebrate National Bike Week. And with the Beavers camping in the Park, the Farmers Market in the grounds of King House and the town’s many shops, bars and restaurants – why would you want to be anywhere else!
100mb Broadband Not In Boyle Yet.
Details of the availability of 100Mb broadband for Boyle were announced recently by Eircom in a blaze of publicity. Boyle is the second town in the county to receive faster broadband speeds, with Roscommon town being enabled in the last few months. But try and get connected to the 100mb and it’s a different story. After speaking to an out of country call centre you will be told that it may take another two weeks before connections can commence. One wonders why Eircom publicised the availability if they can not deliver. But hopefully when connections commence, the wait will be worth it..
A Business Closure Among The Openings
All the openings in the commercial life of Boyle in recent weeks overshadowed the closure of one established business. Kevin Mullen’s express stop shop in Abbeytown closed it’s doors recently and it is already being missed y it’s customers. “Kevin’s” as it was affectionately known was more than a shop. It was part of everyday life and a meeting place for those who live on the east side of Boyle, be it after daily Mass or to collect the Sunday papers. For footballers it was a refreshment stop following football training across the road. For schoolchildren, they came and stocked up on treats on Friday morning’s and Kevin’s chicken fillet or breakfast roll’s were legendary. The welcome smile and banter from Kevin, Kathleen, Brendan and staff is missed but all are wished well for their future.
What Day Is A Day Return For?
The automated ticket machines at Boyle Railway Station are now a part of life and are easy to use for the younger members of the community. But be aware of this problem. If you go to the station the day before travel to save time and print off your “Day Return” ticket, that ticket is only valid for the day you print it – not the following day. Unfortunately the machine is not date friendly and does not state what day your “Day Return” is valid for. One would assume it is valid for 24 hours after printing, but not so. Once you board the train, some ticket checkers can show no mercy and you could be issued with a hefty fine for an out of date ticket. So if travelling on a “Day Return”, only print your ticket just before you travel.
Boyle’s Flash Flood Of 1996 Recalled
Tuesday’s thunderous downpour brought more rain to Boyle in a few minutes than we should have seen for most of June. Some said it was the heaviest rain ever, but not so for those who remember the flash flood that hit Boyle on Sunday 28th July 1996. A hot summer day with a marching band competition in full swing brought many people to the town. Later in the evening (4.30pm) as visitors began to leave the town, the skies opened and in the space of an hour and a half, 83.6mm of rain fell on the town itself while the outskirts of Boyle stayed dry. Water cascaded in the front door of the Royal Hotel and out the back while at the bottom of Church View some kids swam in a flood that wasn’t there 90 minutes previously. Boyle and Carrick Fire Brigade were called into action and it transpired later that the County Emergency Plan was close to implementation such was the devastation. It was suggested at the time by the older members of the community that a flash flood like this only happens every 80 years or so. If that is the case most of us won’t have to worry about the next one!
And Finally….!
Irishman Mike Murphy and his pregnant wife live on a farm in the distant rural regions. No running water, no electricity, etc.
One night, Mikes’ wife goes into labour. The local doctor is there in attendance.
“What d’ya want me to do, Doctor?”
“Hold the lantern, Mikey.
Here it comes!” says the doctor as he delivers the child and holds it up for the proud father to see.
“Mike, you’re the proud father of a fine strapping boy.” “Thanks be to Go…..”
Before Mike can finish the Doctor interrupts, “Wait a minute. Hold the lantern, Mikey.”
Soon the doctor delivers the next child. “You’ve a full set now, Mikey. A beautiful baby daughter.”
“Thanks be to…”
Again the Doctor cuts in, “Hold the lantern, Mikey, Hold the lantern!” Soon the Doctor delivers a third child.
The doctor holds up the baby for Mike’s inspection.
“Doctor,” asks Mike, “Do you think it’s the light that’s attracting them
And Finally…!
