Rail problems continue
If ever the need for a refreshment trolley on Dublin Sligo rail line was obvious, it was last Sunday night when the 19.05 service from Connolly finally came into Boyle a little after 12 midnight following a ‘mechanical fault’. With no catering service available, those who were on the train for over 5 hours could not even get a bottle of water. Add into the equation the lack of communication on the matter from Irish Rail (with the exception of information posted on ‘X’), and it was yet again another nightmare rail journey.
Sunday evening’s problems came less than 48 hours after a train was allegedly delayed in Boyle following an incident of onboard anti social behaviour that led to Gardai being called.
Employer Information event in Boyle today
An employer information event will be held in King House in Boyle today Friday April 19th from 12 noon to 2pm. Organised by Roscommon Mayo Local Area Employment Services Initiative in collaboration with INTREO, the event will ’empower your business growth and help you navigate supports”. On the day you will find: Information on schemes and grants, Employer supports, Employee training and Apprentiships. For further information, please contact Marie 087 1177246 or Deirdre 087 1177254
Community Monuments Fund grants awarded
A number of projects in the general Boyle area were successful in getting grant aid during the week under the the 2024 Community Monuments Fund. The fund’s aim is to help owners and custodians of archaeological
monuments to safeguard them into the future. Moygara Castle was awarded €100,000, Aghanagh Church and Graveyard €30,000 while a further €30,000 was allocated to Kilronan Church. First established in 2020, the Community Monuments Fund aims to conserve, maintain, protect and promote local monuments and historic sites. Funding is available to allow conservation works to be carried out on monuments that are deemed to be significant and in need of urgent support. The aim is to encourage access to monuments and improve their presentation and to build their resilience to help them withstand the effects of climate change. Local Deputy Frank Feighan thanked Minister Malcolm Noonan the Minister for Heritage who according to Deputy Feighan “accepted my visit to a number of these sites only a short few months ago”.
Policy Documents launch in Forest Park
Roscommon County Council will launch three new policy documents in Lough Key Forest Park, Boyle on Tuesday 23rd April 2024 at 6.30pm. The policy documents are: County Roscommon Local Authority Climate Action Plan (2024-2029), Roscommon County Local Economic & Community Plan (2023-2029) and County Roscommon Local Development Strategy (2023-2027) The theme of this exciting dual policy launch is “Embracing Change, Empowering Communities, Taking Action”. Based on recent public consultation and stakeholder engagement, these ambitious and synergistic local policies aim to create an integrated approach to promoting sustainable local development across key sectors including- Climate Change, Community and Socio-Economic Development.
Mount Erris sale is a great opportunity
The sale of Mount Erris house and lands just outside Boyle could present a major opportunity for development in the Boyle area or indeed an opportunity to develop much needed tourist accommodation. The house and lands are situated adjacent to both the N4 and Lough Key Forest Park. The sale is one of the most significant in the area in many years and will no doubt be of interest to developers and purchasers from all over Ireland. You can view the house and get further information here
Rambling House in Boyle this Sunday
‘The Rambling House’ in Tawnytaskin Community Centre is the place to be this Sunday April 21st from 4pm. According to the organisers: “Relieve the magic of the Rambling House of olden days with long term resident, the gallant John Joe accompanied by Gerard Burke on accordion and joined by locals for music, singing, story telling, dancing and much more. Raffle of the day and there will be a Seanchai in attendance. All are welcome and please bring a story and song”.
Castle to Cave Camino on Saturday
The weather looks great for this Saturday’s ‘Castle 2 Cave Camino’ that will take place from Keash, County Sligo. The camino is a looped 34km walk or a 21km walk that’s bursting with history, folklore, archaeology, and gorgeous scenery. The walk begins and ends at Eastern Harps GAA Clubhouse. Walkers will come across several historical sites on the walk starting with the Caves of Keash, Toomour Abbey, Lough na Leibe, across to Ballinafad Castle and Lough Arrow before returning home to Keash. Along the walk you will also see the famed Carrowkeel Tombs which a cluster of passage tombs that were built in the 4th millennium B.C during the Neolithic era. According to the organisers: Once you pass over Lough na Léibe you march on down towards Ballinafad which overlooks beautiful Lough Arrow. The 1st Marquess of Osorno who became governor of Chile and viceroy of Peru was born here. Ballinafad Castle also known as the Castle of The Curlews was built circa 1590 by Sir Richard Bingham on an ancient road that connected Ballymote and Boyle. Its purpose was to defend the pass through the Curlew Mountains. However, it needed to be rebuilt in the early 17th Century as it was partially destroyed by Red Hugh O’Donnell and his men. It was attacked several more times by the Irish during the Cromwellian era before falling into disuse in 1680. It now has earned the status of a National Monument and is under the care of the Office of Public Works. When walking the Camino, refreshments will be served at The Old School Community Café which is beside the famed castle. You will take off again from the Community Centre to travel the road that Red Hugh O’Donnell and his men marched on their way to the battle of Kinsale in 1601″. Tickets for the Castle 2 Cave Camino walk are €45 (exc. Booking fee) can be purchased through www.castle2cavecamino.com
A ‘Must Attend’ event in King House on Tuesday evening
An event that should be a ‘must attend’ for all teenagers and indeed adults in Boyle, is this Tuesday evening’s ‘Mental Health and Addictions’ seminar in King House. Organised by Boyle Family Resource Centre, the evening will feature a number of speakers including Lock Stock and 2 Joking Addicts, Tony ’10’ O’Reilly, Luke Loughlin, Dr. Joe Hussey GP, Sinead Raftery, Clinical Lead Boyle FRC, Amy Kelly Gambling Therapist, Dr. Eimear McGuire Consultant Psychiatrist and Declan Cawley Senior Psychotherapist. There will also be a number of information stands in attendance. This event aims to raise awareness, provide support, and promote overall well-being. Whether you’re looking to learn more about addictions and mental health, seeking resources for yourself or a loved one, or simply want to connect with others in the community, this event is for you. Come together with experts, advocates, and peers to engage in meaningful conversations and gain valuable insights. This event is open to all including teenagers from 3rd year upwards. With places limited, advance booking is necessary here
News snippets from around Boyle
Thankfully the weather is promised good for the young people from the parish who will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation this Saturday at 11am in St. Joseph’s Church, Boyle…………All roads lead to Dr. Hyde Park this Sunday for the Connacht Senior Football Championship semi final between Roscommon and Mayo with 4pm throw in………..Boyle Film Club meet and greet this evening (Friday) in Daly’s Bar at 7.30pm. Please come along with your ideas and suggestions……..What gives certain people the right to cut short on the roundabout at the Shilling Hill? The mound is there for a reason and it does not take that much effort or time to drive around it as required by law……..Badge Making Workshop for children 7 years and older with Fiona Dowling in Boyle Library on Friday 26th April from 11am -12 noon. Booking via [email protected]…………..Why do some interviewers on local radio seem to thrive on their assumption that Boyle is in free fall and put words to that effect into the mouths of those they are interviewing?……..Darkness into Light registration in Natural Options Totalhealth Pharmacy on Saturday from 12 noon until 4pm……..If Roscommon Co Co don’t soon cut the grass at the Shilling Hill, they may be able to rent it out to a contractor for silage making…………Good luck to the 150 Victoria Walker Dance students from Boyle and Carrick who will take to the stage in the Hawks Well Theatre in Sligo on Sunday for two shows at 1pm and 6pm. The students have been putting in lots of hard work behind the scenes and are really looking forward to showing off their ballet, tap dance, jazz dance and musical theatre talents. Tickets for both shows are almost sold out with limited tickets said to be available for the 6pm show. Tickets are available from Hawkswell Theatre, Sligo………..Connect Cafe will take place in Boyle Family Resource Centre on Thursday April 25th from 11am to 1pm. The ‘Café’ is open to everyone in the community to call in to have a cuppa and chat or maybe just a cuppa and a sweet treat…….Another high profile act confirmed for Boyle Arts Festival with Stockton’s Wing to perform in St. Joseph’s Hall on Saturday July 20th.
And finally….!
Tom walked into his boss’s office.
The boss asked him, “Well, what can I do for you?”
“Well, sir,” says Tom, “I’ve been working for you for 10 years. I won’t beat around the bush. Sir, I would like a raise. I currently have four companies after me and so I have decided to talk to you first.”
The boss clears his throat and says, “A raise? I would love to give you a raise, Tom but this is just not the right time.”
Tom says, “I understand your position, and I know there are a number of factors that have had a negative impact on sales. But you must also take into consideration my hard work, pro-activeness, and loyalty to this company for over a decade.”
The boss thinks a minute, then tells Tom, “Taking into account these factors, and considering I don’t want to start a brain drain, I’m willing to offer you a 10% raise and an extra 5 days holidays. How does that sound?”
Tom says, “Great! It’s a deal! Thank you, sir!”
“Before you go,” says the boss, “just out of curiosity, what companies are after you?”
Tom replied “Oh, the Electric Company, Gas Company, Water Company and the Mortgage Company!
