Redevelopment of Boyle continues
There was a great reaction to our news story yesterday (Thursday) to the granting of planning permission for a number of developments in the general Main Street area of Boyle. With most of these developments backing onto the river, this is the exact regeneration of the area that is needed. Hopefully others will see the opportunities that exist and establish commercial enterprises that will face onto the river along with the planned new library and An Rioga. Unlike towns like Westport, Boyle is a town that back’s onto the river, so hopefully these planned developments will change that. An exciting time lies ahead for Boyle as years of behind the scenes work will hopefully see more planning applications lodged in the coming weeks that will rejuvenate the town centre.
‘Darkness into Light’ takes place Saturday morning
The Darkness into Light walk in Boyle takes place early tomorrow (Saturday) morning. Always an emotional yet enjoyable event, the walk, as the sun rises and the day opens up, brings awareness to mental health issues and the fight against suicide and also remembers loved ones lost to suicide. The Boyle walk will leave the Crescent at 4.15am.
Well done to the hard working voluntary committee on all the effort they have made this past few months in preparation for the walk, and well done also to the many Boyle businesses who have decorated their shop windows for Saturday morning. And a final well done – in advance, to all the participants who are making the effort to leave their warm beds and take part in this event.
In previous years, some participants headed out after the walk to Lough Key Forest Park to hear the Dawn Chorus, while others waited until they completed parkrun before heading for some well earned sleep.
Care needed when visiting Derreen Woods
We were contacted during the week to ask if Boyletoday.com could raise a concern in relation to conservation in Derreen Woods (aka Bluebell Woods). The viewer wrote: “Bluebell Woods is an increasingly popular spot, especially while the bluebells are in flower. However, there are so many people trampling them and picking them, and with the new carpark already taking out a significant space where the flowers grew, I feel that the conservation of it is under threat. Is there any way that educational signs at the woods and on local Facebook pages are possible, to raise awareness that the fauna has a very important ecological role and we need to respect it. Its such a fabulous place, it would be such a shame if the wildlife is compromised through lack of knowledge about the habitat”.
Lough Key Classic in Boyle
This Sunday, the award winning Curlieu Wheelers organised Lough Key Classic cycling sportive takes place in Boyle. Such is the popularity of the event, that the organisers anticipate an entry of over 200 cyclists, who will participate in the 120k and 70k distances which take in a figure eight loop around Boyle. This route facilitates a mid cycle food stop in the grounds of King House which will be at it’s busiest between 11am and 12 noon. In addition, over 60 marshals, Gardai, medical backup and catering crew will be in attendance on the day to ensure the smooth running of the sportive. The event HQ is in the Sports Complex where riders will commence and finish. If you are attending 11.30am Mass on Sunday and entering or exiting from the Abbeytown side, please be aware of cyclists on that section of roadway and also all around the town and area from 9am until approximately 3pm. In addition, please ensure your dog is not roaming free around the routes which you can view here
Why we need longer opening hours at Boyle Garda Station
A viewer told us of an experience they had last weekend when they tried to contact An Garda Siochana in Boyle. The viewer had some information they felt might have been of interest to the Gardai. They went to Boyle station but it was closed. They rang Boyle station and got through to Castlerea station. They knew they could face a problem as the area they were referring to in their message would not have been familiar to the member in Castlerea. As they attempted to outline their information, the member in Castlerea stopped them mid sentence and put them on hold. After a few seconds they were answered by “Garda Emergency” enquiring what was the problem. They informed “Garda Emergency” that they did not have an emergency and only wanted to pass on some information, which they duly did. The person concerned said the sequence of events would not lead them to report a matter to An Garda Siochana again and copper fastens the widely held belief that we need longer opening hours in Boyle Garda Station.
Petition raised in relation to Mocmoyne speeding
Following on from our piece last week in relation to speeding at Mockmoyne leading into St. Patrick Street, a number of concerned residents have organised a petition for presentation to An Garda Siochana and Roscommon Co Co in relation to the issue. A query has also arisen in relation to the speed limit in the area. Motorists coming in from Cox’s Corner enter a 50kph zone but when they reach Carty’s garage the speed limit sign says 60kph! Strange how you can go faster as you enter more congested and built up area………
News snippets from around Boyle
Well done to all involved in three great events last weekend in Boyle. The White Collar Boxing evening in the Sports Complex was a professionally organised great night out, enjoyed by all who attended. The Vintage Car Run that concluded in the grounds of St. Joseph’s Resource Centre on Sunday was a great spectacle and raised €2200 for Downs Syndrome Ireland. Then on Monday in King House grounds there was an afternoon party with live music and food stalls which was a lovely way to finish off a bank holiday weekend……….Good news for Ballinameen GAA yesterday with the announcement of a grant of €57,236 towards maintenance equipment and the creation of a Gym………..The closing date for inclusion on the special voters and postal vote electoral register is this Saturday May 11th. If your illness or disability or due to your work/service or study prevents you from attending a polling station on polling day, you may be entitled to vote by post. To enquire about your eligibility, tel. 090 6637390 or email [email protected]. Forms can be downloaded at www.checktheregister.ie. Completed forms must be returned to [email protected] or FreePost, Register of Electors FRN3, Roscommon County Council, Aras an Chontae, Roscommon, F42VR98………….The weather looks promising for this evening’s (Friday) Boyle Community Games Track and Field events in Abbey Community College Football pitch. Registration will be in the Sports Complex from 5.30pm for a 6pm start……..Writers group meet in Boyle Library this Saturday at 10.30am while Story Time takes place at 12 noon………..Just because you put on your hazard warning lights, it does not give you permission to park in the accessible parking spot on Main Street as you access the ATM……….Roscommon County Council are hosting an information session in Boyle FRC today Friday May 10th from 10am – 12pm on the 2024 Community Recognition fund. Call into the FRC with any questions or queries you may have on the fund. Staff from Roscommon Co Co will be available to help answer and support………….Let’s hope the Roscommon U-20’s can do the business against Tyrone in Cavan on Saturday at 5pm in the All Ireland Semi Final. There are a number of Boyle players on the team and panel, so fingers and everything else crossed for another great victory. The game will be shown live on TG4.
And finally……!
One morning a husband returned after several hours of fishing and decided to take a nap.
Although not familiar with the lake, his wife decided to take the boat out and go for a spin.
She motored out a short distance, anchored, and began to read her book.
A short time later, along comes a fishery officer in his boat. He pulled up alongside the woman and said, “Good morning Ma’am. What are you doing?”
“Eh…Reading a book,” she replied, (thinking, “Isn’t that obvious?”)
“You’re in a restricted fishing area,” he informed her.
“I’m sorry sir, but I’m not fishing, I’m reading.”
“Yes, but you have all the equipment. For all I know you could start at any moment. I’ll have to take you in and issue a fine.”
“If you do that, I’ll have you charged with sexual assault,” said the woman.
“But I haven’t even touched you,” said the officer.
“That’s true, but you have all the equipment. For all I know you could start at any moment.”
“Have a nice day ma’am,” he said as he turned his boat and left.
