The events went ahead and the crowds came
You have to hand it to the people of Boyle. When the chips were down last weekend and the storm came, those involved in organising Santas visit, the Craft Fairs and Christmas Markets and all the other activities could have buried their heads in their hands and headed for the high stool. But against all odds they went ahead and kept the show on the road resulting in an enoyable two days that passed off, thankfully, without incident. On what was probably the worst weekend of the year, Boyle was at it’s busiest. Saturday saw hurricane winds and torrential rain but yet the visitors came, with cars filling Military Road and on the Crescent from 10am. Well done also to the organisers of all the events who took the gamble of continuing in spite of the weather. Remember the Farmers Market in King House and Drumanilra Craft Fair on Elphin Street continue this Saturday with all our shops and restaurants open for business on what will hopefully be a nicer weekend than last.
NRA and OPW in town
The NRA have followed the Town Team iniative of last week, by getting the power washer out around Boyle. On Thursday, the NRA were in the area power washing roadside signs and not before time. Also on Thursday and the day previous, officials from the OPW were out and about checking the three bridges in town. Recent high water must surely be putting pressure on the bridges and their foundations.
We didn’t fair too bad with Storm Desmond
It is amazing here in Boyle that the town centre never floods considering there is a river running right through the town and we are located in a valley. Of course, the exception is the Shambles area in the centre of town, where the Stone House is situated and which has been a victim of flooding in recent days. In Boyle, there are many buildings adjacent to the Boyle river who have streams running under them which one would have thought would be problamatic, but not so. Water levels in Boyle, like the rest of the Shannon catchment are set to rise, peaking Sunday night according to the OPW. Some say it takes two to three days for water from Lough Gara to make its way to Boyle so we may not be out of the woods just yet in Boyle. Hopefully we will get through relatively unscathed. Put that in contrast to our neighbours over in Carrick on Shannon where businesses had to close in the Cortober retail park and residents and owners were once again on high alert as the rising waters play havoc around the town. Back in Boyle, credit is due to the management and outdoor staff of Roscommon County Council who were in action all last weekend and midweek dealing with fallen trees, blocked drains and road flooding. Surprisingly the local Fire Brigade did not seem to be needed at any stage considering the amount of fallen trees and debris on the roads. One would have assumed the fire service could have alleviated the pressure the council must be under in dealing with the current crisis.
Christmas lights look great
The Christmas Lights committee have once again come up trumps with a beautiful display of Christmas Lights for the town of Boyle this year. Additional features have been added after funding was provided by the newly formed Boyle Town Team. The local Mens Shed as usual have lit up the Town Clock in spectacular fashion and all the businesses have made a special effort to decorate their premises externally also. As a result, Boyle looks resplendent at night and is well worth a visit.
Recent stories boosting viewers
There was tremendous reaction to the story and photographs carried here on Boyletoday.com on Tuesday of the three Boyle doctors who were conferred with RCSI Fellowships. The photograph on Boyletoday Facebook page reached 16,061 with 340 likes. This brought the total reach of Boyletoday Facebook page to 30,797 this week alone ! And on this website, viewing figures reached an all time high this week with the photographic coverage of Santas visit, the Christmas markets, flooding and the other general interest stories. Going back to the three doctors – what an achievement and an unbelievable event to have three young people who grew up together and lived close enough to one another, all receiving surgery fellowships on the same day. While the ceremony was one of joy and celebration, it must have been tinged with sadness for the Harrigton family. Can you imagine the broad grin the late Vincent Harrington would have had if he was in Dublin on Monday to see his daughter receive such acclaim? No doubt, a proud Vinnie was there in spirit.
Aircraft activity over Boyle
There was a lot of air activity over Boyle yesterday (Thursday) with the Aer Corps helicopter from Athlone heading to Sligo for a patient transfer to Galway as the Strandhill based Sikorsky was involved in another mission.There was also another aircraft taking photographs of the flooding around Boyle before moving on to Leitrim village and Carrick on Shannon.
And finally…!
Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall
Humpty Dumpty had a great fall
The structure of the wall was incorrect
So he won ten grand with Claims Direct
Jack and Jill went into town
To fetch some chips and sweeties.
Now he can’t eke his heart rate down
And Jill’s got diabetes
Mary had a little lamb
It ran into a pylon
10000 volts went up its ass
And turned its wool to nylon.
Jack and Jill went up the hill
And planned to do some kissing
Jack made a pass and grabbed her ass
Now two of his teeth are missing.
Mary had a little lamb
Its fleece was white and wispy
Then it caught Foot and Mouth
And now it’s black and crispy
