A great facility right on our doorstep
Fine weather and superb organisation made last Sunday’s Lough Key Triathlon a great success. Everyone who was in the Park on the morning, from competitors to spectators, commented on the beautiful facility the people of Boyle have on their doorstep in Lough Key Forest Park. Sometimes we can take the Park for granted but last Sunday and the glorious days of the week past remind us once again of the jewel in the crown that we call our own Lough Key Forest Park.
An air of optimism in Boyle
There is an air of optimism in the town at present with a lot of speculation doing the rounds concerning the future of two of the town’s most prominent buildings. But ideal gossip and misinformed rumour have led to business ventures in Boyle being shelved before, so it may be best to let any discussions that could be on going at present proceed without comment until hopefully there are some positive announcements. Fingers crossed!
The history of Rockingham House
Wednesdays story here on Boyletoday.com concerning the fire that destroyed Rockingham House received much favourable comment. There is a great interest now in the history of Rockingham in years past so thankfully we are lucky to have King House on our doorstep which has all the information you need to know concerning the big house and the King family. Local schools should ensure that all sixth class students are brought in to King House to learn the history of Rockingham. For the record here are a few important dates. Rockingham House was initially destroyed by fire in May 1863. It was subsequently rebuilt and restored to it’s former splendour. Sir Cecil Stafford King Harmon was the last landlord in Rockingham who took over the family seat in 1935. Sir Cecil was a keen horse breeder and was five times steward at the Irish Turf Club from 1938 to 1962 and was an original member of the Irish Racing Board from 1945 to 1951. The fire of September 1957 occurred when Sir Cecil and his wife were at the Doncaster horse sales. In later years Sir Cecil move to Leixlip where he died in February 1987. He was laid to rest in the family plot in Ardcarne Cemetery. Sir Cecil’s death was the last link with landlordism in North Roscommon and in effect brought to an end an era spanning many centuries.
Is the water publicity giving us a bad image?
A film crew from the BBC were in Boyle yesterday (Thursday) shooting a segment on the boil water notice that is still in place in the town. There are mixed views on the publicity that the town is receiving as a result of our water problems. Some feel the negative publicity both locally, nationally and now internationally is not helping the town and paints us in a bad light while there are others who have the view that the only way to get the problem sorted is to highlight the plight of the residents of Boyle. Roscommon Co Co have stated that the new water treatment plant for Boyle will be completed by the end of this year.
More litter bins needed in the Park
The beautiful weather of the past week has seen an extended boost for the tourist season with Lough Key Forest Park busy every day. A viewer who was in the Park during the week has noticed that there are no litter bins once walkers leave the visitors centre and has suggested that bins should be provided on the walk up to the Moylurg Tower. Many people may only finish their tea/coffee as they approach the Tower or make their way across to Zipit but they have no where to dispose of their waste.
A boost for the commercial life of Boyle
The commercial life of Boyle will receive another boost in the next few days with the opening of “Pets and More” in the Supervalu Shopping Centre while down on Main Street, Cuirt na Ri will be home to a discount store and amusement centre. There are discussions on going for other openings in the town which is a vote of confidence in the work being done by many to rejuvenate Boyle.
And Finally….!
There I was, sitting at the bar, staring at my drink, when a large, trouble-making biker steps up next to me, grabs my drink and gulps it down in one swig.
“Well, whatcha gonna do about it ?” he says menacingly, as I burst into tears.
“Come on, man,” the biker says, “I didn’t think you’d CRY. I can’t stand to see a man crying.”
“This is the worst day of my life,” I say. “I’m a complete failure. I was late to a meeting and my boss fired me. When I went to the car park, I found my car had been stolen and I don’t have any insurance. I left my wallet in the taxi I took home. I found my wife in bed with another man… and then my dog bit me. So I came to this bar to work up the courage to put an end to it all, I buy a drink, I drop a capsule in and sit here watching the poison dissolve; and then you show up and drink the whole damn thing – But Hell, enough about me, how are you doing ?”
