Shannonside Radio was a Boyle idea
Yesterday was the 25th anniversary of Shannonside Radio. Based in Longford the station is now part and parcel of the local community, but it would not be there were it not for the foresight of three Boyle men. Back at the end of 1988, Brian Nerney, Des McLoughlin and John Brady (who is originally from Knockvicar) met in an office in Mullingar with a common goal – to seek the licence for the first legal radio station to broadcast to Roscommon, Leitrim and Longford. The trio brought on board the Leitrim Observer, Longford Leader, Pat the Baker, Westward Garage and The Federation of Churches and successfully obtained the licence to commence broadcast in November 1989. When they got the licence, they proceeded, along with their fellow directors and shareholders, to build the station year on year. The rest, as they say, is history and Shannonside is still there today -25 years later- testament to the foresight of three Boyle friends.
Two promotional points for Boyle
Wherever Boyle is being promoted this Christmas, two points of information should be made public. (1) We have free parking here in Boyle. This is a major plus for the town and one that is not capitalised on enough when attracting shoppers to Boyle. Now is an opportune time to promote this fact in the run up to Christmas. (2) County Roscommon is officially the safest county in Ireland in which to live. Garda figures highlighted during the week show that Roscommon has the lowest crime rate in the country and crime rates in Boyle are probably lower than most similar size towns.
Ex Mayor of Boyle pays a visit
It was great to see the ex Mayor of Boyle Bill Corcoran at Barry Feely’s book launch last Friday night. Corrigeenroe native and Dublin resident Bill at 88 years old is one of life’s gentlemen and a great character into the bargain. Back in the 1950’s Bill went forward for election for the Mayor of the town. At that time he made three election promises. (1) He would make Boyle a sea port. (2) He would terrazzo the streets of Boyle and (3) he would import Scandinavian blonds for all the bachelors in town. In the time honoured tradition of many politicians, Bill became Mayor but failed to see through any of his election promises!
Town Revitalisation moves forward
Monday night’s Town Revitalisation meeting drew upwards of 40 people to hear plans by Roscommon Co Co to assist six of the largest towns in the county including Boyle. Unfortunately, apart for the “usual suspects” who are to the forfeont of most activity in town, the balance of the attendance were county councillors. Despite one or two dissenting voices, the majority of those present agreed that the iniative is one to be welcomed and as one attendee said “we have nothing to lose in going along with it”. The difference between this plan and any other is that it will have the ear and support of the council and access to professional people in the area of town planning and retail development. It deserves full support.
Christmas Day is changing
It was only a matter of time before it happened. A popular restaurant outside Boyle has indictaed that it will open for business on Christmas Day and places are filling fast! The Moorings in Knockvicar say they have limited places available on their 1pm and 5pm sittings. Christmas Day was traditionally a day for going to Mass/Service and enjoying the comfort of your home for one day at least but that is now that seems to be changing. It is only a matter of time before one or two shops open on the 25th and the rest will follow.
And Finally….!
The rain was pouring and there was a big puddle in front of the pub.
A ragged old man was standing there with a rod and hanging a string into the puddle.
A tipsy- looking, curious gentleman came over to him and
asked what he was doing.
‘Fishing,’ the old man said simply.
‘Poor old fool,’ the gentleman thought and he invited the ragged old man to a drink in the pub.
As he felt he should start some conversation while they were sipping their whisky, the gentleman asked,
‘And how many have you caught?’
‘You’re the eighth,’ the old man answered.
