An enterprise opportunity for Boyle
The announcement during the week that Boyle has been chosen as an Enterprise Town by Bank of Ireland can only be viewed as another positive opportunity for the area. Full details of what the Enterprise Town entails will be unveiled at a meeting in King House on Monday night, but from what is known, an Enterprise Town is about working with business and communities to plan, develop and implement a range of activities that will support and generate business in the local community. The main event at the end of February will be a showcase of all that Boyle has to offer. Other towns like Rathdowney in Laois, Granard in Longford and Kells in Meath have hosted Enterprise Towns iniatives and reports from the towns indicate that it is a very positive experience for the area and it’s people. With that in mind, it is important that all sections of the community, voluntary and commercial attend Monday night’s information meeting.
The Dinner Dance Scene in Boyle
The social scene in Boyle was a busy one in the months of January and February in the ’70’s/’80’s and ’90’s. During these months, the majority of Friday and Saturday nights were taken up attending local Dinner Dances. Held in either the Royal Hotel or the Forest Park Hotel, they were always enjoyable nights out. You had the Garda Dinner Dance, the Vintners Dinner Dance, Emmet Tyres Dinner Dance where J.T. (Gerry’s father) took to the stage to demonstrate his yodelling capabilities, the Town Commissioners Dinner Dance, the Chamber Dinner Dance, GAA and Soccer Dinner Dances and then nearly every business in Boyle had their own Dinner Dance – Nire, Candon’s, Feelys to name but a few. Looking back, the Garda and Vintners Dinner Dances were the among the most memorable for many. In the case of the Garda dance, businesses, especially those in the licensed trade, dropped bottles of spirits into the station in advance (for spotprizes of course). On dance night law abiding, and those not so law abiding, mixed with the legal profession and the men and women in blue in a night of celebration that continued into the small hours. In the case of the Vintners, the tables turned and the off duty Gardaí were out in force on the dance floor returning the compliment to the publicans of the town! The day after the Vintners dance was one of legend for many involved in the organistation of the event, as it provided a good excuse for some of the organising committee to have “the bills paid” and in reality, start the celebrations all over again! Some said the next day was better than the night before! All gone now, into distant but happy memories.
Changes in the Fire Service
Last week the Boyle’d Pot issued a word of warning for the future of our rail line and other service locally. This week concern moves to our Fire Service following fears that numbers of personnel on appliances may be reduced, in addition to the amalgamation of certain counties or stations. Increased charges and call vetting have been instrumental in the reduction of call outs for the fire service, not only in Boyle but nationwide. Unfortunately, the reduction plays into the hands of those responsible for cutting costs. It is imperative that a fire service remains in Boyle and that any attempts to amalgamate with a neighbouring county will not result in a diminished service. Our local fire brigade crew have shown many times how efficient and professional they are in dealing with emergencies, something the town should strive to retain.
Boil water notice to go in April
News that the boil water notice in Boyle will be removed this April will come as welcome relief for the approx. 6000 customers affected. The Boyle/Ardcarne treatment plant is now completed and supplying compliant drinking water with testing of samples ongoing. Come April, lets hope as much effort and publicity goes into telling the public we have drinkable water as has gone into telling them we have non drinkable water.
Garda areas again questioned
In a recent Boyle’d Pot blog we discussed the logistic of Castlerea Gardaí investigating a break in in Knockvicar. This week we hear of Boyle Gardaí having to investigate a break in in Rooskey! All this leads one to question how the geographic boundaries of Garda districts are drawn up and what stations cover what areas. None of it really makes common sense.
Two public consultations in Boyle
Two public consultations that are worth attending that relate to Boyle will take place in the coming weeks. On Wednesday 28th there will be a consultation in King House to show the draft flood maps of at risk areas in Boyle. On Wednesday February 4th, again in King House, the local Economic and Community Plan for the county will be discussed. This is an opportunity for individuals, businesses and community groups around Boyle to express their views on what should be included in the plan.
And finally…….!
A woman and a baby were in the doctor’s examining room, waiting for the doctor to come in for the baby’s first exam.
The doctor arrived, and examined the baby, checked his weight, and being a little concerned, asked if the baby was breast fed or bottle fed.
“Breast fed,” the woman replied.
“O.K.”, strip down to your waist,’ the doctor ordered. The woman promptly did as instructed.
He pinched her nipples, pressed, kneaded and rubbed both breasts for a while in a very professional and detailed examination.
Asking to her to get dressed, the doctor said, “No wonder this baby is underweight. You don’t have any milk!”
“I know!”, the woman said, “I’m his Grandma! .. but I’m glad I came, though!”
