Automated machines causing problems
Like the lodgement machines in the Bank, the ticket machines at Boyle Railway Station can cause as many problems as they solve. One morning this week the ticket machine at the station would not accept credit or debit cards – only cash. This posed a nightmare for many rail users as they panicked to get their tickets with the train approaching the station. Some didn’t have cash on hand and had to board the train without a ticket, in the fear of what awaited them on their journey. It was suggested by one frustrated commuter that it would be beneficial if you could purchase your ticket the night before, but this is not possible, as the machine only issues tickets for travel on the day purchased. And to add insult to injury, once you have paid the fare of €34.50 day return or €46.10 open return, you have to fork out €4 to park your car. Is it any wonder those who work on Elphin Street can not get parking early in the morning as rail travellers use the on street free parking.
It’s all happening in Boyle this weekend
This weekend is probably one of the busiest and most exciting of the year. It all kicks off tonight (Friday 4th) with the turning on of the Christmas lights at 6.30pm on the Crescent. Santa will then make his way through the town to the annual outdoor Christmas Market and Craft Fair in King House. On Saturday, the Craft Fair and Market continues with many other complimentary events taking place throughout the town. The Drumanilra Farm Kitchen Craft Fair which gets underway at 12 noon on Saturday is sure to also attract the crowds as they wander through the town. Marians Fashion will have an in store styling event and the Girl Guides pop up shop will open as they sing carols. There will also be a book signing in First Chapter at 4pm. We are very lucky to have such a large number of events happening in Boyle this weekend, with each attraction complimenting the other.
Make your views known on Garda Station
Wednesday nights Joint Policing Committee public meeting heard Chief Superintendent Rattigan say that the reduced hours as they stand at Boyle Garda Station are not “set in stone”. One can assume from these comments that the Garda authorities are open to looking at having more user friendly opening hours at their Boyle base. While we would all like to see 24 hour opening being restored, it looks doubtful this will ever happen. But if the hours are to change, people have to make their views known. To date it has transpired only a handful of people have written to the Gardai outlining their concern. If you believe the opening hours at Boyle Garda Station should change, then put pen to paper and write to The Superintendent, Castlerea Garda Station, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon with constructive comments on what you would like to see happening.
Corrib Oil come to town
Another sign of confidence in the town is the opening today of Corrib Oil Boyle in the former Cartys shop in Mockmoyne. Corrib Oil has been in business for over 25 years. The 100% Irish owned company was founded in Claremorris in 1987 and through their network of home heating depots, delivery services and petrol stations they now support over 460 local jobs in the midlands and the west of Ireland. Boyle is the latest addition to their expanding forecourt portfolio with other outlets locally in Carrick, Roscommon, Ballyhaunis, Castlerea and Swinford. The retail outlet will operate under the “Spar Express” brand.
And finally…!
There comes a time when a woman just has to trust her husband – for example:
The wife comes home late at night and quietly opens the door to her bedroom. From under the sheets she sees four legs instead of two. She quietly reaches for a baseball bat and starts hitting the sheet as hard as she can for as long as she can. Leaving the covered bodies groaning, she goes to the kitchen to have a drink of water. As she enters, she sees her husband sitting there, reading a magazine.
“Hi, Sweetheart,” he says. “Your parents have come to visit us, so I let them stay in our bedroom. Did you say hello?”
