Thursday’s Weather
TODAY – Thursday 30th March: Sunny spells and scattered showers today. Cloud will gradually thicken from the south, with rain spreading north this evening. Highest temperatures of 12 to 15 degrees.
_____________________________
John O’Dowd – Mam’s Lamb
Rosemary Tyndall (Tindal) to visit the area
Rosemary Tyndall (Tindal) a granddaughter of the last owner of Rockingham, Sir Cecil Stafford King-Harman plans visiting the area next Friday 31st March. She will meet with local representatives at 11am outside the Second Gate Rockingham, followed by a meal in Lough Key Forest Park, and later, a visit to the McGahern Barracks, Cootehall.
_____________________________
Free hot meal a day for every schoolchild
Every child should receive one free hot meal in school every day, a Government-commissioned evaluation of the State’s school meals scheme has recommended.
RTÉ News understands that the minister has also accepted its other main findings; that free hot school meals should be provided to schoolchildren in every disadvantaged primary school from this coming September, and that rates for the wider School Meals Programme be increased.
_____________________________
Cash For Clobber – Scoil na nAingeal Naofa
St. Joseph’s Boys National School Quiz Team
Emmett, Oisín, Gavan & Mikey who will represent St. Joseph’s B.N.S. in the National Final of the Schools Credit Union Quiz in the RDS on Sunday 2nd April. Wishing them the best of luck.
_____________________________
Parochial School – a fabulous Mural by Friz
During April 2022, artist Friz painted this wonderful mural depicting Boyle buildings in all their artistic glory
_____________________________
Stable Yard Rockingham
€18,000 has been awarded to refurbish and repair Rockingham Stable Yard, Boyle. Refurbish and repair 10 original 1830 sash windows. Fabricate 3 no. 6 sash windows to replace c. 1970 timber casement windows
_____________________________
Scam calls and emails
Speaking on the Joe Finnegan Show, Inspector David Cryan says the public need to be aware about scam calls and emails.
“If someone cannot prove who they are, or if someone requests your bank account information or other personal information and contacting you several times, these should be all red flags. It’s a good indication they are up to no good and this also applies to texts and emails, don’t give nay information or bank details over the phone.”
_____________________________
Tawnytaskin Community Centre
Roscommon Herald 28th March
_____________________________
Hilary Beirne – A New York City Hero
Citation reads: “The day before hosting the world’s largest and oldest St Patrick’s Day Parade, Parade official, Hilary Beirne who hails from Boyle, Co Roscommon, Ireland, received the inaugural “A New York City Hero” award presented by the Bowling Green Association at the Irish flag raising ceremony at Bowling Green marking the official start of St Patrick’s Day in NYC.
Hilary Beirne, is credited in not only bringing the Parade into the modern technology era, but helping to guide it through a difficult time in which there were challenges to the Board of Directors and the Covid Pandemic. He is particularly credited in ensuring there were parades in 2016, the 100 anniversary of the 1916 rising and again, in organizing symbolic Parades in 2020 and 2021 during the Pandemic. It is because of his dedication and zeal in ensuring the St Patrick’s Day Parade continued without interruption during his tenure, the Bowling Green Association selected him as their first recipient of this award…”
_____________________________
Darkness Into Light Launch 2023
Saturday 25th March: I attended the launch of Darkness Into Light 2023 in the Lakeside Cafe, Lough Key Forest Park, for the areas Boyle, Roscommon, Ballaghaderreen and Castlerea. This year’s event will take place on May 6th.
_____________________________
The Toon Team
_____________________________
Boyle GAA Club – Update
_____________________________
St. Joseph’s Parish Newsletter
_____________________________
Boyle Celtic Astro Pitch
Richard Kennedy, Eddie Conroy, Keiran Donaghy, Adrian Carberry, Niall Kelly, pictured at the launch in King House of the development of the Boyle Celtic astro pitch in Boyle.
• Photo Mary Regan
_____________________________
Boyle Sculpture Trail
A Programme of Public Art was commissioned by Roscommon County Council Arts Office in 2022. Funded under the Fáilte Ireland Developed and Emerging Destination Towns Capital Investment Programme for the Cultural Quarter of Boyle and the link between King House and the Pleasure Grounds. The scheme provided a platform for artists to respond creatively to public space and to the history of Boyle, and to provide opportunities for dialogue and participation with the community.
This leaflet has been produced in advance of a wider signage programme which will be created this year.
_____________________________
Today (Friday 24th) is Daffodil Day 2023
Daffodil Day 2023, Friday 24th March. All donations would be gratefully appreciated.The Irish Cancer Society will use Daffodil Day to fund its vital free services such as drives to and from cancer treatment, the Freephone Support Line and Daffodil Centres staffed by experienced cancer nurses, the Night Nursing service providing end of life care and counselling for anyone affected by cancer.
_____________________________
General Operatives required
Boyle Group Scheme Ltd requires General Operatives to join their Community Employment Scheme. No experience necessary and accredited training will be provided to support your career development. The contract will be for a minimum of 1 year.
Please contact your local Department of Social Protection Office for eligibility status or telephone 086 1456519 for further details
_____________________________
Daffodils
I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o’er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.
_____________________________
Breege O’Dowd R.I.P.
The death has occurred of Breege O’Dowd, Tullyboy (The Bungalow), Boyle, Co.Roscommon and formerly of Dodderpark Road, Rathfarnhan, Dublin and former AIB staff Sligo, Galway and Ballsbridge, Monday 20th March 2023. Breege passed away after a short aggressive illness which she fought with courage under the excellent care of both Sligo and Galway Hospitals, spending her final days under the tender care of Palliative Staff of Roscommon Hospice to whom we will be ever grateful.
Predeceased by her Parents Tom and Bridie O’Dowd and her nephew Oscar. Breege will be sadly missed by her brothers Tom (Dublin) and Matt (Tullyboy), her sisters Marion (Wicklow) and Teresa (Enfield) sisters-in-laws Siobhan and Eileen, brothers-in-laws Neville and Matt, nieces Sarah and Grainne, nephews Brian, Andrew, Matthew, David, Dominic, Niall, Barry,Tom,Kevin and Brendan, relatives, neighbours and friends.
“May Breege rest in peace”
Breege will repose at her brother Matt’s home in Tullyboy Farm (F52 TD91) Boyle on Wednesday, 22nd March, from 3pm to 7pm. Removal on Thursday 23rd to St Michael’s Church, Croghan (F52 N510) for funeral Mass at 1pm followed by burial to Eastersnow Cemetery.
Thank you to friends and neighbours for their valued support at this difficult time. Donations, if desired, to Roscommon Hospice or Irish Cancer Society. Further enquiries to Alo O’Dowd,Funeral Director at (087) 9195202.
_____________________________
Roscommon LEADER Partnership – HIRING
Roscommon Herald 21st March
_____________________________
Boyle Celtic Development Project
Launch of Boyle Celtic Development Project to be held in King House on Friday next (March 24th)
Boyle Celtic F.C. are delighted to announce that the first phase of a major infrastructure development project is set to commence in the coming weeks. For those interested in hearing more about this exciting new development, there will be an official launch taking place in King House on Friday next (March 24th) at 8pm.
Since early-2021, the club has been engaged in an extensive fundraising drive for the purpose of upgrading its sporting facilities. The upgrading was deemed necessary due to a significant growth in membership over recent years, which meant that the pitch was unable to cope with the increasing demand.
This led to the decision to plan a major re-development project at the site of Celtic Park, to include a state-of-the-art 4G all-weather pitch including an upgrade to the existing Astro training pitch.
The work will be undertaken by PST Sport, a leading artificial grass company with a proven track record for building exceptional sports surfaces. Representatives from PST Sport, including former Kerry footballer Kieran Donaghy, will be in attendance at King House on the night to speak about the project and answer any questions.
We would encourage all interested parties to attend this exciting launch, followed by the club’s weekly 50/50 Draw which will take place in Dodd’s Bar on the Crescent.
____________________________
The Toon Team – Boris
_____________________________
Boyle Golf Club
Anne Patricia Mullan R.I.P.
The death has occurred of Anne Patricia Mullan, 24 Forest View, Boyle, Roscommon / Castlebar, Mayo, Peacefully, in the exceptional care of the Mayo Hospice, Castlebar.
Predeceased by her mother Dympna and father Harry.
Survived by her heartbroken family, sisters Geraldine (Boyle), Helen (UK), brother Harry (USA), brother-in-law Andrew, her nieces, nephews, neighbours and wide circle of friends.
May She Rest In Peace
Those who wish to express their condolences, may do so via the condolence link below. Mass cards or condolences can be forwarded to Sweeney Funeral Directors, Boyle. Private messages of condolence & shared memories can be forwarded to sweeneyfuneraldirectors@gmail.com.
Family flowers only please, donations in lieu, if desired, to the Mayo Hospice.
Funeral Arrangements Later
_____________________________
Carmel McGinn R.I.P.
The death has occurred of Carmel McGinn (née Cox), Kiltycreighton, Boyle, Roscommon, Peacefully at home, after a brief illness borne with dignity and strength.
Survived by her heartbroken family, her husband Chris, daughter Sabrina (Downes), son in law Eamon, sisters, brothers, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family and wide circle of friends.
May She Rest In Peace
Those who wish to express their condolences, may do so via the condolence link below. Mass cards or condolences can be forwarded to Sweeney Funeral Directors, Boyle. Private messages of condolence & shared memories can be forwarded to sweeneyfuneraldirectors@gmail.com.
Funeral Arrangements Later
_____________________________
Boyle St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2023
James Joseph (Ginger) McElroy R.I.P.
Frank O’Mahoney R.I.P.
Recommendations …
I love taking the opportunity to recommend local businesses for their courteous, prompt service, great prices and follow-up attention to detail.
Greenan Electrical on Main Street supplied me with a new TV, including setup and advice. Thank you to John Greenan, Michael Brennan and Betty Greenan … it is a pleasure dealing with you !!!
_____________________________
Job Opportunity at Roscommon LEADER Partnership
All Ireland Credit Union Quiz Final
Boyle Camera Club
After the meeting break saw the club host a table-top photography shoot for all present and new members Members were previously asked to bring something small to be photographed
It was a learning curve for everyone, getting to know each other with good intensions, laughter and insight
to better photography.
Below is an image in the clubhouse with thanks to Sean O’Rourke for taking time out to capture the sleeping dragon
_____________________________
Boyle Pleasure Grounds
The Toon Team – Free Holiday
_____________________________
Darkness Into Light 2023
Darkness Into Light Co Roscommon will be launched on Saturday, March 25th in The Moylurg Room, Lough key forest park, Boyle at 2:30pm. Refreshments will be made available.
Chairpersons of the Boyle, Ballaghaderreen, Castlerea, Roscommon Town & Strokestown committees, are encouraging the local community to attend.
The community of Boyle has been incredibly supportive of the event since our first year in 2017.
Last year, 800 people took part from the local community, and we would love to see that number go up this year.
Suicide and self-harm continue to be serious problems throughout Ireland and we need to work together to raise funds to ensure Pieta can continue to provide its vital service across the country.
_____________________________
The Toon Team – Sinead
_____________________________
The Irish Tricolour
175 years ago this week Thomas Francis Meagher, flew the Irish Tricolour for the first time ever on the Island of Ireland at 33 the Mall, Waterford City
_____________________________
Brogan’s Chemco Pharmacy
_______________________________
Drumderrig House Nursing Home
_______________________________
Abbey Haven Care Centre & Nursing Home
Ardcarne Garden Centre
_______________________________
Tai Chi Chinese Restaurant
_______________________________
Stride-Beyond Coaching
_______________________________
Stewarts Oil
_______________________________
Siobhan Gallagher Coaching
_______________________________
Sean Carty Cars
_______________________________
Marians Fashions
_______________________________
Magees Fashion Shop
_______________________________
Roscommon Herald 7th March
_____________________________
The Toon Team – Dail Pay
_____________________________
Roscommon Cllr Waldron (God help us) hasn’t a clue !!!
Councillor Tony Waldron is making comments after discovering the crest features a sheep breed that isn’t native to the county.
In a joint motion with Councillor Liam Callaghan at Monday’s Roscommon County Council Meeting , he believes the crest should highlight the county’s native Whig breed.
1. There is no such breed as “Whig” !!!
2. Attached is the correct crest … and any other representation is incorrect!!!
_____________________________
Online Piano Lessons
_____________________________
The Toon Team – Unfinished Royal
_____________________________
The Toon Team – Hospital Bed
_____________________________
Missed opportunities at Lough Key Forest Park
While it is true that people are delighted to have ‘The Park’ so close to Boyle as a day-time, go-to resort, things might have evolved differently. Back in time and at different times two families, Bleshim and Lahiff, operated a very successful restaurant and shop on the site.
Ed Sheerin, Strokestown/New Yorker hoped to raise money to build holiday lodges, but that never happened. Later a Canadian company produced a plan to build approximately 300 holiday lodges in the park. This company later became bankrupt.
Since then we have seen successful projects developed: Center Parcs near Ballymahon, Co Longford and Cabu Cabins near Killeshandra, Co Cavan. Closer to home, fast developing, beautiful Drumhierny Woodland Hideaway with its timber lodges is located a mile from Leitrim Village.
_____________________________
A short history of the L.Key Forest Park resort area (as I remember it)
The King Harman family gifted the resort area to the cash-starved Boyle Development Company. The area was then gifted to the Department of Forestry and Wildlife and under John Dwane a large restaurant and mini-market were built, the car parks were developed and a boat hire business was started. People came from near and far to experience the Lough Key Experience. Green-blazered attendants directed traffic to parking areas. There were several plans for further developments, and when the Dept of Forestry was disbanded, overnight the project was gifted to Coillte.
Then, a Strokestown/New Yorker held up further development for seven years while attempting to raise money for his visions for The Park.
Somewhere during this period, local activist and later TD, Frank Feighan started the Lough Key Action Group (was that it’s title?). A large group of interested persons travelled by train with Frank. We marched from Connolly Station to the Coillte HQ hoping for action on The Park.
The above is my hazy, maybe not totally accurate account of what happened. Perhaps viewers may add to my account or correct me where I was not accurate …
PS/ I published this account after checking at the time with a now-deceased local solicitor who assured me that my version of events was substantially correct !!!
_____________________________
Drumhierny Woodland Hideaway
Drumhierny Woodland Hideaway and surrounds are magnets for me. It is a developing magical facility between LEITRIM Village and Beirnes of Battlebridge … a true ‘getaway from it all’.
_______________________________
The Toon Team – Handsome Jack
_______________________________
The Toon Team – Second Gate
_______________________________
Center Parcs
Center Parcs Longford Forest Holiday Resort is located a few miles from Ballymahon, Co. Longford. We thoroughly enjoyed an end-of-June family holiday there. Grandparents, Parents and Grandchildren agreed that Center Parcs Longford Forest is a magical place and well worth time spent there. We enjoyed loads of activities, restaurants and beautiful Timber-clad Lodge accommodation options tucked away amongst the trees, offering everything for a perfect short break, including Ireland’s largest water park, a Subtropical Swimming Paradise …
_______________________________
Sketches – entrance to L. Key Forest Park from the N4
“Non Nationals” – a short story by John Mulligan
Sketches
Sketching, for me, is a challenging, occasional activity I have enjoyed since I was a pre-teen. Now in this Covid Lockdown era I find myself “drawn-to-drawing” with a renewed energy. “High Art” … certainly not … !!