Boyle singer/songwriter releases new EP
Well known local singer-songwriter Pete Higgins today releases a new four-track EP, “The Stars Waited for the Dark” – a quiet, intimate collection that leans into stripped-back acoustic arrangements and reflective storytelling. The songs – 43, Branches, Nape of the Neck and A Truce all explore gratitude, the fragility of life and the instinct to hold tightly to fleeting moments. “These songs came from a place of unvarnished emotion; they only made full sense to me once I set them to music,” Pete says. To mark the release, Pete will perform the EP in full, alongside favourites from his back catalogue at the 1st Thursday Folk Club in Dodds Bar, Boyle on December 4th. You can listen to ‘The Stars Waited for the Dark’ here and find more of Pete’s work here.
Could Boyle Rowing Club start again?
Following the success of young Boyle man Thomas Sheridan in reaching the quarter finals of the World Rowing Championships recently and the local connection to another world champion Brian Colsh (whose father Tom was previously a Garda Superintendent in Boyle), some people have asked is now a good time for rowing to make a comeback in Boyle? For years the Rock O’Doon rowing club was one of the most successful and busiest clubs in the area. After an absence of a few years, the club was resurrected around 2000 and held regattas on Lough Key over the years. It is understood two of the club boats are still housed in a shed at the Woodenbridge. With a great lake like Lough Key on our doorstep and the momentum of having a world finalist in our community, perhaps a group might look at bringing rowing back to Boyle again……
New home but same great stalls at the Christmas Craft Fair
What a pity the Christmas Craft Fair had to move location this weekend but nevertheless, it still promises to be as enjoyable as ever in it’s temporary home in the Sports Complex, adjacent to Abbey College (Eircode F52 HK46). There is ample parking on site and over 50 exhibitors will be in attendance. The Fair takes place on Friday from 5pm-9pm and again on Saturday from 10am-5pm. Throughout the day there will be performances and live entertainment including the award winning Hot Chocolate dance piece by the Victoria Walker School of Dance, a solo by Lexi and a duet by Clara and Ruby. Saturday’s music line up includes Roscommon Men’s Choir – 11.30am to 12.30pm and Key Notes Ukulele Concert – 2pm-3pm. You can also enjoy festive characters like the Elf on the Shelf, soak up the seasonal atmosphere and celebrate community spirit with family and friends. The Craft Fair always attracts a large and appreciative crowd so make sure to visit the Sports Complex and spend some time in Boyle this weekend.
Table Quiz in Ballinafad in aid of Palestine
Boyle Palestine Solidarity in conjunction with Roscommon IPSC are hosting a Table Quiz for Palestine, in The Mayfly Inn, Ballinafad tonight Friday 28th November at 8.30. Please come and join us for a worthy cause. All proceeds go to ‘Gaza go Bragh’, an Irish organisation, raising much needed funds to distribute food and water in Gaza. Raffle, mini auction and music to round off the night. A good night of craic guaranteed, while showing solidarity with the ongoing suffering of the people of Gaza. We are pleased to welcome guest speaker, Sherin Alsabbagh, from Gaza, who has been living in Ballaghdereen for a number of years, and whose family are still in Gaza. We hope to see as many people as possible come out in support.
New changes at Civic Amenity Centres
Some changes have recently come into force at local Civic Amenity Centres that members of the public may not be aware of. You can now only dispose of 3 aerosols, paint, thinner, white spirit or varnish on the one ticket. If you have an extra aerosol or a can of paint – you need another ticket! Likewise with cooking oil or motor oil – only up to 10 litres on one ticket. There are four Civic Amenity sites in the county including one in Boyle. They are open Monday, Friday and Saturday 8am-1pm, closed for lunch 1pm-1.30pm.
News snippets from around Boyle
Another great fundraiser for Boyle Christmas Lights takes place in St. Joseph’s Hall this Sunday from 3-5pm where you can enjoy “Festive Afternoon Tea”. Entry is €10 per person. Host a table and invite some guests. More details from Monica on 0861216690………….Christmas Market this Saturday in the Old Schoolhouse Community Cafe in Ballinafad from 10.30am to 1.30pm. Local crafts seasonal fare and more……….Daly’s Drinks ‘Winter Wine Pour’ takes place next Thursday December 4th from 7.30pm – 9.30pm. Lots of Christmas wine choices on offer. Tickets €20……….Boyle GAA and LGFA ‘Volunteer Appreciation Night’ will take place in Patrick’s Well on Saturday night commencing at 9pm………“The Annual Appeal for the Society of St Vincent de Paul will take place from the 6th December, 2025. Donations can be made through the church collection or online at http://www.ie/stjosephsboyleappeal25, or by phone to 0818176176. Your donations area greatly appreciated and all funds raised are distributed locally. Our contact number is 087 9292627. The collection will take in the following churches within the Conference’s catchment area…Ballyfarnon, Ballinameen, Boyle, Breedogue, Corrigeenroe, Cootehall and Crossna”…………..Tchaikovsky’s beloved Christmas ballet is coming to Boyle this December, performed by the incredibly talented Victoria Walker Dance. Venue: St. Joseph’s Hall, Boyle (not King House) on Sunday 7th December 2025. Showtime 7pm (please note – there will be only one performance). Adults €20 (OPA €18). Children €15. Family (2 Adults + 2 Children) €58. To book, please call 087 144 4739……..Deputy Kerrane and Councillor Cull monthly constituency clinic in the Spool Factory this Saturday…….Great work as usual by the Wednesday morning Tidy Town crew who this week cleared the cycle path of leaves and debris from Shilling Hill down the Sligo Road……..Boyle Film Club Movie Night on Friday November 28th in Boyle Family Resource Centre commencing at 7.30pm……..Interesting to see “Ballytrasna” appearing on the RTE news weather forecast map the last few nights……..Pop Up Gaeltacht event takes place in Boyle Family Resource Centre next to Garda Station on Thursday December 4th from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. Pop in for a cup of tea, music, talk, proverbs, local history and place names, poetry and songs. Everyone is welcome……….Well done to the local Men’s Group who have put their willow trees on display at the Green Footbridge over the Boyle river and outside the Family Resource Centre. They are a lovely addition for the Christmas period………The Runaway Poets will perform this evening Friday 28th in the New Arts Gallery, An Rioga, Boyle at 6pm.
And finally…..!
Little Jenny walked into the kitchen one day and looked up at her mother, who was busy cooking dinner. “Mommy, how old are you?” she asked.
“Now dear,” said her mother, “You should never ask a woman what her age is.”
“Why not?” demanded Jenny.
“Because it isn’t polite. You’ll understand better when you grow up.”
Jenny thought about it for a moment, then piped up, “Mommy, how much do you weigh?”
“Jenny,” said her mother, “That’s not a question you ask people.”
“Why not?” demanded Jenny.
“Because it’s not polite to ask grown-ups about how much they weigh. You’ll understand some day.”
“Mommy,” Jenny asked, “Why did you and Daddy get divorced?”
“Darling,” her mother replied with a sigh, “That’s something that’s still very painful for Mommy, and I really can’t talk about it now. I’ll explain when you are a little older.”
The next day, Jenny told a friend at school about the conversation with her mother. The other little girl explained to her, “All you have to do is get a look at your mom’s driver’s license. It has all the information about any grown-up you want on it.”
So little Jenny sneaked a peek in her mother’s handbag when she got home, and looked over her license, examining it carefully. That evening, she went back into the kitchen and announced, “I know how old you are, Mommy – you are 36!”
Her mother looked down at her, surprised. “And I know how much you weigh!” said Jenny. “You weigh 135 pounds.” “Jenny, where did you learn this?”, her mother asked. Jenny just smiled and continued, “And, I also know why you and Daddy got a divorce.” Her mother just gasped and asked, “Why?”
Jenny replied, “Because you got an F in sex!”
