Praise for ‘comprehensive and professional’ police work
When the need arises here in the Boyle’d Pot, we draw attention to some items of policing in the area that are of public concern. This can vary from the opening hours at Boyle Garda Station to the perceived increase in anti social behaviour, drug use and their availability and the reduction in visible policing – problems that are nationwide – not always exclusive to Boyle. But when credit is due we will also highlight this and last week An Garda Siochana earned that credit and respect of the public with the investigative work they undertook resulted in a Dublin criminal gang receiving prison sentences for their part in a number of burglaries in County Roscommon and Sligo in 2023. Inspector Ray Mulderrig and Detective Inspector John Costello led the investigation which was described and praised by Judge Connolly as both “comprehensive and professional”. With the backing of a dedicated team, the Gardai apprehended the Dublin based Connors Gang following months of intensive police work. Well done to all involved in capturing this gang who were, according to the sentencing Judge, “a scourge on rural communities”.
Boyle Market Fest takes place on Saturday
Another busy day of community spirit and family fun lies ahead in the grounds of King House tomorrow Saturday May 2nd from 11am-1pm when ‘Boyle Market Fest’ will take place. A lively morning/afternoon filled with local culture, entertainment and great vibes lies ahead. On the day there will be live music with Reel Craic featuring David Knight, professional kids’ face painting to keep the little ones smiling and Market Stalls where you can browse local offerings in a beautiful historic setting. Admission is free and all are welcome.
Bealtaine events planned for Boyle
There will be a number of events in Boyle this May to celebrate Bealtaine – Ireland’s national celebration of the Arts and ageing.
In King House on Friday and Saturday May 8th and 9th from 11am-2pm ‘Appreciate Bealtaine Art’ will be guided by experienced artist Veronica O’Connor, where you can explore the art work from Boyle and Castlerea Training Centres in the beautiful setting of King House Boyle.
Cultural Companions Cathy Jordan in Concert takes pklace also in King House on Wednesday May 13th at 2pm. Roscommon born Cathy Jordan has been a professional singer with traditional group Dervish for nearly 30 years. She is a self-taught guitar, bouzouki, bodhrán and bones player. As a performer she never leave an audience wanting, so generous with her talent and her spirit, this is an event not to be missed
‘Songs Between the Branches’ from Thursday, 14th May 2.30pm in New Art Gallery/An Rioga is a window installation comprising of a series of hand-crafted birdhouses, created in collaboration with residents of Abbey Haven Nursing Home. The work was created by Monica Daly, Sheila Devine, Pauline Doyle, Phyllis Gilroy, and Nora McManamy, alongside artist Catherine Fanning. Developed through a process of shared making, conversation, and time spent together, the work reflects on care, memory, and everyday creativity. Small gestures of expression, connection, and presence. Join on the day to meet the project participants and chat with artist Catherine Fanning.
On Wednesday, 27th May 27th at 2pm Cultural Companions with Lola Montez and Lady Morgan will be held in King House. Lola Montez and Lady Morgan is a highly entertaining dialogue between two very interesting19th century ladies of very different lifestyles, one the infamous courtesan Lola Montez and the other a famous writer of the day Lady Morgan.
May Day tradition still alive in Boyle
Well done to all those who kept the May Day tradition alive in Boyle once again this year and place May flowers on doorsteps of residential and commercial premises around the town this morning. Over the years, it was traditional in Boyle that one would pick some May Flowers at Patrick’s Well to put on the doorstep. May Flowers were traditionally picked on the evening before May Day or La Bealtaine. Yellow flowers, such as primroses, buttercups and marigolds were especially popular, possibly as they reflected the sun and summer. Furze and ferns were also put around the outside of the home as they were believed to offer luck to the house and offer protection from mystical forces. Sometimes May flowers were placed in the local well to protect the water supply and the livelihood of those who used it.
Super Saturday at Tennis Club/Family Resource Centre
Boyle Family Resource Centre invites the community to join them tomorrow Saturday, May 2nd as the next stage of their Community Mural Project comes to life. Everyone is welcome to come along and take part in this creative and fun event. Drop in to Boyle Family Resource Centre / Boyle Community Tennis Club between 10.30am and 1:00pm and be part of something special. There will be plenty happening on the day, including: Mural painting, Bake sale hosted by the Tennis Club, Refreshments, Giant Games, Music and face painting. A quiet time will also be available from 10:30am to 11:00am for anyone who may prefer a calmer environment. For more information, please contact Boyle Family Resource Centre on 071 966 3000. They look forward to seeing everyone there.
HeARTlands Summer Exhibition in Boyle this weekend
HeARTlands Summer Exhibition – an inspiring showcase of contemporary Irish art – opens today Friday, May 1st in King House at 6:30pm. This exhibition features the work of twenty talented artists, each offering a unique interpretation of the theme “Landscapes, Legends & Love Stories.” Drawing on Ireland’s ancient heritage, breathtaking scenery, rich biodiversity, and deeply rooted cultural spirit, the collection presents a compelling and diverse body of work that reflects both tradition and fresh creative perspectives. Visitors will have the opportunity not only to experience these exceptional pieces but also to invest in original artwork, with a carefully curated blend of established and emerging artists—some exhibiting publicly for the first time. The opening evening provides a wonderful chance to meet the artists, engage in conversation about their creative processes, and connect with a vibrant artistic community. The exhibition will run throughout the weekend, from Friday at 6:30pm until Monday May 4th at 4:00pm and promises to be a memorable celebration of art, creativity, and connection.
A late night has Boyletoday.com back online this morning
We had a stressful evening/night yesterday here in Boyletoday.com when the server that hosts the website had a security compromise resulting in the website having to be uregently taken offline. But in stepped our technical wizard Boyle man Paul Higgins from NiceCube Design and working at short notice until the early hours of this morning he moved the site, restored as much content as possible (most of this blog had to be rewritten!) and got Boyletoday.com up and running a few hours ago so you are able to read all your local news this morning! Thank you Paul.
If you are considering developing a website why not contact Paul (Nicecubedesign.com). He is most helpful and obliging and being a son of Eileen (Daly) and Noel Higgins from Station Road – you would expect nothing less!
News snippets from around Boyle
With Connacht Final fever gripping the county and with our U20’s in an All Ireland semi final now is the time to get the town decked out in the primrose and blue flags and bunting…………Ballinameen/Breedogue Community Games Sports day will be held on Monday May 4th in Davona Park Ballinameen commencing at 4pm……..Traditional Music Session with Liam Purcell and friends in Cleen Hall on Sunday May 3rd from 4pm-6pm. All welcome………Deputy Kerrane and Councillor Cull monthly constituency clinic in the Spool Factory this Saturday………Coffee Morning and Bake sale in Boyle Tennis Club from 10.30am – 1pm Saturday……. Boat Tours and Kayaking all reopen for the summer season on Lough Key this weekend…….Well done to Boyle’s Lenny Chen, who along with three others, is through to the final of the Junior Keyboard Bursary 2026. The final concert will take place in the National Concert Hall on Monday May 11th at 7pm…….It was great to see the Wednesday Tidy Towns volunteers recognised by ‘Corlann’ (the former Brothers of Charity) when they held a lunch for them during the week at their premises in Quarry Lane in Boyle……..Last week we wrote about the great aeromedical service we have in the area. This was evident once again at lunchtime yesterday when the Agusta Westland helicopter from Athlone transported a patient from Boyle to Galway in less than 30 minutes……….Community Registration for next weekend’s Darkness into Light will take place outside Natural Options in SuperValu Boyle today Friday from 10am – 12 and 2pm – 4pm.
And finally……!
Every night, Harry goes to the pub.
And every night, his wife, Louise, yells at him.
One day, one of Louise’s friends suggests that she try a different tack.
“Welcome him home with a kiss and some loving words,” she says. “He might change his ways.”
That night, Harry stumbles back home as usual.
But instead of berating him, Louise helps him into an easy chair, puts his feet up on the coffee table, removes his shoes and gently massages his neck.
“It’s late,” she whispers. “I think we should go upstairs to bed now, don’t you?”
“Might as well,” says Harry. “Sure I’ll only get in trouble if I go home.”
