Great welcome for Royal news
The news that the Royal redevelopment has moved closer to commencement, as reported in full here on Boyletoday.com on Tuesday, has met with widespread delight. This blog stated last week that when the current pandemic is over, it would be full steam ahead with a number of Boyle projects and the Royal was one of those that we were referring to. A fairly high profile project team are now in place with the firm charged with the actual construction of the development to be announced in the next few weeks. Thankfully work had not commenced pre the Covid-19 or all would be on hold right now, but when work does commence on this and other projects in 2020, Boyle will straight away get an economic lift from the spin offs associated with the projects.
A rebalancing time, personally and professionally
Our prediction last week that some businesses may never open again drew comment from a number of viewers who agreed with the sentiments expressed. One viewer stated that closures, if they do happen, will be sad to see, but could be an opportunity for some ‘new blood’ to look at opening up in Boyle, while another said the current situation should be viewed as a ‘rebalancing of business life not only in Boyle but throughout rural Ireland’.
Maybe we should use this time of forced isolation to reflect and rebalance a number of aspects of our lives, both personal and professional to see what parts we can cut out and what parts we can add, in to aid us going forward. Likewise, civic bodies can use the time to plan differently on how our town will develop in future bearing in mind the changes that will be part of the norm in the years ahead.
Major decrease in N4 traffic
An interesting statistic that has emerged over recent weeks is the traffic count on the various roads throughout Ireland. TII Traffic counters provide information on the volume of traffic on main roads by hour of day and vehicle class, i.e., motorcycle, car, goods vehicles distinguished by number of axles etc. with up to twelve vehicle classes being identified.Vehicles are detected by passing over loops embedded in the road surface. Of local interest is the traffic counter on the N4 at Usna between Boyle and Carrick on Shannon. Data for one year ago on April 9th 2019 showed 8321 vehicles passed east and west over a 24 hour period. Yesterday, April 9th 2020, 3363 vehicles travelled the road. Further north on the N4 at Castlebaldwin data one year ago on April 9th 2019 showed 7160 vehicles passing. This had reduced to 2443 yesterday – one year later. Further analysis of the figures also show that traffic volumes did in fact increase near the end of this week, perhaps reiterating the belief that people are ignoring the request not to travel for the Easter weekend.
Cocooning is not a form of punishment
A concerning aspect of the current lockdown is the number of people who are still going about their business as if the world was the same as it was before Christmas. It is not the same and everyone should be staying at home wherever possible. Also of concern is the number of over 70’s who are not cocooning in Boyle and other places nationwide. The idea of cocooning was brought in to protect those of a senior age and for no other reason, even though it is being portrayed by one or two as some form of punishment of older people. Boyle has a brilliant network of volunteers who are waiting and willing to assist those who are cocooning or incapacitated and who need food and medicine brought to them. The volunteers include the Assist Group at Boyle FR, the local GAA club who are a volunteer organisation that form part of the Roscommon COVID-19 community response forum and An garda Siochana. All the over 70’s, and those who can not leave their home, have to do is ask for assistance on 1800 200 727.
Covid Miscellany
When colleges get back in action again, those undertaking a marketing degree should take note of how the social media manager(s) in An Garda Siochana are currently using their online platforms to raise the profile of the force. Ever photo opportunity nationwide is being availed of and posted either on various Garda Facebook pages or Twitter accounts. Well done to whoever is responsible!…….. With newspapers not being bought anymore, people are turning more and more to the internet to find out what is happening around the country and the newspaper media companies are doing their best to cash in on the latest upsurge. The increase in pay for ‘premium’ news stories on the independent.ie and irishtimes.com is noticeable since the crisis commenced. Thankfully there are many other news sources online from which people can get their information for free……Two things we should be thankful for: 1. That Coronavirus didn’t hit us in the dark days of winter. 2. That we have trustworthy people leading the fight, including a Taoiseach who has a medical background…….Be assured of plenty of Garda activity around Lough Key Forest Park and the general Boyle area this weekend as efforts are made to stop people travelling to tourist hotspots and holiday homes. Many people have second homes in Boyle and for once, we ask that you do not visit our town or area, instead stay at home and and enjoy your primary residence this Easter.
And finally…..!
A suspected Covid-19 male patient is lying in bed in the hospital, wearing an oxygen mask over his mouth and nose.
A female nurse appears and gives him a partial sponge bath.
“Nurse,”‘ he mumbles from behind the mask, “are my testicles black?”
Embarrassed, the young nurse replies, “I don’t know, Sir. I’m only here to wash your upper body and feet.”
He struggles to ask again, “Nurse, please check for me. Are my testicles black?”
Concerned that he might elevate his blood pressure and heart rate from worrying about his testicles, she overcomes her embarrassment and pulls back the covers.
She raises his gown, holds his manhood in one hand and his testicles gently in the other.
She looks very closely and says, “There’s nothing wrong with them, Sir. They look fine.”
The man slowly pulls off his oxygen mask, smiles at her, and says very slowly,
“Thank you very much. That was wonderful. Now listen very,
very, closely:
“Are – my – test – results – back?”
