Broad welcome for news of permission for Aldi store
There was a real feel good factor around Boyle last weekend when word came through that Aldi has been granted permission for their pivotal development on St. Patrick Street. Needless to say there were a few who did not greet the news with the delight of the majority and interestingly, a number of those who seem against the plan are not from or living in Boyle and indeed a few are making a living for themselves outside Ireland so the benefits the store will bring to Boyle does not impact them.
But with the majority delighted, all we can hope now is that those who made submissions at the initial planning stage see sense and do not appeal the decision and let the long awaited development proceed as soon as possible.
Construction not the real reason why people are parking on Elphin St
Work is progressing on the major upgrade of Boyle Railway Station. During the work, parking is restricted at the station but the construction is not the real reason people are still parking along Elphin Street. On most Sunday’s there is plenty of space in the station car park, but upper Elphin Street is usually full, most likely with people who have gone to Dublin on the train. While it is not too bad on Sunday’s, it is not fair on busy weekdays that the residents and businesses on Elphin Street have their parking spaces taken up by those who will not pay €3.50 for a place at the station.
Developing Boyle into a ‘Smart Town’
Roscommon native Sean Mulryan and representatives from his company Ballymore Properties addressed Monday’s meeting of Roscommon Co Co where they outlined details of their plan to make Athlone Ireland’s first green city and increase the population from around 23,000 to 50,000 people by 2040, while also expanding the TUS university campus to facilitate 25,000 students. The plans also include having 90% renewable energy powering the city along with new infrastructure for electric driverless buses, EVs, bikes, and pedestrians.
Here in Boyle our Boyle 2040 plan had some resemblance to the Athlone 2040 plan from an ICT perspective. It was proposed at the time, and should still be high on the agenda, to make Boyle a ‘Smart Town’. By using Information and Communication Technology (ICT) it is suggested that this could include: A Greenway-Loop urban movement app or dash board, the movement of traditional retail businesses online, emphasising local distinctiveness and the Boyle brand, town Information moving online including; live visitor accommodation availability and check-in information, virtual walking tours of historic town, a live community transport app supported by local transport providers and live bike rental and car park capacity information. The plan also said: “Potential benefits which can accrue for Boyle by embracing new technologies and moving forward as a smart town can include improvements in how the town functions through key areas including but not limited to; movement and access, energy provision, built and natural environment management”.
A lot of what was initial suggested in the Boyle 2040 plan has been implemented with more planned. If you never read the impressive 122 page document, here is a link to Boyle 2040.
Top awards for Kilronan Castle
Well done to our ‘local’ hotel – Kilronan Castle who came away with two awards at this week’s 36th annual ‘ Gold Medal Awards’ which were held in Galway on Tuesday night last. The awards aim to recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of the hospitality industry from across the country. The expert judging panel chose Kilronan Castle as the overall winner of Ireland’s Four Star Hotel while Head Chef Daniel Willimont won Ireland’s Chef of the Year award. Following the awards a spokesperson for the hotel said: “These honours mean the world to us and are a true testament to the dedication and passion of our Kilronan team. We’re also deeply grateful to our wonderful guests and supporters – your loyalty and encouragement make achievements like this possible”.
Frankie goes to ……
No – not Hollywood, but nearly as good – Singapore and the Philippines. Boyle native Government Minister Frank Feighan will travel to Singapore and the Philippines as Government representatives for their St. Patrick’s Day programme. Frank, who is Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation will be one of 40 representatives of the State who will carry Ireland’s message to cities across more than 50 countries worldwide. In line with the Government’s Action Plan on Market Diversification, the 2026 St. Patrick’s Day programme will place a stronger emphasis on trade and investment. Ministers will promote trade, investment, tourism, and international research and education partnerships in priority locations, including high-value, new and emerging markets.
Shop Street Post Office closes it’s doors today
Today Friday January 30th will see the current Post Office on Shop Street close it’s doors for the last time. The facility is moving to the Supervalu Shopping Centre where it will open in a newly purpose built unit on Tuesday February 3rd. Postmaster for the last 30 years Paul Forde said: “Thank you for trusting me with your business over the past 30 years. It was an honour to serve you. I want to take this opportunity to say a heartfelt thanks to my loyal customers, friends, and family. To all who worked beside me, and a very big thanks to my wife, Maureen, for all her help and support. Call in Friday where we will be having refreshments throughout the day”.
The ‘old’ Boyle Post Office on Shop Street was constructed in 1910 and housed the local telephone exchange on the upper floor. When Boyle exchange converted to automatic in 1984, this part of the building closed down. The building also housed the Sorting Office for An Post until that facility moved to it’s current location in Forest View.
It is understood the Post Office building on Shop Street, which was put up for sale in October 2024, has a new owner and the moving of the operation to the Supervalu Centre, now opens up many new opportunities for the protected structure.
Boyle will have a St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Great news that the St Patrick’s Day Parade Committee has agreed to run the annual St Patrick’s Day Parade at 3.30pm on March 17th. If anyone is willing to help or volunteer with the parade, please email [email protected]. As usual there will be generous prize money and cups on offer with the overall winner receiving €500 and a cup, runner up €200, under 16’s winner €200 and cup, under 16’s runner up €100, best shop window Cup and vintage Vehicle Cup. To fund the parade, the committee will launch a GoFundMe Page in February and all donations will be greatly appreciated.
News snippets from around Boyle
Congratulations to Boyle and Roscommon player Daire Cregg who was named on the GAA.ie team of the week following his brilliant performance in Killarney last Sunday……….Killaraght Community Centre second Coffee Morning of the year takes place on Sunday February 1st from 10:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. If you’re living alone, new to the area or just fancy a friendly chat, this is a lovely way to get out for a while and enjoy good company. Tea, coffee and biscuits served in a warm, welcoming atmosphere……..The ‘Boy Racers’ on the N4 have not gone away and were back in action once again last Saturday night……….The growing number of potholes developing on the speed ramp outside the Carrick Road campus of Abbey Primary school is causing concern to motorists. Perhaps it’s time to take out this damaged speed ramp and replace it with something more unobtrusive and sustainable…….Coffee Morning in the Four Provinces on Saturday February 1st from 11am-4pm in aid of Parkinson’s Ireland Roscommon Branch. All funds raised will go directly towards providing essential services and supports for people living with Parkinson’s in Roscommon, helping to improve quality of life and ensure local support remains available. If you cannot attend, you may make an online donation here…….Can motorists who put on their left indicator to head down Bridge Street from the Crescent, please ensure it is quickly turned off as those who leave it on after they cross the bridge will cause a collision as they give the impression that they are turning left to head out St. Patrick Street and cars are driving out into their path…….Table Quiz on Saturday at 9pm in the Dapper Duck in Gurteen. This is a fundraiser for Lip Sync Monasteraden……..Traditional Music Session in Cleen Hall on Sunday from 4pm-6pm. All are welcome………The Foot Care Clinic in the Spool Factory will open on Bank Holiday Monday for those who find it hard to take a day off work. With appointments filling fast, you can book online at www.yourfootcare.ie………Tonight’s Boyle Celtic 50/50 draw sees extra fuel prizes added. 1st prize: Weekly Jackpot. 2nd prize: 500L of oil sponsored by Stewarts Oil. 3rd prize: A trailer of turf sponsored by Cathal Kiernan. 4th prize: 10 x bags coal sponsored by Joe Simon Ltd. 5th prize: 2 x gas cylinders sponsored by Tulsk Fuels. As well as usual house prizes on the night in this week’s venue, Daly’s Drinks. Tickets available in the usual outlets and online……….Congratulations to progressive Boyle business ProCloud who recently opened a new office at the Kildare Innovation Campus in Leixlip………The postponed Moylurg Open Cross Country by Tribal Running in aid of GOAL will take place in Lough Key Forest Park this Sunday February 1st with first race at 12 noon……….Well done to Boyle Bridge Club members John McMonagle, Mary Queenan, Richard Gray and Betty Gray who won the recent Regional Intermediate A team of 4 competition and will now represent Boyle Bridge Club in the National finals which take place in Portlaoise in April……..Lots happening this weekend in Boyle for St. Brigid’s Festival. Find out more here…….Deputy Claire Kerrane and Councillor Leah Cull will hold their monthly constituency clinic in the Spool Factory on Saturday 31st. Appointments via 094 9861688 or [email protected]
And finally….!
After getting Pope Francis’s luggage loaded into the limo, the driver notices the Pope is still standing on the curb.
‘Excuse me, Your Holiness,’ says the driver, ‘Would you please take your seat so we can leave?’
‘Well, to tell you the truth,’ says the Pope, ‘they never let me drive at the Vatican, and I’d really like to drive today.’
“I’m sorry, Your Holiness, but I cannot let you do that. I’d lose my job! What if something should happen” protests the driver, wishing he’d never gone to work that morning.
‘Who’s going to tell’ says the Pope with a smile.
Reluctantly, the driver gets in the back as the Pope climbs in behind the wheel. The driver quickly regrets his decision when, after exiting the airport, the Pontiff floors it, accelerating the limo to 205 kph.
“Please slow down, Your Holiness,” pleads the worried driver, but the Pope keeps the pedal to the metal until they hear sirens.
“Oh, dear God, I’m going to lose my license — and my job!’ moans the driver.
The Pope pulls over and rolls down the window as a policeman approaches, takes one look at him, goes back to his motorcycle and gets on the radio.
‘I need to talk to the Chief,’ he says to the dispatcher.
The Chief gets on the radio and the policeman tells him that he’s stopped a limo going 205 kph.
‘So give him a ticket,’ says the Chief.
‘I don’t think we want to do that. He’s really important,’ said the policeman.
The Chief exclaimed, ‘All the more reason!’
‘No, I mean really important,’ he said with a bit of persistence.
The Chief then asked, ‘Who do you have there, the mayor?’
Policeman: ‘Bigger.’
Chief: ‘A senator?’
Policeman: ‘Bigger.’
Chief: ‘The President?’
Policeman: ‘Bigger.’
‘Well,’ said the Chief, ‘who is it?’
Policeman: ‘I think it’s God!’
The Chief is even more puzzled and curious, ‘What makes you think it’s God?’
Policeman: ‘His chauffeur is the Pope!’
