Local Notes: Arts Festival, Pieta Fundraiser and 5k run
Boyle Darkness Into Light 2026 has raised €7,948.99 for Pieta.
Boyle Arts Festival is returning with an exciting ten-day programme celebrating the very best of Irish arts and culture. Running from July 16th–25th, this year's festival brings together internationally renowned artists alongside emerging talent for a vibrant programme of music, visual art, theatre, literature, comedy, workshops and free family events across Boyle. The festival opens on Thursday, July 16th with the much-loved opening parade, bringing the streets of Boyle to life with music, movement and spectacle, before the official festival launch by acclaimed singer Mary Coughlan. Mary will also return later in the festival for a special concert on Friday, 24th at 8 p.m. in St Joseph's Hall, where audiences can experience one of Ireland's finest jazz and blues voices in an intimate live performance.
Boyle Darkness Into Light 2026 has raised €7,948.99 for Pieta. “This remarkable total is a testament to the kindness, compassion and generosity of our community. Every registration, donation, sponsorship and act of support helped make this possible, ensuring Pieta can continue providing life-changing support to those impacted by suicide and self-harm,” said the Boyle committee.
The committee thanks everyone who walked before sunrise, volunteered their time, sponsored the event, donated, or helped behind the scenes. “This achievement belongs to each and every one of you.” Pieta has thanked the dedicated committee members “Ashley, Nance, Margaret, Melissa, Fidelma and Paul, whose commitment, teamwork and countless hours behind the scenes made this event possible. It has been a privilege to work alongside such a passionate group of people, all united by a common goal of bringing hope to our community.” The committee thanks the volunteers, local businesses, emergency services, musicians, photographers, media partners and everyone who supported the group along the way. “Your generosity and community spirit have made a real and lasting impact. Together, we walked from darkness into light—and together, we’ve helped ensure that no one has to face their darkest moments alone. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you, Boyle.”
Artists Malachy Costello and Billy Moore are delighted to be exhibiting works at Frybrook House, as part of this year’s Boyle Arts Festival. Both artists have a strong connection with the festival going back many years.
Roscommon native Malachy Costello is well known for his expressive landscapes and he will be showing a selection of paintings.
Sligo based Billy Moore, whose bronze and steel sculptures along with his paintings are widely exhibited will be showing a selection of sculptures and paintings.
Both artists are grateful to new owners of Frybrook, Gary Kealy and Mark Atwood for affording them the opportunity to exhibit in the historic house.
The exhibition will run for the duration of the festival and will be open from 10 – 6 weekdays, 12.00 – 5.00 Sundays.
Unà Bhàn Tourism Co - Operative is proud to welcome Haulie Grady to talk about his latest book ' I Wonder If I Had Turned Right` at the Craft Shop (F52 FW01) on Friday, July 17th from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m.. You will get a chance to meet Haulie and get a copy of his book signed by him. All are welcome.
Boyle Film Club is hosting a screening event of five recent award winning Irish short films followed by QA with some of the film makers attending the event on Wednesday, July 22nd at 6 p.m. at Boyle Family Resource Centre during the Boyle Arts Festival. As the venue has limited capacity (around 38/40, seats) it is advisable to book seats. To book- email boylefilmclub@gmail.com
Lizi Hannon was the lucky winner of the most recent Boyle GAA 50/50 prize draw for €1,765.
Boyle Athletic Cub’s 5k Road Race takes place on Friday, July 17th strating at 8 p.m..As Race Day approaches the club thank the businesses who have generously sponsored this year’s race. “Your generosity has helped make this event possible, and we are incredibly grateful for your support. We’re thrilled that this year’s race has completely sold out, with 300 runners set to take to the streets of Boyle, along with hundreds of family members, friends and spectators. It promises to bring a fantastic buzz to the town while raising vital funds for the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation. Please support the businesses that support our community. Their investment in local sport and local charities helps events like this thrive. From everyone at Boyle AC, thank you for believing in our vision and helping us make this year’s race our biggest and best yet,” said the club.
There was no winner of last week’s lotto jackpot. The numbers drawn were 9,17,19 & 21. Consolation prizes were won by Leah Cull, Arigna, €70; €30, Florence Walsh, Leitrim Village; €20, Devon McPartland, Drumkeeran; €20, Pat Duignan, Geevagh; €20 Maureen Cooney, Ballyfarnon. Next week €2,100, the draw will be held on Sunday evening. Enter online at stronansgaa.com.
Mo Chairde meals on wheels service would like to sincerely thank all those who contributed to the annual church gate collection in the parishes of Kilronan and Ardcarne. Thanks to your generosity and continued support, in excess of €1,550 was raised. These funds will go to supporting the ongoing operation of the day centre and meals on wheels service, helping to continue providing vital services.
St. Michael's Hall Arigna has served the area since 1948 and needs your input on seeing how to progress use of this long vacated building. Thanks to LEADER for securing funding for a feasibility study to examine the potential to redevelop Arigna Hall for community use. Views of local residents/clubs/organisations and groups is needed. So please take the time to complete this short survey where you can have your say on what should happen. Copies in the church porch or online at. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HJ5LJ5W
Next clean up at Arigna Cemetery is July 23rd. Kilronan Cemetery clean-up this week. Please come whenever you have time and bring a strimmer or help gather up the grass already cut. The older part of the cemetery is very much in need of attention. Kilronan Cemetery meeting will take place on this Wednesday, July 15th at 9 p.m. in St. Ronan’s Hall, all welcome.
On July 18th/19th the parish will welcome Br. Brian Johnson, OSF (from Banagher, Offaly) whose small congregation of brothers work in rural Kenya and Uganda with Education, sustainable agriculture and rural development and more recently helping people survive food shortage, wars and pandemic All donations are welcome.
The blessing of graves takes place in Arigna on Sunday, July 26th at 11.30 a.m. and at Kilronan on Sunday, August 30th at 11.30 a.m..
Please come along and support the coffee morning on Saturday, July 18th in the Barracks from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.. It provides an opportunity to meet neighbours while also helping to generate valuable income to support the Barracks. There will be a donation box, and organisers would suggest the equivalent of what you might normally pay for a coffee, tea or snack in a café.
Congratulations to Leah McCawley and the Roscommon Intermediate ladies panel and management who defeated Westmeath in an absorbing All-Ireland semi-final on Sunday to secure their place in the decider against Fermanagh at Croke Park on Sunday, August 2nd. Well done also to Rachel Flynn and the Roscommon Minor ladies who enjoyed a more comfortable outing in their semi-final victory against Down on Thursday. An impressive 11pt margin over the Ulster champions should give them great confidence as they come up against Munster champions, Cork in the All-Ireland decider at 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 25th in Tullamore. Wishing the very best of luck to Rachel Guckian and the Roscommon U 16 Panel and management who take on Laois at 7.15 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15th in Kinnegad in the All-Ireland U-16 B Championship Final.
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