Local Notes: Boyle FC Masters Celebrate Success, One Voice Singers, Hurling History
David Keaveney, Neil McGarry and Frank McKiernan on duty for Boyle's senior football championship game against Clann na nGael in Abbey Park. Pic: Gerard O'Loughlin
A new Boyle Experience Trail was launched last week at Una Bhan Tourism. The trail offers visitors an opportunity to discover the town through an interactive map which offers guides to historic sites, buildings, activities, restaurants and cafes. It is an initiative of Roscommon County Council, Failte Ireland, Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and Visit Roscommon. The official launch was performed by Lisa Joy, tourism officer at Roscommon County Council at the Una Bhan Tourism office which acts as the starting point of the trail.
There was a celebratory atmosphere at Celtic Park on Saturday evening as the men's masters team were presented with the RDFL Masters League trophy. The team enjoyed an unbeaten season (winning seven and drawing one) so far with one game to go; 34 goals scored and only six conceded ensures the team not only have the most proficient attack but the tightest defence. A league and cup double is also on the cards with the team defeating Ballaghaderreen 5-2 in the cup semi-final. Roscommon United await in the final on Saturday, August 22nd in Lecarrow. Congratulations to the players and management.
Boyle Family Resource Centre has announced that its clothing banks have been temporarily removed. Many people regularly support Boyle Family Resource Centre by donating unwanted clothing to the clothing banks, and the centre is very grateful for this continued support. The clothing banks have been temporarily removed while a change over to a new recycling provider takes place. The team are working hard behind the scenes and hope to have the replacement banks in place very soon. In the meantime members of the public are asked hold onto their donations rather than leaving them outside. Every bag of clothing donated helps generate vital income that enables the centre to continue supporting children, young people, adults and families across our community.
Boyle Family Resource Centre is hosting a percussion making workshop this Wednesday, August 12th, where children will create their very own drums using recycled materials while exploring music and creativity in a fun, hands-on way. This workshop is free to attend, but booking is essential as places are limited. A €10 refundable deposit is required to secure a place and will be returned on the day of the workshop. To book a place, call 071 966 3000.
Boyle One Voice Singing Group meets every Thursday at 7:30 p.m., and would love to welcome you. Whether you're a regular, haven't been in a while, or are thinking of trying something new, why not come along to Boyle Family Resource Centre? There is no audition and no pressure—just a shared love of music, singing, and enjoying a relaxed, feel-good atmosphere. Come for the songs, stay for the smiles and great company.
The death occurred on July 31st following a brief illness of Fr. Patrick Nicholson of Rhode Island, USA and formerly of Corrigeenroe, Boyle. Predeceased by his father Patrick and mother Bridget Nicholson, Pat will be sadly missed by his family John (Anne), Mary (Vincent), Peter (Angela), Martin (Carmel) and Dominick (Helen); his adored nieces and nephews, Gerard, John, Padraig, Aine, Patrice, Niall, Vincent, Michelle, Peter, Ciara, Barry, Aileen, Sinead and Orla; his extended family and loving friends. Removal of the ashes to St Theresa's Church, Corrigeenroe, (Eircode F52FX47) on Wednesday, August 12th arriving for Funeral Mass at 1 p.m. followed by interment in Kilmactranny Cemetery.
Well done to Brendan Duggan who was the winner of the Captains’ Prize for 2026 at Boyle Golf Club. Brendan had a formidable 57 nett at the end of the first 18 and maintained his nerve to finish on top after 27. To make his win all the more remarkable, Brendan was a member of the men's beginners group in 2026 and only obtained his first golf handicap this year. The prizes were presented shortly after the conclusion of the playoff by men's captain Paddy McLoughlin. Paddy thanked everyone who had contributed to the success of his captain’s weekend and all those who had contributed to the running of the club during the year. Results: 1st, Brendan Duggan; 2nd, Martin Sweeney; gross, Cian Smith; 3rd, Michael McHale; 18 nett, Karl Keenan; past captain, Pat Conroy; senior, Michael O'Dowd; category 0-13, Jason Beirne; 14-21, Colm Connolly; 21+, Eddie Conroy; 1st 9, Ciaran Beirne; 2nd 9, Colin Whyte; 3rd 9, Willie Tiernan; visitor, Terry Canning; captain’s prize to the ladies, Maura O'Farrell; 2nd, Catherine Roddy; gross, Tish Perry; 3rd, Bernie Kemple. Captain’s scramble winners - 1st, Karl Keenan, Michael McHale, Regina McLoughlin; 2nd, Olive Filan, Pat Brogan, Lorcan Egan; 3rd, Liam Mullaney, Declan Gaffney, Gerry Carty.
Every club has moments that become part of its history. August Bank Monday was one of those days for Boyle GAA. The U-11 hurlers proudly became the first ever Boyle GAA hurling team to play in Croke Park, creating a landmark moment in the club’s 137-year story. While hurling is a relatively new chapter in Boyle GAA, it continues to grow from strength to strength, and this was a day that players, coaches and families will never forget.
The boys represented Boyle with tremendous skill, determination and enthusiasm as they took on Tulsk, Ballinamore and Na Fianna in a fantastic Go Games blitz. More importantly, they had the unforgettable experience of walking through the famous stadium and playing on the hallowed turf of Croke Park – a dream for every young hurler. This historic first is hopefully just the beginning. Strong links continue to grow between clubs across Roscommon, Leitrim and Sligo, with exciting plans for more games and competitions to help develop hurling throughout the north-west.
The future of hurling in Boyle is incredibly bright, and these young history makers have shown what’s possible. Hurling continues every Monday from 6–7 p.m. in Abbey Park for U8–U12s. This Wednesday they attend the first ever blitz against Carrick Hurling Club. On August 29th, the hurlers head to Páirc de hÍde for the Go Games Finale.
King House will host the Big Dig on Friday, August 21st from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.. The Big Dig by the School of Irish Archaeology is a free hands-on, simulated archaeological excavation experience where children aged 5 to 12 unearth replica ‘Viking House’ treasures and learn about medieval history from professional archaeologists. Tickets are free but booking is advised.
Úna Bhán Tourism presents an unforgettable evening of music and stories, ‘One Voice, One Europe: An Evening with Charlie McGettigan’ on September 4th, at 6 p.m. in King House. Tickets are €10 per person and are available at www.boylecraftshop.com This event is supported by Roscommon County Council under the EU Presidency Culture Programme.
Roscommon SPCA will hold its annual church gate collection at St. Brigid's Church, Breedogue on Sunday, August 16th. Roscommon SPCA is run by a team of dedicated volunteers with all money donated going directly to animal welfare in the county. Thank you so much for your continued assistance and support of Roscommon SPCA.
Want to highlight an event, fundraiser, special occasion or community news in the Boyle notes section of the Roscommon Herald? To do so email claire.mcgovern@roscommonherald.com or text 086 8356234.
