Local Notes: Quiz Night, Couch to 5k, Cuppa Morning
Volunteers helping out as the Lough Key junior parkrun got underway.
The organisers of the 15th annual Saddler’s Inn Tractor/Truck Drive, which was held on New Year’s Day in memory of Michael Creighton have thanked all who took part in the event. “We are lost for words when it comes to this drive but we have to thank a number of people.
“First and foremost to our drivers and participants, thank you for coming and taking part in our drive, without your support we wouldn’t have a drive. Thank you for your safe driving along the route, your patience and your co-operation.
“Thank you to John Keville for leading our tractors and to Andy Finn for leading the lorries. Thank you to our stewards, for ensuring the safety of our participants and managing the traffic at the various junctions, your support and help is very much appreciated and we couldn’t do it without you all,” they said.
“Thank you to all our bucket collectors for braving the cold weather and for doing a fantastic job along the route.
“Thank you to those who helped with the tea / coffee and refreshments, an important part of any drive… It was lovely to have a chat and catch up with so many of you as we enjoyed the tea before and after the drive “Thank you to Donacha Meehan and John Harrington for their drone footage.
“It was fantastic to see so many spectators and supporters along the route, we hope you all enjoyed the spectacle of our drive and thank you for your contributions.
“There is no doubt but Michael would have enjoyed that drive……You all did him so proud as ye turned out to remember him and share many a funny story.
“We haven’t a final figure as to the amount raised as we are still receiving donations and the iDonate page will remain available for another week. We are so close to our target on the iDonate page, if anyone would like to donate they can do so.
“We will be back with lots of photos and videos along with the total amount raised. But for now a heartfelt thank you for making our drive on New Year’s Day what it was, we put the wheels in motion but ye did it,” said the organisers.
Are you concerned about someone else’s drinking? Al-Anon family group provides help for family and friends of problem drinkers. Boyle Al-Anon meetings are held in St. Joseph’s Resource Centre (F52 N260) on Mondays at 8.30 p.m.
The Lough Arrow Christmas Day Swim annual quiz night will take place in the Mayfly Inn on Saturday, January 17th at 9 p.m., €10pp with a maximum of five people per table.
Boyle Athletic Club’s Couch to 5k programme will commence on Tuesday, January 20th. The eight week programme. is ideal for beginners or anyone returning to running. The programme offers a gradual, enjoyable approach to building fitness in a supportive group environment guided by expert coaches. The C25K group training sessions will take place every Tuesday and Thursday at 7:30pm commencing January 20th and finishing on St. Patrick’s weekend. To register your interest and reserve your place, please email boyleathleticclub@gmail.com or via Facebook or Instagram.
The AGM of Boyle Athletic Club will take place in the Trojan offices on Thursday, January 15th at 7.30 p.m...
Denise Higgins was the winner of Boyle Tennis Club’s second 50/50 draw scooping €250. Thanks to everyone who has continued to support the 50/50 draw. The next draw will take place on Sunday, January 25th and tickets are now available through the club app.
The Baby, Toddler & Grown-Up group returns for 2026 on Tuesday and Thursdays. Come along to a warm, safe, and welcoming space where your little ones can enjoy lots of toys and games, while you relax with a cuppa and a friendly chat, 9.30 a.m. – 12 noon. Everyone is welcome.

A family support drop-in clinic runs at Boyle Family Resource Centre on Wednesdays from 9.30 a.m. to 12 noon, no appointment necessary. Are there issues affecting your family? Are you having challenges with your parenting? Boyle FRC provides a listening ear, support and signposting, a safe and confidential space, information and guidance and links to services.
The death occurred last week peacefully, surrounded by the loving staff of the Plunkett Home, Boyle, of Mrs Josephine Beirne (née Keaveney), St. Patrick’s Street, Boyle. Predeceased by her husband, Malachy and her sons, baby Tony and Paul. She is survived by her son, Michael; her sister, Sr. Veronica Keaveney (New Zealand); daughter-in-law, Marina; her grandchildren, Eoin and Cathal, Eoin’s wife Lisa, great grandchild Croía, nieces and nephews, Fintan & Edel Lalor, David Lalor & Emer, Lalor, Clive Powell & Veronica Powell, and by all who knew her. Following Funeral Mass on Saturday last in St. Joseph’s Church, Boyle, burial took place in Assylinn Cemetery.
Kids Rule Afterschool Club is up and running in Keadue, providing a safe, fun, and engaging environment for children aged four and over, with outdoor play, games, crafts, themed activities, and homework support. The club is based at St. Ronan’s Hall, Keadue. Hourly and weekly rates available. NCS accepted. The team members are Garda vetted and trained in child protection, first aid, behaviour support, and more. For more information or to book a place contact info@kidsruleafterschool.com
Thanks to a very large crowd who took part in the recent St Ronan's Hall/Keadue Sportsfield 5K Run/Walk and contributed so generously. Thanks to the stewards and committee members that helped out. Prizes were won as follows: first male, Owen Fletcher; 2nd, Aidan Dowler; first female, Imelda Gallagher; 2nd, Mary Moran; U-16 boy, Jack Stakelum; 2nd, Sheamus Redican; U-16 girl, 1st, Hanah Redican; 2nd, Kate McMorrow; 1st male walker, Fintan Monaghan; 1st female walker. Maree Derbhla Gaffney; special prize from McKenna Bus Hire, Judith Emmy Graham.
Strength and conditioning classes take place in St Ronan's Hall, Keadue on Wednesdays at 8 p.m..
Pilates takes place on Thursdays at 8 p.m. in St Ronan's Hall, Keadue.

Cootehall/Crossna/Drumboylan Defibrillator Group is holding its AGM on Thursday, January 29th at 8 p.m. sharp in the McGahren Barracks, Cootehall. New members are very welcome.
Applications for admission for the Cootehall NS year 2026-27 are now open. Contact the school office for a copy of the enrolment form.
Have you bags of unwanted clothes sitting at home, waiting to drop them to a clothes recycling bank? Drumboylan NS is hosting a clothes collection as a fundraiser for the school on Tuesday, January 27th. If you have any unwanted clothes/shoes/bags/belts, please support the collection by donating. Items that are not accepted include duvets, blankets, pillows and crested uniforms. Bags can be dropped off during school hours or on the morning of the collection before 9.30 a.m.. Thank you for your support.
A cuppa morning takes place in Cleen Hall, Crossna Community Centre, every Tuesday from 11 a.m.. Drop in and enjoy the chat and a cuppa. Text 0862839475 for info.
Ardcarne Community Games is using the Return Scheme as a fundraiser. All eligible empty bottles can be dropped into the orange bin at Ardcarne Park at any time of the year.
Learn about banking online, government services, getting better benefit using apps, phone and internet skills. Join an afternoon course commencing Monday, January 19th from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Drumshanbo Enterprise Centre. Classes are funded by MSLETB. Contact 0876312708 or 0879469356 for further information.
Yoga resumes in Ardcarne Park complex on Wednesday, January 14th and continues every Wednesday starting at 7.30 p.m.. Yoga has health benefits beyond the mat/chair, improves strength, balance and flexibility. Suitable for everybody, male and female. All welcome.

