Local Notes: Courtyard Market, Boyle Swimmers, Learn Irish
Eve O'Rourke and Esme Finnerty at the recent Northern Harps Dinner Dance in the Percy French Hotel, Strokestown. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh
The Boyle St. Patrick’s Day Parade takes place this year at 3.30 p.m. on March 17th starting at Carty’s Garage. The viewing stand will remain on the Crescent this year. DJ Stan will play before and during the parade with face painting also available. After the parade concludes two music events will take place. Music Generation will hold a concert after the parade in Daly’s Warehouse featuring lots of local children showcasing their musical talents and on the viewing stand local band Spiral will host a music session. Organisers are appealing to the public to support the parade by contributing to the Go Fund me page, https://gofund.me/f3a409eb4
On Sunday, March 22nd at 3 p.m. the Percy French Society will host an event at Tawnytaskin Community Centre celebrating the Irish songwriter and artist. This will be an afternoon of his music, songs, and recitations. Light refreshments will be served, and a raffle will take place. Book your seat now on 086 8130005. Cost €15. Upcoming events at the centre include and the annual afternoon tea event on Easter Monday and in May the very popular Rambling House.
Boyle Group Scheme Ltd., has the vacancies on its Community Employment Scheme for general operatives (environmental workers), support workers Citizen Information Office, and for a caretaker at St. Joseph’s Resource Centre. No experience is necessary and accredited training will be provided to support career development. The contract is for a minimum of one year. For eligibility contact the local Department of Social Protection Office or telephone 086 1456519 or email healyboylegroupscheme@gmail.com for further information.

Join Ciorcal Comhrá na Búille for an evening of Irish conversation, song and music in Dodd's Bar and Lounge, The Crescent, Boyle on Thursday, March 12th from 5 to 7 p.m. Beidh fáilte roimh gach. Beidh an ceol ag seinnim le John Hoban agus Gregory Daly.
The Friends of Assylinn will hold a church gate collection on April 4th and 5th (Easter weekend) at St. Joseph’s Church, Boyle. Funds raised will help towards the upkeep and future projects in Assylinn Cemetery.
Visit the courtyard market, every Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the grounds of King House. A great choice of goodies, fruits, veggies, breads, cakes and art. Live music, weather permitting and a play area for children. From March 14th meet a new meat stallholder and from March 21st welcome back to Erritt Nursery with a great choice of flowers, plants and herbs.
Adam Simon and Barry Potter took on an unbelievable 160km / 100 mile charity run to raise vital funds for Pieta last weekend. Before the run took place the pair raised almost €8,000 exceeding the initial target of €5,000. The run started and finished at Lough Key.
Multiple members of Carrick Fins Swimming Club from Boyle have recently been taking part in the aquasprint series against clubs in Longford, Ballinasloe, Roscommon and Athlone. The sprints are small 25m races for children aged eight to twelve.
David Morgan was last Friday’s winner of the Boyle Celtic 50/50 draw, winning €1,637. Tickets are now sale for next Friday’s draw from all the usual outlets and online.
Seamus Butler and Mary Foye would like to thank everyone for the incredible support and generosity at a fundraiser on Friday, February 13th in The Four Provinces, in aid of the new Sunflower Children's Hospice. They are truly grateful to all who attended on the night, and also to those who were unable to join but kindly sent donations through other means. Thanks to the kindness and support a total of €5,895 was raised. This wonderful contribution will make a meaningful difference.
PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL MEETING
A meeting of Croghan Parish Pastoral Council will be held on this Tuesday, March 10th at 7.30 p.m. in Drumlion Parochial House.
A St. Patrick's Day Parade will take place in Carrick-on-Shannon on Tuesday, March 17th, commencing at 1 p.m.. Parades will also take place in Boyle at 3.30 p.m. and in Elphin at 5 p.m.
Croghan Community Choir meets every Sunday from 8 to 9 p.m. in Croghan Community Centre. The choir sings a variety of songs for the joy of singing. New members are always welcome, no auditions, just come along. For more contact Eimear Browne on 087-9557036.
Masses in Croghan parish this week as follows: Croghan Church, Sunday at 10 a.m.; Drumlion Church, Tuesday to Friday at 10 a.m., Saturday 7 p.m.; Patrician Hall, Cortober, Sunday, 12 noon.
Learn Irish at Cryan's Teach Ceol in Carrick-on-Shannon on Mondays at 8 p.m.. See carrickpopupgaeltacht@gmail.com.

Bingo takes place in the Patrician Hall, Cortober on Sundays at 8 p.m.. Big cash prizes to be won. All welcome.
The Old Creamery Community Café, Croghan is open on Thursdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Fridays, 9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.; Saturdays 9.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.. All welcome to visit.
Cavetown CE Scheme has vacancies for environmental workers, and office administrator and cleaner. General operative duties will include the upkeep of all amenity areas, grass cutting, strimming, hedge trimming, litter and weed control, upkeep of flowerbeds and shrubs and landscaping. General maintenance will include repairs to fencing and stone walls, painting and decorating. Contact Tony O’Donnell – scheme supervisor, Cavetown CE Scheme on 087 775 0556.
Arigna Foróige Club will host a spring clean on March 14th from 2 p.m.-3 p.m.. Tea/coffee/treats in the Enterprise Centre on the day.
There was no winner of last week’s St. Ronan’s GAA lotto jackpot. The numbers were 1,15,16 and 20. Consolation prizes were won by K. O’Brien, Sooey, €70; €30, Mary Dwyer, Arigna, €20, Grainne Wallace, Ballyfarnon; €20, Ann Lynch, Geevagh; €20, Michael Gilcreest, Keadue. Next jackpot will be €16,700. Enter the lotto online at stronansgaa.com or purchase on Revolut.
A meeting of Keadue Tidy Towns will be held tonight Tuesday, March 10th at 7.30 p.m. in St Ronan's Hall. It's that time of the year again when planning for Tidy Towns competition starts. The committee is asking the residents of the village for their continued support in 2026. A good turnout at the meeting is expected. Tea/coffee, scones and biscuits will be provided.
The Cootehall Social Committee has organised a children’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, to bring everyone back to the village following the various parades in the locality. The parade starts at 5 pm. from the church car park and to register your child for the parade please contact Aideen on 0877655067. Prizes for best entries on the day. Irish dancers will entertain all after the parade, outside Henry’s Bar, and Jason Travers will provide the music (admission free) in Henry’s from 7 p.m.. Food will be available from Mr Chips truck outside Henrys.
Best of Luck to the St. Michael’s fantastic team of Scor participants on Saturday, March 14th in Kilmurray Hall. If anyone is interested in joining a quiz team please contact Geraldine at 086 1798522 ASAP.

