Ep 67--- In episode 67 of the Voices of Boyle podcast, I sit down with Dermot Beggan, a familiar face to many around town. Dermot grew up in Smoterna, just outside Boyle, with Lough Key practically in his back garden! He shares his journey from leaving school to working his way up to becoming General Manager of Lough Key Forest Park, a place where he first worked many years ago. It’s a real full-circle story. We chat about the current activities on offer at the park, the exciting developments planned for the future (there are some amazing plans in the pipeline!), and how he played a huge role in bringing the Balloon Championships back home to Lough Key. For many of us, the memories of those crisp September mornings, watching the colourful balloons rise above the Boyle skyline, are something special. Now, with a week-long festival planned that includes two flights per day, there’s a real buzz about seeing the balloons fill the skies once again. Lough Key is the perfect setting for the balloon championship to take place, and Dermot gives us all the details. Finally, we talk about the importance of Boyle town in Lough Key’s existence and how it’s the support from local people that will help the park to continue to thrive. Enjoy the episode! https://www.voicesofboyle.com/dermotbeggan/ Join us on: ( Facebook ) ( Instagram ) ( YouTube ) ( Website ) If you’d like to be on the show or if you know someone who would like to chat with us, then drop us an email at ( info@voicesofboyle.com ) Thanks to Brendan O' Dowd for creating and recording the musical piece for the podcast.…

Ep 66--- Welcome to episode 66 of the Voices of Boyle and this week I'm delighted to welcome Jack Fallon to the podcast. At 95 years old, Jack is the oldest guest we’ve had on the podcast so far, and with that comes a wealth of experience and insight. Born in 1929, he carries firsthand memories of a world that has changed dramatically over the decades—he even recalls the early days of the Second World War and Ireland’s stance of neutrality. From his childhood in East Galway to making Boyle his home, Jack’s journey has been shaped by history, education, and a deep commitment to preserving local heritage. A dedicated teacher, he has taught across Ireland, Africa, and China, witnessing the evolution of education on a global scale. In this episode, Jack shares his reflections on life, learning, and the changing world around him. It’s not every day we get to sit down with someone who has lived through nearly a century of history, and it’s truly a privilege to share Jack’s stories with you. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. Check out - www.voicesofboyle.com/jackfallon/ Join us on: ( Facebook ) ( Instagram ) ( YouTube ) ( Website ) If you’d like to be on the show or if you know someone who would like to chat with us, then drop us an email at ( info@voicesofboyle.com ) Thanks to Brendan O' Dowd for creating and recording the musical piece for the podcast.…

Ep 65--- In this episode, Florence chats with Karolina, a fitness trainer who moved from Poland to Ireland in 2005 during the boom. She spent 17 years in Athlone working in retail before turning her passion for health and fitness into a career. A fresh start brought her to Boyle, where she now runs small group fitness classes and personal training at Results Gym. Karolina shares her journey with us—from growing up in a remote Polish village to building a new life in Ireland, embracing the community here in Boyle, and helping people feel confident in fitness. Listen now and reach out to Karolina if you'd like to learn more. Join us on: ( Facebook ) ( Instagram ) ( YouTube ) ( Website ) If you’d like to be on the show or if you know someone who would like to chat with us, then drop us an email at ( info@voicesofboyle.com ) Thanks to Brendan O' Dowd for creating and recording the musical piece for the podcast.…

Ep 64--- Welcome to episode 64 of the Voices of Boyle. Today’s guests? Mark Attwood and Gary Kealy, the brains behind Live 5D Health – Boyle’s only wellness and healing center. How did they get here? It involves plot twists, chance encounters, and a shared obsession with health and wellness. What’s inside Live Five D? Think cutting-edge healing meets ancient wisdom. We’re talking: 🔥 Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (you've probably already heard about this) 💡 Red light therapy (basically, a spa day for your cells) 💦 Structured water 🧘‍♂️ Mind-body-spirit balance So, if you’re curious about detoxing, natural healing, or why people are lying inside giant oxygen tents, you’re in for a treat. Give it a listen. Get inspired. And maybe, just maybe, rethink everything you thought you knew about wellness. Join us on: ( Facebook ) ( Instagram ) ( YouTube ) ( Website ) If you’d like to be on the show or if you know someone who would like to chat with us, then drop us an email at ( info@voicesofboyle.com ) Thanks to Brendan O' Dowd for creating and recording the musical piece for the podcast.…

Ep 63--- Today is Sunday 26th January 2025 and this is episode number 63 of the Voices of Boyle. For this episode, my guest is Brian Battles. Brian talks about growing up in Garrow in the Curlew mountains, life on the farm, community spirit and some fond memories of his time in school. We then chat about his time working in Brogan's pharmacy (now called Chemco) and also the transition into his own consultancy business - PharmacySuccess.ie We finish up with Brian touching on his own plans to launch his own industry related podcast in the near future. Hope you enjoy the episode and enjoy the rest of your weekend. Join us on: ( Facebook ) ( Instagram ) ( YouTube ) ( Website ) If you’d like to be on the show or if you know someone who would like to chat with us, then drop us an email at ( info@voicesofboyle.com ) Thanks to Brendan O' Dowd for creating and recording the musical piece for the podcast.…

Ep 61--- It's the first episode of 2025 and we're delighted to welcome Tadhg Griffin to the podcast. Tadhg needs no intro as everyone in Boyle will know him. We'd like to wish all of our listeners a very happy new year and we're excited to see where 2025 will bring the Voices of Boyle. Join us on: ( Facebook ) ( Instagram ) ( YouTube ) ( Website ) If you’d like to be on the show or if you know someone who would like to chat with us, then drop us an email at ( info@voicesofboyle.com ) Thanks to Brendan O' Dowd for creating and recording the musical piece for the podcast.…

Ep 61--- Welcome to the final episode of 2024! On behalf of Florence and myself, we want to give a huge thank you to all our guests and to everyone who’s tuned in every two weeks. This has been such a fulfilling project for us, and we’ve loved collecting and sharing life stories, memories, and anecdotes for everyone to enjoy. We’ve already started reaching out to new guests for the 2025 season, and as always, we’re working towards giving anyone who wants to record an episode the chance to do so. If you know someone you’d love to hear on Voices of Boyle , drop us a message or email us at info@voicesofboyle.com. We’d love to hear from you. Wishing you all a very merry Christmas and a fantastic start to 2025! And to wrap things up for the year, we’ve got the one and only Matt Burke on episode 61. Take care, folks. Carlo & Florence Join us on: ( Facebook ) ( Instagram ) ( YouTube ) ( Website ) If you’d like to be on the show or if you know someone who would like to chat with us, then drop us an email at ( info@voicesofboyle.com ) Thanks to Brendan O' Dowd for creating and recording the musical piece for the podcast.…

Ep 60--- In this episode of Voices of Boyle, we sit down with Eamon Perry as he shares a few memories that paint a vivid picture of community life in Boyle through the years. From the bustling local shops like Christy Wynne's and Keenan's, where summer ice creams became a cherished treat, to the biting cold of the "big snow" in 1947 that blocked doorways and halted trains, Eamon recounts the challenges and charms of his hometown with warmth and nostalgia. Join us as Eamon reflects on the rich sporting legacy of Boyle, with tales of his uncle Paddy Perry's handball triumphs, and his own swimming accolades. He chats about the vibrant social scene of festivals, golf club gatherings, and the Catholic Club. Facing personal and community changes over the decades, Eamon shares his hopes for Boyle's future development, emphasising the spirit that binds the town together. Whether reminiscing about his youth in the streets of Termon or recalling career milestones and family life, Eamon's stories are sure to resonate with everyone. Enjoy the episode and feel free to share it. Join us on: ( Facebook ) ( Instagram ) ( YouTube ) ( Website ) If you’d like to be on the show or if you know someone who would like to chat with us, then drop us an email at ( info@voicesofboyle.com ) Thanks to Brendan O' Dowd for creating and recording the musical piece for the podcast.…

Ep 59--- This week on Voices of Boyle, we’re delighted to feature local artist Margaret Rattigan 🎨✨ Margaret, who was born in Manchester, raised in Leitrim, and has lived in London, Limerick, and Sligo, now calls Boyle home. Inspired by the scenery around her in Boyle and beyond, Margaret creates beautiful paintings, prints, cards, and unique art jewellery. Join us on: ( Facebook ) ( Instagram ) ( YouTube ) ( Website ) If you’d like to be on the show or if you know someone who would like to chat with us, then drop us an email at ( info@voicesofboyle.com ) Thanks to Brendan O' Dowd for creating and recording the musical piece for the podcast.…

Ep 58--- Welcome to another episode of the Voices of Boyle Podcast! This week I'm chatting with Barry Cryan. Barry takes us on a journey from his school days at St. Mary’s College in Boyle during the late ’90s, to overcoming the challenges of Lyme disease, and ultimately building a thriving online business that’s transforming how entrepreneurs manage their time and productivity. Before we get into the episode, I'd like to let everyone know that all episodes are now also available to listen to on YouTube. Head over to YouTube or just search for "Voices of Boyle" in Youtube and you'll find everything there. With that, let's get into this week's episode with Barry...... Join us on: ( Facebook ) ( Instagram ) ( YouTube ) ( Website ) If you’d like to be on the show or if you know someone who would like to chat with us, then drop us an email at ( info@voicesofboyle.com ) Thanks to Brendan O' Dowd for creating and recording the musical piece for the podcast.…

Ep 57--- Recorded during the past week here in Gdańsk, Poland, this episode brings together Miko and Cory, who have been based here for the past 10 months building their online fitness coaching businesses. You may remember Miko from VOB episode 13! This 2+ hour episode dives into a wide range of topics. Due to the spontaneous setting, we didn’t have our usual audio setup, so the host’s audio may vary at times—thanks for understanding! If you enjoy the episode, spread the love and share it around. Have a fantastic Sunday, folks! Join us on: ( Facebook ) ( Instagram ) ( YouTube ) ( Website ) If you’d like to be on the show or if you know someone who would like to chat with us, then drop us an email at ( info@voicesofboyle.com ) Thanks to Brendan O' Dowd for creating and recording the musical piece for the podcast.…

Ep 56--- Welcome to episode 56 of the Voices of Boyle. Today, we're thrilled to have Callum Robertson join us as we dive into his journey through the performing arts and his experiences as a student during the covid years. Callum shares his thoughts on his renewed appreciation for social freedoms, and the impact of lockdowns on his education and mental well-being. We explore his early inspiration in performing arts, memorable musical roles, and the challenges faced transitioning from theater to film. He also discusses his international theater adventures in Spain and his upcoming opportunity in Switzerland, alongside an insightful conversation on the role of AI in creative fields. Callum also offers his advice for aspiring artists, reflects on his beloved hometown of Boyle, and expresses his hopes for the future. Join us on: ( Facebook ) ( Instagram ) ( YouTube ) ( Website ) If you’d like to be on the show or if you know someone who would like to chat with us, then drop us an email at ( info@voicesofboyle.com ) Thanks to Brendan O' Dowd for creating and recording the musical piece for the podcast.…

Ep 55--- Welcome to another episode of the Voices of Boyle. For this episode, we have Brian Scanlon as our guest. Brian shares some incredible stories about his family’s ties to Boyle, starting back in the 1970s when his father bought Scanlon’s pub. He takes us on a trip down memory lane, reflecting on a time when the town was thriving, and his family’s early adoption of colour television which was a big deal back then and the traditions they proudly kept alive. Brian also talks about the personal challenges he’s faced, like childhood ear surgeries, and how his love for music was shaped by his talented mother. We’ll get into the lively pub scene of the ’70s and ’80s, the creation of the John McCormack room, and the unique social traditions that took place in the ‘inner sanctum’ of Scanlon’s pub. As someone passionate about preserving the town’s history, Brian shares his early experiences with filming and his current mission to digitise old recordings for the community to enjoy. He reflects on the generational shifts in religious practices, the impact of covid on local businesses, and offers a heartfelt look at how the town’s landscape has changed over the years. Whether you’re interested in local history, how community traditions evolve, or the challenges and hopes for Boyle’s future, this episode with Brian Scanlon is sure to resonate with many of you. So, grab a seat and join us as we explore Boyle’s rich past and its ongoing story. Join us on: ( Facebook ) ( Instagram ) ( YouTube ) ( Website ) If you’d like to be on the show or if you know someone who would like to chat with us, then drop us an email at ( info@voicesofboyle.com ) Thanks to Brendan O' Dowd for creating and recording the musical piece for the podcast.…

Ep 54--- Episode 54 takes us on a trip down the Regan family lane with local photographer Mary Regan. Mary’s not only known for her own work as a local photographer but also for being the beloved wife of the late Christy Regan, one of Boyle’s most renowned photographers, who captured the spirit and essence of our town for decades. Together, Mary and Christy created a legacy that resonates with so many families in Boyle and beyond (most households locally have a photo that was taken by a Regan family member!). Let Mary take you back to her early days growing up in Elphin as she talks about her memories at home with her parents and going to both primary and secondary school. Christy soon comes into focus in our conversation as Mary gives us a glimpse into their special moments of meeting, going on their first date and later getting married, moving to Boyle, opening the business and having a family. We’ll dive into her memories of working alongside Christy, their family’s involvement in continuing his legacy and Mary’s own career as a photographer for the Roscommon Herald. We’re thankful to Mary for giving us a great insight into the life of her husband - the man behind the camera - whose work not only documented local life but also became a cherished part of countless family memories. We finish up talking about the Regan family’s journey of compiling ‘Through Christy’s Lens’, a two-volume book filled with Christy's remarkable photographs, making it a true visual record of our local history. Enjoy the chat with Mary as we reminisce, reflect, and honour her own work, the Regan family’s contribution to capturing local life with photos and, of course, the incredible life and work of her husband Christy. ****** You can purchase ‘Through Christy’s Lens’ on Enda’s website https://endaregan.com/collections/through-christy-lens. You can also buy the books locally in McGees Jewellers, Kelly’s Londis and Una Bhan (in the grounds of King House). Join us on: ( Facebook ) ( Instagram ) ( YouTube ) ( Website ) If you’d like to be on the show or if you know someone who would like to chat with us, then drop us an email at ( info@voicesofboyle.com ) Thanks to Brendan O' Dowd for creating and recording the musical piece for the podcast.…

Ep 53--- Michelle shares her vast expertise on various therapies - from the subtleties of reflexology and the rejuvenating benefits of Japanese facelift massage to the emerging excitement around Bowen Therapy. We chat about the nuances of holistic treatments versus conventional methods like Botox, dive into the benefits of Indian Head Massage, and take a closer look at the power of herbs like cleavers for the lymphatic system. Have a great Sunday and I hope you enjoy the episode with Michelle. Join us on: ( Facebook ) ( Instagram ) ( YouTube ) ( Website ) If you’d like to be on the show or if you know someone who would like to chat with us, then drop us an email at ( info@voicesofboyle.com ) Thanks to Brendan O' Dowd for creating and recording the musical piece for the podcast.…