All About Cork: Preserving Douglas Fingerpost and a new Labour South Central candidate

Tánaiste talks biodiversity with Douglas Tidy Towns

Tánaiste Micheál Martin paid a visit to Douglas Tidy Towns, where he took a tour of the local area, talking about biodiversity with particular reference to Doman’s Wood and the Mangala as well as Tramore River, invasive species, and water pollution.

Dr Lekha Menon Margassery to contest South Central Ward for Labour Party

The Labour Party has chosen its final candidate to contest the local elections for Cork City Council on June 7, with the selection of Dr Lekha Menon Margassery as its candidate for the South Central Ward.

Dr Margassery said: “I am a technical officer by profession, social worker by nature, dancer by passion and a poet by chance. I am Indian at heart and Irish by soul.

I would like to bring equality, honesty, trust and understanding towards one another, if elected as a local councillor.

Being an ardent leader of the UCC Indian Alumni Community, she has always been helping students and working professionals regarding accommodations.

She added: “I mainly want to bring a transformation in the issues that are faced by people and also to create a safe environment for all communities residing in Cork.

“As an immigrant, I would strive to prioritise affordable housing for all, including students and healthcare workers and also reduce the registration fees for IRP for international students.

“As a candidate, I want to create an awareness that all residents of Ireland can stand and vote for local elections.”

Councillor John Maher added: “It’s great to have the Labour Party representing all parts of Cork city. I’m hopeful of gaining more seats come June 7 and believe that all our Labour Party candidates are working hard in their communities and would be great additions to Cork City Council.

It would be great to strengthen the Labour team in Cork city and ensure a stronger social democratic voice in the chamber.

“I am proud to be part of the strong Labour team in Cork city. I congratulate Lekha on her selection and look forward to her campaign,” said fellow candidate Laura Harmon.

I encourage everyone to register to vote before the deadline on May 20 and it’s important that we tell all our friends that everyone living in Ireland can vote in the local elections.

Another Labour Party James Joy added: “Cork needs fresh voices on the council. The selection of Lekha adds to the wide breadth of skills and experiences posessed by Labour’s slate of candidates and is a fantastic final addition to the team.

“Our party has a proud history of representing the people of Cork. I’m confident that Lekha will continue this tradition and will make an excellent councillor for Cork City South Central.”

Peter Horgan concluded by saying: “We have a full, fresh, enthusiastic team who want to deliver a change in culture at City Hall.

It’s time for new voices in Cork City council, voices that will represent all families, young and old, in our wonderful city.

Sinn Féin’s Michelle calls for preservation of Fingerpost

Local Sinn Fein Candidate Michelle Cowhey Shahid Urges Preservation of Historic Finger Post in Douglas. Michelle Cowhey Shahid, Sinn Féin's local election candidate for Cork City South East and a resident of Douglas, is calling on the Bus Connects Plan to reconsider its proposal to remove the iconic Finger Post as part of its new plan for the city.

Ms. Cowhey Shahid emphasizes the cultural and historical significance of the Finger Post to the residents of Douglas and its suburbs. 

"The Finger Post is a long-recognized landmark for all the residents in Douglas and its suburbs," she asserts. 

While acknowledging the need to address traffic issues in the area, she argues that removing the Finger Post would not alleviate congestion. Instead, she fears that replacing it with a traffic light system would exacerbate traffic problems, particularly on the Rochestown Road and the Carrigaline Road.

Originally serving as a gallows and a meeting point for hunts, the Finger Post holds deep historical roots in Douglas. Despite assurances given to residents that the landmark would be preserved, concerns have arisen over its potential removal.

Ms. Cowhey Shahid recommends that Bus Connects takes into account the submission made by Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire TD, advocating for the preservation of the Finger Post at all costs. She stresses the importance of safeguarding historical features as Douglas evolves into the cosmopolitan suburb it is today.

In light of these concerns, Ms. Cowhey Shahid urges Bus Connects to prioritize the preservation of the Finger Post in any new road layout, ensuring that its cultural and historical significance is duly acknowledged and respected.

Douglas Writers Group

The Douglas Writers Group are meeting this coming Friday, May 3, at 5.30pm at the Douglas Library. Please make sure you have your library card. New members always welcome.

Enquiries to Ronnie at 087 1672715.

Men’s Shed

Carrigaline Men’s Shed stewarding team were in action on Sunday morning for the Lions Club Great Railway Run on the final stretch of road from Coolmore Cross to the finish at the Lions Youth Centre. 

On Monday last representatives of the Men’s Shed attended the 125 year celebration of Cork County Council. 

Meanwhile on Monday the Shed walking group travelled by bus for a most enjoyable walk through Fitzgerald’s Park in Cork City. 

The Men’s Shed Choir which practices every Tuesday have been invited to sing at the Official Opening of Camden Fort Meagher from 12 noon until 1.00pm this Saturday April 27.

The choir will sing for the residents and staff of Douglas Nursing Home this Tuesday. 

The Polytunnel is a hive of activity with over 20 members working on their plots. The wood workshop and the engineering workshop are also busy with projects. 

New members are welcome, contact Roger Morrissey 087 220 3547.

Lions Great Railway Run

Lions Great Railway Run 580 runners took part in the Great Railway run from Centre Park Road, Cork City to Carrigaline on Sunday morning last. 

On arrival all were presented with a medal and treated to hospitality in the Lions Youth Centre. 

Two coaches were used to bring competitors to and from the event. It was a beautiful sunny morning with very pleasant scenery on the way. 

The runners were cheered and applauded on the route and there was an exceptionally big crowd to greet them on arrival in Carrigaline. 

The Lions Club’s next project is the Emmet Cahill concert in association with the Carrigaline Singers in the Carrigaline Court Hotel this Thursday May 2.

 The annual Fort to Fort cycle rally from Camden Fort Meagher to Fort Davis and back takes place on Saturday June 8 in aid of the Mercy Hospital Foundation.

Athletics Club Carrigaline Athletics Club were central to the organising of the Great Railway Run on Sunday last they looked after the water stations, some stewarding, pacing and of course running in it. Well done, and thanks to all who supported this event. 

Meanwhile they had members running in the London Marathon also on Sunday last.

Emmet Cahill Concert 

The Carrigaline Singers in association with the Lions Club are having another fabulous concert in the Carrigaline Court Hotel on Thursday May 2 at 8.00pm.

This time it’s "Ireland's Most Exciting Young Tenor" Emmet Cahill from Mullingar, County Westmeath.

In 2011, Emmet was chosen to be a lead singer with the international Irish music phenomenon, Celtic Thunder. 

To date, Emmet has performed over 400 shows with the group throughout the United States, Canada and Australia. 

Emmet recently made sold-out debuts at New York's Carnegie Hall and with the world-famous Tabernacle Choir. 

His Irish album made Number 1 on the Billboard World Music Charts with Sony Music USA. 

He recently appeared in the national Concert Hall in Dublin, and annually performs a concert in his hometown of Mullingar in aid of Westmeath Hospice.

Tickets at €25 are available from The Carrigaline Court Hotel, Walsh's Pharmacy, Carrigaline Shopping Centre, Choir Members or on eventbrite.