All About Cork: Spring cleaning with Ballyphehane Tidy Towns

Togher Tidy Towns unveils new mural at The Avenue

Togher Tidy Towns has unveiled a new mural at The Avenue, off Main Street, which was a collaboration between the local group, a Cork artist and a local primary school.

Students from Togher Boys National School were invited to submit drawings and the final design of the mural was chosen from these.

The mural was painted by artist Kevin O’Brien, and it has brought new life to the area.

Last Wednesday, Togher Boys School students planted seven Holly trees, collected 7 kg of litter in the area and kitted out a new bug hotel made by a Tidy Towns volunteer.

Over the next few weeks, wild flowers seeds will be sown and the flowers will be in full bloom when the Tidy Towns judges visit in June.

The project was funded by Cork City Council Creative Communities Grant and with the help of Stephen Scully.

Speaking to The Echo about the project, Fergal O’Connor, chair of Togher Tidy Towns, said:

“This is a very successful project by Togher Tidy Towns.

We took an area that was neglected, we cleaned it and transformed it into the beautiful place it is now. The boys from Togher National School were an amazing help and the project was funded by Cork City Council.

“It is now a place that the community admires and will be used by the schools for nature walks,” he added.

"The feedback from the community has been very positive.”

Call for a local ‘No Mow May’

Ballyphehane Tidy Towns is leading the call for people in the local community to take part in ‘No Mow May’ this year.

The group has asked people to ditch the lawnmowers this month to support biodiversity in the Ballyphehane area.

In a statement, Ballyphehane Tidy Towns said: “Join us in embracing the beauty of No Mow May!

“This month, let’s ditch the lawnmowers and let our gardens grow wild.

By participating in #NoMowMay, you’re creating vital habitats for pollinators, birds, and wildlife to flourish right in your own backyard.

“Discover the joy of watching your garden burst into life and become a haven for nature,” they added.

“You can learn about the benefits of No Mow May on our website which has information on pollinator-friendly plants and how to create your own little meadow.”

Explore Togher garden for Biodiversity Week

The organisers of the Togher Community Garden have encouraged members of the local community to join them at the garden later this month to mark their participation in Biodiversity Week.

“Join us on Wednesday, May 22 from 11am, to celebrate National Biodiversity Week,” they said.

We will show all we have going on at the garden, from insect life, ponds and frogs, birds and trees, and everything in between.

Tidy Towns seeks volunteers

Ballyphehane Tidy Towns has encouraged members of the community to volunteer with the local group. The group meets every Wednesday in Ballyphehane Park for a power hour between 6pm and 7pm, during which time they tackle litter in different areas.

In a statement, the group said: “Join us for our Wednesday Power Hour from 6pm to 7pm in Ballyphehane Park at ‘Da Shed’. It’s the perfect opportunity to make a difference in our community while enjoying the fresh air and camaraderie. Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or new to Tidy Towns, we welcome you with open arms. Let’s come together to keep Ballyphehane beautiful!”

Call for election poster limit

Local election candidates in the Togher area have been encouraged to limit the number of election posters they put up.

Togher Tidy Towns recently hosted a meeting of sitting councillors and candidates in the area, to ask that poster numbers be limited ahead of the local elections next month.

In a statement, the group said: “Following on from our discussion, Togher Tidy Towns are requesting that you limit your posters to the following two areas - Chetwynd cemetery to Dunne’s on Bandon Road; [and] from Eagle Valley to Sarsfield Road roundabout. We would also ask that you limit your posters to two per area, four posters in total per candidate. We would greatly appreciate your support in this matter.”

‘Constructive’ talks on flats

Assurances of better communication and options for transfers pre-demolition were made to residents of Noonan’s Road, following a meeting with Cork City Council housing officials this week, a local councillor has stated.

A group of more than 50 residents attended an information session about proposals to demolish flats at Noonan’s Road, St Finbarr’s Road, Fort Street and Dean Street and the arrangements in the meantime, such as transfers and maintenance.

Speaking following the latest meeting, Independent councillor Mick Finn said: 

It was a constructive meeting where issues like poor communication about what is currently happening and what the overall plans are going on from the council’s perspective were addressed. A commitment for better communication and information was made by the housing officials.

Cllr Finn said that all residents are being encouraged to bid for council properties that are coming up on the choice-based letting system, and that this will be the main option for residents of the flat complexes in the short term.

Celtic are back in action

Ballyphehane Celtic will field a team for the first time in 10 years as they are set to enter into the Cork Business League for the coming season.

 It was the idea of James Corcoran, who will manage the team.

“The objective of the club is to raise awareness of sepsis, have fundraisers for the charity, promoting Ballyphehane as a community all whilst trying to win some trophies with this club. We will be going into the Cork Business League 2nd Division for what I expect to be a competitive division,” said Mr Corcoran.

Have any Ballyphehane, Togher or Turner's Cross news to share? Contact darragh.bermingham@theecho.ie