All About Cork: Regular scrabble meetup at library puts emphasis on fun

A fun new board game meetup is taking place in Mayfield Library on the first and third Thursday of each month.

Therese Loesberg explained: “I’m a big fan of scrabble and I have a very competitive sister who takes it very seriously, but I’m not competitive at all.

“So often I mention scrabble to friends and they say ‘I couldn’t play, I’m hopeless, I would only annoy you.'” 

So she started co-operative scrabble with two friends where they all help each other to find interesting words, ideally long words to open up the game.

They leave the tiles flat on the table, and Ms Loesberg explained: “I was missing a H, my friend across the table said she had a H she would lend to me, so I put a lovely word on the board.

“People were shocked, asking ‘is that allowed?’ but the contract of the game is between everyone around the table – in Mayfield Library we are allowed to twist the rules if we all agree.

“At the end, we all had great fun and made beautiful words!” she explained, adding that they tot up the points together at the end as a team.

“Serious scabble players find it shocking, so if you are very competitive, you’ll hate it.”

Rather than making a small word that might score you 60 points, they try to make a longer word even if it only scores 20 points, because it opens up the board.

“The average age of players is quite elderly so it is good stimulation. Many live alone and are retired, so the day is long but the library is welcoming and warm and the game is so sociable.

“In my life, if I play a game I must have fun - and we do!” she said.

Ms Loesberg said a friend who played  is thinking of suggesting it to Carrigaline library “so we might start a trend!” 

The next co-operative scrabble game will take place on Thursday, June 7 at 11am.

Siddarth receives his Level 2 Certificate at Mayfield Library

Community funding

Funding of €31,341 has been pledged for Mayfield and Glanmire under the Local Enhancement Programme.

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, and Minister of State Joe O’Brien, announced the successful projects.

These include Ard na Coille Residents (€500), Community Adult Learning Project CALP (€900), Mayfield East Community Association (€700), Mayfield Integrated Community Development Project (€3,500), Mayfield Mens Shed (€5,000), Mayfield Sports Complex (€2,000), Newbury House Family Centre (€3,241) and St Joseph’s Community Association Ltd (€3,000).

Glanmire projects include St John’s Ambulance (€1,000), and Upper Glanmire Community Association (€500).

Family Fun Day at St Killian’s

The parent’s association of St Killian’s School in Mayfield have announced the return of their annual Family Fun Day.

Chairperson Suzanne O’Flynn said: “The day allows for the entire community to come together and enjoy some family friendly activities; bouncy castles, sports and crafts and whole lot more.

“Alongside a range of child friendly activities on the day there will be a number of local food traders so there is a wide range of food and drinks to choose from.”

They also hope to have the added excitement of visits from the Fire Brigade and Armed Services.

All are welcome to attend the fun-filled day which takes place on Saturday, June 8, from 1pm to 4pm at St Killian’s.

Tickets cost €20 for two adults and four children, and additional adult tickets are €5 each, with the money raised going towards sensory play equipment for the school.

‘Half Way to Christmas’ party

The Castle Glanmire is hosting a ‘Half Way to Christmas’ party at the end of June, inspired by Bruce Springsteen’s performance of Santa Claus Is Coming To Town at his Cork gig last month. There will be Christmas decorations up, Santa hats for attendees, Christmassy cocktails, and DJs and live music acts will be playing festive hits. It begins at 8pm on Saturday, June 29, and those planning to attend are encouraged to pre-book.

THE design of the Mayfield to Glen Walking and Cycling Scheme is now expected to be completed over the summer months and to be ready for consultation later in the year.

Green Party councillor for the

Cork City North East ward, Oliver Moran, said after this week’s meeting of the Local Area Committee: “This will be a major scheme to improve the pedestrian environment across the area between Tinker’s Cross and Blackpool.

“One question that was of concern to many people was if a cycling route would be put through the Glen River Park.

“My understanding is that now that isn’t going to be the case and that a route along the North Ring Road is being examined.”

Glen walking and cycling

An application has been lodged to fund the start of a playground at Village Pitches on Boherboy Road.

Cork City Council will apply for €50,000 from the Community Recognition Fund to begin work on this, which may be supplemented with local investment as well.

Councillor Oliver Moran said: “The prospect of funding for a playground here is really exciting. It will mean being able to get the project off the ground this year, like was promised. It’s something that the local group of residents can take real satisfaction in at the pace of moving the project along.

“The purpose of this funding is to support communities that have welcomed people from Ukraine and other countries over the past number of years.

“The Mayfield and Montenotte area has definitely done this. I think this would be an appropriate way of celebrating that, with a place that children regardless of background can play together.”

Glanmire resources needed

Fianna Fáil candidate in the upcoming local elections in the Cork City North East ward, Shane Ryan, has emphasised the pressing need for resources and facilities for young people in Glanmire and the surrounding areas.

Mr Ryan has called for the development of urban municipal all-weather community pitches and the utilisation of school buildings after hours to better serve the community.

“Our young people deserve access to safe, high-quality recreational facilities year-round — currently there is a glaring lack of such resources in our community.

“By investing in all-weather pitches, we can provide a reliable space for sports and physical activities, regardless of the season or weather conditions,” he said.

Have Mayfield news to share? 

Email Mary.Corcoran@theecho.ie