All About Cork: Student authors honoured at City Hall book launch

Pupils from Morning Star National School were welcomed to City Hall by the Lord Mayor of Cork in recent days to celebrate the launch of their very own book, The Adventures of Brown and Alexander.

Boys from 5th and 6th class wrote and illustrated their very own book with the help of author Kevin Doyle and illustrator Colin O’Mahony.

The project, inspired by Deirbhile Dennehy in Tory Top Library and sponsored by First South Credit Union, was officially launched in City Hall in recent days.

In a statement, Morning Star National School said:

“The boys from 5th and 6th classes had a wonderful morning as they were welcomed by the Lord Mayor to officially launch their book in City Hall.

The boys have authored and illustrated the book themselves with guidance from author Kevin Doyle and illustrator Colin O Mahoney.

“We’d like to thank Deirbhile Dennehy in Tory Top Library for initiating this idea and to First South Credit Union for their generous sponsorship.

“We are beyond proud of the boys and their consistent hard work throughout this project.

“Well done to each and every one of them!”

Speaking to The Echo, Lord Mayor of Cork city, councillor Kieran McCarthy, congratulated the pupils on their creativity and talent.

“It was a pleasure to receive the students from Morning Star National School,” he said.

“The class involved in creating their own book are highly talented. They had to imagine the story and its characters and map out the journey of the characters.

“They also drew the illustrations. It’s clear from meeting them that the students enjoyed the process,” said Mr McCarthy.

“Very well done to them and to their parents and teachers, and to Tory Top Library and the local credit union for supporting the book from idea to fruition.”

Change Cafe event announced

The organisers of the Change Café in Ballyphehane have announced the details of their next workshop.

The initiative, which focuses on women’s health and menopause, takes place on the second Tuesday of every month and is free to attend.

In a statement, organisers said they were “excited to announce the next workshop at the third meeting of The Change Café”.

“This workshop will take place on Tuesday evening, June 11 at 7pm at the Ballyphehane Community Centre, Tory Top Road. The workshop is titled ‘Meditation and Mindfulness with Ruth Galvin’.

The Change Café is run by representatives from the Ballyphehane Togher Community Development Project CLG, Ballyphehane/Togher Adult Education Provision CETB, Cork City Partnership CLG and Cork South Community Work Department/Cork Kerry Community Healthcare.

Library link to your home

Tory Top Library has highlighted its library link service for housebound people.

A spokesperson for the library said: “Are you living in the Tory Top area and are housebound due to illness or accident?

“Tory Top Library can deliver books to you at either home or nursing home.

“If you wish to avail of this service, please contact Rose Smyth: rose_smyth@corkcity.ie or call (021) 4924900.

“Alternatively, enquire at the Tory Top Library lending desk if you, or someone you know, might benefit from this service. It is easy to sign up to the service and it is free of charge.”

Candidate calls for five Tramore Valley Park changes

Social Democrats local election candidate for Cork City South Central, Pádraig Rice, has called for five changes to Tramore Valley Park, including pedestrian access from Ballyphehane.

Mr Rice is also calling for a fully accessible playground, and enclosed area for dogs, more bins and more seating.

“Tramore Valley Park is a fantastic amenity but hasn’t reached its full potential,” said Mr Rice.

“It needs more investment from Cork City Council. The city council needs to improve pedestrian access to Tramore Valley Park from the Ballyphehane side of the park.

“It is great that we have the new bridge connecting Grange and Frankfield to Tramore Valley Park, but the people in Ballyphehane can’t be left behind.

“We need pedestrian access from the west side of the park, too. We have to make it easier for everyone to walk or cycle to the park.

“Tramore Valley Park also needs a playground,” he added.

“It’s a no-brainer. Cork also needs a dog park, and Tramore Valley Park is an ideal spot.

“The park needs more bins, particularly on the new walkway from Grange. One simple and cheap change would be more seating too.”

Tidy Towns new weeding tool

Togher Tidy Towns have expressed their delight after receiving a new weeding tool, which was presented to the local group by the Maltings Company of Ireland.

In a statement, the local group said:

“Many thanks to The Maltings Company of Ireland who recently presented Togher Tidy Towns with our new WeedHex tool.

“[It has] already made a huge impact in Togher as many weeds have been removed from Sycamore place and on Spur Hill.

“We’d ask everyone to please help us, particularly over the next few weeks while the judging season is upon us to report any litter dumping to Cork City Council or please try to help us clean up around our community.

“We meet every Saturday morning from 11am to 1pm and meet up later for some light refreshments if anyone would like to join the team. No experience needed and all equipment, gloves, litter pickers supplied.

“Please follow us on our social media and check out our new website https://toghertidytowns.ie. If you’re a company and want to help with volunteering, why not contact your local Tidy Towns like the Maltings Company of Ireland did, as all groups greatly appreciate the support we get from local businesses.”

Bowling glory for student

Coláiste Éamann Rís has expressed its pride in a first year student who has achieved bowling success in Cork and across Ireland.

Caoilinn Callanan’s bowling talents saw her claim the U14 Cork City Championships, the U16 Cork City Championships and the All-Ireland Road Bowling Championships for U14s. In a statement, Coláiste Éamann Rís said: “Congratulations to first year student Caoilinn Callanan who has won the All-Ireland Road Bowling Championship for 14s, the U16 Cork City championship and U14 Cork City Championship.”

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Email darragh.bermingham@theecho.ie