All About Cork: Memorial cabinet in Ballincollig park is Cork’s smallest library

On the banks of the river in Ballincollig’s Regional Park is Cork’s smallest working library.

Nestled under the shelter of trees beside the Inniscarra Bridge is a freestanding, glass-doored, wooden cabinet crammed with books.

The cabinet is not locked, and anyone who might want to borrow a book and read it in the shade, or bring it home, is encouraged to do so.

Pat’s Little Free Library began in August 2021. Run by Mary Meaney, it is dedicated to her late husband, Pat, a teacher of English and history in Coláiste Choilm, who passed away in February 2020 at the age of 69, just before the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Visiting her daughter, Natasha, in London, Mary became stranded for eight weeks at the start of lockdown, and, out walking every day, the initial thought of a bench dedicated to Pat’s memory evolved: “Wouldn’t dad love it if we put a box of books by the bench?”

Their house has always been filled with books, and Mary said the idea of a library seemed like a fitting tribute.

The bench was erected in August 2020 and the library was assembled in the Midleton Men’s Shed, opening in August 2021.

It has been a very popular addition to Ballincollig Regional Park ever since.

“I think it’s just brilliant that parents and children sit on the benches and read books. Pat would have loved that,” Mary said.

“He’d be delighted with himself,” said their daughter, Sharon, to laughter.

“I was talking to a colleague of his, and she said that when she comes down here and sees all the books, Pat Meaney is still alive.”

The library is seeking donations of children’s and young adult books.

“We have loads of adult books, but we always need children’s books,” Mary said.

To support Pat’s Little Free Library, email meaney.mary@gmail.com.

Toy library opens

Ballincollig's Toy Library is open this Friday, July 5, and it offers a wide range of toys for loan, with items ranging from puzzles, board games and educational toys to action figures, farm animals, dinosaurs, puppets, ride-on toys and baby toys. 

Toys are loaned out to members for one month at a time, but if you would like to extend that period, they can be kept for up to three months.

The toy library charges a one-off €2 family joining fee, with that fee going mainly toward helping with storage and cleaning costs. 

The Toy Library is open at midday this Friday, in the Carraig Centre. All are welcome. 

For further details see www.carraigcentre.ie or email katie20gould@gmail.com. 

The Carraig Centre is located on the Old Fort Road in Ballincollig, P31PV20.

Calls for traffic measures

A Ballincollig councillor is to call for traffic-calming measures along one local stretch of road.

The move comes after reports of speeding incidents along the road by St Oliver’s Cemetery in Carrigrohane.

Ballincollig Fianna Fáil councillor Colm Kelleher told The Echo that he intends to raise the matter at the next meeting of the local electoral area committee.

“I’ll be calling for additional traffic-calming measures along the back road by St Oliver’s Cemetery, and this would entail solar-powered traffic-calming signs in both directions, after a number of reports of speeding along the road,” Mr Kelleher said.

The former lord mayor said he will raise the matter in a motion he will put down at the council’s south-west local area committee next meeting.

“That meeting is due to take place in the coming weeks and I will be putting forward a motion seeking funding from Cork City Council,” he said.

Quigley on stage at White Horse

A man who describes himself as “a wild singer-songwriter” will take the stage at The White Horse in Ballincollig soon. Rebel Frequencies will present Kevin Quigley & The Great Ideas at 8.30pm on Saturday, July 13.

His music, according to Hot Press, “embodies the singer’s footloose and fancy-free ways”.

Drawing inspiration from the likes of Bob Dylan, Glen Hansard, Wilco, The Smiths, CCR and R.E.M, his compositions shift from raw emotional performances to foot-stomping rock. He has recently headlined at Whelan’s, Coughlan’s, and Kavanagh’s and he has also played venues such as Cyprus Avenue and Sea Church, joining acts like Hermitage Green, The Burma, The Pale, Corner Boy, James Keegan and The Shoos.

“If Americana could be made Irish, Kevin Quigley has cracked the code with his warm guitar lead track. Part rock, part country, part folk, Soul Sold is 100% feelgood and will leave you feeling affirmed with Quigley’s storytelling centreing on the human heart,” said Hot Press.

“Quigley’s unwavering commitment to authenticity is evident in his music. By self-producing and recording many of his tracks, he has created a raw and personal sound that connects with his audience.

“Soul Sold is a testament to his artistic vision and his ability to create music that speaks to the human experience,” said Music Crowns.

For booking information, see whitehorse.ie.

Pre-school places available

There are a few afternoon places still available at the Bun An Cnoic Pre-School in Grange Cross, Ovens, which begins the autumn season in September.

The pre-school is offering free ECCE pre-school places, with times available noon to 3pm, five days a week, catering for infants aged from 2.8 months to six years.

Classes are now enrolling, so for further details, call Caroline 0861754519, or email carolineoc86@gmail.com.

Music camp to get underway

A week-long children’s music camp will run from 9.30am to 1.30pm each day, from Monday, July 15, until Friday, July 19.

Organisers promise it will be “a week of music, games, and arts and crafts”, including a “creative cookies decorating workshop with Delphine Cuisine”, yoga, music, and mindfulness, games, arts and crafts, including tie dye t-shirts, and more.

The summer camp will be open to all primary aged school children, at a charge of €95 per child, with a sibling discount available.

To book a place, mail niamhoconnormusic@gmail.com or text 086 1262230.

Ballincollig GAA club lotto

The numbers drawn in the weekly Ballincollig GAA Club lottery on last Thursday, June 27, were: 11, 12, 24, and 35.

With the club’s lottery jackpot of €20,000, the draw is now at the highest amount it can reach and must be won. There was no jackpot winner drawn last week, and consolation prizes went to Mikey O’Brien (€100), Jacqueline Healy (€50), and Cyril Lovett (€50). The next draw will take place this week, on Thursday evening, July 4.

For details on how to enter, see Ballincollig GAA Club’s various social media pages.

Have Ballincollig news to share? Contact donal.okeeffe@theecho.ie