All About Cork: Councillors sing praises of successful series of gigs

The recent series of concerts at Virgin Media Park, formerly Musgrave Park, has been hailed by local councillors as a resounding success.

Shania Twain, Take That, Becky Hill, and more took to the stage at the venue in recent weeks as part of the annual series of concerts.

Thousands of revellers attended the concerts and dozens of local volunteers and gardaí were out and about to ensure everyone had a safe, enjoyable time and that the local area remained clean and tidy.

Speaking to The Echo in recent days, Lord Mayor of Cork Councillor Dan Boyle said he was “very pleased that the concerts went so smoothly and were greatly enjoyed”.

“Particular praise to the gardaí and to local voluntary groups, such as Ballyphehane Tidy Towns, who helped it all go so well,” he added.

Recently elected Social Democrat councillor, Pádraig Rice, described the concert series as a “big success”.

“Having some of these big names come to town is great for the city and boosts local businesses,” he said.

“Well done to the gardaí and the community groups who helped ensure everything ran well, in particular to the Ballyphehane Tidy Towns crew, who were out in force. They are a credit to the community.

“There are always things that could be done to make these events run more smoothly,” added Mr Rice.

“Next year, it would be great to see a few more portaloos around. There were also a few issues with parking.

“We need to improve public transport in the city so that fewer people feel like they have to drive to big events. That will solve those issues.

“These concerts are a good reminder of why we need a proper event centre in the city that is close to hotels and public transport hubs,” the local councillor stated further.

“It’s a real shame that the site in town has sat idle for so long. We need to see movement on that project.”

Kettle on Boyle for Togher tea party

The newly elected Lord Mayor, Councillor Dan Boyle, visited the Togher Wednesday Social Group (Senior Ladies) Tea Party last week.

A spokesperson for the group said the new Lord Mayor was warmly welcomed by the chairperson and other members and the manager of Togher Community Centre and other guests, including ALONE support coordinator, Karen O’Sullivan.

“The Lord Mayor is no stranger to Togher residents both as a councillor and TD in the past,” the spokesperson added.

“The refreshments were provided by Ryan’s SuperValu and Route 14, Togher.

“The event commenced with a review of past events and illustrated with dozens of photographs and it ended with a very informative presentation on the work of ALONE, which was founded by Willie Birmingham in 1977.”

The Togher Wednesday Social Group currently has a limited number of places available to new members.

If you are interested in joining or know someone who is interested, you are welcome to contact 087-9748042.

The group meets at Togher Community Centre from 2pm to 4pm on Wednesdays – except the third Wednesday of every month when they meet in the cafe of Ryan’s SuperValu.

Lord Mayor pays visit to Togher community group

New councillor calls for an elected Mayor

A newly elected local councillor has called for a directly elected Mayor for Cork.

Social Democrats councillor Pádraig Rice said: “I think a directly elected Mayor would strengthen local democracy in Cork.

“This new Mayor must be vested with real powers, to drive change on behalf of the people of Cork.

“We have to watch and learn from the experience in Limerick. If it works there, there is no reason why it won’t work here.”

Yellow box needed says Finn

A request for a yellow box on Togher Road to allow for access into an estate has been logged with Cork City Council, following requests from exasperated residents.

Former councillor Mick Finn has asked the roads directorate to look at the possibility of installing a yellow box on the main road outside Boston Park.

“It’s a cat and mouse situation for residents of Boston Park trying to get in and out of their homes, as traffic backs up on the main Togher Road,” he said.

“A yellow box, or partial box, would help them to enter and exit safely.”

Mr Finn was informed that this would be looked at and action taken if deemed appropriate.

€800 raised for new hall roof

More than €800 has been raised so far for the new sports hall roof at Ballyphehane Community Centre.

In a statement, the centre said: “Thank you Ballyphehane. We have been hugely grateful for the amazing response to our GoFundMe campaign. Your contributions make a huge impact and it shows what can be done when we as a community work together. Work has officially begun on the sports hall roof. Let’s keep the momentum going.”

To sponsor a roof tile for €10, go to Go Fund Me.

Plea to host dogs for disabled

A local charity has called for people to take in a dog for the summer holidays.

Dogs for the Disabled is a pioneering charity established in 2007.

Based in Togher, the charity trains specially bred dogs to assist children and adults with disabilities to help them achieve greater independence in their lives.

The charity ethically breeds and trains golden retrievers, labradors, and standard poodles for specific physical disabilities.

In a statement, the charity said: Our superstars need holidays too! We are looking for holiday cover for some of our training dogs over the summer holidays.

“If you’re available for a minimum of two weeks together over the summer months and have a fully enclosed garden, plus the time to care for one of our amazing superstars, please email caroline@dogsfordisabled.ie.”

Ballyphehane land junior title

Ballyphehane claimed the AOS Security Seandún Junior Football League 2 title, after they defeated Douglas in the decider at Ballinlough. 

The junior side ran out winners on a scoreline of 2-10 to 2-5.

Barrs to hold golf classic

St Finbarr's Hurling and Football Club will hold their annual golf classic on Friday, July 19, at Monkstown Golf Club.

The format is a three-person stableford team event and the cost per team is €250 and includes a meal.

They will also have a number of additional challenges, including nearest the pin, on hole 13, and longest drive, on hole 14, with prizes for the winners of each of these competitions.

Have Ballyphehane news to share? Contact darragh.bermingham@theecho.ie