All About Cork: Centre helped turn Lisa’s life around after her dog died

Lisa Murphy has recently started a Chit Chat Club at Mayfield Integrated Community Development Project, the first meeting of which was a huge success.

Lisa told The Echo that there were lots of new faces in the centre for the event, explaining that two years ago, she herself was new to the centre “where I turned my life around”.

“When I came here, I had no qualifications – I left school at 13, but there’s no judgement here.”

Two years ago, her dog had just died and she was in a dark place when she was approached by the late Mary Kelly at the noticeboard and encouraged to take part in courses, and the centre become her safety net.

“Mary Kelly saw the broken Lisa and she did her best to fix it: she gave me a chance,” Lisa said, explaining that Mayfield CDP and Fidelma O’ Connell from Health Action Zone have been instrumental to her journey.

She has now completed courses from psychology to personal development to Drum Fit, helps out in the CDP garden, and is looking into getting back into education with the support of facilitator Liz O’Halloran, who explained Lisa is actively getting more people involved in the centre so that they too can change their lives.

As well as courses, she has become active in the community ,as she has formed relationships with businesses such as the library, SuperValu, John and Karen from Keohane’s Funeral Home, and Owen McSweeney Signs, who have been a support to her and to the centre, donating to projects along with CETB, Pobal, the HSE and Cork City Partnership.

CDP Administrator Michelle O’Regan said; “She’s a totally different person to who she was two years ago, and to have become who she is now is a huge achievement.”

Lisa explained: “When my dog died, I had no best friend, now I have oceans of friends – it’s like a second family in here.”

Kids sports extravaganza

Children aged seven and up can take part in a free programme this summer, as Cork City Partnership in conjunction with the council, Cork Sports Partnership and CETB will be running Sports on the Green Events in Mayfield and Glanmire. 

There will be an event at Lagan Grove on Tuesday to Friday, August 6-9 and one at Shannon Lawn from 4.30pm to 5pm, and two at Glenamoy Park Playground and John O’Callaghan Park on the same dates from 3pm to 4pm.

Soccer, GAA, athletics, volleyball and cricket is on offer – with all sessions delivered by qualified coaches.

A maximum of 20 children is allowed per group, and each child will need to register with Patricia at the Community House, 79 Glenamoy Lawn, Mayfield before August 5.

Glashaboy flood relief scheme

Councillor Margaret McDonnell has shared an update on the roadworks as part of the Glashaboy Flood Relief Scheme.

The works involve new bridges, road resurfacing, utility installation, flood defence walls, and flood embankments – they have been split into a number of zones to minimise disruption to the public and businesses.

The Hazelwood Road footpath adjacent to the Credit Union is set to reopen today, July 22, while the R615 will remain closed to facilitate works until early August and the L-2964 New Line Road, Brooklodge East Road will remain closed until October.

The three-way traffic management system will also remain in place to divert traffic from the L-2964 until October. Sorensen Civil Engineering have shared a detailed update on the planned work schedule for the next three months, which can be viewed here: www.floodinfo.ie.

Community House open days

Cork City Partnership (CCP) is hosting three open mornings at The Community House, 79 Glenamoy Lawn, Mayfield, from 11am to 1pm on Thursdays July 25, August 1, and August 8.

People are invited to come in, have a coffee and a chat, and learn about the courses it offers and the summer activities for children.

CCP focuses on the education, employment, and empowerment of individuals and communities who are experiencing disadvantage and social exclusion. The group has been contracted to deliver the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme which aims to tackle poverty and exclusion through local engagement and partnerships with community organisations and public sector agencies.

Courses include sewing and sewing machine skills, yoga, aromatherapy and oils, from September onwards, and healthy cooking, zumba fold, relaxation, and mindfulness and introduction to felting and batik courses, from October.

The courses are held at several venues in the locality, and anyone interested can come to an open morning or contact 087 1902848.

Cycle route consultation

There is just one week left to make submissions to the Glanmire to City Cycle Route (Phase 2).

The proposed development will be 4.9km from Tivoli/Dunkettle to Michael Collins Bridge in the city centre and will see the separation of pedestrian and cycle facilities from busy roads.

The proposed development includes new steel bridges and ramps, new or upgraded public lighting along the length of the scheme, seating areas, bike parking, a play area in the Port of Cork 2000 Garden, pedestrian railings, barriers, road markings, and signage.

Some 204 small to medium trees are proposed to be removed, but around 138 new trees will be planted in addition to hedging, ornamental planting, and planting of native wildflowers.

The closing date for all submissions is Monday, July 29, at 4pm, either in writing to the Senior Engineer, Infrastructure Development, City Hall or online at https://consult.corkcity.ie/

Football championship

Glanmire Football Club is encouraging the community to get out and support their local team in the first game of the championship this week.

Round 1 of the annual Intermediate Football Championship will see Glanmire take on St Finbarr’s. The match will take place at St Vincent’s on July 28, with throw in at 7.30pm. 

Free bus to Youghal

A free bus to Youghal will be leaving from Mayfield on August 15 for any families who would like to enjoy a summer day out.

Organised by Cork City Partnership the bus will leave from our Lady Crowned Church, Mayfield, at 10am on August 15 and return from Youghal at 4pm that afternoon.

All children must be accompanied by an adult, and booking is essential to secure a spot, as places are limited.

You can reserve a spot by calling Patricia at 087 1902848 or by calling into The Community House at 79 Glenamoy Lawn, Mayfield.

Have Mayfield news to share? Contact amy.campbell@theecho.ie