All About Cork: Ballincollig Civil War patriot Burns honoured with plaque

A plaque to commemorate a Ballincollig patriot who died during the Civil War has been unveiled at the village’s East Gate. Born in the Powdermills in 1879, Patrick Burns joined the IRA in 1916, taking the anti-Treaty side during the Civil War.

He was accidentally injured on August 10, 1922, when Ballincollig Barracks was set alight by republican forces withdrawing from Cork city. Unknown to his comrades, he was asleep in the barracks after being on duty and was badly burned. He succumbed to his injuries in the Mercy Hospital on August 21, 1922, and is buried at St Finbarr’s Cemetery.

Des O’Grady, chairperson of the memorial committee, outlined the story of Vol Patrick Burns, and thanked Cork City Council and the people of Ballincollig for their support in erecting the plaque.

He welcomed Patrick Crotty, a grandson of Patrick Burns, and Fermoy historian Christy Roche, who had helped in making contact with the family.

Deputising for the Lord Mayor of Cork at the event was local Sinn Féin councillor Joe Lynch, who said the plaque was a fitting tribute.

Mr Lynch said: “Our history is important, and this is the culmination of two years of work by a local committee formed to document the life and times of Patrick Burns, and to erect a fitting memorial to him in his native village.

“It was particularly powerful to hear from the grandson of Patrick Burns at the event, and it was a great honour for me to represent the Lord Mayor in my hometown.

“I hope that this plaque will serve as a focal point for people to learn more about a local man who gave his life in the service of his country. It is particularly fitting for it to be located at the historic East Gate, which Patrick Burns would have traversed daily on his way to and from his home in the Powdermills.”

Pick-a-Pumpkin Festival

Down Syndrome Cork Field of Dreams has announced its Pick-a-Pumpkin Festival is back this year, on October 6-13 from 10am to 3.30pm, with a range of time slots available.

The festival will feature three ticket types this year. with a family/group ticket costing €32.50 (plus fees), and that will include entry for four people and will allow them to take away one pumpkin.

A pumpkin ticket costs €20 (plus fees) and includes entry for one and one pumpkin. An entry ticket cost €5 (plus fees) and includes entry only for one and does not include a pumpkin. Children aged under two go free.

Tickets are available on Eventbrite only. For information about the event, contact debbie.kelleher@downsyndromecork.ie

Gemma Hayes at White Horse

Continuing its long tradition of supporting live music and bringing top acts to Ballincollig, The White Horse is presenting Mercury Prize nominated singer and songwriter Gemma Hayes this weekend, as she brings her unique alt folk songs for an intimate show.

Over the past number of years, the Ballyporeen native has been playing small venues, road testing some new material and reconnecting with her fanbase. She has also been busy with her occasional side project — the Gemma Hayes/Lisa Hannigan/Paul Noonan Trio — which has been wowing audiences.

She is currently putting the finishing touches to a new album, Blind Faith, inspired by moving to West Cork with her young family, due for release in September 2024.

Gemma Hayes plays The White Horse at 8.30pm on September 14. Tickets are available from Eventbrite for €27.19 including booking fee. See whitehorse.ie.

Ballincollig AFC Academy for children back on astroturf

Ballincollig AFC’s Academy is back every Saturday on Gaelscoil Uí Riordain’s astroturf pitches. Times are staggered to help with parking. Each session is for boys and girls.

The session for children under six and under seven runs from 9.30am to 10.30am. For children under eight and under nine, it is from 10.45am until 11.45am. The session for children under 10 runs from midday to 1.00pm.

For further information, please contact academy manager Alan on 087 2266231.

Mini rugby enrolment

Mini rugby at Ballincollig RFC is back every Saturday morning in Tanner Park, and new members are welcome. Whether you’re new to rugby or not, the club would love to have you join.

The session for under sevens and under eights runs from 9.30am to 10.30, and is for children born between 2017 and 2019, and they must be turned five. For children under nine to under 12, the session runs from 10am to 11am, and they must have been born between 2013 and 2016. Boys and girls are welcome.

The coaches are qualified and experienced, and the environment is safe, fun, and family-friendly, offering an opportunity for children to get active, make new friends, and fall in love with rugby.

Drop down on Saturday or contact Patrick at minis@ballincolligrfc.ie for more details.

Pyke Drama Group returns

The Pyke Drama Group is holding its monthly scríacht at Ballincollig Rugby Club at Tanner Park this evening, Tuesday, September 10, at 8.30pm. All are welcome to an evening of music, song, and dance. Admission is free. The group will hold a raffle on the night.

In keeping with tradition on the first night back after the summer break, brown bread and blackberry jam and a cuppa will be served.

Pre-school afternoon places

With the autumn season under way, there are still a few afternoon places available at the Bun An Cnoic Pre-School in Grange Cross, Ovens. There are no morning places available. The pre-school is offering free ECCE places, with times available from noon to 3pm, five days a week, catering for infants aged from 2.8 months to six years, and children must be 2.8 months before September 1 of the year they start. Classes are now enrolling. Call 086 1754519, or email carolineoc86@gmail.com.

GAA club lottery draw

The numbers drawn in the weekly Ballincollig GAA Club lottery on Thursday, September 5, were: 1, 7, 10, and 11. With the club’s lottery jackpot at €20,000, the draw is the highest amount it can be and must be won. There was no winner, and consolation prizes went to George Martin (€100), Senan Power (€50), and Declan Hegarty (€50). 

The next draw will take place this week, on Thursday evening, September 12, with all proceeds going to Ballincollig GAA Club. To enter the draw, see Ballincollig GAA Club’s various social media pages.

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