All About Cork: Holy Well NS proudly raised two new flags in October

A result of the amalgamation of St John’s GNS and Scoil Mhuire Lourdes NS, Holy Well NS has more than 800 pupils and nearly 90 staff.

Life in such a large school is very busy and the children benefit from a multi-talented, motivated staff. October has been particularly busy as the school proudly raised two new flags.

The students earned their sixth Green School Flag for the work they completed over two years on the topic of ‘Global Citizenship - Litter and Waste’.

The children engaged in litter picking both on the school grounds and in the local community in conjunction with Tidy Towns; monitored the weight of the rubbish in the school bins and undertook a campaign to reduce this; held Swap Shops and Sustainability Markets as well as planting and painting in the school gardens.

The Children’s Green School committee is currently leading a drive to eliminate the use of paper towels and all children are encouraged to bring in their own hand towel. They also visited the local AIB branch to learn about the Circular Economy as well as SuperValu to find out where the fruit and vegetables sold there come from. They learned that sustainability in our local community is a high priority.

Ms Birgit O’Driscoll from An Taisce attended the flag raising ceremony which was led by the school choir and the school ukulele orchestra. Ms O’Driscoll was very impressed by the initiatives the children had undertaken to reduce the impact of their waste on the global environment. The school also earned its first Amber Flag for their work on developing a caring culture within the school community. The children and staff undertook work to develop their awareness of the need for self-care as well as the care of others.

The staff attended a talk on The ABCs of Wellbeing presented by Una Ryan of ReMINDed. The children wrote to residents of Care Homes in county Cork; installed mirrors in the children’s bathrooms; displayed positive affirmation posters around the school and the whole school dedicated a week last February to Wellbeing. The highlight was the “Walk a million steps for Pieta” when an incredible €1,949 was raised for this very worthwhile charity.

Carrigaline celebrate win but now aim for the double

Sunday last was a great day for Carrigaline at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh when the footballers defeated Knocknagree in the McCarthy Insurance Group Senior A Football Championship final to win the Kevin McTernan Cup.

Carrigaline were six points down at one stage but made a great comeback in the second half to win by two points, to the delight of the huge club support. Man of the match was Carrigaline full back Niall Quirke.

The cup was presented to the captain Jack McCarthy by Pat Horgan, chairman of the Cork County Board.

Celebrations started in earnest when the team bus arrived home at the club pavilion to a tumultuous welcome from the cheering crowds waiting for their heroes. Celebrations went on into the early hours.

On Monday the team were driven in an open top double decker from Janeville, Shannon Park, through the village to the GAA Pavilion.

The Pipe Band met the team at the church and led the parade through the cheering crowds lining the Main Street of the town and on to the GAA where a huge crowd had gathered to continue the celebrations.

Well done to everybody involved for bringing such spirit, excitement and goodwill to the parish.

Now attention turns to the hurlers who will play Watergrasshill in the Co-op Superstores Premier Intermediate Hurling final on Sunday, November 10, at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh at 2pm.

Night of Pride for Tidy Towns

The Carrigaline Tidy Towns representatives who attended the Muintir na Tíre Community awards ceremony at the Kingsley Hotel were thrilled with the final announcement of the night, that the winner of the Overall Community award ‘The Pride of County Cork Award’ was Carrigaline.

Their project is the Mill Wheel sculpted by Mick Willis commemorating the flour milling industry started in Carrigaline in 1760. The plaque has been erected by Tidy Towns at the base of this Sculpture which is located at the rear of SuperValu off Pottery Road. Tidy Towns volunteers who continue to meet and work on projects every Tuesday and Saturday from 9.30am were treated to lunch at the Café Velo last Wednesday where the management and staff gave the volunteers a great welcome, congratulated them on the great work they do and presented them with a beautiful lunch. Daffodil planting with the assistance of a team from PepsiCo and clubs of the parish is progressing.

Bandon visit to Men’s Shed

A group of men from Bandon interested in forming their own shed visited the Carrigaline Men’s Shed recently accompanied by Fergal Conlon, West Cork Development Partnership. They joined the local men who were doing their weekly chair exercises and stayed and listened to a very interesting talk on Genealogy by Eddie Wallace. The visitors were then given a tour of the Carrigaline Men’s Shed and discussed items of interest and chatted over a cup of tea. Activities in the wood workshop have increased with new equipment, rearranging benches and more men taking part. New members have joined the Shed choir which has numerous engagements between now and Christmas.

Planning for Wren Boys event

The Wren Boys Street festival in Carrigaline on St Stephen’s Day is normally a colourful and exciting day of traditional music, singing and dancing on the Main Street. This year planning has started already with ambitions to get many more people involved including the many who came to live here and make Carrigaline their home. All are invited and welcome to dress up in colourful costumes and join in the fun. Enquiries to Barry on 087 8137990.

Carrigaline library reopens

The Carrigaline Library which was closed for several months for refurbishment reopened on Tuesday, October 29.

With a completely refreshed interior, new reading spaces, revamped children’s area, and a modern, cosy design, it’s the perfect spot to get lost in a good book or find your next study haven.

The library staff invites you to pop in to explore the new library space and say hello to them. Stay tuned for My Open Library launching soon.

Blessing of the Graves

The Blessing of the Graves in St Mary’s three cemeteries in Carrigaline will take place at 3pm this Sunday, November 3.

All are welcome to attend.

Have Carrigaline and Crosshaven news? Contact bill.browne@theecho.ie