All About Cork: Bishop praises for Fr Bachara as he returns to Poland

The Bishop of Cork and Ross, Dr Fintan Gavin, has led tributes to Ballincollig curate Fr Kamil Bachara, who is leaving for his native Poland.

The 39-year-old Fr Bachara has been in Ireland since March 2018. He worked for more than a year in Clonakilty, before Bishop Gavin asked him to become co-ordinator of the chaplaincy to the Polish community in the diocese.

He recently announced his impending departure in the parish newsletter.

Bishop Gavin said Fr Bachara had contributed enormously to the life of the parishes of Clonakilty and Ballincollig, as well as to Cork’s Polish community.

“We are very grateful for the way he has helped so many to encounter the Lord through him.

“He has been among us as a diocesan priest in an inspiring way,” Bishop Gavin said.

“I join with the many people who will miss him in wishing him good health and peace as he returns to his family and his diocese in Poland.”

Parishioner Virginia Harrington said Fr Bachara was a very kind person, who was always willing to help.

“He always had time for people, which is a great thing for any person to have, and he’ll be sorely missed,” Ms Harrington said.

Fr Ronan Sheehan said Fr Bachara had a great way of connecting with Irish people: “He got our sense of humour, which isn’t always the easiest thing to do.

“People are genuinely upset that he’s leaving.

“He is very hardworking and accessible, and there’s a kindness to him that came across to people,” Fr Sheehan said.

When asked last week for a comment, Fr Bachara said he did not like to be the centre of attention, but when told there would be an article in The Echo, he laughed and said, “I cannot forbid you”.

He added that he would greatly miss all of his friends in Ballincollig.

Fr Bachara celebrates his final Mass in Ballincollig in the Church of St Mary and St John at 12.30pm on Sunday, November 24.

Alzheimer cafe offers support

The next Ballincollig Alzheimer Café will be held on Thursday, November 21, running from 4pm to 6pm in the Chapel Gate Café.

Alzheimer cafés provide a warm and welcoming space for people with dementia, and for their family and friends and social and health care professionals to meet, and to exchange ideas, thoughts and learnings.

The Ballincollig Alzheimer Café takes place on the third Thursday of each month and follows an international model, usually opening in the early evening, providing light refreshments and a mix of education and support. The café provides an informal way to meet others who are living with dementia, and to meet health and social care professionals.

Each month, an expert speaker discusses a topic of interest, and the café is also a safe space to sit down and have a chat and enjoy a social occasion.

For further information, contact Karen Fitzpatrick on 087 3487511, or email Karen at ballincolligalzheimercafe@alzheimer.ie.

Santa to turn on Christmas lights in Ballincollig

Santa Claus is coming to town to turn on the Ballincollig Christmas lights at 6pm this Friday, November 22, making a surprise landing on the roof of the Castlewest shopping centre.

John Doherty, manager of the shopping centre, said the ceremony would be “bigger and better than ever”.

“Weather permitting, on Friday evening it promises to be a great family experience,” he said. “Santa will land on the roof, and there will be a big light show and performances from local organisations, with an emphasis on kids singing and dancing and having a great time.

“There will be complimentary soft drinks and treats for the kids, and maybe something a bit stronger for the adults.”

Christmas fair

To support Ballincollig’s Christmas lights this year, contact Ballincollig Business Association at admin@ballincollig.ie to receive a QR code through which to donate.

The Farran School Christmas Fair returns on Sunday, December 8, from 10am to midday in Farran Hall. Along with children’s stalls, a number of local vendors will be based in a marquee selling crafts.

If you know of anybody who might also like to take a stand on the day, contact Karen McHugh at farranparentsassociation@gmail.com.

There will be festive treats for all, arts and crafts, face painting, carol singing, and a very special guest appearance from Santa. There will also be a giant raffle. All proceeds will go to Farran Parents’ Association.

Neighbourhood watch

The December meeting of the Ballincollig Neighbourhood Watch will be held at 7.30pm on Tuesday, December 3, at the Carraig Centre, on the Old Fort Road in Ballincollig, Eircode P31PV20. Members of An Garda Síochána are expected to be there, as well as representatives from other agencies. All members of the public are welcome.

Tractor memorial run

A charity tractor and truck run, in memory of Darragh Ryan, will take place on Sunday, December 8, leaving Curraheen at 5pm and travelling to Ballincollig.

Registration will take place from 2.30pm and there will be a bucket collection in Ballincollig.

Santa will make an appearance. All monies raised will go to Breakthrough Cancer Research and Cork ARC Cancer Support House. To donate, see https://tinyurl.com/k2mfy3uh.

Weekly draw

The numbers drawn in the weekly Ballincollig GAA Club lottery on Thursday, November 14, were 3, 16, 20, and 31.

With the club’s lottery jackpot at €20,000, the draw is at its highest and must be won. There was no winner last week, and consolation prizes went to Eoghan O’Keeffe (€100), Margaret Buckley (€50), and Richie Bergen (€50). The next draw will take place on Thursday evening. To enter the draw, see Ballincollig GAA Club’s various social media pages.

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