All About Cork: Photography giving William something to focus on

A talented Northsider has turned his hand to photography with some success after he called time on an illustrious career working with birds.

William Walsh, known fondly as the the ‘Birdman from Fair Hill’, retired in 2022 as a breeder, exhibitor and bird judge after 40 years in the sport.

William’s illustrious career saw him win gold at the world championships on four occasions and he has featured on this page on a number of occasions for his successes — but William has not been taking it easy since we last heard from him.

Having developed a passion for photography before his retirement, his photos have garnered much attention and plaudits.

He has thanked Blackpool-based Cork City Partnership for helping him to develop his photography skills.

William told The Echo: “In 2016 I entered a calendar photo competition which was organised by Gurranabraher Credit Union and I was lucky enough to win overall. Not long before this, I had done a photography course with Cork City Partnership and with a few friends I met we joined the now defunct Norries Camera Club.

“We had great fun in this club where we honed our photography skills. When the club was gone, I went about taking photos everywhere, mostly wildlife and landscapes to pass away the time. Then in 2020 I entered photos in Youghal Credit Union calendar competition and again I was lucky enough to have a photo selected as a monthly winner.

“Since then I entered Youghal Credit Union calendar competition in 2022 and again I had a monthly winner. I was too late to enter this competition in 2023. However, this year I entered the Youghal Credit Union calendar competition again and I also entered Blarney Credit Union calendar competition for the first time. I’m delighted to say that for the third time I have a photo winner selected for the Youghal Calendar 2025. Also to top this off I have two photos selected as monthly winners in the Blarney Credit Union calendar competition for 2025.

“A huge thanks to Ann Long from Cork City Partnership for all her help. I owe her a lot.

“I would advise anyone looking for something to do to enroll in one of the many wonderful courses run by Cork City Partnership. You are never too old to learn.”#

Over 60s group perform nursing home concerts

The Over 60s Singers group entertained the residents at two nursing homes prior to Christmas. The group performed at both the Mount Cara nursing home on Redemption Road and the Br Jerome Kelly Day Care Centre on Sheares St. A most enjoyable afternoon was held at both venues and it was very much appreciated by the residents.

Paddy O’ Brien who organises these regular afternoon concerts at various nursing homes throughout the city said: “We are only too happy to bring entertainment to these homes who cater for the elderly. The group know the great joy and happiness the residents get from these particular afternoons of singing.

“I have stated on several times that many residents in these homes can also experience loneliness. The human touch is the greatest way of combating loneliness. The residents get great joy listening to the lovely songs sung by the Over 60s Singers group.”

At both venues the group concluded each afternoon singalong with some Christmas carols. With their final carol ‘O Holy Night’ bringing proceedings to a fitting close. Past winners of the Over 60s talent competition will be guest artists at the annual Friendship Night at City Hall on Tuesday February 11. This very popular event is organised by the Cork Rotary Club.

Take Off Festival returns

The Take Off Festival returns to a northside venue for its third edition on February 19-21 this year. Take Off, Dance Cork Firkin Crane’s flagship dance festival in Cork, celebrates exceptional dance artists from Ireland and Europe. Created to inspire audiences and foster artistic collaboration, the festival offers a unique mix of performances, workshops, and discussion. Keep an eye on the Dance Cork Firkin Crane’s newsletter, website and social media in January for programme announcements and tickets.

Amazon’s generous donation

Blackpool-based Graffiti Theatre had a lovely surprise just before Christmas with one of its programmes receiving a generous donation.

The venue announced on its Facebook page: “To add to our Christmas cheer, we are delighted to announce that the kind folks of the ‘Amazon in the Community’ team at Amazon Cork have made a considerable donation of €3,000 towards our Write Club programme.

“This commitment enables us to continue to offer this brilliant programme into 2025/26 which is massive for us and for the young people we serve.

“Write Club is a non-judgemental, fun and welcoming space for anyone aged 13-18 who wants to be part of a community of writers. With publishing opportunities, guest writers and facilitators and the option of receiving feedback on their work, Write Club can help any young writer develop their craft.”

If you would like to know more about Write Club and how to join email: bookings@graffiti.ie or call (021) 4379111.

Have Blackpool, Shandon and Ballyvolane news to share? Contact robert.mcnamara@theecho.ie