All About Cork: Kelleher delighted to be elected to the Senate

It would probably be argued, not least by themselves, that the Cork city South-West ward hasn’t so much lost two city councillors as gained two senators.

Doubtless Ballincollig’s Garret Kelleher would most certainly say that as he joins fellow former ward councillor, Labour’s Laura Harmon, in the upper house of the Oireachtas.

A Fine Gael councillor since the local elections of 2019, Senator Kelleher told The Echo he was “absolutely delighted” to be elected to the Seanad.

“It was a long day at the count and it was after 10.30pm when I was deemed elected. I had an opportunity to get a little bit of a rest on the bank holiday Monday, after getting home to Cork at 3am with parents and two supporters.

“It wasn’t a day for the children to come to Dublin, we felt it was going to be too long a day for them,” he said.

“Having recharged the batteries now, I’m looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead, and I look forward to making as strong a contribution as I can in the Oireachtas, and to working with my Cork colleagues Colm Burke and Minister Jerry Buttimer.”

Mr Kelleher said his council replacement would be co-opted by Fine Gael before the March meeting of Cork City Council.

Last week, Gary O’Brien, who unsuccessfully ran in last year’s local election, and who currently is chairman of both Ballincollig Credit Union and Ballincollig Family Resource Centre, told The Echo he hoped he would be co-opted in Mr Kelleher’s place.

“Given that I ran in the local election and got more than 1,000 votes, and seeing as Garret was a Ballincollig councillor, it would seem like a natural fit that I would replace him,” Mr O’Brien said. Ballincollig’s new senator said he had worked closely with Mr O’Brien.

“I would love to see a Ballincollig-based replacement co-opted in my place, and I think Gary would be a superb councillor,” Mr Kelleher said.

Workshop places remain

There are still a few places left for the remaining two weeks of the Ballincollig Family Resource Centre’s ‘Health and Wellness’ workshop, with nutritional therapist and health and wellness coach Jennifer O’Callaghan.

Attendees are invited to take charge of their health and wellness, discussing all things nutrition, which organisers say is designed to encourage a lifestyle transformation that will benefit those who take part.

The remaining workshop sessions are scheduled to take place on Thursday, February 13, as well as Thursday, February 27, at 10.30am in the Ballincollig Family Resource Centre.

Anyone interested in taking part is asked to register by emailing info@ballincolligfrc.org or by calling 021 487 6295.

Company seeks administrator

Ballincollig Physiotherapy Clinic is offering a career opportunity to the right applicant. The company is looking for an experienced administrator to join its team for a part-time, job-sharing position, which would entail working in a clinical setting on a one week on and one week off basis.

The hours would be from 9qm until 2pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, and from 10.30am until 3.30pm on Wednesday, every second week.

The successful applicant will have strong customer service skills, and will be able to multi-task in a fast-paced environment. Computer skills are essential. Candidates must be flexible with hours, and the company suggests that the job may be suitable for more mature applicants. Any interested parties are asked to please include a CV with their application.

Contact Marie or Mary on 021 487 4848 for more details or email ballincolligphysioclinic@gmail.com.

For further information, see www.ballincolligphysio.com.

Parkrun volunteer appeal

Ballincollig Parkrun is appealing for volunteers. The parkrun is a weekly, timed, five-kilometre run organised by locals. The course is set up by volunteers, who also scan barcodes and ensure route safety.

Organisers are currently appealing for marshals, scanners and volunteers to hand out finish tokens noting that volunteering, even once every 10 weeks, would make all the difference.

Anyone who would like to do a particular volunteer role, is asked to let organisers know.

Parkrun offers a great opportunity to get outside, make new friends, have fun, learn new skills and to be a valued part of the local community on a weekly basis.

If you would like to get involved in Ballincollig Parkrun, please email ballincollig@parkrun.com with your name and number and mention the role in which you would like to participate.

Theatre social evening back

This evening, Tuesday, February 11, sees Ballincollig’s Pyke Theatre Group’s monthly social evening returns. The event starts at 8.30pm at Ballincollig Rugby Club, at Tanner Park. The social evenings always offer a great night of music, dance, story and song. Tea and sandwiches will be served, and admission is free.

All are welcome, so if you are attending, the organisers ask that you please bring a friend. There will be a raffle held on the night.

Marie Keating Unit visit

Next Tuesday morning, February 18, the Ballincollig Resource Centre is set to host a visit from the Marie Keating mobile unit, an event which will run from from 10.30am to 3.30pm. All are welcome to speak with one of the specialist-trained nurses. Founded 23 years ago, the Marie Keating Foundation’s key role is to promote life-saving messages on cancer prevention and early detection to as many people as possible. The Marie Keating Foundation offers a free service, but please note no cancer screening is provided.

Walk and talk group

Every Wednesday morning, the Family Resource Centre hosts a walk and talk group. Starting at 10am at the resource centre reception area, the group is open to all, and welcomes people of all levels of fitness, with a focus each week on social interaction.

For further information, call 021 487 6295, or email info@ballicolligfrc.org.

Club lotto on the move

The numbers drawn in this week’s Ballincollig GAA Club lottery, which was held on Thursday, February 6, were 2, 17, 24, and 34, no winner.

The club is migrating its club lottery from its previous host to its club platform ClubZap. The new system mirrors the previous one and is played with 36 numbers, and all existing players with remaining credit have been moved across with their same numbers plus their remaining credits. For further information, see ballincolliggaa.clubzap.com. The next draw is scheduled to place on Thursday evening, February 13, with the jackpot now standing at €8,200. See club’s social media pages.

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