All About Cork: Lots to look forward to on the Northside

Puppetry show for infants

If you are a teacher, principal, SNA or on your child’s PTA and looking for a joyful and playful activity for your class, Blackpool-based Graffiti Theatre has something special for junior infants, senior infants, and first class groups for spring.

The venue said: “Rowan and the Seasons is a puppetry encounter, specially designed for lower primary classes. This interactive performance takes children on a journey through the seasons with Rowan, who is investigating the changes that are in happening in the garden as time passes by.

“Rowan and the Seasons takes place in your classroom and has been specially designed to support the curriculum. Get in touch with Chris at the office (021 4397111 / bookings@graffiti.ie) to find out more

Pharmacy parking needed

Sinn Féin North West ward councillor Michelle Gould is working to secure set-down car spaces outside the late night pharmacy on the Watercourse Road in Blackpool. There is no parking outside the pharmacy, which has been an ongoing issue for locals.

Ms Gould said: “People have had to illegally park on Watercourse Road and Hillgrove Lane.” Ms Gould, who uses the pharmacy, said she has seen first-hand the need for parking, “especially in the evening, when all other pharmacies in the northside are closed and it can be quite busy at times”.

“This is a common sense motion to provide a solution for safe parking spaces,” she told The Echo.

“[I have] spoken to local residents who described how difficult it can be to drive up Hillgrove Lane because the lane is so narrow and there have been incidents where people have had their mirrors damaged or who have been unable to get through and as a result, the provision of the set down parking areas would go some way to resolving these problems.”

Siege of Cork 1690 talk

Shandon History Group’s next talk is on March 12 and the subject matter is the Siege of Cork 1690. The guest speaker is Jason Byrne and the time is the usual 7.30pm at Coffa House, Church Street.

Parish lotto hits €14,200

The parish lotto jackpot has reached the sum of €14,200, with a €1,075 consolation prize also up for grabs. You can watch the draw today on the Blackpool Facebook page at facebook.com/bbgparish, or on the Cathedral Facebook page at facebook.com/corkcathedral.

Pitch vandalism condemned

A soccer club has condemned vandalism of their pitch. Images emerged over the weekend of the badly damaged grass at the Fairfield home of Blackstone Rovers. It is understood the damage was caused by youths riding scramblers and motorbikes on the pitch.

Club treasurer Ivan Behan told The Echo: “We just want to remind people that everything we do is for the people of the community, both young adults and young children. Any bit of damage done is harming the community,” said Mr Bevan.

“We would just ask people to show respect for what we do, and respect for the kids and the young adults who want to play there.”

Everyman launches season

MacCurtain Street’s The Everyman has launched its new season with the announcement of EVERYMAN MADE, theatre made for Cork.

Artistic director Des Kennedy said: “I am excited to share my first season of work with you.

“Over the past few months whilst working with the brilliant team at the theatre and getting to know our audiences and volunteers, I’ve learned there is a hunger for the big plays and dramas to sit alongside our wonderful touring work. These two ideas – history and drama – have guided the programming for my inaugural season: major productions of visionary plays that ask big questions.

“The Everyman is a beautiful and iconic venue that plays host to some of Ireland’s best touring work. With the generous support of The Arts Council and Cork City Council, we will move into a new era where The Everyman also becomes known nationally and internationally for our in-house productions. With this season, we are launching EVERYMAN MADE: world-class theatre made by The Everyman for Cork and beyond.

“Our first EVERYMAN MADE season includes Making History by Brian Friel, a fascinating and rarely seen drama about Hugh O’Neill and the events before and after the Battle of Kinsale. I am delighted to be working with several Cork actors in my first production here as director. It will be followed by Irish writer Nancy Harris’s family thriller The Beacon, which is set in West Cork and will have its long-awaited Cork premiere. International theatre and opera director Daniel Kramer will create a naughty, moving and subversive late night political cabaret Happy Hour, which will be presented as part of Cork Midsummer Festival in June.” See www.everymancork.com for the programme.

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