All About Cork: Council move on playground for Lehenaghmore hailed

Sinn Féin councillor for Cork City South West, Joe Lynch, has welcomed the response of Cork City Council to his motion calling on the council to identify a suitable location for the development of a playground in Lehenaghmore.

In its response, the council said it will investigate a number of locations in the area to determine the suitability of a site.

“Lehenaghmore has seen lots of residential development in recent years, but it is an area seriously lacking in infrastructure and community facilities,” said Mr Lynch.

“With very welcome footpath and road upgrades now on the way in the form of the Lehenaghmore road improvement scheme, it is now time to ensure that other investment is delivered for the community.

“The lands adjoining the Lehenaghmore Rd and Togher Rd have been significantly developed over recent years. Residential estates such as Matthew Hill, Coolkellure, Manor Park, and Aisling Court have all resulted in a higher demand for improved infrastructure in the area.

“Given the number of families with young children in the area, which will increase further with the opening of the Glenmore Heights affordable housing development in the coming months, it is vital that Cork City Council now identify a site for a community playground, a step which will allow us to proceed with trying to fund the project over the coming years.”

Sinn Féin TD Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire also spoke on the issue.

“The proposal to install a playground in Lehenaghmore is a very good one, and I have discussed the matter with residents in the area, who are very supportive of the idea,” said Mr Ó Laoghaire.

“It is welcome that Cork City Council’s Parks Department are now engaged in identifying a suitable location for a playground, and I look forward to working with councillor Joe Lynch and the local community to advance the proposal in the time ahead.”

Mr Lynch has also been made aware of steps being taken to progress the Lehenaghmore road project, which has gone to tender. The project will see a comprehensive review and redesign of roads between Lehenaghmore and Togher.

“As residents will know from the January update from the NTA [National Transport Authority] there is a €5.2m allocation for the scheme,” said Mr Lynch. “Deadlines have been missed in the past, but from my discussions with council and the NTA, things have been progressing well the last few months.

“I have specifically asked the council to ensure a local liaison be appointed to ensure strong communication with residents when roadworks are going on.”

Construction is expected to start in July and to take over 12 months.

First performance on rebuilt bandstand in Tory Top Park

Bealtaine event on today

Celebrate the spirit of Bealtaine with an afternoon of music, movement, storytelling, and art in Nano Nagle today with Lust for Life: Lantern Bealtaine Celebrations.

Bealtaine is Ireland’s national festival which celebrates the arts and creativity as we age.

The festival is run by Age & Opportunity, the leading national development organisation working to enable the best possible quality of life for us all as we age.

Enjoy performances from the Cór na Laoí Community Choir led by Jade Murphy, special guest Sal, mesmerising Indian dance by Rakshitha, storytelling with Olivia, and a beautiful art and craft exhibition by Regina, Ray, and Margaret.

The event is running from 2pm to 4.30pm in Goldie Chapel and is free to all.

Pearse Sq parking spaces lined

Following the re-pedestrianisation of Pearse Square, further work has been done as part of the Ballyphehane Tidy Town’s Rejuvenation Project.

Ballyphehane Tidy Towns have said: “We are moving ahead with the next phase of our Rejuvenation Project. In coordination with Cork City Council, the parking spaces around the square are currently being lined to optimise space.”

The aim of the project is to revitalise a once-neglected public space transforming it into a vibrant community hub. The project addressed several challenges, including the square’s uninviting appearance, lack of community engagement, and safety concerns.

By relining spaces, more parking facilities are available outside Byrd’s Spar to allow for safer and easier access to the now pedestrianised square.

“This improvement aims to reduce excessive gaps between vehicles, allowing more cars to park efficiently and making better use of the available area. Thank you again to Cork City Council for your continued support.”

St Fin Barre’s Cathedral welcomes youngest member

St Fin Barre’s Cathedral has welcomed its newest member, the first falcon chick of 2025.

“On behalf of Makeda and Solomon, our resident peregrine falcons, St Fin Barre’s Cathedral is delighted to announce their first chick of 2025 was born. All are well, however, these early weeks are a challenging time for all young birds, especially a 7cm long ball of fluff at the top of a windy tower.”

In announcing their youngest resident, the Dean of Cork, the Very Rev Nigel Dunne said: “We are delighted with this news. The Easter season is all about celebrating the new life we receive from the risen Christ, so this arrival of new life at the Cathedral is timely.”

It is hoped that a second egg will hatch in the coming days and regular video updates of the Cathedral’s new feathered friend will be provided on their social media accounts.

“We want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the collaborative nature of this project which has been supported by St Fin Barre’s Quarter Development Group who funded the nest camera and access equipment, Birdwatch Ireland, and in particular Dr Alan McCarthy who is providing expert advice, and National Parks and Wildlife Service’s Sam Bayley who has provided oversight to the project.”

Tory Top toddler event

Tory Top Library, in collaboration with Graffiti BEAG is hosting a gentle, sensory experience exploring sound, colour, and the magic of rain through creative play.

Suitable for toddlers between the ages of one and three, the session begins with short performance, approximately 10-minutes long and is followed by open-ended play.

The event runs for one hour on Friday, May 30, beginning at 2.30pm. All are welcome.

Café owners say goodbye

The owners of Tory’s Café on Tory Top Road have announced that they will be stepping down from ownership after six years of serving the Ballyphehane community.

Mary Allen and Elaine Geasley have said that despite their goodbyes, the café will remain open under new ownership.

Mary took to social media: “Myself and Elaine are stepping down from Tory’s Cafe. However, this is a good news story as a lovely new family are taking it over and will be keeping Tory’s just how ye like it."

“We would like to thank everyone for an amazing six years. We have met the nicest people on this journey, and made friends for life.

“This is by no means goodbye as we consider ourselves honorary ‘Haneys’ now and Ballyphehane will always have a place in our hearts. It’s been a pleasure serving ye all.”

Sinn Féin TD Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire shared his well wishes for the pair: “Best of luck to Mary and Elaine from Tory’s Café. It’s been a tremendous benefit to the local community, go raibh míle maith agaibh. A place we have gone for a treat after a first day at school, or after a match in the park. The food has been fantastic and a very welcoming atmosphere. Best wishes for the future, and best of luck to the new family.”

Have Ballyphehane, Togher or Turner's Cross news to share? Contact elaine.whelan@theecho.ie