All About Cork: Volunteers add a splash of colour to Blackpool village

Huge efforts are going into improving the Blackpool area with a small number of volunteers working to make a massive difference to everyday life for residents.

Their latest work is a further triumph in a long list of achievements in a short amount of time and you’ll easily spot the splash of colour in the plaza if you’re in Blackpool this week.

Blackpool Tidy Village Group’s team of eager volunteers were busy doing some painting at the weekend in Blackpool Church Plaza on Thomas Davis St.

They painted six benches, some of the walls, and the flower planters got a fresh coat of paint; they are looking fabulous.

Not looking to rest on their laurels, the group is seeking to grow its team of volunteers.

A spokesperson for the group said: “Huge thanks to all our volunteers: Pat, Chris, Teresa, Mark, Kevin, and Chris M.

“There’s a bit more work to do, so if you’d like to help out, we’re looking for new volunteers. We’ll be meeting again this Saturday at 10.30am at Blackpool Community Centre (weather permitting) all materials supplied.”

The group has also secured a grant from Cork City Council for dog waste litter bins for Blackpool so local dog owners can use these to help keep the village clean.

The work of the Blackpool Tidy Village Group was recently recognised with a nomination for the Lord Mayor’s Community and Voluntary Awards in the Climate Action, Active Travel, and Sustainable Development category.

The group and its volunteers can be seen out and about litter-picking, rubbish-collecting, and planting flowers and shrubs most weekends.

The overall aim of the group is a simple one, to improve the image of Blackpool village and make it “cleaner, greener, safer, better”.

The streets the group have cleaned include Commons Rd, Thomas Davis St, Dublin St, Spring Lane, The Plaza, Watercourse Rd, O’Connell St, and Great William O’Brien St, among others.

The group meets every Saturday morning at Blackpool Community Centre for a litter pick and other works that help keep Blackpool clean.

Cork Arts Theatre summer programme announced

Cork Arts Theatre has launched its summer programme. A spokesperson said: “Our summer programme 2025 is our most eclectic yet, featuring local, national, and international artists, providing eight weeks of great theatre in Cork throughout July and August.

“With new plays from Cork-based writers, touring work from New York and Hong Kong, as well as Ireland, along with some familiar favourites, there really is something for everyone.” Full programme at https://bit.ly/442NeI8

Eucharistic procession

Information for the Eucharistic procession, which begins in Shandon on June 22, has been announced. The parish said: “The procession leaves the Cathedral of St Mary and St Anne at 3.00pm. It would be great to continue the tradition of parishioners from parishes throughout the city and beyond to walk in the procession. Parking is available in the grounds of St Anthony’s Convent, St Mary’s Rd (St Vincent’s, across from the cathedral).

“This year, to accommodate the growing large numbers, it was decided to take the final prayer and Benediction outside on a specially constructed platform down at the end of Grand Parade, near the National Monument.”

Young adults of faith

The Cork Cathedral Family of Parishes is inviting young adults of faith, aged 18–30, to consider living in Saints Peter and Paul’s Young Adult Community from September 2025 to June 2026.

The parish said: “This community is a place for both men and women, whether you are a third-level student or a young adult already working, to grow in faith, make lifelong friends, and get involved in projects within the Cathedral Family of Parishes.”

What does community living entail?

• Weekly community meal

• Prayer, reflection, and faith formation

• Social gatherings and community life

• Volunteering opportunities

• Spiritual direction (optional)

• Active involvement in parish life and ministry

The cost is €150 per week, plus utility bills.

For an application form, email youngadultcommunity@corkandross.org. The closing date for applications is June 23.

Free city tour

Independent councillor Kieran McCarthy has announced one of his free historical walks in Blackpool, which will focus on suburban development and 19th century social history.

It takes place on June 22 and is entitled ‘Blackpool, Its History and Heritage’. Meet at the square on St Mary’s Road at 1pm.

Float volunteers

Cork Community Art Link needs float pushers.

The Watercourse Rd group said: “We need volunteers to push and animate our fantastical floats through Oliver Plunkett St in Cork city at 2pm on Sunday, June 15, to bring the Midsummer Parade to life.” Contact info@corkcommunityartlink.com or 021 455 3747.

The group highlights the diversity of the Blackpool area, with the volunteers coming from different countries and cultures.

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