All About Cork: Ladies lunch in aid of Shine Centre Carrigaline 

Fr James celebrates 30 years of priesthood at masses

Popular co Parish Priest of the Carrigaline family of parishes, Fr James McSweeney, recently celebrated 30 years of priesthood at all masses in the Church of Our Lady & St John.

A very humble prayerful priest, Fr James in his homily spoke of the parishes he was appointed to over the 30 years and of the wonderful welcome he received when he arrived to Carrigaline in 2022. To celebrate the special event the congregations were treated to ice cream after all masses. Special thanks was given to Barry Collins SuperValu for sponsorship of same. A collection for Down Syndrome Ireland was taken up which was very generously supported.

Fr James was ordained in Ballyphehane in 1995 by the late Bishop Michael Murphy. Fr James’ first appointment was in the parish of Ballinlough until 2001 and then Ballyvolane/Dublin Hill until 2008. Fr James was appointed chaplin to Coláiste Choilm, Ballincollig in 2008 until 2015, and then to Coláiste Pobail Bantry until he came to Carrigaline.

Fr James who comes from a farming background and is an environmentalist was presented with an oak tree by the Parish Assembly.

Men’s Shed seek inspiration

Carrigaline Men’s Shed are looking for ideas to create something spectacular for next year’s St Patrick’s Day parade.

The Men’s Shed have all the talents within their membership to build an extravagant float but are looking for the initial idea for the project.

The walking group also continues to meet every Monday morning and the choir meets on Tuesday. The poly tunnel is in full production with great cooperation watering and weeding each other’s plots. The Shed is planning a trip to the Ring of Kerry and Valentia Island in early July. The Shed always welcomes new members and new ideas enquiries to Roger Morrissey 087-2203547.

Tidy Towns continue work

Carrigaline Tidy Towns are continuing their ongoing efforts to ensure the town will be looking its best for the national SuperValu Tidy Towns competition. Volunteers are out every day litter picking and cleaning. A variety of other Tidy Towns activities are also being attended to including extra summer planting, feeding, weeding and watering flowers, painting walls and houses. New signs have been erected at Waterpark directing visitors to the Woodland Trail which is proving to be very popular.

New volunteers are always welcome to join the team, meet at headquarters any Tuesday at 10am, Wednesday 7pm or Saturday morning at 9.30am. Enquiries to Carrigaline tidytowns@gmail.com.

Active retired talk

Anna from the Cork College of FET (Furter Education & Training) Carrigaline Centre in Herons Wood gave the Carrigaline Active Retirement Association members a very interesting talk on what courses are coming up in September and they are all free. CARA will be finishing up for the summer on Thursday, June 26.

Have Carrigaline and Crosshaven news to share? Contact bill.browne@theecho.ie