All About Cork: ‘Great community spirit’ felt at Mayfield family fun day

A Mayfield family fun day took place last Thursday under the umbrella of the Cork City Partnership (CCP)’s Empowering Communities Programme (ECP).

CCP’s community engagement officer, Yvonne Quilligan, told The Echo that the partnership was “delighted” to host its first family fun day in the estates it is now working within, Ballinderry Park and Corrib Lawn.

“It was a super day with lots of fun, activities, face painting, treats, and much more.

“There was such great community spirit amongst the residents who all got involved, had fun, and enjoyed the catch up with neighbours.”

The event was “what the programme is all about,” said Ms Quilligan.

“It was great that other services got involved, such as the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme, Let’s Grow Together, Cork City Council, and Happy Talk, as it gave both residents and services the opportunity to meet and get a better insight into what supports are available and, in turn, what is needed in areas such as Mayfield.

“It was all the more special when we got a visit to the estate from the lord mayor and lady mayoress. The children were so excited to get the pictures taken, and even get the lord mayor to have a go at tug-of-war. It’s safe to say it was a great day all around and roll on the next one.”

Speaking to The Echo, the Lord Mayor of Cork, councillor Fergal Dennehy, said what sets the ECP apart is its people-on-the-ground approach.

“Instead of distant decision-making, the programme places dedicated workers directly into the heart of each community,” he said.

“These workers are not just service providers, they are neighbours, listeners, problem-solvers, and allies. By being physically present, they build trust and respect, forming genuine relationships with residents,” Mr Dennehy added.

“Over time, these relationships create a safe space for people to share ideas, voice concerns, and take ownership of the changes they want to see.”

He explained that through this grassroots model, the ECP strengthens community networks, encourages collaboration, and ensures that change is not something done to communities, but something achieved with them.

“The result is empowerment in its truest form — local people shaping a brighter future for themselves, their families, and their neighbourhoods.

“We are very fortunate to have people like Yvonne Quilligan guiding this particular programme. Yvonne has already made a significant impact in her previous placement, which shows us clearly that if have the right person in the right place with the correct attitude, we can really make significant and lasting changes.”

York Hill car access to be limited to residents only

From today, York Hill will be closed to through vehicular traffic between Wellington Road and Summerhill North. Two-way pedestrian and cycle access on York Hill will be retained, as will vehicular access to residences on York Terrace accessed via Summerhill North. The plans went to Cork City Council in May, where they were approved.

Traffic wishing to access Summerhill North to travel west will need to travel east to St Luke’s Cross and make a right turn on to Summerhill North.

St Luke’s post office call-out

A local councillor has called for the former St Luke’s post office to be utilised as soon as possible, and for national legislation to be changed to avoid such long-term vacancy.

The former post office has been empty since August, 2008, when it moved across the road to a former Ladbrokes betting shop.

Cork City Council placed a note on the door, stating that it would like to speak with the owner to discuss the removal of dereliction, and that the council would prefer to work with the owner to bring the property in to use, but that they will take action through a compulsory acquisition, if all other options have been exhausted.

The Labour councillor for the North East ward, John Maher, told The Echo: “Buildings like this should not be lying idle for any amount of time.

St Luke’s is a much-sought-after area and this premises could be used as housing, retail, or a community setting.

“This shows that national legislation is failing communities. This vacant property is just one of thousands across all communities in Ireland.”

Couch to 5k to start

A couch-to-5k programme is to start this Wednesday, August 20, at Glanmire Community College.

Couch to 5k is an eight-week programme that takes people from the couch to running 5km.

The programme is organised by the Cork Sports Partnership, with the support of local organisations, and participants will work with a professional coach once a week for eight weeks, while also being encouraged to do extra themselves.

Participants will also receive workshops/extra sessions, where possible, on various topics that will encourage and motivate them on their journey.

The programme can be booked online at https://eventmaster.ie/event/qWPlHP7SQq/1GaoH50F2.

Road resurfacing works

Thanks to savings in this year’s resurfacing programme, Cork City Council was able to bring forward works originally planned for 2026 on Old Youghal Road, from Tinker’s Cross to City View Way.

The resurfacing works took place on Thursday, August 14, and Friday, August 15, and are set to significantly improve driving conditions and enhance safety.