All About Cork: Lace dress from 1800s on display at Cork City Museum

A rare lace dress from the 1800s, inherited by a renowned Carrigaline lacemaker, has gone on display at the Cork City Museum until December.

Veronica Stewart was responsible for the revival of Youghal lace and was instrumental in setting up the Traditional Lace Makers of Ireland group.

The group exhibited their craft in the library on Grand Parade throughout the month of May.

At the time, Ms Stewart told The Echo: “Lace is part of our history. We shouldn’t let it go. I love the lace and I love the company.”

Around 18 months ago, she inherited a box of Irish lace from a lady called Maureen Lonergan.

“On opening the box, I realised I had a very important Limerick lace wedding dress,” she said.

An 1800s design by the late Eileen O’Donoghue (1892-1960), of the Limerick Lace School, the dress carries all the stitches and tradition of Limerick lace.

The Traditional Lacemakers of Ireland, of which Ms Stewart is the honorary life president, are fortunate to have acquired what is regarded as a national treasure, and which will be on display at the Cork Public Museum until December.

Any group wishing to visit must phone in advance to book an appointment.

“Enjoy the treasure,” Ms Stewart said. “Thank you to Maureen Lonergan, we will look after your treasure.”

She and the Carrigaline lacemaker will hold a display of their work in the SuperValu Mall from 4pm on Culture Night, Friday, September 19.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Carrigaline Culture Night organising committee has said it is pleased with the “enthusiastic response” from all sectors of arts and culture that wish to be involved in Culture Night celebrations.

“The night commences at 4pm, with attractions and activities in several locations in the town centre,” they said.

Events will include a busking trail from 4pm to 6pm; displays by local artists in various shop windows, and a local food producers’ display in the SuperValu Mall.

The Carrigaline Library will host a photography display by the Diving Ireland, with the venue also hosting the Cois Laoi Productions pantomime from 4pm to 5pm

Entertainment on the bandstand in the Owenabue car park will start at 5pm.

The parade led by World Champions, Carrigaline Pipe Band, is scheduled to start at 6.45pm.

“This year, the parade promises to be larger and more colourful, with extra groups participating,” said the spokesperson.

Carrigaline municipal committee to meet next week

The first meeting of Cork County Council’s Carrigaline municipal district committee following the summer break will take place next Monday at 2pm in the chambers at County Hall.

A busy agenda will see councillors place a number of motions up for discussions.

These includes Fianna Fáil councillor Audrey Buckley’s request for a new feasibility study for Crosshaven, with particular focus on parking solutions.

“As part of that plan that the council consider, for the summer months of 2026, the implementation of a potential one-way system from Point Road to Camden to improve traffic flow, ease congestion, and enhance safety for pedestrians and drivers, until a permanent parking plan is implemented,” read her motion.

Independent councillor Ben Dalton O’Sullivan is seeking safety improvements in the vicinity of Ballygarvan, an area he describes as being “incredibly unsafe at times with speed”.

Fianna Fáil councillor Patrick O’Donovan is seeking funding to make crossings at the Lidl roundabout signalised, pointing out that there will be increased pedestrian and cycle traffic at the junction once the Bóthar Guidel active travel bridge is completed.

Fine Gael councillor Una McCarthy is requesting the committee write to Uisce Éireann requesting an urgent review of the water pressure in the Kilmoney area of Carrigaline.

This is following concerns raised by the fire service regarding insufficient water pressure during a recent incident.

Fine Gael councillor Jack White is repeating a call for traffic calming measures on the Crosshaven Carrigaline Road, between the entrance to the GAA and the Kerry factory.

In one of his motions, Sinn Féin councillor Eoin Fahy is calling on Cork County Council to look at a full resurface project for Passage West town centre, describing the road quality in the middle of the town centre from Graham Roche Motors eastbound to J Barry’s Bar as being “not to an acceptable standard”.

Pipe band celebration dance

Following what has been, by any standards, a phenomenally successful year for them, the Carrigaline Pipe Band will hold a Celebration Dance at the Carrigaline Court Hotel on Friday, October 3, at 7pm.

Carrigaline were unbeaten in pipe band competitions this year, winning the Leinster Band Championship and the Drum Corps section at Howth, Co Dublin, in May. The following month, they won the Mid-Ulster Pipe Band Championships in Cookstown, Co Tyrone, and in July, they added the All-Ireland Pipe Band Championships and the Drum Corps section to their roll of honour in Derry.

They topped these off last month, scooping the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow. The band also won the World Championships in the drumming section.

A band spokesperson said on social media: “It has been a spectacular year for the band, and we would be delighted for everyone to join us as we celebrate in style. We look forward to seeing you all there for a fantastic night of music, dancing, and celebration!”

For tickets and more information contact: Paddy O’Connell on 087 968 5833; or Chloe Shine or Ashling O’Regan through their Facebook pages.

RNLI meets Cork businesses

The Crosshaven RNLI lifeboat crews will join their Ballycotton colleagues for a ‘Business for Lifeboats’ event at the National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) in Ringaskiddy on Friday, October 24.

Companies from the Cork area are invited to attend the event, which will showcase the life-saving work undertaken by both crews.

It will commence at 9am with a meet and greet in the NMCI chartroom, followed by a quayside discussion with both groups, and a talk on the RNLI’s work in Cork Harbour and how companies can support this. The day will conclude with a networking event.

As spokesperson said the event will be a “unique opportunity” to connect with the RNLI volunteer crews to see their operations first hand “while exploring meaningful ways your organisation can partner with and financially support the RNLI to save lives at sea.”

To reserve one of the limited places, contact killian.okelly@mli.org.uk.

Cycle Classic adds new route

The Carrigaline & District Lions Club 34th Cycle Classic will take place on Saturday, September 27.

To date, the event has raised over €700,000 for various local and national charities.

This year beneficiaries will be: Cork ARC Cancer Support House, Childhood Cancer Ireland, and Marymount Hospice.

“This year, we’re rolling out something special! In addition to our classic #50KM and #100KM routes, we’re thrilled to introduce a brand new #Couch to 30KM route,” said a spokesperson.

“For all those taking part in the cycle, and for those who are not who would like to donate to our incredible beneficiaries, you can do so via our #CycleClassic GoFundMe.

“All donations received will be distributed amongst our three charity partners,” they added.

Have news to share? Contact Bill.browne@theecho.ie