All About Cork: Bishop Buckley among Pioneer award recipients

A gathering of 150 people attended the recent annual Pioneer’s Mid-West Cork region’s annual lunch and social at Acton’s Hotel in Kinsale.

All enjoyed a four-course meal, nicely presented by manager Tomás Wrixon and his staff, followed by a presentation of long-service pins and certificates.

First to receive long-service recognition was guest of honour Bishop Emeritus John Buckley.

A lifelong Pioneer, he was presented with both gold and diamond pins and certificates by Monsignor Aidan O’Driscoll CO PP VG, Carrigaline.

Others to receive long-service pins from Bishop Buckley were: Diamond — Mary Hunt Kinsale; Mary Nyhan, and Patricia Bowen. Courceys. Gold — Matty Lucey and Breda O’Meara Ballinhassig; Sean Murphy, Bandon; Kay Collins and John Joe O’Rielly, Courcey’s.

Central Council delegate Barry Cogan, from Carrigaline, spoke on current developments within the Pioneer Association. He appealed to Pioneers to keep centres alive within a family of parishes and to wear their pins.

There was a great atmosphere and all enjoyed the annual social occasion, with music by Lee Sound.

The next event on the Pioneer calendar is the diocesan table quiz on Friday, November 21, in the Togher Community Centre at 7.30pm. Table of fouris €20.

Enquiries to Sorcha 086 3642619 or Aislinn on 087 9699488.

Men’s Shed table quiz

The Carrigaline Men’s Shed table quiz date has been changed to Saturday, November 29 in the GAA Pavilion at 7.30pm. Tables of four €40 with a great selection of prizes.

The wood workers are fully occupied making a variety of products including bird boxes and feeders, planters, fairy doors, and a range of crafted wood. The polytunnel growing season is nearly over and plans are already in train for next year. The Men’s Shed choir continues to practice every Tuesday morning while a computer course is being run in the afternoon.

Other members of the Men’s Shed take responsibility for the 3D printer, the laser printer, the engineering workshop, grass cutting, and operating the kitchen.

New members and ideas are welcome. Enquiries to Roger Morrissey at 087-2203547.

Pipe Band celebrate world win

Carrigaline Pipe Band celebrated their All-Ireland and World Pipe Band Championship wins in style last Friday night with a gala dinner in the Carrigaline Court Hotel.

The large gathering was welcomed by chairman Mark O’Flynn who outlined the band’s achievements during the year. He then introduced the band who played their World Championship performance to prolonged applause.

All the champions were presented with an engraved glass memento to mark their successes during the year. After a beautiful four-course meal, all present sang and danced the night away to the music of the Poitín Boys, followed by a disco.

The pipe band were out playing the following morning as they led the parade of the Douglas GAA Street Leagues through the village. The band also led the Passage West Street League finals recently.

Anyone who is interested in joining the pipe band can call to the band hall any Thursday at 7pm. Enquiries to Paddy O’Connell on 087 968 5833.

Speed restrictions

Cork City Council has announced speed restrictions along sections of Carr’s until October 2026 to facilitate construction on the M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy motorway project.

The council said the reduction, which will see current 100km/h and 80km/h limits dropped to 60km/h, will “increase the safety of both the workforce and commuters” during construction. Motorists are advised to allow extra time for journeys and observe the temporary limits, which will be clearly signposted.

Youth club as Gaeilge

The Cumann na bhFiann Club Óige youth club started up again last Monday its third year. The club is open to all children from 10 to 18 years of age. Activities and games are as Gaeilge (through Irish) and will be ongoing from 6.30pm to 8pm in the Band Hall in Carrigaline. Enquiries to Nora, 087 123 6884.

Drakes Point Rd closure

Cork County Council has said the L-6420 Brightwater/Drakes Point Rd in Crosshaven will close to traffic from 8am on Tuesday, October 28 to 6pm on Thursday, October 30, to facilitate wastewater connection for a new development. Traffic exiting the village wishing to access locations west of the closed road, should proceed along the R612 in a northerly direction and turn left onto the R612, head in an easterly direction and then turn left into Drakes Point. Traffic wishing to access locations west of closure when approaching from Carrigaline, should turn right onto the R612 at the Royal Cork Yacht Club and proceed in an easterly direction, they should then turn left into Drakes Point. Local access will be maintained throughout the closure.

Owenabue gardening club

The next Owenabue Garden and Flower Club event will take place next Monday evening, October 20, from 8pm at St Mary’s NS, Waterpark, Carrigaline, The club will host Esker Farm Daffodil from Co Tyrone, to discuss and sell narcissi, tulips, and other spring bulbs. The meeting will also include competitions, a plant sales table, raffle, and refreshments.

There will also be a collection for Carrigaline Community Care. Admission will be €10.

Theatre at Camden Fort

The Coastal Arts and Dramatic Society (CADS) has been very busy behind the scenes working on their new adult comedy Halloween Special The Count of Camden.

The show will run for three consecutive performances from October 30 at Camden Fort Meagher, Crosshaven at 7.30pm each night.

“We are also thrilled to announce that this show is a return to Supper Theatre,” said a CADS spokesperson.

Tickets for The Count of Camden are on sale at 12pm in Barry’s Centra Crosshaven.

“Join us for a very spooktacular dinner theatre experience. Guaranteed to be a great evening in a very unique venue filled with both scares and laughter,” the spokesperson added.

“Optional fancy dress on Halloween night, we just might have a prize for the best dressed.”