All About Cork: James to tell his sister’s story in sepsis documentary

A local man is to feature in a new documentary, Sepsis: A Story of Loss, Love and Survival, highlighting the importance of sepsis awareness and early diagnosis.

In his moving interview, he will share the story of his sister Tracey and her tragic loss to the condition in 2020.

Sepsis occurs when the immune system has an extreme reaction to an infection. This can lead to extensive inflammation throughout the body, resulting in tissue damage and organ failure. It is considered a medical emergency that requires urgent treatment to improve outcomes.

Tracey, aged 37, was a much-loved Togher local, and mother of two.

She lived with a rare form of rheumatoid arthritis, and an auto-immune condition, adult-onset still’s disease (AOSD).

Her brother, James, recalled how one weekend in May of 2020, Tracey began experiencing pain.

“When she had pain over that weekend, we knew something was going wrong when she started complaining because she would have toughed out a lot of things.”

Following a visit to Southdoc, in the early hours of Sunday morning, the family called an ambulance to her home in Togher.

“We didn’t have a clue about sepsis then, I couldn’t have told you the first thing about it,” said James.

“Later, when I was searching online, there was hardly anything about it then in Ireland.”

Sadly, Tracey passed in hospital on June 20, leaving behind her devasted partner, children and family.

“She was a devoted mother first and foremost, she was her children’s biggest fan,” James said.

“There’s a hole in our hearts and I don’t think it will ever be filled. She was the type of person that kept our family together. She was the glue, and she put smiles on everyone’s faces.”

Following his sisters passing, Mr Corcoran is now the deputy chairman of the Cork-based Irish Sepsis Foundation.

In May of last year, he was involved with the return of Ballyphehane Celtic, a team had not played for in 10 years.

With Mr Corcoran as the coach, the objective of the club is to raise awareness of sepsis, hold fundraisers for the charity, and promote Ballyphehane as a community.

Since its inception the teams has raised more than €6,000 for the charity.

James’s story will be joined by others who have sadly lost a loved one to the condition at the Irish Sepsis Foundation documentary premiere.

“Hopefully the documentary will be picked up by national stations, and I’ll be a part of that.

“More importantly my sister will be a part of it, and her son and daughter will have something to remember her by,” said James.

The free screening of Sepsis: A Story of Loss, Love and Survival will take place on Thursday, October 25, at the Odean Point Square in Dublin at 6.30pm.

Pilgrimage to Medjugorje

The family of parishes including Togher, Ballyphehane, and The Lough, are to lead a pilgrimage to Medjugorje. The seven-night pilgrimage will depart from Cork Airport to Dubrovnik Wednesday, June 3, 2026, and will be led by group leader Jim Keogh.

The trip will also include return passage to and from the airport from Medjugorje, and a 10kg bag.

Cost will also cover seven nights’ accommodation at four-star Hotel Leone with half board (breakfast and dinner daily). The hotel is conveniently located close to the village centre and St James’ Church.

On the trip there will be a full religious programme, including a visit to all the apparition sites where Mary first appeared to the six children in June 1981. Optional excursions will also be offered by Joe Walsh tour guides. There will be €100 off per person for bookings paid in full before November 3, 2025.

For further information and full details please contact Jim Keogh on 021 4885371 or 087 2678793.

Confirmation dates 2026

Bishop Fintan Gavin has announced arrangements for the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation in parishes for 2026, with schools involved notified of the dates.

Announcing the arrangements, Bishop Fintan added that he hopes to visit a significant number of parishes himself for the Confirmation celebrations next year as well as delegating some retired bishops, the vicars general and a number of other priests when more than one parish is celebrating Confirmation on the same day.

On Wednesday, February 11, 2026, Confirmations will be held for The Lough area; in Togher on Thursday, March 19,and Ballyphehane on Wednesday, March 25.

Confirmation for Gaelscoil an Teaghlaigh Naofa will be held in Ballyphehane on Wednesday, April 22.

Pioneer Table Quiz

The Cork Pioneer Diocesan Council is holding a Family Table Quiz at 7.30pm on Friday, November 14, at the Togher Community Centre. Entries are required to be sent in by November 7. The cost is €20 per table. For further details contact Aislinn Cogan 087 9699488. aislinncogan@gmail.com or Sorcha Uí Laoghaire 086 3642619 of sorchaol@gmail.com.

Open soccer training session

As they look ahead to the FAI Cup final, Cork City FC is inviting supporters to join them at the Cross next Monday, October 27, for an open training session followed by a meet and greet with the players and staff. All are welcome to join at the stadium from 11am.

Mid-term ‘Corky Camps’

Cork City FC are to host a series of ‘Corky Camps’ over the midterm break. Corky Camps are open to boys and girls aged between 5-14 years. The sessions will always be delivered in a fun and friendly environment where learning is encouraged.

A three-day camp is to be held in Virgin Media Park on October 29-31, from 11am to 2pm and will cost €69.

Please email community@corkcityfc.ie for any pre-camp queries. Parents will receive an email outlining camp protocols around drop off times in advance of the camp starting.

Fearpark returns

The annual Halloween event at “Cork’s most haunted school” returns this October.

Fearpark is back on Thursday, October 30, at Coláiste Éamann Rís. This interactive Halloween event is suitable for all the family. Come in costume and with a torch.

Admission is €5 per person with doors opening at 6.30pm and closing at 8pm.

Visit Coláiste Éamann Rís on Facebook for more information.

Welcome at family centre

Centre Togher Family Centre wish to extend a warm welcome to the new school year and shared updates how the first few weeks back in action have been.

The centre shared: “The children in Tus an Bhothair (morning group) have had a wonderful start to the school year. Over the past few weeks, they’ve been busy exploring, creating, playing, and learning together. From painting and building to sharing stories and making new friends — it’s been full of smiles, curiosity, and joyful moments.

“The children in Tus an Bhothair (evening group) have had a fantastic beginning to the school year. These first few days have been filled with discovery, creativity, laughter, and lots of hands-on fun.

“Whether they were painting, building, reading, or making new friends — every moment has been full of excitement and wonder. We’re looking forward to a year full of growth, learning, and happy memories!”

Halloween party off

Ballyphehane community centre has shared that a decision has been made by the board to not hold a Halloween party this year. However, the community centre shared that plans are being made for a special Christmas project, and advised locals to keep an eye on social media for updates.