All About Cork: No funding for Ringmahon walkway lighting

Cork City Council has said that there is “no project plan or funding” available to facilitate requests for lighting along the Blackrock Castle to Ringmahon walkway.

In response to a motion, submitted by Independent councillor for the Cork City South East ward, Kieran McCarthy, a spokesperson for the council said that despite requests for such works, they would need to be considered as part of a “larger public realm scheme”.

“The Lough Mahon area is protected by the EU Birds Directive as part of the Cork Harbour Special Protection Area (SPA),” said the spokesperson.

“As a result, installing new lighting in an EU SPA is now subject to an Activities Requiring Consent (ARC) procedure, because it can potentially interfere with the protected habitats or species.

“Any works would therefore need to be considered as part of a larger public realm scheme.

“Currently, operations have no project plan or funding to light this walkway.” 

Mr McCarthy said that “many people use the walkway every day, and would like to use it safely during the winter months”.

“A number of individuals have approached me to suggest that the provision of public lighting would encourage more people to use the walkway during the earlier and darker evenings of the year.”

Rockies launch car raffle

Blackrock National Hurling Club has announced the launch of their latest fundraising raffle, with one lucky winner set to go home with a new car.

The raffle, taking place on December 21, is hosted in association with Cogan’s Toyota.

Entrants will have the chance to win a new Toyota Yaris worth €30,000.

All proceeds made from the raffle will go towards the construction of a new gymnasium and underage dressing rooms at the club.

A club spokesperson said: “Every ticket you buy helps us build more than just walls — it creates a space where young players can grow, train, and feel proud.

“The funds raised will go directly towards a new gymnasium and much-needed underage dressing rooms, supporting the next generation of our club.

“Together, we can make this vision a reality.”

Tickets for the raffle are priced at €20 each, or €50 for three, with more than €4,500 raised for the club through ticket purchases at the time of print.

For more information, visit: https://tinyurl.com/46tuzf3p.

Monthly Clinic at Mahon Community Centre 

Green Party councillor for the Cork City South East ward, Honore Kamegni, is inviting members of the public to attend his monthly confidential clinic in Mahon.

The scheduled event is hosted on the third Saturday of each month at Mahon Community Centre from 10am to 12pm.

This month’s clinic will take place on November 22.

In a post shared on social media, Mr Kamegni said that everyone is welcome to join him at the event.

“Feel free to call in to discuss any issues that I can help with,” said Mr Kamegni.

“This is a regular once monthly meeting.” 

Mahon Teen Cafe 

A new weekly cafe, aimed at pre-teens and teenagers, will take place in Mahon tomorrow evening.

The cafe, which is open to children aged between 12 years old and 16 years old, will be held at the Mahon Youth Centre on Mahon Drive from 7.30pm to 8.30pm.

In a post shared on social media, organisers of the cafe said that attendees can expect music, games, snacks and “good vibes”.

Organisers additionally said that teenager-leaders will be present at the centre from 7.15pm.

Parents must register their teen for the weekly event, with a full programme of activities for the month ahead available on request.

For more information, contact Michelle on 089-239-0923 or via email at: chairmahonrockies@gmail.com.

Scala Christmas Market 

Members of the public are invited to attend this year’s Scala Youth Ministry's Christmas Market in Blackrock.

The event will take place on November 16 at the Scala Youth Ministry on the Castle Road in Blackrock from 11am to 3.30pm.

Up to 35 stalls have registered to take part in the event, offering attendees a wide range of choice when it comes to Christmas gift shopping.

On the day, attendees can expect to enjoy a variety of activities with live music and entertainment, non alcoholic mulled wine, and teas and coffees for adults, as well as face painting, an opportunity to visit Santa in his Magical Cabin, and a chance to post letters to the North Pole for children.

A raffle will also take place on the day, with a number of prizes up for grabs.

Host Families Wanted 

A call has been made for temporary host families across Mahon and Blackrock.

In a post shared on social media, host family facilitator Kimberly Keogh said that 11 Spanish students, aged between 15 and 16 years old, will be arriving in Cork on January 4.

The students will be entering Transition Year at Cork Educate Together Secondary School, Coláiste Éamann Rís, Nagle Community College, and Coláiste Chríost Rí.

Host families will be offered €900 per month, with the students returning home to Spain on March 29.

Ms Keogh said “if you can offer a warm, welcoming home and would love to share Irish culture while learning a bit of Spanish, we’d love to hear from you”.

Interested families can contact Kimberly on WhatsApp at: 085 164 1738.