All About Cork: Ballincollig meet-up was one of Michael D’s last appointments

This morning, in an inauguration ceremony in Dublin Castle, Catherine Connolly will formally become Uachtarán na hÉireann, her predecessor having formally relinquished the title at midnight last night.

The swearing-in of a new president is one of the most important events in Ireland’s public life, and president-elect Connolly — as she is at the time of writing — will be our 10th president, taking over from Michael D Higgins, who has served the maximum two terms in office.

In a landslide victory on October 24, the then Independent Galway West TD secured 914,143 first-preference votes (63%), a record in Irish presidential election history.

Last Friday, in one of his final official acts, President Higgins met with members of Ballincollig Tidy Towns (BTT), who visited him in Áras an Uachtaráin.

The meeting had been delayed by the death of Pope Francis.

The president and Ms Higgins had been due to visit Ballincollig to unveil a plaque marking the success of the town — The Village, as it is known locally — in winning the SuperValu TidyTowns Ireland’s Tidiest Town 2024.

The best laid plans, however, were scuppered by matters of state and the death of Pope Francis, with President Higgins travelling to Rome for Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural Mass on the day he had been due to visit The Village.

Still, the show went on, and the plaque was unveiled by two local dignitaries. Deputising for the first citizen of Ireland was the first citizen of Cork, the then lord mayor of Cork, councillor Dan Boyle, who was joined by Jerry Buttimer, Fine Gael TD for Cork South Central and minister of state.

Meeting the BTT volunteers, President Higgins apologised for the delay and joked that he didn’t know whether to blame Pope Francis or Pope Leo.

Tom Butler, BTT chair, said the President had complimented the volunteers on their win, and on their ongoing work.

“We presented him with a painting by Anne O’Regan, and chocolates specially made by Ballincollig chocolate factory, Luso, it was a lovely experience, and it rounded off the whole celebration of win to have it recognised by the president,” Mr Butler said.

Among the volunteers present in Áras an Uachtaráin were Jacqueline Cullinane, BTT’s oldest volunteer, and Cillian O’Toole, one of its youngest.

It’s full steam ahead for BTT, with the 2026 planting in planning since August, while volunteers work flat-out every week.

“We’re going through the adjudicators’ report and going through the things we need to do. We improved our marks on last year by nine, and we retained our gold medal, and we’re very happy with that,” Mr Butler said.

If you would like to get involved, see the Ballincollig Tidy Towns page on Facebook.

Village alive with festive cheer

It’s that time of year again when Ballincollig comes alive with bright lights, music, and festive cheer.

Join the Ballincollig Business Association at Castle West Shopping Centre at 6pm on Friday, November 28, for the official Christmas lights switch-on, a local tradition that marks the start of the holiday season.

There will be live entertainment, music and plenty of fun for all ages. Santa will make a special appearance, and it promises to be a special evening for all the family.

It’s also the perfect chance to support local shops, restaurants and cafés and pick up a few early gifts while you’re there.

If you’d like to get involved, the organisers are always delighted to welcome new volunteers to help out on the night or at any event. Even an hour of your time can make a big difference in creating a wonderful community celebration.

For more details on the Ballincollig Business Association, or to lend a hand, email admin@ballincollig.ie.

Theatre grateful of support

Members of Ballincollig’s Pyke Theatre group have thanked all who supported its annual drama festival, which was held recently.

Committee member Eadaoin Delaney said this year’s festival had more than met expectations.

“It truly was an amazing few nights, and the talent was exceptional,” she said.

“Special thanks to all our sponsors, to Shirley McCarthy for adjudication each night, and to the wonderful audiences.” In other news, the group is holding its ever-popular monthly get-together at Ballincollig Rugby Club in Tanner Park at 8pm tonight, Tuesday November 11.

All are welcome to an evening of music, song, drama and dancing. Admission is free and raffle tickets will be on sale at the door, with spot prizes.

From Bishopstown to The Beatles for musician Joe

A new book by a Cork musician offers a special insight in to a life lived in music. The book, All Roads Lead to Where You Are: From Bishopstown to The Beatles, is the work of Joe Philpott, co-founder, in 1988, of Rubyhorse, and founder, in 2012, of The White Horse Guitar Club.

The memoir charts a journey from Coláiste an Spioraid Naoimh to Los Angeles, playing with George Harrison, and appearing on the Late Show with David Letterman, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, and Good Morning America.

All Roads Lead to Where You Are: From Bishopstown to The Beatles, by Joe Philpott, is on sale now in Waterstones Cork.

Choral Christmas cheer

The Cork International Choral Festival is set to hold the 2025 edition of its Christmas concert, under the direction of Catherine Mahon Buckley in the Church of Christ Our Light, Ballincollig, at the end of the month.

It promises to be a night of music and readings, under the title ‘Choral Christmas Cheer’.

Prepare to kick off the festive season with the voices of renowned soprano Mary Hegarty, emerging vocal talents, and some of the best Cork choirs, including Scoil an Spioraid Naoimh Cailíní Choir, Scoil Mhuire Choir Ballincollig, and The White Horse Gospel Choir.

Featured soloists are Ronan O’Leary and Siomha Marron.

The event will take place at 7.30pm on Friday, November 28, in the Church of Christ Our Light, Ballincollig. Tickets are €26 and available at corkchoral.ie.

Engineers’ event

The Cork division of Engineers Ireland will hold its annual chartered engineers’ evening from 7pm to 9pm in the Talbot Hotel tomorrow, Wednesday, November 12.

Presented by Andrew Kennedy, professional titles development executive at Engineers’ Ireland, the evening’s topic will be ‘The Chartered Engineer Application Explained’.

The in-person event is for people considering applying for the chartered engineer title and for those undergoing the application process.

It will include discussions on the process, what the reviewers and interviewers are looking for, and advice from experienced reviewers and interviewers.

The event will be followed by networking opportunities. It is free, but to gauge numbers, Engineers Ireland asks that those planning to attend please book at tinyurl.com/5b7y2njx.

GAA Club weekly lottery

The numbers drawn in the Ballincollig GAA Club lottery, which was held on Thursday, November 6, were 12, 17, 18 and 27. There was no winner of the €17,800 jackpot, but there were three consolation prize winners for club supporters, with €200 going to Sheila O’Keeffe, €100 to Joe Moore, and €100 to Sheila O’Sullivan. See ballincolliggaa.clubzap.com. The jackpot for this week’s draw, on Thursday, November 13, is €18,000.