All About Cork: Local groups honoured across award ceremonies

It has been a successful week for the community, with the hard work and dedication of many local groups being highlighted across various awards.

Céilí Cois Locha was awarded national recognition in the IPB Pride of Place Awards 2025.

The awards honour those who demonstrate exceptional commitment to building inclusive, vibrant, and resilient communities. This year, Cork’s shortlisted groups reflect the diversity, creativity, and strength of local initiatives working to make a difference.

During the summer, the group hosts a weekly outdoor céilí at The Lough which has become a much-loved tradition each year.

The group took home the award in the Creative Communities category for its vibrant celebration of culture and connection through dance and music.

Organisers took to their Facebook page to say: “We won! Congratulations to Tony and all the crew for winning the Pride of Place award in their category on Friday night last.”

Another local group was nominated for the Pride of Place Awards that were held last Friday in Limerick.

Sauti Studio Project was recognised in the Creative Youth Initiative category for empowering young people through storytelling, media, and music.

It was set up by the Cork Migrant Centre’s youth initiative against racism in Nano Nagle Place.

Speaking ahead of the awards, Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Fergal Dennehy, said: “These nominations are a powerful reflection of the spirit and strength of Cork’s communities. Each group represents the values we hold dear —creativity, inclusion, wellbeing, and pride of place.”

In addition, more than 10 Cork buildings were recognised at this year’s Better Building Awards ceremony which was held in the Metropole Hotel last Friday.

The awards, organised by the Cork Business Association in partnership with Cork City Council, aim to recognise excellence in the care, presentation, and enhancement of Cork’s built environment, from heritage sites to new developments.

At these awards, the Munster Rugby Centre of Excellence on Pearse Rd, received the Best Climate Resilience award.

Munster Rugby has officially opened its Cork Centre of Excellence at Virgin Media Park in October of this year.

The Ballyphehane facility aims play a key role in developing grassroots rugby and represents Munster Rugby’s second-largest capital project ever, following the redevelopment of Thomond Park in 2008.

Munster Rugby said the €7.3m Cork Centre of Excellence will be key in supporting underage player pathways for both boys and girls. It will also provide vital facilities for community, school, and club programmes in the province.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dave O’Brien, president of the Cork Business Association, said the awards recognise those who have “shown true vision in how they build, modernise, and maintain their properties”.

Ballyphehane Community Centre had also been nominated for a 2025 Cork Better Building Award in the Climate Resilience Award category but lost out to its neighbour.

Nano Nagle was recognised once more in the Better Buildings awards, receiving a special merit for Nadur Deli in the Heritage, Conservation and Sustainability category.

Community group welcomes UCC students to event

Ballyphehane Togher Community Development Project (CDP) welcomed students and presenters from UCC’s professional diploma in further, and adult and continuing education last week to highlight the importance of learning at any age.

As promoters of the Ballyphehane Learning Neighbourhood, the CDP is proud to play its part alongside many other groups to showcase the importance of learning across all communities.

At the event, former project co-ordinator Siobhán O’Dowd was fondly remembered for her continued support and commitment to Learning Neighbourhoods Cork and Cork Lifelong Learning Festival by Denis Barrett, co-ordinator of Cork Learning.

A spokesperson for the CDP said: “Thank you so much to Grainne and Cathy who provided a welcoming space today, bringing their enthusiasm, knowledge and experience about our Project to the participants while also highlighting how a community development approach to education and learning provision is so important in giving people the confidence and ability to continue of their own learning.

“Cathy also spoke passionately about her own journey through adult education and the many years of working in this special field.”

In the afternoon, the group headed to the community space in the Tory Top Library in collaboration with Cork City Libraries and hosted by Deirbhile.

They met with Nancy, Bridie and Charlotte, from the Ballyphehane Togher Community Arts and Crafts Initiative.

The spokesperson for the CDP said: “These three amazing community education tutors have given over 30 years of volunteering and sharing their skills of crafts and crochet to our own community and way beyond.

“They shared their wisdom, inspiration and giving in lifelong learning and we thank you all for that.”

Togher table quiz

The local Pioneer Association is holding a Table Quiz on Friday, November 14, at 7.30 pm in Togher Community Centre, T12 TX2Y.

The cost is €20 per table for a group but organisers have said that they would be delighted to facilitate anyone who comes along on the night for €5 per person.

Refreshments will be served, and it promises to be a very enjoyable night.

Christmas call out

Ballyphehane Tidy Towns are calling on local businesses to lend a hand, or a prize to the annual Ballyphehane Christmas Raffle which will take place at the Christmas at the Square event on December 7.

“We’re currently seeking spot prize donations from local businesses to help make this year’s raffle extra special. Your support helps us raise essential funds for our ongoing community projects,” the group said.

“If your business can donate a spot prize (big or small), we’d love to hear from you. In return, we’ll happily give your business a shout-out on our social media and at our Christmas Fair on December 7.” To donate a prize, email ballyphehanetidytown@gmail.com.

Nano Nagle is also calling on the community to take part in their own Christmas Market as they look for vendors to sell their goods and wares at the event.

“We’re looking for talented creators to join this festive celebration of creativity, community, and Christmas cheer. Share your handmade gifts, seasonal decorations, and unique crafts with visitors looking for something special — from candles and jewellery to prints, textiles, and festive treats,” they have said.

The Nano Nagle markets are set to take place on December 6 and 7 and also on December 13 and 14. Send your expression of interest to visitorexperience@nanonagleplace.ie.

Club Mass

The St Finbarr’s annual club Mass will take place on November 17 at 8pm with all welcome to attend. The Barrack Street Band will be also present to perform at the mass.

Supporters bus

A supporters bus is being organised for those wishing to attend the Munster Club Senior Football Championship quarter final between St Finbarr’s and Clonmel Commercials.

The game is being held in Clonmel at 1.15pm.

The bus will be leaving the clubhouse at 10.30am sharp on Saturday, November 15 and will stop in Mitchelstown after the game.

The price for adults is €15 and €10 for kids.

To reserve a spot, please contact Ted Power on 0876337958.

Missing bin

Ballyphehane Togher CDP have issued a call out to anyone who may know the whereabouts of a missing bin.

The bin is described as being a large blue recycling bin with a Country Clean sticker on the side. “Did anyone see our blue recycling bin? We put the bin out last on Tuesday, November 4 and someone seems to have emptied it and taken it away.

“Can you watch out for it in the community please and ring us if you have any information on it at 021-4319085.”