All About Cork: Barrs to say goodbye as Cunningham announces departure

A local club will say goodbye to their coach as Cork legend Ger Cunningham has announced that he will not be continuing into a fifth season in charge of St Finbarr’s senior hurlers.

Cunningham informed the club last Thursday that he will not be allowing his name to go forward for consideration in 2026. His management team, John Cremin, Billy O’Shea, Sean McCarthy, and Kevin Kelliher, are also stepping aside.

The former Cork goalkeeper and Dublin manager joined the club and, in his first season in charge, the Blues came from nowhere to win the county title in 2022 for the first time since 1993.

After a 29-year absence from a county senior final, he has successfully steered the Barrs to their 26th championship crown, defeating Blackrock 2-14 to 1-7.

Cunningham announced his decision on social media.

“The last four years has been an honour and privilege to lead the Barrs senior hurling team on a wonderful journey,” he said.

“I have now decided it is the right time to step away so I will not be going forward as senior hurling manager next year.”

Cunningham’s four-year spell in charge aligned with a major revival in the hurling fortunes of the Togher outfit.

As defending champions the following year, they were knocked out at the semi-final stage, losing to Midleton by a single point.

The 2024 championship proved their weakest, as they unexpectedly failed to progress from the group phase, bringing intensified scrutiny and pressure on club icon Cunningham.

They responded impressively this season, featuring in one of Cork’s two dramatic semi-final showdowns, again losing by just one point — this time to eventual champions Sarsfields.

Cunningham’s management team are also stepping aside, marking the end of an era for the Togher club.

Leading local candidates to replace Cunningham are believed to be the Murray brothers, Kevin and Paudie. The duo oversaw this year’s Barrs minor hurlers who secured the County Premier 2 title in early October. Jimmy Barry Murphy was also part of that minor management group, and he is additionally involved with the club’s county-winning senior footballers this season.

Kevin Murray has joined the Cork footballers as a selector for the 2026 season. His coaching background is highly respected in Togher, and he has already coached many of the current senior hurlers at underage level, including several who featured in last month’s narrow semi-final loss to Sars.

Paudie Murray is a four-time All-Ireland-winning camogie manager.

Tenor Gamble in town

A well-known Cork tenor is celebrating 75 years in the music industry by returning to his hometown.

Togher native Christy Gamble revisited his former primary school, Togher Boys’ School, for a meet-and-greet music event. The 85-year-old is due to be inducted in to the Hall of Fame Cork, “a community project providing recognition and appreciation for the unheralded superheroes of Cork towns and villages that are overlooked by mainstream hall of fame awards”.

The celebration of Mr Gamble’s career will be held in the Deanrock Ballroom, Togher on Thursday, November 20 at 7.30pm. The Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind will be in attendance to host a raffle and present a demo with one of their training puppies.

Admission is €10 and booking is recommended.

Renewed fears about bird flu

People visiting The Lough are advised to continue avoiding contact with sick or dead wild birds.

New fears surrounding bid flu have been sparked following the deaths of two swans and a duck, the remains of which were removed from The Lough over the weekend.

Arrangements have been made for the remains to be transported to a Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine laboratory, where testing will be conducted for the presence of bird flu.

It will take several days before the results of these tests are formally confirmed.

In the meantime, biosecurity measures which were introduced at The Lough in September following the first confirmed case of bird flu there remain in place.

A temporary ban on fishing at The Lough also remains in place, and the bird feeder is still out of action.

Cork City Council thanked people for their continued co-operation during the bird flu outbreak.

Togher quiz success

The Togher Pioneer Table Quiz, held on Friday, November 14, was a success, the organisers have said.

“Despite the bad weather last Friday night, we had a full house in Togher Community Centre for the pioneer table quiz. It was a great family night, with people aged from 8 to 80 enjoying the challenge and the fun.”

“Mary Murphy, from Knockraha Pioneer Centre, was our quizmaster and she had an excellent mix of light-hearted, challenging, and quirky questions.

“Families and friends from all parts of the city and beyond enjoyed the refreshments and the banter, a great way to block out the dreary, winter night.

“Many thanks to Norma and all the community cCentre staff for their help and support in running this event. We hope this event will become a regular feature of the pioneer calendar in Cork.”

Christmas call out

Ballyphehane Tidy Towns are calling on local businesses to lend a hand, or donate a prize to the annual Ballyphehane Christmas raffle 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,” the group said. “Your support helps us raise essential funds for our ongoing community projects, including litter picking, youth initiatives, environmental improvements, and efforts to make Ballyphehane a cleaner, greener, and more vibrant place for everyone.”

“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.

“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.

Missing bin returns

A blue bin was reported missing last week from Ballyphehane Togher CDP. Thankfully, the bin has been returned safe and sound.

“So, bit of good news and a giggle on a miserable day. Our big blue bin has been on some adventures and has finally returned home. Thanks to everyone who kept an eye out and provided any information for its safe return and to our community wardens, Arthur and Grainne, for steering it all the way home from Tower St to Lower Friars Walk by foot.

“Let’s just hope our big green bin doesn’t follow suit.”