All About Cork: Cllr McCarthy launches new A-Z Book on Cork

Councillor Kieran McCarthy has launched a new book entitled A-Z of Cork, Places, People, History.

It is published by Amberley Publishing (2025). This book aims to showcase just over 100 short histories or themes on Cork’s past.

This book as well needs to be read in the context of being another additional piece by Kieran in a series published on Cork history by Amberley Publishing.

Indeed, in particular see Cork City Through Time (2012), Cork City History Tour (2016), Secret Cork (2017), Cork in 50 Buildings(2018), Cork City Reflections (2021), Celebrating Cork (2022). This A-Z publication presents new stories to add to the stories of the latter books. Indeed the publication is Kieran’s 32nd local history book.

Cllr McCarthy noted: “It is said the more you walk a place and research a place, the more you discover and re-discover it. My experience of studying Cork for over three decades has been just that. I have discovered and re-discovered my city, but saying that I still feel I am just scratching the surface on the histories, which have led to the development of Cork. Indeed, for all the research and writing I have pursued on the city I call home, the more discoveries and re-discoveries are made.

“Through my diverse research tangents, they have taken me on large-scale mental adventures. I have dug into research from everything on reclamation practices to enable the construction of my city on a swamp to the minutia perhaps of who was the woodcarver within one of the city’s churches.

“There have been long mornings, afternoons, evenings and days over many years chasing sub-topics of the city’s development. Indeed, there has been many a time I have been lost in time and space in Cork’s rich story so to speak, which have always intrigued me, took my imagination to flight and made me passionate about telling my city’s stories.

“Yes, it is a deep love of my home, my place, my sense of place and identity, but also that these stories and their minutia matter and all add up to the tapestry of Ireland’s second city,” concluded Mr McCarthy.

Councillor Shannon welcomes funding for new crossing

Fianna Fáil Councillor Terry Shannon welcomed the funding for the new crossings in the vicinity of Browningstown Park, one of several new pedestrian crossing going ahead in Douglas and other areas.

“These are much needed crossings and I am delighted they are going ahead and hopefully more will follow in other areas in time,” said Cllr Shannon.

“I had consulted with the engineers around the crossings in the Scoil Bhride Eglantine area as I felt they needed some extra works.

“But for now I welcome these works and hopefully they will be underway shortly.”

In a statement Cork City Council said: “Pursuant to the provisions of Section 38 of the Road Traffic Act 1994 (as amended) Cork City Council hereby gives notice of its intention to carry out pedestrian crossing improvement works at eight locations, including: L5283 Eglantine Park at Scoil Bhride Eglantine – the school zone will be enhanced with a raised table zebra crossing which would be installed between newly constructed footpath build-outs on both sides of the road near the school.

“A separate speed table would be installed approaching the new raised zebra crossing from the Douglas Road. Pencil bollards would be provided on approach to the zebra crossing to discourage inappropriate parking close to the crossing.”

The new footpath would provide pedestrian connectivity between Browningstown Park and Scoil Bhríde Eglantine and the zebra crossings would allow pedestrians to safely cross.

Horgan: Air quality monitor has been installed in village

Douglas Labour Party Councillor Peter Horgan has received confirmation that the air quality monitor for Douglas village has been installed with test results due back within a month.

“This is important that we accurately test the air quality in Douglas, perhaps the most congested part of the city with traffic,” said Cllr Horgan.

“The results will give a real time picture in the impact of idling traffic in the Douglas area.

“Ultimately we are looking down the barrel of a proposed change in infrastructure via bus connects but also there needs to be a holistic reimagining of Douglas Village to support the businesses there and attract people to come and spend their time there in a safe manner, that includes better footpaths and public realm and safe crossing areas.

“I have sought updates and ringfenced funding in order to achieve that in areas such as replacing the footpaths entirely, building out public seating and making it an attractive place for leisure and business.”

GAA club celebrate county and city U21 football double

Douglas GAA Club were celebrating after winning the County U21 football championship last weekend.

In a message to members they said: “Our eagerly awaited County U21 Football final took place in Macroom.

“We started with the wind behind us in the first half but found ourselves trailing by six points in the opening quarter after conceding two early goals.

“Full credit to our lads who kept battling on and kept the scoreboard ticking over, allowing us to enter half time with a one point deficit 2-5 to 0-10.

“Ibane Gaels advantage grew to three points early in the second half, but our team called on all their reserves to fight back.

“Sean Coakley’s goal on the 45th minute pushed us ahead for the first time in the game, and with the introduction of fresh legs we were able to drive on.

“Five points for Douglas in the latter stages of the game without reply led us on to win by four points.

“In what was an entertaining and heart stopping game, the final score ended Douglas 1-16, Ibane Gaels 2-9.

“Thanks to our dedicated team and mentors for taking us on this journey to a season ending on a high, and to the band of superb supporters who cheered the team home to victory.

“Sunday’s win tops off what has been a hugely successful year for our U21 footballers with historic city and county championship wins. Douglas Abú.”