All About Cork: Carrigaline man highlighting Congo humanitarian crisis

A Carrigaline man will be putting a suitcase and a water container under his Christmas tree to raise awareness of the humanitarian crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the work of Christian Aid there.

Peter Coughlan, a parishioner of St Mary’s Church of Ireland, is raising awareness of the hundreds of thousands of people in the DRC who have been displaced from their homes in the war-torn region, having fled fighting between armed groups and government forces.

Eastern Congo is also facing a deepening hunger crisis, with one in three people now struggling to get enough food.

Mr Coughlan chose the suitcase and water container to emphasise how few possessions people can take with them when they are suddenly forced to flee their homes.

Mother of eight Chance has seen her world turned upside down. When fighting reached her village, Chance witnessed armed men loot her shop and attack her neighbour. Carrying her two-month-old on her back and rallying her seven other children, Chance set off in search of safety.

She hasn’t seen her husband since she fled her home.

After walking with her children for 80km, Chance found relative safety in a camp for displaced people close to the town of Kalehe, in the eastern province of South Kivu.

Now in a temporary shelter, she has nothing of value and fears her husband is dead. Despite having very young children to care for, Chance does agricultural work in nearby fields, earning around 50c a day to buy food for the family.

Chance and other displaced families in South Kivu have been supported by Christian Aid’s local partner, which has provided grants to help people afford the basics.

Mr Coughlan supports the work of Christian Aid with his donations.

Christian Aid Ireland’s chief executive, Rosamond Bennett, thanked him for helping to raise awareness of the crisis in eastern DRC. Ms Bennett said: “We’re grateful to Peter for helping to highlight the urgent situation in DRC. With his suitcase, he shows just how meagre are the possessions that people can take with them when they flee from fighting.”

“Here at home, we’re looking forward to our Christmas celebrations, but in DRC, mothers like Chance and her children are struggling to feed themselves after escaping a brutal conflict.

“The money Peter donates each year reaches people like Chance and her children. With your support this Christmas, we could reach even more families.”

To support Christian Aid’s work to reach mothers like Chance this Christmas, visit www.christianaid.ie.

Tidy Towns host first Community Awards Night since 2019

Carrigaline Tidy Towns recently held a spectacular Community Awards Night in the Alder Suite in the Carrigaline Court Hotel. It was the first time the awards had been held since 2019.

Guests were welcomed at the door by two friendly members of Tidy Towns, a display of their All-Ireland Tidy Towns Gold and Silver medals, and young traditional Irish musicians to help create the atmosphere.

The attendance included Monsignor Aidan O’Driscoll VG Co PP, Rev Canon Elaine Murray, Fr James McSweeney Co PP, Rev Michael O’Connell CC, and Rev Richard Dring.

A number of politicians were also in attendance, including Minister of of State Jerry Buttimer TD, Séamus McGrath TD, and county councillors Patrick Donovan, Eoghan Fahy, Jack White, and Una McCarthy.

The following received awards on the night:

Best Business Front: Mable Lane; runners up, Man O Mano and Jens;

Best New Business Front: CC Computers;

Long Established Business:
Gerard Long Shoe Repairs;

Best Florals: Church Hill Dental Practice and the Gaelic Bar;

Best Window Display: Stitch n Design;

Best Estate: Mount Rivers;

Best New Estate: Janeville;

Private Gardens: Martyna Ahern, Carrigdhoun Estate, Mary and Pat Murphy, Upper Kilmoney Rd, and Eamon and Ruth O’Leary.

Best Cottage Garden: Helen McSweeney;

Best Wildflower Display: Louise and Glen Barton;

Best Container Display: Church of Our Lady and St John;

Artwork: Mural - Mary O’Regan
artist;

Carrigaline Community School recieved a special award for its Mini Native Woodland;

Carrigaline Pipe Band were honoured with a special Community Award in recognition of winning the All-Ireland and World Pipe Band Championships, 2025;

David Collins of Barry Collins SuperValu was presented with the Community Award for his personal contribution to Carrigaline Tidy Towns over many years as their main sponsor, three years as their chairman, and ongoing support with facilities and hospitality.

Best Overall Business Front and Perpetual Trophy went to Mable Lane which was presented by councillor Ben Dalton O’Sullivan, deputising for The Mayor of County Cork, councillor Mary Linehan.

Aifreann na Nollag 

Beidh an tAifreann seo go speisialta mar beidh cór ón nGaelscoil ag cannadh Carúil Nollag agus Grúpa Cheoil ag seint ag Aifreann ar an Domhnach seo 14ú Nollag ar 10.00rn This month’s Aifreann Gaeilge will be on at 10.00am this Sunday, December 14.

 Christmas carols and relevant hymns and music will be sung and played by a choir and music group from Gaelscoil Charraig Uí Leighin along with the Cór Gaeilge. Beidh Billeoga Aifrinn agus Iomainn ar fáil ag na dóirse. Beidh fáilte roimh chác

Annual Pioneer Draw 2026 

The annual Pioneer Supporter’s draw is one of the Pioneer Association’s main fundraising initiatives to help it to develop the association. The draw runs for six months and takes place on the third Wednesday of each month beginning on January 21  The monthly prizes are first €1,000, second €400, third €200 and fourth €100. 

The Carrigaline Centre has Cards available, €7 a month or €40 for the six months enquiries Aislinn 087 9699 488.

The Wrenboys 

Plans and preparations for the annual Carrigaline Wren boys Street Festival which takes place on St Stephen’s Day are progressing. The Main Street will be closed from11.00am to 2.00pm and music and dancing on the street will take place by Phelan’s Pharmacy. 

The Rig Night will be held at Club Céilí in the Band Hall this Saturday, December 13, where the Wren boys organise their costumes. The Céilí night is from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

Community Carol Service

This year the Carrigaline Community Carol Service will be held in St Mary’s Church of Ireland on the Church Road, Carrigaline at 7:30pm on Friday December 19.

Thursday December 4th CARA had a big crowd at the Community Complex where they had the Ukulele Group known as The C’ukes perform for them and they were very entertaining.

On Thursday 11th CARA had over 30 members at the Complex when they had stories and poetry in memory of their Active Retired friends who passed away during the year including one of the late Chairperson Pat Goulding’s stories read by her friend Eileen. It was lovely to remember them during the month of the Holy Souls.

CARA travelled by bus to the Trident Hotel, Kinsale on Thursday (December 11) for their annual Christmas Lunch.

Men’s Shed A variety of activities are ongoing in the Carrigaline Men’s Shed. The walking group go on a different route every Monday at 11 am. New members have joined the choir which practices both Tuesday and Thursday adding some new Christmas carols to their repertoire. They performed at the Innishannon Carol service on Wednesday, December 10th, and will perform in SuperValu Mall next Tuesday 16th, in Co-op Superstore on Friday 19th and Cork Airport on Sunday 21st. The gardening section planted daffodil bulbs on the green at Rosehill on Robertscove Road and some crocus bulbs at the Shed. The wood workers made a selection of fairy doors for a Tidy Towns project in the Woodland meanwhile a number of men represented the Men’s Shed at the Tidy Towns awards night in the Carrigaline Court Hotel last Friday night. New members and new ideas are always welcome contact Roger Morrissey 087 220 3547.