All About Cork: Credit union issues advise on staying safe online

Inspire Credit Union in Bishopstown has issued some timely advice for anyone spending time online.

“As we do more shopping, booking, and browsing online at this time of year, fraudsters are also more active,” a spokesperson for the credit union said.

“Fake websites can look very convincing, especially when offering deals that seem too good to be true.” 

“If something does not feel right, trust your instincts and stop. Staying vigilant online helps protect your money and your peace of mind this Christmas,” they said.

“Inspire Credit Union is here to support you.” For further information, see inspirecu.ie.

• Before entering any personal or financial details, they said, people should always:
• Check the website address carefully for spelling errors or unusual changes 
• Look for secure payment signs, such as a padlock symbol in the browser bar 
• Avoid clicking on links from unexpected emails or messages 
• Take a moment to pause if you feel rushed or pressured to act 

Arthur leads the way during Kilbrittain tractor run

Win a Valentine’s treat

Carrigrohane-based national charity Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind is offering a chance to win a very special St Valentine’s Day treat.

As part of its 50th anniversary celebrations, the charity is holding an online raffle to win a unique prize for a St Valentine’s Day weekend.

The prize consists of a stay for two people at the newly refurbished Rochestown Park Hotel wedding suite over Valentine’s Day weekend. The stay will include breakfast and dinner on both nights.

Tickets are €10 each or six tickets can be bought for €50 Tickets are only available online.

Ticket numbers will be sent via email, and tickets are available until January 31, with the draw taking place on February 2.

For further details and to buy tickets, see guidedogs.ie.

Clubs and groups at Bishopstown and Ballincollig Libraries 

Bishopstown and Ballincollig are both blessed with two fantastic libraries, both of which have number of events happening every month.

One of the largest local libraries in Cork city, several clubs and groups make their home in Bishopstown Library’s warm and friendly space. With admission free to all, new members are always welcome.

The Bishopstown Writers Group meets every month at 2.30pm on the first Thursday and 6pm on the third Thursday. Three book clubs make their home in the library: The Lucky Dip book club meets 11am on the first Friday of the month; The Jane Austen book club at 2.30pm on the first Tuesday, and the Glad book club at 2.30pm on the second Monday of the month.

The Arts group meets at 2.30pm every Monday; Knit and Natter, 10.30am, every Tuesday; Cork Handweavers, 10am, on the third Saturday of the month, Cork Textile Network 10am, on the first Saturday; and Fite Fuaite quilters club, 10am, on the first and third Wednesday.

There is a gramophone recital at 3pm, on the last Thursday of the month June to September; Caint is Comhrá is at 6.30pm, every Thursday June to September; and the Adult Chess club meets at 2.30pm every Wednesday.

A number of retirement groups meet in the library: The Wilton Go-Getters at 2.30pm every Tuesday; Probus Ladies group meets at 11am on the first and third Wednesday; The Thursday Active Retirement group, 2.30pm, first, second and third Thursday; and the Wilton Wanderers at 2.30pm on the second and fourth Friday.

Bishopstown Library is open from 10am to 5.30pm, Monday to Saturday. It is served by the bus routes 208, 214 and 219.

As group meeting times can sometimes change, please contact the library for the most up-to-date times. Email: bishopstown_library@corkcity.ie or telephone: (021) 4924953.

In Ballincollig Library, the Tuesday Book Club takes place at 10.30am on the first Tuesday of every month. Ciorcal Cainte is at 11am on the second Wednesday of every month, and is open to anyone who would like to try a cupla focail. The Wednesday Book Club takes place at 11am on the last Wednesday of the month. The Active Retirement group meets at 11am every Thursday and Friday. Story time for children is at 10.30am every Friday morning.

Ballincollig Library is open from 9.30am to 5.30pm, Tuesday to Saturday.

There too, group meeting times can sometimes change, so please contact the library for the most up-to-date times. Email: ballincollig_library@corkcity.ie or telephone 021 238 9797 or 021 238 9798.

Ballincollig GAA Club weekly lottery 

The Ballincollig GAA Club lottery, which is currently taking a break for the Christmas holidays, returns on this Thursday, January 8, with a €19,200 jackpot.

The most recent draw was held on Thursday, December 18, and the numbers drawn were 10, 21, 22, and 31. There was no winner of the jackpot, but there were three consolation prize winners for club supporters, with €100 going to Phil Coade, €50 to Dominic Barrett, and €50 to Alison Coughlan.

For further information, see ballincolliggaa.clubzap.com.