All About Cork: Access to new pitches is 'huge step' for local club

Ballyphehane Celtic will share facilities with two local clubs and they call this ‘a huge step’.

The soccer club, which works closely with the Irish Sepsis Foundation, will team up with two other local sides for match and training days. A spokesperson for the club said: “For the upcoming season, ISF Ballyphehane Celtic have been granted match facilities with Ballinhassig AFC. This is a huge milestone, with access to one of the newest astros and finest football facilities in Cork.

“On top of that, we’ve also secured our training facilities at Douglas RFC, offering superb facilities that will allow us to raise standards even further. This is a massive step forward for the club, and a real sign of the progress being made behind the scenes. Our plans for the upcoming season are in place and ready to go.”

As always, Ballyphehane Celtic are welcoming new players who are ready to work hard, commit to the team, and be part of something bigger by helping a charity grow.

“There are exciting times ahead for ISF Ballyphehane Celtic and we’re only getting started,” the spokesperson said.

There is also transfer news for the Ballyphehane side. They welcome Jamie O’Sullivan from DHF Grangevale, Chris Bowen from St Mary’s, Ryan Towler from Casement Celtic, and Grattan United, and Jack Austin of ASH FC and Douglas Hall.

A few more transfers are being worked on behind the scenes.

“The squad stays strong, as a majority of the lads are sticking around, ready to go full throttle this season,” the Ballyphehane Celtic spokesperson said.

“Good luck to Shane Keating of Mayfield Seniors and Niall Kennedy of DHF Grangevale, as they depart. We wish them nothing but success.”

The new season begins today, Wednesday, for the team and anyone interested in getting involved is invited to contact the team administrators on social media.

In addition, if you would like to take part in the Ballyphehane Celtic Last Man Standing Premier League Edition competition, you can DM the club Facebook page or contact 083 1812341.

If you think you have what it takes to be the last man standing, you can sign up before January 15.

It is €10 to enter and the winner will win €350 in cash. The runner-up will walk away with a €75 Ryanair voucher.

“All money raised will go directly towards the upkeep of the club, including new pitch costs and ongoing maintenance to keep our club in top condition for everyone.”

Works on Togher Rd

Please be advised of ongoing road works on Togher Rd, Lehenaghmore, this week.

The road works began on Monday, January 5 and will continue until Friday, January 9. Traffic management will be in place.

A 24-hour stop/go system will be in place from 7am until 5pm and works will relate to the Lehenaghmore Pedestrian Improvement Scheme, by contractors Glas.

These works are part of important pedestrian safety improvements in the area. Some delays are expected, so please plan journeys accordingly and allow extra time.

The Lehenaghmore Rd improvement scheme is am 18-month project that will deliver new roads, footpaths, upgraded cycle lanes, and enhanced public transport links to the rapidly developing area in the city’s south.

Barrs women claim Reardens All-Star awards

Advice clinic for older people

Grainne Moroney, from Alone, will hold a clinic today, Wednesday, in Togher Community Centre from 10am to 1pm.

Alone is a national organisation that enables older people to age at home.

Alone’s co-ordinated support empowers older people by devising personalised support plans in order to help them to address challenges and find solutions.

Grainne will provide advice for over 60s on: Loneliness and isolation, housing, financial issues, physical health and mobility, mental health support, safety and security issues, and legal issues.

If the public cannot attend in person, but would like advice, support, or information, they can call the Alone national support and referral line, seven days a week, from 8am to 8pm, on 0818 222024.

Tidy Town Thanks 

Togher Tidy Towns expressed gratitude to all who contributed to the community in 2025.

A spokesperson for the group said: “Well done to our volunteers starting the new year caring for our community and especially to our volunteers who continued all over Christmas to maintain our library, empty the cages and emptying the dog fouling bins around Togher. Thank you.

“If you would like to make an impact on even the area outside your house or estate then join us as we set our plans for 2026.” You can contact Togher Tidy Towns at Info@toghertidytowns.ie.

Christmas Tree Recycling 

Cork City Council has advised that Christmas trees can be recycled in Clashduv Park, Togher adjacent to the Bring Bank site.

Tree recycling can be availed of until January 31 from 8am until 5pm daily.

Trees can also be recycled in Ballinlough, Ballincollig, Montenotte, Gurranabraher, Tramore Valley Park and at the Glanmire Cork City Council office.

Literacy Volunteers Needed

Ballyphehane FET is seeking volunteers in Cork city to help those struggling with literacy problems.

The Cork College of FET is looking for literacy volunteers to support adults in improving their reading, writing, and everyday maths skills.

No teaching experience is needed and training will be provided by Cork ETB.

As a literacy volunteer, you can help to build confidence, skills, and brighter futures 

Apply by January 2 by getting in touch with Grainne at grainne.stafford@corketb.ie or on 086 177 3889.

New Members Welcome 

Ballyphehane GAA is welcoming new club members for 2026. Registration for 2026 are now open at https://ballyphehanegaa.clubforce.com/. An annual membership and gym costs €280. A juvenile membership costs €25, with an adult playing and non-playing members costing €50. The Gaelic for mothers and others costs €40.

Camogie team welcomed home 

It was not meant to be for the Barr’s ladies as they were sadly beaten to the post by Athenry in the AIB All- Ireland Camogie Club Senior Final Replay held in Thurles on January 3.

The final score was Athenry 0:14 to the Barr’s 0:12.

A spokesperson for the Blues congratulated the women’s side on their accomplishments over the year: “what a year ye have given us. League, Summer Cup, County and Munster Champions. So many great memories that will last a lifetime. It was not our day but congratulations to Athenry.

“We are extremely proud and thankful to all the players and management.” “We would like to thank our great supporters, turning out in huge number to support the team. Thanks also to our sponsors for their generous contributions.” “A journey through the County, on to Munster and finally to Croke Park and Thurles, leading the way to places no Barrs Camogie team had ever gone before. Keep your Heads high, girls. Ye did yourselves, ye’re families, the Club and Cork camogie proud.”