Local Notes: 10,000 walking tours, another closure, sympathies, online auction and more
Pictured at the Granville Hotel, Waterford City was Jack and Carmel Burtchaell, who has given 10,000 tours, with Stephen Cotter, CIE, Noel Caffrey and Gavin Cahill. Photograph: Patrick Browne.
Paddy Power will no longer keep open 57 betting shops across Ireland and the UK, leaving nearly 250 workers facing job losses. Parent company Flutter, which owns Betfair and Sky Bet, cited mounting costs and difficult market conditions as reasons for the closures. Staff were informed on Wednesday that 29 UK shops, including one in Northern Ireland, and 28 in the Republic will close. Ferrybank will once again lose an amenity next month, as its only remaining betting shop shuts its doors. With the Spar shop gone earlier this year, the Keogh Practice relocated to the Primary Care Centre, Flynn’s Pub converted into apartments, and Walsh’s Lotto shop closed, the once-thriving commercial heart of Ferrybank has been all but wiped out. Gone are the days of Power’s Turf Accountants and the lively buzz of Grand National or Cheltenham Festival afternoons - another piece of old Ferrybank has disappeared.
Ida Egan (née: Aylward), of Mount Sion, Ferrybank, Waterford, passed away on Sunday, October 19th, 2025. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Martin. Ida was deeply missed by her loving children Brian, Aileen, Benny, John, Maeve, Trish, Anne, Marty, Niall, Claire, Anthony, Nessa and Amy, her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, relatives, neighbours and friends. In accordance with Ida’s wishes, a private burial took place at a later date.
REA Spratt is offering for sale by online auction a 3.85-acre (1.56ha) site at Christendom, Ferrybank, fronting the River Suir with views of Waterford City and the new River Bridge, on Thursday, November 27th, with a reserve of €125,000. The site, locally known as Murphy’s Wood, accessed via Estuary Wood, is zoned for Open Space and Recreation/Passive Open Space, making it suitable for community, leisure or recreational use. Located just 2.8km from Waterford City Centre, this is a rare riverside opportunity.
The death occurred of Nicholas (Nicky) Griffin, late of Oak Ridge, Ferrybank, and formerly of Doyle Street and, most recently, Signa Care Nursing Home. Nicholas (Nicky) Griffin passed away on Wednesday, October 15th. Well known in Waterford City from his time in Stan Furlong’s Electrical and TV shop in Gladstone Street. He is sadly missed by his devoted wife Breda, his adoring daughters Aoife and Julie, his sisters Breda, Kitty and Margaret, his brothers Jimmy and Martin, Julie’s partner Emma, his nephews, nieces, the Keane family, extended family, neighbours and friends. He reposed at Tom Hennessy’s Funeral Home, Johnstown, on Saturday evening, October 18th. His Requiem Mass was celebrated in the Sacred Heart Church, The Folly, Waterford, on Sunday, followed by burial in St. Otteran’s Cemetery, Ballinaneeshagh.
Join us on Wednesday, October 29th, for a fun-filled morning. Chair Yoga starts at 11.30am in St. Mary’s Parish Hall, followed by a lively game of Bingo at 12.50pm. Don’t forget to wear your Halloween costume - we love to see everyone getting into the spirit. We’re always delighted to welcome new members, both male and female. Remember, we’re conveniently located on the bus route with times to suit everyone.
The death occurred of John O’Rourke, Golf Links Road, Newrath, Waterford, on Monday, October 20th. John, formerly of Sallypark, Waterford, and late of Waterford Crystal, passed away peacefully in Waterford Nursing Home (Mowlam), surrounded by his loving family. He was predeceased by his parents, Patrick and Mary, his brothers Tommy and Seamus, and his son Padraig. He is sadly missed by his loving wife Pattie, daughter Eleanor, son-in-law Joe, granddaughter Ellen, sister-in-law Betty Walsh (USA), nieces, nephews, extended family, relatives, neighbours, and friends. John reposed at Thompson's Funeral Home, Barrack Street, Waterford, on Wednesday evening. Requiem Mass was held on Thursday morning in St. Mary’s Church, Ballygunner, Waterford, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.
For over 35 years, Jack Burtchaell of Gyles Quay, Ferrybank, has been delighting CIE Tours guests with his wit, storytelling, and love of Waterford. Alongside his wife Carmel, who keeps everything running smoothly, Jack has now led an incredible 10,000 walking tours, introducing more than 300,000 visitors to Ireland’s oldest city. The milestone was celebrated at the Granville Hotel, where Stephen Cotter, Managing Director of CIE Tours, presented Jack with a custom caricature to commemorate the occasion. From the Medieval Quarter to the riverfront, Jack continues to bring Waterford’s history to life - one unforgettable tour at a time. He is the son of Tommy and Maureen Burtchaell and is married to Carmel. Together, they have two sons, Tom and Seamus, and a daughter, Claire.
Read more about the event that honoured Jack and Carmel here.
