Local Notes: Bealtaine Festival, Cemetery Mass and Greenway update
Annie Grant clinched the coveted title of World Champion in Irish dancing at the Gleneagle INEC recently. She is the daughter of Fiona and Ruairi Grant and is pictured here with her mother Fiona Grant and her grandparents John and Clare Mullally, Ross Road, Ferrybank.
Local Government Elections occur every five years, this year falling on Friday, June 7, alongside the European election. Every individual above 18, listed in the electoral register, can vote in their local jurisdiction, regardless of Irish citizenship. This inclusivity enables migrants and newcomers to participate. In Ferrybank, 4,077 residents are registered to vote, with 17% in Tramore - Waterford City West and 83% in Piltown. However, the current system inadequately serves the Ferrybank community in both areas.
Ferrybank proudly introduces its inaugural Community Music Club, recently launched with tremendous success. A heartfelt thank you to all who graced our gatherings in recent weeks, infusing the air with fabulous music and filling our evenings with joyous camaraderie. Kudos to everyone involved. Every Tuesday, 6pm to 8pm, at the Hillsfield Community Building (adjacent to Ferryfun Creche, X91 W9YY) for an enriching musical rendezvous. Ferrybank resonates with the vibrant sounds of the Music Club, and they are on the lookout for kindred spirits to harmonize with! Whether you’re a seasoned musician or just embarking on your musical journey, all levels and instruments are embraced. Envision a cozy sanctuary where guitars, banjos, mandolins, and voices blend harmoniously, mesmerizing crafting melodies. It’s not solely about music; it’s about forging connections and discovering new tunes in a welcoming atmosphere. Even if you’re not yet musically inclined, your presence is cherished. Are you ready to join the symphony of Ferrybank? For more information, reach out to the Ferrybank Community Newsletter’s Facebook page or email ferrybankcn@gmail.com
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Aine Morrissey of Green Oaks, Ferrybank, and the Mulhall family, following the recent passing of her brother, Michael (Mixer) Mulhall, of Tara Hill, Gorey, Wexford, on Tuesday. Aine, a cherished member of Our Lady of Good Counsel School in Ferrybank and formerly of St. Mary’s Boys National School, also serves as the Treasurer of Ferrybank GAA Club.
A big thank you to the Trócaire Committee led by Ms. Kelly and all the pupils and staff of Our Lady of Good Counsel Girls N.S. in Ferrybank for their very generous contribution of €94.75, which they collected for Trócaire this year. A special word of thanks to Amira Nolan and Lia Cusack who have helped the Trócaire team since they were in 1st class, and they are now in 6th class. Every donation will make a difference and all money donated is put to immediate use helping some of the world’s most vulnerable people so a huge well done to everyone. The Ferrybank and Slieverue parishes raised €3,764.56 for the Trócaire Lenten Campaign 2024.
Some dates for your diary: the annual coach trip will be held on Saturday, June 1, to Lismore, Co. Waterford. Fraochan Sunday is on Sunday, July 14, when members will join locals and others on the summit of Tory Hill. Fraochan Sunday is a tradition dating back centuries and is associated with the ancient festival of Lughnasa. All queries to Eddie Synnott, Chairman, 086 8124349 or edsynnott@yahoo.co.uk
The Annual Cemetery Mass and blessing of the graves for all those interred in our cemeteries will take place in Ferrybank on Thursday, June 27, at 7.30pm and in Slieverue on Thursday, July 4, at 7.30pm. The Rathpatrick date is to be decided.
Ferrybank GAA club are continuing to accept clothes for recycling, in an on-going effort to raise funds for the club. This is an ideal way to clear out your winter wardrobe and get ready for the spring/ summer days ahead. Clothes can be left at the car park in the Ferrybank GAA grounds in Abbeylands between 10am and 11am every Saturday and Sunday morning.
Yoga at 11.30am followed by standing Bingo at 12.50pm, sounds like a fun and active way to spend the day for the members of the Slieverue Active Retirement Association. It’s great that new members are always welcome, regardless of gender. Being on the bus route makes it convenient for everyone to join in.
The local Library Service is excited to join the national Bealtaine Festival, celebrating arts and creativity in aging, coordinated by Age and Opportunity. Ferrybank Library offers diverse events throughout May, including a drama workshop, aligning with this year’s theme, “Lust for Life”. Additionally, branches will host info sessions on the Healthy Age Friendly Homes Programme, led by Linda Kirwan, aimed at supporting elders to live independently. Robert O’Connor and team will discuss elder abuse awareness. For event details, contact Age Friendly Co-Ordinator Karyn Deegan at 056 4440561.
Engagement with landowners is pivotal in advancing the South East Greenway in South Kilkenny. Lot 5A, covering approximately 5.5km from Ferrybank to Curraghmore, is progressing on schedule. Works at Glenmore carpark and fencing have resumed. Agricultural crossing points are also being addressed, with a projected completion by year-end. The Project Landowner Liaison Officer is actively collaborating with adjacent landowners regarding boundary treatment and crossings, guided by the Charter for South East Greenway Accommodation Works. Tendering for technical services to complete remaining sections has been reopened under the Transport Infrastructure Ireland Framework, with an expected technical advisor appointment in May after an extension to tender submissions until April 8.
