Local Notes: Community cafe opens, bingo afternoons, toy swap and more from Tramore
Hilary Quinlan, Mattie O'Shea, Fionnuala O'Shea and Collette Quinlan, at the Vitamin Sea Festival in Tramore. Photo: Joe Evans
Tramore families are being encouraged to take part in a free Toy Swap event taking place in the Tramore GAA Hall on Saturday, October 18, from 2.00pm to 5.00pm. The initiative is being organised by Tramore Tidy Towns in partnership with Waterford City and County Council as part of their ongoing efforts to promote sustainability and reduce waste in the community. The concept is simple: families bring along toys that are no longer being used, and in exchange, they can pick out a different toy to take home. There is no cost involved, making it an affordable and eco-friendly way to give toys a second life while finding something “new-to-you” for the children.
All toys should be clean and in good working order. Families can bring one or more items to contribute, and everyone is welcome to come along and browse. The organisers hope the event will not only benefit local families but also encourage greater awareness around sustainability and the importance of reducing waste. For more information, visit the Tramore Tidy Towns social media pages.
Patrick (Paddy) Roche, late of Moonvoy, Tramore, Co. Waterford, and formerly of Clashrea Place, Waterford City, and Northolt, United Kingdom, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 22. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Lily, his sister May, his brother Eddie and his nephew Brendan.
Paddy was sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his family, Sharon, Stuart and their partners Barry and Liz; his adoring grandchildren, Taylor, Jude and Freya; and his nephews Edward and Paul. He was also fondly remembered by his extended family, relatives, wonderful neighbours, and many friends. Paddy’s repose took place at Falconer’s Funeral Home, Tramore, on Thursday, September 25. His Requiem Mass was celebrated on Friday morning, September 26, in The Church of the Holy Cross, Tramore. As per Paddy’s wishes, a private cremation service took place later.
Tramore Community Care is inviting locals to join in a lively and sociable afternoon of bingo every Tuesday at the Pond Road Community Centre. The weekly event runs from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and offers more than just a game – it’s a chance to meet new people, reconnect with neighbours, and enjoy a friendly chat over a warm cup of tea or coffee.
Organisers encourage residents of all ages to come along, especially those who may never have attended before.
“It’s about more than bingo,” a spokesperson said. “It’s about community, friendship, and fun.”
With a modest €4 entry fee, the sessions promise affordable entertainment while helping to strengthen social ties in the Tramore area. Locals are also asked to spread the word and invite friends, family, and neighbours to take part. So, if you’re looking for a cheerful way to spend your Tuesday afternoon, head down to Pond Road Community Centre and join in the fun – you might even shout “Bingo!”
A brand-new community initiative will launch this autumn with the Revive Café Open Day, taking place on Thursday, October 2, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Riverstown Community Centre. The café will host a weekly Lunch Event especially for older members of the community, and in a unique twist, there will be no charge for the meals. Organizers hope the initiative will provide not just nourishment, but also companionship for those who may not always have the chance to connect with others.
Visitors to the launch will be able to tour the new facility, meet the team behind the project, and enjoy a variety of free food and drinks on the day. Organisers are encouraging residents to bring along neighbours, friends, or family members for a relaxed afternoon of chat and fun. They also hope that word will spread to those who might not use social media, ensuring no one misses out on what promises to be a valuable community resource.
The café project is supported by members of Revive Tramore, Joyce Halley, Jim Griffin, and Waterford Food Bank, who have played a key role in bringing the idea to life.
The Revive Cafe are appealing for donations of vinyl records from the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s. If you have old records you’d like to rehome, or if you spot any in local charity shops, please get in touch. Your contribution will help bring classic tunes to life for the community.
Tramore’s Irish conversation group meets every Thursday at 7 pm in Tramore Library. It’s a friendly and relaxed way to practise your cúpla focal or simply enjoy listening to Irish being spoken. All are welcome, and newcomers will receive a warm céad míle fáilte.
For more information, contact Tramore Library at (051) 849 594 — or just drop in on the night. Bigí linn!
As part of Positive Ageing Week, a free cultural and social event will take place at Seagull Bakery Bakehouse, Tramore, on Friday, October 3. Titled “Bread and Beyond”, the gathering will celebrate the art of better bread, share stories of change, and explore questions about the future of our food system. The programme includes a talk by Sarah Prosser on food systems, a spoken word performance by Ray McGrath, and music and storytelling with Cathy Desmond. This event is especially aimed at people aged 55 and over. Further details about Positive Aging Week activities are available through the Waterford Older People’s Council.
