Local Notes: Eigse Sliabh Rua festival, Remembrance Masses, Science Time Machine show and much more
There are lots of events coming up in the Ferrybank area.
The annual Eigse Sliabh Rua – Uí Dea festival will take place from November 7th to 15th. The event will celebrate the rich history and heritage of Slieverue and its surrounding areas. It will open on Friday, November 7th, at The Rhu Glenn with marine journalist Tom McSweeney and a lecture by railway historian Jonathan Beaumont, on the history of the North Wexford Railway Line. Highlights of the week will include an 'Archaeology and Landscape in South Kilkenny', talk by James Eogan, on November 11th, a railway-themed video screening and slide show on November 13th, and a guided walking tour of Glenmore Village led by Dr Kathleen Moore Walsh on November 18th. Children’s events will also feature throughout the week, with local historian Katherine Grant hosting talks and activities in Slieverue and Ringville schools, exploring folklore and local history. Admission to most events will range from €5 to €10. For more information contact 086 1954616.
St Mary's Boys National School will begin accepting applications for admission for 2026/27 from Monday, November 3. Copies of the admissions notice, and application form have been shared with local preschools. These documents are available from the school website (www.ferrybankbns.ie).
As the month of November draws near, parish communities in Ferrybank and Slieverue are preparing to honour and remember their deceased loved ones in a special way. Throughout the month, beginning on All Saints’ Day, nine Masses (Novena) for the dead will be celebrated in both churches. ‘November List of the Dead’ slips are available in Ferrybank and Slieverue Churches for parishioners wishing to include the names of those they would like remembered. These names will be placed in a basket before the altar for the duration of November. The Annual Mass of Remembrance for families who have been bereaved during the past year will be celebrated on the following dates: Ferrybank - on Saturday, November 15th at 7pm and Slieverue on Saturday, November 22, at 6pm. A candle will be provided for each family who suffered a bereavement since last November, as the community gathers in faith and remembrance.
The dates for the sacrament of First Holy Communion and Confirmation in the parish of Ferrybank are as follows: The sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated on Thursday, March 12, 2026 and First Holy Communion will be celebrated on Saturday, May 16.
Join us on Wednesday, November 5, for Chair Yoga at 11.30am in St. Mary’s Parish Hall, followed by our general meeting. A Garda representative will speak about security and safety for older adults. New members are always welcome - men and women. We’re conveniently located on the bus route at suitable times.
Ferrybank Library will host a special talk titled 'In Praise of Walking – in the Lovely South-East', on Wednesday, November 5, at 6.30pm. Presented by Kevin Higgins, the talk will explore the role of walking throughout history, its relevance today, and its potential for the future. This engaging event promises to offer fresh perspectives on a timeless activity. Booking is essential.
On Saturday, November 8th, at 12.30pm, Ferrybank Library will invited families to experience the Science Time Machine Show - a thrilling, interactive performance featuring dazzling smoke effects, exciting chemical reactions, and big scientific ideas made fun and accessible. Aimed at children aged 5 to 12, the show is sure to entertain and inspire young minds. Booking is required. To reserve your place for the event or the aforementioned talk by Kevin Higgins contact 051 897200 or email Ferrybank@kilkennylibrary.ie.
A special shout-out to the Ferrybank BNS Student Council, led by Ms Tuohy, for their outstanding work in organising, promoting, and running the event. €1,200 was raised and the pupils have already given their input into how the money should be spent. Thanks to the funds raised, we’ve already made exciting purchases based on pupil input: Bee-Bots – these fun, programmable robots help students explore coding, sequencing, and problem-solving in a hands-on way. They’re perfect for integrating STEM learning with storytelling, mapping, and history.
Combining LEGO building with programmable hardware and software, these kits offer an engaging platform for STEM education, sparking creativity and collaboration.
