Local Notes: Elections, Fountain Street and Men's Shed opportunity
Pictured is Garda Oliver O’Flynn who received a cheque from Conor Haley, Dylan McNamara, Conor McNamara, Jamie Cuddy, and Daire Casey Power for the phenomenal amount of €3,059 for Little Blue Heroes. As part of their TY Enterprise, the boys organised a student v staff hurling match in Ferrybank GAA Club. Little Blue Heroes Foundation, established in 2017, is a not-for-profit registered charity voluntarily led by Garda members, retired Garda members and civic-minded people from communities. Its vision is to support families of children with serious illnesses in Ireland while empowering the lives of children through positive community engagement.
The race is on to elect representatives for the Tramore/ Waterford City West area, with 17 candidates vying for six seats. The candidates from Ferrybank and the city area are Richie Hayes (Fine Gael); Alana Hutchinson Smith (Sinn Fein); Joe Kelly (Independent); Mairead McKnight (Labour); Melissa O’Neill (Independent); and Eamon Quinlan (Fianna Fáil). In 2019, Marc O Cathasaigh topped the poll, followed by Joe Conway, Lola O’Sullivan, Joe Kelly, Eamon Quinlan and Jim Griffin. Marc O Cathasaigh’s seat was later taken by Laura Swift and then Cristíona Kiely after Marc's election to the Dáil in 2020.
In the Piltown area 12 candidates are vying for five seats, Tomás Breathnach (Labour); Richard Daly (The Irish People), Fidelis Doherty (Fine Gael); Damien Donoghue (Fine Gael), Patrick Dunphy (Fine Gael); Ger Frisby (Fianna Fáil); David Kane (Social Democrats); Benny McDonagh (Green Party); Natasha Newsome Drennan (Sinn Fein); Jenny Slattery Catt (Fianna Fáil); Maria Wall (Fianna Fáil) and Michael Wemyss (Sinn Fein). In 2019 LE Pat Dunphy topped the poll with 20% first preference, closely followed by Tomás Breathnach with 19%. Fidelis Doherty, Eamon Aylward and Ger Frisby were the others elected. Interestingly, Melissa O’Neill, Ferrybank, ran as an independent in both Piltown and Waterford City West area in 2019 receiving 233 votes in Piltown and 81 in Waterford.
In Ferrybank, 4,077 residents are registered to vote, with 17% in Waterford City West and 83% in Piltown, Kilkenny, meaning the current system inadequately serves the Ferrybank community in both areas.
The Deise Draw, supporting Ferrybank GAA club, kicks off on July 12, live on WLR. Over €126,000 in prizes across six draws, starting with the €10k top prize. Last year, Kealon O’Hanlon won €10k. This fundraiser aids Ferrybank GAA's growth, competing at senior level and fostering youth participation. Grateful to Ferrybank locals for years of support; hope for continued backing. Tickets: €100 for six draws, available from Nicky Heffernan (087 6724212), Déise Draw promoters, or any committee member. Join us in supporting Ferrybank GAA's journey.
It is with sadness we record the passing of John Mallon, Kilmurray Lane, Slieverue, Marymount, Ferrybank and late of Clover Meats and Countrystyle Foods, who died on Wednesday, May 15, aged 79 years. John was predeceased by his parents Joe and Alice, sisters Breda (Buckley, New Zealand), Mary (Lynch) and Alice (O'Shea), brother Seamus.
John will be sadly missed by his loving wife Rosaleen (Née Walsh), sister Kathleen (McGrath), brother Joe, sister-in-law Bríd, brother-in-law James, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, extended family, good neighbours, and his many friends.
He was well-known in the local area for his time spent on the Clover Centre Social Committee and through his earlier days in the Ferrybank P&P Club, and he was a fond gardener. John reposed in Power's Funeral Home Ferrybank on Friday, followed by removal to the Sacred Heart Church, Ferrybank, with Requiem Mass on Saturday afternoon followed by burial in St. Killian’s Cemetery.
The current phase of roadworks on Fountain Street will be completed next month, with access to local businesses maintained throughout. Traffic management is being operated in phases to minimise disruption. Waterford City and County Council appreciates the community’s patience and cooperation. Safety is paramount, so please abide by the 25km/h speed limit, watch for cyclists, and use designated pedestrian crossings. A deep pipe installation on Abbey Road will require a road closure during the school summer holidays to minimise disruption. Further information will be provided in advance. With the imminent opening of the Lodges Development (Flynn’s Pub) this should free up the area for pedestrians and motorists alike.
The death has occurred of Marian Croke née Griffin, late of Leamy Street, Waterford and formerly of Rockenham, Ferrybank who died on Saturday, May 18. Marian was predeceased by her daughter Kate and will be deeply missed by her daughters Jenny and Ciara, son David, granddaughter Annie, grandsons Aaron and Shaun, great-grandchildren William and Sofia, extended family, relatives, neighbours and friends. Daughter of Mr and Mrs Paddy Griffin, she reposed at Thompson’s Funeral Home on Monday, with private cremation on Tuesday.
You can rent a woodwork/ metalwork bench at Ferrybank Men’s Shed. This is for anyone who would like to try their hand at setting up a business or working on personal projects, or even if you just need time to yourself for a few hours without the burden of taking on a long-term lease or purchasing expensive equipment this would be an ideal opportunity. You can rent a bench monthly with access to a wide range of tools. You have full access to canteen and secure yard with support from Shed members. To avail of this opportunity, you can contact Ferrybank Men’s Shed, Abbey Road, or email: ferrybankms@gmail.com or phone Frank 083 4721336.
On Saturday May 18, Michael Nunan late of Mullinabro, and late of Teagasc, passed away aged 89 years at UHW. The former Kildalton College Principal was predeceased by his parents Michael and Marcella, sister May, brothers David and Joe. Michael will be sadly missed by his loving wife Bernadette, son Garry, daughter Louise, daughter-in-law Mary, son-in-law Andy, much-loved grandchildren, sister Marcella, brother Donal, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family, good neighbours, and his many friends. He was director of Kildalton College during a period of momentous change and was highly regarded by staff and students alike, with a love of History and Industrial Heritage. Michael was buried in St. Killian’s Cemetery on Tuesday morning following Requiem Mass in the Sacred Heart Church, Ferrybank.
