Local Notes: Fitness, Local Area Plan and Tidy Towns news
There are many opportunities to improve fitness in Ferrybank
There are no excuses for not exercising in the Ferrybank locality now that Bank Fitness is about to open its doors in the Ross Abbey Centre. Well known fitness coach, Gary Walsh will open the Bank Fitness and Nutrition centre next month, which will include group sessions, semi-private sessions and Hyrox training.
An alternative is Ken Browne’s Fitness, which has been a successful gym in the local parish hall (X91 Y2TN) for the past three years. His membership is going from strength to strength. He runs 20 classes per week including personal training and nutrition coaching, in a relaxed friendly atmosphere. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, contact Ken on 089 606 4901 or email kenbrownefitness@gmail.com
Meanwhile, Tanya Morrissey holds beautiful Yoga classes here in Ferrybank, every Monday at 7.15pm and Friday at 9.45am, in Hillsfield Community Centre. A space to strengthen and relax your mind, body and soul.
During the draft consultation phase for the new Local Area Plan (LAP) for Ferrybank/Belview 2025-2031, Kilkenny County Council received 116 submissions. The majority of these concerned the drop-off situation at St Mary’s Boys’ National School in Ferrybank.
Other issues raised included infrastructure concerns on Newrath Road, land zoning, and traffic issues. Cllr Fidelis Doherty inquired about the potential for a new retirement village in the area. The LAP aims to outline a comprehensive land use strategy, incorporating a written statement and maps.
These will detail objectives for land zoning, active travel and transport, residential and economic development, community infrastructure, built and natural heritage, open space and recreation, environmental protection, and climate change.
The Machine Repair Shop at Ferrybank Men's Shed offers expert evaluations for only €15 (No Fix, No Fee). Our mechanics bring a lifetime of experience in maintaining and repairing small construction plant and garden machines including lawnmowers, strimmers, chainsaws, ride-on mowers, rotovators, kango hammers, cement mixers, and whackers. We welcome any petrol or diesel machines in need of repair or service. Visit us at Abbey Road, Ferrybank (X91 X2FW), directly opposite the entrance to Ard Glas Estate.
The Ferrybank Tidy Towns project is relaunching with several exciting initiatives and we welcome your ideas for new projects.
Ferrybank has entered the National Pride of Place Awards, with judging scheduled for the morning of Thursday, August 29. To prepare, we need assistance with specific tasks including enhancing the flower boat on Rockingham Green opposite the Sacred Heart Church. Additionally, we are organizing a litter pick and some weeding along the route prior to the judging. If you're interested in contributing, please contact us at ferrybankcn@gmail.com. The new group is eager to hear from you and looks forward to collaborating to restore Ferrybank’s beauty after the long break in our Tidy Towns activities due to the Covid pandemic.
The Ferrybank Tidy Towns Committee re-entered the competition in 2016 for the first time in over 40 years. Your help and involvement would be greatly appreciated. Damien O’Donoghue, who recently ran in the local elections, rolled up his sleeves and cleaned up the area around the 'Soon to Be Replanted Flower Boat', the ESB building, the shrubs at the path opposite the Sacred Heart Church and the overgrown area around the shrub at the corner.
AFC Lip Sync
The local club, Ferrybank AFC will hold a fundraising night in the Rhu Glen on Friday, August 23. To sign up as an act to perform on the night contact Anita at 083 0297292. A great night is guaranteed with doors open at 7.15pm for an 8pm start.
The Ferrybank Community Music Club meets every Tuesday from 6pm to 8pm, at Hillsfield Community Centre (X91W9YY) - over Ferryfun Creche.
If you're passionate about music and whether you strum a guitar, pick a banjo, or sing, we want you. Ferrybank is alive with music, and we’re looking for more enthusiasts to join us. All levels and instruments are welcome, from seasoned pros to beginners.
Imagine a cozy space where guitars, banjos, mandolins, and voices create beautiful melodies together. It's about playing music and having fun discovering new tunes. Even if you don't play an instrument yet, come along and have a listen. Expect a welcoming community, jam sessions, song-sharing, and learning together, with a focus on fun and musical joy. Exclusive to those aged 18 and over. For more information, message the Ferrybank Community Newsletter's Facebook page or email ferrybankcn@gmail.com.
Fine Gael have nominated three candidates for the next General Election, in the Carlow-Kilkenny constituency, which doesn’t auger well for the Ferrybank area. Councillors David Fitzgerald, former Mayor of Kilkenny, and Michael Doyle, Callan-Thomastown Electoral area, along with Catherine Callaghan, Carlow, have been selected. This could lead to the urban area of Ferrybank under-represented come election time. Deputy John Paul Phelan lived in Ferrybank during his time in Dáil Éireann and in the community, to support rural enterprise and fight for jobs in the area. In 2023, Phelan announced that he would not seek re-election to the Dáil at the next general election due to health issues and he also moved back to reside in Tullogher. This brings back into question if the Ferrybank urban area would be better served in the Waterford constituency than the Carlow-Kilkenny one and the whole debate about moving the boundary.
