Local Notes: Hospice coffee morning, exhibition and upcoming events at the Japanese Gardens

Pictured are Chang Donovan, Theo Fitzgerald and Síle Wall, class winners of Spanish 2nd Year Spelling Bee at Ard Scoil Na Mara, Tramore. Photo: John Power
It is with sadness we record the passing of Marie Keoghan, Queen Street, Tramore, who passed peacefully at Killure Bridge Nursing Home surrounded by her loving family on Friday, May 10. Marie was predeceased by her beloved parents Jimmy and Catherine and her brother Eddie. Marie will be sadly missed by her brother Bobbie and cousin Terry, much loved nieces and nephew Jackie, Edward, Clare and their families, her dearest cousins John, Neal, Dawn, Matt and families. She will be greatly missed by her American cousins Tommy, Therese and Claire, as well as her extended family and many friends whom she held with fond affection.
She worked for a time in the L & N (Supervalu) and was a former member of the Order of Malta. She reposed at Falconer's Funeral Home, Riverstown, on Wednesday with Marie's Requiem Mass on Thursday morning at The Church of the Holy Cross, Tramore, with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.
It's wonderful to hear about the community coming together to support Tramore Tidy Towns! Volunteers play such a crucial role in maintaining the beauty and cleanliness of our town. Their dedication, especially on a sunny day, is truly commendable at Tramore Tidy Towns donation station in the foyer of Quish's Supervalu. A big thank you to everyone who contributed donations to support their ongoing efforts. It's heartwarming to see such generosity and community spirit in action. The ladies were hard at work again in the town centre, planting and weeding. We can't thank them enough for the dedication they show every day. It's a busy time of year for us, so every bit of help is greatly appreciated. A big thanks to Michael Clarke, from Cahill’s Shop for donating shrubs and plants and lending a hand with planting. We are always looking for volunteers, so please get in touch if you can help.
Until Friday, May 31, the Coastguard Cultural Centre Café in Tramore will feature the vibrant coloured pencil drawings and acrylic paintings of Waterford artist Anna Lesisz. Drop by for a coffee or lunch and immerse yourself in her captivating artwork!
Every Thursday evening from 7 to 8pm, Tramore Library hosts the renowned Ciorcal Comhrá (Irish Conversation Group). Renowned for its welcoming and relaxed ambiance, this group offers a perfect opportunity for friendly chats 'as Gaeilge'. Best of all, it's completely free of charge. All ages and proficiency levels are warmly welcomed with a céad míle fáilte. For further information, feel free to contact Tramore Library at (051) 849594, or simply join us on the night.
What a beautiful connection to Lafcadio Hearn's legacy! Baby Jinto was born in Waterford and lives in Tramore, he and his mum are both direct descendants of Lafcadio Hearn. Head tour guide Keith, with his beautiful wife Ayuko and their baby boy Jinto, celebrated children's day this year - May 5 is Children’s Day in Japan. It's a special time when families celebrate the growth and happiness of a new baby. It became a national holiday in 1948, although Japanese people have celebrated this day since ancient times.
Delighted to announce Galway City Chamber Choir’s outdoor lunchtime concert at Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens Tramore on Sunday, June 2, from 1-2pm. They'll be the first Irish choir to tour Japan, led by Stephen Carroll. Enjoy music from Ireland and worldwide, including Japanese pieces. Tickets €15/ €12, limited availability. Book now on Eventbrite. Galway City Chamber Choir, founded in 2019, has toured Portugal, Monaco, France, and Spain. They have hosted their own TV show, “Nollaig Cois Coiribe”, since 2022. Join us for a serene musical experience amidst the enchanting Japanese-inspired setting. Details on our website's Upcoming Events page.
Also, interested in learning Japanese? Ayuko, a descendant of Lafcadio Hearn, offers online and in-person lessons for all levels, including Leaving Cert and JLPT prep. Mention Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens for a €5 discount on your first lesson. Email ayuko322@gmail.com to schedule or inquire. Give it a try from the comfort of your home!
Tramore Hospice are delighted to announce that our next Coffee Morning in aid of Waterford Hospice will be held at the Waterfront Hotel, Tramore, on Thursday, May 23, at 11am. Our previous coffee mornings at this venue have been wonderful, and we look forward to another enjoyable event. All funds raised will be donated to Waterford Hospice. Join us for teas, coffees and tasty bites. As always, there will be a raffle with exciting prizes to be won. We hope to see you there for another great morning!
We had another great turnout of volunteers for the beach clean, helping to protect our fish and birds from ingesting plastic, rope, balloons, cigarette butts, and other debris. It was also a wonderful time for chats and laughs. If you'd like to join us, we meet every Wednesday at 11am outside Molly's Café on the Lower Prom. We provide pickers and bags. Hope to see you there.
The course were delighted to welcome 170 pupils from local primary schools to Tramore Racecourse for the HRI Racing Juniors Education Day recently. The pupils experienced some behind-the-scenes action of a day’s racing. They met top-class National Hunt jockey Darragh O'Keeffe and trainer Tony Mullins, learned about transporting horses to races from Zoe Smalley, discovered what happens to horses after their racing careers, and understood the importance of a farrier's job. Additionally, they saw all the work that goes into maintaining the track between race meetings.
The death has occurred of former Summerhill Rise resident Catherine O'Gorman (née Roche), late of Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, who passed away on Tuesday, May 7, in the loving care of the staff in St. John’s Community Hospital, Enniscorthy. She was the beloved wife of the late Garrett, loving mother of Garrett and the late Desmond and much loved sister of Breda, Mike and the late Maria and Nick. Her funeral mass was held in St. Aidan’s Cathedral, Enniscorthy, with burial afterwards in Holy Cross Cemetery, Tramore.