Local Notes: New ventures, road works and anniversaries
Abbey Community College
Best wishes to David Foskin, fiancé Silvia, and Sunny South Yeast Bakery on their new venture at 58 Barrack Street. David’s background is as a trained chef and during Covid, like a lot of people, he found himself with time on his hands and it wasn’t long before those hands were kneading dough. It was during the pandemic time they started to bake fresh bread for the older people in their area. That started them on their journey from small baking quantities to delivering large quantities throughout Waterford including to The Book Bar, The Stable and Dunhill as well as markets in Tramore, and Kilmacthomas.
David is the son or Richard and Mary Foskin, (nee: Fetton), both formerly of Marymount. There was more success in the Fetton family recently when David’s uncle, Dermot Fetton, received the Best Restaurant Manager, Munster Winner, for the Earl of Desmond Restaurant at Dromoland Castle Hotel, at an event held in Dublin last month.
Development of the North Quays is progressing, marking an exciting time for residents. A deep pipe installation across Abbey Road will require a road closure for safe operations. It's scheduled during the school summer holidays to minimize disruption. The new road is nearing completion, with further details to be provided. The Transport Hub building has reached the first floor, where the main concourse, ticketing, offices and conveniences will be located. Progress continues on access lifts, rail platforms and rail track infrastructure. Flood defence works for the existing and new rail infrastructure will start later in the summer, ensuring the transport connection with Waterford is climate-resilient. The old bridge onto the docks was taken away overnight and adds further to the changing face of Ferrybank.
Congratulations to Ferrybank Barbers who celebrated their third anniversary at Ross Abbey Retail Centre. Sandra and Paul Westwood want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all their wonderful customers who have supported them over the past three years. Also, a huge shoutout to the incredible and hardworking staff. Here’s to many more years of great haircuts and fantastic service.
The pupils in Ferrybank Boys National School were delighted with the recent visit from All Star hurler, Austin Gleeson, for a morning’s coaching. All classes received coaching sessions with more to follow during this month.
The visits, combined with the club's own visits, have increased interest in GAA sports at the school and if any parents want their child to get more coaching please contact the local club. Ferrybank GAA and Camogie have training sessions for all from ages from 4 to adult and the Well Kids programme on Saturday mornings is an ideal way to be introduced to Gaelic Games in a fun manner. The Well Kids nursery for boys and girls aged 4-7 continues every Saturday morning from 10am to 11am at the field. There is no charge and equipment is provided if needed. For more information contact Kevin at 087 9018467.
The death occurred on May 27, of Mary Byrne (nee: Fallon), late of Abbey Close, Ferrybank, and formerly of Ballinasloe, Galway, who was in her 95th year. Mary was predeceased by her husband Billy and will be sadly missed by her daughter Fiona, son Declan, grandchildren Michael, Ciarán and Róisín, her sister Rita (Treacy) (Galway), brother Frank (USA), Michael’s wife Mary, nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews and her lifelong friend Kathleen McBride, neighbours, and friends.
Having reposed in Tom Hennessy’s Funeral Home, Johnstown, on Tuesday, Mary’s removal to the Sacred Heart Church, Ferrybank, was on Wednesday morning for Requiem Mass with burial afterwards in the adjoining St. Killian’s Cemetery.
As the college approaches the end of another school year in Abbey Community College, the school would like to extend sincere thanks to the Sustainability Committee, who worked tirelessly since September bringing the concept of 'Sustainability' to the forefront of the school community. These students should be immensely proud of their work this year, some of which included rolling-out the school's inaugural 'Sustainability Week', whilst also partaking in a productive visit to Belview Port, where they engaged in a sustainability-themed workshop.
The college would like to thank the departing 6th Year students - Jamie Aldridge, Niamh Cuddihy, Philip Keane, Grace Murphy, and Dylan Flanagan. These young men and women have been fantastic role models and leaders on the committee all year. Everyone looks forward to working with the rest of the committee in the year ahead and encourage any new members to come on board in September.
The Déise Draw will commence again this year starting on July 12, with the first draw being broadcast live on WLR. Like last year, there will be six draws between July and November with the 1st prize being a nice €10k, 2nd prize €3k, 3rd prize €2k, all the way down to number 16. Over €126,000 in prize money will be distributed in the Déise Draw and as usual there will be bonus prizes and holiday vouchers along the way. The Déise Draw has been a vital source of income for Ferrybank GAA club over the last number of years, as 70 per cent of the income is retained by the club itself, which goes towards the day-to-day running of the club’s expenditure. Tickets for the six draws cost €100, and once again, we ask everyone associated with the club to show your support and purchase a Déise Draw ticket, which can be obtained by contacting Nicky Heffernan 087 6724212 or any committee member.
On Tuesday, June 4, KCETB Art classes will continue from 2pm to 4pm in St Mary's Hall, Slieverue for members of the Slieverue Active Retirement Association. The following day, Wednesday, June 5, Chair Yoga will continue at 11.30am followed by our monthly meeting at 12.50pm. We welcome new members both male and female and remember we are on the bus route and the times are suitable. We are arranging our Autum break to the Landmark Hotel, Carrick on Shannon, on October 21. Please note €50 deposit for holiday must be paid on or before June 5.
