Local Notes: Road closure, pitch and putt, Tidy Towns and GAA news
The road will remain closed after schools return. File pic
It was perhaps inevitable that the Abbey Road works would not be completed on time, given the scope of the project.
The extension to August 30, may still be ambitious. Unfortunately, this is the reality, and all stakeholders must now be proactive as the situation unfolds. A primary concern is the opening of the three local schools. The critical point will be Thursday, August 29, when the three schools fully reopen for the new term, bringing around 1,400 students, along with teaching staff, back to their routines.
Abbey Community College will also hold induction days on Tuesday and Wednesday for incoming First Year students and those preparing for state exams. With the roadworks ongoing, a new mindset and practical solutions are essential. Encouraging more students to walk to school, revising bus and car drop-off points, and identifying 'safe' places and people along school routes should be prioritized.
Parents need to familiarise themselves with both new and existing road systems before schools reopen on Thursday.
This preparation will help mitigate any potential issues and ensure a smoother transition back to school for everyone. The next few weeks will require cooperation and adaptability from the entire community to manage the challenges posed by the ongoing roadworks.
The extended road closure has significantly impacted businesses at Ross Abbey Retail Park and Abbeylands Business Park. During times like these, it's crucial to support our local businesses. One way to help is by purchasing a voucher for future use, which can provide immediate financial support to keep these businesses afloat. Supporting them now ensures they remain a vital part of our community.
Congratulations to Ferrybank’s, Eddie Hennessy on his magnificent 3rd place finish in the All-Ireland Championships recently in Glenville Pitch & Putt Club, Cork. Eddie is the son Jimmy and the late Kitty Hennessy, St. Killian’s Place, Ferrybank, is a member of Tramore Pitch & Putt Club.
More great work carried out voluntary for Ferrybank Tidy Towns by local Ferrybank resident and Roscommon man, Damien Donoghue. When Damien became aware of the Ferrybank Tidy Towns being re-launched, he offered to help by cleaning up our Rockenham Green, with a huge improvement. As part of his tidy up the old plaque which appears on the green behind the Grotto on Rockenham Green. The inscription reads: 'Bord Na Móna Award Best Residential Estate' – Munster Tidy Towns Competition 1978' - 46 years ago! The group had a great response to the call for help with the relaunching of the Ferrybank Tidy Towns. Their immediate focus is to improve the area / route which the Pride of Place judges will be passing on August 29. If you'd like to help in any way, email ferrybankcn@gmail.com.
The 2024 Deise Draws were held live on WLRfm recently, but, unfortunately, the club didn’t have any winners. However, Aine Morrissey from Green Oaks won the confined members' draw, taking home a holiday voucher from Harvey Travel. The next Déise Draw is scheduled for Friday, August 23, and will again be broadcast live on WLRfm around 11.30am. The local club is deeply grateful to the community for its ongoing support, which is vital in maintaining the club’s operations. Their recent success in retaining senior hurling status for 2025 is a testament to this support. Best of luck to all Ferrybank members in the upcoming draw.
Bridge Classes for beginners start at Hillsfield Community Centre, Ferrybank (X91 W9YY) on Wednesday, September 4, at 7.30pm. Classes will be held every Wednesday evening from September to December. Each lesson costs €10 and includes tea or coffee. The course is taught by Lucy Phelan B.Sc. B.A. MBA, a Grand Master and current Irish International. Lucy is a qualified and CBAI-registered teacher. Contact Lucy at 086 8275192 or lucyphelanwaterford@gmail.com. Don’t miss the chance to learn from one of Ireland’s best. Bridge is a four-player partnership trick-taking game with thirteen tricks per deal. Each player is dealt 13 cards from a standard 52-card deck.
