Local Notes: Safety book launch, coffee morning and Bealtaine festival events
Mary Darlington launched her book recently in Waterford
Mary Darlington, a cherished resident of Ard Glas, Ferrybank, is celebrating the release of her invaluable book, 'Safety Sorted', tailored for small Irish businesses. Emphasising its significance, Mary said; "Every small business in Ireland striving for excellence in health and safety should have this book."
The book launch took place on Friday last in The Book Centre, Barronstrand Street. Originally from Skerries, Mary's journey took her from England to Australia, before eventually settling in Waterford. With a background in HR, Mary transitioned to the role of Health and Safety Portfolio in Bausch & Lomb in 1989, becoming Safety and Environment Manager. She spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives, such as employment policies for persons with disabilities, reshaping Ireland's employment landscape. Mary's leadership earned her 11 safety awards and national recognition. In 1994, she became National President of Network and served on the Boards of the Health and Safety Authority. In 1996, she founded Darlington Consulting, providing safety training to esteemed clients like Dell and Glanbia. Mary's dedication extended to academia and advocacy, where she led safety courses and chaired professional organizations. She continues her impactful work as a board member of The Shona Project, leaving an indelible mark on Ireland's safety and equality landscape.
A Coffee Morning in support the Alzheimer’s Association of Ireland, will take place on May 7, starting at 10.30am. The event will be held at Hill's Field Community Centre, located on Belmont Road, in Ferrybank. All members of the community are invited to come together for a morning of fellowship and fundraising. Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while supporting a worthy cause. Please spread the word and encourage friends and family to join us.
Some dates for your diary, with the annual coach trip will be held on Saturday, June 1, to Lismore, Co. Waterford. Fraochan Sunday is on Sunday, July 14, when members will join locals and others on the summit of Tory Hill. Fraochan Sunday is a tradition dating back centuries and is associated with the ancient festival of Lughnasa. All queries to Eddie Synnott, Chairperson, on 086 8124349 or edsynnott@yahoo.co.uk.
The Annual Cemetery Mass and blessing of the graves for all those interred in our cemeteries will take place in Ferrybank on Thursday, June 27, at 7.30pm and in Slieverue on Thursday, July 4, at 7.30pm. The Rathpatrick date is to be decided.
Ferrybank GAA club is continuing to accept clothes for recycling, in an on-going effort to raise funds for the club. This is an ideal way to clear out your winter wardrobe and get ready for the spring/summer days ahead. Clothes can be left at the car park in the Ferrybank GAA grounds in Abbeylands between 10am and 11am every Saturday and Sunday morning.
The local Library Service is excited to join the national Bealtaine Festival, celebrating arts and creativity in aging, coordinated by Age and Opportunity. Ferrybank Library offers diverse events throughout May, including a drama workshop, aligning with this year's theme, 'Lust for Life'. Additionally, branches will host info sessions on the Healthy Age Friendly Homes Programme, led by Linda Kirwan, aimed at supporting elders to live independently. Robert O’Connor and team will discuss elder abuse awareness. For event details, contact Age Friendly Co-Ordinator Karyn Deegan at 056 4440561.
This month, the fate of the Briar Rose Pub in Ferrybank hangs in the balance as An Bord Pleanála is set to make a crucial decision by May 16. Marston Planning Consultancy, representing 12 residents, lodged an appeal on January 15, sparking debates over issues like parking, building height, and privacy. Meanwhile, Harcourt Developments unveiled a grand €225m proposal for the North Quays, featuring a waterfront promenade, a hotel, apartments, retail spaces, and offices. Despite these future plans, the community anxiously awaits An Bord Pleanála's ruling. Concurrently, the Government’s ambitious 'New Housing Plan for Ireland' aims to revolutionize the housing landscape by 2030, promising diverse housing solutions to meet the needs of all citizens. As the pub's future remains uncertain, broader housing policies may play a critical role in shaping Ferrybank's development path.
On Wednesday May 8, Yoga at 11.30am followed by standing Bingo at 12.50pm. Sounds like a fun and active way to spend the day for the members of the Slieverue Active Retirement association. It's great that new members are always welcome, regardless of gender. Being on the bus route makes it convenient for everyone to join in.
Two residents from Ferrybank have stepped up to run in the upcoming local elections, each in different constituencies. Melissa O’Neill is throwing her hat into the ring as an independent candidate for the Tramore - Waterford City West ward. While she initially entered politics with Sinn Fein and served on the Piltown Council (Kilkenny) after being elected in 2014, she later became an independent candidate following her expulsion from the party in December 2016. With roots in Bruff, Co Limerick, Melissa has called Abbeylands, Ferrybank home for the past 18 years, deeply connected to Waterford with 35 years of active community volunteering. Despite securing only 81 first preference votes in the 2019 local election, she hopes her slogan, 'Putting the People First', will resonate with more voters this time.
Joining the political race for the first time, under the Fine Gael banner, is Damien O’Donoghue. Originally from Roscommon. Damian resides in Bellefield, Ferrybank within the Piltown Electoral Area, alongside his wife and young family for the past seven years. He is driven by a fervent desire to enhance the quality of life in our local community, striving to make Ferrybank the premier destination to live, work, and raise a family.
