Local Notes: Soccer legend returns, market slots, sympathies and Tidy Towns news
Tramore Tidy Towns group is looking for helpers
With deep sadness, we commemorate the life of Frank (Francis) O'Donoghue, formerly of Carrigeenlea, Cliff Road, Tramore, and Bishopstown, Co Cork, who passed away on Tuesday, September 3. His loss is deeply felt by his loving family in Tramore, including his devoted wife, Anna, and his cherished children David, Stephen, Vincent, Gavin, Valerie, and Shirley. Frank was a dedicated brother to Joan, Redmond, Peter, and Ann, and a beloved grandfather to James, Harry, Lily, Paddy, Heleena, Addis, Anna, and Alex. His memory will live on in the hearts of his children’s partners Claire, Ruth, Finn, Alem, and Shane, as well as his extended family, relatives, wonderful neighbours, and wide circle of friends.
A former employee of Bausch & Lomb, Frank was not only a well-respected author but also a key figure in preserving the history of his community. His passion for history led him to write several important works, including 'The 5-Minute Bell: History of the Tramore Train 1853-1960', 'Going to the Pictures' (co-authored with Andy Kelly), and 'On This Day: Volume One - Stories of Waterford's 1,100 Years' (written in collaboration with Julian Walton). His love for Waterford’s heritage extended beyond his writing, however, as Frank served as a Councillor on the Tramore Town Commissioners Town Council and played an instrumental role in founding the Waterford Suir Valley Railway. He was the driving force behind the inaugural meeting of the Waterford Railway Restoration Group in 1997 and helped establish the Waterford & Suir Valley Railway Company CLG in 2000, ensuring its legacy as a charitable organization dedicated to preserving the region’s railway history.
Frank’s contributions to the community didn’t stop there. He was a founding member and long-standing Chair of the Waterford Childcare Centre's Board of Directors, a role he held for 30 years. His artistic spirit shone through his involvement with the Waterford Dramatic Society, and in his rare moments of spare time, he found joy on the tennis court. Frank was laid to rest on Saturday, September 7, after Requiem Mass at the Church of the Holy Cross, Tramore. His legacy of service, creativity, and love for his community will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.
The local Tramore Tidy Town’s amazing volunteers are working hard to keep our town looking its best with daily weeding and weekly beach clean-ups. But now, they need a little extra help from our community. They’re looking for donations to fund a much-needed storage unit to store our equipment. The great news is SuperValu has generously offered them a spot in their car park, right in the heart of Tramore. They are reaching out to local businesses, and any contribution, no matter how small, would make a huge difference. Thank you to everyone for your continued support in keeping Tramore beautiful.
Tramore AFC recently welcomed lifelong member and current Dundee United Football Club manager Jim Goodwin. Jim played at various levels with Ireland. Jim began his professional career with Scottish club Celtic where he made one appearance for the club in 2000. He played once for the full Republic of Ireland national team, in 2002, and was capped once by the Republic of Ireland B team, in 2007. Jim and his family are rooted in Tramore’s history with the local club, and it was great to have him take in a Premier game at Graun Park, while he takes a short break from his impressive start in the Scottish Premier League. Jim, aged 42, met club chairman John Power and his granddaughter Chloe Walsh who plays with the local club.
Donegal native Olive Cassidy passed away peacefully in Killure Bridge Nursing Home on Saturday, August 31. Late of Newtown Mews, Tramore and formerly of Bundoran, Co. Donegal, she will be sadly missed by her sister Rosemary and her brothers James and John, all her nieces and nephews, her extended family, relatives, neighbours and many friends. A former tour guide in Waterford Crystal, she reposed at Falconer's Funeral Home, Riverstown, on Wednesday, September 4, concluding with a blessing before departing for a private cremation service.
As part of the Vitamin Sea Festival join Tramore Eco Group for the 'Big Beach Clean' this Sunday morning, September 22, from 11am to 12noon. Meet by the red and yellow lifeguard hut. Register for the initiative and you will receive a pack containing bags, gloves, Hi-Viz vests and marine litter data cards, to record information on the types and quantities of litter you find.
The death has taken place of Elizabeth (Betty) Sheehan (née: Fagan), Pebble Drive, Pebble Beach, Tramore, formerly of Westtown, Tramore, Pearse Park, St. John’s Park, Waterford, on Thursday, September 5, in the wonderful care of the Oak Ward, Southeast Palliative Care. Betty was predeceased by her daughters Elizabeth and Carol and brother Paddy.
She will be sadly missed by her loving son Bernard, daughters Michelle, Fiona and Sinead, grandchildren Rachel, Gary, Lee, Corey, Alex, Josh, Jack, Ciara, Sophie, Sadie and Adam, great-grandson Oisín, sons-in-law John, Tadhg and Ross, brothers Michael and John, sisters Bernie, Ann and Margaret, sisters-in-law Nellie, brother-in-law Pat, nieces, nephews, extended family, relatives, neighbours and friends. She reposed at her daughter’s Michelle’s house at 54 Cluaín Mhór, Tramore, on Friday with Requiem Mass in the Sacred Heart Church, The Folly on Saturday afternoon followed by burial in St. Declan’s Cemetery, Tramore.
Tramore Amusement and Leisure Park is now closed for the winter and will reopen on March 17, 2025. We enjoyed having you and look forward to seeing you next year. The Mini Golf will stay open a bit longer, throughout September. Thank you for a great season.
It is with sadness we record the passing of Jimmy Denton, late of Kennedy Park, Tramore, and formerly of Davidstown, Co Wexford, at UHW on Friday, September 6. Jimmy will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his heartbroken wife Mary, children, Martina, Antoinette and Jimmy, adoring grandchildren Adam, Cian, Luke, Sophie, Ben, Sarah, Tadhg Roisin and Daniel; his daughter-in-law Aoife and son-in-law Robert; his siblings Peggy, Edward, Michael, Maisie and Ann and the Landers family, from Ballinroad. A retired postman, Jimmy reposed at Falconer's Funeral Home on Monday, and was buried in St Declan’s Cemetery following Requiem Mass on Tuesday. He made many pilgrimages to Lourdes, with his last one being in June of this year.
All inside spaces for our three Christmas markets are now provisionally booked. However the market still has space outside across the three dates, or you can still apply to join a waiting list for inside pending any cancellations between now and then. If you are interested in joining us for our monthly markets throughout the year, you may apply to do so via the online link at https://forms.gle/fyBE7ZNuLv5Z8GqZ8. This year’s Christmas markets will take place on November 24, December 1 and 8. The next monthly market takes place on Sunday, October 6.
