Local Notes: Sockatots, dance and yoga, support local and schools reopening
Anyone interesting in helping out with Tidy Towns work in Ferrybank is welcome to get in touch with the local group
The return to school in Ferrybank brings a significant increase in traffic congestion, particularly in the Abbey Road and Ross Road areas. With approximately 1,400 students, parents, and teachers commuting daily, roads become overcrowded, leading to longer journey times and heightened stress. The morning rush hour intensifies, causing delays not only for school-goers but also for normal commuters. Limited public transport options and inadequate cycling infrastructure further exacerbate the issue. Addressing this problem requires improved public transport, safe cycling routes, and initiatives to encourage walking and carpooling, easing the traffic burden during school terms. It is not helped with the recent announcement from BAM, the main contractor on the North Quays Public Infrastructure Project, who advised Waterford City and County Council that the road closure on Abbey Road will not be lifted until this Friday, August 30, the day after all the three local schools reopen fully.
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.
The Coffee by King Coffee Shop, run by Andrew and Mark O’Brien, is situated at the Ferrybank GAA Club with the eircode address X91 AK30. This coffee shop operates on Saturdays from 9am to 1pm and on Sundays from 10am to 1pm. The establishment has been open for two years, offering a selection of coffees and smoothies to the residents of Ferrybank. It seems like a lovely spot for locals to enjoy a variety of drinks while relaxing in the GAA Club setting.
More great work carried out voluntarily 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 is now clear to see. A big shout out to the Parks and Open Spaces Department of Waterford City and County Council. They recognised the work which has gone into improving Ferrybank and offered to help by adding plants to the flower boat. Damien and his team were delighted with the result and very much appreciate the help. The environmental and outdoor staff of Waterford City & County Council play a crucial role in preserving the natural beauty, biodiversity and convenience of the city and county’s parks, open spaces and playgrounds. The end of the Rockshire junction has seen major improvements following the recent clean up. The immediate focus is to improve the area and route which the Pride of Place judges will be passing on Thursday, August 29. If you'd like to help in any way, email ferrybankcn@gmail.com.
The third of the 2024 Déise Draws was held live on WLRfm last Friday, (details next issue). However, Carmine Nazzola, Gentiles Takeaway, Ferrybank, won the confined members' draw. The fourth Déise Draw is scheduled for Friday, September 20, and will again be broadcast live on WLRfm. 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.
Starting this September with Tonya Morrissey, dance and yoga classes will be held in Ferrybank AFC's clubhouse where she had a successful dance and yoga Summer Camp. Registration is now open, and you can book your child's space by emailing mbstonya@gmail.com or via WhatsApp: 083 8733006. The dance classes are a safe space for your child to express themselves and delve into the wonderful art of dance.
Bridge Classes for beginners will begin 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 BSc, BA, MBA, a Grand Master and current Irish International. Lucy is a qualified and CBAI-registered teacher. Contact Lucy at 086 8275192 or email 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 13 tricks per deal. Each player is dealt 13 cards from a standard 52-card deck.
The ever-popular Sockatots for boys born 2016 to 2020 and girls born 2017 to 2020 returns on Saturday, September 7, after the summer break. Please book early as we need to match our numbers in each age group with the required number of coaches in advance of our return. Looking forward to seeing everyone in the Abbeylands grounds. Earlier last month, a product of the Sockatots, 17-year-old Romeo Akachukwu moved to Southampton after a deal worth an overall €500,000 was finally completed. He started his career with in the Ferrybank Sockatots, with Billy Phelan, Val Power and Jack Hurley as a child, and progressed with Ireland’s U17s and Waterford FC.
Last week, the Little Sisters of the Poor were thrilled to see Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr Jason Murphy, at St. Joseph's in Ferrybank, for a special Furry Friends photo shoot. The residents had a wonderful time marking NursingHomesWeek2024 with some adorable four-legged visitors, capturing heartwarming moments together.
