Local Notes: Sympathies, Freya's European success, St Patrick's Day parade details and more
The death has occurred of Colm Clooney, late of Springmount, Tramore, who passed peacefully surrounded by his loving family on February 16, in the Oak Ward, University Hospital Waterford. Predeceased by his parents Laurence and Alicia, deeply regretted by his sisters Margaret and Elizabeth; and his brothers Michael, Brendan, and Gerard. He will be sadly missed by his brother-in-law Colman, sisters in law Miriam, Angela and Frances, nieces and nephews, cousins and his many friends and kind neighbours. Colm's remains reposed at at Falconer's Funeral Home, Riverstown, Tramore, Co. Waterford on Tuesday evening. Colm's Requiem Mass took place on Wednesday morning, February 19, at The Church of The Holy Cross, Tramore, with burial afterwards in the adjoining Cemetery.
11-year-old Tramore native, Freya Marsh, won Gold at the 2025 IMMAF European MMA Championships in Belgrade, Serbia, making her the youngest Irish female to achieve this title. This was Freya’s debut international MMA competition, as she previously competed solely in Jiujitsu. A two-time European Jiujitsu champion at just 10, Freya had an outstanding 2024, competing in Florida, São Paulo, Lisbon, and Abu Dhabi, where she earned two Golds and two Silvers for Ireland and her club, Checkmat Waterford. A documentary crew, 'JungleHouse', is following Freya’s journey, with a premiere screening in Waterford this April. Her father, Rob Marsh, who travelled to Serbia with her, praised her dedication: “Freya trains daily like a professional athlete while balancing school and family time. She’s determined to represent Ireland at every level.” Freya is currently ranked No. 1 in the world in her Jiujitsu weight division and No. 3 globally among female yellow belts in IBJJF.
A gripping new psychological thriller, 'The Dark Room', follows the harrowing journey of a young woman who wakes up to find herself bound to a chair in a dark, unfamiliar basement. She has no memory of how she got there and no recognition of the man standing before her. As she struggles to piece together the truth, she quickly realizes that nothing is as it seems. Who is he? What does he want? And most importantly—how can she escape? Packed with unexpected twists and chilling revelations, 'The Dark Room', will keep audiences on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Brought to life by Tramore's acclaimed Theatre Vamps, this electrifying new play is a must-see for fans of suspense and mystery. Don’t miss the staging at the Coastguard Cultural Centre on Saturday, March 1. Secure your tickets now before it’s too late. Book now on https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/1222367747839
Mary (Pauline) Brennan, late of Somerville, Tramore, and formerly of Kilfinnane, Co. Limerick, and London, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 18, surrounded by her loving family at University Hospital Waterford. Predeceased by her beloved husband, Frank, Mary was deeply cherished and will be sadly missed by her heartbroken children, Ann and Paul, her grandchildren, Hannah and Luke, her son-in-law, Ed, her sisters, Breda, Doreen, and Statia, and her brother, David. Mary’s funeral cortège departed from her residence in Somerville on Friday morning, February 21, walking from Tramore Credit Union/Lodges Corner to The Church of The Holy Cross, Tramore, where a special Rosary Service was held in her honour. Her Requiem Mass took place on Saturday, February 22, at St. Andrew’s Church, Kilfinnane, Co. Limerick, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. May she rest in peace
The Tramore St Patrick's Day Parade will get underway at 1.30pm on March 17. Walking groups are to assemble from 1pm in the Cannon's Field car park (Priest Road) and vehicles are to line up along the Old Waterford Road from the Entrance of Sweetbriar back towards the CBS, facing in the direction of Tramore Racecourse. All houses, businesses along the route are encouraged to decorate their gardens, properties, premises along the route. We will have live music in the Priest Road Car Park in advance of the parade's departure, along the route, and in advance of the parade’s arrival at the viewing stand outside the Railway Station building.
