Local Notes: Sympathies, major blow to retail, historical lecture and more
The imminent closure of the local supermarket will be a blow to Ferrybank
Aidan and Sabrina, owners of Spar Ferrybank, have announced the difficult decision to close their store in early May, 2025, citing ongoing financial pressures. Despite their best efforts, the business is no longer viable. This is the second closure on the street in two years, following Walsh’s Lotto Shop in July 2023 and Flynn’s Pub in 2018. The site of the former pub is now home to The Lodges, a 14-unit housing development for older residents who appreciated having a local shop nearby. With Spar’s closure, locals must now travel further for essentials - to Aldi or Walsh’s Garage on Belmont Road, or Tesco Express in Abbey Park. The community remains hopeful the shop might return in some form.
The South Kilkenny Historical Society invites all to a special lecture: 'Bridget Aylward, Queen of Alaska: South Kilkenny Connections', presented by Bridie Kineavy. It will take place on Friday, April 25, at 8pm in Mullinavat Parish Hall (opposite St. Beacon’s Church). The event will explore the fascinating story of Bridget Aylward, a south Kilkenny native whose life led her to become affectionately known as the 'Queen of Alaska'. The talk promises engaging storytelling and unique insights into local and international history. Tea and refreshments will be served afterward. Admission is free, with donations welcome to support the Society’s work.
John Morrissey of Bishopsgrove, Ferrybank and The Moorings, Maypark, Waterford, passed away suddenly on Friday, April 11. A former accountant with Clover Meats and contributor to Waterford Today newspaper, John was predeceased by his brother Noel. He will be deeply missed by his wife Elizabeth, son Niall, daughters Roseline and Aideen, daughter-in-law Margaret, sons-in-law Cathal and Lenny, and grandchildren Beth, Tom, Luke, Holly, Jack and Lydia, along with extended family and friends. A valued member of Waterford Golf Club, John reposed at Thompson’s Funeral Home on Sunday. His funeral cortege proceeded from the Grotto in Ferrybank to Sacred Heart Church for Requiem Mass, followed by burial in St Killian’s Cemetery.
Anthony 'Tony' Galvin, of Belvedere Grove, and formerly Waterford Crystal, passed away on Saturday, April 12, at age 89. Originally from Sallypark, he was predeceased by his parents George and Annie and sister Ena (Armstrong). Survived by his wife Mary 'Bunny' (née: McCarthy), daughters Geraldine, Mary, Margie and Carrie, sons George, Colm and Anton, in-laws, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brother Liam, sisters Bernie (Sheridan) and Patricia (Walsh), and a wide circle of family and friends. A master craftsman, Tony retired in 1988 and was also active in local music circles, often seen playing the bodhrán at events across Waterford. Reposing took place at Power’s Funeral Home, Ferrybank, on Monday. His Requiem Mass was held Tuesday at the Sacred Heart Church, followed by burial in St Killian’s Cemetery.
A new initiative, Ferrybank Savings for You, has launched to boost the town’s 170 local businesses and offer residents exclusive deals. The free email service delivers discounts, promotions, and giveaways from Ferrybank’s retailers and service providers directly to subscribers. Launched just last week, it already boasts over 200 sign-ups. John Hayes, Chair of the Development Committee, said the idea came from local feedback and aims to bring value to both residents and businesses.
“It’s a win-win, locals save money, and our shops get more support,” he said. To join the Local Savings Club sign up at ferrybanksavings.com or via the Ferrybank Community Newsletter on Facebook.
Breda Grace (née: Keane), of Five Cross Roads, Portlaw, and formerly of Fountain Street, Upper Ferrybank, and USA, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 16 at the age of 82. Predeceased by her parents Tom and Josie Keane, sisters Maudie Clowes and Teresa Gallagher, and several nieces and nephews, Breda is lovingly remembered by her husband of 60 years, Jim Grace, daughters Allison and Anne (Phelan), sons Brendan and Jimmy, and their spouses. She also leaves behind grandchildren Kieran, Aidan, Cassie, Jack, Patrick, Kathryn, Liam, and Tom, as well as sisters Kitty Duffy, Joan Barron, and Pat Bodin, and extended family in both Ireland and the US. She reposed at Power’s Funeral Home on Holy Thursday, with a Funeral Liturgy held on Good Friday at Sacred Heart Church, Ferrybank, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.
