Local Notes: Sympathies, Tramore Christmas Festival, Tramore Eco Group, Order of Malta and much more
Santa will be visiting Tramore on Friday, November 28, to sprinkle holiday cheer and officially switch on the sparkling Christmas lights along the town’s Main Street. Stock image
The magic of Christmas is arriving early in Tramore this year! Santa himself will be flying in on Friday, November 28, to sprinkle holiday cheer and officially switch on the sparkling Christmas lights along the town’s Main Street. The big moment will take place around 5.30pm, followed by joyful live music and festive activities for the whole family to enjoy. The Christmas spirit continues throughout December with a free Santa’s Grotto for children on December 7, 14, and 21, from 2pm to 4pm, located on the Main Street opposite Tony’s Takeaway. While visits are free, heartfelt donations to the Arch Club Tramore, supporting children with special needs, are warmly welcomed. Inside the Grotto, Santa’s cheerful elves will guide children through Christmas arts and crafts, and every well-behaved boy and girl will receive a special selection box straight from Santa’s sleigh. A dedicated ‘Sensory Santa’ session will also take place on December 21, for children with autism and sensory needs, ensuring a calm and magical experience for all. Let the festive season begin in Tramore.
It is with regret we record the passing of John James Brett, Gorey, Co Wexford, Nairobi, Kenya and formerly of Hotel Square, Tramore, who died unexpectedly on Monday, November 10, at the age of 52. A native of Tramore, John was a gifted footballing defender in his youth, representing Tramore GAA Club with distinction at underage, minor, and U21 levels throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s. His talent, dedication, and quiet determination earned him the respect of teammates and opponents alike. John is mourned by his beloved wife, Orna, his mother Eileen, and his brothers, (his twin) Edward, Norman, and Michael. He was predeceased by his father, John, of Summerhill. His passing is all the more tragic given that it occurred while he was taking part in a triathlon event in Turkey, combining cycling, athletics, and swimming - an example of his lifelong commitment to sport and challenge. John reposed at Falconer’s Funeral Home on Sunday afternoon, November 16, and his Funeral Mass took place on Monday morning in Holy Cross Church, Tramore, followed by burial in the adjoining Cemetery.
A huge thank you to Ardscoil Na Mara for their fantastic support during today’s beach clean. Your students and staff brought incredible energy, enthusiasm, and teamwork to the effort, and it truly made a difference. An amazing amount of litter was collected and cleared away - well before the rain set in - and the impact on our coastline is something we are genuinely grateful for. We really appreciate your continued commitment to our local environment and your willingness to roll up your sleeves and get involved. Your contribution helps keep our beaches cleaner, safer, and more enjoyable for everyone.
The National Ambulance Service honoured the Tramore Order of Malta Ambulance Corps on its 80th anniversary with a special award recognising all who volunteered on the emergency ambulance from 1965, until it stood down in 2012. Over 47 years, volunteers responded to more than 6,200 ambulance calls, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year; an incredible achievement. To mark this occasion, the Ambulance Service has issued a Certificate of Appreciation for every member who crewed the ambulance during those years. All 6,200 calls have now been entered into the record, becoming a permanent part of Tramore’s social history and that of the Order of Malta. The Tramore Order of Malta continues to operate alongside the National Ambulance Service through the Cardiac First Responder programme, with dedicated members proudly carrying on the work of the Order.
Tramore RNLI recently hosted a dazzling black-tie Charity Ball at The Ritz Bar in Tramore, and the community’s generosity shone brightly as an incredible €13,000 was raised to support their vital lifesaving services. The team shared their heartfelt appreciation, saying they were overwhelmed by the spirit and kindness of everyone who attended the event in support of the Tramore Lifeboat Station. They expressed deep gratitude for the phenomenal amount raised, which will help them continue their lifesaving work at sea. They also extended special thanks to Aaron and John Sheedy, owners of The Ritz Bar, along with the many local businesses whose sponsorship helped make the night such a success. Every euro raised goes directly towards supporting the volunteer crew, ensuring they can launch the lifeboat whenever the call comes - day or night. From everyone at Tramore RNLI, a huge and joyous thank-you for standing by their volunteers and helping keep the community safe at sea.
It is with regret we record the sudden passing of Joan Breslin (née: Walsh) late of Old Crobally Road, Tramore, formerly of Fashion Fabrics, Mayors Walk, Waterford City. Joan passed suddenly, surrounded by her loving family at home, on Tuesday, November 11. She was predeceased by her beloved parents, Larry and Lil. Joan is sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her heartbroken husband Michael Snr, her children Donal and Michael Jnr; her adoring grandchildren Dylan, Ben, Zara, Alex, and Sophie; her brothers John, Declan, and Paul; her daughters-in-law Antoinnette and Grace; her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law. She is fondly remembered by all her nieces and nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, extended family, relatives, wonderful neighbours, and many friends. The Breslin family particularly thanked all the First Responders and their teams for their exceptional efforts with Joan on Tuesday, November 11. Joan was known for her kindness, warmth, and helpfulness - especially from her time running her shop in Mayor's Walk, Waterford - where people bought fabrics from her, chatted with her, and appreciated her expertise. Joan’s reposal took place in Falconer’s Funeral Home, Riverstown, on Friday, evening and Requiem Mass took place on Saturday, November 15th, in The Church of the Holy Cross, after which she was laid to rest in St. Declan’s Cemetery, Tramore,
