News Listing : General
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The start of the school year witnessed the visit of Paul Rusesabagina to Kinsale Community School. The school was honoured that Paul made time in his busy schedule to talk to the Transition Years. Paul saved the lives of over 1200 people, both Hutus and Tutsis, during the Rwandan genocide of 2004. His heroic bravery as manager of the Hotel des Mille Collines was the inspiration for the Oscar nominated film Hotel Rwanda. Paul now travels the world as President of the Hotel Rwanda Rusesabagina Foundation, raising awareness of the need for peace and reconciliation.Talking to the students in Kinsale, Paul recounted some of the events during that time of hatred and terror in Rwanda when up to a million people were killed in 100 days. In a moving talk he spoke of how he faced soldiers twice his size who instructed him to shoot old and young, but how he refused and asked the soldiers how it was possible that old men and young babies could possibly be enemies of anyone. He said he was speaking to the young people of Kinsale because they were going to be the leaders of tomorrow, they were going to be the ones who could make a difference through dialogue and make the world a better place. He told them, ‘You are the future because tomorrow is for you.’Paul’s words and actions will stay with the staff and students who were privileged to hear his story. |
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The contract for the construction and operation of the new 5.6m euro Kinsale Wastewater Treatment Plant was signed recently in County Hall. It was awarded to the EPS-Bowen Consortium representing Electrical Pump Services, Quartertown, Mallow, and Bowen Construction, East Gate, Little Island. Funding will be provided by the Department of the Environment and Local Government under the Water Services Investment Programme.The contract for a 12 months construction period, involves the construction of a new waste water treatment plant at Cappagh that will have the capacity to serve a population of 10,000. The contract also provides for operation of the treatment plant by EPS-Bowen for an initial 20 years period.The treatment plant is the final element of Kinsale Main Drainage Scheme which has seen the construction of a new pipework collection system in the town over the past 18 months. The council appointed Malachy Walsh and Partners in association with Jacobs Engineering as consulting engineers for the scheme.Although there has been at times unavoidable disruption in the town with its many narrow streets during the main phase of the scheme, the benefits of this and the treatment plant will include:• Full compliance with all national and EU requirements for wastewater treatment.• Improved water quality in Kinsale Harbour to benefit port, amenity and tourism activities.• Capacity for future commercial, residential and industrial expansion of Kinsale town and environs. |
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Significant progress is evident in the construction of the Kinsale and District Day Care Centre. The project, which began in late January and was in the process of planning over a period of two years, will be completed in October of this year. Thanks to the generosity of many groups and individuals within the community, together with excellent assistance from the HSE, the coordinating Committee are satisfied that when complete the Centre will be a superb medical resource. Every effort is being made and attention to detail is a priority. Despite the difficult financial constraints that exist, Kinsale will have a facility second to none. Physically hidden to some extent behind the Community Hospital the extensive range of medical inputs will ensure that patients will receive excellent care and yet maintain contact with family, neighbours and friends by virtue of continuing to live at home.The Committee are very pleased to welcome the new Hospital Matron, who already has made significant inputs in the planning of the Centre. We wish her well in her appointment.The project would not have been possible without the voluntary financial contributions of many people. The Committee wish to acknowledge this generosity. It goes without saying however that the need for funding will continue into the future to provide improved facilities. Please contact any member of the Committee, listed below, if you wish to contribute or organise a fund raising event. John Thuillier, Cora Roche, Dr. Tom O’Leary, Heide Roche, Bernadette Galvin, Michael Frawley, Margaret Ryan, Maureen O’Donovan, Ted Whitaker, Pat O’Leary, Anne O’Leary, Nuala O’Reilly, Dr. Eleanor Mullan and Cariosa Lynch. |
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At the A.G.M of Kinsale Town Council Mr. Tomás O’Brien was unanimously elected Mayor of Kinsale for the first year of the new incoming Council. The Labour Party councillor, who recently topped the poll in the local elections, will be seen as a popular choice by the voters. In addition to his fifteen years unbroken service as an elected representative, Mr. O’Brien is also a very active member of Kinsale Rugby Club, the Rampart Players, Kinsale Lions Club and Kinsale Yacht Club.Mr. O’ Brien possesses a wealth of experience having previously held the position of Chairman of Kinsale Urban District Council from 1998 to 1999, Mayor of Kinsale Town Council from 2005 to 2006, and more recently, he was Deputy Mayor in the outgoing Council.Addressing his fellow Councillors, Mr. O’Brien said: “It is a huge honour to be elected Mayor of Kinsale Town Council,” Mr. O’Brien also expressed the need for the Council to work closely with those who are committed to the town and its development. He also paid tribute to the many volunteers in the town for their contributions.Finally, the new Mayor outlined the challenges for the new Council including housing, parking, tourism, traffic calming, pedestrian safety, boundary extension, recycling and communication with the people of the town. The election pact between Fianna Fail, Labour and Mr. Billy Lynch also saw Mr. Micheal Frawley elected as Deputy Mayor of the Town Council.The Fianna Fail Councillor, who was returned on an increased vote in the recent election, will be hopeful to take the ‘top job’ as Mayor during the lifetime of the Council and follow in the footsteps of his father, Mr. Micheal Frawley snr. In addition to the decision of Mayor and Deputy Mayor, Councillors were also elected to a number of key positions. Mr. Billy Lynch and Mr. Tony Cierans were elected to be the local authority’s appointees on the Harbour Board.Mr. Billy Lynch was appointed to be one of the representatives to the Association of Municipal Authorities of Ireland, while Mr. Dermot Collins and Mr. Darren Cotter will both share the role of the other representative, with Mr. Collins serving the first half of the term. Ms. Isabelle Sutton and Mr. Fred Treacy were nominated to represent the local Council on Cork County Council’s Strategic Policy Committee, with Mr. Treacy having responsibility for housing and Ms. Sutton having responsibility for the environment.Mr. Dermot Collins proposed Mr. Fred Treacy to attend the Irish Public Bodies Mutual Insurance. However, Mr. Micheal Frawley was elected to the role as a result of a vote in the chamber.Finally, newcomer, Mr. Noel Harrington, was proposed by Mr. Billy Lynch and seconded by Mr. Darren Cotter to be the representative on the tourist board. JJ Hurley |
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“Three angels of mercy” with a combined total of 91 years of “outstanding and dedicated service” to Kinsale Fire Brigade, Bobby Wright, Charles Henderson and Michael O’Connell, were honoured with a civic reception recently by Kinsale Town Council at a packed Municipal Hall.Leading the tributes was then Mayor of Kinsale, Dermot Collins, who said the honour being bestowed on the three men who had retired from the service was very well deserved.He recalled in his youth the deep impression made on the community by a fire in the back of the Glen where a young man was killed and members of a Kinsale family who lost their lives in a fire at Enniskeane. There were also fires in the Goods Mills which came to mind. He himself would always remember the experience of a chimney fire in a house he was renting at the Mall in the 1970s when he and his wife Breeda had a young family and the tremendous professionalism of the local brigade which couldn’t bring the fire engine to their home because the street was dug up but had to resort to using buckets of water.In former times, he said, the fire station was of very limited capacity within the old Courthouse but then it moved to the Glen and a few years ago to a state-of-the-art building at New Road. Over the years, the duties of firefighters evolved to also providing a rescue service in crashes and acquiring many new skills, including an in depth knowledge of first aid and giving fire safety presentations. However, no matter what equipment was available, getting the call any time of the day or night must have always been a source of concern to the part time members’ families and relatives. Station officer Bobby Wright, Winter’s Hill, was a humble, retiring man who joined the brigade in 1962 and gave 48 years outstanding service. Along with his brother Edward, who was present with his wife Margaret, and his late brother Billy, they gave over 120 years to the brigade and for that Kinsale was honoured to have a family of such calibre.Sub officer Charles Henderson, Ardbrack, a fellow councillor and town foreman, had given 26 years service and was renowned also for active involvement in the Credit Union, Tidy Towns, Regatta and other community activities. Charles was accompanied by his wife Teresa, son Brian, daughter Niamh and extended family.Michael O’Connell, Barrack Street, who became assistant sub officer, served in Kinsale fire brigade for over 17 years and was also well known for his work as an undertaker with Gabriel and O’Donovan. The mayor thanked all three men and their colleagues past and present for their professional manner, expertise, kindness, understanding and sympathy in often delicate situations. He also congratulated and extended best wishes to new station officer Donal Dillon and sub officer Martin O’Neill.Local county councillor Kevin Murphy said he was delighted to officiate on behalf of the county mayor who was unable to attend. Describing it as the most important service provided by the council, he was happy to say that there were no cut backs in this year’s budget and in fact, further development of the service was on the way with a new fire station due to open in Millstreet. He spoke of his pride in the modern top of the range fire station at Kinsale and expressed gratitude to the three retired officers for their sterling service and professionalism, adding that Bobby Wright was a former classmate in the old St. John’s School and was a man of immense ability.The mayor presented to each retired fireman, a plaque recognising their “outstanding service and dedication” and also an Avoca glass candle holder in the shape of an angel (supplied by Cronin’s of Kinsale) remarking that all three men were “angels of mercy”. Floral bouquets were presented to Phil Wright, Teresa Henderson and Anne O’Connell.Returning thanks on behalf of all three, Charles Henderson said he was glad that so many past and present members of the brigade were present, as over the years, they gelled together and became great friends. He acknowledged the support of the Co. Fire Department, the town council staff, the Gardai represented by Sgt. Ryan and Garda Mick Heffernan, Civil Defence, the Health Service Executive, ambulance service, hospital and others in the community. “If the bleeper went off at four o’clock in the morning, you didn’t know where you would be going and what was involved,” said Charles who also thanked his and the other families of brigade members, adding that at 58 years of age he was forced to retire but would happily have stayed on. A special welcome was extended to Chief County Fire Officer Ger. Malone. Excellent fare was supplied by Michael and Rose Frawley of The White House and drink served by Mary Nagle and Margaret Lynch.* At your service in Kinsale fire station today, most of whom were present, are Donal Dillon, Martin O’Neill, Tim O’Donovan, Dave O’Donovan, Liam Dyer, Mick Scanlon and Michael Ronan. |
Transportation Plan for Kinsale
A new one way system, a waterfront link road, harbour-side boardwalks, additional pedestrianisation and street upgrading, more off-street parking, development of a northern relief road and new western by-pass are among the proposals in the draft Kinsale Transportation Study (KTS), a summary of which went on public display recently in the Temperance Hall.
Consulting engineers Faber Maunsell were jointly commissioned by Kinsale Town and Cork County Councils to develop a strategy for the town and its hinterland recognising the fundamental role that transport and ease of access have to play in sustaining a vibrant local economy in the tourist and heritage town.
The study has reviewed the existing transportation network and highlighted key constraints in consultation with all stakeholders, the local authorities and the public and a considerable amount of data was collected in order to develop a computer traffic model of the town. It outlines short, medium and long term measures for Kinsale up to 2020 and beyond.
Based on the 2006 Census, the current population of Kinsale is 4,099, located in 1,517 households. Surveys indicating there are 1,590 vehicle trips during the evening peak period demonstrates a high level of car use - typical of small Irish towns - resulting in congestion exacerbated by long stay parking.
Based on current zoned residential lands, the maximum population growth for Kinsale in the long term is 7,500 and if this happens, there would be a potential increase of 53% in vehicular trips from 1,590 to 3,082 which would impact very heavily on traffic flow and the character of the town.
Among the issues and challenges highlighted in the KCS are:
• Around 30% of all town centre traffic is ‘through traffic’.
• The road network is limited in terms of space and alternative routes but junctions such as Pearse Street, Emmet Place and Long Quay (Boland’s Corner) can be improved.
• Traffic flows increase by an average of 25% in the summer and without intervention, future growth could increase congestion and delays by up to 125%.
• Public transport serving Kinsale is good but suffers from delays in the town centre and there is need for bus turning areas.
• Pedestrian, mobility impaired and cycle facilities, footpaths, crossings, leisure routes and street lighting need improving.
• There is significant potential for improved management of parking supply for the benefit of the town centre.
• Current limited provision of loading bays with some narrow streets unsuitable for delivery vehicles, resulting in obstruction and congestion.
• The need for reduced speeds and improved road safety have been identified.
• Road surface conditions need improving.
The study team has come up with five separate strategies: the road network, parking, public transport, cycling and walking.
ROAD NETWORK
This is aimed at tackling the issues of ‘through traffic’ and congestion and making Kinsale more pedestrian friendly without negatively impacting on access for car drivers. The main proposals are:
• Development of the Kinsale Northern Relief Road – upgrading the existing route and some new construction to connect to the R605 Bandon Road.
• A new Western relief road/by pass – this route would provide additional connectivity for the west of Kinsale town from the R600 (Eastern or main Cork Road) and further reduce ‘through traffic’. It would be a new road starting at the R605 Bandon Road (northern route) and going south west to intersect with the Cappagh Road and R606 Kinsale-Bandon Road (southern route).
• Junction improvements.
TOWN CENTRE
Measures, if implemented under this strategy, would deliver a 68% reduction in vehicle delay and queuing and a 43% reduction in travel time and release street space which could be used to prioritise pedestrian facilities, trading and general town centre activities. Proposals include:
• Waterfront Link Road - one way south bound between Long Quay and Pier Road in front of the proposed Howard Holdings hotel and marina development.
• New town centre one way system – proposed along Pearse Street, Market Street, Guardwell, Main Street and Emmet Place to provide a loop around the centre with minimal delays. It would also facilitate path widening, landscaping, traffic calming and pedestrian amenities.
• Pedestrian improvements – pedestrianisation of Short Quay from Emmet Place to Market Street and Market Street from Market Square to Guardwell/Main Street except for emergency vehicle access. Outside of pedestrianisation times, Short Quay would be one way west. Upgrading of facilities for pedestrians and mobility impaired at junctions.
• Traffic calming – junction tables, shared surfaces and signage and in the longer term traffic lights at Boland’s Corner & Emmet Place/Pier road junction.
• Improve delivery management.
PARKING
Kinsale town centre currently has 344 on-street and 404 off-street parking spaces, three quarters of which are free and operating well. The KTS seeks to maximise turnover of these and protect and support the economic vitality of the town. Proposed measures include:
• Revised on-street public parking from 344 to 308 spaces.
• Revised off-street public parking from 404 to 750 spaces.
• Revised flexible pricing and enforcement structure.
• Improved parking accessibility from approach roads.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Current services are Bus Eireann, school buses, the Land Train, taxis and a pilot Bandon-Kinsale West Cork Rural Transport Initiative. The KTS aims to encourage further use of these and thereby reduce car dependency. Measures proposed include:
• Improved town centre bus access and bus stop facilities.
• Dedicated coach park parking and taxi/hackney rank.
WALKING AND CYCLING
Improving the pedestrian environment, especially safety, is a key objective. It also notes that the existing road network is unsuitable to provide significant cycle infrastructure and that Kinsale has no cycle lanes. Measures proposed include:
• Full mobility and accessibility for pedestrians in the town centre.
• Localised pedestrian improvements outside the town centre.
• Safer routes to schools • Pedestrian boardwalks on the quay and coast roads
• Provision of cycle parking • Development of local and tourist cycle routes.
In addition, say the KTS compilers, the strategy will help support economic growth, integrate land use and transportation, protect the heritage status and minimise impact on the environment in Kinsale.
The estimated cost is around €19 million. Early implementation of the waterfront link road, town centre traffic management changes, the Northern Relief road, junction upgrades and improved parking management would provide very clear and visible benefits to Kinsale in the short term. In the longer term, the western relief road would complete a quality and much needed by-pass and consequent benefits.
On duty for Faber Maunsell at the recent public consultation day were Susan Kehoe and Brian Coakley along with senior engineer with the county council Peter O’Donoghue who reported a generally positive feedback. All were agreed that traffic flows had to be improved but when asked where some of the extra off street parking can be provided, Peter replied that the council has earmarked land in the Barrack Hill area for long stay parking. He stressed that the KTS was very much geared towards achieving an integrated plan of action catering for all modes and needs for the benefit of the residents and businesses of the popular tourist town.
The full KTS can be viewed on the website www.corkcoco.ie and a summary is available from Kinsale Town Council, Tel 021-4772154. Members of the public were invited to make submissions in writing to Kinsale Transportation Study, c/o Faber Maunsell or by email to kinsalestudy@fabermaunsell.com up to May 21. Later this year, it will go before elected members of Kinsale and Cork County Councils for adoption. Members of Kinsale TC are due to meet the consultants at a special meeting on May 28.
At a special meeting of Kinsale Traders, held in The White Lady bar on Friday 15th May, approximately twenty business people gathered to make their observations regarding the Transportation Study. Some of the main concerns discussed were the provision of a Ring Road, the provision of parking accessible to the town centre rather than on the outskirts, the reduction of parking spaces in the town centre and that the main access to the town centre from the Cork road be reconsidered and reconfigured. The traders have entered a written submission to Faber Maunsell regarding the study. |
SEA SUNDAY in Kinsale on May 17 was extra special with the annual service in St. Multoses Church broadcast live on RTE radio, the ceremony at the memorial to all who died at sea and the blessing of boats followed by the dedication of Kinsale Harbour Commissioners’ new office on Pier Head by port chaplain Canon David Williams.
Nearly every organisation associated with the sea and maritime rescue was represented at the annual Sea Sunday’ service in St. Multose’s Church organised by the Mission to Seafarers. A welcome was extended by Canon Williams who said it was held annually “to commemorate all those who have died at sea, to pray for the safety of those who work at sea as well as for those who use the sea for recreation, and to support in prayer all those who would respond to a marine emergency”.
Colours and memorial flowers were presented during the service by flag bearers representing different organisations. Prayers and readings were recited by Carmelite Prior Micheal O’Neill, Canon John K. O’Mahony and Methodist Mrs. Liz Payne as well as by Mayor of Kinsale Dermot Collins; chairman of the harbour board Billy Lynch and harbour master Captain Phil Devitt.
Edmund Butler of Kinsale Area Coastguard read an extract from the new book ‘Nine Lives’ by Captain David Courtney which highlighted the bravery of Limerick River Rescue and other coastal and inland waterway rescue services prepared to lay down their lives for others. Canon Williams remembered those who died at sea off Ireland in recent years including Benno Haussmann, Dommie Meehan, Barry O’Driscoll, Barra O’Loingaigh of South Western Regional Fisheries Board, Ger Bohan and Tomazsz Yagla of ‘Honeydew II’, Kinsale; Tony Coohill, Feichin Mulkerrin of Cleggan.
There was a guard of honour by members of Civil Defence as the congregation entered the church and they along with the Naval Service, the RNLI, Coastguard. ONET and several other organisations marched in the parade led by the Naval Service Reserve under Lt. Cdr. Liam O’Keeffe and the Health Service Executive Ambulance Service Pipe Band through the town to Pier Road after the service.
At the Lost at Sea Memorial, prayers were recited by the local clergy and a wreath was laid to seamen by harbour board chairman and fisherman Billy Lynch. The memorial flowers which had been presented on the altar at St. Multose’s Church were conveyed by Ewen Tubridy to crewmen Liam O’Connell, Nicky Searls and Mark Lewis on the Kinsale RNLI inshore lifeboat ‘Sally Anne’ who laid a trail of these in the harbour. As they did so, a lament was played by Air Corps Corporal Joe O’Donnell.
At the Pier Head, Canon O’Mahony blessed the boats including some new vessels. A wreath was given by Billy Lynch to Morrie Fitzgerald, skipper of ‘Blue Diver’ which was subsequently passed on to the lifeboat for laying at the harbour entrance in memory of all fishermen who died at sea. Prayers were recited by the clergy and Micheal Hurley of Courtmacsherry Lifeboat led the singing of ‘Home by the sea’.
Canon Williams then performed the blessing and cut the tape to officially open the impressive new Kinsale Harbour Board office which all guests toured. Harbour master Capt. Phil Devitt now has a full view of the inner harbour from the top floor office, which is in the style of a ship’s bridge, at the new and enlarged building. It is equipped with VHF radio, computers, fax and CCTV cameras.
The Port of Kinsale has a throughput 60 to 80 commercial cargo ships a year handled by Henry Good and Co., and is home to around 20 local fishing trawlers and over 350 leisure and sporting marine craft. There are two marinas and 100 swinging moorrings at the harbour which has around 800 visiting leisure, fishing and angling boats per annum and is home to the Sovereigns Cup, Kinsale Regatta and other top sailing events hosted by the local yacht club. There are nine members on the harbour board and Phil Devitt’s predecessors for many years were Eddie Hurley and Daniel O’Shea.
The new harbour office was grant aided by the Department of Transport, designed by Rob Jacob of JLS Design (who also designed the Lost at Sea Memorial). Adam Cronin of Cronin Millar, Cobh, was engineer and it was built by Coffey Construction, Athenry. Features include a main office, boardroom, filing room, dockers’ room, insert bin area, dual public toilets and lift. In the boardroom is a letter from Joseph Hosford announcing the first letter of the board in 1870 and a telegram from Queen Alexandra thanking the board for its vote of sympathy on the death of King Edward VII.
The first official function in the new building was a ceremony to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the signing of a friendship pact between Kinsale Harbour Board and the Merchant Navy Association (MNA), in Barry, Wales.
Signing of friendship pact by Kinsale and Barry Councils
“AT long last !” declared Mayor of Kinsale Dermot Collins at a historic function in the Municipal Hall where he and Mayor of Barry Howard Hamilton signed a friendship pact between the town councils.
Mr. Collins extended a warm welcome to his Welsh counterpart and Lady Mayoress Carol Ann Hamilton along with previous Mayor Stuart Egan (also a member of Vale of Glamorgan Council) and members of the MNA, Joe Norton, Jim and Keith Greenway, the latter two of whom have strong family connections with Kinsale.
“Today’s official signing is the culmination of many years of correspondence and negotiations between council members, officials and others. I understand the original idea to promote close ties between our two towns was the brainchild, within the council chamber, of Tim O’Brien, a former chairman. He left no stone unturned to foster close ties between both communities and travelled at his own expense on a number of occasions to Barry with friends (Michael Austin, Denis Collins and others) to try and secure a friendship pact with Barry TC,” said Mr. Collins who also acknowledged the efforts of councillor Billy Lynch, Jim and Keith Greenway, Joe Norton and Leo McMahon and others who never gave up trying to achieve some form of official link.
Many a Kinsale family, said Mr. Collins, settled or sailed into and out of Barry over many years resulting in a long and enduring connection between both port towns. “ I sincerely hope it will continue to blossom through positive exchange visits between social, sporting, educational and cultural organisations from both towns in the years ahead to deepen that friendship”.
Mayor of Barry in his first week, Howard Hamilton said words could not fully describe the warmth and hospitality he and his wife and colleagues from Barry had received in Kinsale. He paid a special tribute to Mr. Collins and his council for organising the ceremony.
Keith Greenway, on behalf of others in the MNA and other organisations in Barry who had been campaigning for this for almost ten years, thanked all involved in the signing of the historic friendship pact. He quoted the words of former Kinsale mayor Tomas O’Brien that many a Kinsale man left to go to Barry which to them was their gateway to the world. Some settled and sent money home and others died in the world wars, among them able seaman Patrick Joseph Lucey, Scilly, who was buried in Merthyr Dyfan cemetery in Barry in 1942. Congratulations was also expressed by Jim Greenway who said that many Kinsale descendants in Barry and district would be delighted that at long last the pact was signed. |
May Day 2009 will be remembered in Dunderrow National School not only for the beginning of Summer as the special day saw the school celebrate the Official Opening of its newly completed extension by Minister of Education & Science Batt O’Keeffe TD.
Over 250 people, which included local clergy, Mayor of Kinsale, Deputy Mayor Cork County, politicians, Senators, members of Cork County Council, management body of local pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly, representatives from local Credit Union, Bank, Lions Club, sporting organisations, schools, parents, neighbours and friends came together to celebrate this special occasion. Apologies were received from Bishop John Buckley.
After the early morning downpour, the sun shone brightly adding to the great sense of occasion.
Principal, Mary Cottrell initiated the celebrations with an opening welcome for all and this was completed by the school children welcoming rendition of Oró Sé do Bheatha Bhaile.
In the Principal’s address that ensued, a brief history on the growth and development of Dunderrow National School was outlined.
Primary education in Dunderrow dates back to the 1800’s when the first permanent school and teacher’s residence was built in the local area known as “The Doon”. This was later replaced by a two-classroomed school in Horsehill in 1933. The school was honoured on the day to have Sonny Kearney, whose primary education began in The Doon, at the celebration.
Due to the growth of enrolment and the poor condition of the building, a new school was completed in Leighmoney in 2000 under the Capital Building Programme.
The years of the Celtic Tiger saw great demographic change in the area and school enrolment numbers continued to increase, so an application was made in October 2006 for a new school extension under the Devolved Building Programme. This was granted in March 2007 and so began the project of building four Mainstream Classrooms, Computer Room and Staff Room.
This was truly a collaborative effort from many parties and gratitude was extended to:
The Patron, Department of Education and the Inspectorate, Project Management Team headed by Pat O’Halloran, B. Eng., Walsh Design Team, Donal O’Riordan, Builder, Local Community, Eli Lilly, Parents, Teachers and of course the children.
Mr. Noel Henderson, Chairperson Board of Management, spoke on the importance of the education of our youth for the future of our State. He also expressed his appreciation for the dedication and commitment of the staff for the happy learning environment in the school.
The great sense of community and partnership in education was highlighted by Mr Dave Urbanek, General Manager of Eli Lilly, who again congratulated the school on the achievement and highlighted the quality education being provided in Ireland for our youth.
Deputy Mayor of Cork County, Kevin Murphy, recalled the era of debate and protest in Dunderrow in the mid-seventies resulting in the proposed amalgamation of the school being abandoned.
A special blessing of the Garden of Remembrance then took place by Carmelite Fr. Michael O’Neill. This Garden which was specially constructed during the building project is dedicated to young deceased members of the Dunderrow community.
The school was honoured to have Canon J.K. O’Mahony, Canon David Williams and Rev Colin Milligan perform the official school blessing – a beautiful ceremony.
Minister for Education & Science, Mr Batt O’Keeffe TD, then spoke on the achievements of the school in the past in the Young Scientist Competition, Sciath na Scoil, Credit Union Quiz, to name but a few. He spoke of the positive approach to education adopted by the school and congratulated all involved with the project.
Before the unveiling of the plaque and cutting of the tape, a small presentation was made to the Minister by Meadhbh & Daniel from Junior Infants.
Refreshments for all were then served and once again this event was testament of a truly collaborative effort from the Dunderrow School Community. A truly great day in the school’s history. |
Thanks to the incredible generosity of all the people of Kinsale, we were able to raise almost all the €50,000 total needed for our Home of Hope in just over a year, and on the 29th April Maureen and Pam attended the official opening. The ceremony was performed jointly by Adi Roche, CEO of Chernobyl Children’s Project International, and Alexander Trukhan, head of the Belarussian Children’s Fund. The Home is located in the small village of Vilcha (86 inhabitants) in Zitkovichy region, which is in the far south of Belarus not far from the border with Ukraine. “Our Family” has now moved in - Mama and Papa, Tanya and Vasily, who have two children of their own and six children fostered from orphanages, all with very sad histories, who’ve already been living in the family for three years in a nearby small wooden house with “Babushka”, Tanya’s mother, who will still be on hand of course to help with caring for the children. The Home of Hope has lots of space, and as there is a stork nesting in the garden, Tanya and Vasily are sure this is a sign that they will take in more children! It was a wonderfully happy day with beaming smiles on all faces, and we hope in future summers to honour our promise to bring the children to Kinsale for rest and recuperation.
We also spent time in Vesnova Children’s Mental Asylum, which has been totally renovated by CCPI and where volunteer Irish nurses are training the local staff to give the children better care. Some of these trained carers are paid from CCPI funds to ensure that the new standards of care are maintained. Irish fundraising has also paid for specially moulded wheelchairs for children unable to sit up in regular ones, which has totally transformed their lives and helped to prevent further deformities. CCPI has built a terrace of six apartments at Vesnova, little Homes of Hope for young adults - former patients in the Children’s Asylum who would otherwise have moved into adult asylums at 18, but who can now live nearly independent lives with the help of their carers.
We visited a daycare centre built by CCPI (funds raised by Pfizer staff) to a design by Duncan Stewart - in fact the project he was working on when he suffered a near-fatal fall there a few years ago! - and now offering family counselling, crisis intervention, crafts training, cookery and computer classes, all from the most modern facilities and in a warm and caring environment. The director of this daycare centre took us out to the surrounding villages to meet some of the desperately poor families who benefit from the centre’s services.
Although we met people living in misery - in dreadful squalor and with terrible health problems - refused help by a government trying to deny their existence, it was truly uplifting to see in so many places the enormous difference that CCPI has made to children’s lives. It’s a real privilege to work with such a worthwhile charity where we could literally see that every euro given goes directly to where it’s most needed.
Pam Norris,
Kinsale Outreach Group of Chernobyl Children’s Project International
Photograph top right: The Kinsale Home of Hope;
centre right: Pam and Maureen with Adi Roche, Alexander Trukhan, Vasily, Tanya and all the children;
bottom right, celebrating the opening of the Home of Hope. |
Our May rally took place from Friday 8th to Monday 11th May. The weekend was enjoyed by everyone and it was great to see so many of our friends arriving from Wales, England, Northern Ireland and Germany as well as the many enthusiasts who travelled from all parts of the 26 counties.
The magnificent cars were on display outside the Blue Haven Hotel Kinsale on Saturday the 9th of May, with the glamorous Miss Cork, Etaoin O Halpin and the Lord Mayor Dermot Collins, in attendance to celebrate, with the members of this 20 year old club.
There were 136 cars registered for the main run on Saturday which took us to North Cork, west Waterford and South Tipperary. The enjoyment was matched by the lovely sunshine we had for the weekend. Our Annual dinner was a great success in Actons Hotel, and we would like to thank the hotel and staff for their hospitality. We danced our way to the early hours to the music of Joe Mac and friends.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank the traders of Pearse Street, for their co-operation in ensuring the street was free for us to park up and start our run from there. Their efforts are greatly appreciated. We would also like to thank our main sponsors The Blue Haven Hotel, and all the other businesses that support us through the year with advertising etc. Good health and safe motoring to you all for the coming year. |
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