Newsletter 04 April 2025
Mothering Sunday
On Mother’s Day we had 33 volunteers plus 2 Transition Year Students out for our usual Sunday works.
Pat collected 10 bags of litter 2 of which were from litter picks during the week.
We adjourned to The Plaza where they had kindly laid on an afternoon noon tea assortment for the Mothers and the committee had brought chocolates along as well and of course Jellies.
It was a lovely morning but some appetites were spoiled before we left!!
Sunday TY Works
On Sunday Brigid and Denis along with the TY Students cleaned along edge of footpath and edge of kerbs on the road in front of Westside Retail Park. They collected ten small bags of weeds leaves and small stones. They kept them separate in the bags to make it easier for recycling. A very normal difference.
A work of art
The second word carving at The Regional Park by Will Fogarty is now completed and like the first one is stunning. The detail on the carving is amazing. The carving depicts a number of the animals that are present in The Regional Park. Great credit must go to Cork City for these beautiful additions to the Park.
Monday Blue Skies
On Monday morning early Ger K, Sunday, Bikunda and Keith cleaned the debris from the last road off Coolroe Meadows.
They raked up 5 tonne bags of shredded branches behind the wild flower area in Coolroe Meadows to allow the grass grow again.
They then cleaned the weeds from the entrance to Tuairin Glas. Finally they segregated the bags of rubbish collected on Sunday.
A very busy start to the week.
Tuesday Morning
On Tuesday morning Gay, Keith, Sunday and Bikunda, were cutting grass from Gael Scoil Uí Riordain to the Killumney Road Roundabout. They also cut back briars around the trees in this area. The smell of freshly cut grass was very pleasant and a real sign of spring.
All the various awards and Medals were presented on the night and our Team were presented with our Gold Medal and also our County and Regional Awards.
Over many years we have had the privilege to work with staff from The TidyTowns Unit of the Department of Rural and Community Development.
This team did an excellent job in organising the function on Monday evening. Our thanks to Mary Pracht, Niamh Gorman, Helen Murray and Siobhan Lindsay.
Our thanks also to Michelle Griffin, Maighread Cremin and Yvonne O Brien fromSuperValu, who are long time sponsors of the competition.
The Team at The Talbot under the leadership of General Manager Janice and Assistant General Manager Michael did an exceptional job.
Monday was an excellent day for Ballincollig Tidy Towns and for the promotion of our amazing Community.
More interesting talks/events for your diary
The Cork Biodiversity Hub in Ballincollig are hosting some more very interesting talks in Ballincollig.
The talks so far have proved to be very informative and popular so try and get along to some of these talks.
Saturday April 5th at 2.30 pm.
Title: Amaranth, a Superfood. Dr. Mabel Hernandez, plant scientist will guide on the nutritional benefits of amaranth; how to grow it, harvest the seed and how to cook with it. Mabel also covers the cultural significance of this plant in South America. At Cork Biodiversity Hub P31 PX67
Tuesday April 8th at 9 am.
Title: Listening to the Birds of Ballincollig: Noel Linehan ornithologist will lead us on a walk in Ballincollig Regional Park. Meet at the Cork Biodiversity Hub P31 PX67 (Part of the Lifelong Learning Festival) Bring suitable footwear and binoculars if you have a pair
Thursday April 10th at 7.30 pm.
Title: Rewilding Ireland: A talk by Pádraic Fogarty This is a unique opportunity to learn from one of Ireland’s leading ecologists, author of the book Whittled Away, on how restoring natural ecosystems can benefit biodiversity. At Cork Biodiversity Hub.
Thursday April 24 at 7.30 pm.
Title: Barn Owl Conservation in Cork: Presentation by the man responsible for single handedly reversing the demise of the Barn Owl in Cork, Alan McCarthy. At Cork Biodiversity Hub
Mid Week Works
On Wednesday morning Ger H Sunday and Bikunda cleaned the path edges at the lower end of Beech Park. This work assists and complements the incredible work of one individual resident who does Trojan work. Our Team collected 20 small bags of leaves, silt and twigs.
Water Awareness Day
The Green School Committee from Colaiste /Gaelcholáiste Choilm recently organised a Water Awareness Day Karen Loxton from Wild Work.
All first year classes attended the Water Awareness Day which involved identifying indicator species for water quality in kick samples that Karen Loxton from Wild Work brought from a stretch of the River Lee in the Regional Park that morning.
In addition, Elaine Doyle from Clean Coasts spoke to students about coastal pollution and the problems associated with flushing any of the Dirty Dozen down the toilet as well as highlighting the Think Before You Pour campaign which they run with Uisce Eireann.
A Swap Shop and Water Quiz station were also part of the event. These aimed to raise awareness of the water pollution associated with Fast Fashion and help change students’ shopping habits.
Sunny Thursday
On Thursday morning Ger H, Bikunda, Tom and Natalie did amazing work on The Old Fort Road. The difference was very noticeable. 4 plastic bags of edgings were brought for recycling. A great mornings work.
Newsletter: April 2025
The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan is a framework bringing together different sectors across the island of Ireland to create a landscape where pollinators can survive and thrive. Its implementation is coordinated by the National Biodiversity Data Centre.
To read the newletter click HERE
Dear Friends,
Climate and nature are front and centre as spring weather arrives! We have a number of updates.
Also Community Foundation is a proud partner of the Justin O’Brien Bursary.
Full details below
For the latest news, be sure to keep the conversation going on our social media channels, including LinkedIn.
Justin O’Brien Bursary
Community Foundation Ireland is delighted to join CRAVA (Children’s Residential and Aftercare Voluntary Association) and Don Bosco Care, to announce the launch of the Justin O’Brien Bursary – a new annual award established to support care-experienced young people in accessing and succeeding in third-level education in Ireland. Pictured Rachel Collier, equality champion and wife of the late Justin O’Brien.
Climate Actions Work
Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Darragh O’Brien with Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of Community Foundation Ireland with from left, Mariena Kelly, Royal Terrace Residents Association, Maeve Bray, St Peters NS Parents Association and Brian Gormley, Connecting Cabra as the Minister announced 500,000 worth of Grants under the Climate Actions Work Engagement fund.
Our Earth Day Countdown Clock
How will you mark Earth Day 2025? The countdown is on! Community Foundation Ireland partners with hundreds of communities, top class researchers and advocates to end the emergency in climate and nature.
Visit to Dingle Hub
On Location!
Raising awareness is hugely important to achieve our equality mission. Our communications team is always getting the message out by every means possible. We are currently shooting new videos, including with LGBT Ireland. Premieres coming soon on our YouTube Channel.
On Location!
A massive congratulations to the Breaking Barriers Theatre Adult Group who performed their poignant self-penned play “It’s Great That You’re Out! Well Done!” at two shows on March 1st at the lounge at Lakewood Sports Complex. This setting allowed for an immersive reconstruction of the writers’ and actors’ experiences of nightlife as wheelchair users. Make sure to read Hannah’s Blog below for her first-hand account of the creative process.
On Location!
Energia’s Community Benefit Funds are Energia’s Drumlins Park Wind Farm in County Monaghan has set up a new Community Benefit Fund and applications are now open. The Fund is designed to benefit local communities close to the wind farms, particularly the communities of Newbliss, Drum and Scotshouse. The Fund is open for applications until April 25th, with grants of up to €40,000 available.
Stay Up To Date
The Newsroom on our website is the home of all our latest updates. Here you can find out how we are advancing our mission of Equality For All in Thriving Communities. Be sure to check in regularly.
As we celebrate our 25th year, I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to all our partners, supporters, and philanthropists. Together, we continue to drive positive change for communities that might otherwise be sidelined or overlooked.
Thank You,
Denise Charlton,
Chief Executive