Newsletter 04 July 2025

Sunday Gathering

On Sunday our numbers were down slightly but our 27 volunteers still managed to cover all areas.
Pat collected 11 bags of general litter, 1 bag of glass and 1 bag of vapes. 4 of the bags of litter, the glass and the vapes were collected from litter picks carried out by our volunteers during the week.
We enjoyed a lovely cuppa Al fresco at The Plaza with some beautiful lemon drizzle cake. We also enjoyed some delicious Birthday Cake!!

Sunday Gathering

Busy Boys on Sunday

Denis and Cillian were busy on Sunday morning as they firstly tackled Eastgate where they collected two bags of weeds and they blew the small stones from the footpath. They then moved on to the traffic islands near the Link Road Junction. They also washed down the Dog Fouling Bin on The Link Road.

Busy Boys on Sunday
Busy Boys on Sunday
Busy Boys on Sunday

Sunday Signs

On Sunday morning Denis and his Team did great work cleaning signs and also clearing the traffic islands of debris and also cleaning along footpath at Classis.
They collected three small bags of debris and weeds and while there cleaned the signs and bollards.

Sunday Signs

Deadheading Team

Our planters are looking very good as they are continually fed and watered by the Watering Teams. There is another very important Team who do an outstanding job. That is the Deadheading Team. They do an excellent job removing withered blooms. This work is vital and helps to keep the plants looking well and prolongs their life. A blooming great Team.

Deadheading Team
Deadheading Team

🔴⚪️Flying the Colours 🔴⚪️

Well done to Tudor Rose for supporting the Cork Hurling Team this weekend.

Flying the Colours
Flying the Colours

Watering Teams

On Sunday evening one Watering Team filled the planters at Eastgate and while filling used the time to deadhead the flowers. The planters took 500 litres of water and feed. They then went on to fill the towers on Main Street and also watered the Parklet which took another 200 litres.
The A Team were out on Monday night the two Pats started at the Talbot Hotel and filled all the poles, the wooden planters in the town centre. As the planters were not that thirsty they had water remaining and daylight so they continued to planters near The White Horse and Maxol. As a result they managed to fill all the window box planters.
They used 1,300 litres and it took the two of them 3 hours.

Watering Teams
Watering Teams
Watering Teams

Always Amazing

Every time a person walks in The Regional Park it looks different and constantly reveals new colours and views. It’s definitely one incredible place.

Always Amazing
Always Amazing

A busy start to the week

Bright and early Monday morning Gay, Bikunda and Keith were cutting grass near An Caislean and at the rear entrance to Muskerry Estate. They also removed hedge cutting and household waste the latter we left in the allotment for inspection, and emptied the trailer which was almost full and removed it to Carrigrohane.

A busy start to the week

A Nice Welcome

When entering into Ballincollig we have over the years tried to enhance each entrance. The entrance to Greenfields is one such example and this year the planting has really matured beautifully and gives a lovely selection of colours. The work done on preparing and selecting the various plants has really paid dividends.

A Nice Welcome

Tuesday Project 1

First job on Tuesday morning for Jimmy, Bikunda and Keith was to remove the withered / burnt weeds and grass from the stone wall at Sunningdale.
They removed nine plastic bags of weeds and sweepings between this and the second project. The difference is so noticeable, well to us anyway!!
Well done lads.

Tuesday Project 1

Tuesday Project 2

Once finished at Sunningdale Jimmy, Keith and Bikunda moved onto removing kerbside weeding in Muskerry Estate close to the large green at the end of Beech Road. They used our Weedhex machine which certainly save the lads a lot of time. Another great job.

Tuesday Project 2

Worknight on Tuesday

On Tuesday evening we had 14 volunteers working at the rear entrance to Muskerry Estate and Hazel Grove. We cleared the kerbside weeds at Hazel Grove and weeded the flower bed at the junction. Unfortunately when this was planted no account was taken to maintaining the bed. We have cleaned these beds on a number of occasions. It was a slow and tedious job. While this work was progressing there were more volunteers litter picking in The Village and the Three Amigos were working on another project. A busy night.

Worknight on Tuesday
Worknight on Tuesday
Worknight on Tuesday

A really lovely gesture

Our sincere thanks to Joanne from The Fry who kindly delivered a lovely selection of cold drinks to our volunteers as they worked hard on Tuesday evening. This was a really lovely gesture and really appreciated by our volunteers.

A really lovely gesture

Watch this space!!!

One of the wild flower areas in The Regional Park is starting to develop and each day more and more flowers will emerge and bloom. As the weeks pass it will be interesting to see how it develops.

Watch this space!!!

A Wednesday at HQ

Wednesday morning at HQ was a busy one and slightly sad as our trustworthy workhorse was emptied for the last time. After the van departed Bikunda, Keith and Ger H worked at our base. Bikunda weeded the path and Ger watered the pots. Then they all segregated the rubbish bags from Sunday. A productive morning.

A Wednesday at HQ
A Wednesday at HQ

Thursday Work & Visitors

Early Thursday morning Ger K, Bikunda, Keith and Tom cleaned between wall and footpath up Innishmore Road and from there up past the White Horse to the entrance of Coolroe Heights on both sides of the road. A huge stretch of road and left spotlessly clean after their work.
They then went back to HQ and compacted the rubbish that had been segregated.
At 11am they entertained 36 children from Scoil Barra with their teachers and showed them the workings at the allotment and how BTT carries out its Water Harvesting from the roof of Scoil Barra and all about composting.
Another busy day and another busy week.

Thursday Work & Visitors

Artistic BTT

On Thursday evening a number of our volunteers were at Cork Biodiversity Hub demonstrating our artistic skills!!
Ceramicist Julie Forrester guided us through using clay to make designs which she will put in the Kiln and then we will come back to paint them after which our pieces and hundreds more will adorn a large wall at the entrance to the Hub.
This was a great opportunity for us all and everyone had a fantastic evening. The photos show some of our efforts.

Artistic BTT
Artistic BTT

Newsletter: July 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 open the Newsletter click HERE

Muintir na Tire Cork News

To open the Newsletter click HERE

Crann

Summer is in full swing and so are the programmes at Crann! There’s plenty to keep everyone happy and lots to be grateful for in this month’s newsletter – enjoy!

SAVE THE DATE!

Our annual Client Summer BBQ will be August 23rd!

Keep an eye on your emails for details & RSVP link in the coming weeks!

Crann Crafties Saoirse

All Clients Welcome |

30 July 2:30pm

After a successful candlemaking workshop, Saoirse Ethnic Hands on Deck are back with a soap making class!

Crann Shibshop

Siblings of Children with a Disability

July 15th

A safe and fun workshop where siblings can socialise with other children who understand their experiences. Groups for ages 6-8, and 8+

Skills on Wheels

Skills on Wheels

Children with a Disability 

August 5-7

Designed to develop your child’s wheelchair skills for greater independence & access to their environments.

Fine Motor Skills Group

Fine Motor Skills Group

Children: July 16 11am-12:30pm

Teens: July 16 1-2:30pm

Develop fine motor skills, motor co-ordination & skills for independence. Pre-assessment required.

Ecology Workshop with Letizia Cocchiglia

Ecology Workshop with Letizia Cocchiglia

Sunday July 27 |

Conservation at Crann, Kanturk

Mark your diaries for our next event at Conservation at Crann featuring Freshwater Ecologist Letizia Cocchiglia! This engaging and accessible workshop will bring nature to life for the whole family!

Toy Show Appeal Supports Social Capital Supports Like Breaking Barriers’ Aladdin Performance

Toy Show Appeal Supports Social Capital Supports Like Breaking Barriers' Aladdin Performance

Breaking Barriers’ youth & children’s theatre groups staged two booked-out productions of Aladdin in Cork City Hall last Friday evening to rapturous applause! Well done to the amazing performances! Thank you to Youth Theatre Ireland and Cork County Council for supporting this brilliant show!⁠ Thank you to Donna, Aisling, Maeve and Tara for their guidance and effort!

SNA Training

SNA Training

Our suite of Professional Education courses aim to give SNAs, teachers and carers the skills and confidence to provide techniques like Clean Intermittent Catheterisation in inclusive school settings.⁠

With courses running in August, let your child’s school know about our training to help support your child’s needs.

Walk n'Roll

Walk n’Roll brought us together once again for the Final 1K on June 14th! The weather was kind to us, and we all got out to do 1K together! Thank you to everyone who did their 5k, raising vital funds to support services at Crann!

 

There are a few more events running so we don’t have a final total for you yet but keep an eye out to see how impactful your efforts have been! Thank Boston Scientific, Cork City FC & the Lynch Family for their support!

Hannah’s Blog – Summer Review & The Importance of Respite

Hannah's Blog

“Respite allows people with neuro physical disabilities to step outside of their comfort zone by challenging themselves and trying new things in a safe and supported environment”

Client Activities Calendar

Remember, we include a selection of upcoming programmes in this newsletter. Keep an eye on the Client Activities Calendar regular for updates! Please contact your Client Liaison if you need a reminder of the Client Activities Calendar password.

Playground Opening Times

Monday-Friday 11am-5pm

Contact Reception to enquire.

Saturdays 1pm-3pm

Website booking essential for Saturdays to ensure staffing. Alternative times are available on request to todonovan@cranncentre.ie

🍰 Did you know that Clients can have their Birthday Party at Crann’s Accessible Playground? Contact Tara ontodonovan@cranncentre.ieto enquire🕯️

Subject to weather & subject to change. Available to client families.

To begin your journey visit: https://cranncentre.ie/crann-referral-form/

Request a booking

Join the Community at Crann!

We welcome new applications to join our community as our services have to be limited to clients & families of Crann.

Follow the link to begin the process https://cranncentre.ie/crann-referral-form/. All applications are subject to a service compatibility review to determine if our services & facilities can support your needs.  

Information presented in this newsletter are subject to change.

Solutions for families with neuro-physical disabilities