300 trees planted 

On Sunday 8th March in conjunction with National Tree Week the ESB and Inniscarra Lake Tourism Development Limited hosted a tree planting event on the Coachford Greenway. Up to 300 trees that will further enhance this fabulous amenity were planted with up to 200 local people turning up on a gorgeous Sunny afternoon to plant their ‘family tree’ and mark the occasion. Each person/family that planted a tree received a certificate and the many children (and some adults) also received a ‘I planted a tree’ bag of jelly beans from the ESB. Species planted were Whitethorn, Blackthorn, Mountain Ash, Oak and Beech. The organisers would like to thank everyone who turned up to plant the trees , to the ESB for supplying the tree,  Margaret Fehily and Griffin’s Garden Centre for their expertise and help on the day and to Coachford Gun Club for their continued contribution.

Coachford prepares for hectic weekend

Coachford village will be alive with music, fishing and racing this weekend as St. Patrick’s Day and Mother’s Day collide. The Business Association are reminding locals that the shops are packed with original gifts and presents for the mothers in your life. Flowers, chocolates, perfume, cards, and much more are available all across the village. Many of the businesses also have gift vouchers available for those who find it hard to decide what to get that very special person. The village and wider area will see an influx of fishermen for the annual St. Patrick’s Weekend fishing festival on the River Lee. O’Callaghan’s Bar will be hosting their very special Cheltenham Gold Cup day with prizes for best dressed person and lots of craic is guaranteed. On Friday night, Aghinagh Comhaltas will host their regular monthly session in Breathnachs Bar. The junior musicians will perform from 8pm to 9pm and then the adults will take over for a mammoth St. Patrick’s weekend session. The group will also be performing at the parade in Macroom on Tuesday March 17 and in Bealnamorrive later that night. O’ Riordan’s Bar Coachford have music on Saturday March 14 when Aoife Cremin of ‘the Voice’ will perform  and on  Monday March 16 the Highland Paddies will belt out their songs to those celebrating our national holiday.

St. Patrick’s Day vintage run

The Annual Dripsey Vintage and Car run takes place on St. Patrick’s Day from Griffins Garden Centre Registration is from 10am and roll out at 11.30am.  The run, in aid of Berrings Autism Support Group and Dripsey Community Association is always well supported and the craic at Griffins before the run is very enjoyable. While waiting for the ‘off’ entrants and supporters will be entertained by talented local musicians Pat & Ricky Kelleher and Margaret McCarthy and the Aghabullogue Set Dancers all adding up to a beautiful day out.
There will be prizes galore for the Best Car, Best Tractor, Best Dressed Lady and Gent, Best original tractor and best vintage costume. Free parking will be available at Dripsey National School and complimentary transport will be provided by Brid O’Callaghan Coaches from car park to Griffins Garden Centre .Expect to see St Patrick himself strolling about the exhibits.

Fishing Festival for St. Patrick’s Weekend.

With over 50 anglers booked on for the ever popular  St. Patrick’s  festival the organisers  of the  fishing festival on the Lee are looking forward to some good fishing and mighty craic over the  Bank Holiday Weekend .The match will most likely feature sections at Griffins Garden Centre, The Graveyard and of course the Coachford Greenway. All dependent on current conditions. With the full payout prize fund topped up with sponsorship from Jackie Lennox Chip Shop it’s one not to miss! For those who want to make the most of it there is also a one day open match on Friday 13th – it could be lucky for some!! Travelling from afar? Then there is plenty of accommodation in the local area, all offering special rates for the festival .For more details visit www.ncffi.ie

Lest we forget

The Aghabullogue Coachford Rylane Heritage committee hosted a talk by historian Anthony Greene on ‘The Great War and the Coachford Connection’ as part of its commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the First World War last weekend. The talk was a fascinating exploration of  who these local people that travelled across Europe to war were and what compelled them to go. It brought to life the conditions these brave men fought under and explained how they died and what life was like for those that survived and came home to live out their lives in Coachford. At the end of the talk the large crowd present applauded the talk and more importantly those men who gave up their lives and as Anthony Green said “ at least, even for this very short time tonight we remembered them and acknowledged their sacrifice”.

Community Employment Scheme job

The Community Employment Scheme in Donoughmore / Coachford are seeking a CE Project Administrator 19.5 hrs a week based in the Coachford Area. Applicants must complete Garda Vetting and be eligible for  the CE scheme. Please check with DSP office . Contact Denise on 021 7337171

Community Council Elections

The ACR community Council are preparing for the 2015 election of the new council members. The ACR Council is made up of 5 members of the public from Aghabullogue, 7 members from Coachford and 5 from Rylane. Nomination papers should be available to the public over the coming weeks. The outgoing council members are asking people to please consider putting their names forward for the election and help to continue the good work carried out over the last five years by being part of the new council.

Yankee Tea Party

Rylane National School Parents Association are hosting an American Tea Party on Friday March 20 in Rylane National School at 8.30pm. Tickets at €10 can be purchased in Crowley’s Shop Rylane or from any committee member. It promises to be a great night with loads of gorgeous food and fantastic music from local band, the Hillbillies.

Coachford advance in Cup

Coachford B team made it to the semi-final of the Corinthians Cup by beating Greenwood 2-1 last weekend. The boys play Tower FC in the league on Sunday in Carrigadrohid at 2pm. The under 18 team take on local rivals, Macroom in the Town Park on Saturday at 2.30pm. The schoolboys recorded a very good 2-2  draw last weekend against the very fancied Springfield Ramblers. This weekend the boys face another tough encounter as they entertain league leaders Carrigaline in Carrigadrohid at 1pm on Sunday.

Dripsey victors

Dripsey Intermediate hurlers earned the bragging rights over Aghabullogue  by defeating them in the Intermediate league hurling clash in Dripsey last Sunday. The game was very tight affair and played at championship pace at times but at the end of a very hectic 60 minutes it was the boys in blue and red who emerged victorious on a score line of Dripsey 1.16 to Aghabullogue 1.12.