Coachford premises closes

Breathnach’s Gala Supermarket and Bar in Coachford closed its doors on Sunday night. The sudden closure has sent shockwaves through the community and many cannot believe that the oldest businesses in the village has ceased trading. The shop and pub in the heart of the village has been in the Burke/Walsh family for generations. First operating as Burkes Hotel in the 1800s and in later years trading as Walsh’s Bar, the business was then taken over by Colm and Mary Cronin who ran the Pub and shop for the last 16 years. The pub recently featured in the RTE series  “At Your Service” hosted by Frances and John Brennan. “ It’s like a death in the village seeing this business close” said Community Council member, Peter Dineen.  “ we are devastated at its loss. Our hearts go out to Mary and Colm and Tom Walsh and all the staff. This pub and supermarket were well run and it’s sad to see it closed. The huge pressures facing many rural businesses are forcing business owners into having to take very difficult and painful decisions about their future. We wish all involved the very best of luck in the future. Our village needs an influx of families to sustain and grow the area. The new sewage scheme is vital to this plan and I would again appeal to politicians and Irish Water to progress this scheme as speedily as possible. In the meantime Coachford remains open for business and is still a strong vibrant community with loads to offer visitors and locals. We look forward to seeing this iconic premises on the main street reopening for business again in the near future and when it does it, and all the other businesses in the area must be supported. If we don’t use the village we’ll lose the village”.

Class of 2015

Coachford College welcomed 114 new first year students through its doors on Monday.  This is one of the highest numbers of first years at the college  in years and is seen as huge vote of confidence in the way the school is being run. Coachford College continues to be one of the best second level schools in the county and this is borne out by the superb results that the Leaving Certificate students are achieving every year. The new students come from all around the area form the feeder schools in Canovee, Cloughduv, Rusheen, Bealnamorrive, Coachford, Donoughmore, Dripsey, Berrings and Farran. Coachford College  has  now over 600 pupils.

Happy Birthday Henry

The life and times of Henry Leader were celebrated last Saturday as part of the National Heritage Week The Heritage Committee of Aghabullogue Coachford Rylane Community Council organised a field trip to Clonmoyle House & Aqueduct, to celebrate the bicentenary of the birth of Henry Nash Leader; family man, farmer, innovative engineer and forgotten philanthropist. The speaker at the event was local historian Joan Hinchion. This was a superb event full of stories  and facts about Henry Leader, his ancestors and descendants and all those whose lives he touched. The event was made all the more special by the tremendous delivery of the facts by Joan, She is just not a historian, she is a story teller full of wit and fun  and she transported the very large crowd back in time to the Napoleonic wars and Ireland during the famine years  and brought the history of the local area to life in a very enjoyable and informative way. All those in attendance are looking forward to her next talk.

Donoughmore Heritage

‘Ancient Sweet Donoughmore’ : Life in an Irish rural parish to 1900 will be published at the end of  October this year. A limited beautifully designed collectors hardback edition will be available and would be especially suitable for longevity or as a gift. If you are interested please e mail gerorour@eircom.net or telephone 021 /7337368

Alarms

Elderly persons without a fire alarm and/or carbon monoxide alarms in their homes should contact Coachford Care of the Aged on 087 7940011 to arrange a free installation.

PPN

Is your local community group a member of the Cork County Council’s Public Participating Network? If so then you can now nominate people for election on to the various committees on the County Council and ensure that community organisations can have a say in how the council is run and on  the decisions that are taken in the County Hall. More information and nomination forms can be obtained by contacting corkcountyppn@gmail.com  or 021 4285350. Closing date for nominations is September 11^th.

Active Retirement

The Coachford Active Retirement Association will resume meetings on Thursday September 3 at 10.30am in the GAA Hall. New members will be made very welcome. For more information please contact Vonnie at 021 7334462 or Ber on 021 7334284

Music

Aghinagh Comhaltas will hold enrolment classes in the Community House Coachford on Tuesday September 8 from 6pm to 7pm. Tuition in Tin Whistle, Fiddle and Banjo available. Enquires to Grace on 021 7334154 or Nancy on 021 7334298.

Job opportunity

A cleaner is required for Coachford National School for 10 hours per week  (2 hours x 5 days). If interested please contact the school on 0877218212 for further details.

Fishing

Anglers from the UK, Holland France and Ireland have descended on Coachford to take part in the biggest fishing festivals of the year. The festivals began last weekend and will run for 23 days. The match fishing will incorporate a number of local fishing festivals. Each festival is expected to attract at least 50 anglers and the fishing takes place all along the reservoir from Dripsey to Carrigadrohid. This festival is a huge boost to the local economy and is responsible for all the local guest houses being very busy and the local pubs and shops enjoying extra business at this time of year.

Lotto reaches €5,000

The Coachford AFC lotto jackpot has reached a very healthy €5,000. Tickets are on sale all over the village or from any committee member.

Soccer Fixtures

The under 17s play Richmond on Friday at 6.30pm at the Glebe in the Gus Walsh Trophy Cup and on Sunday they entertain Carrigtwohill in the league at 2.30pm. The under 15 premier team take on Lakewood on Saturday in Carrigadrohid at 10.30am and entertain Cobh side, Springfield  on Tuesday at 6.30pm also in Carrigadrohid.