Coachford News

Cul Camps enjoy hot weather

Over 70 children are enjoying the good weather at the GAA Cul Camps this week in Coachford. Over 70 boys and girls are enjoying the fun, the sun and the games on offer at one of the most popular camps in the county. The local coaches and visiting experts provided excellent tuition in the finer points in both hurling and football throughout the glorious week. Sun cream and water were in abundance and everyone that attended had a great time at the well run camp.

Inniscarra Lake Development

The group behind the development of a permanent fishing and a walking area along the bank of the River Lee in Coachford held a public meeting on Monday night. A large crowd attended the briefing and members of the group outlined where the development of the project for the World Feeder fishing Championships in 2014 was at. Those in attendance were told that the group has resubmitted planning for the development outlining measures that the group has taken to comply with concerns, observations and objections to their first planning application. An ecological report has been carried out. Reports from a security consultant and An Garda Siochanna were also submitted. Traffic management plans for major competitions have also been addressed. Chairman Matt Sheehan said “The area has been visited by officials from the national Coarse Fishing federations from Italy, England and Holland this week. These people have come to the area to look at accommodation and the venue on behalf of their national teams for the World Championships. We would expect at least 35 teams to come for the championships; each of these countries could have up to 15 people traveling as part of the team. We are planning for an influx of over 500 people to the area for this event alone and the publicity from the World Championships will see this area being a permanent fixture on the European and world coarse angling map. I am confident that our planning application to Cork County Council with the additional information supplied will be successful and once that is granted we can move to the tendering phase of the development.”

Coachford AFC Lotto

There was no winner of the Coachford Soccer Lotto this week. The numbers drawn were 19,22 and 36 The Lucky Dip winners were John Long (€40), Kate O Mahony, Paddy Martin, Tracey Martin and Michael O Connell, (€20) Next week’s jackpot is €1,600 and the draw will take place in Hogans Bar.

Bake to win a Prize

The Coachford Autumn Festival will feature a baking competition at this years event. There are three classes.

Class 1 – Granny’s Brown Bread – There is nothing our Broomhill tractor builders like better than a proper brown bread, Can your family favourite impress our judges?

Class 2 – Themed Cake Decoration – Showcase your baking and decorating skills in this creative class. Enter your autumn themed creation cake to scoop our top prize

Class 3 – Under 16s Tray Bake – We all love a scrummy square with a cuppa but what’s your favourite? Under 16s can show off their baking and presentation skills in this class.

The Gathering of the Majors

Steam Engines, Tractors, Model Ts and Minis will all be part of the 4th Annual Vintage, Veteran and Classic Car and Tractor show at the Coachford Autumn Festival. Organisers are very excited about the MAJOR Gathering of Fordson Major tractors and are expecting a large number of these iconic tractors to turn up in Coachford on Sunday, August 18th.

Coachford first ever 5 Mile Road Race announced

The organisers of the Coachford Autumn Festival have announced that they will be hosting the first ever 5 Mile Road Race in the village on August 16th. The road race which is approved by the Athletics Association of Ireland and sponsored by Sorrel Physical Therapy and Fitness will see runners begin at the GAA complex in Coachford and complete a loop of the area taking in Nadrid, the village and Knockanowen before finishing again at the GAA grounds. Chairman of the festival, Tadgh Murphy said, “ Although this is our first time organizing a road race we are really looking forward to adding a new event to the festival programme. We are very fortunate to have Ciara Murphy and Sorrel Physical Therapy and Fitness on board to help in supporting the road race. The route is ideal and although there are two moderate climbs the majority of the route is flat. Road racing is very popular in the area and many individuals are already in training for the race. It would be impossible for us to organise this without the help and cooperation of Aghabullogue GAA and the use of their fabulous facilities in Coachford.“ Registration for the event takes place from 6.00pm in the GAA complex and there will be prizes for the various categories racing.

Aghabullogue Hurlers

The Aghabullogue intermediate hurlers are looking to secure their spot in the draw for the fourth round of the county championship when they face North Cork side Meelin in Mallow this Sunday at 2.30pm. The boys have been training hard since they lost the first round game to Barryroe at the start of June and have recorded a league win over Kilbrittain recently.

Aussie Wedding bells

Congratulations to Coachford man Stephen Buckley and his Australian bride Alexis Oswald who were married in Coachford last weekend. Stephen met Alexis on Ladies Day at the Melbourne Cup three years ago and fell instantly in love with the girl from Adelaide. The couple enjoyed a beautiful wedding in Coachford and a wonderful reception at Dunmore House outside Clonakilty. Many of Alexis’s family came from Australia to celebrate with the happy couple and the couple’s Irish and Australian friends were also in attendance. Alexis’s twin sister Kate was Maid of Honour and Stephen’s friend Stephen O’Sullivan from Donoughmore and Melbourne was his Best Man. Stephen and Alexis will holiday in Europe before returning to their lives and work in Melbourne.

Coachford AFC AGM

Long serving Chairman of Coachford AFC, Thady Delaney has stepped down from his position after overseeing what was one of the clubs most successful seasons in the clubs 43 year history. Glowing tributes were paid to the Chairman at the club’s Annual General Meeting last week. The Secretary of the club, Frank Bergin said “ There is no doubt that without the guidance, vision, wisdom and leadership shown by Thady the club would not be in the position that it is in today. We have been fortunate to have him as Chairman during the time our club has been seen huge success both on and off the pitch.” Donal Moynihan, manager of the premier team said “ While I understand that people can’t go on forever I like all the other members of the club am gutted that Thady has decided to step down. He was always available for advice and during our very successful season he was a calming influence on the coaches and the players as the pressure mounted in the run in to the title win. The incoming Chairman, Joe Ronan in his acceptance speech said “ To run a soccer club and to develop pitches and dressing rooms in the current climate is a difficult job but Thady has always worked tirelessly to promote the game and the club throughout the community and beyond. I hope that although you are stepping down from the top table that you will continue to offer advice to all of us, even if we don’t think we need it, and that you will continue to be a positive influence in the club.” The club will be presented with the Cork AUL team of the month this Friday night at a function in O’Callaghan’s Bar Coachford.

Coachford AFC Lotto

There was no winner of the €1,000 jackpot in the soccer lotto this week. The numbers drawn were 4, 11 and 29. the Lucky dip winners were The two Brideys (€40), Paddy + Madge, Slavek Hojnor, Eamonn Murphy and J Bob O Sullivan.(€20 each) Next week’s jackpot is €1,200 and the draw takes place in O’Callaghans

Battle talk

Áth Ridire near Coachford was the location of a considerable skirmish between Sir James Fitzgerald of Desmond and the MacCarthys of Muskerry on 4th August 1580. Following the defeat and capture of Sir James, the second Desmond Rebellion (1579-1583) lost one of its leading figures.. The Aghabullogue Coachford Rylane Heritage Committee will hold a talk on this event on site at Rockgrove Coachford on Sunday June 30th. The Meeting Point is Coachford Church Car Park at 2pm sharp.

Soccer team win unique double

Well done to the Killanardrish/Coachford Under 12 Soccer squad in winning the Division 4 league title and the Under 12 Cork Schoolboys Albert Coyne Cup. The boys worked hard all year winning every one of their 16 games throughout the season and scoring a massive tally of 96 goals and conceding only 12. The team coached by paddy Martin and managed by Liam Casey didn’t have it all their own way during the year as many of the team also featured in the club’s Under 13 league winning team and fatigue was a factor as the league entered its final few games but the lads dug deep and secured the clubs second Under 12 title in two years. The Coachford based team defeated Bandon Town by 9-0 in the final game of the season with Luke Casey, Adam Murphy, Jack Oldham, Jack Murphy, Mark Murphy and Elliot Lynch all scoring. In fact it was Elliot Lynch who was the Killanardrish/Coachford hero when the team won the Albert Conboyne Cup last weekend. Elliot who had earlier in the day bagged two gold medals in the Cork Special Olympics Championships scored the winning goal to defeat a gallant and sporting Glounthaune side.  Manager Liam Casey said “ What a season we’ve had, the boys were superb all year. You couldn’t ask for a more committed bunch of young fellas. They were always willing to listen and to try new things, they trained hard all year and they fully deserve this double. It was great to see some of the younger players  play their way onto the team. Add to this the success of the under 13s winning their league and the Under 15s gaining promotion the future certainly looks promising.”

€7,800 Lotto Prize is won

Congratulations to Isabelle Leahy who scooped the €7,600 Coachford AFC Lotto . The numbers drawn were 2, 7, 12. The Lucky Dip winners were Tim Joe Lyons(€40), Lisa Murphy, Tina Herlihy, Stephen Crowley and David Murphy (€20 each). Next week’s jackpot is back to €1,000 and the draw takes place in O’ Riordan’s Bar.

Splish Splash

Coachford National School received their third Green Flag on Tuesday June 18th. This flag was presented to the school in recognition of the water themed projects that the children took part in during the year. The projects ranged from studying the freshwater life in our rivers to conducting water filtration experiments and visiting the water treatment plant in Inniscarra. The children got up close to a lot of the insects that inhabit our rivers and streams and had great fun learning all about water. The school held a special water day where the children dressed in blue and took part in many water based games and quizzes. At the presentation of the flag, talks on water conservation, the flooding of the Lee Valley and protecting our water supplies were given to the students. Well done to all involved in this excellent, worthwhile and educational project.

Fire at rubber plant.

A fire broke out at Pat and Ann Kelleher’s PK Rubber Recycling plant at Roovesmore in Coachford last weekend. The fire which destroyed a lot of the tyres stored at the facility burned for hours from early on Saturday morning and the black smoke could be seen from miles around. There were a fleet of Fire brigades at the scene for over twelve hours but thankfully no one was injured and it’s business as usual at the rubber plant.

Cotter Clinches College’s Victory

Congratulations to Stephanie Cotter who won gold in the recent AVIVA Irish Schools Track and Field Championships in Tullamore. Stephanie, representing Coachford College was first cross the tape in the 800m final in a time of 2.19.54. This championship is the highlight of the schools athletic year and brings Ireland’s top young athletes together for one day of intensive competition.

Coachford Cycling Club

Coachford Cycling Club is holding their annual Sportive on Sunday June 23rd All are welcome! Routes will cater for everyone from the enthusiastic beginner to the serious amateur. Parking and changing facilities will be provided at the GAA Complex, and there will be food and water stops along the way.
There will be two distances to chose from, 115km and 55km. Registration for both routes begins at 7.30am with first bike leaving at 8.30am. For more information email coachfordcyclingclub@gmail.com

Killanardrish/Coachford Under 12s lifted their second trophy in three days when they were presented with the league title tonight after defeating Bandon by 9 goals to nil. The boys had already been crowned division 4 cup winners last Saturday  after defeating Glounthaune over two legs. It’s been a superb season for the Coachford based club lifting four trophies in all. Three of theses coming from

the under age section.

Bog of the Foxy Woman

The June edition of the Bog of the Foxy Woman is now available in shops or on line

Cigarette Butts Hamper Litter Challenge

The Coachford Tidy Towns Committee have received the results of the first two rounds of the Cork County Council Litter Challenge and while the results in 2013 are much improved on 2012  a huge amount of marks have been lost due to the vast amount of Cigarette butts discarded along the streets of the village. John McCaffery, Chairman of the Tidy Towns said, “the results are very encouraging and shows that we are moving in the right direction at least. Last year our scores were in the mid 70s but this year already we have had a score of 88 on the first week and 92 in the second week but it’s the reckless discarding of the cigarette butts that is destroying our challenge. We are all well aware that having such a vibrant and busy village was always going to be difficult to keep clean but we have been putting in a huge effort and are reaping the rewards except for the cigarettes. We could pick up over 150 butts on a Monday night and come back again on Tuesday and find the same amount again thrown on the streets. For every 10 cigarette butts we lose one mark. In the first week of the challenge 20 butts were found on the day of inspection outside one shop and 40 butts outside a fast food takeaway. I would ask that all smokers be more conscious of where they discard their cigarette butts and litter. We are at the same time very grateful for the huge amount of effort that the business community and volunteers are putting in to the challenge of keeping our village tidy.” The third and final inspection period of the 2013 Litter challenge takes place from June 10^th to June 19^th.

New Play for Coachford

Coachford Players present Office Song this Friday and Saturday night in Hogan’s Bar. The play is a beautiful story and very well acted out. On Friday June 14^th the play begins at 9.30pm and on Saturday night it has an earlier start of 8.30pm. Admission is free and everyone is welcome.

Farmers Market

The Coachford Local Market takes place this Saturday, June  15th from 10.30am to 1.00pm.  You’ll find fresh local produce, Arts and Crafts, gorgeous cakes, unusual chesses, excellent coffee and a place to meet friends and neighbours. The Market continues to grow in popularity  with many people coming to sample a market where locals sell what they have grown, baked or made to other locals.  The market also offers a place where people can sit down and chat, a children’s activity table and a great second hand book stall.

Under 12 soccer team reach the Cup Final

Killanardrish/Coachford Under 12s have made it to the final of the Albert Coyne Cup where they will play Glounthaune United over two legs to see who will win this Under 12 title.  The first leg took place in Coachford on Wednesday night and the second leg is in Glounthaune on Saturday at noon. The under 12s reached the final after defeating Buttevant by 3 goals to 1. Paddy Martin, manager said,  “ This is a great time for the lads, they have worked hard all year and now they are only two games away from capturing a unique double. We have the second leg of this game on Saturday and we are hoping for a huge support to encourage the boys. “ The under 12s who have already secured the league title play their last league game away to Bandon next Monday, June 17^th at 7.15pm.

Coachford AFC lotto

There was no winner of the €7,600 Jackpot in the Coachford AFC lotto this week. The numbers drawn were 10, 13, 14. The Lucky Dip winners were Niamh Twomey (€40), Mark O Flynn, Eugene + Jennifer O Sullivan, Brian McCarthy and Marie Healy (€20 each). Next week’s jackpot is  €7800 and the draw takes place in Hogans

430 year old battle to be relived in Coachford
Áth Ridire near Coachford was the location of a considerable skirmish between Sir James Fitzgerald of Desmond and the MacCarthys of Muskerry on 4th August 1580. Following the defeat and capture of Sir James, the second Desmond Rebellion (1579-1583) lost one of its leading figures.. The Aghabullogue Coachford Rylane Heritage Committee will hold a talk on this event on site at Rockgrove Coachford on Sunday June 30^th. The Meeting Point is Coachford Church Car Park at 2pm sharp.

Coachford GIY messing with manure

The Coachford GIY have organised a Composting Demonstration and Workshop with Donal O’Leary , master compositor  on Saturday June 22nd . The group will meet at 10.45am outside Hogans, The Village Inn, to travel to the EPA site at Inniscarra.  The workshop is estimated to take 2 hours.  It should be a very informative morning as we learn how best to use Nature’s own recycling methods to our best advantage. This is an open meeting, so feel free to invite anyone who may be interested.

Bonny Babies and High Nellies

The organizers of this years Coachford Autumn Festival are well on their way to finalising most of the events for August 16^th , 17^th and 18^th. The high Nelly run is again expected to draw a huge entry and is always one of the most popular event s on the Saturday. The Dog and harrier show is also on Saturday and a large number of four legged friend are expected to be transported to the village for this competition. The Bachelor of the Festival is after grabbing people’s imagination and a strong list of suitable candidates is expected to grace the stage of the GAA Hall in Coachford on Saturday night.  One of the competitions on the packed programme for Sunday August 18^th is the Bonny Baby competition and while the identity of the independent judge is being kept under wraps he or she will have a tough decision  to make on the day. As well as the bonny baby competition there is also a Glamorous Granny and Yummy Mummy competition to be judged. The organisers are expecting a huge crowd for their fourth festival and are very excited about the level of interest shown in ‘The Major Gathering’ event where a large number of Fordson Major Tractors are expected to descend on the Mid Cork Village on Sunday August 18^th. For further information on this or any other of the events please contact the festival Secretary on 086 80 30 086.

 GAA Fundraiser

Aghabullogue GAA are selling raffle tickets to raise some funds. The first prize is €500 cash and there are 3 runners up prizes of tickets to see Bruce Springsteen at Pairc Ui Chaoimh in July. Tickets are only €2 each or 3 for €5 and are available from all club members and adult players.