The Community Association has set a date to clean up the area around the Japanese Gardens and Gus Healy pool. It is Saturday 26th May, 2012 at 10:00am.  This the first in a series of Ballinlough clean ups.

We will meet at the swimming pool carpark a for two hours of fresh air, community spirit and exercise!

If possible please bring one garden tool, a shovel, sweeping brush or rake.

All welcome – children need to be accompanied by an adult.

Ballinlough is our Community, let’s work together to keep it litter free.

The competition was sponsered by Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr. Terry Shannon.

The Lord Mayor said he was privilged to be at the event and he praised the years of work that the late Paddy Kearney did in the community. Mrs Anne Kearney was also present.

The Lord Mayor presented the trophies to the winning team of Mossie McGrath, Frank O’Flynn and Jack Healy. Runners up were Liam O’Flynn, Frank Cronin and Denis Murphy. The Trophies for the event were sponsored by Cllr. Terry Shannon in association with Gerard McCarthy Awards & Gifts. The orgainsing committee of Ena Collins, Maura Maher, Maura Olden, Marian Quinn, Michael J. Collins and Liam Towler would like to say a special word of thanks to Vincent Barry and Michael J. Collins for orgsinsing the event.

The Lord Mayor praised the voluntary work of all the groups in the parish, he said that as he was a’ Ballinlough boy’ himself and was particularly proud of the Parish.

Cllr Shannon, in particular made mention of the many diverse groups that were available i the parish, from Youth clubs to Retirement clubs, something for every age group.

Cllr. Laura McGonigle chairperson of Ballinlough Community Association thanked the Lord Mayor Cllr Terry Shannon for inviting all the groups into the City Hall, she said for some people it was there first time there. Laura presented the Lord Mayor with a watch on behalf of the parish, Mary Cremin presented the lady Mayoress Ursula Shannon with a bouquet of flowers.

The Lord Mayor made a presentation to a representative from each group. The visit was concluded with a tour of the Lord Mayor’s office.

See some of the photos from the evening in our photos section here.

Liam Towler welcomed Margaret Dennehy and Denise Lowther daughters of the late Michael Collins, they presented the Cup to the winning Skip.

Liam Towler thanked Cllr. Terry Shannnon for his continued support. He also congratulated Terry on being selected by his Party to be the incoming Lord Mayor of Cork in June 2011. Terry in his reply said that he will continue as long as he can, to support & sponsor the Event. He also paid tribute to the late Michael V. Collins, saying a lot of the facilities available in the centre today, were as a result of the large input Michael had in the community centre.

Liam also thanked Michael J.Collins & Vincent Barry for their help in organising the competition. The committee are now organising the ‘Christmas competition’

On Behalf of the Retirement Club Liam expressed a vote of sympathy to Minister Micheal Martin, Mary & family on the recent death of their daughter Leana.

Entitled ‘Flowers, Fun & Festivities – all are welcome to come along and have a hot chocolate or a mulled wine while browsing and chatting! Discounts on the night, raffles, flower demonstration, hot chocolate & mulled wine. Donations on the night in aid of St. Vincent de Paul.

For more information contact Fiona Donnelly in Petals:

Email: fdonnelly@eircom.net
Website: http://www.petalsfloral.ie

Senior Citizen’s Christmas Dinner organising committee

This years Ballinlough Senior Citizen’s Chrismtas dinner will take place Sunday December 5th 2010, at 5.00pm in the Rochestown Park Hotel.

The cost of the evening, including bus transfer is €30.

All those wishing to attend the dinner should contact either Ena Collins (021 4295008) Marian Quinn (087 294 8079 ), Maura Maher (021 4294854) or Maura Olden (021 4363193)

A great night of dinner, dance and music is guaranteed! If you don’t know how to do the “slosh” now, you will after December 5th!

Note: The bus will depart from the Ballinlough Community Centre at 4.00pm and return when the festivities end, departing the hotel at 10.30pm.

Check out the photos page, for photos from last years Senior Citizens Christmas Dinner.

The Parade starts from the Youth Club at 5.00pm sharp. Registration before that from 4.45pm All children must be registered for insurance purposes and accompanied by an adult.

All the children will be given  glow sticks and musical instruments to add the atmosphere in the Community. There is a small charge of €2 per child, (or €5 for a family of three children) to cover the costs.

After the Parade there is a Halloween Party back in the Youth centre, and a magic show. All this is included in the €2 charge!

Parade Route: from Ballinlough Road, through Somerton, Sundrive, Belmont & Beechwood Parks. Return to Youth Centre(6.00-7.30pm) for Halloween Fun & Games, Spot Prizes & Magic Show€2 Entry fee. Family of 3 children €5.

Come in Costume!

For more information contact, ballinloughyouthclubs@gmail.com

Pictured outside the Greenfinch Restaurant in Charleville

The Annual Senior Citizens Outing was last Saturday 10th July. Forty people travelled to Limerick City, they spent some time there, and then travelled to the Crescent Shopping Centre, for a spot of retail therapy, also for a bit of relaxation and for a welcome cup of tea. When the purchases were completed, it was back on the bus and off for Dinner at the Charleville Park Hotel on the way home. The Dinner was great and the staff were fantastic. On the way home bus driver Pat O’ Donovan did a great job to make the day so enjoyable with his singing, storytelling and jokes. The committee would like to say a ‘Big Thank’ you to the Manager & staff of the Charleville Park Hotel, and to the jolly bus driver Pat O’Donovan.

Three very brave men are joining the group of almost 50 women, when they take to the roads. This year’s annual trip is to Limerick, where the group will visit the Crescent Shopping for a spot of retail therapy amongst other local attractions. Dinner in Charleville Park on the way home, and perhaps a sing song! Remember to bring us home a stick of Rock!

There is currently a waiting list for the Annual Trip, but Marian Quinn will take names in case of cancellations. Contact Marian at 087 294 8079

(check the photos section of the website later in the summer for photos of the outing)

Paddy Crowley with some of his supporters before he departs for the Over 60's Final in City Hall

Paddy Crowley, Ballinlough’s contestant in the Over 60′s final on May 23rd, did the Community proud.  Paddy sang “A bunch of Violets Blue” his winning song from the local Ballinlough heat last February.

One of fourteen finalists on the night, Paddy was successful in both our own local community heat and again in City Hall on April 18th in the Semi Final.

Over the past number of months Paddy has taken the excitement and pressure in his stride, and in  his own words, he has “enjoyed every minute of the experience”.

The fun doesn’t end here for Paddy – this week he is singing in Marymount Hospice with some of his fellow finalist, in an event organised by Paddy O’Brien. And the “End of Summer Festival” has already made a booking in Paddy’s diary for another appearance on August 28th, 2010!