County Mayor's Diary

Cllr Gillian Coughlan

What a beautiful month May is turning out to be. The temperatures are rising and there is a feeling of summer around the corner.

I spent a glorious day touring North Cork last week visiting projects that had received investment under the rural development policy.

My day began at the redeveloped Island Wood Trail near Newmarket, a beautiful loop trail which is very popular and perfect for everyone who enjoy walking safely in beautiful surroundings.

I always appreciate the outdoor spaces of this wonderful county however, the importance of these spaces was elevated to new levels during the pandemic. It’s not just children who need to burn off excess energy, physical activity is a great stress buster for us adults too.

The new facilities at Lombardstown Tennis Club should prove very popular with all ages and abilities. A great amenity for the community and beyond.

I strongly recommend a visit to North Cork and I plan to return and visit some of the towns and villages at a more leisurely pace. I saw but hadn’t the time to visit wonderful independent traders in the towns. These traders support our communities and sponsor everything from spot prizes to jerseys and deserve our support in return.

It was a whistle stop tour and next I took in Dromahane Community Park, Lover’s Leap and the Mallow Castle Walkway Bridge. The grounds of Mallow Castle were buzzing with walkers of all ages and abilities, it puts me in mind of the phrase ‘if you build it, they will come’ from the film ‘Field of Dreams’ and it is so true.

Then a beautiful drive along the banks of the Blackwater from Mallow to Fermoy where there was a turning-of-the-sod for upgrade works at Barnane, another wonderful walking trail on the banks of the Blackwater and in the heart of Fermoy town.

Then onto Ballindangan which joined a national network of broadband connection points which will make on-site high-speed broadband services available for local people and visitors alike.

My final visit was to Mitchelstown to see the site of a new enterprise hub. A bit like my day in North Cork, I wish I had more time to tell you about the wonderful projects in detail but alas time is against me.

I need to take this opportunity to tell you how thrilled I am to be hosting the prestigious Midsummer Charity Ball on 10 June in aid of Breakthrough Cancer Research, West Cork Women Against Violence Project and the Irish Red Cross Ukraine Appeal for Cork County.

I am keen to raise much needed funds for those very deserving charities which are close to my heart.

Let’s continue doing what we best – look after each other and support those who need our support by attending the Midsummer Charity Ball.