Upgrade works began in recent days at Redmonds GAA grounds, home of Ballyphehane GAA club. The club spent a successful first season at the grounds for the 2023/24 campaign, and the venue has played a big part in helping the club grow and develop. In January, Storm Éowyn left Redmonds GAA grounds badly damaged as high winds knocked down poles and nets. Adverse weather in recent weeks delayed renovation and repair works at the local GAA grounds. However, in a statement last week, Ballyphehane GAA revealed that works are now finally under way “after weeks of bad weather”. The works include gravel being installed in the car park, as well as new poles and nets for behind the goals. Ballyphehane GAA praised the local community for coming together to support the club in its time of need. “We would like to give a massive thanks to all the businesses, councillors, TDs and CB Sportsturf, who have supported the club over the last few weeks, to help get us back training and playing in a safe environment,” the club said. “Most importantly, to the greatest community out there, Ballyphehane, who rallied around us when we needed your help the most, we can’t thank you enough. "We look forward to seeing you all back up here again soon.” Last month, Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire, Sinn Féin TD for Cork South Central, asked the Government for support for community groups and organisations affected by recent severe weather events. Mr Ó Laoghaire highlighted the case of Ballyphehane GAA while speaking in the Dáil. “The storm wreaked havoc across the State. Cork city was probably not one of the worst affected areas, but, nonetheless, damage was done,” he said. “Everton AFC had about €5,000 worth of damage done. Fencing, dugouts and goals were all upended. The club’s neighbours, Ballyphehane GAA club, which plays at the Old Red Mills GAA pitch, also had fencing, goalposts, and railings upended.” Students stage Peter Pan A production of Peter Pan is coming to Ballyphehane next month as one local secondary school is preparing to put on its very first fourth year show in April. Coláiste Éamann Rís revealed last week that it would be hosting the show next week. The school will showcase its own production of Peter Pan on Thursday, April 3, and Friday, April 4, with the show getting underway at 7pm on both nights. Tickets will cost €10 per adult and €5 per child or student, and are on sale now from the school’s main office. In a statement, Coláiste Éamann Rís said: “We are proud to present our first ever fourth year show ‘Peter Pan’; April 3rd and 4th. Tickets are on sale now from the main office.” French attaché visits school A secondary school recently received a visit from the French embassy attaché, who discussed her job and life in France and Ireland. Laura Le Cléach, the French embassy’s language attaché, visited Presentation Secondary School, Ballyphehane last week. In a statement, the local school said it was delighted to welcome Ms Le Cléach. “She spoke with our second, fourth and fifth years, who asked her fantastic questions, in French of course, about her job and life in France and Ireland.” Students, staff and their visitor also enjoyed some delicious pain au chocolat from Cameron Bakery. In December, Ms Le Cléach visited the Alliance Française de Cork, which teaches the French language and promotes francophone culture in Cork. The alliance, which was founded in 1947 by Irish actress and teacher Rachel Burrows, offers French courses for all proficiency levels and ages, and organises cultural events, such as the annual Cork French Film Festival. Togher club ‘thrilled’ to field first senior women’s team Local club Everton created history in recent weeks as they fielded their first senior women’s team. The Sean Cotter-managed side lined out against Lakewood in the FAI Intermediate Cup competition and while they didn’t come away with a win, their performance was enough to create a huge buzz around the club. Thrown into the deep end with an FAI cup competition being their first fixture was always going to be daunting; however, trailing just 1-0 at half-time has given Cotter and his backroom staff a lot to work with for the coming season. Speaking to The Echo, Cotter expressed the club’s pride in having a women’s team and said it will encourage more youngsters to join the club. “We are absolutely thrilled to eventually have a senior women’s team at our club,” he said. “This is the first time we have a senior ladies’ team so history was made when we played Lakewood and we are delighted with the support from everyone involved in the club. “We were approached a few months back by some of the parents of our schoolgirls who were interested in forming a team. “We quickly spread the word and are thrilled to have a current squad of over 20 girls. Most of the girls come from the Ballyphehane and Togher area and we as a club are delighted to be able to facilitate them.” Everton’s new side will kick off their league season next month in the Cork women’s and schoolgirls soccer league. Celebrating World Down Syndrome Day 2025 Matt Talbot novena underway The Matt Talbot novena began in Togher Church on March 11 with parish priest Fr John Walsh leading the ceremonies. On March 18, it was the turn of Canon Martin Keohane, PP, Carraig na bhFear, and, yesterday, Most Rev Raymond Browne, Bishop of Kerry Diocese, was the celebrant and preacher. Deacon David Lane from the HSE alcohol and drugs forum will speak to the congregation on April 1. The final preacher and celebrant will be Fr Richard Goode OSA who will bring the novena to a close on April 8. Taoiseach leads tributes Taoiseach Micheál Martin led the tributes to the late businessman and sportsman Pat (PJ) Dineen who chaired Irish Steel, Bord na Móna, and Bord Gáis. Mr Dineen, aged 87, of Blackrock but originally from Glasheen, died last Thursday surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife Colette, sons Peter and Roger, daughter Linda, as well as his brother Dick, grandchildren, son-in-law and daughter-in-law, extended family, and friends. Mr Martin took time out of his trip to Brussels to issue a statement in which he said that Mr Dineen had made an “enormous impact on Irish industry, sport and public life”. “A great wit, with a keen business mind, Pat guided Bord Gáis, Irish Steel and Bord na Móna through some successful and challenging times,” said Mr Martin.