So, after Liberation Day, you’d probably bet your last fiver that the world is spiralling straight into an economic dumpster fire—and hey, maybe you're not entirely wrong. But hold up! It’s not all bad news, folks! With a sprinkle of optimism (and maybe a cuppa or a pint), let’s get stuck into some feel-good stories that might just slap a smile on your face. Ready? Let’s get into it!
Betty Gough: The Heart of Lisduggan Honoured
When it comes to community spirit, Betty Gough is basically the Beyoncé of Lisduggan—beloved, unstoppable, and a total icon. Last week, this local legend was celebrated with a Mayoral Reception at Waterford’s City Hall for her decades of dedication to the area.
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Born in 1945 at Convent Hill, Betty moved to Lisduggan in 1967 with her husband John and their growing family. Fast forward to today, and she’s the proud matriarch of a clan that includes six children, eleven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
But Betty didn’t just settle into the community—she built it. From serving on residents’ committees to founding a play school at Manor St. John, she’s been the driving force behind countless initiatives. She even organized an infamous carnival and became a powerhouse fundraiser for local sports groups like the boxing club. Oh, and let’s not forget “Betty’s Bus,” which took locals on trips to Woodstown, Butlin’s, and beyond—because why shouldn’t community-building include a bit of craic?
Betty herself remains humble, saying she’s proud of how far Lisduggan has come since those early days when “there was nothing.” With her legacy of kindness and service, Betty Gough proves that one person really can make a world of difference—especially if they’ve got a bus handy!
Ballyloughane Beach Gets a Glow-Up with Stunning Shelters
Ballyloughane Beach in Galway just got a little more fabulous, thanks to two new shelters that are as practical as they are Instagram-worthy. These beauties, recently installed by Galway City Council, are adorned with breathtaking murals by local artist Ró (Ronan J Connor). The artwork captures the magic of a Galway Bay sunset in dreamy blues and yellows, perfectly complementing the natural beauty of the beach.
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Alongside the shelters, Ballyloughane boasts a suite of facilities including picnic tables, cycle parking, car parking, ramp access, and even a biodiversity-rich walking loop where winter-grazing Buaile Bó cows add a touch of rural charm.
The shelters were funded through Councillor Terry O’Flaherty’s Local Improvement Scheme allocation—so hats off to them for making this beach glow-up happen. Whether you’re there for a swim, a stroll, or just some mural appreciation, Ballyloughane Beach is officially the place to be this summer!
Castlepollard’s Green Thumbs Gear Up for Growing Season
The Water Street Association in Castlepollard is rolling up its sleeves and digging into the growing season with a brand-new gardening course starting April 12th. Funded by Community Foundation Ireland and the National Parks and Wildlife Service, this initiative is all about protecting biodiversity while teaching locals how to grow their own veggies, herbs, and flowers—without a single drop of chemical nastiness.
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The four-week, hands-on programme will cover no-dig gardening techniques, organic seeds, composting (hello, New Zealand box compost bins!), and even the culinary and medicinal uses of herbs. It’s basically Hogwarts for gardeners, minus the magic wands but with plenty of pollinator-friendly planting.
Rachel Cassen, chairperson of Water Street Association, couldn’t be more excited: “This plan will safeguard our natural environment and also educate and inspire the community to take action for a sustainable future.” And with expert ecologists guiding the way, Castlepollard is set to become a biodiversity hotspot faster than you can say “bee hotel.”
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or someone who’s killed every houseplant you’ve ever owned, this course promises to be a fun and rewarding way to connect with nature—and maybe even grow something edible. A wonderful opportunity for anyone in Castlepollard or the surrounding areas.
And there you have it—three stories to remind us that good things are happening all around, from community heroes to beachside art and green-fingered initiatives. Until next time, keep smiling—and maybe plant a flower or two..tis the season!
Topics: Ireland
Paul Farrelly