Welcome to the very first episode of Up the Village - the Ballincollig Community Podcast, in association with the Ballincollig Business Association, hosted by Killian and Chris.

Emer Cassidy - Chairperson, Ballincollig Business Association

Chris sits down with Emer Cassidy for a wide-ranging conversation about life in Ballincollig and the work of the BBA. Emer moved to Ballincollig in 1998 and has been involved with the association for nearly twenty years. She talks about the St. Patrick's Day Parade - the largest voluntarily run parade in Ireland - the Christmas lights, Open Streets, Business of the Month and the BBA's lobbying work, including a recent presentation to the Chief Executive of Cork City Council. She also shares her concerns about public transport, the need for a multidisciplinary sports

Get involved with the BBA: Thursday mornings at 8:30am at Notch, Ballincollig. Email admin@ballincollig.ie | ballincollig.ie

Tom Butler - Chairperson, Ballincollig Tidy Towns

Killian sits down with Tom Butler, who has been leading Ballincollig Tidy Towns since 1999 - starting with five volunteers and growing the group to nearly one hundred. Tom talks about winning the National SuperValu Tidy Towns title in 2024, representing Ireland at the Communities in Bloom International Challenge 2026 and the judging day on 26 June. He also shares his passion for therapeutic gardening, biodiversity and rewilding, and makes a heartfelt call to anyone thinking about getting involved.

The Communities in Bloom results will be announced in Montreal, Canada in October 2026. Come on Ballincollig.

Get involved: Sunday morning litter picks - all welcome.

What's Coming Up in Ballincollig

BBA Business and Community Expo Saturday 12 September - Shopping Centre, 11am to 3pm. Free.

Open Streets Ballincollig Sunday 13 September - Main Street, 1pm to 4pm. Free.

Oktoberfest at the White Horse 25 and 26 September - The White Horse Pub. Ticketed event. Tickets at the White Horse website: whitehorse.ie⁠

Get in Touch

Ideas, guests, events or just a hello - email us at upthevillage.podcast@gmail.com

Follow the Podcast

• Spotify: search Up the Village
• Apple Podcasts: search Up the Village

Please follow us and leave a review - it helps more people in Ballincollig find the show.

Websites & Social Media

Up the Village - The Ballincollig Community Podcast

@upthevillage | upthevillage.podcast@gmail.com

Ballincollig Business Association

ballincollig.ie | @ballincollig.ie

Ballincollig Tidy Towns

ballincolligtidytowns.ie | @ballincollig_tidy_towns

Special Thanks

A very special thank you to the White Horse Guitar Club for kindly allowing us to use their music in this episode. We are delighted to have local talent as part of the show.

⁠whitehorseguitarclub.com⁠ | ⁠@thewhitehorseguitarclub⁠

Up the Village - The Ballincollig Community Podcast In association with the Ballincollig Business Association Hosted by Killian and Chris