This episode, Killian and Chris sit down with two guests who, in very different ways, show just how much Ballincollig looks after its own.

Padraig Mallon - Crann Centre Padraig is chief executive of the Crann Centre, based near Lakewood in Ovens, which provides occupational therapy, physiotherapy, nursing and independent living supports to over 1,000 children, adults and families living with neuro-physical disabilities across Cork, Kerry and Munster. Padraig talks us through the centre's 2Gen model - supporting the whole family, not just the person with the disability - the Breaking Barriers Theatre Group, the centre's new research strategy with UCC, and what Crann needs most from the local community.

John Doherty - Castlewest Shopping Centre John has managed Castlewest Shopping Centre since 2005. He tells the story of how Ballincollig's Main Street Christmas lights began - with one local business owner, a bank overdraft, and a handful of volunteers in the early 2000s - and how the display, and the annual switch-on event, has grown ever since. Expect Santa's sleigh, reindeer, and a surprising connection to Ballincollig's twin town.

What's coming up

• Main Street Christmas Lights Switch-On - Friday 27 November, Castlewest Shopping Centre
• Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month - throughout October, with the Global Wave of Light on Thursday 15 October, 7-8pm. Rosenalee Care Centre will be lit up in blue and pink (purple where only one colour is possible) in remembrance of babies who have died
• Communities in Bloom - results due from Montreal in October for Ballincollig Tidy Towns

Links

• Crann Centre: cranncentre.ie
• Féileacáin (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Association of Ireland): feileacain.ie
• Businesses wanting to take part in the Wave of Light: contact us at upthevillage.podcast@gmail.com and we'll connect you with Féileacáin
• Businesses wanting to support the Christmas lights: contact the Ballincollig Business Association

Music Theme and episode music by the White Horse Guitar Club.

Get in touch Got a question, a story, or something you'd love us to cover? Find us on social media or email upthevillage.podcast@gmail.com.