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.

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