By Liz Campbell As the wheels of the Irish economy start to turn once more, there is a collective sense of fear and uncertainty over what the future holds for the businesses that are the lifeblood of our towns. With no definite end in sight to the pandemic, there is a real concern that some…
At what should be the start of West Cork’s tourism season, all is quiet. The lockdown is vital to our recovery, but no-one could have planned for such complete disruption and there is a measure of shock and grief to be dealt with as people see their hard-won progress in recent years and their financial…
Albert Einstein once said, “In the midst of every crisis, lies great opportunity” and that could be said of the recent cancellations of so many events and how offering online performances, classes and shows have created new opportunities. As an event manager I know first-hand the months of preparation that go into organising any event. My most recent show…
Sally Collins from Dunmanway is following in her father Brian’s footsteps, having recently debuted as a DJ on West Cork FM. Sally who is just 15 and currently in Junior Cert year has been using her time off school due to Covid 19 to keep the spirits up of young and old by hosting her…
John O’Shea was a native of Bantry, and the father of Liz Campbell, Editor of The Grapevine. In the early days of The Grapevine, he used to write short articles for the magazine detailing his memories of growing up in Bantry. One of these was a poem he wrote as a young man, while…
We are compiling data on a project under Creative Ireland /Cork Co Council 2020 Scheme. This year’s project is titled Bantry Culture & Creativity 2020. We are looking for details of any poetry/prose/drama etc that was created/written by any person who was native of greater Bantry area, or who had links with this area. Also…
I hope you are all keeping safe and well in these surreal times parents, children, board of management and friends and neighbours of our school. What would you give to have a normal school day tomorrow? I would give anything to hear the school yard full of chat, laughter and games and the classroom full…
*For the purposes of this article I will be referring to my area of expertise and experience which is of women and children victims of male perpetrators. There are very real and understandable fears right now about domestic abuse during this period of restrictions and lockdown. Those fears are based on knowledge and concrete evidence…
The West Cork Jesters, a mixed ability rugby team based in Bantry, have enjoyed considerable success since they were established in the summer of 2018. The team has enjoyed a spectacular journey since then and their progress has been staggering. They are one of only five Mixed Ability rugby teams in Ireland, so the team…
Bantry Active Retirement Association Camera Club recently (before lockdown!) presented the proceeds of their latest edition of the ‘Bantry and Beyond’ calendar to Cancer Connect. This was the 7th out of the last 8 years that they have supported Cancer Connect. The other one being to West Cork Rural Transport, as it was then, now…