Make a Day of it in Beautiful Bruff!

Walking and Cycling in Ballyhoura Country!

Why not get out an about in Ballyhoura Country this Christmas, and discover all that our wonderful region has to offer?

https://visitbruff.com/activities/article/walking-trails / www.visitballyhoura.com

 

The Claus House

 

 

Staffed by a team of Santa’s fun loving Elves and many other Christmas Characters,

The Claus House will provide an entertaining seasonal experience for both adults and children.

Your Claus House experience will bring you through a number of festive rooms and will be topped off with a visit to Santa and a chance for a family photograph will complete this traditional Christmas Experience.

 

The Claus House lasts for approximately 40 minutes and booking is essential to ensure that you do not have to queue. As Christmas is a time of giving, we will make a contribution to the Hope Foundation for each child’s ticket purchased to help children in less well off countries

TEL:  087 250 5808
http://www.theclaushouse.com
info@theclaushouse.com

 

 

Bruff Heritage Group Christmas Market 2015

 

 

Bigger and better than ever, with all the usual attractions, and some more! Your one stop shop for Home Baking, Crafts, Books, Woollens, Chutneys, Jams, Decorations, Flowers, Plants, Festive Table Centre Pieces, Candles, Ornaments, Wall Hangings, and something unique and hand made to keep you warm this Christmas!

Also featuring our largest ever collection os Bric-Brac, with something for everyone, and prices that will beat any bargain store.

There is talk of Tommy The Turkey making an appearance too. All will be revealed! Watch this space.

All your Christmas shopping problems solved in the one location.

Tidy Towns Competition 2014

Tidy Towns Competition 2014
Adjudication Report

Centre: Bruff     County: Limerick     Category: B

Community Involvement & Planning	60	44
Built Environment and Streetscape	50	33
Landscaping and Open Spaces	50	40
Wildlife, Habitats and Natural Amenities	50	33
Sustainable Waste and Resource Management	50	16
Tidiness and Litter Control	90	55
Residential Streets & Housing Areas	50	29
Approach Roads, Streets & Lanes	50	30
TOTAL MARK	450	280

 

Community Involvement & Planning / Rannpháirtíocht an Phobail & Pleanáil:
Thank you for your entry to the 2014 competition.  You are a hard-working and dedicated community with a lot to say and have included a substantial amount of information and achievements through the year.   The visit of Caroline Kennedy was a great gathering achievement.  Your adjudicator followed the Fitzgerald trail right out from site number 1 – well done on this great achievement. 
Your adjudicator particular liked your 2014 Calendar and hoped you raised ample funds for the 2014 work. There is a real energy in this application, which is reflected on the ground so well done to all the volunteers and different groups and bodies throughout Bruff with whom you have worked.  Be careful not to submit too much information as the core achievements could then be accidently overlooked. 
Congratulation in your achievements within Ballyhoura Development TidyTowns awards and it was great to read of your encouragement to all members of the community in the Church Newsletters.
Built Environment and Streetscape / An Timpeallacht Thógtha agus Sráid-dreacha:
The different premises all along Main Street were attractive.  There appeared to be many newly painted premises along this street and they should be commended for their efforts.  For example, the Bank of Ireland looked very fresh with intricate paint work highlight the heritage features of this building.  ‘Raspberry Red’ was also very nicely presented. The Bank Buildings hotel was presented in a fashionable heritage colour, though the heritage gas lights at the front of the building are not traditional to the locality.  It was a great to see the home-cured bacon in the window of the butchers.  The wall here was being prepared for the erection of a new sign which should enhance this corner.
The double sided murals at Clancy’s pub include a fitting tribute to a local sportsman and they look very well indeed. Travelling south along Main Street there was then a lovely surprise to view the wonderful Tyrone man Hugh O’Neill depicted on the fantastic mural of the Flight of the Earls. 
Your recent work on the Sean Wall monument is to be commended and deviating from the ubiquitous white was a bold decision that has paid off.  You have picked on one of the key focal points in the community and through its painting have highlighted this corner at the top of the town.  Opposite the Church looked well and the stone inscribed AD789 was noted integrated in the boundary walls.
The Community Café was nicely painted in muted colours and offers a nice oasis for the locals to grab a scone.      Nearby the old court house was striking in its new colour. 

The new Garda station is nicely camouflaged with the trees on the approach. 
The GAA have cleverly used climbing plants to great effect along their boundary wall.  If they were able to repair the leaking guttering this would reduce the dirty splash marks seen at certain points along their main building. 
Nice window displays lifted many of the buildings including School House Flowers and Paddy’s sweet shop at the lower end of the Main Street.
Landscaping and Open Spaces / Tírdhreachú agus Spásanna Oscailte:
The newly planted beds were noted.  Your adjudicator liked the great use of trees throughout the town of Bruff. 
Best of luck with your endeavors to restore the Old Cork Road as this will be an attractive local amenity that should encourage new tourists and visitors to the locality.   This may be a scheme suitable for a funding application to the new round of LEADER applications once they re-open in early 2015.
Wildlife, Habitats and Natural Amenities / Fiadhúlra, Gnáthóga agus Taitneamhachtaí Nádúrtha:
The recommendations in the Biodiversity Plan are noteworthy in particular your aims to promote and enhance local wildlife through cost-effective and achievable actions. 
Your plan for 2013-2014 included completing a habitat survey which is important to establish a baseline of information.   You also proposed to eliminate the invasive species identified by the river which should also be commended.  For example, you detail the development of a buffer strip along the Morning Star river banks.  The plan details the importance of native tree species to insects – have you surveyed them or got children involved? By simply placing a white sheet under a tree and gentle shaking the tree you can see the numerous insects that depend on each tree. 
Suckers growing from the base of many trees should be cut to focus growth on the main body of the tree.
Sustainable Waste and Resource Management / Bainistiú Acmhainní agus Dramhaíola Inbhuanaithe:
Scoil Dean Cussen was noted working hard towards their 4th Green Flag award the theme of which is of relevance to this category of the competition.  There are many examples of actions undertaken that have helped you gain marks in this category of the competition.  For example, it was great to note that you have used your own compost in your landscaping.  You have also registered with www.greenhome.ie and are adopting changes with regard to water usage.
Tidiness and Litter Control / Slachtmhaireacht agus Rialú Bruscair:
On Adjudication day your litter picker was out working hard and he should be commended for his efforts on a wet, cool day. 
Well done on asking local candidates to keep their election posters outside the centre of the village.  All were removed by adjudication day but watch out for cable ties left behind on many of the approach roads.  Be careful in the use of flags on premises as many were torn and looked untidy. 
Street furniture looked well in most places including sewer vents.  However, many of the vents were only painted to human height level.  Perhaps a cherry picker could be used in future years and this action could then be added to your long-term plan? 
Your adjudicator was sorry to read of the ill health of the owner of Glynn’s pub.  At the side entry some dumped tarmac should be removed.  By simply storing the kegs in situ here neatly, the entry will appear much tidier. 
The road signs from the Main Street to Hospital road were cluttered bent in places and one sign needed cleaning.   Nearby a redundant post in front of O’Donoghue’s foodstore could be removed. 
The surrounds of the bottle banks were clean.  It may be beneficial to sweep under the banks when they are in the process of being emptied to remove an old litter caught under here.   Nearby the ‘No Overnight parking’ sign from Limerick County Council should be removed.
Residential Streets & Housing Areas / Sráideanna Cónaithe & Ceantair Tithíochta:
The committee has worked tirelessly identifying owners of derelict properties and locating keys to closed premises.   As a result the old Garda station appeared very striking and just some work is needed to remove vegetation from the gutters here. 

Sycamore Drive had a nice name plate and flowers planted underneath this.  The football club nestled at the back here was a nice surprise!  Brugh na nDeise was very neat and tidy though the approach road was somewhat stark.  There was a sign missing from a post on this road.  Trees in this area should have their stays removed as they are beginning to damage the growing trunk of the trees.
Approach Roads, Streets & Lanes / Bóithre Isteach, Sráideanna & Lánaí:
Driving in on many approach roads there are many mature, and maturing trees through the town of Bruff that add much to the character of your community. 
As you enter Crawford Street, rear areas behind premises on the Main Street were inspected as they were mentioned in previous reports.  This area looked very well and congratulations to all who worked hard to tidy up these areas. 
You adjudicator liked the way in which the pavement was preserved to the entrance gate of the Church giving pedestrians priority over car parking.  The Convent building looked very well and a little attention is needed to preserve the wrought iron entrance gates here. 
The canopy of Centra should be painted and would enhance this approach into Bruff.

Blue Grass Festival

Bruff Bluegrass Festival from the 4th to the 6th of October,  showcases the best bands from all over the world. The town atmosphere is described by visiting musicians and bands as 'the best venues we play at'.

Events held over the weekend include the National Horseshoe Pitching Contest, donkey races, a street barbecue and masterclasses.

There is plenty of accommodation and spaces for camper vans too. Admission to all events is free making it a great weekend for all the family!
 

The Gathering

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Gathering Ireland 2013, sometimes referred to as The Gathering in Ireland is a tourism-led initiative that aims to mobilise the Irish diaspora to return to Ireland during 2013 to be part of specially organised local gatherings and events during the year. It is a Government of Ireland supported initiative driven primarily by Fáilte Ireland, the National Tourism Development Authority, and Tourism Ireland, however the concept relies on the grassroots activity of private individuals, and non-governmental organisations. The Gathering is not a single event but rather an initiative that fosters and provides an umbrella framework for a plethora of activities throughout 2013, from family reunions and clan gatherings to sports fixtures. While the initiative is primarily directed at the Irish Diaspora, as well as those with a non-ancestral link to the country, the organisers have stated that the overall experience for the general tourist will be enhanced due to the significantly increased number of events planned throughout the year.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2WylVJB4AY

 

Summer Festival & The Gathering

Summer festival from Monday the 1st to the Sunday the 7th of July.

Full list of activities and events to follow shortly.

 

Bloomsday

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Bloomsday is a commemoration observed annually on June 16th in Dublin and elsewhere to celebrate the life of Irish writer James Joyce and relive the events in his novel Ulysses, all of which took place on the same day in Dublin in 1904. Joyce chose the date because his first outing with his wife-to-be, Nora Barnacle happened on that day, when they walked to the Dublin urban village of Ringsend. The name derives from Leopold Bloom, the protagonist of Ulysses.

Bloomsday in Bruff, June 13th to 16th 2013.

Bruff Music Project Foroige

The music event takes place on May 5th from 3 to 6pm in the Church of Ireland Bruff. This is the place to be on the May Bank Holiday, all welcome €2 on the door.

 

 

GAA News

What a fantastic performance by our Under - 21 Hurlers in their County Final victory on Sunday! Playing against the wind and down 4 points to 1 they put their shoulders to the wheel and a sizzling goal from Captain Anthony Punch saw Bruff leading at half time 1- 4 to 0-5. The second half saw them hurling with the panache which has been their trademark all season and they ran out winners by 1 - 13... to Monaleen's 0 -6. Remember the team , because you will hear of them again!

A . Neylon, M. Doran, J. O'Riordan, P. Mc.Carthy, C. Bulfin, S.Irwin, K. Bulfin, B. Finn, N. O'Riordan, C. Browne, G. Whelan, R. Glynn, A. Punch, E. Finn, S. Finn. Subs: W. Moloney, M. O'Donnell, T.O'Donnell, M .Cronin, L. Buckley.
 

Team Management: B . Finn.J. Dempsey and D. Moloney.
 

A special word of praise must go to Shane Irwin who starred at centre-back, and who's Grandad, Mike Irwin, passed away yesterday. "The Beaver" would have been very proud, Shane! Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

 

Also a big congragulations to Bobby O'Brien on helping the Limerick Senior footballers win the Allianz division 4 league final. Here's hoping Bobby and the team can continue that form into the championship in May against Cork.

 

Bruff CommunityPlayground

A dog night is being held at Limerick Greyhound track on Sathurday the 11th of May in aid of the Bruff Community playground. Leading greyhound trainer Paul Hennessy has offered a specially selected, classically bred PREMIER FANTASY bitch sapling for auction on the night. Margy Kenny of Kennys Arcade boutique in Hospital is sponsoring The Best Dressed Lady Award.

Tickets are only €10 and can be purcahsed from Nagles Euorspar and from any member of the Playground committee. For more details contact John on 086 3142030. Your support is vital.

 

 

The Gathering/Bruff Summer Festival

The next public meeting in relation to the Gathering / Bruff Summer Festival takes place tomorrow night (Wednesday 24th) at 7pm in the Church of Ireland. It is hoped that the list of chosen events will be completed at the meeting. So we are urging as many people as possible to please please come along tomorrow night and share your ideas.

 

 

Blue Grass Bruff

Blue Grass Bruff are now seeking bands to play in the forth coming festival in October. Bands from home and abroad are being sought. If interested and for further information contatc

 

Sean Wall Commemoration

Well done to the Sean Wall Committee, all participants and those who braved the inclement weather conditions this Easter Sunday to commerate Sean Wall and those of this parish who died in the Irish War of Independence.
 

 

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

The local St. Patrick's Day Parade took place in Bruff last Sunday. A large number of floats and bands took part making it the biggest parade yet. A great day was had by all.

 

Morning Star Rose

 

 

 

 

 

 

Big weekend ahead for Morningstar Rose Jade Dillon and her fellow contestants as they compete to be Limerick's representetive at the Rose of Tralee. The whole parish will be behind Grange woman Jade and I'm sure she'll do us proud.
 

Bruff Community Playground

The work on providing a playground for the children of the community continues, with fundraising ongoing. The playground committe are also working hard to make people aware that work is ongoing on the playground and to this end members took to painting a mural next to Nagle's Eurospar.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some members of Community Playground Committee at work on Bruff's latest mural.
 

GAA News

 

 

 

 

 

 

Well done to Bruff's Bobby O'Brien on being selected on Hogan Stand.com's National Football League team of the week. .....just reward for his performances in the Limerick midfield!
 

Bruff GAA

The local community would like to congragulate Paul Browne, John Cooke and Bobby O'Brien on their selection for the Limerick Senior Hurling and Football panels. This is recognition of the players ability and the work being done by the club in coaching and providing talented players for the county teams. Long may it continue.

Bruff Deise Community Club

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bruff Deise Community Club will hold their New Years party this Sunday the 27th of January at Bulgaden Castle. Dinner at 2pm followed by live music and dancing. Tickets including bus cost €10 per person. The bus will leave the Bruff Health Centre at 1.30pm, if interested in travelling please give your name to Claire at the Post Office.

Bruff Camogie Club

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bruff Camogie Club are holding there registration night on Friday the 25th of January from 7 to 9pm in the GAA complex (upstairs). Students, adults and family rates available. New members welcome.

Lough Gur Amateur Dramatic Scoiety

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lough Gur Amateur Dramatic Society presents 'The Field', by John B. Keane at the Honeyfitz Theatre Lough Gur. January 18th, 19th, 20th, 25th, 26th and 27th at 8pm sharp.

For bookings telephone (061) 385386 / 087 2852022 or email

Further information available at www.loughgur.com

 

Bruff Community Market

Market every Thursday morning (next to Church). Home baking, fresh fish and vegtables available.

Ballyhoura Information Meeting

Ballyhoura Development Ltd would like to invite you to an information meeting on Thursday 17th January 2013 at 7.30pm in the former Church of Ireland Building Bruff. This meeting is to outline the proposed changes, recently announced by the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government, to the delivery of local development supports from 2014 -2020. As the Local Development Company in your area, we deliver supports to citizens, communities and enterprises throughout the Ballyhoura area. This meeting will update you on the proposed changes and their potential impact. All welcome.

Playground Update 27th Novemeber 2012

Planning permission for the new playground development in Bruff has been approved by Limerick County Council subject to certain conditions.

This is the result of a lot of hard work by various members of the community over the past number of years who have also secured funding also approved by Ballyhoura Development Ltd.

All going well, work should commence early in the new year.