Donnybrook Notes
Terrie Kelly – Community Activist and Lady
Terrie Kelly who died recently was a staunch and active member of the Nutley Residents Association. Commenting on her passing, Councillor Dermot Lacey said that “Terry was a much valued and appreciated member of the local community. She was diligent in both protecting the environment of the area but also in the personal wellbeing of the many elderly residents of the area. I recall many a telephone call when she sought my help, never for herself but for others. She will be sorely missed. I extend my very sincere sympathy to her husband Tony and her family. May she Rest in Peace”.
Calling all History Buffs
A small group of Donnybrook residents are hoping to shortly announce plans to launch a Donnybrook/Pembroke Historical Society. The group initially chaired by local City Councillor, Dermot Lacey are asking anyone with old photographs of the area to consider donating or lending them to the project. Following further discussions with a number of relevant institutions it is hoped to have a public meeting to launch the Society in the very near future. Any one interested should contact Dermot Lacey at 66 Beech Hill Drive, Donnybrook, Dublin 4. Telephone 087-2646960.
From Donnybrook to Croke Park – First All Ireland to be finally marked
Little do many of us know that when we see the major national sporting events that are the All Ireland Football and Hurling Finals in Croke Park that it all started right here in the heart of Dublin 4 – in Donnybrook.
Yes on April 23rd 1887 Limerick played Louth in what is now officially regarded as the very first All Ireland Final. In those days the Counties were represented by the County Club Champions and for anyone who needs
to know – Limerick won.
Now after many years of campaigning by Councillor Dermot Lacey and with the support of Mr Marcus Bourke and the GAA it has been finally agreed to erect a plaque at the entrance to Beech Hill to mark the location of
that very first All Ireland Football Final. The plaque will be unveiled within the next few months.
Beech Hill Villas – Precinct Improvement – In sight
The long awaited precinct improvement plans for Beech Hill Villas has now received financial approval and final touches are being put to ensuring that residents receive the best deal possible. Councillor Dermot Lacey who has diligently pursued this matter has expressed his “delight that years of lobbying the Council is at last bearing fruit. The plans received a set back two years and at one stage it looked as if we could not get back on track. Thanks to the hard work of the local Committee and the absolute commitment of the Council Officials led by Eileen Brady and Eileen Martin, Beech Hill Villas is going to get the rejuvenation it deserves”. Work should start within a very short time.
Scouts – Hands across the Bridge
Donnybrook is leading the way in what is a very practical example of the recent merger of the two Scout Associations in Ireland. Following a decline in numbers and leaders in the old Scout Association of Ireland
Scout Group based in St. Mary’s Church on Anglesea Road, Scout Leaders from the Scout Group previously part of the Catholic Boy Scouts of Ireland, based in Brookvale Road have got stuck in to help their fellow
Scouts. The resulkt is that a number of leaders have transferred to the St. Mary’s Group and with luck, hard work and a bit of fun the 7th Donnybrook (St. Mary’s) Group will be alive and very definitely kicking to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Scouting in 2007.
Donnybrook Fair Committee – Senior Citizens Night
Congratulations to all involved in another excellent Senior Citizens Night held in Bective R.F.C. on Friday 10th February. The event which has been running now for over twenty five years is supported by many
local business and political figures and was once again hosted by the inimitable Joe Nolan.
Lansdowne Road -Decision time is here?
After many years of procrastination an application seeking planning approval to redevelop Lansdowne Road as a National Stadium has now been lodged with Dublin City Council.
Plans for the 50,000 are highly likely to receive in depth study from the various Residents Associations in the Donnybrook/Ballsbridge area who are concerned with the impact of the proposed height, overshadowing,
loss of recreational space along the River Dodder, demolition of a house on Shelbourne Road and the many traffic and parking problems envisaged.
Over the last eighteen months or so residents and public representatives have met with the Lansdowne Road Stadium Redevelopment Company, through the Lansdowne Stadium Forum Group and have secured some limited changes. However local feeling is that there is still a long way to go before any such proposal would be acceptable.
Local Labour Councillor, Dermot Lacey, who initiated the Forum and who, in general supports the retention of a Stadium at Lansdowne Road, has more recently expressed his concern at the impact of the final design.
“When I saw the final submitted drawings I was quite simply horrified at the extent to which they impinge on the immediately adjoining residents”. Unfortunately the insistence of the Redevelopment Committee in keeping the second back pitch at Lansdowne Road is leading to a situation in which they are trying to put a litre into a pint bottle. Most of the issues could be resolved and a satisfactory Stadium provided if this impediment was removed”. The choice lies with the IRFU and their constituent Branches in the Lansdowne Club”. If they want to see real progress with a Stadium that we can all welcome and that the local community can live with they should encourage Lansdowne RFC to move now to an alternative venue and let the necessary adjustments to the submitted plans be made” according to Councillor Lacey.
