Doneraile was fortunate to secure funding for the town's main thoroughfare when it did, it was equally lucky to get the Department of Environment to sign off on an upgrade of the town's sewerage network - the decision by the ESB to underground cables was another plus.
It also seems that Doneraile has the ear of Minister of State, Brian Hayes who is putting considerable funds the way of Doneraile Court courtesy of his responsibility for the OPW (Office of Public Works). In fairness to local groups, who've received substantial backing from the area's public representatives, they've made a strong case for promoting Doneraile Court/Park as a major tourist attraction. Banking on lots of old world charm, the hope is that the stately 'big house', set in a magnificently wooded estate, has what it takes to bring the coach tours. Granted the buses aren't bumper to bumper (yet) however, this project is in no way fanciful and with the necessary funding (many more millions needed), the end product could yet deliver for the north Cork town.
Santa in Doneraile Court
Doneraile Court is also the destination of choice for Santa who took up residency there last week. This is first of 3 weekends the big man is booked in for. Judging by footfall and customer feedback, the concept is sound and for €12, kids can enjoy the meet and greet session with thr great man himself. When it comes to the Santa experience the bar is being raised all the time and credit where it's due, the Doneraile Court Santa package is professionally done. Those that didn't make it last week can make a date this coming Saturday & Sunday (14th & 15th December) 12 noon to 4pm.
Aidan Walsh in Nagle Rice
There's nothing like a star name to focus young sporting minds and there was almost a stampede when it was confirmed that Nagle Rice Secondary School had secured the coaching services of Kanturk and Cork all rounder, Aidan Walsh. Interestingly, the All-Star footballer used the session to concentrate on the finer points of hurling which suited the students just fine as Doneraile GAA have essentially parked Gaelic football to concentrate on the small ball. A big talking pointing internally at the start of this year, the strategy paid off when the club's junior hurlers succeeded in capturing a North Cork championship a couple of months ago.
CBS celebrations
On a recent visit to Doneraile for the Doneraile CBS 50th anniversary celebrations, we encountered another bunch of young men whose game of choice is soccer. In a great advert for physical fitness the gathering gloom did little to deter their all-out attacking game in the school yard. Grand Theft Auto (video game) fans and devoted followers of The Premier League, assembling the boys for a photograph proved problematic as their game was tied and the result hung in the balance - maybe not so incredibly the scoreline was 27 goals each. On further investigation I learned that this goalfest was an aggregate total carrying over from an earlier game. Worryingly for David Moyes, several of the lads claimed to be ex-Manchester United fans (oh ye of little faith). The youthful ball players were assured they would appear in The Avondhu so hopefully our production team can oblige.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

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