Latest news with #Bronagh
Belfast Telegraph
3 days ago
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
Gondola relocation plan a slap in the face for the people of Rostrevor, says protest group
The plan by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council was revealed on Wednesday afternoon. The local authority said it was 'exploring' the option of moving the gondola, also called the Mourne Gateway Project, to Kilbroney Forest Park. The project was originally earmarked for Newcastle, only to be axed earlier this month. Doubts were raised over the future of £30m in project funding offered through the Belfast Region City Deal (BRCD) after the National Trust refused to lease the council land on Slieve Donard for the project. The council said retaining the funding would require the agreement of all BRCD partners, and any proposal 'must meet the BRCD objectives to enhance the attractiveness of Northern Ireland as a world-class visitor destination'. Kilbroney Forest Park is owned and run by the council, which said the gondola had the potential to become a 'transformative visitor experience', with 'environmental sensitivity'a key part of the plan. The council added: 'The cable car route is yet to be determined, but it will not pass through the ancient oak woodland and development would be carried out in a sustainable manner that protects the park's natural assets.' The council also pointed out that the project was supported by the Warrenpoint, Burren and Rostrevor Chamber of Commerce, which described it as 'a game-changer for tourism in the region'. Others in the area, however, are staunchly opposed. Bronagh Vos, from Rostrevor, started the 'Say NO to Gondola in Rostrevor' Facebook page on Wednesday evening, with more than 150 people joining the group overnight. A poll on the page shows overwhelming opposition to the project. Bronagh, who uses the park daily, said the council's decision to announce the project without community consultation showed a 'complete disregard' for the people of Rostrevor. 'The proposal to relocate the failed gondola project to Rostrevor, without any form of public consultation with the local community, existing businesses and clubs, is unacceptable and alarming,' she added. 'This decision shows a complete disregard for the people who live here, the integrity of our landscape, and the principles of transparent, community-led planning.' She said Rostrevor was not a 'dumping ground' for rejected projects, and called for the 'abandonment of any plans being advanced behind closed doors without local community input'. Independent councillor Mark Gibbons said he was notified of the plan just minutes before the announcement was made. He said the council's lack of transparency was 'demoralising' and the decision was a 'hurried mess'. 'There are many other things this money could be spent on, such as the renovation of Warrenpoint Baths, a community centre for Warrenpoint and the upgrading of Kilbroney Park pitches, to name just a few,' he added. 'The people of Warrenpoint and Rostrevor have waited long enough and have paid enough rates over the decades to warrant proper respect. 'This project seems to be a hurried mess of disrespect and squander.' Mr Gibbons warned that his confidence in the council was 'at tipping point' and described the authority's lack of notice as worrying. 'I would call for a public consultation on this matter immediately. It really should have been done before it was announced,' he said. 'There needs to be measures put in place where the community is not being kept in the dark and the council can provide us with basic information, not just hoodwink us into these ludicrous decisions. 'St Bronagh's GAA and the Rossowen soccer club have been campaigning for changing facilities for the past few years, and are getting nowhere. 'The irony of this is that if it goes ahead, the first thing people will see on their gondola ride is young children getting changed in a ditch on the side of the pitches because the money was not spent on what is needed most.' Bronagh's GAA secretary Richy Byrne said his club and Rossowen FC had been campaigning for changing facilities for the past five years. He described the announcement as a 'total shock' and said it was 'hugely frustrating' after lobbying for basic facilities for half a decade. Mr Byrne continued: 'It makes us wonder, was there any intent on behalf of the council to fulfil the needs of young kids in the area, or are they just concerned with looking elsewhere?' The clubs asked the council to 'make this project an urgent priority, to take a firm grip of the application, and bring it to planning for a decision without any further delay so that work can begin to give the local area, our members and community a facility that is fit for purpose, on par with other council lead facilities across the country, and something we can be proud of'. However, Sinn Fein's Sinead Ennis welcomed the relocation plan. The South Down MLA said: 'It is welcome news that Newry, Mourne and Down District Council are doing all they can to secure the £30m BRCD investment in the area. 'This would be a game changer, helping to unlock the full tourism potential of Kilbroney Forest Park. 'Sinn Fein is ambitious for Kilbroney. We want to work with others to build on its well-established popularity and ensure it continues to thrive as a destination for locals and visitors alike. 'I believe that, with the right investment Kilbroney Park, could become the number one adventure tourism destination on the island of Ireland.' Ms Ennis added that this development, on top of the upcoming opening of Narrow Water Bridge, would draw visitors to the area. 'This ambitious project could have huge social and economic benefits for the area,' she continued. 'Protecting the environment is central to this proposal. The exact route for the cable car is still under consideration, but it will not cross the ancient oak woodland. 'Any development will follow sustainable practices to safeguard the park's natural features. 'I look forward to seeing how this project develops and the positive impact it will have on Rostrevor, Warrenpoint and the wider South Down region.' Newry, Mourne and Down District Council was asked if it would launch a public consultation. While it did not address this directly, it said: 'The Council is now actively exploring a proposal to deliver the Mourne Mountains Gateway project in Kilbroney Forest Park and looks forward to working closely with community stakeholders, environmental experts, BRCD and tourism partners to develop the Kilbroney Park proposal to ensure it reflects the shared ambition for a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable future.'
Irish Independent
29-04-2025
- Irish Independent
Leaving Cert student Bronagh English (18) had bought her Debs dress before fatal car crash, funeral mass hears
Hundreds of mourners came to pay their respects at her funeral mass near Clonmel on Tuesday. They heard how Bronagh, known for her infectious personality, had been voted 'smiliest person' in her school year. Her Rockwell College classmates and pupils of Powerstown NS, where Bronagh spent her formative years, formed a guard of honour at St John the Baptist Church, Powerstown, Clonmel, and heard how the fun-loving teen with a passion for skiing lit up every room with her smile. Bronagh was fatally injured in a crash at Kilmoyler, near Cahir, last Thursday night, April 24. She is survived by her parents, Michael and Danielle, sister Mia, and brothers Mikey and David. 'Bronagh left the house on Thursday, studied all day, did a maths grind at 7pm. She told her mum she'd be back in 20 minutes.' The Leaving Cert student was a 'wonderful child' and her family 'loved her to pieces.' Her adoring godparents 'spoilt her tremendously.' Bronagh's parents noticed something special about her from a young age. 'She was far too good. We never had terrible twos. We said, in the early days, surely she's going to be a terrible teenager. 'Then she got to 13, 14, there was no problem, we said she might be a late developer. And still no problem. Bronagh definitely had something. She lived in the now. She lived in the present. When you spoke to her, she communicated back to you, she wasn't flicking on her phone. She was with you – she was in the moment.' Years ago, they went fishing in the Amazon rainforest on a holiday. 'We expected to get big rods to catch these fish. But they came out with two lines and a little hook at the bottom of it. ADVERTISEMENT 'Bronagh proceeded with her calmness to catch 13 of them in a row. Not one of us caught another fish that day,' recalled Michael. 'She was the only child or person I've ever met who asked for nothing, but had everything. It was an amazing way to be.' Her gang of best friends, nicknamed 'The Rats' were wonderful friends to her. Rockwell College put on masses for the children. 'Bronagh loved her six years in Rockwell. She adored her time there. She loved the musicals, she loved the JCT matches, the SCT matches. She was of course the lead cheerleader. She just loved it and the support we've got from the principal, the vice principal, and the priests, was fabulous. These are horrific times and that support is really appreciated,' added Michael. Her teachers in Powerstown NS have been 'fabulous' and her favourite occasion in the year was Fr Peter Ahearne's Christmas vigil mass. 'She absolutely adored it.' Bronagh's mother Danielle thanked the emergency services 'on that horrendous Thursday night'. 'You were beyond amazing. We are so grateful.' Her classmates offered up symbols representing Bronagh's love of life. John English and William Ormonde carried up family photographs, James Carty a pair of ski goggles, Olivia Walsh a pair of dancing shoes, Ruby Ffrench Davis a photo of her friends, and Philomena Gilman a Rockwell College jumper. Mia read out a poem to her late big sister: Thursday night to tragic news we were woken into a million pieces. Our hearts, they were broken, a sister, a friend, a daughter, a niece. Bronagh's in heaven now where she now rests in peace. Her wonderful laugh which you could hear from a mile Bronagh could light up a room with her beautiful smile. She loved Greta and Tony, Carmel and John, Mikey and David and of course Dad and Mom. Seeing her with her friends was a wonderful sight Bronagh loved skiing all day, and she could definitely party all night From Powerstown to Rockwell, she was loved by all, adored by her cousins always having a ball Bronagh was so funny with a great imagination, Chinese on a Friday with some weird food combinations. When playing for Moyle Rovers she scored one of the best goals we've ever seen. Having Bronagh as my sister it was really the dream. She loved to hang out in her room, with music blaring on her speaker. Whoever knew our Bronagh was so lucky to meet her. We'll always remember you Bronagh, your gorgeous pretty smile. We'll always carry you with us day by day and mile by mile. So goodbye our beautiful Bronagh You'll never know how much we'll miss you Rest in peace up there in heaven, my best friend and beautiful sister. Burial was afterwards in the adjoining graveyard.
The Irish Sun
29-04-2025
- The Irish Sun
‘We'll always carry you with us' – Heartbroken sister & dad of Tipperary teen, 18, killed in crash pay funeral tribute
THE tragic teenager who died after her car left the road and went into the water in Co Tipperary on Thursday had already bought a dress for her Debs Ball, mourners at her funeral heard today. Bronagh English, 18, sadly passed away after the car she was driving Her body was later recovered from the water by members of the The teenager was in her Leaving Cert year, with many friends and fellow students at Rockwell College taking part in the funeral mass to remember Bronagh. The priest shared that during her short life, Bronagh attended Sunday READ MORE IN NEWS He also said she had her Giving a heartbreaking eulogy, Bronagh's sister Mia remembered her through a heartbreaking poem she had written. Mia said: "Thursday night to tragic news we were woken into a million pieces. Our hearts, they were broken, a sister, a friend, a daughter, a niece. "Bronagh's in heaven now where she now rests in peace. Her wonderful laugh which you could hear from a mile, Bronagh could light up a room with her beautiful smile. MOST READ ON THE IRISH SUN "She loved Greta and Tony, Carmel and John, Mikey and David and of course Dad and Mom. "Seeing her with her friends was a wonderful sight, Bronagh loved skiing all day, and she could definitely party all night "From Powerstown to Rockwell, she was loved by all, adored by her cousins always having a ball. 'ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU' "Bronagh was so funny with a great imagination, Chinese on a Friday with some weird food combinations. "When playing for Moyle Rovers she scored one of the best goals we've ever seen. Having grown as my sister it was really the dream. "She loved to hang out in her room, with music blaring on her speaker. "Whoever knew our Bronagh was so lucky to meet her. We'll always remember you Bronagh, your gorgeous pretty smile. "We'll always carry you with us day by day and mile by mile. "So goodbye our beautiful Bronagh. You'll never know how much we'll miss you. "Rest in peace up there in heaven, my best friend and beautiful sister." 'FAR TOO GOOD' Bronagh's parents also said a few words, saying they almost thought there was something wrong with their daughter as she was simply "too good" Her devastated dad Michael said: "In the early days we both thought there was something wrong with her, she was far too good and I mean that in a normal sense. "She never had terrible twos. We said in the early days she's going to be a terrible teenager surely and then she got to 13, 14, there was no problem. "We said she might be a late developer in teens and still no problem. "She lived in the now and she lived in the present. She was fun. She was with you. She was in the moment. that's what I noticed about her and she was just a wonderful child. "Bronagh loved her six years in Rockwell. She adored her time there, everything. She loved the musicals. "She loved the JCT matches, the SCT matches, the cheerleading. She was, of course, the lead cheerleader "Needless to say, she just loved it." 1 Bronagh has been remembered as a 'beautiful' girl Credit: Garda handout
The Irish Sun
26-04-2025
- The Irish Sun
‘Deeply missed and forever loved' – Funeral details for teen, 18, killed in Tipp crash as heartbreaking tributes pour in
THE funeral details for a 'deeply missed and forever loved' teenage girl killed in a Tipperary road crash have been confirmed. Bronagh English, 18, died after the car she was driving left the road at Kilaldry Bridge at Kilmoyler in Cahir and entered the River Aherlow. The Gardai and emergency services rushed to the scene of the incident but the young woman, who was the only occupant of the car, was fatally injured in the crash. Her body was later recovered from the water by members of the Bronagh's family have now confirmed she will be laid to rest on Tuesday. READ MORE IN NEWS She is survived by her parents Michael and Danielle and siblings Mia, Mikey and David. Bronagh is the cherished granddaughter of Greta and Donie Ormonde and Carmel and her recently deceased husband John English. She is also he "much loved niece" of Edward, Sean, Peter, James, Philip, John, Claire, Niamh, Elizabeth, Gill, Sinead, Elaine, Norma, Stephan, Ger and Johnny. The young woman is also "deeply missed and forever loved" by her 21 first cousins, the rest of her relatives and her wide circle of friends. Most read in Irish News The funeral will take place on Tuesday April 29 at 12pm, in St. John the Baptist Church, Powerstown, Clonmel, Co Tipperary. Gardai and RSA measures aimed at driving crash deaths on Irish roads Bronagh will be laid to her final resting place in the adjoining cemetery following the mass. Announcing the funeral details her heartbroken family expressed their "immense sadness". They said: "It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Bronagh, who was taken from us far too soon." 'KIND, VIBRANT, HAPPY' The young teenager was in her Posting on social media Rockwell College said: "The Rockwell College community mourns the loss of our 6th Year student, Bronagh English. "Bronagh was a kind, vibrant, happy, and talented student and friend who will be dearly missed and remembered with great love. "We ask you to please keep Bronagh's parents, siblings, wider family, and friends in your thoughts and prayers. May she rest in peace." MARK OF RESPECT The local Moyle Rovers Ladies Football said they were "very shocked and deeply saddened" by Bronagh's tragic passing. In a statement they said: ""Bronagh played with our club for a short while at a young age. "Her sister Mia is a current player, her brothers play with the Moyle Rovers club and her family have been great supporters over many years. "As we mourn the very sad passing of a talented young life and former player our sympathies go out to Bronagh's family and we will do all we can to help and support them in whatever way we can." They continued: "As a mark of our respect all Ladies Football activities in Monroe are suspended for the weekend. "The Tipp LGFA Feile will not be played in Monroe as was scheduled for Sunday and our U15 girls have respectfully withdrawn from the competition. "Tomorrow's U14 League Semi Final has also been postponed. Sunday's Senior League Semi Final has been postponed." Damian Johnston of Chairperson of Tipperary LGFA added: "On behalf of Tipperary LGFA, I wish to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Bronagh. "Our thoughts and prayers are with you all and also with the wider community of Moyle Rovers LGFA, GAA and Camogie clubs and all that knew Bronagh." 'A FABULOUS GIRL' And tributes have flooded in from the wider community following Bronagh's tragic passing. One mourner said: "Bronagh was a fabulous girl, any time spent with her was an absolute pleasure." Another said: "A beautiful young girl taken far too soon for anyone to comprehend." One person added: "Bronagh always had a bright smile and always looked out for others." And another said: "She was the kindest girl with the biggest smile. "She brightened the lives of everyone who had the honour and pleasure of knowing her." 1 The young teen tragically passed away during the week Credit: Garda Press Office
Irish Daily Mirror
26-04-2025
- Irish Daily Mirror
Funeral details confirmed for Leaving Cert student killed in tragic river crash
Brónagh English, a Leaving Cert student who died when the car she was driving hit a wall and entered a river in Co Tipperary on Thursday night, is to be laid to rest on Tuesday. Tributes are being paid to the 18-year-old Rockwell College student following the incident at Kilaldry Bridge in the townland of Kilmoyler on Thursday night. Gardaí were alerted after Ms English failed to return to her home in Clonmel on Thursday night. In a statement on social media, Rockwell College described the sixth-year student as "kind, vibrant, happy and talented" and said she would be "dearly missed". 'Bronagh was a kind, vibrant, happy, and talented student and friend who will be dearly missed and remembered with great love,' the statement read. "We ask you to please keep Bronagh's parents, siblings, wider family, and friends in your thoughts and prayers. May she rest in peace.' It is understood Ms English's Ford Fiesta hit a low wall and flipped into the Aherlow river, where it was discovered in the early hours of Friday. A Garda sub aqua team later located Ms English and her body was recovered from the river at about 5am. She was pronounced dead at the scene and her body was taken to Tipperary University Hospital (TUH), where a post-mortem will be carried out. Her death notice on announces her funeral details 'with immense sadness' on the passing of the family's 'beloved Brónagh, who was taken from us far too soon'. Brónagh was the 'dearly-loved' daughter of Michael and Danielle and devoted sister of Mia, Mikey and David as well as the cherished granddaughter of Greta and Donie Ormonde and Carmel and her recently-deceased husband John English. Her remains will be reposing at her residence at Anner Park House, Waterford Road, Clonmel, Co Tipperary on Monday from 2pm to 7pm. Her funeral mass will take place on Tuesday at midday in St John the Baptist Church, Powerstown in Clonmel, followed by burial in the adjoining graveyard. Clonmel Ladies Hockey Club also paid their respects to the popular young woman, saying: "Our community is shattered. It is with profound sadness that we offer our sincerest and deepest condolences to the family of Bronagh English, who has tragically died. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you deal with the unimaginable loss of beautiful Bronagh.' Clonmel Rugby Football Club added: 'On behalf of our President Mr John Sheehan, it is with huge sadness Clonmel Rugby Football Club, Members, General Committee and the community offer our condolences and deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Bronagh English, who sadly lost her life.' The club said that they, along with the wider community of Clonmel, neighbouring towns, villages and townlands in south Co Tipperary and "across the nation now begin the journey of coming to terms to deal with the mourning process of this very sad passing, we also extend our offer of help and support to Bronagh's parents, siblings, extended English family, wide circle of friends and school Rockwell College". Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses, or anyone with relevant camera footage, to contact Cahir Garda station on (052) 7445630.
