LtoR:  Cormac Devlin TD, Tom Feeney, Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Vivienne Bradley, Jim Kenny, Brendan McLoughlin at the official opening of Zurich House

On Tuesday, 20 September 2022, Zurich was delighted to welcome representatives from the Board of Blackrock Business Network to an intimate event with special guest, Taoiseach Micheál Martin, who did the honours and officially opened Zurich House – Zurich’s new modern, sustainable building in the heart of Blackrock. Zurich House is home to over 900 Zurich employees, serving Zurich’s customers across Ireland.

At the event, Anthony Brennan, CEO Zurich Ireland said: “We were keen today to share the official opening of our new Gold LEED sustainable building with the wider local business community and I am delighted to welcome the Blackrock Business Network here and our community partners. The new Zurich House building in the centre of Blackrock is future fit for our growing Irish business and we look forward to being part of the Blackrock business community for many years to come.”

The Taoiseach took time to mingle, meet and chat with invited guests at the event and Blackrock Business Network were proud to represent the wider Blackrock business community at this special event.

LtoR:  Anthony Brennan, CEO Zurich Ireland, Alison Martin CEO EMEA & Bank Distribution, Zurich Insurance Group, Taoiseach Micheál Martin and David O’Dowd, CEO Zurich Life Assurance plc.

LtoR:  Tom Feeney, Jerry Fitzpatrick, COO, Zurich, Jim Kenny

Following on from our coverage of the impressive improvements carried out by DLR Parks Dept in Phase 1 of the Park upgrade at the Booterstown end of the Blackrock Park, the following is a summary of DLR’s plans for Phase 2.

Overview:
Phase 2 of the Park upgrade places more emphasis on the Blackrock end of the Park. The original programme of works prioritised the skills zone in the centre of the park.

Natural Play:
A new natural play amenity which will replace the old playground adjacent to the Bandstand will soon go to tender. The play space will be characterised by undulating mounds, timber play units, a large timber play tower, zip line and a slide. A toddler space will be enclosed and will be located centrally adjacent to the new promenade where generous seating will be located for parents and other park users. It is envisaged that this play facility will be a top quality play destination for a range of age groups in line with the draft DLRCC Play Policy.

Renovated Access Path
The importance of the path between the Deepwell laneway footbridge and the Mount Merrion Avenue entrance has become more relevant since the upgrade of the main park route. Increased footfall and usership require that this route is improved.

Connection with Blackrock Village:
A greater connection between the Park and Blackrock Village is a key goal of the Blackrock Park 2020 Masterplan.  One of the proposals to be developed as part of the renovation of the pavilion structure is a new footbridge.

Conservation:
Informed by the recent Conservation Architect’s survey work, this project will include the renovation of the old pavilion with a possible expansion, a revised path network and a new footbridge and entrance out onto the Rock Road. The area around the pavilion is to be expanded to create a more generous setting for the pavilion.

Other:
It is proposed to expand the tree canopy cover in the park with additional, strategically placed trees.  A boules area is proposed that will be located adjacent to the natural play between the bandstand and the lake. Additional seating is being considered for the park at key locations. The cast iron seating around the bandstand is synonymous with the late Victorian parks. This seating design will be repeated in different configurations throughout the park.

John and Ciara McCarrick, Kenya Child Foundation with Paddy Cranfield, Granada FC

Blackrock’s Granada F.C. has partnered with the Kenyan Child Foundation, to support the charity’s efforts to help disadvantaged children gain access to education.

Led by John and Ciara McCarrick, the Kenyan Child Foundation Ireland is a registered charity that has funded the building of two schools and various other projects in the country.  It was established to promote access to “free quality primary schooling for the children of Kenya”, and is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children by building schools and fostering community involvement among disadvantaged kids in the country.

At its recent Mini World Cup, Granada F.C. raised more than €2,000 to support the work of the Kenyan Child Foundation.

“We will be assisting with fundraising efforts throughout the coming season, and we will be also sending a contingent to support their efforts to introduce football to local children’s lives, says Paddy Cranfield, Commercial Director of Granada F.C”.

“We plan to donate trainers, football boots, footballs, training equipment and more so that these children can enjoy the health and social benefits that a football programme entails,” says Paddy.

The Blackrock is currently accepting Christmas reservations, as well as group bookings for special occasions and corporate events. Feel free to reach out at hello@theblackrock.ie. It also serves an A La Carte menu 7 days a week, along with brunch and a weekly roast on weekends.

Spooktacular Family Fun and Entertainment this Halloween @ Frascati Centre – This year Frascati Centre has planned a family weekend of free Halloween entertainment, face-painting, caricatures, balloon modelling and lots of spooky tricks and treats. Check out frascaticentre.ie for a full schedule of activity.

Alto Frascati Apartments launched in August and are fully reserved, with new tenants moving in daily. These stylish, bright, and airy apartments are home to a host of new Residents who have chosen to live in Blackrock which is great for our local businesses. See altofrascati.ie

Avoca Hockey Club are looking to partner with local businesses around their products and services. We are looking to create a loyalty programme for our members which could be used in businesses in our local community.
What is involved? Avoca HC would agree a member’s discount or an exclusive Avoca service with the business.
How do Avoca Hockey Club members avail of special offers? Avoca Hockey Club would provide all senior members of the club with exclusive Avoca HC membership cards. This card would then be presented as to business’ to receive this incentive.
What’s in it for you? Avoca HC would provide free advertising on their website and across all their social media platforms targeting not only it’s 1000 members but also Hockey Ireland and beyond.  Members would receive regular updates on our new partner businesses, their products/services and bespoke members discounts. Avoca HC would maintain a running list of partner businesses on a partner’s section within the Avoca Hockey Club Website.
To get involved, please contact: Avoca HC Development Officer – Leo Sex Development@avocahockeyclub.ie

Family day at Avoca Hockey Club

LtoR:  James Dowling, Eoghan Hughes, David Graham and Michelle Langan

The Blackrock A.C. adult awards were recently presented in Carysfort Park.

Fit4Life Most Improved Athlete of the year – James Dowling, Athlete of the Year – Gráinne Grennan, Most improved Athlete – David Graham,  Athlete of the Year 2021 – Eoghan Hughes, Women’s most improved Athlete 2021 – Patricia O’Neill, Female Athlete of the year – Michelle Langan

DLR PPN Ezine – see link below:

https://mailchi.mp/782a41ae5dab/dlr-ppn-ezineseptemberedition-11821256

View the full eZine in your browser here