EDITOR -Taking advantage of the recent spell of good weather I decided to visit Lough Hyne to bring my dog for a walk. We have always loved this beauty spot, which is well-frequented by hikers and swimmers both summer and winter.

However what should have been a pleasant trek around the lake turned into quite the ordeal as we were forced to side-step countless mounds of dog poo on the roads, verges and footpaths.

As someone who walks my dog twice a day, every day, I am never without a supply of bags to pick up after her. I carry a roll of bags in the car at all times, and there are stray bags to be found in the pocket of most of my coats and jackets.

So I cannot for the life of me fathom how someone would bring their dog for a walk with clearly no intention of cleaning up after them. Dog faeces can cause serious illness, particularly to children, so what are these negligent owners thinking?

One could argue over the lack of bins in the area – but that is no excuse. However it is short-sighted of Cork County Council not to supply some sort of rubbish receptacle in what is such a popular tourist spot.

It’s all very well telling us to ‘leave no trace’ and ‘glán suas é’, but a bin or two might help the cause no end.

Cynthia Power,

Baltimore.

Canine etiquette: Clean up after your dog

Cancer revolution set for new audience

EDITOR – As the Cancer Revolution: Science, Innovation and Hope exhibition draws to a close, it leaves a lasting imprint on how we understand, discuss, and confront cancer as a society.

When we first opened the doors on August 15th 2025, our ambition was clear: to increase education and awareness of how cancer research has evolved and to inspire hope by showcasing real progress.

Originally scheduled to run until the end of October 2025, the exhibition was extended due to demand and the depth of positive feedback. Over the course of its run, more than 20,000 visitors and over 150 schools walked through its doors. They engaged with cutting-edge research, powerful personal stories, interactive science exhibits, and a glimpse into the future of cancer innovation.

The impact has been both measurable and deeply meaningful, something we are incredibly proud of.

None of this would have been possible without the extraordinary generosity of our donors, whose support enabled us to bring this vision to life.

And the need for that investment has never been greater. In Ireland, one in two people will receive a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime.

We need better treatments for all cancers sooner; only research can find them.

As this chapter closes, we are already looking ahead. The response to Cancer Revolution has shown what is possible when science meets storytelling, and when the public is invited into the conversation.

We would welcome the opportunity to bring this experience to new audiences in other cities - watch this space.

For now, we extend our sincere thanks to everyone who visited, contributed, supported, and believed in the power of this exhibition.

Orla Dolan

CEO

Breakthrough Cancer Research

Clonakilty deserves a family resource centre

EDITOR -I was more than surprised to read in last week’s paper that Clonakilty with a population of over 5,000 does not have its own family resource centre.

Cllr Isobel Towse in my mind was right to point at a council meeting out that the perception of the town as one of privilege and affluence doesn’t really reflect the reality for many families who are struggling like so many others in other West Cork towns.

The difference is that towns like Bandon, Skibbereen and Dunmanway have family resource centres which are valuable to the communities there. The Family Resource Centre in Bandon is invaluable to so many families who access services there and many may struggle without the centre.

But who is helping the needs of families in Clonakilty who are struggling on their own?

It is only right and proper that the Government through its agencies such as the child and family agency TUSLA fund a centre for Clonakilty and its citizens sooner rather than later so families can get the supports and help they need.

Mary O’Regan,

Bandon