Ferrybank, Waterford

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Ferrybank (in Gaelic, Pórt Mór)in part is a suburb of Waterford, Ireland, located on the northern bank of the River Suir. Sometimes referred to as "the village", its character changed in the latter part of the 20th century and a main road now cuts through what was once the heart of the community. There is a traditional loyalty to Kilkenny as the majority of the residents would be from Co. Kilkenny. In the past few years there has been a movement of Waterfordians from the troubled slum areas of the town, like Ballybeg, and this has caused major social problems for the local people. Drugs and anti social behaviour are a common sight on the streets of a once quiet Co. Kilkenny village.

The area has a rich sporting tradition with vibrant GAA, soccer and athletics clubs, and famous people from here include John O'Shea of English Premiership team, Manchester United.

The late writer and journalist, Donal Foley, is associated with Ferrybank. His father was a teacher at the local national school. Donal himself worked with the Irish Times newspaper and among his publications was the book "Three Villages". Part of this work recounted his time growing up in the Waterford suburb.

Much of the suburb lies in County Kilkenny and Waterford City authorities have suggested that they would like to expand the city's boundaries on the north shore, which would require an application to government by the city and county authorities. At present, it looks like the present boundaries will remain.^{[citation needed]} There has been a strong opposition to this proposed Boundary change by the locals and it looks now very likely that it will not happen D.G.

Ferrybank also has a very active scout unit headed by Seamus Grant and his uncle, Jesus Grant.