Total Pageviews

Thursday 26 May 2016

Workshop on Employment Law for Social Enterprises Ballyhoura Development



One of the most important assets of any business are its employees. This holds true even more so for charitable bodies, social enterprises and community businesses. Employees do the work that keeps business or service going and without them, organisations may not be able to fully achieve their aims or potential to meet the needs of their clients and beneficiaries.  Most charitable organisations cannot afford a fulltime HR resource and employment law can prove difficult to navigate while trying to serve the public in delivering a product or service. However, if your organisation has employees, it is important to understand the legal obligations of the employer and have appropriate policies and procedures in place.

As a support to not-for-profit organisations in the east Limerick and north Cork area, Ballyhoura Development is pleased to offer “Employment Law for Social Enterprises”, a one-day interactive workshop on human resources best practice and employment law fundamentals for organisations in the community and voluntary sector, at Coote Hall Resource Centre, Kilmallock, on Friday, June 24th, from 9.30am - 4.30pm.

This informative workshop will cover essential topic areas such as: Recruitment and Selection; Contracts of Employment; HR/Employment Policies & Procedures; Statutory Leave; Personnel files; Disciplinary & Grievance matters; Equality and Dignity in the Workplace; Guarding against Unfair Dismissals; Rewarding employees in a non-profit setting; and Case Studies of ‘real life’ precedents from tribunal/court determinations. Training is delivered by The HR Suite, the Tralee-based human resources and consultancy organisation who provide training and supports to a wide range of business sectors.

The workshop is part of Ballyhoura Development’s Community Governance Skills Initiative and arises from an identified need for all community businesses and social enterprises to have compliant employment terms, conditions and HR policies in place. Attendance should be a priority for managers/CEOs with direct line responsibility for staff and the Board Members at corporate level who ultimately have overall responsibility for the staff of Companies Limited by Guarantee or Cooperatives which are operating as not-for-profit community businesses and social enterprises.

Workshop places are free but limited to two attendees (e.g. manager & board member) per organisation in the Ballyhoura Development area and a light lunch is provided. Advance booking is essential and can be done through David O’Grady, Development Officer, Ballyhoura Development Ltd., Kilfinane, Co. Limerick, on tel. 063-91739 or email:dogrady@ballyhoura.org .

The Ballyhoura Development Community Governance Skills Initiative is provided through The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) 2015-2017 which is funded by the Irish Government and co-funded by the European Social Fund and includes a special allocation under the Youth Employment Initiative.

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION & CARE SUPPORT Course for Fermoy

V.T.O.S. Course September 2016
Cork Education & Training Board
QQI LEVEL 4
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION & CARE SUPPORT
                      
  Duration                                                     Certification
One Year                                                        QQI Level 4

Successful completion of this course provides the learner with the opportunity to access progression routes to Level 5 & 6 programmes in Healthcare Support and Early Childhood Care & Education in Mitchelstown, Fermoy and the College of Commerce, Cork.
Modules will include
Child Development    Childcare & Safety     Communications        
Work Experience        Teamworking             Drama
Work Place Safety     Healthcare


Please note: a minimum of 20 eligible participants is required to run the course

VTOS                                   
You can join VTOS if you are:                    
  Ø  21 years of age or over
  Ø  Currently in receipt of one of the following Social                 Welfare payments for at least 6 months
Jobseekers Allowance                         Invalidity Pension
Jobseekers Benefit                              Blind Person’s Pension
One Parent Family Allowance          Dependent Spouse
Disability Benefit/Allowance              Signing for Credits
Benefits
Returning to Education
Payments equivalent to your current Social Welfare payment
No fees
Meal Allowance
Book Loan system and free materials
You may be eligible for childcare support
You may be eligible for a Travel Allowance

For further information contact
Norah Lane, Cork Education & Training Board, Adult Education Service, College Road, Fermoy, Co. Cork
Tel: 087-2186710


Email: norah.lane@corketb.ie                                 

Cucumbers from GIY Ireland

Weekly Column- Cucumber #21 2016
Published: May 25, 2016    By: Shona Dubois
Cucumbers are the quintessential salad addition and once they have started cropping, you know its summer.  They are very prolific plants – a single plant can produce 30 cucumbers.  I saw a tub of pickled “organic” cucumber slices (I’d say there was half a cucumber in it) in a supermarket once for €4 so growing your own cucumbers will save you a few bob too. Nothing makes you feel like an award winning GIYer than growing an 18 inch cucumber!
Sowing
Cucumbers need heat to germinate so you must sow them in pots and keep them indoors until the ground warms up.  Sow from February over a heated propagation mat.  Sow two seeds in a 8cm pot – place the seed on its side to prevent rotting.  Sow at a depth of 2cm.  Remove the weakest seedling.
Growing
Seedlings will be ready to plant out about a month after sowing but delay if weather is poor – harden them off well by bringing them outdoors each day for a few hours.  You can plant cucumber plants in the polytunnel or greenhouse, or with some varieties you can sow (very successfully) outdoors.  Dig a hole of about 30cm wide and 30cm deep and fill it with well rotted compost – draw the soil back over the hole to make a mound and plant the seedling in the mound.  Leave a space of 45cm between plants but remember that a couple of plants should be more than enough.
Cucumber plants can be left to trail or they can be trained to grow up a cane wigwam, tied in securely.   Pinch out the growing tip of the plant once it reaches the top of the support.  Cucumbers are composed mainly of water so in order for them to swell they need lots of watering – never let the soil dry out. Water the soil, not the plants. You can feed them fortnightly as you would with tomatoes.
Harvesting
Harvest cucumbers as they ripen – if you leave them on the plant too long they will discourage the plant from producing more fruit.  Cut rather than pulling from the plant.
Recommended Varieties
Passandra, Burpless (yes really!)
Problems
If greenhouse cucumbers are pollinated they become bitter – all female varieties are available.  In the polytunnel, cucumbers can be attacked by whitefly.  Powdery mildew is a common problem as the summer progresses.  Good air circulation is the main preventative measure.  Foot and root crops can also occur as a result of over watering.  Cucumber mosaic virus is less common and characterised by yellowing skin and dark green warts – remove infected plants.
GIY Tips
1. You can also grow cucumbers in grow bags.
2. Cucumbers don’t store or freeze well – pickled in vinegar is the best approach to save them.  Cover cucumbers in salt for 24 hours then put in sterilised jars full of warm vinegar.  They are ready to eat in about 2 months.

Under 25 and want to work in Food or Farming?





Ballyhoura Development have received some funding to work with young people under 25 with an interest in working in the area of food and/or farming. 

If you are interested please contact 
Carrie O Donoghue. codonoghue@ballyhoura.org or Tel: 063 91747



Cc
Subjects include Driver Theory, Haccp, Manual Handling, Health and Safety and a lot of one to one mentoring 

Criteria-  aged between 15 & 25years of age not in education, training or employment

The project will consist of:
a)      Continuous individual mentoring and coaching support.
b)      Group development programme, including our 5 day Employment Options programme.
c)      Core skills training including 3 * 4 day modules in the first two months of participation of 1) Personal development and confidence building 2) manual handling and 3) health and safety training.
d)      Introductory 10 day Food and/or Farm Knowledge and Skills Programme.
e)      Team Building Day Trips & Activities
f)       Supported 26 week work placements in a food or farm setting.
g)      Support into full or part time employment and in work support to ensure job retention and career development.
h)      & More !!! – Give me a call to discuss this !

Our aim is to engage with 40 young people not in education, training or employment and of these support 20 people to participate in the training and work placements.





OLDER THAN IRELAND Film to be hosted by Fermoy Active Retirement Group

OLDER THAN IRELAND
THE FILM that tells the story of a hundred years of a life as seen through the eyes of thirty Irish centenarians, from their birth at the dawn of Irish Independence to their life in modern day Ireland.  Reflecting on such key events as the day they got their first pair of shoes.  The thrill of their first kiss, the magic of their wedding day and the tragic loss of their loved ones.  Their extraordinary stories are our living history, captured beautifully and forever more in this unique film.
Wednesday 8th June
Fermoy Youth Centre
Start 2.30 pm
Admission €3

Everyone Welcome

Hosted by Fermoy Active Retirement Group

Wednesday 25 May 2016

SHEP ‘Introduction to Advocacy’ course

The QQI Level 6 ‘Introduction to Advocacy’ course is now open for applications. You can find further information and the application form at www.socialandhealth.com  click on Training and click on Community Advocacy training.


The course will run from October 2016 to February 2017 on Thursday evenings with two full Saturdays.

Advocacy  is ‘…the process of identifying with and representing a person’s views and concerns, in order to secure enhanced rights and entitlements, undertaken by someone who has little or no conflict of interest’

Henderson & Pochin (2001)

Are you interested in learning about what advocacy involves? Are you thinking about how you might  be able to better support others to access their rights and entitlements? Do you have a strong commitment to social justice and promoting equality for those who are vulnerable or marginalised? A part-time SHEP course, which will be offered again in October 2016, may be of interest to you. This course has been very successfully delivered previously in 2012 and 2014. It is hoped to offer the course every two years.

About the ‘Introduction to Advocacy’ (Level 6) Course

This SHEP course is an introduction to advocacy and is accredited by QQI. It will be of interest to a wide variety of people including those already involved in advocacy as well as  those interested in supporting others people through advocacy. The course will be offered at the SHEP Training Centre in Ballincollig over a five-month period.

Course Aim

The aim of the course will be to provide an introduction to advocacy to those who already use advocacy skills in their life or work or to those with a clear interest in supporting others through advocacy. Learners who successfully complete this module will acquire knowledge, skills and understanding which will help them to practice principled advocacy, in a voluntary or paid capacity, in diverse or changing contexts. Completion of this course is a prerequisite for those who may wish to apply to volunteer with SHEP’s Cork Advocacy Service.

Philosophy

This course is under-pinned by SHEP’s philosophy that self-awareness and self-knowledge when combined with a commitment to community action is the basis for personal and social transformation. It is also informed by SHEP’s commitment to equality, social justice and social transformation.

Further Information

The next course will commence, subject to numbers, in October  2016 Open for applications – 3rd May 2016. Closing date – 12th September 2016
Subsidised course: €490; Price with concession: €250. Limited availability. Allocated on ‘first come’ basis for people who are in receipt of a social welfare payment. If you wish to apply for  a concession please attach a letter with your application.
For further information on this course you can contact Deirdre Lillis on (021) 4666180.

Friday 20 May 2016

€28.5m from Dormant Accounts Fund to Combat Disadvantage

The Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government is pleased to announce the adoption of the Dormant Accounts Fund Action Plan 2016 which outlines measures under a number of Government Departments totaling some €28.5m to be disbursed from the Dormant Accounts Fund.

The Dormant Accounts Act 2001 together with the Unclaimed Life Assurance Policies Act 2003 and the Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Acts 2005-2012 provide a framework for the administration of unclaimed accounts in credit institutions (i.e. banks, building societies and An Post) and unclaimed life assurance policies in insurance undertakings and in this regard, institutions/undertakings are required to take steps to identify and contact the owners of dormant accounts and unclaimed life assurance policies.
The legislation also provides for a scheme for the disbursement of funds that are unlikely to be reclaimed.  In each year monies may be disbursed in accordance with Part 6 of the 2012 Act, from the Account, but only for the purposes of programmes or projects to assist:
1. the personal and social development of persons who are economically or socially disadvantaged;
2. the educational development of persons who are educationally disadvantaged or
3. persons with a disability (within the meaning of the Equal Status Act 2000).
A new Disbursement Scheme was approved by Government in December 2013 in accordance with the Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Act 2012. The 2012 Act also provides that the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government may adopt an Action Plan to give effect to the scheme.
The Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, together with Pobal, carried out a consultation process with the Departments of Health; Education and Skills; Social Protection; Justice and Equality; Transport, Tourism and Sport; and Children and Youth Affairs in preparing the Action Plan.
Funds amounting to around €28.5 million will be allocated from the Dormant Accounts Fund towards programmes and projects across all three themes.  The Action Plan includes programmes and projects for specific measures supporting children; disadvantaged youth; prisoners, the unemployed, carers and a diverse cohort of marginalised groups including those affected by homelessness, migrants and asylum seekers, ROMA, Travellers, those who suffer from addiction and refugees.
About Dormant Accounts
The Dormant Accounts Act 2001 together with the Unclaimed Life Assurance Policies Act 2003 and the Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Acts 2005-2012 provide a framework for the administration of unclaimed accounts in credit institutions (i.e. banks, building societies and An Post) and unclaimed life assurance policies in insurance undertakings and in this regard, institutions/undertakings are required to take steps to identify and contact the owners of dormant accounts and unclaimed life assurance policies.
Dormant funds/unclaimed life assurance policies, which have not been reclaimed by the original account/policy holder or their beneficiaries, are transferred each year by the financial institution/insurance undertaking to the Dormant Accounts Fund which is managed by the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA).  The transfer of monies takes place on the basis that the beneficial owner will have a guaranteed right of reclaim to their property at any time in the future.
The legislation also introduced a scheme for the disbursement of funds that are unlikely to be reclaimed.  In each year monies may be disbursed in accordance with Part 6 of the 2012 Act, from the account, but only for the purposes of programmes or projects to assist:
1. the personal and social development of persons who are economically or socially disadvantaged;
2. the educational development of persons who are educationally disadvantaged or
3. persons with a disability (within the meaning of the Equal Status Act 2000).
Pobal administers Dormant Accounts Measures on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government and certain other Departments. All costs charged by Pobal for the administration of Dormant Accounts Measures are paid by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, including costs for measures under other Departments, and this is recouped by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government from the Fund as Appropriations-in-Aid.

MINI JAMBOREE IN THE HAZEL TREE DONERAILE This Thursday

This year's AOSTA Mini Jamboree will be held on Thursday May 26th at 7p.m. in The Hazel Tree Doneraile Mallow.

For tickets Please contact Bridie Milward at 086  8079612



This years Mini Jamboree will have something new in that  music and dancing will be preceded by a Fun Activity to be delivered by Maria Ham well known for her promotion of positive physical health for older people.



School Gardens Judging and other Important dates



We would like to thank all schools for entering our School Garden Competition. We know that the weather hasn’t been great for gardening but everybody is in the same position. Despite the weather we hope that everything is going well in your school garden and that everyone will have lots of fun between now and the summer.

Important Dates for your School Garden Team

Closing date for PowerPoint submission
Friday 27th May 2016


 The following are the dates for the Cork School Gardens Judging.
  • Mon Tue 30th and 31st May in (Macroom area) and (West Cork)
  • Thu Fri June 2nd and 3rd in (Mallow Mitchelstown) and (West Cork)
  • Tue Wed & Thu 7th 8th and 9th Jun in (Ballincollig/city special schools), (West Cork( and (East Cork)

  • Schools will have been informed of their dates by now
Awards Presentation Ceremony.
Vertigo Suite Cork County Hall
Monday June 20th at 10 am

PowerPoints

Schools who have completed an entry form must submit a PowerPoint Presentation before 27th May 2016 in which they will tell us what they have done in their garden. The PowerPoint presentation should tell the judges all or any of the following: Who was involved, Is it a new or established garden? Unique features, what did you grow? Biodiversity and Environment elements. Size of Garden (for those entering small garden category) and any other feature you would like to highlight. Please note PowerPoints must be limited to TEN slides and can include lots of photographs. Please do not include animations or music. You can send us your PowerPoint as an attachment in an email to admin@muintircork.com or follow this link to our special Dropbox File and submit your PowerPoint directly.
The closing Date for submission of PowerPoint presentation is 5pm Friday May 27th 2016

Judging

All schools who confirm entry to the competition will be visited by members of the Judging Panel. If for any reason your school is no longer able to participate please let us know by email at email address above.
Please ensure that some of the children involved will be there to show the judges what they have done in the garden. We look forward to hearing from them.

Awards

The Awards Ceremony will be held on Mon 20th June at 10am in the Vertigo suite Cork County Hall. The entire ceremony will last about two hours. Each school can send four people to the awards. We look forward to seeing you there as every school who participates will get an award.

“Bin your gum when you’re done”, Gum Litter Taskforce campaign in Cork.



Clr Kevin Murphy, Chairperson of  Cork County Council Environment SPC launches 2016 

“Bin your gum when you’re done”,

Gum Litter Taskforce campaign in Cork.




(20th  May 2016) The 2016 Gum Litter Taskforce (GLT) gum litter education campaign was launched in Cork County today by Clr Kevin Murphy, Chairperson of SPC Environment

“Bin your gum when you’re done”, and the campaign includes:
·         A four month mass media advertising campaign (TV, outdoor, print and online).
·         A schools education programme aimed at first year secondary school students called “Bin It!” This includes an actor-led workshop tour which takes place in schools each Autumn and which is supported by materials and tools for teachers to download and integrate into lesson plans (www.chewitbinit.com).
·         A live ‘GLT Bin Game’ at all launch events
·         Distribution of Point-of-Sale materials to over 1,000 retailers around the country.
·         Sponsorship of three awards in the TidyTowns competition.

This year there is a new live interactive game on launch day alongside a new website for the GLT that will go live in the coming weeks.
The campaign has seen huge success to date with the National Litter Pollution Monitoring System results showing an overall decrease in people dropping gum from 26% when the campaign started in 2007, to 11% in the latest results. The results of the attitudinal research carried out by Millward Brown on behalf of the GLT during the 2015 campaign saw the highest numbers to date reporting they never drop gum.
This campaign is a new agreement between the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government and Food and Drink Industry Ireland (FDII) representing the gum industry, to fund a national gum litter awareness programme from 2015-2017.
Speaking at the launch Clr Murphy said, “It is wonderful to see everyone in the community coming together to get behind this campaign, both here in Ballincollig Town and in so many towns around the country. The GLT campaign brings together the community and local authorities with a common goal to fight gum litter.”
“The main goal of this campaign has always been to reduce the amount of gum litter and change people’s behaviour towards littering. The results of the National Litter Pollution Monitoring System are demonstrable proof of the success of the campaign to date. We’re hoping to build on this success again this year and see even better results. The national launch today will set off an extensive advertising campaign which is being rolled out nationwide and includes the various strands of the campaign such as the hugely popular Bin It!.”

Thursday 19 May 2016

Cork County Council - Local Agenda 21 Environmental Partnership Fund 2016

Cork County Council - Local Agenda 21 Environmental Partnership Fund 2016


Do you have a project or initiative that could help to increase awareness of environmental issues locally, or that could help your community to become more sustainable?
If so, you may qualify for financial assistance from the Local Agenda 21 (LA21) Environmental Partnership Fund 2016 run by Cork County Council & the Department of the Environment Community & Local Government. Details and information on how to apply can be found online at www.environ.ie. Or by contacting Finbar O'Keeffe, The Environment Department, Cork County Council , Inniscarra, County Cork.

Completed applications to be returned to Finbar O'Keeffe, Cork County Council, Environment Department, Inniscarra, County Cork. Tel: 0214532758, E-Mail: finbar.okeeffe@corkcoco.ie

 no later than 5.00pm Friday 17th June 2016. Applications received after this cannot be considered.

Fermoy MS seek Stewards for Galtee Mountain Walk




We at Fermoy Multiple Sclerosis Society(Including North & East Cork) were wondering if you could include the attached information in your news letter please, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch. I have also attached some photos

Kind regards,

Mary Lonergan
(Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland: Volunteers

The Fermoy branch of The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland is one of seven branches in the Southern Region, providing supports & services for all those with MS in the community.

Every year,on the 3rd Sunday of June (Father's Day), we host our Annual Galtee Walk. 2016 is our 35th walk, we have a dedicated Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Fermoy-Multiple-Sclerosis-Society-Annual-Galtee-Walk-146262412220600/timeline

We are looking for volunteers with hillwalking experience to join our team on Sunday 19th June 2016 to help with stewarding duties on the Galtee Mountains. Our approach  is from Skeheenarinky,(beyond Kilbehenny on the old Dublin Road)

We are operating two shifts  from: 8am-12.30 + 12.30-5pm. If you are interested in this opportunity to help the MS Society please contact Mary on 087-6682834 The event is fully supported by the Fermoy/Conna branch of the Red Cross)



Wednesday 18 May 2016

GIY Ireland Weekly Column- French Beans


Weekly Column- French Beans #20 2016
Published: May 17, 2016    By: Shona Dubois
French beans are a little trickier to grow than runner beans, but they are tastier and a brilliant crop for freezer storing.  There is huge variety available – green, purple, flecked, cream – and they are quite versatile.  Immature french bean pods are excellent to eat whole, while the beans inside larger pods (often called haricot beans) are also very tasty. 
Sowing
There are two types of french bean – climbing and dwarf.  Dwarf beans grow just 45cm tall and are surprisingly prolific for a small plant.  Climbing french beans grow up to 6-8ft tall and produce a lot more beans in the same footprint.  Seeds can be sown direct in the soil or in module trays ready for transplanting. There’s no point in sowing too early as they will be ready to transplant when the weather outside is too cold for them.  Sow two seeds per pot 5cm deep in late April or early May.  Sow again in July for a late summer crop. 
Growing
Plant out when the plants are 8-10cm tall following a period of hardening off. Add some well-rotted compost to the holes as you plant out.  Similar to runner beans, a bamboo wigwam or double row of canes is the best support structure.  Put three or four beans at the base of each bamboo leaving 30cm between the canes. Plant dwarf varieties in blocks so that they provide each other with shelter and support – leave about 15cm between plants.   Hoe around the plants regularly to suppress weeds.  Water regularly in dry weather particularly when the flowers start to form.  Mulch around the plants if it’s very dry.
Harvesting
It takes 2-3 months for the French bean to produce its first harvest.  Harvest from June to October. Start harvesting when the pods are about 10cm long.  The more you pick, the more it will churn out.  A plant will continue to pod for nearly two months if you keep picking – so keep doing so, even if you are fed up to the back teeth with beans (freeze them, you won’t be so fed up of them in mid winter!).  A neat trick is to apply a liquid feed (e.g. comfrey tea) when the plant has finished harvesting to promote a second crop.
Recommended Varieties
Cobra (Climbing) and Purple Teepee (dwarf).
Problems
French beans are susceptible to late frosts – cover young plants with fleece if frost is forecast.  Slugs are a problem for seedlings – seems they absolutely love them.  Bean seed fly can be an issue – these are soil-living grubs that damage seeds and seedlings.
GIY Tips
1. Pick a sunny and sheltered site to grow your beans in.
2. Haricot beans are obtained by leaving the pods on the plant until they turn yellow – hang the plants indoors to dry and when the pods are brittle, remove the beans and dry them on a shallow tray for several days.  Store in an airtight container.

Disability Awareness Support Scheme


 
The Disability Awareness Training Support Scheme provides funding so that employers can buy in Disability Awareness Training for their staff. The purpose of the training is to deliver clear and accurate information about disability and to address questions or concerns that employers and employees may have about working with people with disabilities.
 
The training is aimed at providing participants with an understanding and awareness of the issues surrounding disability, including:
 
·         An overview of relevant anti-discrimination and equal opportunities legislation
·         General and specific information on disabilities, perceptual awareness exercises and disability etiquette
 
Grants of 90% of eligible training costs, up to a maximum of €20,000, are available to private companies in the first year and 80% in the second and subsequent years. Eligible costs include actual fees paid in respect of external programmes trainer’s fees for in-house staff training, open learning/computer/web based training programme fees and learning materials e.g. manuals, books, clearly associated with the relevant training programme to a maximum of €650.

Contact Information:

Contact details for the Disability Awareness Support Scheme can be accessed here.

Thursday 12 May 2016

County Mayor Honours Volunteers and Leaders at Annual Community Awards 2016


Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. John Paul O'Shea held the fourth Cork County Mayor's Community Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, May 11th 2016. The Cork County Mayor's Community Awards is an annual public recognition of the amazing work that is undertaken by people throughout County Cork.
Speaking at the event, Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr John Paul O'Shea commented 'A fantastic 48 community groups and individuals were nominated, chosen for the superb contributions and improvements made to communities across Cork County.  That is a magnificent indictment of the culture that we have in our County and one which I am delighted to be in a position to recognise, and celebrate, at the Mayors Awards'. 
11 Awards were made on the night over a record number of 48 nominations.  An incredible variety of community groups and individuals from across Cork County attended the evening's celebration.  It was a wonderful occasion for Mayor O'Shea to formally recognise the incredible efforts and accomplishments made through the voluntary undertakings of so many Cork people.

Mayor John Paul O'Shea awarded the following nominees within each Division:

North Group Mallow Search & Rescue (MSAR)
North Group St. Joseph's Foundation
North Individual Mr. Seán Finn

South Group Cumann na Daoine
South Group Carrigtwohill Community Council
South Individual Ms. Celeste Foley

West Group KYSS (Kinsale Youth Support Services)
West Group BEDA (Ballineen & Enniskeane Development Association)
West Individual Mr. Micheál Hurley

The Overall Individual Award was given to Ms. Celeste Foley.  Celeste is President of the local ICA, Secretary of the Active Retired Group and active member of Whitechurch/Waterloo Community Association.  Celeste is always helping, both young and old.  When a local woman, Comfort, required expensive medical treatment, Celeste was the main organiser behind a text request to raise funds for 'Comforts Cause'.

The Overall Community and Voluntary Group Award was given to Ballineen and Enniskeane Development Association (BEDA).  BEDA was founded 55 years ago and developed the old railway complex into the Community Centre that is currently in existence.  The facilities include a playground, multi use games area, and 18 hole pitch and putt course.  BEDA continues to upgrade these facilities and has seen visitor numbers increase on foot of several successful events.

A special mention was also made to Milo McCarthy from Midleton.  12 year old Milo raised over €17,000 for the Irish Red Cross Migrant Appeal, through his tireless busking efforts. 

The Mayor went on to say 'I would like to see even more nominations for the Mayors Awards next year.  I would like to see the ethos of volunteerism go forward and spread, to benefit each other and for the benefits to ourselves.  Any litter that is picked, any time donated, any thought shared, all making our communities stronger and creating great places to live happily.  And where someone takes that first step, another will follow.  That is where we will find strength in our communities.'

Mayors Awards 2016

Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. John Paul O'Shea presents the Overall Individual award to Celeste Foley, Blarney.  Also included is Tim Lucey, Chief Executive Cork County Council.  Picture: Martin Walsh.

Mayors Awards 2016

Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. John Paul O'Shea presents the best Community and Voluntary Group award to Pat Joe O'Sullivan from the Ballineen & Enniskeane Development Association.  Also included (left to right): Therese Barrett-Burke, Public Participation Network, Tim Lucey, Chief Executive Cork County Council, Jim Lawton (BEDA) and Patricia McCarthy (BEDA).  Picture: Martin Walsh.

Are you ready for the Hooley in The Hall?


County Mayor Cllr. John Paul O’Shea is to mark the end of his term as Mayor of the County of Cork by hosting a “Hooley in The Hall” and in aid of Cork charities, The Mercy Hospital Foundation and Pieta House.

The summer charity event will take place at County Hall, Cork, on Friday June 17th, and is kindly supported by The Kingsley Hotel, part of The Fota Collection.

Shaping up to be one of the biggest charity events of the summer, the Hooley in The Hall will have a line-up of awesome blue grass and cajun sounds from ‘Ray Barron & Friends’ and the hugely popular ‘The Whole Hog Band’. The night is perfect for groups of friends and neighbours, that office night out or just an excuse to don that Stetson, break out those blue jeans and strut your stuff.  With finger lickin’ homemade BBQ, the Mayor’s Moonshine, fun games and DJ ‘til late, the evening is set to raise the roof while raising funds for The Mercy Hospital Foundation and Pieta House, Mayor John Paul O’Shea’s chosen charities.

Kicking off at 7.30pm, the whole ground floor of County Hall will be themed in a country-style, with the freedom to mill about the food and drink stations, join in the dancing with a lively DJ who will take the reins from midnight.

Tickets for the whole evening, including all of the above unique and memorable entertainment, are priced to please at just €40 per person.

Speaking at the launch of the charity event Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. John Paul O’Shea said ‘I couldn’t think of a better way to close my year as Mayor than celebrating it with the people of Cork County. We are celebrating a great year where communities, businesses, our colleagues and stakeholders and our supporters worked in unison to make this County the best we can be.  Despite our challenges, we have so much to be proud of here in County Cork.  We’re hoping to raise considerable funds for my two favoured charities this year, Mercy University
Hospital Foundation and Pieta House.  

You can purchase your tickets for the Hooley in the Hall at reception in The County Hall, at any of the Council’s eight Municipal District Offices or through the Mercy University Hospital Foundation website www.mercyfundraising.ie
You may also e-mail mayorshooley@corkcoco.ie or call Edel (Howard) Bodie on (021) 4285367 for tickets. Group bookings most welcome.

Tickets are also available countywide in the Cork County Council Municipal offices in West Cork (028-21299), Bandon/ Kinsale (021-4772154), East Cork (021- 4631580), Ballincollig/Carrigaline (021-4285352), Cobh (021-4811307), Fermoy (025-31155), Blarney/ Macroom (026-41545), Kanturk/Mallow (022-21123)

A special overnight rate for the night of the Hooley is available at The Kingsley Hotel (just across the road from County Hall) - €145 based on 2 sharing, including breakfast.  Bookings to: kingsley.ie – special event packages, or call 021 4800500.


Edel Bodie,
On behalf of Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. John Paul O' Shea,
Corporate Affairs,
Floor 14
Tel: 021-4285367
Attachments area