Creative Ireland Projects Co-Ordinator Position with Cork County Council
Further details and application form for the above post are available on the careers’ section of the website: https://www.corkcoco.ie/en/
Wednesday, 25 November 2020
Creative Ireland Projects Co-Ordinator Position with Cork County Council
Tuesday, 24 November 2020
Sharing Your Community Newsletter Online
This is an ideal way of learning what other communities are doing and learning from them. It is also a great way of showcasing what is going on in your locality.
We can all learn from each other and share our experiences for the better of us all.
Recording and Addressing Persecution and Threats to our Raptors
Recording and Addressing Persecution and Threats to our Raptors
Ireland’s native birds of prey are part of our natural heritage, key indicators of the health of our ecosystems and important assets in attracting tourists to come and stay in Ireland. High profile raptor poisoning or persecution incidents have been documented in the media. For example Hen Harriers shot in Kerry, a White-tailed Eagle shot in Tipperary, attempted poisoning of Peregrine Falcons in Dublin and numerous poisonings of Red Kites in Wicklow. There are however many other cases that are not highlighted in the media and for the past five years Government agencies have been systematically determining how great an issue poisoning and persecution is for Ireland’s native raptors. This has been made possible by a cooperative approach between the National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS), the Regional Veterinary labs and State Lab who collectively produced a formal protocol for investigating bird of prey deaths in 2011. This is known as the RAPTOR (Recording and Addressing Persecution and Threats to Our Raptors) protocol. This protocol entails a significant amount of effort between three Government Departments, from collecting and handling carcasses, injured birds and evidence, to x-rays, Post-Mortem examinations, toxicological testing and follow-up investigations, data analysis, interpretation and reporting.
Statistics from 2007 to 2019 have just been published in a report, available to download by visiting https://www.npws.ie/sites/
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Military Service (1916-1923) Pensions Collection
Military Service (1916-1923) Pensions Collection
The Minister for Defence, Mr Simon Coveney, T.D. launched the latest release of material from the Military Service (1916-1923) Pensions Collection online. This latest release of records is the ninth release of material and comprises of 3,383 new files representing 1,170 individuals. This includes applications for service pensions and applications under the Army Pensions Acts linked to disability pensions. In launching this latest release of material online, the Minister said “It gives me great pleasure to make further historical records available to the public through the continued scanning and digitisation of records contained in the Military Service Pensions Collection. This latest release of material, along with previous releases, provides an invaluable source of information that continues to greatly facilitate research around this defining period in Irish history, and captures first-hand accounts of individuals that participated in events of that period.” The ninth release of material is now available to view on www.militaryarchives.ie
Origins and scope: The archives contained within the Military Service Pensions Collection were once active administrative files generated through legislation enacted by the newly formed Saorstát Éireann from June 1923. In post-conflict conditions, various legal acts were sanctioned to compensate members of certain organisations and their widows, children and dependents. Over time, legislation was enhanced and broadened to include more veterans, including the members of Cumann na mBan.
Two streams of legislation are relevant for the Military Services Pensions Collection:
- The Army Pensions Acts, from 1923 to 1953: dealing with the wounded participants and deceased participants’ dependents.
- The Military Service Pensions Acts, 1924, 1934, 1949: dealing with the surviving participants who could prove active service.
Applicants were assessed by the Army Pensions Board, a Board of Assessors and later by a Referee and an Advisory Committee. The files are the result of the verification process and contain material submitted by the applicants in respect of their claims. A Guide to the Military Service Pensions Collection is available to download on the Military Archives website.
Expert Report on Marine Protected Area Expansion
Expert Report on Marine Protected Area Expansion
Minister Darragh O’Brien T.D., Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and Minister of State Malcolm Noonan T.D. today received the final report of an independent advisory group on Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The report explores the need to expand Ireland’s MPA network, the benefits and costs of doing so, and how Ireland should go about doing it. A significant finding of the report is that under current legislation many threatened and important marine habitats, species and ecosystems that aren’t covered by the EU Birds and Habitats Directives cannot be afforded the protection necessary to meet Ireland’s international commitments and legal obligations. It also identified the possibility to greatly improve the level of stakeholder engagement and participation in the site selection and management process.
Chaired by Professor Tasman Crowe of the UCD Earth Institute, the advisory group comprised 20 experts in life and ocean sciences, marine socio-economics, maritime culture, governance and legislation. It was tasked with providing important technical advice and recommendations on the processes required and the challenges to be addressed in the future expansion of Ireland’s network of MPAs, based on the group’s own work and on the views of a wide range of stakeholders.
MPAs are geographically defined maritime areas that provide levels of protection to achieve conservation objectives. They support economic activity associated with the sea by ensuring that activity is kept at a level that ensures the seas and oceans continue to support life and human health. They also help reduce the effects of climate change and ocean acidification.
Commenting after receiving the report, Minister O’Brien stated: “Never before have we, as a nation, faced the twin global crises of climate change and accelerating biodiversity loss on land and at sea. This comprehensive report represents a Call for Collective Action on behalf of our people and our natural marine environment, to ensure that we can sustain clean, healthy, diverse and productive oceans and seas around Ireland, both now and in the future. Minister Noonan and I sincerely thank Professor Crowe and his colleagues for providing this valuable and timely report today. The expansion of our network of MPAs is of great importance to us all here in Ireland, not least because the sea is in our blood and supports so many livelihoods and communities, but also because it unlocks future solutions to serious challenges that we face. Not only can MPAs provide us with answers to the challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss, they also hold a key to our future - as a maritime nation that’s home to a bountiful and sustainable source of food, green energy and tourism activity for example. In this context, later this year we will be welcoming the views of the public and all stakeholders on this report and the process that lies before us.”
Many of the challenges and recommendations set out in the advisory group report link with discussions this week as part of EU Green Week 2020. The annual EU event’s focus this year is on Biodiversity, Nature and a Green Recovery, highlighting biodiversity’s role in supporting and stimulating recovery in a post-pandemic world. Minister Noonan added: “As highlighted over the last number of days at EU Green Week 2020, biodiversity, nature and the green recovery all play a significant role in supporting and sustaining productive and healthy marine ecosystems into the future. This is our ongoing vision for Ireland’s marine environment - one that can not only sustain nature and people and support livelihoods, but also one that brings us together to solve some very real crises of our time.”
Minister O’Brien intends to publish the Marine Protected Area Advisory Group’s report for an extensive period of public consultation in late 2020 and early 2021. The report will assist Government in meeting its target of 10% of Ireland’s maritime area to be Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) as soon as is practicable, aiming for 30% by 2030. Further details are available at: https://www.housing.gov.
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National Recognition of Independence Museum Kilmurry
National Recognition of Independence Museum Kilmurry
Independence museum Kilmurry was delighted to learn that they were chosen as the 1st runner up in the 'Best For Families', and the 'Best In Ireland' Categories, in the recent Museums and Me 2020 Series. These awards showcase 'Ireland's favourite family friendly cultural hubs'. They are chosen by the public and the Independence Museum wishes to sincerely thank all of those who took the time to vote for them. ‘It's a lovely honour to get and hopefully will bring more visitors to our museum and community’. See https://twitter.com/
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Funding of Commemorative Projects in County Cork 2020
Funding of Commemorative Projects in County Cork 2020
Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin T.D., recently announced a range of funding supports in the region of €900,000, to support local authorities across Ireland to develop community-led commemorations of the significant historical events of 1920.
In recognition of the transformative events that occurred in the City and County €200,000 has been allocated for Commemorations in the County of Cork, with a separate allocation for Cork City.
Welcoming the announcement, Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Mary Linehan Foley said
“When commemorating the centenary of the Easter Rising in 2016, we had over 500 community events and initiatives in County Cork. Since then community interest has grown even further in commemorating the War of Independence and Civil War locally. This funding announcement is welcome. It is very important to remember where we have come from and history gives us our sense of place. In County Cork we take an inclusive approach to commemorations, where the past is always present and preserved for future generations. I would like to take this opportunity to commend the work of the county’s commemorative groups.”
Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Tim Lucey commented,
“Cork County Council’s Commemorative Programme includes a wide range of initiatives. County Cork Commemorations Grant Scheme 2020 is a significant undertaking which will see over €80,000 in funding go to projects by over 50 community groups around the county. Other projects being progressed by Cork County Council include diaspora engagement, school competitions, exhibitions, virtual 3600 commemorative documentaries and oral history projects. Details of these and many other undertakings will be announced soon.”
On the Cork County and City Commemorative Programmes, Minister Martin commented,
“Over the past number of months, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the cancellation or postponement of public commemorative events in Cork County and City, in accordance with public health measures. This has caused great disappointment to everyone who has worked so hard to develop a very meaningful and significant commemorative programme. Both City and County Councils have redeveloped their plans to account for the restrictions and have come up with imaginative and thought-provoking programmes for the remainder of the year and I am delighted that my Department is contributing significantly to both programmes. I am confident that the events that took place in Cork in 1920 will be remembered in a meaningful, respectful and inclusive way.”
See www.corkcoco.ie for more information or email commemorations@corkcoco.ie
Monday, 23 November 2020
New Short Film Documenting the Cillliní of West Cork
New Short Film Documenting the Cillliní of West Cork
Many are aware of the great work of Teri Kearney and the Skibbereen Heritage Centre on a range of different heritage projects, including a number of videos that have been undertaken documenting many important and historic graveyards in West Cork. A new video has now just been published:
‘Cillíní, also known as 'children's burial grounds', are unofficial burial grounds that are found all over Ireland. Unbaptised babies and young children were buried in them, as were some suicides, strangers whose religion was unknown, convicts, and they were also used by the general population during times of distress, for example the Great Famine of the 1840s. In this short film, Terri Kearney of Skibbereen Heritage Centre visits several cillíní around West Cork and reveals the tragic stories associated with some of them’. The video can be viewed on YouTube by clicking the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Kilmichael Ambush - Story of a Century
Kilmichael Ambush - Story of a Century
image inset - Coppeen Heritage
In the absence of a public Centenary Commemoration for the Kilmichael Ambush, due to Covid-19 restrictions, Coppeen Archaeological, Historical and Cultural Society has decided to produce a commemorative online programme to be broadcast on Facebook on Thursday 26th Nov. This will be a mix of interviews with world-renowned historians, film footage, images, sound clips and narration with significant thanks to Colum and Shane Cronin. The Society is taking a fresh look at the ambush story, primarily from a local perspective and plans to present a fitting programme to mark this momentous, history-changing event. For those seeking to be present for the event simply go to the Facebook page (@coppeenheritage) where all the info is updated daily.
Heritage Council Celebrates 25th Anniversary
Heritage Council Celebrates 25th Anniversary
Heritage is at the heart of Irish communities and shapes our identity, not just as a nation, but also as a society. That’s according to chief executive of the Heritage Council, Virginia Teehan, speaking as the Heritage Council marks its 25th anniversary. Established in 1995 as a result of the Heritage Bill that was introduced by then Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht, Michael D. Higgins, it promotes interest, education, knowledge, and pride in our heritage. It reaches into communities across the country by working with groups such as public authorities, educational bodies, youth groups, and many other organisations. In doing this, it promotes a knowledge and appreciation of built, natural and cultural heritage, such as monuments, archaeological objects, architectural heritage, flora and fauna, heritage gardens, wildlife habitats, seascapes, wrecks, geology, traditional skills and past times, to name but a few areas. The Heritage Council also provides policy advice for Government on heritage issues such as sustainability, landscape management, high nature value farming, forestry, and climate change.
Paying tribute to President Michael D Higgins for his role in establishing the Heritage Council, Ms. Teehan said: “He had the vision of bringing our heritage into our homes, our hearts and our communities.” She added: “Our heritage is precious. It is invaluable to the country’s economic wellbeing, but also to the wellbeing of every Irish resident. Heritage plays a huge part in our tourism sector, and in turn in our economy. While we have always appreciated how important it is to our individual, physical, mental, and social wellbeing, this has never been more obvious than during the current pandemic, when the restrictions brought a new focus on the hidden heritage in our local areas.
“The Heritage Council has achieved so much over the past 25 years in highlighting the value of our heritage. We continually build new relationships with communities across the country, through voluntary groups, schools, local and national government, and the national cultural institutions to develop a wide understanding across society of the value of our heritage and building capacity for organisations and communities to continue their heritage work’.
Standout initiatives include:
· The heritage officer programme, which has resulted in a heritage officer role in most local authorities across the country.
· The Heritage in Schools programme is marking its 20th anniversary this year. For primary school children, it aims to generate greater awareness, respect, interest in and appreciation of our heritage among 4-12-year-olds by encouraging teachers and pupils to engage with their local heritage in a hands-on, interactive and meaningful way through place-based learning and learning in the outdoor classroom.
· The Museum Standards Programme for Ireland was established in 2007 and benchmarks and promotes professional standards of care in collections in the Irish museum sector.
· Also established in 2007, the National Biodiversity Data Centre collects and manages data on Ireland’s biodiversity to document our wildlife resource and to track how it is changing over time.
· In 2008, the Strategic Archaeological Research [INSTAR] Programme was launched. This research and funding programme supports Irish archaeology projects, promotes collaboration and partnerships, and features an online archaeology resource.
· In 2009, we partnered with the National Monuments Service to publish the Brú na Bóinne Research Framework project, which assesses knowledge of and research into the UNESCO World Heritage Site and proposes a strategy for future research with a view to sustainable management.
· National Heritage Week is the jewel in the crown. This year, despite the COVID-19 restrictions, more than 770 heritage groups and enthusiasts took part in National Heritage Week, when we innovated to create an online project-based initiative.
· We have also provided heritage grants over the years, including buildings; thatch; biodiversity; museums and archives publications, and communities.
Ms Teehan added: “Protection and promotion of our heritage is vitally important. It allows us to better understand who we are and how we got here. Critically, it helps us to make informed decisions on where we are going. To this end, the Heritage Council’s role in advising the Government on heritage issues such as sustainability, landscape management, high nature value farming, forestry, and climate change is proving to be increasingly important.”
This year has been a difficult one for the heritage sector, with COVID-19 restrictions having a deep impact as a result of closures, job losses, delays and increased home working. A Heritage Council survey conducted in April 2020 found that two-thirds of heritage sector workers suffered loss or postponement of work due to COVID-19; more than half (51%) experienced postponement or cancellation of events, and 52% had experienced temporary closure. Some 46% had experienced a lack of revenue streams. Commenting, Ms. Teehan said: “We are very appreciative of the significant increase in the Council’s budget for next year. This commitment by Government will allow us to reinstate the community grants scheme and to develop a new ‘inclusive heritage’ programme, which aims to encourage diversity and inclusivity in heritage practice. With the support and engagement of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, we are also identifying additional budgets that can be frontloaded into supports for heritage NGOs that have sustained significant losses due to COVID-19. This funding recognises the role that heritage plays in supporting local economies and recognises the work of communities.”
Chairman of the Heritage Council, Michael Parsons said: “When the Heritage Council was established in 1995, the concept of heritage was still generally broken up into disciplines such as archaeology and wildlife. Roles such as the local authority heritage officer did not exist. These are now funded by the Heritage Council and play a central role in promoting heritage locally. A quarter of a century later, the Heritage Council has established a wide-ranging network of collaborators - both individuals and organisations - which has made our understanding and appreciation of our heritage all the richer. I am very proud of what the Heritage Council has achieved over the past 25 years and I look forward to welcoming our new board members over the coming weeks to set the foundations for the coming years.”
Disaster Advice Seminar and Launch of Publication:
Disaster Advice Seminar and Launch of Publication:
A seminar to mark the launch of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage’s Advice Series publication, Disaster: A guide to prevention and preparedness in the historic built environment will take place on Wednesday 9th December from 10:00 to 12:30. The purpose of the seminar is to help owners and custodians of an historic property, where possible, to prevent or reduce the risk of disaster striking their property by fire, floods, storms, lightning strikes or vandalism, and to lessen the damage caused should disaster occur. The seminar will outline how an owner can produce a disaster risk management plan (or ‘Disaster Plan’), a simple document setting out sensible measures to minimise the likelihood of an emergency and to reduce th e extent of damage and loss should it occur. The seminar is free of charge but advanced registration is required. Please go to the Irish Georgian Society’s website (https://www.igs.ie/events/
Rock Art Our Ancient Landscapes
When it comes to knowledge of Ireland’s prehistoric art, the megalithic art of Ireland’s world-renowned passage grave cemeteries, Newgrange and Knowth in the Boyne Valley, have dominated. However, you do not have to travel to Meath to experience Ireland’s rich rock art – it can be found on rock surfaces and outcrops throughout the island. Irish prehistoric rock art is the subject of a new, richly illustrated booklet published by the Heritage Council. Written by archaeologist, Clare Busher O’Sullivan, ‘Rock Art’ explores the art form; where it can be found; what it means; and how it can be protected.
Rock art is carved, drawn, painted, engraved, or incised imagery on natural rock surfaces. This art is found world-wide in various forms and from different periods, and includes the cave paintings of southern France and northern Spain, the passage tomb art of the Neolithic and the many examples of Bronze Age rock art in Atlantic Europe. Ireland is home to ‘open-air’ Atlantic rock art, a carving practice that was widespread across Atlantic Europe, including in Scotland, England, France, Spain and Portugal. Unlike megalithic art, which is associated with monuments, open-air Atlantic rock art is typically found on boulders and outcrops. The Atlantic tradition dates to the Later Neolithic / Early Bronze Age period (c3000-1500 BC). In Ireland, examples of this ancient art can be found in clusters in Carlow / Wicklow; Louth / Monaghan, Fermanagh and Donegal. However, the densest concentration can be found in the Cork / Kerry region.
Commenting, the publication author Clare Busher O’Sullivan said: “In Ireland, the most common motif in Atlantic rock art is the ‘cup-mark’, which is a circular human-made depression in the rock surface. The cup-mark is often surrounded by one or more concentric rings. The art is referred to in Ireland and Britain as ‘cup and ring art’. The rock art is located in rural landscapes, often in open valleys or the foothills of mountains and almost always in close proximity to water sources.”
She added: “There are many theories to explain the purpose and the significance of Atlantic rock art, but they are difficult to confirm due to its abstract nature and prehistoric date. Some researchers believe that the placement of rock art marks boundaries and routeways within prehistoric landscapes, while another theory is that rock art marks places of worship and pilgrimage in prehistoric society. However, there is no definitive explanation for the art.”
An element of archaeological heritage, rock art is protected under the National Monuments Act. Perhaps one of the best-known examples of open-air rock art in Ireland is the Boheh stone in Co Mayo, from which on 18th April and between 22nd and 24th August, the sun can be seen to set on the summit of Croagh Patrick and then roll down the northern shoulder of the mountain. The Boheh stone is a national monument in State care. In recent years, archaeological surveys and receding blanket peat have revealed several previously unrecorded rock art panels throughout Ireland, most notably on the Iveragh Peninsula in Co Kerry. Meanwhile, more than half of the known examples of rock art from Louth / Monaghan occur at Drumirill townland in Co Monaghan. Many rock art examples in County Cork are scattered on the Mizen Peninsula.
Head of Conservation at the Heritage Council, Ian Doyle added: ‘While this form of open-air art is widely known to archaeologists, it is not well known to the general public. We hope that this publication on Atlantic rock art will bring this internationally important but enigmatic form of prehistoric art to a wider consciousness and that walkers and landowners will be able to identify more of it and be aware of the need to care for it. This new publication also includes the ‘Rock Art Code’, which provides guidance for members of the public visiting rock art sites and interacting with decorated panels, and the landowners.”
The Rock Art booklet can be found on the Heritage Council website www.heritagecouncil.ie. Information on visiting rock art locally can be found on the Historic Environment Viewer on www.archaeology.ie.
Tuesday, 17 November 2020
Guilty of hoarding half empty tins of paint ?
Are you guilty of hoarding half empty tins of paint at home, those “just in case” tubs that you finally get around to dumping when they’ve dried up?
Householders have traditionally brought their leftover paint to their local Civic Amenity Site for disposal, however this may be set to change, as a new pilot Community Paint Re-Use Scheme will soon get underway in Cork City and County.
Cork City Council and Cork County Council have received funding from the EPA’s Local Authority Prevention Network (LAPN) programme for the joint scheme, which will see unused water-based paints in Civic Amenity Sites diverted towards one of two social enterprises. The social enterprises, Northside Community Enterprise (NCE) in Farranferris, Cork City and Cycle Sense based in Skibbereen, will then filter, remix, recolour and repackage the paint before selling it at reduced rates in the local community.
The pilot project will involve the City Council’s Civic Amenity Site at Kinsale Road and three of Cork County’s eleven Civic Amenity sites; two in West Cork at Derryconnell and Clonakilty and one in East Cork at Raffeen.
This unique collaboration between Cork City and County Council will divert paint from disposal and incineration to provide affordable, good quality paint for reuse in the local community. Not only will the project benefit our environment, it will also deliver economically in terms of job creation and reduced costs for the community groups and individuals who use the paint.
A similar scheme run by the Rediscovery Centre in Dublin has been hugely successful and will provide mentoring for the new Cork scheme.
Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Joe Kavanagh, commented,“This is a really exciting collaborative project which sees Circular Economy in action in our city. I am delighted to see that the paint reuse initiative will deliver environmental, economic and social benefits to the community and wish to congratulate all involved in securing the funding to establish such a project in Cork.”
Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Mary Linehan Foley, said, “We’re all increasingly conscious of the finite nature of resources available to us. Circular economies keep products in use for as long as possible and avoid waste. I find it very encouraging to see this pilot Paint Re-use Scheme starting up. It’s positive news for the environment and for our communities and I hope it inspires more projects in the same vein.”
It is anticipated that the project will be up and running this month.
A 400-Year-old Connection Remembered
Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr. Mary Linehan Foley welcomes the 400th anniversary of the foundation of Newport News in Virginia by Daniel Gookin of Carrigaline and William Neuce of Newcestown, County Cork. A commemorative webinar led by historians and academicians in both Cork and the USA, sponsored by Cork County Council, will take place on Saturday, November 21st 2020.
Daniel Gookin and William Neuce were English settlers in the Munster Plantation who used it as a stepping stone to invest in the development of the newly founded colony of Virginia. Its history has recently been revisited in the Sky Atlantic drama series “Jamestown”. William Neuce died soon after his arrival in Virginia in November 1621, but Gookin went on to establish the successful plantation of Newport News, transporting cattle from Ireland in the process. After beginning the New World venture, Gookin continued his interest in Cork with the family eventually moving to Courtmacsherry.
Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr. Mary Linehan Foley said
“I am pleased to see this stellar line-up of speakers from both sides of the Atlantic, that have been brought together to explain the details and context of the English plantations in Munster and America. This is a great opportunity to learn about the impact the settlers and livestock transported from Ireland to the New World had and to explore the complexities of colonialism. This collaboration brings us closer to our transatlantic neighbors and deepens our understanding of our heritage.”
Organised by Dr. Hiram Morgan, UCC, the commemorative webinar will take place at 2.45pm 9.45pm GMT and 9.45am – 4.45pm EST on Saturday, November 21st. For more information on the event and for a link to attend, contact david.heffernan.history@gmail.comdavid.heffernan.history@gmail.com
Cork County Council presents the Children’s Book Festival Online
As part of the Being Creative initiative, Cork County Council Library & Arts Service has transformed this year’s Children’s Book Festival (CBF) into a digital celebration of literature and creativity in County Cork. The new look festival is set to bring the cream of children’s literature and illustration to Cork, with authors making virtual visits to schools and interactive Zoom sessions broadcast in classroom smartboards across the county.
In other years the book festival, part of the national “Right to Read” initiative, has been unable to facilitate some rural locations due to constraints, this year however by the nature of the virtual event, many more schools across the county can participate. Eyeries, Béal na Marbh, Mallow and Cobh were some of the schools taking part last month while Leamlara, Vicarstown, Baltydaniel, Ahiohill, Clogagh, and Ballinspittle get their turn this month. Similarly, the wide range of authors and artists available virtually gives CBF an extra mix of local and international flavour this year.
Highlights include Wicklow based author and illustrator Alan Nolan, creator of the ‘Murder Can Be Fatal’ series, Limerick writer Judi Curtin of ‘Alice & Megan’ series, illustrator Tatyana Feeney bringing her inimitable illustration style, storyteller extraordinaire Paddy O’ Brien regaling tales as Gaeilge and as Bearla and bestselling author Cathy Cassidy joining in all the way from North Wales thanks to the magic of digital technology.
Also joining the stellar line-up is Oisín McGann, writer and illustrator in a range of genres for children and teenagers, mainly science fiction and fantasy, has illustrated many of his own short story books for younger readers and Natasha Mac a Bhaird, author of a children’s biography of Sonia O’Sullivan, who will “visit” two schools in Sonia’s hometown of Cobh.
Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr Mary Linehan Foley welcomed the virtual festival,
“This year’s Children’s Book Festival, brought to us by our Cork County Council Library and Arts Service, is part of the Council’s “Keep Well” Campaign, to promote health and wellbeing for everyone during these difficult times. Authors have begun making virtual visits across Cork County to a great reception from the schools. The new digital approach to the annual event has proved a winning formula; the ease of access and use of resources provided by Cork County Council Libraries have made the visits entertaining and educational. The fantastic posters, reviews and stories created by the kids after author visits prove that festival has evolved and evoked a great response from everyone taking part in 2020. While we all look forward to a return to physical events for 2021, this year’s festival in its new format, visiting new places without ever having to leave the cosiness of the classroom setting, has been a great success.”
Cork County Council Commission Artwork Celebrating Community Cooperation in Pandemic
Dromina-based artists, Liam Lavery and Eithne Ring, have been commissioned by Cork County Council to create an artwork to commemorate the communal spirit shown by the people of County Cork during the COVID-19 pandemic. The new artwork, chosen following a public call for proposals by Cork County Council to artists based in Cork County, is to be located by the Public Library in Bruce Square, Charleville.
The Art Commission was initiated by former Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Ian Doyle, who, during his term of office, witnessed at first-hand the tremendous effort made by individuals and community organisations in a spirit of collaboration and co-operation, working together for the common good.
Liam Lavery and Eithne Ring, a husband and wife team, have been collaborating on public art for the past 20 years. Their work has developed from small low-relief wall panels, using cast aluminium as a medium, through to large scale public commissions combining a variety of different materials from cast bronze to wood, enamelled copper, glass, stone and stainless steel. One of their largest commissions commemorates the victims and survivors of the sinking of the Lusitania in 1915, located at the Lusitania memorial on the Old Head of Kinsale. Their Aoife and Strongbow seat sculpture in Waterford City also garnered acclaim.
Welcoming the announcement, the current Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Mary Linehan Foley said,
“This commission is very much of its time. We are still in the midst of a major public health crisis and are again calling on everyone to continue to make sacrifices to reduce the transmission of Covid-19. The designs for this artwork also recognise the efforts made by health professionals and the various voluntary and statutory bodies who continue to work tirelessly for the common good.”
The artists, Liam Lavery and Eithne Ring explain,
“The idea behind our artwork stems from the continuing great effort that the community has taken to overcome the Covid-19 pandemic, that has changed our lives in so many ways. One of the main aspects of this effort was delivering physical, emotional and psychological support to all people cocooning and in need of help as a result of isolation and reduction in everyday services. This community effort and cooperation contributes greatly to the struggle against this cruel and insidious virus that still lurks everywhere in the shadows. We hope that our artwork will reflect this great communal spirit which we all share.”
Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Tim Lucey commented,
“Former Mayor Cllr. Ian Doyle is a longstanding supporter of the Arts and, among his many duties as an elected member, sits on the Council’s Arts, Culture and Languages Strategic Policy Committee. I congratulate him on his vision in suggesting a public art commission as an appropriate way of marking community co-operation in this difficult time. Artists have the ability to make us feel and share, through their creativity, some ideas and concepts that can be difficult to articulate. I look forward to seeing the completed artwork installed in Charleville in 2021.”
Cork Harbour Greenway Bike Repair Stations Trialled
Cork County Council’s trial installation of bike repair stations on the Cork Harbour Greenway, at both Passage West and on the Carrigaline to Crosshaven section, will allow cyclists to carry out minor repairs and pump tyres while on the go.
The popular route, used by leisure trippers and commuters alike, has seen 157,739 users accessing it at Passage West, 129,731 at Carrigaline and a further 95,601 at Crosshaven during the last twelve months alone.
Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Mary Linehan Foley welcomed the pilot project saying,
“The public Cycle Repair and Pump Station will give Greenway users the opportunity to repair bikes and pump tires conveniently. Many commuters use this route as a sustainable way of getting to work and Cork County Council is keen to support more sustainable modes of travel. The stations have all the tools needed to carry out simple repairs and make an unwelcome puncture a lot less hassle.”
Each Repair Station is equipped with 10 tools, whether to pump a tyre, repair a frame, tighten a saddle or fix a chain; screwdrivers, adjustable spanners, skateboard tools, wrenches, hex key sets and tyre levers, are all available to use.
Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Tim Lucey, commented,
“Cork County Council supports and promotes alternative transport modes and there has been a significant increase in bicycle use since the onset of Covid 19. We hope this pilot project will encourage further use of the Greenway and improve the user experience and if successful, we can look forward to rolling the project out elsewhere across County Cork.”
Thursday, 12 November 2020
Communities urgently need financial help due to Covid-19
Due to Covid, many community facilities around the Cork City and County have been severely impacted financially. These crucial pieces of community infrastructure include Community centres, Community Gyms, Community Arts Centres, Community Theatres / indoor and outdoor astro turf facilities which have been closed since March
The closure of these community facilities means that the room rental on which they depend has dried up leaving them in some cases with no income whatsoever. Income from fundraising such as bingo, lotto, carboot sales, and other fundraising has all but vanished.
But community groups running these facilities still have bills to pay still such as electricity and gas to keep the place from becoming damp and mould, Water bills, Insurance cover, Loans payments, Legal costs for licence renewals etc
However no funding schemes are available to help the community groups who have had no income over the last seven months
Recent emergency funding schemes such as The Community Enhancement Programme 2020 focused on capital projects and the Community Emergency Fund 2020 scheme focussed on sanitising supplies only. While the Municipal districts will open grant schemes in the new year, unfortunately again these will be for capital projects there are no grants available for operating costs
Cork County Federation Muintir na Tire is asking local and central government immediately to put in place an emergency funding scheme to help our communities to get through this tough time.
Thursday, 5 November 2020
English Language Course - Beginners Mitchelstown FET Centre.
English Language Course - Beginners poster for our centre, Mitchelstown FET Centre.
I would really appreciate it if you could share with those who may be interested in the course.
If you have any queries or questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Thanking you.
Stay safe & well.
Kind Regards,
Ria Breen
Resource Worker,
Cork ETB,
Mitchelstown FET Centre,
Forrest Hall,
New Square,
Mitchelstown,
Co. Cork.
P67 XY80
Tel: 086 0484457
Operation ARCC! A Real Cork Christmas!!
In the run up to Christmas 2020, Cork County Council is launching Operation ARCC! A Real Cork Christmas!!
One of the aims of Operation ARCC is to reflect on Christmas traditions in Cork. As part of this, Cork County Council is inviting older people to recount their experiences of A Real Cork Christmas in times past.
We would love you to share your stories, traditions, memories, photos, poems or songs with us so that we can in turn share them with the wider Cork Community.
We really hope that we will have lots of contributions about Christmas past and also any unique cork traditions etc.
Please contact the Age Friendly Office on 021 4285557 for further details or email us and tell us you have your thinking cap on and have lots to tell J
Your contribution can be emailed or posted to Age Friendly Office, Floor 5 (The Tower) , County Hall, Cork. (Please include your name and telephone number on postal contributions so that we can contact you)
The questions below might help to guide you.
· What were the Christmas traditions when you were young?
· What do you miss about Christmas of old?
· What is your favorite Christmas memory?
· Do you have a favorite Christmas photo you would like to share?
· What makes a Cork Christmas different to any other?
· Any special family heirloom recipes?
· Are there any Cork Christmas traditions that aren’t found elsewhere?
· Are there any Christmas traditions or customs in your Community, Town or Village that aren’t found elsewhere?
We look forward to hearing from you to hear about your memories of A Real Cork Christmas!
Mary.
Online Community Group Training Friday 13th December 2020
Online Community Group Training
Friday 13th December 2020 - 10.00am -
12.30pm
|
Learning Outcomes
|
Registration is
essential and if you wish to attend the course, please contact Natasha to
register on 022 46580 or natasha@avondhublackwater.com
Wednesday, 4 November 2020
Few places remaining on 3 of SHEP’s Autumn 2020 Community Education Programme
There are a few places remaining on 3 of SHEP’s Autumn 2020 Community Education Programme of short courses. All of these courses are at No Charge and all are On-line.
Just letting you know in case at this late stage there is someone you know of that might benefit from the opportunity and be interested to apply.
SHEP is at 021 4666180.
- Seasons for Growth – Living with Grief, Loss & Change in our Daily Lives
- Caring for Our Wellbeing /Managing Stress
- Supporting Parents – Responding to young children’s anxieties due to Covid-19
With thanks and best wishes
Liam
_______________
Liam Mc Carthy,
Training and Development Officer (Community Education & Development),
The Social and Health Education Project CLG
The Old National School,
Ardfoyle Avenue, Ballintemple,
Cork T12 XDH2
Main 00353 (0)21 4666180 Fax: 00353 (0) 21 4870104
Email: Liam.mcccarthy@
Website: www.socialandhealth.com
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