All About Cork: Green Party councillor Kamegni 'honoured' to be deputy mayor

A recently elected local Cork City councillor has been named deputy lord mayor of Cork.

Green Party councillor Honore Kamegni was elected to Cork City Council last month to represent the South East ward.

Shortly after being elected, Mr Kamegni was chosen as deputy lord mayor, deputising his party colleague, councillor Dan Boyle.

Mr Kamegni said he was honoured.

“I am proud to be able to achieve this as a member of the great Green Party,” he added. "I continue to write the chapters of my history because nobody will write it for me.”

Shortly after becoming deputy, Mr Kamegni attended the launch of the Irish Council for International Students’ ‘Speak Out Against Racism Campaign’ at University College Cork.

The ICOS group highlights racism in Ireland, shows solidarity with victims of racial discrimination, and informs people of the steps they can take when faced with racism.

“I told the audience in UCC that racism affects millions of people around the world, it manifests in various forms,” Mr Kamegni said.

“We must know that silence in the face of racism is complicity.

“Finally, that we must have the courage to challenge racism and call for change.”

Announcing the new campaign, executive director of ICOS Laura Harmon, who is also a newly elected Labour councillor, said: “Racism is an issue that must be called out in Ireland. Our research tells us that two thirds of international students studying here will experience or witness racism during their time in the country.

“Our Speak Out Against Racism campaign aims to raise awareness about what racism is, inform people about their rights and encourage people to report it.

“Higher-education institutions also have a role to play in combatting racism and the Irish Council for International Students looks forward to working with our members across the country on this issue.”

St Michael’s GAA Club’s golf classic at Douglas is a big hit

St Michael's GAA Club recently hosted its hugely successful golf classic at Douglas Golf Course.

The local club shared photos from the event on social media in recent days, praising those who turned up to play on the day, sponsors of greens, and tees, and the Mahon Golf Course team which ran out winners.

“Thanks to our sponsors, The Leaping Salmon, and to all those teams who played and made it a great day,” St Michael’s stated.

“Thanks to all who sponsored teams, tee boxes and greens. Well done to our winners, Mahon Golf Club, who returned a fantastic score.”

Browne to leave Preston

Ringmahon Rangers academy graduate, Alan Browne, has decided against extending his contract at Championship side, Preston North End.

Browne, who has played for the Republic of Ireland and made over 400 appearances for Preston, came through the ranks of the local Mahon club.

In recent months, he has been the subject of much speculation amid interest from other clubs throughout the UK.

In a statement issued on July 1, Preston North End said: “We can confirm Alan Browne has informed the club he will not be accepting the offer of a three-year extension to his existing contract.

“A member of our 400 club, Browney leaves North End with everyone’s best wishes.”

Calls for rethink of local BusConnects route

The proposed BusConnects route for Skehard Road to Boreenmanna Road needs a complete revision, a local councillor has said.

The calls from Labour councillor Peter Horgan come in light of the recent Cork Luas route selections, revealed to Mr Horgan under Freedom of Information.

“This information, revealed to me before the election, shows that there is a plan to insert a Luas route along Skehard Road and presumably down Boreenmanna Road,” he stated.

“That means any plans for the BusConnects route proposed from Skehard Road to Boreenmanna road needs to be thoroughly revised.

“No plans, to date, mention the insertion of Luas track on the route which is obviously going to alter the road dimensions for cars, bikes and pedestrians.

“We need to see the full route reviewed and all the relevant documentation for the Cork Luas route on this section published without delay.”

Mr Horgan also cited the strong public viewpoints on the destruction of Beaumont Quarry with more tree felling planned as part of the road widening measures.

“I was glad to see the return this week of the yellow ribbons on the trees by Beaumont Quarry, an area of natural protection in my opinion. This was something that frequently was raised on doors during the election, notably from people who want to see public transport investment. We have to protect our green spaces.

“I am writing to the National Transport Authority to seek the proper revisions and publication of documents for this route,” he concluded.

Litter improvement says survey

A national litter survey has shown improvements in the Mahon area, with a local city councillor praising the impact of the recently established Mahon Tidy Towns group.

The results of the first national litter survey of 2024 by business group Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) were revealed last month.

The study, conducted by An Taisce on behalf of IBAL, found Mahon to be ‘moderately littered’, a vast improvement on last year.

Fine Gael councillor for Cork City South East, Des Cahill, described the report as good for Mahon as it demonstrates the improvement to the area, thanks to the newly-formed Mahon Tidy Towns.

“Citywide there is progress. More needs to be done and it will be done. Cooperation between the council and residents and business owners is imperative,” Mr Cahill said.

Mahon Tidy Towns hosts a power hour at 11am every Saturday when they collect litter in the area. The group has encouraged more people to get involved. For more, see Mahon Tidy Towns on Facebook.

Principal recruitment

A local secondary school is recruiting a principal ahead of the new term in August.

Nagle Community College, under the patronage of the Cork Education and Training Board (CETB), is in the process of hiring a principal ahead of the 2024/2025 academic year.

In a statement, the CETB said: Cork ETB invites applications from suitably qualified persons for the position of principal in Nagle Community College, Cork.”

Have Mahon news to share? Contact darragh.bermingham@theecho.ie