Yoga in the Park returns to Cork 

Yoga in the Park will return to Cork this summer in both Fitzgerald's Park and the Regional Park Ballincollig.

The weekly summer event, hosted by Himalaya Yoga Valley, has raised over €62,000 for charity over the last five years, with the team hoping to raise even more funds this year.

The first outdoor class of the Summer will take place in both parks over the bank holiday weekend on Saturday, June 1.

All funds raised at Fitzgerald's Park will go towards Cork Simon Community, while Pieta House will benefit from the funds raised at the Regional Park Ballincollig.

The class at Fitzgerald's Park will take place in front of the bandstand and run from 10am- to 11.15am while the class at the Regional Park Ballincollig will run from 10.15am to 11.30am.

People are encouraged to attend the weekly events which will run from this weekend to September 7.

Last year, over 400 people joined the Himalaya Yoga Valley team across both parks for Yoga in the Park and this year they hope to make it an even greater success.

“This is what community is all about – people believing in people; coming together to support men, women and children in our community who are suffering from the exclusion, isolation and devastation of homelessness,” said Cork Simon's Director, Dermot Kavanagh.

“The support of Himalaya Yoga Valley and all those participating in this very popular event over the last five years have helped us to keep our doors open for every person turning to us for help.

“It’s Cork at its best,” he added. 

Kieran Brady Director of Funding & Advocacy, Pieta House thanked Himalaya Yoga Valley for its support and generosity.

“The Yoga in the Park is a really rewarding and beneficial Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative for all involved.

“The funds received will help us provide our nationwide services which are free of charge and freely available therapeutic services to people who are in suicidal distress, those who engage in self-harm and those who are bereaved by suicide,” he added. 

Marion Courtney, Business Manager at Himalaya Yoga Valley said all of the team get great satisfaction from helping others through yoga.

“We encourage everybody to join us each Saturday of the summer months in either park to help raise much needed funds for these organisations whilst looking after their mind and body through yoga.

“To see over 400 people from all walks of life, ages, fitness abilities and entire families practicing yoga together every week for charity really is something special,” she added.

“We are so grateful to our team, members of our community and Cork City Council for making it such a great success.”