Lord Mayor Community and Voluntary Awardees: Recreation, Sport, Health & Wellbeing

Organisations making a difference to people’s health and wellbeing in Cork have been shortlisted under the Recreation, Sport, Health & Wellbeing category of the Cork City Lord Mayor Community and Voluntary Awards.

Those shortlisted include Cork Business League, Bongo Buddies, and Cork Cancer Care Centre.

Cork Business League

The Cork Business League is an adult male junior soccer league which currently operates in the Autumn – Spring football season.

Founded in 1952 and still affectionately referred to by some as the ‘shipping league’, Cork Business League (CBL) has provided junior football for teams representing their places of work for nearly 75 years.

Secretary Peter Travers said the foundations of the present league were laid way back in the late 1940’s when a number of companies engaged in trading through the port of Cork - hence the use of shipping in the title - organised a knock-out Competition between themselves.

“The League was granted full junior status in the 1952 to 1953 season. Seven teams competed in the first league championship which was won by Cork Harbour Commissioners,” he said.

“The league trophy donated by Cork Steam Packet Company is still in use today, most recently won by Doolan's Cow Bar during the 2022/2023 season.

“From humble beginnings the league has grown and in its modern form had its highest numbers in decades with three divisions comprising of 28 teams in 2024. A total of eight trophies are competed for each year, with many of our Finals taking place at Turners Cross Stadium.” 

Speaking about the impact Cork Business League makes in Cork, Mr Travers said: “One example of how we impact the local community is we recently succeeded in a mental health campaign where we provided specially made captains armbands for all our teams during the months of January and February.

“This campaign aimed to raise awareness about mental health, provide support for people facing challenges, and foster a sense of community within the Cork football scene.

“Our Captain’s Armband Initiative was a unique campaign that saw team captains in the Cork Business League don specially designed armbands featuring the Head in the Game logo.

“This initiative underscores the commitment of the CBL, Head in the Game, Jigsaw, and Shine to promote mental well-being and create a positive impact on the lives of individuals in the CBL and across the wider footballing community in Cork and beyond.” 

Mr Travers paid tribute to all those involved in the Cork Business League and said they are all truly honoured to be shortlisted for the awards.

“As Secretary of the Cork Business League, I speak on behalf of the full CBL Management Committee, we deeply understand the invaluable role that volunteers play in our league. Along with ourselves, managers, coaches and club committee members - the dedication, commitment, and passion that is seen in the CBL, not only drives the league forward but also keeps a sense of community and sportsmanship among all teams,” he said.

“Being nominated for a volunteer award fills us with immense pride and gratitude, as it highlights the significance that without volunteers there would be no CBL.

“We are truly honoured to be recognised alongside the other remarkable individuals and groups in our category. Every committee member of the CBL gives up their time and energy to make our little CBL community thrive.”

Cork Cancer Care Centre

Cork Cancer Care Centre has also been nominated under the Recreation, Sport, Health & Wellbeing category of the awards.

The idea for the centre was conceived by Ann Dowley Spillane who, following her diagnosis and whilst undergoing treatment, became aware of the need to support each other with ideas, advice and most importantly, a shoulder to lean on.

In February 2011, the Girls Club, now known as Cork Cancer Care Centre, which is based on a solid positive approach and positive encouragement, was born.

Throughout 2011 those touched by cancer, their families and friends met regularly at the Ambassador Hotel in Cork city, holding many workshops, events and fundraisers.

Ms Dowley Spillane continued her brave battle with cancer until she sadly passed away on October 13, 2017.

When her health deteriorated in 2016, Linda Goggin James took on more responsibility in the day-to-day running of the centre, dealing with councillors and holistic therapists, grants, training, as well as organising fundraising events.

Having been mentored by Ms Dowley Spillane, Ms Goggin James succeeded her in the operations of the centre after her untimely death and became the general manager before being appointed CEO in 2021.

Speaking to The Echo, Ms Goggin James said: “At Cork Cancer Care Centre, we are committed to providing comprehensive support and care to individuals and families affected by cancer.

“Our services encompass a wide range of support mechanisms, including counseling, holistic therapies, practical assistance, and emotional support groups.

“We believe in addressing the holistic needs of our clients, ensuring they receive the care and support they need throughout their cancer journey.

“One of the highlights of our service is the profound impact we have on the lives of those we serve. Through our programs and support services, we witness firsthand the positive difference we make in alleviating distress, providing comfort, and empowering individuals to navigate their cancer experience with resilience and hope.

“Our holistic approach to care not only addresses the physical aspects of cancer but also provides emotional and psychological support, enhancing the overall well-being of our clients and their families.” 

Ms Goggin James said that being nominated for the Lord Mayor's Community and Voluntary Awards is “a tremendous honor and validation of our dedication to serving the community”.

“It is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our staff, volunteers, and supporters who tirelessly strive to make a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer,” she said.

“This nomination inspires us to continue our mission with renewed vigor and determination, knowing that our efforts are recognized and valued by the community we serve."

Bongo Buddies

Four second-year students from St Vincent’s Secondary School in Cork have also been shortlisted under the Recreation, Sport, Health and Wellbeing category of this year’s awards.

Alicja Skulimowska, Leona Islam, Roisín Buckley, and Layla O’Driscoll were last year selected to represent Europe in the Technovation final in the US for the development of a mental health support app for teenagers called Bongo Buddies.

One of 15 teams from across the world who made the final, the four students were joined in their category by teams representing Kenya, India, Brazil, and the US.

The students developed the app as part of the Technovation programme which was run at St Vincent’s Secondary School by teacher Sinead Connolly, with the support of principal James Deane, deputy principal Rosemary Ferriter, and other staff members.

The free and accessible wellness app designed to provide certified mental health support for teenagers that includes the feature of a chatbot which aims to make the user feel more secure while using the app with the confidence that information remains private.

When designing their app, the students wanted it to be accessible to all users - with the school’s Lir ASD Hub being one of the inspirations for this decision - so that those of all abilities can use the app.

They said that while there are many mental health and wellness apps available for adults, that they wanted their app to be accessible to teenagers who want to seek advice confidentially.

Speaking to The Echo, Alicja, Leona, Roisín, and Layla said they are “delighted” to be nominated for this year’s awards.

“Our app is a wellness app created for teenagers by teenagers. It is accessible to all and it is free,” they said.

“It shows that if we can create, design and code an app with hard work and an idea anyone can. We were a group of girls that had never coded before and with help and encouragement and guidance from Mrs Connolly, we created and designed a project that got to a global app development competition in the USA.” 

The award ceremony will take place on Wednesday, April 10 where the overall winner will be revealed.