All About Cork: Secondary schools recognised in Mahon and Blackrock

Students earn peace award in leadership programme

A number of transition year students from Nagle Community College have been recognised for their youth leadership as part of their work with the Cooperation Ireland Future Leaders Programme 2023-2024.

The programme is an accredited leadership initiative connecting emerging leaders and building the next generation of peacebuilders on the island of Ireland.

The Future Leaders programme provides a unique opportunity to put 500 young people, aged 14 to 17 years from different backgrounds, through leadership development training.

The initiative saw students from Nagle Community College work with counterparts from Belfast High School, for which they were presented with a Peace Award.

In a statement, the local secondary school said they were “delighted” to announce that Nagle Community College TY students were awarded their third Peace Award for Youth Leadership as a result of their work.

Students created a presentation based on the different aspects of the course: sports leadership, community activism and youth cooperation and leadership.

“The students then presented their achievements in these areas to a panel of corporate delegates, community activists and Cooperation Ireland officials. The students were highly praised for their fantastic work, along with their linked school in the North, Belfast High School.

“We are very grateful to be part of this wonderful Cooperation Ireland programme and are looking forward to next year already,” the school added. “Well done to all our young leaders at bronze level who put an enormous effort into the programme during the year. Thanks to Ms McLaughlin and Ms Collins for accompanying the students.”

Autism charity receives €6.8k

Almost €7,000 was raised for the Rainbow Club in Mahon at the recent Cork Business Association awards night.

The charity, which provides support to around 1,300 children with autism and their families every week, was the chosen charity for the CBA’s annual award ceremony.

CBA president Aaron Mansworth presented a cheque for €6,804 to Rainbow Club founder Karen O’Mahony, in recent days.

In a statement, Karen said: A huge thank you to everyone at CBA especially Cliona, Sarah and the team for supporting Rainbow Club at the recent awards night.

“We were so delighted and grateful to Aaron Mansworth, president this year, for picking us as his chosen charity.

We cannot begin to thank everyone who donated prizes, bought tickets and also spoke to Karen and Gobnait, offering help for the charity.

Project reaches finals

Three students from Ursuline College Blackrock will travel to Dublin this month to take part in the Young Environmentalist Awards finals.

Abi Murphy, Aisling O’Sullivan and Saoirse-Joy O’Sullivan saw their project, ‘De-influencing Sustainability to Save Humanity’, progress to the national finals.

The trio will travel to the Convention Centre in Dublin to showcase their project alongside the other finalists on Wednesday, May 15.

Ursuline College Blackrock said in a statement: “A huge congratulations to Abi Murphy, Aisling O’Sullivan and Saoirse-Joy O’Sullivan whose project ‘De-influencing Sustainability to Save Humanity’ is through to the Young Environmentalist Awards finals.

CPR talk at secondary school

A Local secondary school student has been praised for teaching his fellow students about CPR, and the importance of learning the life-saving technique.

Jack Lucey, a third-year student at Nagle Community College, recently gave a talk to transition-year students at the school on CPR and first aid.

In a statement, the local school praised Jack for his leadership in the area.

“Well done to 3rd-year student Jack, a trained first aider and member of the Order of Malta who delivered a wonderful talk on CPR and first aid to all our TY students this afternoon,” the school said.

“Jack demonstrated wonderful student leadership and peer learning by delivering an insightful talk.”

Marina Market host festival

The Marina Market will be among the venues for the world-renowned Cork International Choral Festival, which is set to take centre stage this May bank holiday weekend, with more than 5,000 participants due to bring their musical talents to Cork city.

The festival now in its 69th year, will take place until May 5, and will feature hundreds of national and international choirs in a lineup of exciting performances and workshops.

With more than 90 venues hosting gala performances, competitions, fringe concerts, and free public performances, there will be music everywhere you turn across Cork.

As well as a new venue in the form of the Marina Market, highlights of the 2024 programme include the popular afternoons in the atrium at Clayton Hotel and the Cobh Fringe Festival featuring choirs at scenic locations.

Apprenticeships in spotlight

Nagle Community College recently hosted a visit from a former student, who highlighted the potential pathway apprenticeships offer to students.

Gavin Aston, from the class of 2022, returned to speak with students. He is currently undertaking an electrical apprenticeship with Irish Rail and CIE.

“Gavin spoke to our current Leaving Cert students about apprenticeship opportunities similar to his own and talked students through what is involved in the application process and the structure of the course,” the school said.

It’s always great to welcome past pupils and to see how well they are doing. Well done Gavin, thank you for your time today, we wish you continued success.

Big busk fundraiser

The Marina Market was among the venues for this year’s Big Busk event which raised over €320,000 to combat homelessness.

All-day busking events took place across Ireland on April 12, including at the Marina Market, to raise funds in the fight against homelessness.

More than 240 Irish music acts including singer-songwriters, jazz bands, hip hop groups, and school choirs performed on streets to raise funds and highlight the need to tackle homelessness across the country.