'This has not happened by accident': Former Lord Mayor welcomes revival of volunteer club sector in Cork

A FORMER Lord Mayor, working as a youthwork services development manager at Cork Education and Training Board (CETB), has welcomed what he says is a revival in the volunteer-led club sector in Cork.

Cork ETB has reported a 10% increase in the number of youth clubs applying for the 2024 Local Youth Club Grant Scheme (LYCGS) that has resulted in the payment of approximately €270,000 in grant funding to groups throughout Cork.

From a baseline of 200, the number of voluntary youth clubs in Cork — operated by various bodies and independent committees — fell below 100 in the two years during Covid-19 but has rebounded for 2024.

“We are delighted that 165 clubs, in all corners of Cork, have applied for the grant scheme this year which is up 15 since 2023 and represents a welcome return to the kind of club numbers we had pre Covid,” explained Cork ETB youthwork services development manager, Mick Finn.

“This has not happened by accident.

“A lot of work has been put in to reviving and rejuvenating the volunteer-club sector in Cork, more so than in most other counties, and our team in Cork ETB — especially Abina Curtin and Gillian Beasley — has worked closely with clubs to support them and get dormant units back up and running and new clubs operating,” Mr Finn, who is also an Independent councillor, said.

A CETB ReVive event was created two years ago to stoke up interest in the sector.

Cork ETB received an allocation of €272,400 from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) for 2024 which has been allocated to groups under the umbrella of Scouts, Guides, Foróige, Cloyne Diocesan Youth Services, Macra na Feirme and independents.

“This grant scheme has traditionally been the lifeblood of these clubs, helping to pay fees, rents, utilities and to fund activity programmes so we are thrilled that the allocations have been made earlier this year, so the clubs have the comfort of funds in hand for their operations,” Mr Finn explained.

The Cork ETB youthwork service department initiated a new online application system this year, with over 100 clubs coming together in January for an application workshop and a motivational session.

New clubs will be welcome to apply for the 2025 LYCGS. For more information email youthclub@corketb.ie.