All About Cork: Viral Cork sensations Kabin crew launch Cruinniú na nÓg festival

Kabin crew on hand to launch Cruinniú na nÓg festival

Young people from Knocknaheeny and The Kabin Studio were on hand to launch this year’s Cruinniú na nÓg festival.

This year, Cruinniú na nÓg will take place on Saturday, June 15, and will feature more than 1,000 free creative activities for children and young people throughout the island of Ireland.

The theme this year is Dare to Create and Creative Ireland is calling on all young people to get creative, try something new and show off their skills.

The launch event was marked by an energetic performance of the rap ‘Found my Spark’ led by GMC Beats ambassadors MC Tiny, aged 15, and Lil’Sophia, aged 11, with support from the young rappers of the Sandyford Traveller’s Action group.

Among the events taking place locally this year, Creative Ireland is teaming up with GMC Beats to get every young person in Ireland rapping.

In preparation, the Rhyme Island team have been travelling the length and breadth of the country holding a series of online and in-person workshops, which will culminate in a massive day of rap back at the GMC Beats headquarters at The Kabin Studio in Knocknaheeney, Cork.

Announcing Cruinniú na nÓg 2024, Minister Catherine Martin said: “This year Cruinniú na Óg is everywhere, and all at once!

“I’m delighted that Cruinniú na nÓg will feature events across the four corners of the island building on the inaugural all-island programming in 2023.

“In the spirit of the Shared Island initiative, we continue to promote cross-community creative opportunities for children young people to engage in creative activities while building new relationships and bringing communities together.”

View’s tribute to Meehan

Castleview AFC have paid tribute to their club chairperson Ciaran Meehan on receiving the Cork Schoolboys League Administrator of the Year 2023/24 award.

On Facebook, the club said: “It’s a well-deserved recognition for all the hard work and time he dedicates to Castleview’s Schoolboy section, ensuring that the next generation of superstars make their way up to the adult teams.

“From training teams, cutting and lining pitches, running the club shop, attending matches, and organising committee meetings, you’re sure to see Ciaran multiple times a week at O’Sullivan Park, working tirelessly for his beloved club.

“Well done on your award Ciaran — great recognition for both you and the club.”

Féile Fearann Rí festival returns

Féile Fearann Rí, presented by Creative Tradition in partnership with Music Generation, Musical Neighbourhoods, Scoil Íosagáin, local schools, community groups and Farranree Parish, is back this year.

Taking place between June 10 and 15, it is the second year of the trad and folk music festival on Cork’s northside.

This year, the community, trad and folk music festival features collaborations with Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, Donal O’Connor, Thomas McCarthy, and Niamh Dunne.

There will be plenty of workshops, rehearsals, sessions, recitals, concerts and gigs for people of all ages and abilities. The full festival programme will be released soon.

Anyone interested in supporting the festival can email creativetradition@gmail.com. Donations, volunteers, musicians, and enthusiasts are all encouraged to get involved in Féile Fearann Rí.

3D printer sparks interest in tech with students in Churchfield

Students at Scoil Padre Pio, Churchfield, Cork, with the 3D models created using a 3D printer given to the school by Stryker. 

This initiative helps support students to get access to cutting-edge technology, provided and supported by Stryker, to spark an interest from an early age in the areas of science, technology, engineering and maths. 

Using the technology to create student-inspired concepts brings fun to the learning experience. Stryker is committed to investing in the innovators of the future, as part of the company's broader mission to make healthcare better. 

Sinn Féin candidate calls for compulsory purchase of site

A local election candidate has written to Cork City Council asking them to consider a compulsory purchase of the Connie Donovan’s pub site on Cattle Market avenue.

Sinn Féin candidate for Cork City North West, Michelle Gould, said that having spoken to locals recently, the site has come up repeatedly.

“People are deeply frustrated by the lack of action from Cork City Council.

“The site was placed on the Derelict Sites Register in 2022 and, while this was a step forward, nothing has been done to resolve the dereliction since,” she said.

“This is attracting anti-social behaviour, dumping and vermin. It is causing huge concern for people in the area,” Ms Gould added.

She believes the site could be used for something positive in the community.

“There isn’t a blade of grass in the surrounding area and yet we have this, relatively large and excellently positioned, site left to rot.

“I have asked the council to consider either putting an amenity on the site to allow the community to gather.

“There are new, young families moving into the area almost weekly now and it would be wonderful to see public space that allows them to build relationships with the older community that have lived in the area for a long time.

“Another option would be to turn the site into downsizing accommodation for those living locally.

“This could potentially allow more families to move into the larger houses and allow people to age with dignity in their local community.

“The opportunities for this site are huge. It has the potential to be a real asset to the community,” she added.

A spokesperson for the local authority said: “Cork City Council do not have any comment on this site at this time.”

Community Garden events

There are a number of community events running weekly at the Knocknaheeny Community Garden.

Men are welcome to the Men’s Shed every Thursday from 11am to 3pm.

People are promised a fantastic time filled with camaraderie, tea, coffee, and scrumptious sandwiches.

All are welcome to share stories, laughter, and good company.

Meanwhile, an Art Workshop also takes place on Thursdays at the community garden. It takes place from 12pm to 2pm.

All are welcome to get creative.

Animal tributes at library

Young animal lovers are asked to create a timeless tribute to your favourite animal or family pet, and have it exhibited at Blarney Library.

Children and teens are invited to drop in a printed A4 photograph, before the end of May, so friends and family can come and enjoy your beloved animal in their summer exhibition.

There will be prizes for top three entries.

Have Knocknaheeny, Gurranabraher or Hollyhill news? Contact Sarah.Odwyer@theecho.ie