All About Cork: July dates confirmed for Spirit of Mother Jones Festival

The Cork Mother Jones Committee has announced that the 2025 Spirit of Mother Jones Festival will take place in and around the Shandon Historic Quarter over three days from Thursday July 24 until Saturday July 26.

James Nolan, spokesperson for the festivaltold The Echo:

"We are delighted to confirm that our 14th Annual Spirit of Mother Jones Festival will once again be held in Shandon in 2025.

“This unique festival is dedicated to labour leader Mother Jones and has become an eagerly awaited festival and summer school in Cork each year.

It is entirely organised by a voluntary committee and attracts huge crowds to our community annually.

“We appreciate the support of the Irish trade union movement and the Cork City Council which enables the festival to remain free and open to everyone who wishes to attend.

“We will announce participants and speakers over the next months but we promise that our emphasis will, uniquely among summer schools, remain on heritage, history, trade union rights, social & climate justice and human rights issues, all matters close to the heart and rebel spirit of Cork born Mary Harris."

The Cork Mother Jones committee is asking people to suggest ideas for topics, possible speakers or issues they might wish to see at the 2025 festival.

Proposals should be based on material which is relevant, interesting and challenging and we promise to consider all suggestions.

They should be sent to motherjonescork@gmail.com.

Further details can be found on www.motherjonescork.com

Graffiti Theatre hiring director

Graffiti Theatre in Blackpool is hiring.

The theatre said: “We are looking for a dynamic programme director to lead and run our BEAG Early Years Arts programme.

“BEAG is Graffiti’s award winning Early Years Arts programme.

“It encompasses play-based, multi sensory and interactive arts experiences with and for children specifically from birth to three years, led by our highly skilled team of Early Years multidisciplinary artist practitioners and encourages educators to find the magic in the everyday.

“Graffiti is looking for an experienced project/arts manager with a drive to bring excellent arts experiences to our youngest citizens. A passion for nurturing and championing the Arts in Early Years and a strong belief in the ethos and values of BEAG are essential.”

For more information, visit https://www.graffiti.ie/news/we-are-hiring-2/

Applications must be made by November 29.

Christmas wreath-making

Looking to get into the festive spirit, unleash your creativity, and support a great cause while doing it?

Head to Blackpool Community Centre for a special Christmas wreath-making workshop.

Led by Teresa from Unforgettable Flowers, you will be guided through designing your very own luxury Christmas door wreath.

All materials and equipment provided, no experience needed, so bring your friends and family, or head along solo for a fun and festive event.

Limited spaces, so reserve your spot now.

The workshop takes place on Saturday, November 30 at 2pm to 4.30pm and Thursday, December 7pm to 9.30pn.

Book on 021 4394203 or email unforgettableflowerscork@gmail.com. The cost is €65 per person.

Delanys ‘Green Club’ award

A unique initiative by Delanys GAA that utilised the efforts of the wider community on a non-sporting level has led to recognition from the GAA itself.

The initiative, reported in this page at the time, caught the eye of Croke Park officials. Club spokesperson Gerard Maher told The Echo: “We applied for the Green Club program where we hung bird boxes, planted 100 native trees with the community and converted one side of the pitch that was overgrown into a garden with signage, educating adults and children on our native species of birds, plants etc. We invited everyone to get involved and the club was rewarded with the honour of being deemed a ‘Green Club’.

“Rosanne Devitt in the photo [above] was never even in a GAA club before and there she was with Jeanette Maher collecting the award in Croke Park. Thank you to everyone for getting involved and if there is anyone in the community that would like to get involved then you are more than welcome.”

Birdie Conway history talk

The next Shandon Area History Group public history talk takes place tomorrow in Coffa House, Church St, at 7.30 pm.

The incredible story of Birdie Conway, an international opera singer from Cork, is the subject of this talk. Birdie returned to Cork and joined Cumann na mBan, where she became involved in the struggle for independence.

See www.shandonareahistorygroupcork.com or email info@shandonareahistorygroupcork.ie

Blackpool Christmas Market

Blackpool Christmas Market takes place December 6 at the plaza outside the local church. Carol singing, sweet, and savoury treats, knitting, crochet, and Christmas ornaments will all be on offer from 10am to 1pm.

Blackpool CE openings

Dance classes are available for over 60s at Blackpool Community Centre from 2pm to 3pm.

Move with music, with dance tutor Maeve Kelleher, takes place on November 26 and 29. Those interested must book in advance.

Sing along with the HAZ band for over 60s takes place in Blackpool Community Centre on November 19 at 3pm.

All of the above health activities are free of charge. To register or if you have any questions contact Liz Madden, community health worker, on 087-6977942.

Blackpool Area Group community employment scheme is currently seeking people for various positions in caretaking, maintenance, grass cutting, and other areas.

Contact Seamus on 087 7106221.

Gaelic football coaching

Are you looking to start off your Gaelic football coaching career? Are interested in getting involved with a Junior A football team. Contact Gerard Maher on 0868243300 if you are interested in getting involved with Delanys GAA.

Blackpool, Shandon and Ballyvolane news to share? Contact robert.mcnamara@theecho.ie