All About Cork: Phil honoured for her work with people in Douglas

The hard work of Phil Goodman was recognised last weekend as the Douglas Young at Heart group launched their documentary, Young at Heart: The Phil Goodman Story, at the Rochestown Park Hotel.

Marking more than 25 years of Young at Heart in the community it traces the origins of the group and how Phil set it up to help people in the greater Douglas area, with more that 200 people turning up for the launch.

It tells her story and also that of the group as it looks back over the years showing the growth and development of the activities and essential services provided by the organisation. Based on the beginnings of Young at Heart in 2000 when Phil started to organise events for older people in the Douglas area. Her aim was to bring people together, beginning with a coffee morning at Douglas Village Shopping Centre.

The documentary then goes through Phil’s story of how she developed the organisation and activities that take now place on a weekly basis, as well as trips around the county and abroad.

The documentary outlines the importance of social contact and friendships for people, especially when growing older.

Young at Heart aims to introduce people to new skills and activities and maintain their positive attitude to life.

The documentary hears first-hand accounts from some of the Young at Heart members.

At the launch MC Maebh O’Connor paid tribute to Phil in recognition and appreciation of her dedication and commitment to Young at Heart and the wider community of Douglas.

Phil said she is delighted with how the documentary turned out.

“It was great to see so many people here for the launch, especially family members of people who feature in it who sadly are no long with us,” said Phil. “I am delighted that the hard work of the Douglas Young at Heart Group was portrayed and I am especially honoured of how it told my story.

“I set out to help a few people many years ago and it has turned into thousands over the years and 

hopefully it win continue for many years to come,” concluded Phil.

Douglas clubs pay tribute to Gabriel Doherty

Member of Douglas Camogie. Ladies Football and GAA Clubs were shocked and saddened by the passing of club member Gabriel Doherty.

Paying tribute to Gabriel they said on a social media post: “The outpouring of emotion for Gabriel Doherty following his sudden passing reflects how he is fondly remembered in Douglas GAA Club. Gabriel was born in Birmingham in 1967, which like other cities in post-World War II Britain emerged as a melting pot of people from diverse cultural circumstances. Against the backdrop of this heterogeneous society, Gabriel forged a love for the local soccer club Birmingham City while retaining an attachment to his heritage and fostering an interest in Irish history. Indeed, he always spoke affectionately of Galway and Roscommon, the native counties of his parents Seán and Helena.

“Like many others, Gabriel’s first involvement with the club originated as a parent, when his son Oscar began hurling and football with Douglas GAA Club. He was a constant presence at games and his connection with the club was cemented when his daughter Úna joined in 2015. Gabriel was a man with a deep social conscience and his affinity with Douglas GAA grew out of an instinctive desire to serve his local community. He transitioned from supporter to coach and immersed himself in camogie and LGFA. On the sideline Gabriel was a force of nature, and his positivity and enthusiasm was infectious. Gabriel served as vice-chairman of the camogie committee in 2023 and was the consummate volunteer, always willing to contribute in any capacity. Gabriel’s passing will be a profound loss to the U14 camogie and LGFA groups. The girls have lost a mentor, the coaches have lost a colleague but ultimately, we have all lost a dear friend. We wish to assure Gillian, Méabh, Oscar, and Una that Gabriel left an indelible mark and will never be forgotten.”

Comhaltas AGM

The AGM of Comhaltas Craobh na Dúglaise was held in the Gaelscoil. The attendance was welcomed by cathaoirleach Barry Cogan.

The Hon Secretary Trish Conroy in her annual report highlighted the many and varied activities of the branch throughout the past year including hosting of the Cork County Fleadh Cheoil in May for the first time ever in Douglas. Hon Treasurer Rós de Faoite reported a healthy balance. Cathaoirleach Barry Cogan in his address congratulated his fellow officers, the committee and the membership of the branch on working so well together to encourage the continued promotion of our traditional music, song, dance and our teanga Gaeilge.

The election of officers was as follows: Uachtarán Aislinn Cogan; cathaoirleach Barry Cogan; leas cathaoirleach Ger O’Driscoll; rúnaí Trish Conroy; rúnaí cúnta Mary Duggan; cisteóir Bríd Fitzgibbon; comhchisteóir Rós de Faoite; PRO Jerry Reen; iniúchóir Tim O’Sullivan; treoraí na Gaeilge Lorraine Houlihan; Oifigeach na nÓg Cathal Ó Loinsigh. Delegates to county board Margaret Quirke and Ger O’Driscoll, proxy Tim Mc Carthy.

The designated liaison person appointed was Niamh Ní Mhaoláin. Other committee members elected were Helen Walsh, and Liam Kennedy.

Have Douglas news to share? Contact rory.noonan@theecho.ie

 hopefully it win continue for many years to come,” concluded Phil.