All About Cork: Mick Finn steps back from public life after election loss

Following an unsuccessful run in the general election, Independent candidate and former lord mayor Mick Finn is to take a step back from public life for the moment.

Finn finished sixth in the Cork South Central dog fight and although not eliminated, felt he was a good bit behind where he needed to be.

“There is a reason why there has been no Independent TD in Cork South Central and it’s mainly to do with the enduring strength of the parties,” Mr Finn reflected.

“National trends and opinion polls rarely cross over into this particular constituency. And while my 150-strong team and I received a great response from people on the canvass trail, it just did not translate into votes. Fifteen years of working for people in the city did not make much of an impact beyond it, it seems.”

A councillor for three successive terms, and the first uncontested and Independent lord mayor of Cork for 70 years, Finn says he will take some time out now to take stock.

“I will step back from some of my involvements for the next while and continue to focus on my role as youth services manager with Cork ETB. It’s now up to those elected locally and nationally to step up and support the communities that supported them.”

Mr Finn wished to thank all those who voted for him and those who supported his election bid.

“My first thanks is to my family, friends, work and club colleagues who all supported me in different ways on the trail — they were brilliant and I am hugely thankful to them for taking on the role that the political parties have paid personnel and membership to do for them.

“I am also thankful for the over 3,500 people who trusted me with their No 1 vote but also the over 3,000 who gave me a preference. I am very grateful for that support and just sorry I cannot deliver for them.

“I look forward to the newly elected TDs delivering on their promises made during the campaign to tackle issues including more flexible housing options for young people, chronic deficiencies in the disability and mental health sector, lack of services for children and teens with autism, and the failures of government in delivering transport and entertainment infrastructure in Cork.”

Club legends take charge of tie

Ballyphehane Celtic has revealed its management team for the upcoming charity match between the local soccer club and Ballyphehane GAA.

The match, which will take place on December 21 at Murphy’s Farm, will raise funds for The Irish Sepsis Foundation and Cork Penny Dinners.

In a statement this week, Ballyphehane Celtic revealed that two club legends will take charge of the team for the charity tie.

“We are delighted to announce the management team for the upcoming Ballyphehane Celtic vs Ballyphehane GAA match: Tom Corcoran and Denis Kelly, two Ballyphehane Celtic legends who brought tremendous success to the club during the late 80s and early 90s,” the club said.

“Tom and Denis were not just managers; they were icons of Ballyphehane Celtic’s golden era.

“Known for their tactical brilliance, leadership, and the ability to inspire teams to victory, they created a legacy that still resonates within the club today.

“Their passion for the game and commitment to the players helped shape the club’s proud history.

“We are thrilled to have Tom and Denis back on the sideline for this special occasion and can’t wait to see the Ballyphehane community come together for an unforgettable day of sport and camaraderie.”

Christmas tea dance

A “heartwarming” Christmas tea dance brought together generations of families from the community at a local secondary school last week.

Presentation Secondary School Ballyphehane hosted the ‘Ballyphehane Network of Older Groups Christmas Tea Dance 2024’.

In a statement, the school described the event as “a heartwarming day at our Nano Nagle Theatre”.

“We were thrilled to host the Ballyphehane Network of Older Groups Christmas Tea Dance 2024, bringing together generations to celebrate the season in style.

“A special thank you to our amazing TY students who helped make this event so memorable, assisting with everything from decorations to dancing.

“A huge shout-out to Lord Mayor Dan Boyle for adding a magical touch to the day with an impromptu performance!”

Local student Sara qualifies for BT science exhibition

A student from a local secondary school has qualified for the prestigious BT Young Scientist Exhibition.

Sara Albert, a second-year student at Coláiste Éamann Rís, will present her project, ‘The Connection Between Humans and Nature’, at the RDS in January. The school said: “We are so proud of her hard work and dedication to her project.”

Gym works finished

Ballyphehane GAA Club has completed work on its gym and clubhouse.

The club said: “Massive thanks to Evan and Wayne, of OMM Electrical, for a great service on installing new Led lights in our gym. We are delighted to finish off works in our gym and clubhouse, which we have expanded upstairs and downstairs, along with new showers and canteen.”

Plea for homeless pupils

A primary school principal has shared the impact of homelessness on school life.

Greenmount National School principal Finbarr Hurley was speaking to The Echo following publication by the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) of a guide for teachers on how to support children who have lost their permanent home.

“We usually become aware that a family is experiencing homelessness because the parents trust us enough to share,” said Mr Hurley.

“We’re often the place a parent can come for the day, charge their phone, be warm, have a cup of tea, and figure out a plan for that night. We can provide the basics — phone credit or correct numbers — to help them sort out that immediate issue of where they’re going to sleep that night.”

Mr Hurley called for funding from the Department of Education to provide art therapy or play therapy to students affected by homelessness, and to support their basic needs through what he said is “a worsening issue”.

Award for Lough crib painting

The lord mayor of Cork’s chamber recently hosted Cork artists aged from four to 11.

As part of Cork City Council’s Corkmas celebrations, city libraries organised an art competition for schoolchildren to design Christmas images for display in bus shelters.

The competition received 140 submissions and 20 winners were eventually chosen from the age groups four to six, seven to eight, and nine to 11.

The chamber was packed earlier this month as Lord Mayor Dan Boyle welcomed the winners and their parents, presenting each artist with a Cadbury’s selection box and a specially produced poster of their artwork.

Among the winners was Méabh Kelleher, 11, from Ballincollig, who goes to Gaelscoil Uí Ríordáin. She painted a watercolour of the crib in The Lough and she has already seen her picture in a bus shelter in Glanmire.

The drawings will feature on bus shelters across the city throughout the Christmas period.

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