All About Cork: Time capsule opening gives insight to Mahon Point history

As part of its ongoing 20th-anniversary celebrations, Mahon Point Shopping Centre unveiled a special piece of its history last week with the opening of time capsules sealed when the centre first opened in 2005.

The families of six building contractors who built Mahon Point were invited back to open and read the messages they had left inside time capsules two decades ago.

While not all could attend, those present shared a nostalgic journey, offering a unique glimpse into the past and celebrating the role their families played in shaping the shopping centre.

Justin Young, Mahon Point’s Shopping Centre director spoke at the event.

“Mahon Point has become much more than just a shopping centre, it’s a place where the community comes together to shop, dine, and create lasting memories,” he said.

“Over the past two decades, we’ve continually evolved to meet the needs of our customers, and we are so grateful for their ongoing support.

“As we celebrate this milestone, we’re excited for what the future holds and look forward to many more years of providing great experiences for everyone who walks through our doors.”

The event was attended by the shopping centre’s owners Deka Immobilien, managing agents Savills Ireland, and long-serving Mahon Point staff members.

The occasion began with a small ceremony at the front of the centre, followed by a reception in the community room, where attendees reconnected and reminisced.

Built on land once owned by the Crawford family, known for their role in Beamish & Crawford, the site has a rich history, evolving from an aristocratic estate to an industrial hub before transforming into a modern retail centre.

Since its launch, Mahon Point has continued to expand, introducing international brands, a state-of-the-art Omniplex cinema, and Cork’s largest farmer’s market, while maintaining its commitment to sustainability and community engagement.

Mahon Point had invited the community to celebrate its 20th anniversary with a series of free family events throughout March.

Clean up a great success

The Blackrock Clean Up group collected 25 bags of litter during their monthly clean up of the local coastal area, in recent weeks.

In a statement, the group said: “A very big thank you to all 10 volunteers who gave their time to take part in yesterday’s Clean Coasts cleanup, including our very own Deputy Lord Mayor, Honore Kamegni!

“In all we collected over 25 bags of litter and some very random items, so well done.

“Some fly tipping was noted from Castle Road down to the shoreline — this is very disappointing.

“Thanks as always to Castle Café Cork where we enjoyed coffee and a chat afterwards.

“We look forward to our next cleanup, on March 8, and hope to see you then!”

Charity welcome student nurses

A local charity recently welcomed students from University College Cork as part of an ongoing partnership.

Second year nursing students from UCC paid a visit to the Rainbow Club in Mahon, which provides services for more than 1,300 children with autism and their families every week.

In a statement, the Rainbow Club said: “We were delighted to welcome second year nursing students from University College Cork.

“As part of their project, they are required to complete field visits that involve children in the community.

“It was a pleasure to welcome them on site to talk about the services we provide, give information about challenges families have and also show them around the Rainbow Club.

“We look forward to welcoming another group of students again soon.

“These initiatives are a vital part of our work and we are delighted to give these students the opportunity to engage with us.”

School advice for ill children

A local school has asked parents and guardians not to send their child to school if they are ill, because of an increase in ‘bugs’ in the community.

Scoil na Croise Naofa said: “There are a lot of bugs and viruses doing the rounds at the moment. Please remember that if your child is unwell, school is not the right place for them.

“They should stay at home until they feel better. If a child comes to school and is not well enough to be here, we will call you and ask to take them home.

“If they have or had a fever, are vomiting or have diarrhoea, or certain illness, the HSE has guidelines on when children should return to school.

“If your child has been absent due to illness, you must inform the school of this, so that it can be recorded as that type of absence, either via the Aladdin app, or with a note in their homework journal on their return to school,” the school added.

Student programmes at UCC

Four students from Ursuline College Blackrock took part in programmes at University College Cork (UCC).

Fifth-year students Ellen Chambers and Emma Dudley attended the UCC Law Academy during the mid-term break.

This programme is for students who are considering a career in law.

Ursuline College Blackrock said: “Competition for places was strong, as places are limited.

“We are delighted that two of our students have been accepted.”

Meanwhile, transition-year students Kate Hopkins and Anya Lokugamage have been accepted to the creative arts programme at UCC, which will be held from March 3 to March 7.

“This is a great opportunity for them to explore theatre, music and film across the three-day programme,” the school said.

“It offers a highly personalised and an immersive experience for our students. It provides a forum to explore possible future career paths.

“The places are very limited, with only 20 available this year. Well done to all students who applied during our career guidance class. We wish our students the very best of luck.”

€54k for community centre

Funding of €54,197 has been announced for insulation and painting at the Mahon Community Centre, as part of a €1.2m allocation for community projects across Cork.

The money, available through the Community Recognition Fund, will be invested in a range of projects and will include upgrades and enhancements to sports facilities, community centres, parks, walking trails and playgrounds.

The allocations were announced by Jerry Buttimer, Fine Gael TD for Cork South Central, whose portfolio as minister of state at the Department of Rural and Community Development includes responsibility for community development and charities.

Headline allocations in Cork city include €150,000 for the development of a Foróige youth centre and café on MacCurtain St; €120,000 for remedial building works to the South Parish Community Centre; €83,740 for the Inishmore playground in Ballincollig, and €70,000 for a replacement roof at the Barrack St Brass Band premises.