All About Cork: Nagle College students meet King Charles III

Four students from a secondary school met Britain’s King Charles at a special event at Hillsborough Castle last week to celebrate the fifth anniversary of Co-operation Ireland’s Future Leaders (CIFL) programme.

The event highlighted the success of the initiative, which has empowered young people across the island of Ireland with leadership skills, fostering cross-community engagement and cooperation.

King Charles, who is joint patron of Co-operation Ireland alongside the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, met with young leaders who have participated in the programme, as well as key stakeholders and supporters of the charity.

This included four students from Nagle Community College — Jawad Dosunmu, Lucy O’Sullivan, Gabby Corcoran and Scott Clinton.

In a statement, Nagle Community College described the occasion as a “momentous day” for Jawad, Lucy, Scott and Gabby.

“During this incredible opportunity, the students engaged in workshops with students from Northern Ireland, exploring themes of identity, communication, leadership and peace building,” school management explained.

“They also had the unique privilege of meeting His Majesty King Charles III for a private audience, where they discussed key issues affecting young people today, including mental health, the pressures of social media and climate justice.

“His majesty was incredibly impressed with the insights the students shared and spent time speaking with each of them individually.

“The king also took time to meet with invited guests, including our Cooperation Ireland Coordinator Ms Lisa McLaughlin.

“The king praised our exceptional students and thanked them for their insights. He also spoke to Ms McLaughlin about his previous visit to Cork and the fond memories he has of that trip.”

The Nagle students were treated to a tour of Hillsborough Castle and had lunch with distinguished guests, including the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, former First Minister of Northern Ireland Arlene Foster, and the CEO of Cooperation Ireland.

The school said: “This was a unique honour as the students were four of only a group of 15 students to have this private audience and were the only students from the Republic of Ireland at the cross-border, peace-building and reconciliation event. A huge thank you to Margaret Lucy and Nicole Fitzsimons from Cooperation Ireland for making this unforgettable experience possible!”

Host a Rainbow Day

A charity is calling on local schools, clubs, creches and businesses to host a Rainbow Day in April in support of Autism Acceptance Month.

The Rainbow Club in Mahon provides vital support and services for children with autism and their families.

In a statement, the charity said: “For the month of April Rainbow Club Cork is asking for your support raising funds through our fun initiative.

“We would be deeply grateful if your school, club, creche or business would consider hosting a ‘Rainbow Day’ this April in support of Autism Acceptance Month.

“Students or team members could wear all the colours and raise vital funds for The Rainbow Club Centre for Autism. A generous donation of €2 from each participant would be appreciated.”

Fundraiser for Puffin Ward

A primary school raised almost €1,000 for the Puffin Ward at Cork University Hospital, which cared for a girl who passed away last year. Nicole Tudor passed away at just 10-years-old after she was diagnosed with terminal cancer. The Mahon community had rallied around the youngster and her father, Nicholas, after her diagnosis.

Nicole passed away on November 6 last year at the Puffin Ward at CUH.

Last Friday, Nicole’s school Scoil na Croise Naofa held a pink and purple puffin day in memory of their dear friend and to raise funds for the ward.

In a statement on Friday, the school said: “Today was a very special day in Scoil na Croise Naofa. We honoured our dear friend Nicole Tudor by wearing her favourite colours — pink and purple and celebrated her birthday.”

The school was joined by Nicole’s father on the day.

The school said that €917 was raised and will be donated to the Puffin Ward in CUH, “in memory of Nicole and in thanks to the staff who took such good care of Nicole there”.

Another cup for Ringmahon

Ringmahon Rangers picked up their second piece of silverware this season when they beat Rockmount 3-1 to land the 50th anniversary Keane Cup final at Turner’s Cross on Saturday.

An Eoin Murphy goal had given Rockmount the lead midway through the first half, but Glen Towler had the Mahon side level at the break, and second-half goals from Tony Whitehead and Darragh O’Shea helped Ringmahon to victory, adding to their Donie Forde Trophy success earlier in the campaign.

Ringmahon have been excellent all season, challenging on multiple fronts, and they were well worth their victory, shaking off that Rockmount opener to take control of the game with Gearóid Morrissey and Roy Kenny running things in the middle of the park for the winners.

Camogie stars of the future

Young camogie players from Blackrock and across Cork proved that the future of camogie in Cork is bright on Saturday morning.

Youngsters from Blackrock Camogie Club’s U8, U9, and U11 teams took part in blitzes across Cork city, including at St Finbarr’s, Bishopstown, and Mahon.

In a statement, the club said: “There was some great skill on show by all the girls. Cork camogie’s future is looking bright. Thanks to all the clubs hosting.”

New social housing scheme

The Lord Mayor of Cork, Dan Boyle, last week officially opened 30 new social housing apartments and turned the sod on another 133 new homes.

Mr Boyle officiated at the formal opening of 30 A-rated social housing apartments at Carraig View in Blackrock, a mix of six one-bedroom and 24 two-bedroom apartments.

It was developed by Lyonshall Ltd and built by Clancy Construction through Cork City Council’s competitive dialogue procurement process and is being managed by Tuath Housing Association on behalf of the council.

Chief commercial and development officer of Tuath Housing Association, Martin Loughran said: “Tuath Housing is proud to be working with Cork City Council to manage these 30 new homes at Carraig View in Blackrock.

“We look forward to our continued partnership with the Council to provide secure, quality housing to the people of Cork.”

Taoiseach leads tributes following death of Pat Dineen

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has led the tributes to the late businessman and sportsman Pat (PJ) Dineen who chaired Irish Steel, Bord na Móna, and Bord Gáis. Mr Dineen, aged 87, of Blackrock in Cork, but originally from Glasheen in the city, died on Thursday surrounded by his family.

Mr Martin took time out of his trip to Brussels to issue a statement in which he said that Pat Dineen had made an “enormous impact on Irish industry, sport and public life”.

“A great wit, with a keen business mind, Pat guided Bord Gáis, Irish Steel and Bord na Móna through some successful and challenging times,” said Mr Martin.”

Have Mahon and Blackrock news to share? Contact darraghberminghamecho@gmail.com.