All About Cork: Cork and Welsh choirs perform at Shandon fundraiser

The City of Cork Male voice choir and Newtown & District Male voice Choir from Wales took part in the 'Sing for Shandon fundraiser''.

Plans for Corpus Christi Procession announced

It is approaching 100 years of tradition on Cork’s northside and plans for Cork city’s 2025 Corpus Christi Procession in June have been announced.

The Eucharistic Procession will take place on Sunday, June 2, and will begin at the North Cathedral and will be led by a famous northside band — the Cork Butter Exchange band.

This year marks 99 years since it began with the first procession in the Cork city streets taking place on June 6, 1926, where tens of thousands of people participated.

The idea of taking the procession through the streets of Cork emerged in the years after the Civil War.

Bishop Fintan Gavin said: “The Eucharistic Procession is deeply rooted and of huge importance to the people of Cork City and beyond. We are almost ten decades on since the first Procession through the streets of Cork City. Last year, we had a tremendous turnout and this year we are preparing for the ever-growing numbers.

“We are taking the final prayer and benediction back out onto the streets with a specially constructed stage on Grand Parade. I’m most grateful for everyone’s assistance in continuing - and growing - this long-standing Cork tradition."

You cannot have the word ‘community’ without ‘unity’. 

"I’d like to invite individuals and groups from across the city and county to be part of the celebration. I look forward to welcoming you on the day.”

The Procession will commence at 3pm from the Cathedral of Saint Mary and Saint Anne. A number of additions have been made to the Procession this year. To facilitate the increasing numbers taking part each year, the liturgy and benediction of the Blessed Sacrament will take place on a specifically erected stage and altar on the Grand Parade.

Bishop Fintan added: “You cannot have the word ‘community’ without ‘unity’. The Eucharistic procession celebrates the unity in faith that abounds in Cork, as well as the need to foster further unity in an increasingly complex world.

“This year’s procession will have participants from every continent and many countries. Cork’s Catholic parishes have been welcoming newcomers to Cork for a couple of decades now and they are making a very valuable contribution to the life of our parishes and our diocese as well as working in so many walks of life.”

Leeds AFC AGM coming up

Leeds AFC’s AGM will take place on Monday, July 7, at 7pm at Leeds Park.

All members are invited to attend. Expressions of interest for committee roles can be sent by email to gerardmeany@gmail.com

The Everyman will host its May Artists Afternoon on May 29, at 1.30pm.

The venue said: “As usual, it is open to all professional artists and arts workers. The Everyman bar will be open for free tea, coffee and chats and feel free to bring your lunch.

“There is no set format for the afternoon, all you need to do is turn up at some point and be prepared to chat to other artists and arts workers. All we ask is that you have a conversation with at least one person who is new to you, or whose work you do not know.

“Everyone is welcome and if you need to bring children with you, they are welcome, just make sure to book a ticket for them too.”

For more information on this project, contact Aoife Clarke – line producer, aoife@everymancork.com

Everyman Artists Afternoon Line-up announced

The line-up of plays for Cork Arts Theatre’s ‘Views from a Couch’ fundraising event which opens today and runs until Saturday has been confirmed.

The venue said: “We’re looking forward to another great week of enjoyable, new, 10-minute plays with a wealth of local acting and directing talent. Congratulations to the 10 successful authors whose plays will have their premieres this week.”

Tickets are going fast. See the lineup and get yours at https://tinyurl.com/yrs6hy8h.

Lotto jackpot hits €16,600

The parish lotto jackpot has reached €16,600, with a €550 consolation prize also up for grabs. Watch the draw today on facebook.com/bbgparish, and also on the Cathedral Facebook page at facebook.com/corkcathedral.

Tickets are also available after all masses.

During the week, offline tickets are available in our parish offices at The Cathedral and Blackpool. Tickets are also available in local shops.

History talk for children

Blackpool Library has a history talk and workshop for children aged five to 11 as part of Cruinniú na nÓg. The event takes place on June 7, from 11am until 12.30pm.

A spokesperson for the library told The Echo:

“Step back 200 years into the fascinating world of the Regency era. Join Melissa as she brings history to life with a showcase of authentic clothing worn by women between 1811 and 1820. Through this engaging talk, children will learn about everyday life in Britain and Ireland during the Regency period — from daily routines and clothing styles to how people prepared for social gatherings."

"After the talk, children can join in a lively dance workshop to experience a taste of Regency entertainment for themselves. This fun and educational event is part of Cruinniú na nÓg and is perfect for young history enthusiasts and curious minds.” 

All welcome and no booking is required.

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