All About Cork: Community school holds open night for prospective students

Mayfield Community School held its annual open evening which opened with a welcome from principal Kieran Golden and some music, before attendees were brought on a tour around the school.

The tour included the school’s woodwork engineering, home economics, music, art, science and sports facilities including their astro turf pitch and swimming pool.

Speaking at the event, Principal Golden gave an update on the Leaving Certificate class of 2025, saying: “This year one in five of our Leaving Certificate class are taking up places in UCC, a further 13% of our class are starting in the Munster Technological University (MTU), and another 45% are starting Further Education courses with Cork ETB, and finally 9% have been offered apprenticeships, with another 15% going directly into the world of work.”

He also shared: “In an independent survey from students carried out by inspectors from the Department of Education, we heard that 96% of our students believe that ‘teachers encourage me to do the best I can’. 95% of our students believe that in our school, there are clear rules against hurting people by what we say or do.

“We will offer you a progressive, student-centered curriculum in our school. Teaching and learning in our excellent facilities, we can offer you a broad range of subjects including up to 15 subjects at Leaving Certificate level,” with first years getting to do a tester programme of all subjects.

Students Jack Hourigan and Kayleigh Mangan also gave speeches on the night, with Kayleigh recalling starting school in September 2020 during covid.

She said: “Why would I recommend Mayfield Community School? Because it’s such a unique school. You’ll meet so many different types of people here, and it really feels like a mini version of the real world. Everyone’s welcome, and during my time here I’ve seen how supportive the school is. Plus, there are loads of clubs, activities, and societies, so there’s always something to get involved in. And that’s my biggest bit of advice for you—get involved. Don’t just stick to the basics. The more you join in, the more fun school becomes. You’ll make friends, learn new things, and create memories that you’ll look back on in sixth year like I am now.”

Glanmire walkway closure

Jons Civil Engineering Ltd, the contractor appointed by Cork City Council to carry out construction works on the Glanmire roads improvement scheme, has issued an update.

They have been working in Riverstown/Hazelwood area for a number of months and said that these works are progressing well.

The new walkway/cycleway on the Aldi Link Rd is nearing completion. Surfacing works to complete it are scheduled to begin tomorrow and to be competed on Friday. During these days, the walkway will be closed from 9.30am to 1.30pm and again between 3pm and 5pm.

CCP work highlighted

Cork City Partnership’s (CCP) outreach work in Glenamoy Lawn, Mayfield, has been highlighted in the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) 2024 report.

In 2023, CCP sourced a new outreach premises through Cork City Council in Mayfield. This office, located at The Community House, 79 Glenamoy Lawn, opened in early 2024.

“Community outreach and activation activities included local monthly leaflet drops, door-to-door outreach, and regular community coffee mornings,” said the report.

“Throughout 2024, CCP SICAP worked with residents and local groups to deliver community education courses such as cookery, aromatherapy, Easter flower arranging, pot planting mornings, yoga, tai chi, art and sewing machine classes.

“CCP SICAP has also worked with residents to support their capacity to engage with Cork City Council on issues such as illegal dumping and burning of rubbish, anti-social behaviour, drug dealing/drug use and intimidation.”

It added that the Tarry Path Group was formed with several partners and residents with the aim of developing a walking path/track on waste ground where there is currently a lot of anti-social behaviour. As well as the formation of new groups, CCP’s intensive work in Mayfield has led to more targeted supports and, in total, six new community organisations from Mayfield registered for SICAP support in 2024.

Jive course

A three-week beginners jive course will start on Monday, October 6, in Upper Glanmire Community Hall, T23 EV2W.

It will run from 7.45pm to 9pm and include jiving to Nathan Carter, Derek Ryan, Mike Denver, and others; no partner or experience is required. The fee is €40 payable on the first night. Contact Tom at jivetom@gmail.com or on 087 3995877.

Art classes

Frazzled Mammy art classes with Maeve O’Keeffe are returning to Glanmire this week.

Ms O’Keeffe is an experienced art tutor who is fully insured and Garda vetted. The 13-week course will run in The Pike Hall/Glanmire Football Club, Sallybrook, Glanmire T45 XE36, beginning this Thursday.

There is a class for senior infants to second class from 3pm to 4pm, then third to sixth class from 4.10pm to 5.10pm.

You can contact Maeve at 087 6684021 or www.facebook.com/frazzledmammy.