All About Cork: Young at Heart group headed to Germany for a holiday

It was an occasion of laughter tinged with sadness as the Douglas Young at Heart Group headed to Germany recently for a few days holiday.

The holiday is one of many activities run by the group over the year and is always eagerly looked forward to.

However, on this occasion, it was also tinged with sadness as it was the last event that group founder Phil Goodman had a part in.

Phil passed away in June and was the driving force behind the group since its foundation in 2001, and it has flourished into a place that so many now call their second home.

Over the years, she has helped hundreds upon hundreds of people in so many different ways. Alongside Phil was Bernadette Horgan, and between them, there were few problems they couldn’t solve.

The countless trips, home and abroad, along with computer classes, yoga, and many other courses, ensured that as people got older, they had the know-how to help themselves in different ways, especially in a world that is going more online by the day.

Commentating at the time of her passing, former Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Kieran McCarthy said: “Phil was a friend to many - a close and caring friend to many. She was my friend and our chats over many years were always about her next idea and how excited she was to create another community project that were always about bringing more people together - social inclusion deeply mattered to Phil - that no one would be left behind.

“Phil championed the goodness of humanity. An enormous lighthouse light has gone out. She leaves an enormous legacy in what we call home. We will miss you and remember you always Phil.”

Bernadette has now taken over as the main driving force behind the group, and if Phil was to handpick someone to do so, then she would be her choice.

She has been a key person for a long time with the group and has taken up the baton since Phil’s passing, and will continue to ensure that the older people in the great Douglas area continue to be looked after.

She ensured this trip went ahead and will continue to ensure that all activities continue for the group across the year.

Book your place at GAA camp

Douglas GAA Club will be holding a Halloween Camp during the school holidays.

You can now book your Halloween Camp place for senior infants to sixth class players. The camp takes place from Monday, October 27 to Thursday, October 30.

See the club’s website for more or you can buy at this address: https://douglasgaa.clubforce.com/products/membership.

The club’s popular social camogie has changed to Tuesday nights.

“Please note as of this week we are changing our social camogie night to Tuesdays, 8 to 9pm, at the hall and astro pitch,” a spokesperson said.

Gaelic for mothers and others has also resumed training after their summer break.

Recently they took part in the Carrigaline blitz and played teams from all over the county and performed very well.

No score recording allowed. Plenty of craic had on and off the field.

“If you fancy joining one of the fastest growing movements within the LGFA association why not come and checked us out . New members are always welcome.

“Once you are over 25, no prior experience needed or returning to football after a number of years and have a good sense of humour entry is guaranteed.

“Training times at the moment are Mondays 7-8pm on pitch 2 and will change to a slightly later time once we go indoors to the hall shortly. Contact Rosemary for more information at 086 2300533.”

The club’s annual mass for deceased members and friends will take place on Monday, November 10, in the hall. All welcome.

The club’s AGM is taking place on Sunday, November 30, in line with GAA guidance.

“In advance of this date we will hold a number of review meetings focused on different parts of the club eg boys underage – dates to be advised in the weeks ahead.

“One of the key outcomes of the AGM will be appoint an club executive for the year ahead. Should any member be interested in getting involved in helping with the administration of the club don’t hesitate to get in touch with the club secretary secretary.douglas.cork@gaa.ie.” Tickets for the club’s second year disco went on sale last week.

For those who are lucky enough to get tickets the club has arrangements to follow on the night.

They are as follows: Drop off at the main club car park and collection in club or St Columba’s School T12 FW11.

Refreshments available from club tuck shop. Independant security are in place at the venue.

All tickets to be printed or downloaded directly to your phone. They will be scanned at entry to the event.

Please do not buy tickets from any other source as they cannot let you in with a duplicate, already scanned ticket.

See the club’s website for further details on the disco.