All About Cork: Share campaign to focus on Cnoc Mhuire refurbishment

This year’s Share campaign in Cork is focused on the refurbishment of Cnoc Mhuire.

It is one of the Share properties, located in Shandon, and currently home to 25 residents.

While the homes are loved by the residents, the complex is in need of modernisation. To that effect, the plan is to put a major investment into the redevelopment which will include a new gardening and landscaping shed, a new community room and the construction of new residents’ laundry facilities.

These will be set against a backdrop of hard and soft landscaping and new garden planting. The much needed work needs to be funded, and the students are focused on raising the cost of the refurbishment this year.

“Share has created a special relationship between the elderly and the students of Cork since its foundation,” Saoirse Twomey, part of the 2025 Student Executive said.“The organisation has 140 homes across Cork in seven different areas. This year we are working hard to raise funds for the refurbishment of the Cnoc Mhuire complex. The upgraded facilities will bring more comfort, green spaces and better shared services for the residents there.”

To that end, the students of Cork are once again being called upon to wear yellow in an effort to raise awareness and funds to support the elderly in Cork.

Schools from across the city and county will wear yellow and make a donation to Share this year as part of the annual fundraising campaign. Student and teacher volunteers are also invited to support the annual campaign this year which will run until December 24.

During this period, students from across the city and county will take to the streets to raise much needed funds for the elderly in Cork.

Yellow Day was introduced in 2020 as an outreach to schools across Cork encouraging participation in an annual campaign that delivers life-changing benefits to the elderly. Schools and students readily embraced the initiative of wearing yellow for one day and the response to date has been phenomenal. Students are also seeking sponsorship from companies for the worthy cause.

Speaking at the launch of Yellow Day, chair of the 2025 executive, Ryan Wiley said: “56 years ago a group of students set out to raise awareness about the plight of the elderly in Cork. They recognised the challenges they were facing, and set about advocating for improving their living conditions and welfare. While society has changed a lot in the 56 years since Share was started, there is no doubt that as people age, they can struggle in many different ways.

“From social isolation, to the more practical challenges of living in a digital world and navigating health care systems that are increasingly fragmented. The students that were involved in establishing Share started the first fundraising collection and the first fast. The organisation has grown from strength to strength and is needed as much today as it ever was. We ask the people of Cork to show you care for the elderly in Cork, and support the important work Share does.”

There are many ways you can show you care this year, by donating using cash, tap or QR codes at Share cribs. Those wishing to support Share can donate at https://sharecork.org/donations/.

Share offers a free dementia service, which is open to people living with dementia across Cork city. Those interested can contact Share on info@sharecork.org or 021 4273977.

Bucharest meets Cork for the Bringing the Light exhibition

Young performers in spotlight

In the run up to Christmas, Music Generation Cork City’s young musicians will be performing in locations all across the city.

Today, there will be a festive performance by the young traditional Irish musicians of Club Ceoil Knocknaheeny at Corkmas.

The event will take place from 12pm to 1pm at Corkmas at Emmet Place; presented by Creative Tradition in partnership with Music Generation Cork City, and supported by Cork City Council.

Meanwhile, The Kabin Studio will have its Christmas showcase and party on Thursday from 6pm to 8pm at Hollyhill library.

Established by GMCBeats in 2012, The Kabin has grown out of a love for hip hop, songwriting, performance, and creative expression. The public are invited to join the festive fun, singing and rapping with the crew.

For details of all Music Generation Cork City Christmas performances, see https://musicgenerationcorkcity.com/christmas-concerts-2025/

Lottie hopes for glory in Eurovision competition

Shanakiel’s Lottie O’Driscoll Murray will represent Ireland in the Junior Eurovision in Tbilisi, Georgia, tonight.

Unlike in the adult Eurovision contest, junior competition voters can vote for their own country. The participants’ scores will be made up of 50% jury and 50% public votes. The team flew out to Georgia on December 5 ahead of the contest, where Lottie will be singing the song Rúin in Irish.

Lottie, who attends Gaelcholáiste Mhuire off Monastery Rd on the northside of the city and previously went to Gaelscoil Pheig Sayers primary, told The Echo: “I’m buzzing, walking on air.”

Coordinator of the Year award

Blackpool Tidy Village Group’s chairperson Teresa O’Brien won the Coordinator of the Year award at the Cork Volunteer Centre Awards recently at The Everyman Theatre.

“Teresa does stellar work every week, leading the group, coordinating the activities of litter picking, flower planting, painting projects, and more,” a spokesperson said. “The group is only running for two years and has already accomplished so much for Blackpool Village. With a good working relationship with Cork City Council and its departments, local agencies and our wonderful volunteers and supporters. A big well done and congratulations to Teresa.”

If you’d like to volunteer, join every Saturday at 10.30am from Blackpool Community Centre.

CE scheme position available

Blackpool Area Group CE scheme has a vacancy for a full-time 39 hour a week position as a community employment supervisor.

To apply, forward a CV and cover letter detailing your experience to info@blackpoolceproject.com

Christmas-themed storytime

All are welcome in Blarney Library this morning for a Christmas-themed storytime.

From 11am, the classic children’s Christmas book How The Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr Seuss will be read.

St Vincent’s poc fada event

The annual St Vincent’s hurling and football club Dave McCarthy annual poc fada will take place on December 27, with 10.30am registration in Hollymount Clubhouse on Blarney Rd. There will also be plenty of entertainment that evening. All are welcome.

Pedestrian crossing sought

At a recent meeting of the North West local area committee, a report from the director of services and infrastructure development was reviewed by councillors.

It followed a motion from Sinn Féin councillor Michelle Gould, which asked: “That Cork City Council install a pedestrian crossing with amber flashing lights at Scoil Chroí Íosa Blarney to ensure the safety of children attending the school.

“This is a very busy crossroads and it would be pertinent to install this safety crossing.”

The report stated that a pedestrian crossing at this location is being included in the Blarney Village active travel project being developed by infrastructure development. These proposals are due to be brought forward for public consultation and planning early next year.

It was agreed to accept the report of the director of services and to refer it to An Chomhairle for noting.

Afternoon tea dance

The Gurranabraher/Churchfield community afternoon tea dance will take place tomorrow in Gurranabraher Churchfield Youth and Community Resource Centre from 3pm to 6pm.