Meitheal Mara launches new Cork youth programme

Translated from the Irish as 'The Work of the Sea', Meitheal Mara has been running for more than three decades, and in that time social inclusion has played a defining role in the work Cork’s community boatyard does.

Founded in 1993, Meitheal Mara is located in Crosses Green, in the heart of the city, and it is dedicated to fostering and promoting maritime culture and seamanship through traditional currach and wooden boat building skills.

Founded on the principle of making the River Lee more accessible to young people, Meitheal Mara works with youth groups across Cork, including Foróige, CDYS, YMCA and Cork Life Centre.

Many groups begin with a rowing taster session in Meitheal Mara’s traditional currachs, and from this first experience, travelling beneath Cork’s bridges and seeing the city from the river, groups often go on to participate in a 10-week rowing training programme, preparing for the Ocean to City youth race.

Now Meitheal Mara has launched its Bádóireacht Pathways Programme, a new integrated initiative creating clear and supported routes for young people in Cork to engage with maritime activity.

Through Bádóireacht Pathways, young people aged 12 to 25 can progress from novice rowers to enjoying a lifelong engagement with maritime activities, either as a recreational pursuit or as a potential career pathway.

The community boatyard’s youth programme manager, Clare Hayden, said each year Meitheal Mara hears from youth participants that they want more time and new challenges on the water.

“This feedback motivated us to create new opportunities that build on their rowing and sailing skills, while also deepening their maritime knowledge,” she said.

“It is inspiring to see young people take on these challenges and grow in confidence as they achieve their goals.”