LOCAL NEWS

LOCAL NEWS

PAGE LAST UPDATED 01/09/13 11:26

SHIPBUILDERS GATHER TO REMEMBER “THE YARD”
Last weekend former workers and their families gathered to remember the glory days of Verolme Cork Dockyard and spent the weekend attending a number of events which evoked fond memories of a workplace that encompassed the whole community of Great Island.
The gathering, which was facilitated by Cobh Tourism in conjunction with John Brennan, brought back to life this once vibrant place which now stands as testament to the skilled shipbuilders who were part of the VCD family.
At the opening ceremony John Brennan read a poem by the late Jimmy Keating which captured the spirit of this great shipyard and the characters who worked there to perfection. Singer songwriter Jimmy Crowley has combined the poem with music and the song was premiered on Sunday following the unveiling of a memorial at Cork Dockyard by Mr Paddy O’Keeffe.
Maurice O’Sullivan and John Dorrity raised a flag in the Promenade and a wreath was laid in the sea by Phodge Donnachie from the bow of the pilot boat as the Carrigaline Pipe Band and Ben Hurley rendered musical honours.The tug, Alex, saluted with a ceremonial water spray and ships horn.

A PHOTOGRAPHIC MEMORY OF “THE YARD”
A photographic exhibition sponsored by The Port of Cork of close to 200 photographs covering all aspects of the development of Cork Dockyard, the ships built and repaired, and the people working there, will be staged at Cobh Heritage Centre until the 15 September.
Speaking at the official opening of the photographic exhibition in Cobh, Captain Michael McCarthy Commercial Manager Port of Cork said.
“Cork Dockyard or the ‘Yard’ as it was known locally was not only a big employer, but a very important cog in the shipping industry within Cork Harbour. It is important to reflect back to the time when major companies such as Irish Steel, Fords, Dunlop, Whitegate Oil Refinery and indeed Irish Shipping were located and dependent on the river. In 1984 when Verolme Cork Dockyard, Irish Shipping, Dunlop and Fords all closed this had a devastating effect on the local community and the economy.”
He continued: “However, to the great credit of the Verolme Management, the extensive training undertaken by the company through its trainee, apprentice, technician and management training schemes and the lifetime skills it imparted, stood many of the workforces in good stead when the dockyard closed in 1984. In fact, I think it is fair to say that the success of the Pharmaceutical and IT Industries in the Cork region benefited from the training many personnel received at Verolme Cork Dockyard.”According to Captain McCarthy, he believes that Cork Dockyard has a potentially vibrant future particularly in the offshore oil and gas support role, offshore wind energy and wave and tidal.
He said: “Although it may never return to its former glory days in shipbuilding, I can see its potential in employment for our young people and training prospects. It is still one of the most unique facilities in the country and when we see how Harland and Wolfe capitalised on their asset, it is very important that we keep an open mind on its undoubted potential.”
Among those who attended the exhibition were Gretta and Adrie Verwey. Adrie came to Cobh from Dordrecht in Holland in January 1961 to work at VCD. He met Gretta and settled here to raise his family which now includes a third generation of Verweys who play a huge part in community activities in our town. M.O’C

COBH CREDIT UNION 3rd LEVEL BURSARY AWARDS
Cobh Credit Union Ltd is pleased to announce that application forms for the 3rd Level Bursary Award are now available in the Credit Union Offices. The closing date for applications is 11 October 2013 and the draw will take place on Credit Union Day 17 October 2013 in our offices. All Applications must be accompanied by proof of 3rd level registration. All students or parent/guardian must be a member of Cobh Credit Union and have an active account for 12 months.

25th Scouts Cobh, Cathedral Car Park
We are holding a registration night on Tuesday 3 September between 19:30 & 20:30, for existing members and any new members that wish to make an expression of interest. Any adults/parents wish to find out more about 25th Scouts Cobh please feel free to come along or email 25thscoutscobh@gmail.com. Please follow us on Facebook 25th Scouts Cobh. Beavers 6,7,8. Cubs 9,10,11. Scouts 12,13,14,15. Ventures 15,16,17.Rovers 18,19,20. Leaders 18+

Colaiste Muire Reunion
Calling all past pupils of Colaiste Muire Intermediate Cert 1978 & Leaving Cert 1980You are invited to attend on Sept. 21, 2013 from 8pm till late at the Commodore Hotel Cobh. Hope you can attend & looking forward to seeing you there. Craic, Catch-up, Finger Food & Music…Admission fee to be arranged. Details & Updates on http://www.thegatheringireland.com/View-Gatherings/Individual-Gathering.aspx?eid=1722 and https://www.facebook.com/events/135265233288030/?ref=br-_tf

“GOSSIP SPICE, WHO’S UP TO WHAT ON GREAT ISLAND”
# Belated Happy 50th Birthday to Trish Keating, all our love from Lucas, Dean, Molly, Brendan, Danielle, Martin, your husband Vince & grandson Rua. Here’s to another 50 years xxx

The Final Countdown!
We are on the final countdown with two weeks to go to our 4K Family Fun Walk taking place in Cobh on 8 September. There is no fundraising required for this walk, you simply pay a registration fee online on our website www.breakinthesilence.ie You can also register on the day of the walk itself. Registration fees as follows: €10 for an adult (over 18’s)€20 a family (2 adults & 2 children), €5 per extra child.
The Family Fun Walk will start at 1pm sharp in the Promenade and afterwards there will be entertainment in the Promenade for walkers with the very talented Katie McGroarty, Bouncy Castle, Face Painting, Hot Dog Stand (Right Price Meats) and more! There will also be a raffle and an opportunity to win an annual Family Membership for Fota Wildlife Park.
A heartfelt thank you to Cobh Credit Union for their generous sponsorship of the walk. Everybody is very welcome, and we hope to see you at this key event which will raise funds for Suicide Intervention and Prevention training. Avril Quinn, PRO

Cobh Camogie under 13 Notes
Cobh under 13’s were victorious again over the weekend with a hard fought win over a determined Erins Own outfit in the semi-final of the Imokilly U13 B Camogie League. Once more we were blessed with the weather and the game was played in idyllic conditions.
An early goal by Ellen Meaney settled the team and as the half progressed we managed to bag two more majors courtesy of Caoimhe Leahy and Shannid Mc Grath. Despite a lot of possession this game was far from over at half time and Erins Own were the first to register a score in the second half. However, the girls seemed to relish the battle and upped a gear themselves when the realisation struck that they were now in a contest.
We started to play a more direct style of camogie and we tacked on another goal and a point to ease out winners on a score of Cobh 4 goals and 3 Points to Erins Own 2 points. On a day when most of the star performers were in defence we had outstanding contributions from Tara Looney and Kate Maher ably assisted by our Captain and goalkeeper the ever dependable Clodagh Tibbets and also Alex Ronan.

2013 World police and Fire Games - Belfast
“The 2013 games took place in August for ten days, there were over 60 Nations participating in these games and around 4000 volunteers from Ireland and the UK assisting.Cobh's Frank O'Brien was one of 100 volunteers assigned to the Medals Team, their role was to collate and distribute athletes medals throughout the 42 different sporting venues within Northern Ireland.
Frank was assigned to, Handball, Field and Track, Canoe Sprints and indoor Volleyball. The Medals Team travelled individually to these games free by public transport, bus or rail, but we really had used taxi.
The games were excellent, the athletes and volunteers really enjoyed every moment, for me it was an experience which I will cherish for some time.
Yours in sport, Frank, ( " Avonlee " )”

WINNERS OF COBH PEOPLES REGATTA DUCK RACE
1st: 1241 Kevin Manley €500. 2nd: 333 Katelyn Hickey €100. 3rd:1959 Debbie Parsons €100. 4th: 1449 Anne Parsons €100. 5th: 1307 Maia Spini €100. 6th: 349 Barry Allister €100.

Cobh No Name Club
is now recruiting enthusiastic adult volunteers! Meetings are held weekly on Tuesdays at 7pm in Cobh Garda Station. Anyone wishing to volunteer can contact Lynda on 087-1174069 or by email at cobhnonameclub@yahoo.ie. All volunteers are subject to Garda vetting and will receive club training.

RACE NIGHT FOR COBH HOCKEY CLUB
Cobh Ladies Hockey Club would like to invite you to a Race Night and BBQ in the High Chapperal Bar, Ballymore on Saturday 14 September at 8pm. This ties in with the 35th anniversary of the club and will also be a "Gathering" event where all past and present players and coaches will have the opportunity to meet. All friends and family are welcome and please spread the word. All support will be appreciated for what promises to be a great night!

BALLYMORE-COBH ATHLETIC CLUB
Athletes please note that we will be resuming training on Friday 6 September 2013, at the Community College Grounds at Carrignafoy. The times are as follows: Children aged 4yrs - 9yrs 3.10p.m.-4.10p.m. Children aged 9yrs and upwards 4.10p.m. - 5.10p.m. Catherine Hickey, Secretary.

DEATH: JOHN CLIFFORD COBH & DOUGLAS
John Clifford passed away in Manchester on 27 July and the burial took place in Stretford on August 9. Month’s Mind Mass will be celebrated at Cobh GAA pavilion on Friday 30 August at 8pm. All are welcome.May he Rest in Peace.

Cobh Youth Town Council
Following on from our Get Involved Campaign, we will now hold a Get Involved day with Breaking The Silence Cobh! Breaking The Silence is a suicide prevention group within the town and is a huge asset to Cobh.
Breaking The Silence will hold their annual family walk on Sunday September 8 at 1pm leaving from the Promenade Cobh. There is a small charge of €20 per family €10 for adults and €5 for U18. You can pay this to any member of Breaking The Silence or you can also register on the day!
The money raised will ensure that this voluntary group can grow within the town. Cobh Youth Town Council would hugely encourage people to Get Involved with this walk. Not only will you be supporting a great group but also getting out into fresh air with family and friends!

COBH GAA NEWSDESK
Minor Hurling: Our minors have had a busy couple of weeks earning themselves a deserved place in both Championship and league Semi-Finals. First up was Lisgoold on a soaking wet evening in Rostellan, a fantastic performance by all saw us run out convincing winners. We play a very fancied Bride Rovers in Lisgoold on Monday evening at 6.45. Next, after a long league campaign we met St Vincents' in the quarters last Wednesday evening.
Our visitors got the better of the starts but having gifted them 3 goals a dogged 1st half performance saw us trail by only 4 points. The fast start to the 2nd half did not materialise, in fact we went 6 points down before we stood up and took the game by the scruff of the neck and started a goal spree of our own finishing very strong winners indeed on a score of 6-11 to 3-07. To be honest both performances were great team efforts so well done lads and roll on the Semi Final.
Team: Glen O’Sullivan, Dave O’Connor, Mark Hayes, Cillian Histon, Ronán Damery, Shane Cullimore, Jack Ronan, Darragh Kelleher, Cormac O’Connor, William Ireland, Keith Donnachie, Liam Harte, Kieran Histon, Niall Spriggs, Brendan O’Driscoll, Pádí Kearney, Patrick Bransfield, Liam O’Keeffe, Adam O ‘Donovan, Stephen Coffey.
Keep in touch with www.cobhgaa.com and our social media outlets for all the latest max fixtures and results.
All Ireland Hurling Final 2013 - Live on the Big Screen @ Cobh GAA
Unfortunately, it's not always the regular die hard fans get to attend the All Ireland Final but thanks to Joannie Brierley & Vince O’ Connor from Ego4Kidz Hairdressers & Clippers Barbers, Cobh GAA will be showing the Hurling Final on September 8 'Live' on a big screen where we can all cheer on the rebels into bringing Liam Mac back to the Banks of our own lovely Lee.
There will be a Prize to the value of €50 for Best Dressed Supporter on the day. Come along parents and kids for a great day guaranteed!
Cobh GAA's Trolley Dash is back again!1st Prize: 3min Trolley dash at Garvey’s Supervalue, 2nd Prize: €100 Hamper, 3rd Prize: €100 Hamper.
Tickets €2 each or 3 for €5 and available from next week on from Cobh GAA Club Bar, Cobh GAA, Cobh Camogie & Cobh Ladies Football Committee Members.
Winner Drawn Sun 8 December.
Bingo every Sunday Night @ 8:15pm sharp with €1500 in prizes.