Closing Ceremony of Cobh’s One Book One Community

What a wonderful evening was had by one and all at the closing ceremony for the One Book One Community at the Commodore Hotel on Thursday evening last hosted by Carrignafoy Community College.  It was as the poster stated ‘A Showcase of Community Spirit’ celebrating a very successful reading project and commemorating the anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic.  Our thanks go to  Marc Anderson, Events Manager for Titanic 100 who gave so generously of his time and acted as a very warm and accomplished MC on the night.

The evening showcased the wonderful work completed by pupils of local primary schools, St Mary’s National School, Rushbrooke National School ,Gaelscoil Ui Eigeartaigh, students of  Carrignafoy Community College and local community groups Cobh Active Retirement Group, Cobh Lace Makers Guild and Cope Foundation Cobh Branch.  What incredible work was done and our thanks to all who took part.

The author Nicola Pierce spoke briefly of her experiences in Cobh since being involved in the One Book Project and how she will now always have a special place in her heart for the people of Cobh who welcomed her as one of their own.

 Clare Ryan CEO of the National Education Welfare Board also spoke and praised the Home School Liaison Scheme and how important it is to help support parents to support their children in education. She praised those who had got involved so whole heartedly in this community project.

A group from The Great Island Fiddlers performed a splendid selection of Irish traditional tunes to resounding applause accompanied by Susan O’Regan on piano. Our thanks to Ciaran Deloughrey, violin teacher at Carrignafoy Community College.

There was a very entertaining period lace fashion show organised and compared by Veroinica Stuart of the Lace Makers Guild of Ireland – Cobh Branch.  Many of the pieces are over one hundred years old and still in pristine condition.  There were models wearing Communion dresses, a confirmation outfit, two exquisite wedding dresses and evening wear.  There was an uproarious reaction to the model who was brave enough to come out in period underwear – bloomers and camisole as well as a model wearing an ensemble that would have been worn by  ‘a lady of the night’.  She was quick to point out however that the model herself was not a member of this long established profession.   In the background Niamh Haligan expertly played ‘The Spinning Wheel’ on the harp which was a beautiful accompaniment to the whole show.  The group then unveiled their wall hanging a commemorative piece depicting the Titanic’s visit to Cobh. This beautiful tribute will be going on permanent display in the Heritage Centre from the 24^th of April. 

Members of Cope Foundation unveiled  their exquisite representation of the 123 passengers who left from Cobh – a canvas depicting 124 colourful butterflies  with attachments! The 124^thbutterfly representing Milvina Dean.  The significance of the colours and the symbols attached to the butterflies was beautifully described by Staff Nurse Ger O’Connor who was ably assisted by a group of lively and engaging young people. To get a chance to view this beautiful piece call in to the Titanic Experience where it will be on show for the next few weeks.

 English and Drama teacher Laurie O’Driscoll spoke of the initiative in glowing terns and described both her own and the students experiences throughout the initiative including their involvement with a project called Civic Link where schools from the South of Ireland link up with schools from the North of Ireland to discuss various topical issues and share and exchange their views. She described the launch of the One Book and how captivated the audience were that day listening to the author Nicola Pierce.

Fifth year student Janet Forest  recited ‘After the Titanic’ by Derek Mahon again accompanied by Niamh Haligan on harp.

Two prizes were presented to students Sarah Greaney and Janet Forest for their entries in a writing competition based on the theme of the Titanic.

The Cobh Active Retirement Group were out in force on the night to see their Titanic Tribute quilt unveiled.  Mona McCauliffe gave a very moving account of the groups’ involvement in the project and the hours of painstaking work that went into sewing the patches.  She gave an account of some of the passenger stories during which you could hear a pin drop.  Each patch represents one of the 123 passengers stating their name and age. Scattered throughout the quilt are symbols representing various aspects of the passengers’ lives.  It is powerful piece and emotionally charged.  Its completion is truly a testament to the effect that these unknown peoples’ lives had on the group. It will be an everlasting memory of shared sadness and respect for the lost souls of the Titanic. The quilt is currently on display in the Heritage Centre for all to see.

Next Aine O’Sullivan sang ‘I will go on ‘from the movie Titanic accompanied by her father  Dave O’Sullivan on piano.  For the next piece she was joined on stage by Carrigtwohill Gospel Choir to give a heart rending rendition of ‘Nearer My God to Thee’.  The choir then sang a further two songs and the evening was brought to a very poignant close with the unveiling of the Titanic Tribute quilt.

The evenings’ proceedings were surely a testament to Community Spirit and to the amount of talent that exists in Cobh. Our thanks to all our sponsors, Cobh Camera Club official photographers for theTitanic centenary, Pat Bransfield parent for his coverage on the night and to everyone who got involved in the One Book One Community Project and made the evening such a memorable experience.