Cobh Youths Services Celebrate 20 Years

Cobh Youth Services celebrated their 20 year Anniversary on Friday in the newly renovated building they now own in Midleton Street. Founded in 1992 by Father Danny Murphy, Gerry Moore, Jim Barrett and Sister Emmanuel the Cobh youth Services began life in Pearse Square and was set up as an organisation to help provide a place for the young people of Cobh and the Great Island to relax, be fed, enjoy activities and feel safe. A vision they still pride themselves on today. Twenty years later and after many years of fundraising and hard work, Cobh Youth Services now own the building they have in Midleton Street, called The Plateau.

It was here that the celebrations began with the young members showing special guests and visitors around the excellent facilities. The building hosts a Computer room, Library, Dance Studio, Quiet Room, Kitchen, Homework Room and lift. The walls are adorned with the Art work the students have completed with the help of Young Cobh Artist Jack Hickey who spent time with some of the students on projects such as Timmy the Optimist and his Shark.

At 3pm the celebrations continued at Mount Crosier Tennis courts where Archery and a Climbing wall awaited the children and a marquee for the special guests and visitors.  Cathal Rasmussen, Chairman of The Youth Services began proceedings by welcoming the Deputy Mayor, John Mulvihill Jnr, David Stanton, T.D, John Sweeney, President of Cobh and Harbour Chamber, Cork County Cllr, John Mulvihill Snr., Sister Emmanuelle, President of Cobh Youth Services and Special Guest Fergus Finley of Bernardos Ireland.

Cathal spoke of the hard work and dedication of all the staff and volunteers over the years and how delighted he was to see so many people at the celebrations.  Speaking of Mount Crosier he said “Two years ago the Board of Directors under took a massive venture to renovate Mount Crosier Tennis Club which now boasts two tennis courts an multi-purpose court for the use of Soccer and Basketball. We have temporary dressing rooms and the Board are awaitiing news of a grant to build a new clubhouse.”  He continued “We see this venture as a sign of the further commitment from the staff, Board and supporters of the centre to the young people of Cobh.”

Cathal also commented on the progress that has been made over the years within the service in that they now employ one full-time Co-Ordinator, a full-time Youth Worker, a part-time Youth Worker, 5 C.E workers, 2 TUS workers, one Child care Assistant, a Childcare Superisor and a part-time Administrator who also has 5 regular Volunteers.

Special Guest Fergus Finlay then spoke about how thrilled he was to have been invited to Cobh and to speak at the celebrations.  He said that he had visited many youth Centres in his time whilst working for
Bernardos but he had never come across one where the Youth Centre was “Owned by the young people, what a fantastic atmosphere.  It reflects well on the team involved from the Board to the Kids.”  Fergus reminded the young of the historical significance of the referendum in November whereby “if the votes come in and it is added to the constitution for the first time in our lifetime Children’s rights will be protected, respected and listened to.” Fergus was then presented with a picture, sponsored by Phillip Gray, by Cathal and Sister Emmanuelle.

Finally the Cobh Youth Services Dancers performed two energetic dance routines much to the delight of the audience.  Refreshments were served, sponsored by Charlie and Ann Daly of Gilberts, Restaurant.