30 April 2019
By Bryan Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
North Cork Fine Gael Councillor John Paul O’Shea has encouraged the public to get involved in the inaugural Community Weekend for County Cork which will take place over the May Bank holiday weekend from May 4th to 6th.
Newtownshandrum GAA in North Cork is one of four GAA clubs across the county to be hosting a family fun day over the Bank Holiday weekend.
Cllr. O’Shea said the aim of the Community Weekend is to encourage people to get to know their neighbour through the hosting of fun and sociable local events over the long weekend.
Launched recently by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Micheal Ring TD, and funded by the Department of Rural & Community Affairs, the scheme sees local authorities around the country receiving an allocation of €10,000 through their Local Community Development Committee (LCDC).
Cork County Council, in consultation with their three LCDCs, has taken the approach of linking with the Healthy Ireland Initiative and specifically the GAA Healthy Clubs Initiative. GAA Clubs across Cork County listed as Healthy Clubs under the GAA criteria were invited to submit applications with a focus on planning all-inclusive community events for the National Community Weekend in partnership with other community groups in their areas.
In welcoming the new initiative, Cllr. O’Shea commented: “I would encourage the public in North Cork to take in the wonderful event planned by Newtownshandrum GAA over the May Bank Holiday weekend. The event in Newtownshandrum, as well as those in Killeagh, Clonakilty and Castlehaven, will be a great opportunity for both young and old to enjoy an inclusive and fun-filled celebration of community and connection.”
