2020 was a remarkable year for the Rotary Club of Cork's flagship project - The Rotary Tree of Remembrance.

Not just because of the challenges that Covid-19 posed, for all charities, but because in the face of

those challenges the Roary Club of Cork, our club, developed  a Rotary Tree of Remembrance Computer App

which assisted with fund raising during the pandemic and will serve the needs of funraising into the future.

The project also necessitated the design and construction of a new hut to facilitate the needs of Covid-19 health

restrictions to protect both those making donations and the Rotary volunteers. In the face of adversity

the Rotary Club of Cork demonstrated its versatility and adaptability, once again, and with the help

and generosity of the peole of Cork raised greatly needed funds for local charities. 

Ní neart go chur le chéile.

The photo montage, from the initial photos where Kuhn is standing on the site selected

for the installation, to the final photo which shows Kuhn at the door of her new toilet records

the construction process.

In 2021 the club partnered with an Australian registered charity - Cambodia Clean Water and Toilet Project. The charity is involved in the provision of clean water pumps and sanitary toilets to impoverished families in rural Cambodia. At present the charity is focussing on Knok Toth village, situated approximately 15 kilometres from SIem Reap which serves as a gateway to the world famous Temples of Angkor Wat.

The club has agreed to fund the construction of six septic tank toilets for six families in the village to provide healthy and sanitary toilet and washing facilities. The club is also funding the provision of two communal water pumps in the village.

In addition, in light of the current Covid-19 pandemic the club has agreed with Cambodia Clean Water and Toilet Project to divert part of its contribution to the provision of emergency food parcels to village families who would normally find work in the tourist industry in Siem Reap.

The first toilet funded by the club was recently constructed and gifted to the family of Kuhn and Yeuy and their three children. The photo montage, from the initial photos where Kuhn is standing on the site selected for the installation to the final photo which shows Kuhn at the door of her new toilet records the construction process.

Courtesy of John Foyle

I am attaching some photos taken earlier this week at drop off point at the Civic Amenity Recycling Centre on the Kinsale Road. You will note from the poster that bicycles are required for both primary and secondary school students. The bicycles should be in reasonable condition, have wheels that are at least 24 inches in size and mountain bike type tyres.

The container for storing the bicycles is located next to the electrical recycling section in the centre. Access is controlled by a security barrier which will be opened by a member of staff on request.

Webpage layout : Eugene Currivan

In 2020 our Club continues its partnership with Global Village Housing (GVH) to provide housing for very poor families in rural Cambodia. The partnership began in 2017 and to date four houses have been funded by our Club. All the houses have been located in the province of Kampong Chhnang, which is approximately two hours drive north of the capital, Phnom Penh.
The most recent house was constructed and gifted on March 11. One of our Club members, John Foyle, attended the construction and the gifting ceremony.
The beneficiary was a family of six, including four daughters under 6 years of age. The father works as a local fisherman. The family was forced to vacate its old home as the property was deemed to be an illegal dwelling, due to its location, close to the riverbank. The house was due to be demolished and the family could not afford to fund alternative accommodation. GVH, through its network of local contacts, identified the family as being deserving of support and our Club was happy to act on that recommendation.
The contract terms under which the house was gifted included agreement that the house would not be sold or used as collateral and that the children would all attend school.
It is gratifying to feel that the Club’s decision to support this family is likely to be of significant and long term benefit to the family members. Some pictures of the project below.

Ecumenical Service Holy Trinity Church January 2020

Each year, as part of the Rotary Tree of Remembrance Fundraising Project, the dedication ribbons are placed in front of the altar in the Holy Trinity Church and an Ecumenical Service is held to remember all those whose names are inscribed on the ribbons.

(Photographs coutesy of JBC Cahill)

(Photographs courtesy of JCB Cahill)

Christmas 2019 saw, once again, an overwhelming spirit of generosity by Cork people and visitors to the city, exemplified by the donations for the three charities; Down Syndrome Cork, Cork Simon and Marymount Hospice, Cork.

With our Tree of Remembrance Project, we  undertake the flagship project of our club each Christmas.  Its purpose is to raise funds for local charities. It is operated, in cooperation with Cork Bishopstown Club, by members from both clubs and other volunteers. The public is invited to remember a loved one at Christmas by writing and placing a yellow ribbon on the Tree and making a non prescribed donation to our nominated charities. After Christmas the ribbons are placed on the alter of Trinity Church where an Ecuminical Service remembers all those loved ones inscribed on the ribbons.

This year, 2019, the Tree of Remembrance raised over €100,000.00 which will be divided between the designated charities and other Cork Charities.

Approximately 400 volunteer hours make this amazing project a reality each year.

(Photographs courtesy of JBC Cahill)

Rotary Club of Cork International Charity Support  in Cambodia 2019

This Project which was initiated in April 2017 by our esteemed club member John Foyle involves working with a local registered charity, ‘Global Village Housing’ in Cambodia. The first house was funded and provided by our club in 2017. 

The Rotary Club of Cork has funded the provision and construction of another house for a homeless family near Phnom Penh this year. Our club hopes to fund the ongoing development of this project, to provide housing for homeless and displaced families in Cambodia, into the future.

On his return from Cambodia this year John has furnished some poignant pictures of the project in action. Of particular poignancy is the image of the recipient family holding certificates of ownership of the donated house which they have signed with a thumb print.

Proudly and modestly displayed on the new home is the plaque of our Rotary Club of Cork.

PRESIDENTIAL HAND - OVERS 2019

Prior to Hand - Overs DG William Cross visited the Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Dr. John Sheehan

Incoming President 2019/20 George Barter                                                                     William Cross District Governor 2019/20

During the Presidential Hand - Overs of Cork Clubs, City and County, 2019 William Cross DG presented a Paul Harris Fellow to esteemed member Tim Murphy for his dedication to his Rotary Club and particularly for his outstanding work over many years to the Kids Out Project.

The Paul Harris Fellowship Award is one of the highest honours Rotary International can bestow upon a person. Recipients are Rotarians and community professionals, selected in recognition of their outstanding contributions, exemplifying the highest ideal in Rotary in placing “SERVICE ABOVE SELF.” The honour accompanies a donation of $1,000 (or equivalent Euro) or more, in the recipient’s name, to Rotary International’s “Annual Program Fund,” which supports Rotary’s world-wide programs.

Rotary and Probus at the Active Retirement Conference in Punchestown, June 2019.

Active Retirement Ireland Mission

“Active Retirement Ireland will reach out to all older people to stop loneliness through friendship and support”
– Mission Statement, Active Retirement Ireland Strategic Plan.

Active Retirement Ireland (ARI) is a voluntary organisation for older people with a national membership of over 24,500 people and over 550 local associations. Members range in age from 50 -100+ years and cover a range of socio-economic backgrounds. As an organisation, ARI believes that all older people are equal and are entitled to be treated with respect. Older people all have different interests and needs, which ARI aims to identify and fulfil.

This is an event run yearly on the second Wednesday in June by our club when we entertain the children from The COPE Foundation.

Kids Out this year was another great success. The young people were entertained by visits to Chuckies and McDonalds organised by Tim Murphy and his team. We rounded off the day with a trip to McDonalds and a goody bag for each child. Great credit is due to Tim and his team and all our club members who provided the transport for the children and indeed all the drivers from our neighbour clubs who assisted on the day to make it a most memorable occasion for the children.

Presentation of Teaching Tablets to Brothers of Charity, Cork

The Brothers of Charity Services in Ireland provide a variety of services and supports to approximately 6,500 people with an intellectual disability or autism, and their families, throughout Counties Clare, Cork, Galway, Kerry, Limerick, Roscommon, Tipperary, and Waterford.

Following on from a most moving and challenging presentation by Lorna Barrett, Speech and Language Therapy Manager and Caitríona Ní Charragáin of the Brothers of Charity, it was decided to donate three Augmentative and Alternative Communication Devices (ACC Tablets) to the Charity. The tablets were sourced from Safe Care Technologies and funded from the club's fundraising projects and by direct donations from club members.

Special Club Meeting Monday 29th April 2019 with guest of honour Cllr Michael Finn, Lord Mayor of Cork.

The Rotary Club of Cork Annual Golf Classic Fundraiser 2019

The Gathering

A Most Relaxed Donal

A Tip To Incoming President Jim

The Secretaries Huddle

I

Watch your man over there

Sincerest thanks to our member Tim Murphy this year was another great success when our club, assisted by other volunteer clubs, An Gárda Síochána and The Cork Fire Service provided a welcome, annual day out for our local children with special needs.

Rotary Club of Cork International Charity Support  in Cambodia 2018

This Project which was initiated in April 2017 by our club member John Foyle involves working with a local registered charity, ‘Global Village Housing’ in Cambodia. The first house was funded and provided by our club in 2017.

The Rotary Club of Cork has funded the provision and construction of a second house for a homeless family near Phnom Penh this year. Our club hopes to fund the ongoing development of this project, to provide housing for homeless and displaced families in Cambodia, into the future.

Rorary Club of Cork member John Foyle in conversation with Monk

and recipient family

SVP Fundraiser 2018.

Once again this special fundraiser in aid of SVP Cork was a great success. On a most beautiful day in Cork Golf Club the teams enjoyed the participation in one of our clubs long standing fundraising projects. With the magnificent support of Dunnes Stores, €6000.00 in shopping vouchers will be allocated to SVP for distribution to Cork's needy. Great credit is especially due to Aodh Bourke and his team for the trojan work done in organising the event. Sincere thanks also to the participants in the golf event, all the sponsers and Cork Golf Club who had the course in immaculate condition. Prizes on the night were presented by Donal Cashman, President of our club and the pictures below capture the mood of the event.

BEFORE THE ACTION

THE TEAMS ASSEMBLE

THE MAGNIFICENT PRIZES

THE HAPPY LADIES TEAM

PRIZE WINNERS

CHALLENGE CUP WINNER

New Members Inauguration 12th February 2018

Our Club is delighted to welcome three new members. Pictured from left to right are Dr. Peter Kenefick, Bridget O'Shea and Joel Aleburu.

Rotary tree of Remembrance 2017

Christmas 2017 saw, once again, an overwhelming spirit of generosity by Cork people and visitors to the city, exemplified by the donations for the two charities , Enable Ireland and Marymount Hospice.

With our Tree of Remembrance Project, we  undertake the flagship project of our club each Christmas.  Its purpose is to raise funds for local charities. It is operated, in cooperation with Cork Bishopstown Club, by members from both clubs and other volunteers. The public is invited to remember a loved one at Christmas by writing and placing a yellow ribbon on the Tree and making a non prescribed donation to our nominated charities.

This year, 2017, the Tree raised €77,200.00 which will be divided equally between the two designated charities - Enable Ireland and Marymount University Hospital and Hospice.

The Tree adorned with the many dedications

SS Peter and Paul Church where the annual Ecumenical Service was held in memory of those remembered on the ribbons which were presented in front of the alter.

29th January 2018 - Presentation of cheque for €37,307 to Enable Ireland's Maria Desmond by Jack Cahill . Also included in picture are Tom Woodward and Jennifer Marshall and Niall Horgan both from Enable Ireland. Seated in front L-R are President Donal and President of Cork Bishopstown Maurice Coughlan.

Nano Nagle Place

Seven years ago the buildings of the South Presentation Convent were in a perilous position. As the area around the convent changed, the need for the school complex the site housed declined and the school closed its doors in 2006. Most of the buildings, some over 200 years old, sat empty with just a few resident sisters to maintain them.

The Presentation Sisters had to plan for the future. With so many listed buildings housed upon it, the site was of little development value. What was to be done?

The Presentation Sisters decided to act, just as their foundress had done nearly two hundred and fifty years before. They set up a company, appointed a voluntary board, and put in place plans to redevelop ‘South Pres’ as a special place for the people of Cork City.

The heritage buildings have been lovingly regenerated, they now house educational charities and rooms are also available to let by community groups, charities and local businesses. The chapel has been turned into a heritage centre that engagingly tells the story of Nano Nagle and the city in which she worked to educate and care for the poor. It allows the visitor to explore the incredible spread of the Presentation Order, the changing lives of the sisters who have dedicated their lives to that order and the remarkable work they still carry out as educationalists and campaigners for social justice.

Rotary’s Wheel Emblem

A wheel has been the symbol of Rotary since our earliest days. The first design was made by Chicago Rotarian Montague Bear, an engraver who drew a simple wagon wheel, with a few lines to show dust and motion. The wheel was said to illustrate “Civilization and Movement." 

In 1923, the present gear wheel, with 24 cogs and six spokes was adopted by the "Rotary International Association.” A group of engineers advised that the geared wheel was mechanically unsound and would not work without a “keyway” in the center of the gear to attach it to a power shaft. So, in 1923 the keyway was added and the design, which we now know, was formally adopted as the official Rotary International emblem.

The event is a Rotary Club of Cork initiative to  raise funds for two Charities:

• UCC – Disability Support Services (DSS)

Because the College is seeing a continuous increase in the participation of blind and vision impaired students the DSS will benefit from a contribution to update the current specialised ‘JAWS software for Blind/ VI students’ through this Rotary Club of Cork event.

• Rotary Club of Cork International Charity Support

Working with a local registered charity, ‘Global Village Housing’ in Cambodia, The Rotary Club of Cork, in April 2017, has provided and supervised the construction of one house for a homeless family near Phnom Penh. A contribution from this event will assist the ongoing development of this project.

1. Open for Business

2. ' I'm Just Back From Cambodia,  you know'

3. Hiding under the hat is ..... George Barter

4. Maura Currivan knows where it is...

5. John Foyle again....

6. "Jack.. I think you made a mistake"...

Monday 15th May 2017

Tonight saw the vist of the Lord Mayor of Cork, Councillor Des Cahill, to our club's weekly meeting. During his visit the Lord Mayor presented an Honorary Member certificate to Canon George Salter who has been a member for thirty years. Also is pictured Joe Woodward who also received an Honorary Member certificate recently after a membership lasting fifty six years.

Rotary Club of Cork International Charity Support

Working with a local registered charity, ‘Global Village Housing’ in Cambodia, The Rotary Club of Cork, in April 2017, has provided and supervised the construction of one house for a homeless family near Phnom Penh. A fundraising event 'University Challenge'  has been organised by President Jack Cahill which will contribute to the ongoing development of this project to provide housing for homeless and displaced  families in Cambodia into the future.

Photos below show Club Member, John Foyle, supervising the housing project in Cambodia which was funded by our club. John travelled to Cambodia in April this year to oversee the operation.

Cork Golf Club, April 21st, Rotary Cork Fundraiser Outing

The weather was fantastic and we had a full turn-out from 11am to 4pm, teams of three and we hit our target.

Dunnes Stores will match the amount raised on the day and we will give €6,000 to SVP in Cork for the benefit of Cork City residents.

A big thank you to all the Companies and individuals who supported the day and the people who purchased advertising signs for the Tee Boxes.

Within the competition, there is a Rotary Cup which has been played for since 1932 and our president Jack Cahill was the worthy winner.

The cup hit pretty hard times and thanks to Colin Nichols and his skills, together with Pat Buckley of Kingscraft, the refurbished Rotary Cup looks brilliant. See for yourself!

Joe Woodward and George Barter presented with long service awards by Conny Ovesen Assistant District Governer 1160 October 2016

Dr Jean van Sinderen - Law, Club Speaker, 10th October, 2016

Associate Vice President of Development at University College Cork – a fascinating job description which Dr Jean decoded to mean:  Responsibity for raising significant sums of money for UCC through Cork University Foundation and managing key relationships for the University.

While listening to Jean it was very clear, first of all to hear, and then to see her total commitment to the subject matter of her presentation, which ranged over the complexities and intricacies of carrying out her professional work at UCC.

Her enthusiasm, for the subject matter was palpable and I'm sure all members found the content interesting, and extremely informative, not only because of the material content, but because of her "easy to listen to" personality and style of delivery.

Recent visit to Cork by Past District Governors of RIBI. Event hosted by Declan Tyner (District Governor RIBI 2015/16).

Club fundraiser at Cork Golf Club, once again this year, was a success. In association with Dunne's Stores and SVP the equivalent of €6,000 in food vouchers will be donated to those in need in Cork. Congratulations and sincere thanks to all involved.

Y 

Two recent presentations at our weekly club meetings.

Presentation to Cope Foundation by Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Chris O'Leary, of cheque for donations received at Tree of Remembrance 2015.

Presentation by Greg Butler to club members of his latest magnificent mountaineering achievement - climbing of Mount Elbrus.  Greg explained and clearly described his marvelous achievement and the torturous climb he and his group undertook. Mount Elbrus is located in the northern Caucasus Mountains of Russia, near the border with Georgia. Elbrus' peak is the highest in the Caucasus Mountains, in Russia, and in Europe and it is the tenth most prominent in the world. With its slightly taller west summit, the mountain stands at 5,642 metres (18,510 ft) the east summit is 5,621 metres (18,442 ft). While there are differing authorities on how the Caucasus are distributed between Europe and Asia, most relevant modern authorities define the continental boundary as the Caucasus watershed, placing Elbrus in Europe due to its position on the north side in Russia.

Greg was thanked for his very entertaining and exciting presentation and congratulated very warmly for his achievement by club members.

Historic Visit to Fr. Mathew Hall, Cork on 4th April 2016. (Note that the Rotary Club of Cork was founded one year before Feis Maitiú.)

Timothy McCarthy of Feis Matthew and Colin Nicholls opening proceedings and performing the official welcome.

Cormac O'Briain, winner of the Rotary Club of Cork Petual Trophy for Cello at this years Feis Maitiú, performing three pieces on the cello and pictured with Colin, Timothy and President Jack.

Historic Register detail from archive of Fr. Matthew Hall dating back to 1896.

'Tucking in' at Quinlan's Sea Food Restaurant after outing.

Induction of new member, John Foyle, by President Jack Cahill.

Meeting of Cork Clubs, hosted by Rotary Club of Cork, was addressed by Sandra Daly - CEO of the Mercy Hospital.  The IWD theme for 2016  is 'Pledge for Parity' and Sandra's talk  focused on Statutory -v- Voluntary Hospital.

        "Whatever Rotary may mean to us, to the world it will be known by the results it achieves"
                                                                        —PAUL HARRIS

2015 was a busy and rewarding year for the Club.

Central to the club activities were the occasions captured in the small selection of pictures below which include the Friendship Night at Cork City Hall, the visit by Deirdre Clune MEP to the club and the Tree of Remembrance project which culminated with a Special Service at St Peter and Paul's Church for all those whose names were on the ribbons.