220 Walkers take part in 6th Annual Sheep’s Head Hike in the Diocese of Cork in Support of Christian Aid

Posted on September 12, 2015 by Latest News and Photos from the Church of Ireland Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross

The annual Christian Aid Sheep’s Head Hike was held  last Saturday, 5th September, starting in beautiful sunny Kilcrohane,  on the Sheep’s Head peninsula, West Cork in the Parish of Kilmocomogue Union.  The Sheep’s Head is the headland at the end of the Sheep’s Head peninsula – A European Destination of Excellence – situated between Dunmanus Bay and Bantry Bay, in County Cork.

This was the 6th year of this annual hike.  The first was held in 2009 when 90 walkers participated.  As the hiking experience has expanded into the different routes of the peninsula, it has grown in organisation and in the number participating each year.

Some of the group of more than 200 walkers on the 2015 Christian Aid Sheep's Head HIke in County Cork.

Some of the group of more than 200 walkers on the 2015 Christian Aid Sheep’s Head Hike in County Cork.

This year more than 220 walkers participated (a massive increase from 164 last year). The County Cork which make up parts of the famous Sheep’s Head Way. Two routes were on offer to last Saturday’s walkers; the high hike  brought walkers to the lighthouse at the tip of the peninsula on a 16km route, while the lower hike brought walkers from the shoreline up onto the ridge in a 7 km circular route. This year was the largest hill hiking event ever to be organised on the  Sheep’s Head Way peninsula to date, and it was the best attended and organised Christian Aid  Sheep’s Head Hike since the event began over 6 years ago.

This amazing day included a vast diversity of people: a range of experienced walkers to beginners, individuals, families, groups, all age groups, and many fitness levels.  Many  came from all over the United Dioceses of Cork, Cloyne and Ross, from County Cork, from the Munster region,  from all over Ireland, and some from the UK.   Funds were raised for Christian Aid, and everyone enjoyed the day, walking the routes and experiencing  the  stunning beauty of the peninsula’s landscapes and views.

The  Christian Aid Sheep’s Head Hike  event could not happen without the support of a local committee –  Margaret Skuce, David Hayward, Sean Coughlan, Caroline and Andrew Coleman – as well as the local communities  from the  Kilcrohane, Durrus areas,   the local  Sheep’s Head Way Committee, and the parishioners of Kilmocomogue Union (and its rector Canon Paul Willoughby), whose support has been crucial in the successful organisation and development of this hill hike event  over these 6 years.

Over  €38,000-00 has being raised  to date over these 6 years to  support the work of Christian Aid partners  throughout the developing world.  All  the participants are  now looking forward to next year Christian Aid Sheep’s Head Hike on Saturday 3rd September 2016 and invited even more people to join them.

Here is a gallery of photos:

Posted in Charity Work, Christian Aid, Church in Society, Community Involvement, Diocese, People from the Diocese, Special Events, Voluntary Work, World Aid and Development | Comments Off on 220 Walkers take part in 6th Annual Sheep’s Head Hike in the Diocese of Cork in Support of Christian Aid

First Ever 5km Memorial Run in support of St Luke’s Home, Cork

Posted on September 11, 2015 by Latest News and Photos from the Church of Ireland Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross

On Thursday, 10th September over 300 runners gathered in Mahon, Cork to support the first St Luke’s Home Memorial 5K Run.  The St. Luke’s Home Foundation wanted to introduce an event to its calendar that embraced community, health, fitness and fun. Everyone involved in the charity is delighted that the event lived up to these expectations. It was also an opportunity to remember past residents and to involve people of all ages, all families, volunteers, supporters, staff, and indeed all who have an involvement, however small, with the Home.

David O Brien, CEO of St Luke's Home, Cork (centre) with Zareen Aziz ,Senior Operations Director, RCI, with overall male winner, Conor Mc Cauley, who completed the Race in 16 minutes and 12 seconds.

David O Brien, CEO of St Luke’s Home, Cork (centre) with Zareen Aziz ,Senior Operations Director, RCI, with overall male winner, Conor Mc Cauley, who completed the Race in 16 minutes and 12 seconds.

The main sponsor was large local employer RCI.  They have been a great support from the beginning; they funded the race, provided 20 stewards on the night and entered around 30 participants,  and, of course, they put up the fantastic 1st prize of european holidays for the fastest male and the fastest female.  There was also support from other companies in the community in terms of participation, with newcomer to Mahon, Ronan, Daly Jermyn, Solicitors, showing up in great numbers.

Oonagh O’Driscoll, Director of the St Luke’s Home Foundation said:

Support for St Luke’s Home and the great work that goes on here was palpable when over 200 participants stayed for the post-race refreshments and applauded the winners.  We are confident that this is the first of many Memorial Runs for the Home!

And they're off! Runners at the start of the first ever St Luke's Home 5 km Memorial Run.

And they’re off! Runners at the start of the first ever St Luke’s Home 5 km Memorial Run.

Posted in Charities in the Diocese, Charity Work, Cork, Diocese, Fund-Raising, Saint Luke's Home | Comments Off on First Ever 5km Memorial Run in support of St Luke’s Home, Cork

Young People from West Cork Church of Ireland Parish Raise Money to Buy a Cow for Ethiopia

Posted on September 10, 2015 by Latest News and Photos from the Church of Ireland Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross

As part of their fundraising for the Christian Aid Sheep’s Head Hike held last weekend in the West Cork Parish of Kilmocomogue Union (Bantry, Durrus and Castletownbeare) the Tweeners (youth club) in the parish have raised €150 to buy a cow. This particular project was introduced to the parish during Christian Aid Week this year. The project is based in Ethiopia and helps vulnerable women like Loko to build a promising future. Loko says:

I refuse to give up hope. I dream of owning a cow one day; its milk would help my children to grow strong, and I could also sell some so I could save enough money to set up a small business buying and selling tea and coffee.

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Posted in Charity Work, Christian Aid, Church in Society, Community Involvement, Contemporary Issues, Diocese, Voluntary Work, Youth Work | Tagged , | Comments Off on Young People from West Cork Church of Ireland Parish Raise Money to Buy a Cow for Ethiopia

Bishop of Cork Attends Consecration of Two New Bishops in the Church of Sweden

Posted on September 6, 2015 by Latest News and Photos from the Church of Ireland Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross

On Sunday, 6th September the Bishop of Cork, the Right Reverend Dr Paul Colton, attended the consecration, in Uppsala Cathedral, of two new bishops in the Church of Sweden.  The Church of Ireland and the Church of Sweden are in communion each with the other and are committed to taking part in occasions such as this in each other’s life. In the 1990s, Bishop Colton was involved in the conversations and negotiations which led to this new relationship, known as the Porvoo Agreement, which encompasses Anglicans in Great Britain and Ireland, as well as Lutherans in the Nordic and Baltic countries.

With Bishop Paul Colton (centre), on the eve of their consecration as bishops in Uppsala Cathedral, were left Mikael Mogren, new Bishop of Västerås, and Johan Dalman, new Bishop of Strängnäs.

With Bishop Paul Colton (centre), on the eve of their consecration as bishops in Uppsala Cathedral, were left Mikael Mogren, new Bishop of Västerås, and Johan Dalman, new Bishop of Strängnäs.

The two new bishops are Bishop Mikael Mogren, Bishop of Västerås, and Bishop Johan Dalman, Bishop of Strängnäs.  The Archbishop of Sweden, Archbishop Antje Jackelén, presided at High Mass in Uppsala Cathedral which was attended also by the King and Queen of Sweden, clergy and people from throughout Sweden, many in regional and national dress.  Bishops of the Church of Sweden were joined by bishops from Iceland, Norway, Finland, Estonia, Wales, England, Tanzania, Mozambique, and Ireland.  A delegation of Christians from the Church in China were also present.

The new Bishop of Strängnas, Dr Johan Dalman, after his consecration as bishop, with the Bishop of Cork, Dr Paul Colton.

The new Bishop of Strängnäs, Dr Johan Dalman (right), after his consecration as bishop, with the Bishop of Cork, Dr Paul Colton.

Bishop Dalman and Bishop Colton have known each other, and have been firm friends, since the early 1990s when they first met in the meetings that led to the signing of Porvoo Agreement.  They have been regular visitors to Sweden and Ireland, respectively, and their families have also become friends over the years.

Churches of the Porvoo Communion are committed to sharing a common life in mission and service,

Posted in Bishop, Church of Ireland, Church Services, Diocese, Porvoo Communion | Comments Off on Bishop of Cork Attends Consecration of Two New Bishops in the Church of Sweden

Second Level Schools in Cork, Cloyne and Ross open School Year with a Visit and Message from Bishop Colton

Posted on September 2, 2015 by Latest News and Photos from the Church of Ireland Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross

Schools in Cork, Cloyne and Ross, as elsewhere throughout the country, have been re-opening in recent days for the new academic year.  There are three Church of Ireland second-level schools in the Diocese, and each was visited by the Bishop, Dr Paul Colton, for their opening assembly of the school-year on Monday, 31st August and Tuesday, 1st September.

Starting with Midleton College on Monday morning, the Bishop (who is also chairman of the Board of Governors, the Board of Directors and the Board of Management at the school) remarked that it was the first full academic year for the new Principal, Dr Edward Gash, and also a new beginning for the recently appointed Deputy Principal, Kevin Stanley.  The Bishop presented insignia of office to the new prefects.  This year, yet again, the College has an increased and record enrolment with 420 students.

Bishop Paul Colton (centre of back row) with the new prefects at Midleton College, and (on the right), the School Principal, Dr Edward Gash, and (on the left) the new Deputy Principal, Mr Kevin Stanley.

Bishop Paul Colton (centre of back row) with the new prefects at Midleton College, and (on the right), the School Principal, Dr Edward Gash, and (on the left) the new Deputy Principal, Mr Kevin Stanley.

Later that morning, the Bishop was at assembly at Bandon Grammar School where there is also the largest ever enrolment at nearly 660 students.  Addressing the students, the Bishop referred to the refugee crisis in Europe and challenged the students, not only to reflect on the chance fact that ‘accident of birth’ means that most of us were born on this side of the migration fence rather than the other.  He said that part of the role of school was to give us the space and time, to learn, to grow, to identify our gifts, to dream dreams and to make plans, so that we can discover the vision, capacity and will to solve some of these major human challenges in today’s world.  Afterwards the Bishop presented their ties of office to the new prefects and also congratulated the new Deputy Principal, Mr Donal Warren on his new appointment.

The new prefects at Bandon Grammar School wearing their ties presented to them by the Bishop (centre), with the Principal, Mr Ian Coombes (right) and the new Deputy Principal, (Mr Donal Warren (left)

The new prefects at Bandon Grammar School wearing their ties presented to them by the Bishop (centre), with the Principal, Mr Ian Coombes (right) and the new Deputy Principal, (Mr Donal Warren (left)

On Tuesday, 1st September, speaking at his own former school – Ashton Comprehensive School, Cork – the Bishop also focussed on the refugee crisis in Europe.  In Ashton, this year, there are 520 students.  The new head boy – Steven Jermyn – and the new head girl – Ally Lynch.  Afterwards the Bishop met all the new first year pupils.

Bishop Paul Colton, past pupil of Ashton School, Cork (centre of back row) with the new first year students at the school, and the school Principal, Mr Adrian Landen (right) and the Deputy principal, Ms Anne-Marie Hewison (left).

Bishop Paul Colton, past pupil of Ashton School, Cork (centre of back row) with the new first year students at the school.

More photos from the school visits:

Head Girl, Ally Lynch, and Head Boy, Steven Jermyn meet the Bishop at Ashton School.

Head Girl, Ally Lynch, and Head Boy, Steven Jermyn meet the Bishop at Ashton School.

Underneath the modern representation of the Ashton School crest on the wall of the sports hall are (l-r) Ms Anne-Marie Hewison (Deputy Principal), Ally Lynch, Head Girl, the Bishop, Steven Jermyn, Head Boy and Adrian Landed, Principal. The crest features the Bishop's Mitre and the Mulberry leaf, and also the ship in the harbour of Cork from the City of Cork coat of arms, as well as a hockey stick formed, with the sail, into the Cross.

Underneath the modern representation of the Ashton School crest on the wall of the sports hall are (l-r) Ms Anne-Marie Hewison (Deputy Principal), Ally Lynch, Head Girl, the Bishop, Steven Jermyn, Head Boy and Adrian Landen, Principal. The crest features the Bishop’s Mitre and the Mulberry leaf, and also the ship in the harbour of Cork from the City of Cork coat of arms, as well as a hockey stick formed, with the mitre, mulberry leaf and sail, into the Cross.

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Dr Edward Gash, Principal of Midleton College, with the senior prefects (l-r) Aoife Dunne, (Head Day Girl), Padraig Power (Head Day Boy), Dr Gash, Rory Walsh (Head Boarding Boy) and Clara Roch-Perks (Head Boarding Girl)

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Two new boys! Dr Edward Gash (right) embarks on his first full academic year as Principal at Midleton College, and Mr Kevin Stanley, takes up his appointment as Deputy Principal.

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The Bishop with Bandon Grammar School Principal, Mr Ian Coombes (right) and the recently appointed Deputy Principal, Mr Donal Warren (left)

 

Posted in Bishop, Church in Society, Diocese, Education, Schools in the Diocese | Comments Off on Second Level Schools in Cork, Cloyne and Ross open School Year with a Visit and Message from Bishop Colton