Relaunch of Sunday Club at Patronal Festival in Cobh and Glanmire

Posted on December 8, 2019 by

Last month at the Patronal Festival in the Church of St Mary and All Saints’, Glanmire County Cork, the Sunday Club was relaunched .  Claire Geary was commissioned as its leader. The Sunday Club will now take place every Sunday at the 11.30am service in Glanmire/Little Island.

The Parish also delighted to welcome back to St Mary & All Saints’ the Rt Revd Michael Mayes as guest preacher on the occasion. Bishop Mayes was Rector of Rathcooney (Glanmire) with  Little Island and Carrigtwohill from 1988 – 1993.

The large congregation present enjoyed renewing their friendship with Bishop Mayes, and the parish as a whole is looking forward to having a Sunday Club once more in the Parish.

Claire Geary, Sunday Club Leader, with the Rev’d Paul Arbuthnot, Rector of Cobh & Glanmire Union of Parishes, the Rt Rev’d Michael Mayes, and some members of the Sunday Club.

Posted in Children's Ministry, Children's Work, Churches in Cork, Education, Patronal Festival, People from the Diocese, Sunday Club

Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral, Cork Hosts Saint Luke’s Home Annual Christmas Concert

Posted on December 7, 2019 by

Friends, supporters, volunteers, staff a gathered in St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, Cork on Wednesday 27th November for the 3rd Annual Christmas Concert for St Luke’s Home and what a great Concert it turned out to be.

Elmarie Mawe

The Master of Ceremonies for the evening, Elmarie Mawe , welcomed everyone and set the tone for what was to be a glorious evening of jazz, opera, Christmas favourites and of course, the grand finale, O Holy Night. The ever popular and fantastic Band of the 1st Brigade kicked everything off and nearly had the audience dancing in the pews from the get go!  Their versions of The Thin Red Line and Rhapsody in Blue were simply stunning.

Majella Cullagh took centre stage then with Rossini’s Una voce poco fa and Song to the Moon from Dvorak’s Rusalka. The choir from Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School were fantastic with their version of The Lion Sleeps Tonight, and then were joined by     Majella for Gesu Bambino before the Band 1st Brigade stormed everyone to the interval with a salute to American jazz!

The Magnificent Majella Cullagh

The second half was all about the wonderful Montfort’s Youth Choir with a super version of Have yourself a merry little Christmas and Majella’s Chestnuts roasting on an open fire and Let it snow, let it snow.

After a Christmas sing-a-long involving everyone in the Cathedral, Majella finished with a standing ovation after her stand out performance of Oh Holy Night.

All in all it was a great evening of u lifting and seasonal music which certainly marked, for all those in the Cathedral, the start of the festive celebrations!

Organisers of the concert,  a fundraiser for Saint Luke’s Home, were delighted with the turnout and would like to thank everyone involved for their support for the Charity.  All funds raised will be put towards the Therapy and Activity Programme for the residents living at St Luke’s. This programme includes essentials such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy to name just a very few, and is currently not funded through the Fair Deal Funding Scheme, nor are families charged for it.

Majella with Our Lady of Lourdes School Choir and the Band of the 1st Brigade

Posted in Care of the Older Person, Cathedral, Charities in the Diocese, Community Involvement, Diocese, Fund-Raising, Saint Luke's Charity, Saint Luke's Home

Bishop Paul Colton Hosts Dinner and Training for School Boards of Management in Cork, Cloyne and Ross

Posted on December 4, 2019 by

New primary school Boards of Management took office on Sunday 1st December 2019 for a four year period and, on Tuesday 3rd December, at an early opportunity, the Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross, Dr Paul Colton, invited all the members of the boards to dinner at the Radisson SAS Hotel, Little Island, County Cork.  Afterwards he gave his now customary ‘Patron’s Briefing’ and delivered the first of the seven training sessions that boards are expected to undertake.

Education in Cork, Cloyne and Ross – Bishop Paul Colton’s Introductory Briefing for Primary School Boards of Management, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Little Island, Co. Cork.
Picture: Jim Coughlan

There was nearly a full turnout out of members of the boards of management.  The Bishop thanked everyone for making their experience, expertise, time and insights available voluntarily to the Diocese, and to the country,  to do this work.  The chairpersons for the period 2019-2023 were singled out for thanks, as were the principals of the schools, including four new principals.

Chairpersons of Boards of Management at the Patron’s Introductory Briefing for Primary School Boards of Management, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Little Island, Co. Cork.
Picture: Jim Coughlan

School Principals at the Patron’s Introductory Briefing for Primary School Boards of Management, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Little Island, Co. Cork.
Picture: Jim Coughlan

Welcoming everyone to the training session, the Bishop remarked that ‘it is just as sell that we can set the group photo of principals alongside that of chairpersons so that overall, our management leadership in the schools, has a gender balance!’

It was also an opportunity to introduce board members in person to Ms Susan Perrott who is responsible in Cork, Cloyne and Ross for education administration, as well as to Mr Billy Skuse who is secretary of the Diocesan Board of Education.

At the Patron’s Introductory Briefing for Primary School Boards of Management, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Little Island, Co. Cork were (l-r) Ms Susan Perrott (Education administration in Cork, Cloyne and Ross), Dr Ken Fennelly, Bishop Colton, Ms Eimear Ryan, and Mr Billy Skuse (Secretary, Diocesan Board of Education)
Picture: Jim Coughlan

Everyone was especially pleased that Dr Ken Fennelly and Ms Eimear Ryan from the Board of Education of the General Synod of the Church of Ireland had travelled to Cork for the occasion.

Ms Eimear Ryan and Dr Ken Fennelly were welcomed enthusiastically at the Patron’s Introductory Briefing for Primary School Boards of Management, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Little Island, Co. Cork.
Picture: Jim Coughlan

Many commented how useful it was to meet people person who ordinarily they only encounter by email or telephone.    Both were also available to answer questions and a number of ‘mini clinics’ ensued during the break and afterwards.  Bishop Colton thanked Dr Fennelly and Ms Ryan for the so many ways in which they support the education work in Cork, Cloyne and Ross.

BIshop Paul Colton with members of the Boards of Management in Cork, Cloyne and Ross at the Patron’s Introductory Briefing for Primary School Boards of Management, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Little Island, Co. Cork.
Picture: Jim Coughlan

Posted in Adult Education, Bishop, Diocese, Education, Schools in the Diocese | Tagged ,

Graham Norton returns to Bandon Grammar School in Cork, Cloyne and Ross to launch a history of the School

Posted on November 30, 2019 by

On Monday, 25th November, Graham Norton, the internationally famous television and radio presenter, comedian, actor, author, and commentator,  returned to his old school, Bandon Grammar School, County Cork.  He was there to launch a new book Bandon Grammar School – A History, written by the school’s Principal Ian Coombes.

A full house for the book launch at Bandon Grammar School. Picture: Alison Miles / OSM PHOTO

Nearly 1200 past and present pupils, parents and staff, together with community representatives, guests, members of the school Boards, were present to give Graham a tremendous reception, his first time back at the school since he opened a new classroom block in 2012.

Graham Norton returned to his old school on Monday November 25th 2019, to launch a new book “Bandon Grammar School – A History”, written by the school’s Principal Ian Coombes.
Picture: Alison Miles / OSM PHOTO

Representatives of the patron of the school – the Incorporated Society for Promoting Protestant Schools in Ireland – were also present, as was the Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross, Dr Paul Colton.

Standing room only at Bandon Grammar School for Graham Norton.
Picture: Alison Miles / OSM PHOTO

The school hosted a lunch for Graham and approximately 70 guests in the school dining hall beforehand where Graham caught up with old friends and familiar faces, before being taken away to meet scores of students and to meet the large group from the waiting media.

At 3 p.n. Graham entered the crowded auditorium to rapturous applause and a standing ovation.  The Chairperson of the School Board of Directors, Catherine Giblin welcomed everyone.

Chairperson, Catherine Giblin. Picture: Alison Miles / OSM PHOTO

The school choir sang accompanied by the school orchestra.

Some of the members of the school Choir. Picture: Alison Miles / OSM PHOTO

Graham Norton speaking at the book launch. Picture: Alison Miles / OSM PHOTO

Launching the book, Graham Norton, reminisced about his own days at the school, and shared some wise insights:

If I could go back and talk to the boy I was shuffling around here in a uniform … I would tell him ‘worry less.  Don’t worry about things so much.  It is such a waste of emotional energy.’ The other thing I would tell him is that all life is a series of choices  and consequences.  The trick is to think about the consequence before you make the choice…

He paid tribute to current principal Ian Coombes, also a former pupil of the school, who wrote the history of the school. Graham Norton said:

One of the more unusual clues that you are getting long in the tooth is that you are now included in a history book! … It really is an extraordinary work. It works as an academic book. It works as a a social history but also for a lot of us, a walk down memory lane  or simply scanning names that we can’t remember wondering if they are dead yet!

The thing about history is it is all about perspective; where you are looking at it from.

Graham Norton’s speech was recorded by the Southern Star Newspaper and may be seen HERE.

Bandon Grammar School Principal, Ian Coombes, speaks about the history of the school he has written.
Picture: Alison Miles / OSM PHOTO

In his speech, Ian Coombes said that Graham Norton’s talent as a writer had been nurtured by English teacher Niall McMonagle, who was also in attendance at the book launch.  Mr Coombes presented a survey of the history of the school and expressed his thanks to all who had assisted him during the fourteen year period of writing it. Referring to the school’s Church of Ireland connections he said that ‘over the centuries, the school has had a chequered history with bishops.’

Bishop Paul Colton proposing a vote of thanks to Graham Norton. Picture: Alison Miles / OSM

In proposing a vote of thanks to Graham Norton on behalf of everyone present, Bishop Paul Colton, picked up on this and said:

In spite of the school’s ‘chequered history’ with bishops, I am honoured today to have been asked to proposed this vote of thanks to you Graham, in spite of the fact that you have come here today wearing my colour. Being a bishop might suit you; we could do with a few bishops of your calibre.

Referring to a busy few days, the Bishop said:

I’m having quite a few days of it – on Saturday the Archbishop of Canterbury asked me for a selfie – true story – and less than 48 hours later I’m sharing a stage with Graham Norton.

Graham – you and the Archbishop of Canterbury in the same sentence – did you ever imagine that when you were shuffling around here in uniform?

You certainly pull a crowd. Not because you’re famous, but because people genuinely like you.  That’s true in a special way for us here in Cork, and here in your old school in particular. 

I first met Ian 41 years ago at University College Cork.  We parked our motorbikes in the same place at the same time each morning. That was a couple of years before I first met you also, Graham. This is undoubtedly a big day for Ian.  You, Graham, have rightly turned the spotlight on him. And that says a lot about you, not only as a professional, but as a person.

Bishop Colton’s full speech may be read HERE.

On behalf of the school, Graham made presentations of the new history to a number of people who had supported Mr Coombes with its production.  Afterwards, Graham Norton was snowed under with requests for autographs, selfies and photographs, and gave hugely generously of his time to the many people present.    A reception for everyone followed in the school dining hall.

Copies of the history of Bandon Grammar School are available from the school.

Some of the Church of Ireland clergy from local parishes associated with Bandon Grammar school with Graham Norton and the Bishop (l-r) the Rev. Denis MacCarthy (Bandon), the Rev. Isobel Jackson (Crosshaven and Nohoval), Graham Norton, the Bishop, the Rev. Anne Skuse (Chaplain of Bandon Grammar School), and David Bowles (Moviddy Union of Parishes). ‘It surely must have carried Graham back to his ‘Father Noel Furlong days in Father Ted’ someone said) Picture: Alison Miles / OSM PHOTO

Posted in Bishop, Book Launch, Books and Publications, Cork, Diocese, Education, People from Cork, People from the Diocese, Schools in the Diocese

Speech of Thanks to Graham Norton at Bandon Grammar School by Bishop Paul Colton

Posted on November 30, 2019 by

Following the launch by Graham Norton of ‘Bandon Grammar School: a History written by school principal,, Ian Coombes, at the invitation of the school and on behalf of everyone the speech of thanks to Graham Norton was given by the Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross, Dr Paul Colton.

He said:

In spite of the school’s ‘chequered history’ with bishops, that Mr Coombes has just referred to, I am very pleased today to have been asked to proposed this vote of thanks to you Graham, even if you have come here today wearing my colour!  Being a bishop might suit you; we could do with a few bishops of your calibre.

Many people think that book launches never pull a crowd – but look at the crowd here today – more than a thousand of you.

I’m having quite a few days of it in fact – on Saturday, a couple of days ago, the Archbishop of Canterbury asked me for a selfie – true story – and less than 48 hours later I’m sharing a stage with Graham Norton.  Graham – you and the Archbishop of Canterbury in the same sentence – did you ever imagine that?

Looking around and seeing the vast crowd you have pulled to this important event in the life of Bandon Grammar School all I can say is – I have two vacant parishes in the Diocese at the moment, so if you fancy a career change …

You certainly pull a crowd. Not because you’re famous, but because people genuinely like you.  That’s true in a special way for us here in Cork, and here in your old school in particular. 

What I especially like about today is that you have come here to shine a light, not on yourself, but on your old school in general and on Ian Coombes in particular.  Do you know, when Ian Coombes sent me the text of the history of the school, and asked me to write a foreword, one of two in the book, he was too modest to tell me that he had written this history, and that it had been a work of love for the last 14 years?  In fact, he gave me the impression it was someone else’s work, to the point that I was wondering why he himself wasn’t writing the foreword.

I first met Ian 41 years ago at University College Cork.  We parked our motorbikes in the same place at the same time each morning. That was a couple of years before I first met you also, Graham.  This is undoubtedly a big day for Ian.  You, Graham, have rightly turned the spotlight on him, as I say. And that says a lot about you, not only as a professional, but as a person.

I asked one of my millennial, hockey-playing sons over breakfast in Dublin yesterday (after the selfie with the Archbishop of Canterbury – did I mention that yet?) what it is that people find so appealing about you.  He said: ‘Everyone thinks they know him. He’s someone you’d like to meet and to relax in his company. He is humble in his own way.’

And this is very true. Alongside your flamboyance, humour, unpredictability, mischievous, sometimes very naughty streak, there’s something profound and thoughtful with a light touch.  You are good at, and have always been good at – to ‘mis’use the words of the Magnificat – the Song of Mary – ‘putting down the mighty from their seat…’  And I’m not talking about the red chair.

Sometimes, what you don’t say says it all.  

You empower people to be themselves – in all the glorious diversity of their God-given humanity.  Those of us who treasure values of justice, equality, and inclusion appreciate this in your leadership in the public space.  You are always true to yourself – others see that, and that empowers other people in turn, including many young people in a place like this, many who might otherwise feel vulnerable.

Your humour and fun, as the best of those crafts should do, holds up a mirror and helps us to take a good look at ourselves and the world around us in relation to things that do matter. Your succinct answer not long ago to a question put to you on TV about Brexit is a case in point. 

Anyway, before this starts to trundle into the territory of either a hagiography fit for an Archbishop, or an obituary, I’m going to sit down with two heartfelt words on behalf of us all:

Thank you!

At Bandon Grammar School, following the book launch were Graham Norton, Bishop Paul Colton, and Ian Coombes, School Principal and author of the new history of the School.
Picture: Alison Miles / OSM

Posted in Bandon Grammar School, Bishop, Book Launch, Books and Publications, Cork, Diocese, Education, People from Cork, Schools in the Diocese

St Luke’s Home Celebrates 25 Years in Mahon, Cork

Posted on November 28, 2019 by

On Thursday 21st November a large gathering of staff, friends and volunteers came to celebrate with the residents, 25 years in Mahon for St Luke’s Home, Cork.   Mr Tony O’Brien, CEO of the Charity gave the opening address.  Bishop Paul Colton, President and Chairman of the Charity warmly welcomed the new Bishop of Cork and Ross,  Bishop Fintan Gavin,  and also the Deputy Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Fergal Dennehy.

Deputy Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr. Fergal Dennehy speaks with residents Sheila and Annie at St. Luke’s Charity and Home at a celebration to mark the 25th anniversary of their move from Military Hill to Mahon (in 1994).
Pic: Diane Cusack

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross and Chair of the Board, Dr. Paul Colton, gives a tour of the facility to the Bishop of Cork and Ross, Fintan Gavin, at St. Luke’s Charity and Home during a celebration to mark the 25th anniversary of their move from Military Hill to Mahon (in 1994).
Pic: Diane Cusack

In 1994 the move from what is currently the Ambassador Hotel on Military Hill took place following the gift of a site in Mahon from Cork City Council. Since then St Luke’s Home has grown from strength to strength and is now a highly regarded campus for the Older Person with a particular expertise in the area of dementia.

Bishop Paul Colton makes a special presentation  to Bobby, one of the residents who moved from Military Hill to Mahon in 1994. Pic: Diane Cusack

As well as providing a home for 128 Residents, St Luke’s also operates a daycare and respite facility, an Education Centre called Northridge House, a Foundation, and a Community Dementia Outreach Service.

A Registered Charity, St Luke’s was delighted to share its birthday celebrations with other key players in the Cork charity sector, namely Noreen Dorgan (CEO of S.H.A.R.E.), Paddy O’Brien (Irish Heart Foundation), Paula Mc Govern and Noreen Smiddy from Marymount Hospice, to name a few.

Special presentations were made to staff members who have worked with St Luke’s for the last 25 years and also to 4 recent retirees. Joan Jeffery, one of the management team who has worked for the Charity in Mahon from the outset, replied on behalf of everyone.

Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross and Chair of the Board, Dr. Paul Colton, presents Joan Jeffrey from Glounthaune with an award for 25 years service during the celebration to mark the 25th anniversary of St. Luke’s Charity and Home moving from Military Hill to Mahon (in 1994).
Pic: Diane Cusack

 

Bishop Colton then invited Joan Jeffery,  to cut the ‘birthday cake’.

Deputy Lord Mayor, Cllr. Fergal Dennehy, Joan Jeffery, Assistant Director of Finance &; Administration, Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross and Chair of the Board, Dr. Paul Colton, Bishop of Cork and Ross, Dr Fintan Gavin, Tony O’Brien, CEO, and Paddy O’Brien, Irish Heart Foundation, pictured at St. Luke’s Charity and Home at a celebration to mark the 25th anniversary of their move from Military Hill to Mahon (in 1994).
Pic: Diane Cusack

Afterwards a new hair salon especially for people living with dementia was opened in Maguire House (one of the four residential areas of the Home).

Tony O’Brien, CEO, Bishop of Cork and Ross, Dr Fintan Gavin, Joan Jeffery, Assistant Director of Finance & Administration, Deputy Lord Mayor, Cllr. Fergal Dennehy, and Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross and Chair of the Board, Dr. Paul Colton, pictured at St. Luke’s Charity and Home at a celebration to mark the 25th anniversary of their move from Military Hill to Mahon (in 1994).
Pic: Diane Cusack

Posted in Anniversaries, Care of the Older Person, Charities in the Diocese, Charity Work, Church in Society, Cork, Dementia Care, Diocese, Five Marks of Mission, Partnership, People from Cork, Saint Luke's Charity, Saint Luke's Home, Saint Luke's Home Education Centre

Members of Cork Three Faiths Forum attend Installation of Canon Elaine Murray in the Chapter of St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, Cork

Posted on November 26, 2019 by

A large attendance of parishioners from Carrigaline Union of Parishes swelled the ranks of the congregation of St Fin Barre’s cathedral, Cork for Evensong on Sunday, 24th November when the Reverend Canon Elaine Murray was installed as Prebendary of Desertmore and Killanully.  Also present were members of the Cork Three Faiths Forum – Christian, Muslim and Jewish faiths – in which Canon Murray is actively involved.  Present also were members of the Cork, Cloyne and Ross Children’s Ministry Group which the Canon convenes.

Canon Elaine Murray with her family – Áine, Liam and Conor at her Installation as Prebendary of Desertmore and Killanully, at Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral, Cork.
Picture: Jim Coughlan.

Pictured are, The Very Revd Nigel Dunne, Dean of Cork and The Revd Canon Elaine Murray, after the Choral Evensong and service and The Installation of The Revd Canon Elaine Murray as Prebendary of Desertmore and Killanully, at Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral, Cork.
Picture: Jim Coughlan.

Some of the members of the Cork Three Faiths Forum with the Bishop after the Service (l-r) . Charles Payne, Ali Hamou, Canon Elaine Murray, the Bishop, David Coon (front), Stephen Gregory (back) and the Reverend Tony Murphy.
Picture: Jim Coughlan.

Posted in Appointments, Cathedral, Cork, Cork Three Faiths Forum, Diocese, Five Marks of Mission, Installations, Interfaith Dialogue