page 1 Website: irdduhallow.com Email: [email protected] Fax: 00-353-29-60694 Tel: 00-353-29-60633 Newmarket, Co. Cork, Ireland. James O’Keeffe Institute, Newmarket (Pop 988)andRathmore (Pop 778). Macroom (3738),Kanturk (Pop 2263),Millstreet (Pop 1574), expandedThe Duhallow region hasfive market towns: lessthan200people. orinsettlementsof open countryside thepopulation live inthe Over 85%of Mid Cork. Itisalargely ruralarea. North W T T he expanded IRDDuhallow region includes he Land&People

est Cork andSouthEastKerry and Communities in Duhallow Cor DUHALL Limerick k OW Dublin

Designed by: Sheila Carroll Creative Republic Printed by: Kanturk Printers Photographs by: Sheila Fitzgerald, Tadhg Curtin, Christopher Bourke & Neily Curtin Front Cover Photo by: Crow Crag Productions Equality and Social Inclusion Inclusion andSocial Equality The. Network Saoi &ProjectsSICAP ...... LEADER Projects...... LEADER ...... Rural Regeneration Fund...... Community Development...... Culture. &Heritage Tourism Environment Staff...... IRD Duhallow CLG Company Structure...... IRD Duhallow Board...... Members . Duhallow Skillnet Enterprise...... Agriculture...... Duhallow Farming for Catchments BlueDot ...... LifeRaptor (After LIFE). Duhallow Community Food...... Services Tús . Scheme Rural Social Community Employment...... Scheme ...... Duhallow Community Laundry Duhallow Furniture Revamp...... Warmer HomesInitiative...... forEquality Women &Childcare...... Ability ...... Inclusion HealthandDisability Mental Youth andEducation . Resilient YouthProgramme...... Local TrainingInitiative...... and TrainingEmployment ...... Manager’s. Report Chairperson’s Address...... IRDDuhallow CEOMaura Walsh, Creed forAgriculture, Michael TD Minister Food andthe ...... Marine and IRD Duhallow Chairperson Mary Wallace Mary Marine andIRDDuhallow Chairperson ...... (Carers, Disability, Violence, Domestic Pal &Migrants) ...... 8,9, 10 24, 25 20, 21 12, 13 46, 47 44, 45 38, 39 34, 35 30, 31 28, 29 4, 5,6 PAGE 27 26 23 22 19 18 17 16 15 14 11 48 43 42 41 40 37 36 33 32 7 3 2 Chairperson’s Address Manager’s Report

I was honoured to accept the role of becoming the 10th support and the confidence they have placed in IRD The performance of the company over the past twelve to biodiversity and improving habitats for pollinators. chairperson of IRD Duhallow, and thank my fellow Board Duhallow’s Rural Skillnet. Paul was a very popular Keynote months has exceeded expectations and we look forward When coupled with our Raptor LIFE programme; EIP Agri; members for this vote of confidence in me. During my speaker at our biggest ever Enterprise Awards attended to capitalising further, on some new initiatives targeted to Furniture Revamp, which redirects furniture from land fill; term of office, I have and will continue, to serve the Board by over 240 local business people last November. benefit specific communities, individuals and businesses in Warmer Homes Retrofit tackling fuel poverty and reducing and the greater Duhallow region to the best of my ability. I the coming year. The performance of all our programmes carbon emissions, IRD Duhallow’s contribution, role and want to thank all of the Board members and former chairs An intensive period of community consultation was and initiatives are detailed in full, throughout this Progress impact in tackling Climate Change is significant. IRD for their support, time, and their generosity in sharing undertaken by board members and staff from all Report. Duhallow welcomes the publication of the Governments their vast knowledge and experience and I must take programmes and disciplines during late spring. Over 30 Climate Action Plan 2019 and the related Annex of Actions. While the Duhallow region has seen unemployment fall, the opportunity to thank my very able, supportive, and community meetings were held right across the region, We particularly note Section 12 on Citizen Engagement, underemployment is still a problem, we continue striving dedicated Vice Chairperson, Breeda Moynihan Cronin. which proved to be a valuable two-way process with Community Leadership and Just Transition and the communities learning of the many supports and services to find new approaches to meet and address social needs company is gearing itself for a more significant role in the As part of its ongoing development programme, IRD available through IRD Duhallow and we learned more efficiently and sustainably, however a restoration of funding coming years. Duhallow invests the time of our voluntary Board, Working about the concerns, challenges, plans and aspirations of to pre-recession levels would enable IRD Duhallow to extend Group chairs, management and staff in an annual, the communities. This was particularly valuable in our the reach of SICAP and include many more communities IRD Duhallow is involved in a long term, labour intensive structured two days of strategic planning. This past year, extended area in Mid Cork around Macroom. Thank you and individuals than we currently can. business. We are committed to working with the various Departments to implement government policy at a local following a review of our principle risks and opportunities, to all the people who came out and actively participated Likewise, our LEADER programme which suffered a severe we tasked the management team and staff to pursue new and to my fellow board members who chaired and helped level. We hold contracts with EU, National and Local funding cut after the recession is over 85% committed and Government, Public bodies and agencies to deliver vital programmes that will deliver to our communities and facilitate the meetings. A big thank you also to the staff for urgently needs to be restored to the previous level of funding. The value of businesses and which can be structurally integrated as well as adding value to their enthusiastic engagement in the process. services. We welcome the recently published government policy on the future Voluntary Labour in LEADER must not be forgotten, especially for communities of Social Enterprises, which has the bedrock of our policy and approach to the programmes and initiatives we already deliver. that are cash poor but time rich. It is essential that all members of the We were honoured to be invited by National Parks and Wildlife Services to addressing the unmet needs of our communities. community are facilitated to volunteer their time and skills in developing and To this end the past year has seen the company strengthen our response input to Strategic Planning at National and EU Level 2021 to 2027 and to enhancing local facilities and that this voluntary labour has a monetary value I must acknowledge the support we get from Government Departments and to Climate Change, Water Quality and Biodiversity challenges. As well as hear first-hand the trends for the next EU Programming Period. We were also that goes towards the match funding of their project. Public Bodies and Agencies. The programmes we deliver are funded by the our Raptor LIFE Programme we were delighted to be awarded a European invited to the Department of Rural and Community Development’s regional Departments of Rural and Community Development; Employment Affairs Innovation Partnership for Agriculture. It is titled Duhallow Farming for Blue consultations on the next round of Rural Development Programmes. The full impact of LEADER projects and initiatives often take a number of years and Social Protection; Children and Youth Affairs; Agriculture Food and the Dot Catchments, builds on our previous LIFE programme SAM OK and is worth to emerge. This year saw three beneficiaries of our previous LEADER programme The Board is committed to the highest standards of corporate governance for Marine; Communications, Climate Action and Environment; Housing and Local €1.4 million over 5 years to the 100 farmers expected to participate, supporting scoop the “Hobbies on the Net” category prize at the National Silver Surfers Government; Justice and Equality; Education and Skills; as well as the HSE; Cork Sustainable Farming and delivering High Status Water Catchments. our sector and is signed up to the governance code and Ethics in Public Office. Awards. Paddy Buckley, Paddy Tobin and Paddy McAuliffe took part in our We have achieved the Excellence Through People Standard again this year and and Kerry Education and Training Boards; SEAI; Pobal; The Dormant Accounts Memory through Media training and learned to use the latest technology to Funds; and Skillnets Ireland. Project Ireland 2040 was announced by the Taoiseach and Minister Ring, our work is carried out to NSAI standard where relevant. make and edit films and to transfer old reels and tapes to digital format. to deliver sustainable Rural Development into the future. IRD Duhallow Our new Chairperson, Mary Wallace, representing the Community Sector, was awarded one of the first contracts worth €1.14m to support Banteer Board Rotation is a key part of good governance and I want to thank those Board Further impacts of local relevant training are evident in our hugely successful members retiring by rotation this year; Breda Kelleher, Clondrohid; Tommy started her term of office leading the Board and Staff in a Strategic Planning Development Association to build a regulation size astro turf pitch with a Skillsnet programme. The number of companies engaging with the network Review to test underlying assumptions and reaffirm the strategic direction of stand, café and museum. Work is well underway and we expect to have the Mullane Kanturk; Melissa Mullane and Don Crowley, CIT who also served as has grown year on year as well as the number of workers upskilled. Chair of the Board. All have done Trojan work on the board, promoting the IRD the company. The four core elements of our strategy, Social, Cultural, Economic entire project finished within the year. and Environmental Development still remain our bedrock and key to integrated Duhallow message and diligently representing their respective communities Our Tús numbers have fallen dramatically reflecting the reduction in the rural and community development. It concluded that IRD Duhallow is flexible, IRD Duhallow has experienced a year of further growth in output and impact and sectors. numbers unemployed. An unfortunate aspect of this was the loss of five adaptable, innovative, courageous and can deliver above expectations. Mary’s for, the communities and businesses it was set up to serve. The steady build-up supervisor jobs in the company. This weighed heavy on all of us as we bade appointment heralded a historic development. The first year in its almost 30- in LEADER activity, in response to sustained animation work from our staff at I welcome on to the Board Annette O’ Mahony who has been re-elected to farewell to our colleagues who had given their best to their work. The remaining year history that the company has elected an all-female officer team on the all levels, over the past two years culminated in over 85% of our funds already represent North Eastern Duhallow and is joined by Tom O Riordan from Kilbrin; supervisors and participants have redoubled their efforts to ensure that the Board and is also managed by an all-female management team. Otherwise we committed. This positions the company and the LAGs which we partner, well Also re-elected is Cllr Maura Healy Rae who is joined by Cllr Fionnán Fitzgerald communities as well as voluntary groups continue to receive the support they to represent Kerry County Council and Cllr Gobnait Moynihan has also been so badly need. Thanks to John Lyne DEASP for assisting with referrals. have reached gender balance on Board and Staff. Mary has provided rock solid to avail of the very welcome additional €5m LEADER funding announced by support since her appointment and I look forward to working with her as she Minister Ring recently. re-elected. Welcome onto the board for their first term are Cllr Ian Doyle, Margaret McSweeney Clondrohid; Cllr Martin Coughlan and John Lyons from IRD Duhallow’s Rural Social Scheme, works hand in hand with our Tús schemes leads the Board in shaping the company in the coming years. It is wonderful to see the first of our current LEADER Transnational Projects “Day Macroom and Padraic O Connell, Kanturk who has served on our Skillnet board so that no participants are left isolated as they enjoy mutual support and transfer of skills and good work practices. I must however pay tribute to our Last year saw IRD Duhallow formally recognise the Long Service of several of of Region” approved and underway with partners in Scotland and Romania. I and represents the State Sector. our staff - a team of remarkable people were recognised for 25, 20, 15 and would advise everyone to read a copy of the beautifully produced ‘Discover colleague, the late Joe Sexton RIP. The shock of his sudden and untimely death IRD Duhallow is widely recognised as having a high performance culture. I is still being felt throughout the company and community. The legacy of his 10 years of service to the company. This year will see more staff meet those Duhallow’ programme of events for summer 2019. Its forty pages showcase significant milestones, testament to staff loyalty and the company’s good staff the best of the region with events throughout the summer. want to thank and acknowledge the contribution of our CEO Maura Walsh, excellent work remains throughout the region and in particular in the habitat the management team and staff for the professionalism, compassion and improvements and environment work he was so deeply involved in. retention record. An increasing number of LEADER projects continue to be processed albeit at a pride they show in their work. I also want to thank my predecessor Anne Maria I want to acknowledge the contribution of Eileen Linehan our Assistant CEO to slower pace than previous programmes. Thank you to the voluntary members Bourke for her support and insights throughout the year. On a positive note our Community Employment Scheme has expanded and we are delighted to receive new participants. Our thanks to Elaine Mc Dermot, the success of the company. I value her professionalism, leadership qualities, of our Independent Evaluation Committee and its Chairman, Declan O Keeffe commitment, flexibility, and honest well thought out advice. Also Triona November 2019 will see the company celebrate 30 years serving the Frank Heffernan, and Marie O Flynn Regional Manager of the DEASP for their for their voluntary commitment to our work. Dennehy and Helen O’ Sullivan of our Management Team for their dedication Duhallow Region and bringing development to every community and sector continued support. and hard work and the leadership they provide to their teams. A culture of As Implementing Partners for LEADER with the Local Authorities of Cork and in the expanded area. Our Values, which have evolved over the past three This past year saw us win a number of New Programmes across a range of ongoing innovation, continually pushing the boundaries of our work, putting Kerry, I wish to thank the two Chairs Cllrs Bernard Moynihan and Michael decades, are IRD Duhallow’s hallmark and we are widely recognised as being disciplines. This was the first full year of operation of our Ability Programme and new demands on existing staff and creating opportunities to introduce new Hegarty, Chief Officer Kay Keegan, Andrew Lewis, Valerie Hayes and their staff Courageous, Innovative, Responsive, Flexible, Caring, Driven and Trusted by already the possibilities for the participants are becoming apparent. We also skills to the company, allows IRD Duhallow stay relevant to our communities. in North Cork and South Cork LCDC/LAG’s as well as Kerry LAG Chairman the people we serve, our stakeholders in local and national government as engaged closely with Cork Education and Training Board and are delivering We are proud of our people, all professionals to the core. Cllr Niall Kelliher along with Chief Officer Mike Scannell and LAG manager well as at European Commission level. a new programme, Resilient Youth, targeted at young people who are out Niamh O’Sullivan, Helena Switzer and Anne Marie Fitzgerald for their ongoing of education, training and work. Of course being awarded a significant Rural Together, Board and Staff have built strong vibrant, resilient communities. We cooperation and support. The coming year will give us the opportunity to look back over the past three continue to work to realise the potential of all individuals, upskilling Duhallow’s decades and take time to reflect on the impact the company has had on the Regeneration Programme was a major achievement this year and we intend to build on the experience to deliver further projects throughout the region. workforce to meet the challenges of the future. Further, we have a strong Our Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme received the approval Duhallow area and the people that live, work and visit here. It will also give us pipeline of projects and innovations that will deliver to the greater Duhallow of both Cork and Kerry LCDC’s with all KPI’s met and in many cases surpassed. the opportunity to identify new opportunities to enhance the quality of life for Our longer established Local Training Initiative with Cork ETB advanced to QQI region over the coming years. all communities in the Duhallow region which, we were established to serve. Further increases in the numbers accessing our quality, relevant training and Level 5 in Horticulture this year and I want to acknowledge the support of lifelong learning opportunities have also been delivered again in the past Patricia O Mahony and Catherine Power of Cork ETB. This programme underpins Maura Walsh Mary Wallace our Grow It Yourself initiative which, supports a committed group to grow their year, with our first Cap and Gown conferring for many years. I wish to thank CEO IRD Duhallow own fruit and vegetables, thereby reducing food miles, adding significantly in particular, Paul Healy CEO and the staff at Skillnets Ireland, for their ongoing Chairperson

page 2 pagepage 3 5 IRD Duhallow Board Members IRD Duhallow Board Members

Mary Wallace Breeda Moynihan Cronin Jack Roche Billy Murphy Mary Wallace is the Board’s Chairperson and Breeda re-joined the Board in 2014 to represent Jack is from Rockchapel and represents the Saoi Billy was elected to the Board of IRD Duhallow to sits on the HR committee as well as the Women Duhallow’s Social Enterprises and is the current Network of which he is the Chairman. A former represent South Eastern Duhallow in 2018. He is & Childcare, and Community Development Vice Chair. Breeda was a member of Dáil Éireann IRD Duhallow Chairman, he sits on the Social a founding member and Chairperson of the Lyre Working Groups. She was elected to the Board from 1992 – 2007 and a member of Kerry Co. Economy, Finance, Human Resources and Community Culture, Sport and Leisure Association in 2015 representing the South Eastern Region. Council from 1999- 2003 and from 2011 - 2013. Community Development Working Groups. and has overseen large-scale community She works in the Department of Employment Serving her community for over 20 years, her Jack represents IRD Duhallow on ILDN and development in Lyre village including the Affairs & Social Protection. She has served on constituency included the East Kerry area of also represented ILDN on ELARD the European development of their community centre. the Boards of Management of both primary Duhallow. At present, she is chair of ECSSA LEADER Association for Rural Development Billy is also a long standing member of Banteer, and secondary schools. She is an active (Electrical Contractors Safety Standards Association) from which he retired earlier this year. Steeped Lyre & Naad District Community Council. Billy works member of Donoughmore Community Council Ireland and is involved in a number of voluntary in the cultural development of the region, he in the Water Section of Cork County Council serving as Chairperson, and coordinates the and charitable organisations. Breeda is Chair of the developed Bruach na Carraige Cultural Centre and is an avid community volunteer. Community Alert scheme for the parish. Social Economy Working Group of IRD Duhallow. in Rockchapel, the Sliabh Luachra Archive and the Cultural Trail.

Anne Maria Bourke Cormac Collins Brian Kelly Billy Dennehy Anne Maria Bourke is a former Board Chair and Cormac is a former Chairman of IRD Duhallow Brian was elected to the Board to represent Billy Dennehy was elected to the Board of she sits on the Finance and HR Committees. She holding the role from 2012 to 2015. He’s from the Western Duhallow region in June 2014. He has IRD Duhallow in May 2017 as a community represents the INTO and Trade Unions on the Board. Gneeveguilla and works as a Senior Manager over 30 years experience in industry and worked as representative for the Western Duhallow She is a former National School Principal and has in ESB based in Tralee and at ESB offices at an electrical contractor and is a founding member region. He is an active member of the keen interest in supporting children with disabilities, Dublin Airport. He was appointed to the Board and former director of ECSSA, a body set to regulate Kiskeam Community and volunteers with working closely with Tusla in an advisory capacity. to represent the State sector having previously the electrical industry. Along with his wife Anna he many community groups. He is the current She is an active member of the Allianz Sciath na served as Community Representative for Western runs two Subway restaurants, and served on the Development Officer of the Kiskeam Scoil North Cork Primary Schools’ Games and Cork Duhallow. The ESB has worked closely with IRD advertising Board for Subway. Brian is Chair of the Development Association and Chairman of Primary School Sports. She is a keen bridge player Duhallow in delivering three phase electricity Enterprise Working Group overseeing the Duhallow Kiskeam GAA Club. He is working as an Engineer and is a member of both the Brogeen and Kanturk to many small industries in rural Duhallow. He is Skillnet. He is also an active member of Rathmore with Cork County Council. Billy is married to Emily Bridge Clubs and is the current President of the chairman of Gneeveguilla Community Council, Community Council. and they have two children. South Munster Bridge Association. She is the present who developed a cultural centre in Gneeveguilla Chairperson of a local Board of Management and is village, “Teach Failte”. He serves on the HR, Finance Chairperson of Castlemagner Parish Council. and Community Development Working Groups.

Ann Fitzgerald Michael Twohig Annette O’Mahony Tom O’Riordan Ann is a primary school teacher, teaching in Michael is a founder member of IRD Duhallow Annette was elected to the Board in May 2016 Tom O’Riordan was elected to the Board in July Scoil Chroí Íosa in Blarney. She has an M.A. and served as Chairman from 2011-2013, in representing the North Eastern Duhallow 2019 to represent the communities of North Eastern in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and has the past he also served as Finance Director. He region. She is married to David, they have Duhallow. Tom, a native of Kilbrin is married to Nora a special interest in mental health. She has represents Kanturk Chamber of Commerce on 5 sons, and she works in Newmarket as a Mary and they have six children. Tom worked for volunteered with Rehab Ireland and My Mind the Board. With his wife Noreen he manages Practice Nurse. She has served on the Board many years in retail where he held a variety of roles Centre for Mental Well being. She joined the the family owned Supervalu Stores in Kanturk, of Management of Ballyhass N.S. and has and owned his own business for a number of years. Board in 2017, representing Macra na Feirme. Abbeyfeale and Askeaton. A keen angler and also spent time as Chairperson of its Parents In recent times, he retired to part time farming. Tom She is an active member of the Freemount club hunter he has developed a number of angling Association. She also served as Treasurer of the has been actively involved in Kilbrin Community for where she holds the role of Public Relations projects in Duhallow. Michael is an active Parents Council in Mercy Secondary School over forty years where he held posts of Secretary, Officer. She has competed in a variety of member of the Enterprise Working Group, Kanturk. Annette volunteers with groups such PRO, and Chairperson. Tom was one of the instigators competitions nationally including CAPERS, Finance and Audit Working Group, as Castlemagner Community Development of the heritage project, which restored Dr. Croke’s public speaking, debating and drama. HR Committee and Life + Steering Committee. Association, Tidy Towns and is involved in the birthplace house in Kilbrin. Tom’s hobbies include local An Taisce litter watch. Golf, Heritage, Music and Dancing and GAA.

John Breen Padraic O’Connell Margaret McSweeney John Lyons John is a member of the Environment Working Padraic is from Kanturk where he lives with his Margaret McSweeney was elected to the Board in John recently retired from Forest Engineering based Group and has been nominated to the Board to wife and two daughters. He is a member of the 2019. She lives in Macroom with her husband and in Macroom where he held a National brief. He represent them. He is currently Director of Services Enterprise Working Group. Padraic has a BBS from son. Her background includes work as a qualified was secretary of the Forestry Union for the Forest with responsibility for Environment & Water UL. He is currently Head of HR at Ervia (formerly Pastry Chef as well as a Carer for those with Industry Transport Group and involved in various Services, Fire and Emergency services, Civil Defence Bord Gais) having held senior management roles Intellectual Disabilities and is presently studying projects nationally and internationally. He is currently and Library services with Kerry County Council. there in Energy Policy, Commercial, PR, Marketing Business in line with her current interests. She is the Secretary and an active member of Macroom Previously he served as Director of Services for and Legal for the past 15 years. Padraic has a member of a number of committees such as Tidy Towns for over 3 decades co-ordinating various Housing and Community for 10 years. He has also presented at energy conferences in Ireland and Clondrohid Development Group and Clondrohid projects as well as being the Secretary and active previously served as Director of Services in Limerick across Europe. In 2016, he was appointed Chair Hall Committee. Margaret served as Parent’s member of Macroom Handball/Racquetball club. City and as Town Clerk in Tralee and Town Manager of the Gas Infrastructure Europe BrExit Taskforce. representative for 6 years on a secondary school’s He is Chairperson of Safeguarding Committee in of Listowel and Killarney Town Councils. A native of Padraic enjoys golfing and is a member of Board of Management and was child officer for 5 Macroom Parish, Chairperson of local community Kilkenny city he presently resides in Castleisland. Kanturk and Killarney Golf Clubs, holding Kanturk years in a local GAA club. association, member of gun club, hillwalking club committee roles for over a decade. and active member of Aghinagh Comhaltas Group. He is married to Frances, with 4 daughters and nine grandchildren.

page 4 pagepage 57 7 Judy O’Leary Suzanne Campion Judy first joined the Board of IRD Duhallow in Suzanne represents Inland Fisheries Ireland where IRD Duhallow CLG. Company Structure 1997 representing women’s groups. She Chairs she is Head of Business Development. Suzanne has the Women and Childcare Working Group and previously worked as a manager and accountant is a member of the HR Working Group. Judy is in the public and private sectors. As head of a founder member of the Duhallow Women’s Business Development with IFI, her focus is on IRD Duhallow is a Community based Rural Development Company established in what we have achieved since 1989: Forum. She hails from Dromtariffe and is developing habitat, angling infrastructure and 1989. It is a Company Limited by Guarantee without share capital. It has charitable 1600 Jobs Created actively involved in her local community. She angling marketing through the implementation of status and our directors are voluntary and receive no remuneration for their services. is a long standing member of the Irish Country The National Strategy for Angling Development. 1167 Businesses Supported The Board of IRD Duhallow adheres to the Governance Code Principles Statement Women’s Association and is the Vice President Suzanne represents IFI in the Irish Tourism Industry 186 Community Groups Supported for the North Cork Guilds and a member of Confederation and many rural development since 2013 and is listed on the Register of Compliance. The Constitution reflects Kiskeam Guild. She has also served as Vice strategy groups. best practice and is in accordance with the Charities Act, 2011. 408 Community Work Placements Supported Chairperson of IRD Duhallow for three years. 9338 Training Places Created The Board membership reflects the integration of Social Inclusion and Rural 3860 Homes Insulated Development, the importance of the environment and community volunteers and David Doyle John Joe Culloty the democratically elected Local Authority Members. Reflective of the integrated David Doyle joined the Board of IRD Duhallow in John Joe joined the Board of IRD Duhallow July 2015, as a nominee of the Chief Executive of in July 2015. John Joe is self-employed in the nature of our work, the Company’s Board and Sub Committee Structures have 1600 Kerry County Council, Moira Murrell. David holds construction industry for the past 30 years. evolved over the years and enjoy a massive amount of good will and voluntary the position of Senior Engineer in the Operations John Joe lives with his wife, Mary, and their contribution in the region. Upwards of 3,500 people, participate from the bottom & Safety section of Kerry County Council. He is family in Spa, Tralee and he is very actively currently working on the development of proposals engaged in local community projects. He is a up through these structures. IRD Duhallow has a number of Working Groups with for a number of strategic sites in Kerry. He previously a former Councillor with Kerry County Council. representatives from our Board and staff as well as community and State sector 1167 worked in Roads directorate and as Killarney Town Throughout his time in public office he chaired representatives. This structure allows us to target specific expertise beneficial to Engineer who supported and worked with local a number of committees including: Killarney 186 development groups and tidy town organisations. Municipal District Strategic Twinning the implementation of the strategic aims assigned to the particular working group. David lives in Beaufort, Killarney and is an active Committee, and Killarney Arts Working Group. IRD Duhallow continues to strive for excellence through the ongoing training 3860 member of the local Tidy Towns Committee. John Joe served as Mayor of Killarney from June. and development of our staff. We have attained the Excellence Through People 408 Standard, Ireland’s standard for Human Resource Management which is now 9338 administered by the National Standards Authority of Ireland. Cllr Maura Healy Rae Cllr Fionnán Fitzgerald 28 year old Cllr Maura Healy Rae joined the Board Cllr Fionnán Fitzgerald is a secondary teacher of IRD Duhallow in March of 2016. An independent and was elected Councillor for the Castleisland Councillor for the Killarney Municipal District, Area in the recent local elections of May 2019. Maura is the fourth of the six Healy-Rae children He was nominated to the Board of IRD Duhallow of Danny and his wife Eileen. Her constituency to represent Kerry County Council. He has social Economy women & childcare includes the East Kerry area, so she is very familiar been a community activist for many years warmEr homEs youth & community with Duhallow and the projects and work that particularly in the field of social inclusion for womEn’s forum Education development have been carried out in her region. Maura works the elderly, community alert groups and also rEVamp norTh cork childcarE nETwork as an English and History teacher in St. Brogan’s the provision of sport for youth. He hopes to communiTy laundry College, Bandon. continue to help connect people to their own communities in his area. afTEr-schools gEographic Equality culTurE & hEriTagE disaBiliTy Cllr Gobnait Moynihan Cllr Martin Coughlan aBiliTy Cllr Gobnait Moynihan joined the Board of IRD Duhallow Martin is joining the Board of IRD Duhallow in migranTs EldErly - saoi in June 2016. Gobnait was elected as a County Councillor 2019. Martin is a member of Cork County Council community by the people of Millstreet / Macroom Municipal District, representing the Macroom Municipal District and is mEnTal ill-hEalTh and has been representing the people of the area since Deputy Mayor of the County for 2019/2020. Martin forum BEfriEnding nETwork 2016. Gobnait works closely with her brother Aindrias was previously a Town Councillor in Macroom for 20 Employment Moynihan TD to represent the people of the area, both in years, having served as Town Mayor on three separate Council and in Dáil Eireann. Cllr Gobnait Moynihan sits on occasions. Martin is a retired FAS supervisor who lives & Training carE & rEpair the Southern Regional Drug and Alcohol Taskforce as well in Macroom and is an active Community worker. He as Cork Sports Partnership. Gobnait will continue to build is the current Chairman of the Macroom Tidy Towns Enterprise & Tourism stronger bonds between IRD Duhallow’s existing networks group and on the Board of Directors of the Briery Gap Board communiTy carE and the local communities in her own constituency which and also works with the Enterprise Board organising EnTErprisE includes the Macroom, Inchigeelagh, Rylane areas. the Food Festival, the St. Patricks Day parade and the skillnET erection of the Macroom town Christmas lights. 2019 BErEaVEmEnT supporT duhallow angling cEnTrE of ExcEllEncE social partners Cllr Gearóid Murphy Cllr Ian Doyle domEsTic ViolEncE supporT Gearóid is a barrister and represents the Kanturk- Ian Doyle is from Charleville, and all his life he’s been agriculture Mallow area as a County Councillor. Gearóid serves involved in his community. He was a founding member allow caTchmEnT group as Chair of IRD Duhallow’s Youth and Education of Charleville Show 40 years ago and has held many carErs Working Group, is a member of the Southern positions over that time including Chairman. He BEE kEEpErs local statutory Regional Assembly and sits on Cork County Council’s is a member of the St Vincent de Paul, Holy Cross Economic Development, Housing, Library and Joint Conference and was President for many years. He is Environment authorities agencies lonE parEnTs - pal Policing Committees. He is fluent in German and Chairman of the Charleville Heritage Society, Treasurer lifE sTEEring group was educated at CBC Cork, UCD, King’s Inns and of the Charleville Tidy Towns Committee and he is the University of Heidelberg. Gearóid is active in his currently a board member of Ballyhoura Development, Eip sTEring group local community and has a special interest in the Charleville Sheltered Housing and Community Care, duhallow Bird waTch independent human economic and social development of rural areas. Charleville Community Hall, Charleville Chamber, and finance He joined the Board of IRD Duhallow in June 2017. Newtownshandrum Community Association. He also grow iT yoursElf Evaluation committee resources sits on the Board of Management of St Marys Secondary School and the CBS Primary School Charleville. Operational Sub-Committees Strategic Working Groups Strategic Working Group Sub-Committees Independent Evaluation Committee

page 6 pagepage 7 9 Details of Staff Details of Staff

EILEEN LINEHAN, TRIONA Dennehy, MARGARET O’CONNOR, Nollaig Murphy, B.A. (Econ & Geog), MBS (Business Economics), Dip. Personnel Mng. Dip MBS Cooperative and Social Enterprise, B.Sc Public Health & Health MAAT-Accounting Technician, AIPA – Payroll Technician B.A. (Sociology and History), H.Dip. Soc. Pol, M.S.W, Q.Q.I. Level 6 in Public Procurement EU funded projects Promotion, IMCV Professional Manager Award, Training Delivery Margaret is the senior accounts administrator with IRD Training Delivery and Evaluation Eileen is the Assistant Manager and has responsibility & Evaluation (QQI L6) Duhallow for twenty-two years. She is responsible for the Nollaig joined the staff of IRD Duhallow in September for the Enterprise team, which includes the Raptor Life, Triona is Employment, Trxaining and Social Inclusion establishment and maintenance of the company’s financial 2017 on a part-time basis. She works as a Development Skillnet, Community Employment& LEADER Programmes Coordinator with overall responsibility for the SICAP systems and procedures and the implementation of the Officer across the LEADER and SICAP programmes. as well as the new EIP Programme. She supports the Programme. She is the coordinator of the Towards apportionment of overheads across the various programmes Nollaig provides administrative support for both of Manager in the day-to-day running of the company Occupation Programme and oversees the Equality and delivered. She is responsible for completing financial returns these programmes and prepares the LEADER projects including Human Resources & the financial operations of a Training briefs including: the Ability Programme, Resilient for LEADER, SICAP, PEIL, LTI & Ability Programmes. She for progression through the ICT system and compliance number of programmes. Eileen monitors LEADER through Youth Programme, the Gender Equality Programme, monitors programme administration budgets to ensure checks. Nollaig is involved with IRD Duhallow’s integration its IT system and she represents Local Development Duhallow REVAMP, the Walks Scheme, RSS and Tús. She programme guidelines are followed. She liaises with the and equality work, as well as LEADER funded genealogy Companies on Cork County Childcare Committee, which works with communities in Western Duhallow to access company auditors on an annual basis. She also oversees the and graveyard projects. She also works as a tutor on the she currently chairs. Eileen is a Trustee of the Pobal Pension LEADER funding and supports the work of both the payroll and pension administration and prepares financial weekly Touch Type Read Spell classes run as part of IRD Scheme. Community and Youth and Education Working Groups. reports for management and the board of directors on a Duhallow’s Literacy Programme for children. monthly basis.

HELEN O’SULLIVAN, DR. ALLAN MEE, Tomasz Siekaniec, Stephanie Moynihan, B.Soc.Sc., M.Soc.Sc, Dip Com, Leadership & Mgt, Cert in Agri. PhD in Zoology, BSc Zoology B.Sc. in Wildlife Biology M.A International Tourism, B.A (Hon.) Business in Tourism, Training Helen joined the company in 2005 and has worked in Allan joined IRD Duhallow in February 2018 as Project Tomasz is an ecologist on IRD Duhallow Raptor LIFE project Delivery & Evaluation (QQI L6) both Community & Enterprise Development over the last Scientist for the EU funded RaptorLIFE project. He having completed work experience as part of his degree Stephanie joined IRD Duhallow in August 2018 and 14 years. Helen is the Community Services Team Leader previously worked as an external expert for IRD Duhallow programme on our SAMOK project. Tomasz has worked oversees various administration responsibilities in the with responsibility for the management and development on hen harrier monitoring and satellite tagging since with both RSS and Tús participants on the removal of alien Front Office whilst also assisting the Development Officers of social enterprises including the Warmer Homes 2016 and managed the White-tailed Eagle reintroduction invasive species including Himalayan Balsam and Japanese with numerous tasks. She is the staff resource for IRD Scheme and Newmarket Afterschools and manages the project in Killarney National Park since 2007. Allan is Knotweed. His duties have gradually expended over Duhallow Newmarket After Schools, the Jobs Centre Community Services Programme. Helen also works on the responsible for a range of EU Annex species, especially time and he is now fully engaged in most of the project and CV Clinic service, the Duhallow Carers Network and Duhallow Skillnet Programme supporting local companies research and monitoring on hen harrier and merlin; actions. His main responsibilities include data collection North Cork Childcare Managers Network. Stephanie also and employee’s access to locally affordable training. Helen leading on actions to restore heather and moorland and analysis, monitoring of project measures and target co-ordinates a wide range of in-house events for IRD works closely with community, youth and voluntary habitats; designing a management plan for hen harriers in species, GIS spatial analysis and production of maps. He Duhallow and has liaised with stakeholders in relation to groups in South and North Eastern Duhallow. She is also SPAs and the preparation of the project’s technical reports. helps with preparation of reports and occasionally liaise funding applications. the co-ordinator of the North Cork Childcare Network. with project partners and other stakeholders.

Dr. Darren Reidy, Louise Bourke, DERVAL CORBETT, Michael Morrissey, PhD Applied Ecology, MSc Ecological Assessment, BSc Ecology B.C.L., Masters in Criminal Justice, Masters in Management, Cert in Agri., ECDL, Cert in Supervisory Management MSc Applied Science in Ecological Assessment Darren joined IRD Duhallow in August 2018 as Technical IMCV Professional Manager Award; Training Delivery & Evaluation (QQI L6) Derval is employed as a Clerical Officer and is based in BSc Hons in Agriculture & Environmental Land Management Assistant on the EU funded RaptorLIFE project as well as Louise joined the IRD Duhallow Enterprise team in November the Reception and Administration Office and she is one of Our newest recruit, Michael joined IRD Duhallow in Project Scientist on the EIP-Agri funded project Duhallow 2010, as the Enterprise and Tourism Development Officer, the company’s longest serving employees with 20 years April 2019 as the Agri Environmental Specialist for the Farming Blue Dot Catchments. He provides scientific coordinating the Enterprise and Tourism supports of service in IRD Duhallow. She deals with initial enquiries to Duhallow Farming for the Blue Dot Catchments EIP. expertise in freshwater & wetland ecosystems, and has LEADER and SICAP. She provides targeted support to the Company and supports Management in day-to-day Previous to this, Michael worked as a Farm Planner for particular interest in the ecology of invasive species and start-up, micro enterprises and SMEs. Louise implements operations. She is editor of our monthly Newsletter, which FRS Network, advising farmers on Government Schemes habitat restoration. Darren conducts scientific, outreach the skillnet programme in the region, coordinating quality is circulated to 15,000 homes in Duhallow. Derval is also including GLAS & BPS. Michael is an approved advisor and administrative work on all RaptorLIFE project actions affordable training for local businesses in the region. She is the Liaison Person with the National Vetting Bureau on for Hen Harrier and Pearl Mussel. As part of his new role, and oversees the day to day running of the Allow EIP. He the appointed, staff liaison for the Enterprise Working Group, behalf of Partnerships supporting applications for Garda Michael will liaise with stakeholders in the Duhallow coordinates & conducts ecological surveys of wetland Business Mentoring Programme, the SAOI Network, Duhallow Vetting around the country. region to achieve the environmental objectives of the biodiversity and water quality monitoring, produces Befriending Network and the Literacy Support Programme. project and of the company. technical reports and works closely with the agricultural She also facilitates the Dormant Accounts Carers Programme community, state agencies and other stakeholders. for 2019/2020.

KATIE CROWLEY, MARY CREEDON, Sinead Osborne, Jennifer Drumm, B.B.S. Postgraduate Dip in Rural Dev, Food Mkt & Co-ops, Cert in B.B.S., Postgrad Dip in Rural Dev, Mkt & Co-ops. Dip in Community Certificate in Business Studies, Diploma in Legal Studies, Accounting B.A. Degree in Information Systems Management with Web Agriculture, IMCV Professional Manager Award, Training Delivery & Dev. IMCV Professional Mgr Award. Cert in Career Needs Assessment, Technician (M.I.A.T I) Technologies, Supervisory Management QQI L6 Evaluation (QQI L6) Planning and Support for Work Sinead was appointed Accounts Officer in February Jennifer joined IRD Duhallow in 2016 and works full Katie joined IRD Duhallow in 2007 and works across Mary joined IRD Duhallow in 2006 and currently works 2019. She is responsible for the preparation of weekly time in the Front Office supporting the team in its the SICAP and LEADER Programmes. She is Assistant across LEADER, SICAP, the Community Food Initiative and and monthly accounts for RSS, TÚS, Out of school, Walks administration responsibilities, and she also supports Coordinator of the Horticulture Local Training Initiative(LTI) Digital Skills for Citizens Programmes. She is the Assistant and CE schemes and prepares quarterly reports to other staff in the organisation. She is also responsible and promotes Community Education and Lifelong Coordinator to the QQI Level 5 Horticulture Local Training Pobal. Sinead also processes the Out of school, laundry for the co-ordination of various events for IRD Duhallow, Learning through the SICAP programme. Katie is staff Initiative. Mary coordinates labour market activation, and CE Payroll on a weekly basis and she prepares and assists with Community events throughout the resource to the Environment Working Group and adult and second chance and promotes lifelong learning financial reports for the Social Economy and Finance region. In the past year she has worked primarily on coordinates the work of Duhallow GIY Group, Duhallow through the community education programme of SICAP. meetings and the reports for the Main Board. She assists the Resilient Youth Programme encouraging 15 to 24 Birdwatch Group and the Duhallow Beekeepers. She She also works closely with community groups in South in the production of financial returns to the 3 Local year olds to participate in pre-employment training, is also staff resource to the Agriculture Working Group Cork providing assistance in relation to LEADER funding. Authority LAGs. mentoring and group development. supporting low-income farm families. Mary is the staff resource to the Duhallow Women’s Forum and the Employment and Training Working Group.

Jacinta Carroll, Conor Judge, John Guerin, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Geography and English, Person Centred B.A.(Hon) Philosophy, Politics, Economics and Sociology B.Sc. Chemistry Planning (QQI Level 6) Training Delivery & Evaluation (QQI L6). Conor joined IRD Duhallow in September 2018 following John joined IRD Duhallow in July 2019 and works full time Jacinta joined IRD Duhallow in April 2016, working with an internship at the ESRI where he assessed regional house as a Business Development Officer. Over the course of his the Community and Employment Team. Jacinta is the price trends. His dissertation explored the allocation of career he has worked in the Pharmaceutical, Engineering Youth Disability Engagement Officer for the Ability national LEADER funding during the 07-13 period. This and Education sectors in the UK, China & Australia. During Programme where she supports young people with a knowledge has led him to his current position working each of these roles he was heavily involved with the disability to develop a person centred plan and delivers on LEADER through supporting Community groups and management team particularly in the fields of Operational the Life Skills element of the Programme. Jacinta is co- as staff liaison for the Community Development Working Management, Strategic Coordination, Market Research, ordinator for the PEIL Duhallow Work Opportunities for Group. Conor supported the implementation of IRD Business Process Improvement and Financial Analysis, Women Programme which offers a range of supports to Duhallow’s Community Consultation process which ran as well as working closely with Stakeholders. He also has Women wishing to return to the workforce. She has also during the months of March and April as well as previously a lot of experience in Business Enterprise and has been worked on the Resilient Youth Programme and initiatives working on the Community Development Initiative 2018. involved in two start-up’s which he cofounded. John will through SICAP. Jacinta is the staff resource for the Equality be working with Social Enterprise as part of his brief. Working Group.

page 8 pagepage 9 11 Details of Staff Environment Preservation of our unique environment has been a focus of IRD Kiskeam, Newmarket and Millstreet with MARIE FLEMING, Sheila O’Keeffe, Duhallow and its Environment Working Group since its inception in 1989. further installations proposed in Rathmore BSc Rural Development. Supervisory Management (QQI L6), Dip. Community Education; Cert in Genealogy and Family History; Each of the LEADER programmes have had environment as a theme not and Macroom. Certificate in Health & Safety in the Workplace. Manual Handling Instructor (QQI L6), least the current programme which has a separate environment theme Marie is Senior Administrator with special responsibility for Supervisor Management (QQI L6) Breeding populations of the common the Rural Social Scheme and the Community Laundry. Marie Sheila O’Keeffe joined IRD Duhallow in July 2004 as a with subthemes of Water, Bio Diversity and Renewables. Since 2010, the swift across the region have suffered a provides administrative support to the Board, Social Economy Rural Social Scheme Participant with responsibility for Working Group has greatly expanded its Environment work, with IRD remarkable decline in recent years due Working Group and the LEADER Independent Evaluation administration. She progressed to RSS supervisor in Duhallow being the first LDC in Ireland to access EU LIFE funds from DG to nest disturbance through insensitive Committee. She is secretary of the Health and Safety January 2008. Through IRD Duhallow she has upskilled Environment, which afforded us the opportunity to employ ecologists. We Committee and coordinates staff training and development her administration skills and completed a Supervisory building practices. This project aims to in line with Excellence Through People guidelines and Management Course. She has a diploma in Community are currently completing reverse this decline through the provision oversees the Company’s IT and Phone Systems. She ensures Education delivered by UCC in 2007 and a Certificate in our second LIFE project of durable, communal nesting structures we are compliant with national bodies such as the Charities Genealogy and Family History delivered by UL in 2013. and have recently been and Lobbying Regulator and the Standards in Public Office. She is a fully qualified Manual Handling instructor. where each will accommodate up to 32 awarded and European breeding pairs. Innovation Partnership programme from the Barn Owl Project COLM CROWLEY, Paddy O’ Connor, Dept of Agriculture. The Barn Owl has undergone a documented Diploma in Rural Development, Certificate in Business Studies, IMCV Community Employment Supervisor decline in its geographical range in Professional Manager Award The working group is Paddy is the Supervisor on the IRD Duhallow Community recent times. They are a Red-listed Bird of Colm joined IRD Duhallow in July 2007 as the Warmer Employment Scheme and has also been charged with passionate about its work Homes Scheme Coordinator and is responsible for the the Health & Safety brief for the company. Paddy has under the stewardship of Conservation Concern in Ireland due to responsibility for ensuring each participant maximises Maura Walsh and Dr. Darren Reidy of IRD Duhallow with implementation of a number of SEAI programmes which Michael Doyle who is the a decline of over 50% in their population include the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme, Home their time on the scheme by supporting, coaching and Dr. Fran Igoe, Gretta McCarron, Sean Keating, Catherine during the past 25 years. Incentive Scheme and Better Energy Communities. Colm mentoring each person toward and on their chosen career current chair. Seale, Mick Kane, Basil Mannion and Sheevaun Thompson of coordinates staff training in line with the National Standard path. He is also instrumental in developing policies and LAWPRO who took part in a Duhallow Study visit exploring The Environment Working Group secured Authority of Irelands Cavity Wall Insulation System. Colm procedures in line with best practice for Health and Safety LAWPRO best practice case studies of Community Led Water Projects. funding from Local Agenda 21 to deliver is responsible for the preparation of monthly accounts for for all activities within the company. Warmer Homes and processes the Payroll on a weekly basis. IRD Duhallow was been awarded two local authority community a barn owl conservation project across Colm chairs IRD Duhallow’s Health and Safety Committee water and development fund projects. One relates to the design and Duhallow in 2018/2019. Eight boxes and is a fully qualified Manual Handling Instructor. implementation of silt traps to mitigate river siltation, and the other were installed in Rathcoole, Kanturk, Michael O’Cleary and relates to the development of bio security stations to prevent the spread Castlemagner, Macroom and Kiskeam in Brin McDonnell erected eight Barn Owl Boxes as part of a DON MURPHY, Nuala Riordan, of invasive species and the cray fish plague along the rivers of Duhallow. association with various community groups. Local Agenda 21 Barn Owl Cert in Archaeology ; Cert in Oral History; Training Delivery and Supervisory Management (QQIL6), BER Assessor, Cert. in Genealogy Conservation Project. Evaluation (QQI L6) and Family History Frank Lewis Don was appointed Tús Supervisor in June 2011. Nuala joined IRD Duhallow in Nov 2008 as an Renowned broadcaster Frank Lewis of Radio Kerry recorded a special His main areas of responsibility include placement, administrator. She became part of the Warmer programme featuring the Dawn Chorus in the Island Wood. It was induction, training and supervision of scheme participants Homes team and was the BER Assessor. She joined in the areas of built heritage renovation and vintage the IRD Duhallow LIFE Project team in Nov 2012, as delivered by Raptor LIFE’s ornithologists, along with local historians machinery restoration. Don has over 20 years’ experience administrator and field officer. In August 2016 she Raymond O’Sullivan as a sub-contractor in the construction industry in Ireland became Tús supervisor. Nuala liaises with many of the and PJ Hayes on the and abroad. He has a keen interest in conserving the project stakeholders and oversees much of the history of the Island region’s built heritage. He is a master craftsman and on-the-ground actions. She also delivers educational stonemason and trains participants on the LTI, T.O and seminars on the LIFE Project and the environment. Wood and local folklore other in house programmes. and legends. Music was provided by the With the support of LEADER 14-20 IRD Duhallow’s Environment Working Group is musicians of Bruach na Thomas Twomey, RACHEL BUDD, conducting a study into the biodiversity of Barna Bog, exploring its flora and fauna. Carraige, Rockchapel. Supervisory Management (QQI L6), Project Supervisor Construction B.A. Hons Sociology, Cert in Training and Development, Cert in River Feale Cooperation Project Stage Level (QQI L6) Community Development, Cert in Therapeutic Horticulture There has been an observed deterioration in water quality and the Stop Food Waste Thomas joined our Warmer Homes team in August Rachel joined IRD Duhallow in 2014 as a Horticultural ecological status of the River Feale in recent years. Waterbody units along IRD Duhallow hosted 2013 working on the new ventilation specifications Trainer, working with Tús participants and members of the River Feale are considered to be of poor status and at risk of failing a talk on food waste Maura Walsh with Frank and Siobhan Lewis of the scheme. He was appointed Tús Supervisor in the T.O group and Cope Foundation trainees to create and home composting which was at the special radio programme featuring August 2016 with responsibility for coordinating and the award winning IRD Duhallow Community Gardens. In their objectives under the water framework directive. the Dawn Chorus at the Island Wood. supervising participants placed in a number of settings March 2016 she became the Co-ordinator for the led by Donal O’Leary from the EPAs in communities in the eastern Duhallow area including Local Training Initiative in Horticulture, which is currently Consequently, IRD Duhallow with the support of project partners NEWKD ‘Stop Food Waste’ campaign. Every year, Irish homes and businesses the maintenance of Newmarket Pitch & Putt course. in its 4th year at IRD Duhallow. She also works closely and West Limerick Resources have developed a LEADER co-operation throw out over 1 million tonnes of food. Householders waste €700 per Thomas also looks after the transport portfolio in the with the local GIY group which meet monthly at the project, which will serve as an inter-regional pilot, building knowledge person every year and this peaks at Christmas Time. Food Waste is a big company and coordinates the maintenance of our James O’Keefe Institute. and working towards the development of a River Feale Catchment-wide fleet of vehicles. issue and this talk was well timed in December, to provide householders Management Association. The first step has been to undertake a baseline with practical solutions to make the most of the food they have bought. survey of the River Feale and work is currently ongoing to obtain vital data as a tool to analyse required future larger actions.

Swifts The Environment Working Group was approved LEADER funding to design, manufacture and install of communal nesting The Environment Working Group run a number of structures for the common events that encourage children to be more aware of swift in six town locations their environment. Pictured here are children taking in Duhallow. These will Donal O’Leary from the EPA with some of the attendees at the Stop Food Waste part in the Nature Detectives Summer Camp. be installed in Kanturk, Information Seminar held in the James O’Keeffe Institute.

page 10 pagepage 11 13 RaptorLIFE RaptorLIFE Success of RaptorLIFE Project small numbers (up to 150 pairs). Fish and freshwater surveys The IRD Duhallow RaptorLIFE programme is a nature conservation This once widespread bird The quality of the freshwater project under the EU Life ‘Nature & Biodiversity’ theme. The project aims suffered a big decline in numbers environment can be reflected in to protect and restore upland and freshwater habitats in the Duhallow mainly due to human activities the abundance of fish. Salmon region for the conservation of hen harrier, merlin, brook lamprey and such as large scale afforestation in particular is a good indicator Atlantic salmon. The project commenced in February 2014, with a total and peat extraction. Hen Harriers of having high sensitivity budget of €3million. IRD Duhallow is the Co-ordinating Beneficiary of are ground nesting birds, which to pollution. RaptorLIFE in Jacinta Carroll with Raptor LIFE project this project which is 50% funded through the EU LIFE scheme, which makes them very vulnerable to land use manager Eileen Linehan hosting an conjunction with the Inland funds conservation and other environmental projects right across changes, especially loss of their upland information stand at the Helping Hands. Fisheries Ireland has been Europe. The project is co-funded by the IRD Duhallow RSS and Tús bog breeding habitat. They were previously thought to nest mainly in involved in electric fishing in Schemes, through our Associated Beneficiary Pobal. areas of clearfell and young plantation forests. Our findings however one of the best salmon nursery contradicts this. In fact, long term monitoring enabled us to learn that rivers – the Owentaraglin. We Project Ecologist, Dr. Darren Reidy, Hen harriers have strong affiliation for rank vegetation outside the conifer are happy to confirm that the decline in explaining the use of invertebrates to measure water quality to Rose of plantations. Those areas often include forest rides and unplanted strips Meadow pipit and Bank voles are some of the main prey species for many raptors. both salmon and trout that was observed Tralee Kirsten Mate Maher at the contained within larger forest complex. Many upland farms also contains These animals were monitored as part of the Raptor LIFE Project. in 2017 as a result of an illegal slurry National Ploughing Championships. suitable patches of gorse, bracken or mature heather that are ideal Surveying & Monitoring release has been reversed and populations are now recovering. Apart for nesting. The nesting areas are of great vulnerability to any forestry Monitoring of small birds and from fish surveys, scientists from the project also monitor diversity of operations, disturbance associated with turf cutting machinery and mammal species, a most important macroinvertebrates and amount of agricultural intensification. dietary component for all birds sediment in the river substrate. of prey allowed us to assess the overall state of the habitat; observe Removal of Invasive Species seasonal changes in prey abundance As part of the project, eradication and most importantly evaluate the of invasive species from the Lamprey larva resembles effectiveness of our concrete conservation actions. an eel. Many of those riverbanks and road network of Controlled burning plays an important part in RaptorLIFE’s educational campaign. Together with ancient fish still live in the Duhallow was implemented in Cork Wildfire Cooperative Group, we held and workshop in Millstreet Country Park for landowners. Bird surveys river Owentarglin. order to create a more natural and Now in it’s final year RaptorLIFE has reached most of it’s targets and Early summer is a busy time for resilient ecosystems. Himalayan objectives. This has allowed us to determine the level of effectiveness breeding birds across Ireland and balsam, Japanese knotweed, Giant of our conservation measures over the past 5 years. The RaptorLIFE staff these birds are surveyed in the rhubarb and Prickly heath were our and the participants of the Tús and RSS schemes have worked tirelessly Duhallow area by the RaptorLIFE main focus. With annual mitigation in eradicating the alien invasive species, with a massive reduction of project team using the Countryside One solution to riverbank degradation has been the provision of ‘solar trough’ for cattle drinking treatments, each invasive species has RaptorLIfe and IFI working with Japanese knotweed and Himalayan balsam preventing the cattle bringing silt into the water. Bird Survey methodology. Birds are been reduced substantially, with targeted being apparent throughout the project project farmers. The Raptor LIFE In order to help mitigate the declining population, the Raptor LIFE team recorded using visual and song numbers being exceeded only two years project held a series of education area. A great deal of time and effort was seminars with local famers on have been monitoring potential nesting sites and Hen Harrier breeding identification. The transects covered into the project. New stands have been put into raising environmental awareness how the actions on their farms and nesting behaviour for the past 5 years. This allowed us to gain a range of habitats including upland found each year, but are continuously being contribute to conservation in Duhallow. This awareness is essential for insight into the ecology of the Hen Harriers and the threats they must blanket bog and wet grassland treated and eradicated. The knowledge and river diversity. all of us to help and preserve our valuable overcome to survive. Upon which made for diverse results in gained from implementing invasive species removal actions resulted in nature resources for future generations. Raptor LIFE and IFI during a our understanding of complex bird species observed. Well known species like the creation of a detailed Invasive Species Management Guide, which During the last five years, we have created joint electrofishing survey, issues surrounding hen harrier where we monitored the Wren and Chaffinch were recorded along will be published shortly. or improved riparian and in-stream habitat salmonid and trout decline, management plans with Cuckoo, Hen Harrier, Grasshopper Warbler in over 30 km of watercourses. Nearly populations. and recommendations are and Stonechat. 300 hectares of upland habitats on our currently being put into place. project farms are now being managed in We hope that they influence Mammal trapping line with the conservation objectives for the policy makers and To complement bird Natura2000 sites. help to contribute towards surveying, small mammal Hen Harrier As a part of Raptor LIFE monitoring improvement of conservation trapping was conducted programme, we have satellite tagged in selected farms across The Hen Harrier is a bird of prey (raptor) a number of chicks so that we can status of this epic bird. that breeds in the Irish uplands in very monitor their movements and gain the Special Protection Area greater understanding of habitat use. Actions on the ground (SPA) to help gauge food The concrete conservation availability for local raptors. EU Neemo monitor for IRD Duhallow Raptor Life project Neil Wilkie and Financial Monitor David Pistulka of Ernst & Young visit one of the project farms on their mission in June. actions rolled out by the IRD Duhallow has developed strong linkages This has helped us to RaptorLIFE were mainly with IT Tralee and has had a number of students determine the abundance Public engagement placed on both Raptor Life and SAMOK projects. focused on restoration of Niall Murray and Breda Quinn participating in bird of the small mammals. Raising of public awareness and educating communities on aspects of degraded habitats for the monitoring as part of their placement. The small mammals Eradication of invasive nature conservation has always been a core endeavour of our project. typically caught in this exercise include Bank species on the road network birds of prey. Quality nesting and a foraging habitat were largely gone and riverbanks is one of the Over the last 5 years we have visited more than 50 schools and reached and remaining patches of good habitat were in various risks from Vole and Wood Mouse. Trapped individuals are actions of the Raptor Life out to thousands of people interested in wildlife conservation through inappropriate management. To address this, many actions were put in measured weighed and marked to determine programme. Nuala Riordan, Tús supervisor is pictured radio, tv and social media. We have also organised many talks on our place such as provision of nesting baskets, planting heather in clearfelled the population dynamics before being released. here spraying Japanese wildlife and trained multiple volunteers. sites, flailing of rush and heather, removal of alien invasive species We have carried out these surveys since 2015 knotweed along rivers and roads. Wilding conifers were removed from nest areas and the results gathered thus far have shown that there has been an Implementation of SAMOK After-LIFE Conservation Plan and a foraging corridor was created by removal of forestry along upper overall increase in small mammals across our demonstration farms. This This is the final year of AfterLIFE plan, to which IRD Duhallow committed Blackwater. Freshwater habitats have also seen lots of attention and indicates that the habitats are in fact more suitable for them and that at the end of SAMOK LIFE project. Although responsibility for actions aimed at improving water and riverine habitat quality including farm measures carried out of farms have brought successful results. This sustainability of environmental benefits created by this former project is fencing, riparian planting, minimising sediment input from forestry trend will support the thriving and hopefully the increasing of future no longer a legal requirement, IRD Duhallow will use the opportunity to operations and provision of water for livestock. expansion of populations of different raptor species found in Duhallow. continue to monitor and maintain deliverables of past project so those RSS participant George O’ Connor working on rush control on one of our demonstration farms. benefits can continue into the future.

page 12 pagepage 13 15 Duhallow Farming for Blue Dot Catchments Agriculture IRD Duhallow submitted a comprehensive application and was Duhallow as a whole is hugely reliant on Agriculture. Over 15% of subsequently selected by the Dept. of Agriculture, Food and the those in employment in Duhallow are in Agri Related Industries, Marine (DAFM) to implement a new €1.46 million European Innovation making it the biggest employment sector in the region. The Agriculture Partnership for Agriculture Productivity and Sustainability (EIP-Agri). Working Group focuses its The five-year project is entitled the Duhallow Farming for Blue Dot efforts on initiatives that look Catchments. It will develop at developing our farming a cost effective community economy to be sustainable This year’s Women & Agriculture Conference was held in Hotel Europe Killarney led strategy to restoring and and profitable. – a large delegation from IRD Duhallow attended. protecting the high ecological Women in Agriculture status of the Allow River A Living Landscape Twenty Four Duhallow Women boarded a bus to Hotel Europe Killarney Stonefly are intolerant of pollution and used as indicators of water quality in river catchment, including the Rivers Canadian Professor of to attend the annual Women in Agriculture conference. Organised systems. Species such as damselflies, dragonflies and freshwater invertebrates will be Anthropology, Jodie Asselin Dalua, Owenare and other used as indicators of the catchment’s ecological status. by the Irish Farmers Journal in association with FBD insurance, this from the University of tributaries and streams. scheme through which innovative techniques for the improvement year’s conference was the fastest sell out ever and featured prominent Lethbridge spent a number of speakers such as Mary Kennedy, Briege Corkery, Chef Adrian and Noreen By engaging with the farming of the river will be established and implemented by the farming months in Ireland throughout The Allow Catchment, including the Dalua, community. Jodie Asselin, Professor of Anthropology with Murphy from Lisheen House. The conference also held Panel Discussions community in the river Owenare and other tributaries is a High 2018 conducting a Study into the University of Lethbridge Canada conducted on Brexit and Women in Leadership roles in the IFA and other farming catchment the project will Living and Farming in Lands surveys with the Duhallow Farming Community Ecological Status objective river and Special on the impact of land designation. organisations. protect and restore the high Area for Conservation, Designated for Environmental Maurice O’Connell was one of the ecological status of the catchment through an innovative results based Conservation. This report will be many farmers she met during her stay. Duhallow Beekeepers payments scheme. Working closely with farmers in the catchment the published in the coming months showcasing her findings. It will give the Association results based scheme will reward sustainable agricultural practices social and environment context for the landscape and people who farm in Interest in beekeeping which enhance wetland and freshwater ecosystems. In addition, a Duhallow, how farming and nature have evolved, threats to farm viability and and in the protection network of demonstration farms will be established as case studies of the future for both farming and biodiversity. A central part of this publication of Duhallow’s wild bee best practice in farming for high status rivers. will be ‘the farmer’s voice’, how people feel about the land they farm and their species has never been hopes for the future of farming in stronger, the over use Renowned Bee Keeper Andy Bourke the Duhallow uplands. of pesticides is having a catastrophic delivered one of the Modules on effect on pollinator populations Beekeeping for Beginners. First Aid for Farmers and the importance of these species is at last being understood. The Each year, farm accidents Duhallow Beekeepers Association is going from strength to strength, St. Colemans Boys National School investigate the health of the Dalua River by result in farming injuries and surveying the aquatic invertebrates. and provides an educational and practical support network through deaths. This coupled with the workshops, practical training days Results Based Actions & Payments for Participating Farmers. unacceptable ambulance and apiary visits, to both new and The project aims to address the pressures of agriculture through the response times in rural areas, experienced beekeepers. (1) reduction of pollutant generation through nutrient and livestock leaves members of the public management, (2) stopping mobile pollutants reaching the river and (3) in rural areas vulnerable. The Bee the Future Erasmus + Project restoring degraded habitats. Appropriate actions will be designed based The Duhallow Blue Dot project is one of 23 EIP-Agri projects currently in operation in Teagasc National Farm Survey IRD Duhallow celebrated world bee on consultation with each farmer, and farm specific plans will be put in Ireland. Dr. Darren Reidy, far left, pictured at the programme launch. Project Ecologist Dr. Darren Reidy showed that farm accidents day on Monday May 20th with the Why the Allow-Dalua catchment? place. Participating farmers will select a number of actions designed to with Minister for Agriculture, Mr have risen by 13% in the last 5 years and by launch of ‘Bee the Future’ in Slovenia. enhance the river ecosystem and will be financially rewarded to reflect Michael Creed T.D., at the launch of 31% in the last ten years. The survey found The catchment is of high conservation value and supports a wide the EIP-Agri Brochure. IRD Duhallow’s This is a unique international variety of rare and protected habitats and wildlife. In recognition of this the success of their actions. The project will continue for a duration of farming for Blue Dot Catchment that in the five-year period 2012-2017 11% youth exchange Erasmus+ project five years with a target of 100 farmers participating in the programme. project will work closely with farmers of farms had an accident and in total 2,814 it has been designated as an E.U Special Area of Conservation for the of the regions promoting sustainable which aims to offer participants an farming practices. accidents occurred. opportunity to explore sustainable protection of otter, freshwater pearl mussel, lamprey, salmon and other Achievements to date development in rural areas through important species. However, in recent years threats to the integrity of the IRD Duhallow has assembled a The Agriculture Working Group identified that everyone on a farm beekeeping and biodynamical ecosystem have been identified, including a decline in water quality. Key team of environmental scientists, should know where the first aid kits are kept and should have some farming principles. This exciting threats to the status of the catchment include pressures from forestry, agricultural advisors and community training on what to do in an emergency. In January, 2019 they organised project will involve 18-30 year olds Natasa Kramberger, Jurovski Dol agriculture and industry. Ireland is obliged to maintain the high status development officers to work on the first aid training for farmers through the SICAP programme. from four partner organisations from Slovenia, Mayor of Juroski Dol Ionela of its rivers and a portion of the Allow catchment has been selected as Duhallow Blue Dot project. We have Gavrila-Paven, Romania and Rachel Tractor Safety Slovenia, Italy, Romania and Ireland and Budd, IRD Duhallow at the Bee for a “Priority Area for Action”. If immediate action is taken the high status of commenced consulting with farmers In association with Kanturk will take place in July 2019. Future Conference in Slovenia. the catchment can be protected and restored. in the catchment, and it is hoped that Mart and the Duhallow as many farmers as possible within the The project culminates with an 8-day trip to Slovenia, the land of the What are Blue Dot Catchments? Skillnet the Agriculture catchment will provide input, critical bees, to learn about beekeeping, natural architecture, cultural heritage, The Blue Dot Catchment programme has been suggested by the Irish Michael Morrissey, agri-environment Working Group organised to the best design of the project. organic farming, biodiversity and sustainable development. Government as a means of encouraging local communities to manage specialist at IRD Duhallow, works training in Tractor Safety. A number of public consultation closely with farmers in the catchment their rivers in a sustainable way. The Blue Dot standard will certify the Vehicles and Machinery are meetings will also be held during the to develop farm specific measures. quality and status of rivers, streams and lakes. The Blue Dot programme the main cause of farm accidents in Ireland. In ‘Safe Tractor Driving Skills’ was design phase. Informed by the public consultation process the project organised by the Duhallow has not yet been the past ten years they accounted for approx. operational strategies will be developed. Skillnet and held in association trialled and the 50% of all farm deaths. Elderly farmers and with Kanturk Cooperative Mart. Duhallow Blue The project will also incorporate a substantial element of community children are at particular risk. Being crushed, struck, pinned under or Dot project will engagement, outreach and education, which kicked off with a number falling from vehicles are the main causes of deaths with farm vehicles. serve as a pilot of visits to St. Coleman’s Boys National School in Kanturk to support their Being entangled in PTO’s, crushed under a machine part, caught in Electric Ireland Science Blast project entitled “How healthy is our local A cow grazing a a machine mechanism, crushed between vehicles and struck by a High Nature Value river?”. The project was highly commended by the judges. machine object are the main causes of deaths with farm machinery. riparian buffer strip. Through this one day training programme participants were made If you farm within the catchments of the Allow, Dalua and their A simple measure to aware of the legislation governing tractors on and off the road. As tributaries, we would love to hear from you. We look forward to enhance biodiversity and well as tractor controls, symbols and warning signs, safety training and protect water courses. developing the project with you over the next five years. Beekeeping for beginners was a practical hands on course led by John O’Mahony attaching a trailed implement and driving through a pre-set course. and Martin Corcoran of the Duhallow Beekeepers Association.

page 14 pagepage 15 17 Enterprise Duhallow Skillnet Supporting local businesses to grow and thrive is the main aim of the as the long-term unemployed, rurally The Duhallow Skillnet is committed to delivering Affordable, Quality, young Duhallow chefs from Enterprise Working Group. This group of business people represent isolated, people with disabilities etc., or Training, locally. Our Skillnet receives funding through Skillnet Ireland from Duhallow Community Food different sectors and industries of the Duhallow Economy and at their bi- to address issues such as food poverty, the National Training Fund, which was established by the Department Services took part in this unique monthly meetings, they look at what types of targeted supports can be social housing, or environmental of Education and Skills, to encourage businesses to upskill and develop event: Chantal Cleary was put in place to support the growth of local jobs and employment. They matters. There is a wide spectrum of Ireland’s human capital. With the Irish economy currently experiencing paired with Chad Byrne of The help leverage in many different programmes including SICAP, LEADER social enterprises in Duhallow. All run turbulent times with Brexit looming, it will take some time to fully Brehon Hotel; Katrina Cullinane and Skillnet to address locally by voluntary boards, they provide identify the impact of was under the tutelage of John identified needs. essential services and much needed Brexit. However all O’Leary from the Muckross employment in the Duhallow region. critics agree that Park; Claire Guerin with Richard Business Awards up-skilling of our Milnes of Dillons Restaurant The Sixth Duhallow Business Start Your Own Business business leaders and and Orlaith Tomkins with Awards were hosted in Two LEADER funded Start Your Own employees is key to Paul McDonald from Bastion Daniel P Buckley Ltd collects wool November. With 240 in Business Programmes were held in mitigate its impact. Kinsale. These young people Mairead O’Mahony was presented with from across Munster and with the her Level 5 Major Award cert in Healthcare attendance, this year’s awards the past 12 months. Delivered by Ruth LEADER funded Wool Baling press, experienced the pure joy of cooking by Enterprise Working Group Member packs it tightly for shipping overseas. IRD Duhallow CEO Maura were the biggest to date. Cosgrave of Via Lutea, the programmes Walsh, and Chairperson alongside experienced mentors. Padraic O’Connell. The keynote speech was cover the fundamentals of what is required to get started in business Mary Wallace making a presentation to Paul Healy Recognition of Learning delivered by Skillnet CEO Paul including market research, finance, marketing, sales, company structure from Skillnet Ireland at the Healy, who congratulated IRD and basic taxation. Duhallow Business Awards. In November last year 160 certs Duhallow for their ongoing Supporting those in Employment were presented to those who work with local enterprise. The Skillnet model is based on the had completed skillnet training The judges included James premise of supporting employees to throughout the year in the McAuley (MIG Group) and address skills gaps and become more James O’Keeffe complex. The Mick O’Connell (ESB) had no efficient in their jobs. Our skillnet night saw the Institute’s first easy task in awarding the title provides 20% funding towards in house cap and gown graduation in of Best Duhallow Business to company training amongst their staff, over 20 years – A QQI L5 Major Kanturk Mart. The mart is an IRD Duhallow Chairperson Mary Wallace Award in Healthcare This group congratulating Collette O’Connor, John Cott, Seamus as well as offering a wide range of open integral part of the Kanturk O’Keeffe and John Noonan of Kanturk Mart on winning courses in the James O’Keeffe Institute. have completed their major the Award for Best Overall Duhallow Business 2018. award by night across two years and their Caroline Bell and Breda O’Connell Community and the wider In the past 12 months, we trained 975 proudly displaying the cake produced hinterland and has a huge impact on local traders. Established in 1959 Ruth Cosgrave with the participants of the employees across a wide range of skills dedication and diligence to upskilling their as part of the Introduction to Sugar Craft Course for Bakers. they put through up to 30,000 cattle in a year and as the only mart in Mentoring Start Your Own Business Course. and industries. The Future Jobs Ireland skills was exemplary. Duhallow, it acts as unrivalled social outlet for local farmers. It is under The SICAP funded mentoring programme offers 2019 report notes that “as people are Networking the management of a voluntary committee, and daily operations are one to one supports for entrepreneurs on how best living and working for longer, we must Our Women in Business undertaken beneath the watchful eye of Mart Manager Seamus O’Keeffe, to develop their business. Through this, Duhallow have a labour market welcoming of older workers.” Our Skillnet has Network meets on a quarterly with 23 staff on payroll. The committee recently identified the need for businesses can avail of a maximum of 10 hours embraced this model, and promotes lifelong learning - 47% of those basis. Its aim is to promote additional parking of expert advice and guidance from our panel of trained were older than 40 years of age. Similarly fulfilling Ireland’s Talent women in business and provide for the town mentors. Our mentors come from a wide variety of Agenda, analysis of trainees shows that 34% of those who participated a networking platform whereby and wanting to different backgrounds and expertise and provide in Skillnet Training recorded Leaving Certificate or lower as their highest women can support, motivate support local valuable insights for developing or sustaining a level of qualification. and inform other like minded traders, they business. female entrepreneurs. developed with QQI Level 7 in Applied Early Childhood Education and Care Kerry Month of Enterprise LEADER funding Duhallow Skillnet is delighted to have formally launched its first Level Supporting the Unemployed Kerry Month of Enterprise (KMOE) is a month long a car park with a 7 degree. “A Degree on Your Doorstep,” this is the first time a QQI L7 Future Jobs Ireland, 2019 has celebration of Enterprise activities that take place Helen O’Sullivan, IRD Duhallow and Bernie Collins daily fee of €2. programme will be delivered in the James O’Keeffe Institute in Newmarket a key ambition to “Encourage from Twohigs Super Valu who are members of the around the county. This year there was over 50 events organised across Duhallow Women in Business Network. Donal Mulcahy of Mulcahy and its graduates will be conferred with a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Early adult dependents and Insurances, Macroom the month, giving established businesses and budding entrepreneurs won the Best Established Childhood Education and Care. Successful graduates will also be eligible beneficiaries of other full-time welfare payments to engage in activation, an opportunity to network and discover the assistance available to Business at the Duhallow for the Higher Capitation with the DCYA. This course is designed for those enter and/or stay in the workforce” Through the Employment Activation Business Awards 2018. them in growing and sustaining a who hold a Full QQI L6 Major Award in Childcare and who are working Programme, we delivered two courses to address local economy Skills business in Kerry. full time in the sector with Gaps: A QQI Level 5 Warehouse Operative Programme and a QQI Level 5 2018 Winners The month is a collaborative at least 3 years experience. Health Care Support Programme. Best Start Up: Katelynn’s Hair Design initiative between IRD Duhallow, The course will commence in early September with Best Family Run Business: Kelly Bros Ballydesmond Kerry County Council, Kerry Local Enterprise Office, Enterprise the 35 places offered Best Established Business: Mulcahy Insurance Ireland, IT Tralee (Centre for currently accepted. Best Women Led Business: Cherryblossoms Entrepreneurship Enterprise Chef Collab Preschool & Afterschool Development – CEED), North, Over 100 diners were East & West Kerry Development Best in the Creative Industry: Duhallow Furniture Revamp afforded a unique dining (NEWKD); South Kerry Partnership Best Community Enterprise: Kanturk Mart experience in September Development (SKDP), IDA Ireland Louise Bourke IRD Duhallow with Joseph Collins where the marquee in the James Head of Life Long Learning from IT Carlow and and Udarás na Gaeltachta. Conor O’Sullivan of Newmarket Credit Union at O’Keeffe Institute housed the Social Enterprise the information evening for the upcoming level As part of Kerry Month of region’s first Chef Collab event. 7 degree in Early Childhood Education. IRD Duhallow welcomes the launch by Minister Ring of the National Enterprise IRD Duhallow hosted The banquet was led by Chad Byrne, head chef at Danú, The Brehon Social Enterprise Policy in July this year. Social enterprises are businesses a free seminar entitled ‘Driving Sales Through Linked In’ which was hotel in Killarney. Chef Collab is a project aimed at giving young chefs whose core objective is to achieve a social, societal, or environmental delivered by Louise Bunyan of the Silver Fox. a platform to display their skills, learn from others and make contacts impact. They frequently work to support disadvantaged groups such within the industry. It also aims to highlighting the opportunities to Judge James McAuley from McCarthy Insurance Group presenting the award for the work in the sector, where kitchens often struggle to fill vacancies. Four Best Family Run Business to Kelly Bros. of Ballydesmond.

page 16 pagepage 17 19 Tourism Culture and Heritage IRD Duhallow’s tourism development strategy has been to maximise Duhallow’s is well known for its rich culture and heritage, most notably Tureen Creamery Celebrations the potential of our natural resources, our unique culture and heritage, that of the Sliabh Luachra Region. Culture and heritage is at the heart of Glorious sunshine, a wonderful strong traditions and historic roots, as well as capitalising on our Duhallow and is a key component of our strategic plan. atmosphere and a huge turn out wonderful scenery and iconic sites. Nestled between Cork, Limerick, made for a wonderful day at the Killarney and Tralee, the region is well positioned for passing Day trippers, Tureen Creamery 100th anniversary however the shortage of celebration as part of this year’s accommodation locally, Bealtaine Festival. Tureen is a branch means that these are not Carl Lange renowned Tough of Boherbue Co-Op and continues to converted into bed nights. Soles Blogger completing the Duhallow Way. Many trade as a thriving and busy Farm Store visitors to the region use IRD serving the needs of customers from the surrounding Churning butter the LEADER Duhallow’s five trail walks traditional way at the Parishes of Ballydesmond, Cullen, Knocknagree, Tureen Creamery 100 One of the nine themes of which are maintained by the Year Celebrations. Walks Scheme. Kiskeam and Boherbue. LEADER 14-20 is Tourism. Under this measure both children and adults. These courses are available at different times Key players in conserving the region’s culture and heritage: Claire O’Rourke, Cork PPN, Ian McDonagh, The event re-enacted the changes experienced by the Creamery life Cork County Council Arts Officer, Jack Roche and Conor Nelligan, Cork County Council Heritage Officer. private enterprises can of the year for both the beginner and the experienced angler who down through the years. From bygone days with the donkey and cart, History, Heritage and Genealogy Training receive grant funding of wishes to learn new angling techniques. to the era of milk delivery right up to the bulk collection of the world With an overarching aim of promoting interest, knowledge and pride 50% and communities today. There was also traditional The Duhallow Angling Centre has in the past secured international in local history and heritage, a LEADER Funded History, Heritage and Ballyhass Lakes new Aqua Park Inflatable equipment was 75%. This funding can butter making, vintage machinery angling events in co-operation with the Kanturk and District Trout Genealogy Training Programme was run from February to June 2019. funded by LEADER 14-20. be used across a wide and much more, showing how much Anglers. We are delighted and honoured to announce that 2020 will Attendees were given the opportunity to complete basic and advanced range of measures in order to increase tourism in the region, examples rural life has changed in a century. once again see the five nations training in the area of genealogy, through becoming familiar with the might include: marketing initiatives, development and renovation of fly fishing championships skills required to research their own family ancestries by studying census Glash Crafts infrastructure, heritage tourism, amenity and leisure facilities etc. With back in Duhallow with returns, church records, land surveys, wills, deeds and publications Glash Craft group was founded by an identified shortage of local accommodation Tom Dennehy received teams from Ireland, England, pertaining to the locality. During sixteen sessions of training, participants Eileen Hartnett a decade ago, and funding to develop self-catering accommodation in Millstreet. On Scotland, France and Norway were trained on the value of at their weekly meetings, the group the other hand, with LEADER support, Ballyhass Lakes has purchased competing for the honours. retaining materials for future learn new skills and crafts. To celebrate inflatable equipment for their aqua park. The aqua park can now These international events generations thereby creating their ten year anniversary, the group accommodate 50 participants at Celebrating Glash Craft Class 10 Year play a significant part in their own important archives. At held an exhibition in the James Anniversary: Marion O’Callaghan Tutor, any one time featuring two - four Maura Walsh IRD Duhallow and Eileen Hartnett showcasing the richness of our an advanced level, 11 students O’Keeffe Institute, featuring a display Glash Craft Group Founding Member. meter high slides, huge climbing trout streams and ultimately travelled to Dublin where they met of knitwear, patchwork, crochet, art works and soft furnishings. Skills walls, blast bags, balance logs and attract more visitors. the senior archivist at the National such as these are no longer commonplace and classes are important to trampolines. Archives, the senior genealogist ensure that these skills stay alive. Newmarket Pitch & Putt Duhallow Angling Centre of in the National Library, while also Newmarket Pitch and Putt has The Glen Theatre Excellence taking in a trip to the Evaluation continued to build upon last Chloe Lehane hard at work The Glen Theatre Committee The Angling Centre of Excellence Office in Abbey Street. at Clondrohid’s Bealtaine Scoraíocht. year’s successes. This year has purchased the old school house in the continues to play its part in the Tom Ankettell Coordinator of Duhallow been busy for all involved. The early 90s and through the support of promotion of tourism in the Duhallow Angling Centre of Excellence. Jimmy Cross Memorial Matchplay Championship LEADER funded Newmarket 2018. Left to Right: Runner Up Bernard Dugdale LEADER funding, they renovated what region. The number of visiting anglers continues to rise and the number Pitch and Putt website has and Winner Willie John Buckley. had become a derelict building into a of different nationalities continues to expand. The region is steadily been launched, players can pay their green fees in advance of playing 150 seater theatre venue for Duhallow. building a reputation as a destination that will provide a wonderful and where players can pay as you go rather than paying membership all angling experience for both the angler and family. As well as promoting The seating and lighting in the Glen at once. An automatic irrigation system has been installed to ensure the the angling opportunities in the region, the angling centre also Theatre was in need of repair as it greens are in the best possible conditions for playing. promotes the other activities available for family members during their is the original seating, which was visit. Ease of access to the many rivers in the region as well as providing The Adult and Juvenile members continue to represent the club in installed when the committee opened day tickets, up to date angling information, guides, tuition and angling competition across the country. Closer to home, they continue to have Participants on the Advanced Genealogy History and Heritage Training Programme visited the the facility in 1995. With the support Sinead Guiney played Sive in this year’s Glen equipment gets visitors on the water stress free. competitions twice a week which are also very competitive! Newmarket National Archive in Dublin as part of their studies . of LEADER 14-20, the glen theatre Theatre Drama Production. Pitch & Putt was recently involved in the Bob Casey Kerry Inter Club The Sliabh Luachra Journal lighting, seating and kitchen is currently The real proof of the quality of our Competition where teams from all over Kerry participated. The club The Sliabh Luachra Journal is a long running historical publication undergoing refurbishment. The glen rivers is the number of anglers who hosted the Munster Gents Strokeplay Qualifiers featuring a wide range of articles on traditional music, historical events, theatre is renowned for its plays and are returning on a regular basis and in May, with four members personalities and the life and times of people in Sliabh Luachra in this year saw the local drama group’s many first time visitors are here on qualifying for the finals in June. yesteryear. This year saw the publication of the 18th Edition funded performances of ‘Sive’ and ‘Caught on the recommendation of friends by LEADER, which was launched by broadcaster Frank Lewis, in the Hop’ travel all over Ireland. who have been here in the past. This August we will once again Gneeveguilla. This volume features stories from Dan Hannon on ‘My be running the Juvenile Summer Cullen Pipe Band Cullen Pipe Band had the pleasure of performing Locally participation in angling is Native Town Brosna,’ the tale of Cahill’s Pub in Rathmore and a feature on the main stage at the sold out concert Camp. These camps are supported piece on renowned Sliabh Luachra accordionist Jackie Daly, who has Duhallow has a unique pipe band of famous rock star Rod Stewart, at Páirc Uí starting to grow at a steady rate Chaoimh. Band members pictured above are especially among young children by the Pitch and Putt Union Of played with groups such as De Dannan, Arcady and Patrick Street. heritage. Cullen Pipe Band was Jack O’Sullivan, Collette O’Connor, Caitlin, Geraldine and Con Houlihan. both girls and boys. Regular Ireland (PPUI) and supervised be established in 1941 and since then, coaching courses and events a Development Officer from the has encouraged the growth of Piping over the past 80 years. It has a are well attended. The angling PPUI. The camp is a great way to get LEADER successful history in Pipe Band management through active participation camps continue twice a year a taste of Pitch and Putt, learn some funded Newmarket in various regional and local event including football matches, parades, techniques and the rules of them Pitch & Putt have recently launched a and number of other courses are new website and even a special appearance at a recent Rod Stewart Concert. available throughout the year for game. www.pitchandputtnewmarket.ie The band has developed a music excellence programme, where tuition New members are always welcome; for further information please visit is provided to members weekly and at weekend workshops throughout Howard Davies from England www.pitchandputtnewmarket.ie the year. Through the support of LEADER, the finest international enjoying trout fishing on Duhallow’s well musicians are being brought to Duhallow for Weekend Workshops as stocked rivers.. Ben Brosnan, Donal Hickey, Eileen Fleming, Michael Murphy and Oliver Fleming at the launch of the Sliabh Luachra Journal of Cumann Luachra in Gneeveguilla. well as ensemble and piping classes.

page 18 pagepage 19 21 Community Development Community Development Community Consultation 2019 process will be realised in understanding the challenges unique to a Community Elections IRD Duhallow’s Community Development Working Group held a particular community and the act of recording will help make the case IRD Duhallow’s Board comprises of representatives from a number of Community Consultation Process throughout the spring of 2019. These for action on this front. sectors with community representatives comprising 8 seats, two for took place over the months of March and April for every community in All of the information collected is being put towards community plans each of our geographical areas – North Eastern, South Eastern, Western Duhallow, Sliabh Luachra & Mid-Cork. A series of short presentations and for every area and to inform future LEADER and other programme and Mid-Cork. All Community groups in these areas were consulted poster-based workshops sought the input of all those in attendance. In applications. This will help IRD Duhallow and other agencies as to the and asked to nominate a representative. We would like to thank Tommy addition to this, an online consultation was carried out for those who priorities and actions that should be undertaken in the area to best Mullane for his service on the board and to congratulate Tom O’Riordan could not make it on the night and for those who wished to feed into assist the communities of Duhallow. on his new appointment. the process. Project Ireland 2040 and Communities Pride of Place Project Ireland 2040 is the Governments long-term strategy for The National Pride of Place Awards seeks to recognise the voluntary managing population growth into the future. As part of this scheme, a work that communities undertake in their local area. Now in its 16th number of urban and rural funding streams have been made available year, the IPB Pride of Place awards shows no signs of slowing down for the next number of years. These projects generally call for what IRD Duhallow’s Model for Delivery of Community Development is highly respected internationally. with dedicated categories based on population and other themes. A delegation from Canada’s Community Futures Programme and representatives from the University of Bweeng Community Hall and Sportsfield Committee were put forward Minister Ring has termed “shovel-ready” projects that can commence Guelph spent a day in Duhallow in June exploring the locally led model of community engagement. immediately. While funding streams such as this are always welcome, the LEADER Themes as County Cork’s representative in the 300-1000 population category. process of moving communities from pre-engagement to delivery of a While LEADER caters for a wide range of projects, a thematic budget This was emblematic of the community’s dedication to volunteerism nationally funded scheme is not to be under-estimated. IRD Duhallow for Broadband activity has brought a specific focus to improved and the importance of community spirit. In 2019 Boherbue footpath Community Development Working Group supports the idea of ‘bottom- communications under this programme. Applications are sought for was nominated for the immense work undertaken by the Community up’ development that puts the onus on communities themselves to take assistance with the planned Strategic Community Access Hubs. These to bring this project to fruition. ownership over their own areas and futures with appropriate guidance. broadband connection points are Community Centre’s that are prioritised IRD Duhallow recognises that support for smaller communities has to be for high speed broadband and are to be connected in the first 12 months

Members of the Meelin Community having their say at their local also provided if all areas in Duhallow are to benefit and prosper into the of the National Broadband Plan. Aubane Community Centre is one such IRD Duhallow Community Consultation Meeting. future. Animation, a key component of LEADER, supports this method. project, which has recently been successful in their upgrading of a Forward planning is important for any venture and communities are no computer room, software and printing services. The facilities here and different. Without a clear idea of what the needs are and current status Community Development Initiative at other Community Centres will give all members of the surrounding of an area, it is difficult to prioritise particular projects or programme IRD Duhallow in conjunction with the North Cork LCDC delivered community access to high speed broadband at the earliest possible applications. IRD Duhallow is also acutely aware of the need for the 2018 Community Development Initiative, which is a three-year juncture in advance of connection to their home or business premises. positivity in how we understand rural areas and this was reflected in commitment by Cork County Council for community projects. The fund Over 320 Strategic Community Access Hubs have been identified at a the poster process. Whilst not has a total value for €1.5 Million per year over North, South and West national level. These hubs tie to the broader European context where ignoring burning issues, as the Cork. North Cork LCDC awarded funding to 64 community groups and ‘Smart Villages’ are the current focus of thematic group discussion at the Carnegie Charter has highlighted, South Cork LCDC similarly awarded funding to 67 community groups European Network for Rural Development. It is predicted that much of Breda Kelleher, Mary Wallace, Chairperson of IRD Duhallow, Donal Spillane, Mayor of Ballinagree, it is important to reflect on for a wide range of projects. The application process for this programme the current discussion and learnings at European level will be integrated Councillor Eileen Lynch and Macra member Jayne Cotter ready to set off on the 5K Fun Run hosted by the positive attributes of our was much simpler compared to other funding streams such as LEADER. into the next LEADER programme so that rural areas keep pace with the Aghinagh Macra na Feirme in Ballinagree as part of the IRD Duhallow Day of the Region events. communities and how this can This caused widespread uptake across all of Duhallow and highlighted developments of the tech industry of the 21st Century. Discover Duhallow... A Day of the Region be best supported into the future. that demand exists when the application process is not a barrier to A Day of the Region is a transnational community project with the aim of participation. building capacity and boosting regional pride in our rural communities The Community Consultation was through community-led events and activities. There are a range of events Project applications were aimed at small-scale capital projects valued designed following international planned for the summer period with over 23 different communities between €1,000 and €25,000. IRD Duhallow oversaw the processing of best practice based on what is across Duhallow in North and South Cork and East Kerry hosting close to these applications and another round of funding is due for 2019. current in Community literature. 100 different events. Events vary from community festivals and fun days, Workshops were designed to be Cllr John Paul O’Shea, Cllr Gearoid Murphy, Sean Kelly and IRD Duhallow’s Helen O’ Sullivan at the Judging carnivals, guided walks, traditional seisiúns, history tours to name but a inclusive and open to all through of the Pride of Place Awards 2018 where Bweeng were few. Dumfries and Galloway was the first region in the Shortlisted Finalists. the use of post-its and facilitators. UK to deliver the Day of the Region Initiative in 2011. It is worth noting that common themes existed in all communities As part of this project, we have visited our partners in such as rural transport or the need for greater mixed used residential Dumfries and Galloway LEADER in Scotland to share development in towns and villages. However, the richness of this and learn from their experiences. Likewise, we will host our partners to Ireland where a delegation will have the opportunity to learn about our community Padraig de Burca of Pobal presented at the Helping Hands Seminar which provided information to community groups on how to submit effective applications for grant funding. initiatives and they will have the opportunity to Another broader theme that IRD Duhallow has supported in this celebrate and recognise the contribution that our programme is a number of playground projects across Duhallow. rural communities make to the area. Ballinagree, Tullylease, Rockchapel and Kiskeam have all benefited from Conor Judge presenting on our Day of the Regions LEADER funding in the construction of their community playgrounds. IRD project to project partners from Dumfries & Galloway Duhallow believes in the importance of rural youth and the provision of (Scotland) and Eara Vrancei basic amenities crucial to a quality of life equivalent to larger, urban areas. (Romania).

SICAP ‘Hard at Work’ Ballinagree The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme continues Community Volunteers completed part of the to be an important strand of funding that complements other work on their new LEADER Funded playground programmes. The new programme places a greater focus on qualitative themselves using understandings of community development practice which has Voluntary Labour to part fund the Project. allowed for a greater focus on quality over quantity in our work with communities. This change which was lobbied for by numerous groups Irene O’Callaghan and Padraig de Burca from Pobal with Jacinta O’Carroll at the Helping Hands Seminar in the James O’Keeffe Institute. including IRD Duhallow and allows for support of needs that may not be encapsulated in numerical terms.

page 20 pagepage 21 23 Rural Regeneration Fund LEADER 2014-2020 Rural Regeneration Project The Irish government launched Project Ireland 2040 early in 2018. It is Specifications LEADER is the acronym for the French phrase – Liaison Entre l’Action de LEADER has always played a crucial role in Enterprise Development the Governments overarching policy and planning framework for social, The project entails Development et le d’Economie Rurale which translates as links between and across our three LAG areas, the cumulative budget it over 90% economic and cultural development of Ireland and includes a detailed the development of Actions for the development of the Rural Economy. The EU programme committed. Under the Economic Theme Private Enterprises can apply capital investment plan for the next ten years. As part of Project Ireland a regulation sized has been in existence for over 28 years, with seven specificities at its core: for grants of 50% towards capital costs and 75% for Feasibility Studies. Bottom up development, 2040, the Government has committed to providing an additional €1 Astroturf pitch and Artisan Food billion for a new Rural Regeneration and Development Fund over the support facilities for Area based, Local Action Group, Integrated In May 2018, The Department announced that €15 million had been period 2019 to 2027. The Fund provides investment to support rural use by all sports in the allocated specifically to the LEADER Food Initiative. The fund is open to renewal for suitable projects in towns and villages with a population of county throughout Multisectoral approach, Denis Withers was invited Innovation, Transnational for Artisan, Micro and Small food producers and grant aid offered at a less than 10,000, and outlying areas. the year and in particular during the wet winter by Minister Ring to present rate of 50% for private businesses. This initiative aims to support new and months. The development of the pitch is on the as a panellist on the Rural and Financial Autonomy. In Duhallow, Banteer Community Sports Field with the support and Opportunities Seminar in existing food and beverage producers to address emerging challenges secondary pitch area at Banteer Community Castletownroche. guidance of IRD Duhallow, submitted an application via us as the The current programme through investment in areas such as: (1) market development, (2) Sports field Park. The facility will include an all-weather facility, spectator lead applicant in September 2018 and were notified of success under is over halfway complete, competitiveness, and (3) innovation. IRD Duhallow was one of the first area and sports pavilion which will encompass changing areas/ category 2 in February this year. and is being rolled out in in the country to put a project through the LEADER food initiative fund museum/exhibitor area /café area and a communal area for events a more diluted fashion awarding €28,136 to Macroom Food Festival for a new Marquee, Stage and meetings. The benefits of this development are numerous and to its predecessors. IRD and Sound Equipment. include access for all to this state of the art recreation facility, the only Duhallow has delivered community owned one of its size in the county; the further promotion Joe Syron and Rose O’ Brien from Department Rural & Community Development at the Helping Hands LEADER in Duhallow since its of exercise and healthy living including the combatting of childhood Seminar held in the James O Keeffe Institute in May. introduction in 1991. This current obesity and teenage inactivity; and will compliment and expand the programme is the fifth LEADER Programme and is the most complex existing facilities of Banteer. This project will ensure that Banteer, a small for project promoter to date. The Duhallow region is covered by three rural village, will continue to thrive which will have a significant and LAGS, North Cork LAG, South Cork LAG and Kerry LAG. Our budgets, 70% sustainable impact on the local community. reduced on previous programmes, are split across these three Lags. This has caused LEADER in Ireland to 3D view of what the new Astro Facility will look like. Banteer Community move away from its development This project is located in the village of Banteer, North West Cork. The ethos and is now more aligned site is 13 miles from Mallow and 4 miles from Kanturk. The population with a grant-giving scheme. of Banteer village is 356. However, the surrounding hinterland includes The current programme has three approx. 30,000 people. The community of Banteer has been one of the main themes. Theme 1, Economic most active in Duhallow over the past 30 years. For a small village, it / Enterprise & Job Development At the signing of the LEADER contract for Knocknagree Feasibility study; Conor Judge, boasts a staggering number of innovative local services including the which covers the rural tourism, IRD Duhallow, Mairead Fleming, Mairead Cronin, Yvonne Brosnan, Maura Walsh, local community theatre that attracts National and International stars, CEO IRD Duhallow, Mairead O’Sullivan, Cllr. Bernard Moynihan, Chair of North Cork LAG, enterprise development, rural Noreen McSweeney, Patrick Hickey. the Glen Theatre. It also has a quality Community Childcare Facility Staff and Board Members of IRD Duhallow attended the Rural Opportunities Seminar in towns and broadband measures. employing 39 staff and catering for 270 children and their families. Castletownroche where Denis Withers (Centre) made a presentation Transnational on the Banteer Amenity Project. Theme 2: Social Inclusion, which The Banteer Pond Field development has transformed the area into a The LEADER 2014-2020 Rural Development Programme ring-fenced an Banteer Community Sportsfield CLG will be the legal owners of covers the basic services and rural sports and leisure hub for the village and surrounding hinterland. Never allocation of €10m for trans-national (outside Ireland) and inter-territorial the facility, which has been in operation since 1998. The Company youth measures and theme 3 (within Ireland) LEADER Co-operation Projects. Funding is allocated by a community to shy away from a big challenge, the announcement of Kay Keegan LCDC Chief Limited by Guarantee has 15 Directors and each have a proven record Rural Environment that covers the water resources, Officer and The Rural Regeneration Fund got the community working immediately. the Department of Rural & Community Development for co-operation of accomplishment in developing and running various voluntary biodiversity and renewable energy measures. Andrew Lewis of Cork The initial capital cost associated with the project is estimated to be in County Council. projects on the basis of an open call to all Local Action Groups. Funding organisation and local projects. The local community of Banteer has is available for co-operation projects involving partners within Ireland, in the region of €1.2 million. 25 % of these costs will be raised by the local Duhallow communities have proved resilient and adaptive, and with completed over €4.5M of community projects in the last 20 years other LAG areas, EU Member States, EU candidate states and EEA states. community through fundraising, sponsorship and loans. our support are navigating the current LEADER requirements with without accruing any outstanding debt. Projects outside of these areas may also be eligible for funding subject to enthusiasm. In North Cork and Kerry, we have reached 60% commitments prior approval by the Department. IRD Duhallow has allocated funding with South Cork close to 70% albeit a much smaller budget. The Rural to Day of the Regions cooperation project Towns and Basic Services Measures are highly subscribed; a tread evident through this measure. in all previous programmes and one that highlights volunteering and community spirit in Duhallow is thriving, with cash poor and time rich Smart Villages communities availing of the essential match funding support that The EU Action for Smart Villages voluntary labour provides. is alive and well. initiative was launched by the European Commission in 2017. Smart Villages, and Smart Rural Towns in an Irish context, are Minister Heather Humphreys presenting the cheque of €1.128m with members of the Banteer Community Sportsfield Committee, IRD Duhallow Chairperson Mary Wallace, Louise Bourke, rural areas and communities, which build Conor Judge and Cllr John Paul O’Shea, and Cllr Gerard Murphy. on, and enhance their existing strengths The first ground being broken at the construction site. and assets through creative thinking, Declan O’ Keefe, Manager Boherbue Rural Opportunity and by embracing innovation, to create Co-op chairs the IRD Duhallow Independent In May this year, Michael Ring TD Minister for Rural & Community desirable places for rural people to live and LEADER Evaluation Committee. Development, brought the government’s Rural Opportunity event to work. Whilst digitisation is significant to the creation of Smart Villages Castletownroche. The event focused on raising awareness of the wide and Rural Towns, social innovation is also paramount. The realisation variety of Government supports available to rural areas throughout the of ‘smart’ rural areas and communities can play a key role in the region. It also provided advice on how to access Project Ireland 2040 development and sustainability of rural Ireland by tackling issues, such as funding for rural, or community, projects. Denis Withers was invited to depopulation, the digital divide, limited employment opportunities and out-migration, as well as climate change. The concept of smart villages present the Banteer Project to the event, which was attended, by the Pictured at the Pride of Place judging in Boherbue for the work on the new footpath: Mary Hayes, Jerry Sheehan, founding member of the Banteer Sportsfield Committee, received a special Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Coveney, Cork County Council, Peadar O’ Callaghan, Michael Cronin, Cllr Bernard Moynihan, Contractor is closely aligned with the Carnergie Charter for Rural Development, presentation as acknowledgement for his work, at the Official Launch of the Banteer Amenity TD and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Mike Cronin, Michael Moynihan TD, Judges Alison and Tom Dowling, Cllr Ian Doyle. Cllr Bernard which focuses communities on using their assets in order to develop Rural Regeneration Project with members of the Banteer Community, Minister for Agriculture, Moynihan provided huge support to the community to complete this joint initiative project Michael Creed, Mary Wallace IRD Duhallow Chairperson, Maura Walsh CEO Humphreys TD. between IRD Duhallow LEADER programme, Cork CC and Boherbue Co-op. their areas, a concept IRD Duhallow has promoted over the years. and Cllr Gearoid Murphy and Cllr John Paul O’Shea.

page 22 pagepage 23 25 LEADER North Cork 2014-2020 LEADER Projects % Aid Promoter Project name Grant Committed

Rural Tourism LEADER Kerry 2014-2020 50% Tom Dennehy The Development of Self Catering Accommodation 20,000.00 50% Kilguilkey House Equestrian Purchase of Portable Stabling 25,000.00 % Aid Promoter Project name Grant Committed 50% Maritime Tourism Upgrading and Development of Facilities at Ballyhass Lakes 40,012.40 Rural Tourism 100% IRD Duhallow Women’s Forum History, Heritage and Genealogy Training 7,800.00 75% Cumann Luachra Publication of the Sliabh Luachra Journal 21,882.00 100% IRD Duhallow Community Development Working Group Training in Planning, Recording & Publication of Community Heritage 12,850.00

Enterprise Development Enterprise Development 50% Sean Hickey Scaffolding Purchase of a Sandblasting Machine 56,000.00 90% James O’Keeffe Foundation Conduct a Study into Quality Assurance Systems 18,000.00 100% IRD Duhallow Enterprise Working Group The Delivery of Start Your Own Business Training 5,550.00 Rural Towns 50% Cromur Engineering Ltd Purchase of Equipment 30,000.00 75% Rathmore Community Council Rathmore Streetscape 78,013.65 50% Daniel P Buckley Ltd Purchase of Wool Press Baling Machine 10,000.00 50% Kanturk Cooperative Mart Development of New Car Park 39,999.99 Basic Services 50% Hickey Metering Ltd Purchase of Equipment 12,500.00 72.48% Tureencahill Community Group Ltd Tureencahill Equipment 6,621.25 50% Erin Geraghty Class Development for Cork Baby Sensory 1,394.77 Rural Youth 50% Michael Winters Development of New Gallops 40,000.00 50% John Pigott Purchase of an Engraving Machine 2,694.50 90% IRD Duhallow Youth & Education Working Group To Conduct a Youth Feasibility Study 2,582.00 50% Vanhalen Engineering Ltd Purchase of a CNC Plasma Cutter 55,000.00 Biodiversity Rural Towns 74% IRD Duhallow Environment Working Group The Conservation of Swifts in Duhallow 5,164.73 75% Boherbue Sports Centre CLG Upgrading of Boherbue Sports Centre 12,373.52 90% IRD Duhallow Environment Working Group Duhallow Bog Feasibility Study 4,562.17 75% Araglen Development Association Repairs to the Footbridge of the Glouneen Loopwalk 10,300.12 Transnational 75% Boherbue Parish Hall Committee Repairs to the Hall Roof 22,813.50 75% IRD Duhallow Community Development Working Group The Day of the Region Project 32,407.20 75% Lyre Community Culture, Sport and Leisure Association Development of Lyre Community Park & Leisure Area 35,752.00 75% Banteer Old School Heritage & Drama Trust Upgrading of Lighting, Seating & Equipment 21,000.00 Project Total f207,233.00 75% Kanturk Rugby Football Club Repair of Driveway & Carpark 37,029.37 86% Knocknagree Community Group To Conduct a Community Development Plan for Knocknagree 27,673.12

Broadband 75% Aubane Social Club Purchase ICT Equipment 1,259.75 LEADER South 2014-2020 % Aid Promoter Project name Grant Committed Basic Services 75% Boherbue Community Development Association Development of Boherbue Footpath 40,000.00 Enterprise Development 90% Millstreet & District Housing Association Purchase of Equipment for Millstreet Day Centre 2,665.00 70% Denis J Downey Ltd The Installation of 3 Phase Electricity 20,000.00 75% Tullylease Playground Committee The Development of Tullylease Playground 37,104.64 75% Rockchapel Community Council Development of Rockchapel Playground 36,435.20 Basic Services 100% Cullen Pipe Band Delivery of Cullen Pipe Band Tuition Programme 4,755.89 50% Ballinagree Community Development Company The Development of Ballinagree Playground 65,000.00 52% Bweeng Hall & Grounds Committee Upgrade of Hall Roof 48,950.00 Rural Youth 60% Kiskeam Development Association Development of Kiskeam Community Playground 52,000.00 90% IRD Duhallow Youth & Education Working Group To Conduct a Youth Feasibility Study 2,582.00 Rural Youth Biodiversity 90% IRD Duhallow Youth & Education Working Group To Conduct a Youth Feasibility Study 12,647.00 75% Newmarket Pitch & Putt Upgrade and Development of Newmarket Pitch & Putt 48,416.08 74% IRD Duhallow Environment Working Group The Conservation of Swifts in Duhallow 5,241.54 75% Freemount Community Development Resurfacing of Freemount Community Car Park 42,842.00 Artisan Food 75% Kanturk AFC Erection of Fencing 18,166.10 75% Lee Valley Enterprise Board The Purchase of Equipment for Macroom Food Festival 28,136.73 75% Freemount Community Development Development of Freemount Youth Space 38,809.35

Transnational Water Resources 75% IRD Duhallow Community Development Working Group The Day of the Region Project 32,407.20 90% Duhallow Angling Centre of Excellence Feasibility Study of the Allow, Dalua & Glen Rivers 4,570.32

Biodiversity Project Total f153,367.47 75% IRD Duhallow Environment Working Group The Conservation of Swifts in Duhallow 19,033.40 75% IRD Duhallow Environment Working Group Publication of Living Landscape 7,529.62 90% IRD Duhallow Environment Working Group Duhallow Bog Feasibility Study 9,124.34

Transnational 75% IRD Duhallow Community Development Working Group The Day of the Region Project 158,683.51 90% IRD Duhallow Environmentt Working Group River Feale Catchment Management 9,711.90

Overall Total f1,080,447.39

page 24 pagepage 25 27 Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme 2018-2022 Saoi - Network Duhallow Active Retired Groups SICAP is a social inclusion programme funded by the Department lives and strengthen communities in Duhallow. Diverse challenges The Saoi Network is a representative body comprising of 21 Active Muircheartaigh. The sprightly 88-year-old entertained the 180 attendees of Rural and Community Development with co-funding from face local communities across the region and IRD Duhallow is able to Retirement groups spread throughout the region. Embracing the with an insightful talk about the importance of ‘agallamh’ or conversation, the European Social Fund (ESF) as part of the ESF Programme for respond accordingly. SICAP assists IRD Duhallow’s strategic working latin maxim Epluribus Unum, (through many, one), the Saoi Network as we get older and improving mental health of older people in the Employability, Inclusion and Learning 2014-2020. The aim of SICAP groups to respond to issues which have emerged in the region. The collectively advocates on community. Other speakers included Jerry Harrington who gave a is to reduce poverty and promote social inclusion and equality in SICAP programme in Duhallow national has been tailored locally to the needs of older people demonstration on Emergency First Aid, local author Kevin Quaid who lives Duhallow through supporting rural communities and individuals using best meet the needs of disadvantaged areas and target groups on the across the wider Duhallow with Lewy Body Dementia; Amy Murphy of the Alzheimer’s Association; community development approaches, engagement and collaboration. ground. However, due to the limited budget being made available to area. Duhallow has an Nuala O’Sullivan of Citizen’s Information, Martin Farrissey from Cork Fire IRD Duhallow, it is important to stress that the programme is unable ageing population and Service, Liz Maddox from Cork Older People’s Council and Ray Dwyer, Programme Goals to, and is not expected to, provide a response to all the issues and with the region increasingly who is in charge of Fair Deal for the HSE. The daylong event also featured Goal 1: Supporting Communities barriers faced becoming a “silver lunch, which was provided by Duhallow Community Food Services. The To support communities and target groups to engage with relevant by individuals economy” as more and members of the Saoi Network have identified the importance of holding stakeholders in identifying and addressing social exclusion and equality living in our more of our citizens living events like this in the heart of the Duhallow Community, so that seniors longer, the work undertaken will not have to travel long distances to access vital service information. issues, developing the capacity of Local Community Groups, and communities. IRD Duhallow staff Darren Reidy and Louise Bourke, with creating more sustainable communities. by the Saoi Network is C103’s Jimmy Reidy and Saoi Network Chairman Jack Equally as important, the conference acts as a social event and provides becoming increasingly Roche at the Bealtaine recording of Around the Fireside. those in the third age with the opportunity to get out and meet others. Goal 2: Supporting Individuals Niamh O Sullivan more important. The third age in life is when people may no longer To support disadvantaged individuals to improve the quality of their and Helena Switzer be in paid employment, but can remain healthy, fulfilled and continue lives through the provision of lifelong learning and labour market of Kerry County Council Community to contribute to society. The longer people are encouraged to remain supports. Department reviewing in this life stage, the better for older people themselves, their families, the IRD Duhallow Local Flexibility SICAP plan. communities and society as a whole. Community consultation is vital in determining the types of interventions and actions that are needed from SICAP in order to improve people’s Funds Committed to Projects 2018 Action Cork Kerry Action Cork Kerry Duhallow’s Silver Surfers – The 3 Paddies – Paddy McAuliffe, Paddy Buckley and Paddy Tobin, Goal 1 were presented with the Hobbies on the Net Award by Age Action CEO Paddy Connolly and Funding for Knocknagree Community Group 198.50 Professor Brian MacCraith, President DCU. Action 1 Stakeholder Engagement Stop Food Waste Workshop 52.62 Newsletter 5,050.00 1,611.70 Learn to Grow Your Own Fruit and Veg Training Programme 210.00 Duhallow’s Silver Surfers First Aid Response Training 1,080.00 The Saoi Network had four nominated finalists in the National Silver Action 2 Empowerment of Disadvantaged Communities CPR Training held in Tureencahill 350.00 Surfer Awards: The Three Paddys – Paddy Buckley, Paddy McAuliffe and Bereavement, Domestic Violence & Counselling Phones 439.23 138.72 Eamonn Kelly Bus Tour 250.00 Paddy Tobin were nominated for Duhallow Carers Meeting Costs 268.34 Training Brochures 456.69 Paul Partnership Social Enterprise Training 290.29 the Hobbies on the Net Category, Mindfulness for Carers 336.47 113.38 Action 8 Disability & Mental Health Community Inclusion Members of the Saoi Network getting into the festival mood for the and Sean Radley in the Community official launch of Duhallow’s 2019 Bealtaine Programme. Kerry Community Awards 300.00 SHINE Phrenz Support Group 69.53 21.94 Champion section. This is the 10th

Towards Occupation Mindfulness Training 540.00 Bealtaine Year of the Silver Surfer Awards, the Action 3 Collaborative Networks Sewing & Craft Classes for the Towards Occupation Group 1,423.00 Saoi Network and Women’s Forum Meetings 297.41 90.91 Towards Occupation 2,468.42 609.97 Bealtaine is a festival held throughout the Month of May aim of which is to raise awareness Publication of Bealtaine Flyers 435.00 137.00 aiming to promote actively ageing and encouraging among older people of the benefits Publication of Community Services Brochure 437.00 88.00 Action 9 Labour Market Activation older people to get involved in their community. The of being online and to encourage Hosting of an Alzheimer’s Tea Morning 65.24 70.49 Safe Pass Training 2,402.20 theme of this year’s Bealtaine Festival was “Be Our Guest: those who have not gone online Training Brochures 1,051.87 390 Action 4 Integration of New Communities Front Line Office Skills 2,356.00 744.00 celebrating hospitality, welcome and a more tolerant to give it a try. Almost 1 in 5 adults Hosting Multicultural Christmas Events 1,012.32 319.68 Emotional Support and Counselling Service 200.00 society.” Each of our groups hosted an event as part of have never used the internet and Nora O’Doherty proudly displayed her talents as

Warehouse Operative Training 700.00 part of the Glash Craft Exhibition for Bealtaine. Action 5 Community & Social Enterprise the Duhallow Bealtaine festival which saw a total of 39 this event strives to highlight older IT Training in Gneeveguilla 1,340.00 Equipment for Duhallow Furniture REVAMP 634.64 events held all across Duhallow. The Festival commenced with a special adults who embrace technology in their everyday lives. The Awards

Equipment for Duhallow Community Laundry 745.00 Action 10 Job Centre recording of Jimmy Reidy’s Around the Fireside. Throughout the month of Ceremony took place in May in the Helix Theatre in DCU and the three Paul Partnership Social Enterprise Training 209.71 Newspaper for the Job Centre 245.54 78.61 May, thousands of older people got involved in events in their community Paddys came home with the Hobbies on the Net Award. Equipment for Duhallow Community Foods 494.00 Training Brochures 306.38 Marketing for Duhallow Warmer Homes 644.00 with a wide range of activities from tea dances, to Culture and Heritage Job Seekers CV Preparation and Interview Skills 900.00 National Lottery Funding evenings, as well as Chairperson Jack Roche’s Famous Mystery Tour, which IT Training in Gneeveguilla 710.00 saw three busloads of seniors visit South Kerry. The Saoi Network applied to the Goal 2 Action 11 Self Employment HSE National Lottery Fund for Action 6 Connecting Youth Provision Delivery of the IRD Duhallow Mentoring Programme 2,700.00 360.00 Seniors Conference equipment funding for member Hosting a Careers Exhibition 644.48 203.52 Delivery of a Start Your Own Business Programme 1,800.00 The Saoi Network held their second-ever groups. The Saoi Network worked Project Lab Erasmus Training 179.29 First Aid for Farmers 285.00 Duhallow Seniors Conference ‘Older & Bolder’ closely throughout the year with Women in Agriculture Conference 888.00 312.00 Hosting a Social Media Information Evening 697.43 220.08 the HSE Community Development Development of IRD Duhallow Public Speaking Competition 562.62 197.87 Kerry Enterprise Month 699.10 in November of 2018. Part-funded by the Development of the Coderdojo Club 578.00 Duhallow Business Awards 1,200.00 HSE, the conference was opened by the Worker, Joanne McNamara, who Funding towards the Homework Support Club Rathmore 1,430.00 renowned sports commentator Micheál Ó has been a great support to the Action 12 Supporting Disadvantaged Children & Families groups in the Network. Through Action 7 Community Education & Life long Learning Literacy & Numeracy Programme Spring / Summer 2018 3,300.00 1,000.00 Irish Sign Language Training 532.20 Literacy & Numeracy Programme Autumn Winter 2018 2,200.00 180.00 this fund, community groups can Basic Make Up Training 764.00 access small equipment grants to Play Skills for Parents 740.75 Action 13 Adult & Second Chance Education purchase items such as speakers, Members of Tureencahill Active Retired Maria Finn 225.00 Group with ‘Michael Tea Higgins’ at Developing a LEGO Club 523.96 burcos, chairs and exercise equipment. the Alzheimers Tea Morning ,which Hosting Craft Taster Sessions 736.89 Majella O’Dwyer 225.00 they organised for Bealtaine. Bee Keeping Training 331.72 Elmarie Young 150.00 Collaboration with Other Agencies Elaine Taylor 250.00 Practical Self Advocacy Training 1,134.64 The Saoi Network works closely with other agencies and at their Cooking for One workshop 200.00 Michelle Crowley 250.00 CPR for Paediatric, Infant and Adult Casualties 654.23 Shanua O’Brien 500.00 quarterly meetings had presentations from different funders and GIY Educational Field Trip 275.00 Maryna Tatarenets 200.00 agencies working with older people including: Cork’s Local Link, Cork Micheal O’Muircheartaigh was the keynote speaker at this year’s Seniors Conference where there was over 180 attendees. ETB and Cork Sports Partnership.

page 26 pagepage 27 29 Equality and Social Inclusion Equality and Social Inclusion Ireland is becoming an increasingly diverse society and in this regard relation to rural areas that access to services is a real and continuous Duhallow is no different. As with all communities where diversity exists, challenge, and can often be far more expensive than in urban areas. there is the potential for inequality and exclusion to arise. To this end IRD The specific vulnerabilities in relation to poverty and social inclusion Duhallow offers a myriad of interventions that aim to support those most impacting upon some older adults, people in caring roles, lone parents, at risk of the impacts of disadvantage. IRD Duhallow’s Equality Working those most distanced from the labour market and people with ill-health Group has been meeting for over two decades and throughout its years were highlighted. The positive impacts of good quality education, along in existence several important projects have been undertaken with a with the importance of continuously enabling people to have equality critical aim of creating a of access in this regard, were also emphasised. more inclusive Duhallow. In practice, the principle of equality, is a critical dimension underpinning every programme run by Definitely on Santa’s Good List. Alex Wardas at the Multi Cultural Christmas event in Kanturk. IRD Duhallow, and this Multicultural Christmas Event commitment is reflected On the 11th of December in the Trade Union Hall in Kanturk and on in diversity of participation Wednesday the 12th of December in Teach Íosagain in Rathmore that occurs within training two multicultural Christmas gatherings were held. With the theme of embracing diversity at Christmas time, children from a variety of Sheila Crowley, Duhallow Carers; Brenda O’Connell Barry, National Carer of the Year Patricia Duda got her outfit just right for her visit to programmes and other and Mary Wallace, IRD Duhallow at the Carers Week Coffee Morning where the Santa and Mrs. Claus at the IRD Duhallow Multi-Cultural nationalities were delighted to meet Santa Claus and Mrs Claus in person. Dormant Accounts for Carers Programme was formally launched. Christmas Community Event at Teach Íosagáin, Rathmore. initiatives. A wide array of festive treats were on offer and all children present Dormant Accounts Carers Supporting Integration received a special gift from Santa. It is hoped to run this gathering again IRD Duhallow secured Dormant Accounts funding for Family Carers in According to the CSO 2016 figures in December 2019, with children and their families from all nationalities December 2018, to provide training, information and related support April 2016 there were 535,475 non-Irish welcome to attend this special event. services for family carers. The purpose of this programme is to assist nationals living in Ireland. In a local carers to provide the best care possible to the care recipient; to reduce Domestic Violence context the statistics on the left can be the risk of injury to the carer and care recipient and to help family carers IRD Duhallow’s Domestic Violence Service offers a confidential, listening derived from the 2016 census. cope with the emotional and psychological aspects of their role. The support service for those experiencing domestic violence. This service is programme was officially launched by Brenda O’Connell Barry, who was Enjoying the Tureencahill ARA Alzheimers Tea Morning as part of Bealtaine. These figures are in contrast with the open to both men and women suffering abuse and is manned by trained the 2018 National Carer of the year. Brenda - who lives in Ballyhea is caring Alzheimers Tea Morning overall rate for Munster, where the volunteers. Domestic violence is a pattern of coercive/ threatening, for her son, Fionn, who is believed to be the only person in Europe with Every day, more and more people are turning to The Alzheimer Society overall statistic is that 15.03% of the controlling behaviour used by one person over another within a close or the rare NACC1 genetic mutational condition. The Dormant Accounts of Ireland seeking a range of important services like day care, respite, population were born outside Ireland. intimate relationship and it comes in many forms including: Physical abuse; programme will be running a series of Accredited and Non Accredited home care, support groups and to access the national support helpline. The IRD Duhallow Equality Working Emotional or psychological abuse; Sexual abuse and Financial abuse. The Training programmes throughout Autumn 2019 and Spring 2020. In order to support this very worthy cause two fund raising tea mornings Group has long aspired to supporting new Domestic Violence Act which was enacted on the 1st of January 2019 were held. One event was hosted by Tureencahill’s active retirement members of new communities to includes important measures such as the extension for eligibility for safety European Anti-Poverty Ireland Event group as part of their Bealtaine celebrations, while another was held in become active within their own orders to young women who experience abuse in dating relationships; IRD Duhallow participated in a recent European Anti-Poverty Ireland Duhallow Community Foods Services in Newmarket. localities. To this end we have worked recognition of an intimate relationship as an aggravating factor in event which was held in Tralee, Co. Kerry. This important meeting was with several migrant individuals and domestic violence cases and the crime of directly linked to the Social Inclusion Forum (SIF) groups helping many to attain new coercive control. held in Dublin on 22nd of May. The Social Inclusion skills and opportunities. Forum is one part of the structures put in place by Duhallow Carers the Government, to support the development and Drishane Gardening Project The Duhallow Carers Network provides a implementation of its plans to address poverty and IRD Duhallow’s Equality Working supportive network and social outlet for social inclusion. Group recognises that in order to create space family and voluntary carers in Duhallow. for meaningful participation, it is vitally important to support asylum The group meets on the 1st Thursday of The local preparatory regional event, held in Tralee, seekers in their efforts to become involved in projects that are of interest every month in the James O’Keeffe Institute, provided an important opportunity for broad to them. Therefore, assistance has been offered through the SICAP Newmarket and is always open to new spectrum discussion and consultation, particularly Programme for the start-up of a gardening project in Drishane Castle members joining. Meetings are an opening for people currently experiencing social exclusion, Accommodation Centre. The purpose of this project is to enable and for members to discuss challenges facing Nuala O’Sullivan of Citizen and also for the groups that strive to provide support some of the residents in their efforts to start gardening in the Information providing valuable family carers, identify training and up-skilling information on the Fair Deal appropriate supports and assistance. This event vicinity of centre. Due to a lack of an availability of tools, the residents of opportunities and to plan social outings and Scheme and Family Carers focussed on people’s real life experiences of living the centre have been limited in their efforts to start growing. However activities including the annual summer trip Entitlements SportsFest Kanturk took place in June and was a great success. There were over 40 older adults taking part in a range of in marginalised communities, dealing with hidden activities in a fun, supportive and social environment. This programme was delivered by Cork Sports Partnership as new tools are purchased for the use of residents of the centre, more and carer’s mass. In March 2019, the carers group was delighted to host poverty, social exclusion, lack of appropriate with support through the Day of the Regions Project. advanced work can now occur. It is envisaged that this project will provide Nuala O’Sullivan from Citizen Information who delivered an informative supports and basic quality of life issues. Also a focal point for talk on the Fair Deal Scheme and family carers entitlements. discussed were the difficulties experienced by social interaction, those experiencing multiple disadvantage, through engagement and mental health difficulties, unemployment, closure group work for the of relevant support centres, the prevalence of residents of the hidden poverty and the disruption of childhoods accommodation due to social inequality. Furthermore, the centre. From small situation on the ground regarding fuel poverty, beginnings, it is transport, social housing access and rent costs, hoped that great the eligibility criteria for supports, and the lack of things will grow. social connections experienced by some groups Smily Faith Milanzi, Phumulani Nollovu and Abdul Rauf along with of people were discussed from a rural and urban Mairéad Hanrahan of Kasi, taking delivery of gardening tools Great turnout at the Information event on the Fair Deal Scheme and Family Carers Entitlements from IRD Duhallow’s Rachel Budd and Nollaig Murphy at with Nuala O’Sullivan of Citizen Information organised by the Duhallow Carers Network perspective. Specifically, it was noted, that in Members of the Duhallow Carers Network attending their monthly meeting in the James O’Keeffe Institute. Drishane Castle Accommodation Centre Millstreet.

page 28 pagepage 29 31 Employment and Training Employment and Training try and match jobseekers to ongoing training supports that take place small business owners, the unemployed, persons with disabilities and through the year which are based on the premise of being affordable disadvantaged groups. Since we commenced this programme back in and accessible to people. In 2018/2019 105 people were supported 2013 over 550 people have been trained in Basic Computer Skills and through the Job Centre. using the internet. Community Education and Lifelong Learning Adult education has both direct and indirect impacts. The former is much easier to measure, particularly the concrete outcomes of formal learning such as qualifications, new skills etc. However, adult education also has indirect impacts, such as greater confidence and improved social networks which are more difficult to measure, but perhaps no less significant. Through our Community Education and Lifelong Learning

Stephanie Moynihan, IRD Duhallow assisting Tadgh Curtin who is currently on our approach we aim to support individuals across a range of disciplines Tús programme with the preparation of his CV. including having a positive impact on physical health; mental health IRD Duhallow’s Employment and Training Service provides access to and also having an impact on children’s health and wellbeing. Over Employment, Training and Education opportunities for disadvantaged 150 individuals in the last year alone have been supported through Pictured at the launch of safefood’s 2019-2021 Community Food Initiatives Programme were Mary Creedon of IRD Duhallow, with Sinéad Conroy SECAD. individuals within the Duhallow community. We are conscious that not Goal 2 – providing lifelong learning opportunities through a range of IRD Duhallow is one of 14 initiatives to be funded by safefood over the next 3 years to improve Participants getting ready to start their five week course on Basic Computers. different programmes including: CPR Irish Heart Foundation training; health through food in communities across the island of Ireland. all people respond to unemployment in the same manner. The impact Adult and Second Chance Cooking for one workshop; CPR for paediatric, infant and adult casualty; of unemployment on an individual depends on a variety of factors. An Community Food Initiative The Working Group is pleased that the SICAP programme requirements Lego play skills workshops; Stop Food Waste; Art for Beginners; Angling individual’s savings, unemployment benefits and education play a part in We are delighted to have been approved funding through the have changed to reflect the need to allocate grants to individuals to for Beginners; Bee-keeping workshops; Basic Make Up skills; Digital how much of an impact a person experiences because of unemployment. Community Food Initiative 2019-2021 which is funded by safefood facilitate access and entry to further and higher level education. In Photography to name but Understanding the negative effects of unemployment helps people to and administered by SECAD Partnership with the remit of promoting the last year 10 individuals have received funding from this measure a few of the programmes cope and prepare themselves to seek other employment opportunities. awareness and knowledge of food safety and nutrition issues across under SICAP. We value the need for this measure as adults may decide delivered. The demand for IRD Duhallow has a range Duhallow. This project has recently commenced with a cookery to return to learning for a number of reasons including perhaps they these courses show their of employment activation demonstration focusing on increasing our awareness and knowledge may have left school early; they might never have had the chance to need in the area and the initiatives with the aim around healthy eating and cooking skills. We were delighted to have the upskill or improve their employment prospects; the individual may have positive feedback received of supporting people Duhallow Community Food Services provide a range of tasty samples been made unemployed and is now seeking to upskill or the individual from evaluations and who are both short and and quick and healthy cooking ideas to compliment the Local Training may be employed in a low skilled sector and in order to improve their tutors are a reinforcement long term unemployed, Initiative Open Day to a great crowd of enthusiastic people. It is our belief circumstances they may need to upskill. We know that bursaries are a for how community to secure and sustain full that nutrition is the foundation of physical and mental wellbeing and we crucial way of facilitating access and entry to education opportunities education and lifelong time paid employment. aim to promote healthy food choices, how to prepare fresh foods and and ultimately improving the circumstances of those who receive them. learning contributes to create positive rituals around the consumption with the ultimate aim of One such example is that of Hauwa Umaru. Hauwa is a resident of Job Centre empowering people to bringing families closer together. Millstreet Accommodation Centre and she sought financial assistance The efforts of the SICAP develop their confidence Children getting creative at Lego Club - Lego club offers to help her complete a Master of Education in Leadership and funded Job Centre and feel included. creative lego building sessions for boys and girls Management with Mary Immaculate College. continue with the aim aged between 5 and 12 years old of lowering the barriers Labour Market Activation and are led by a Certified Play Therapist that prevent people Through our Labour Market Activation measure we aim to provide from taking up work or programmes that are flexible and responsive. This entails different Testimonial: Hauwa Umaru assist people to identify programmes depending on where the client is at, for example some I was so excited to have been Staff of Rathmore Credit Union, Mark Hussey CEO, people are relatively close to the labour market and “job ready” and new opportunities to allow Tess Vaughan and Mary Roche with Mary Creedon, granted a SICAP 4500 grant from individuals increase their access IRD Duhallow promoting local information seminars may need short term job specific training whilst other individuals IRD Duhallow. Since moving to servicing the people of Rathmore and surrounds. to better paid employment may need more intensive supports and guidance and require one to Ireland, I have been engaged with opportunities. The Job Centre offers a range of services and has a service one assistance to help overcome the challenges they face. A range the community on a voluntary supporting both jobseekers and employers alike. We are conscious that of training has been delivered over the last year to meet the varying basis at local, regional and people need a tailored support when they are unemployed and we aim needs including Safe Pass training, Front Line Office Skills, Warehouse national level, where I have been to offer a high quality service supporting and mentoring individuals who Operative training, Good Agricultural and Collection Practices and we an advocate on many issues, in need our help. We provide advice on CV preparation, interview skills and also provide an emotional support and counselling service. particular on behalf of those living job searching tips. We have delivered workshops throughout the year on in the direct provision system, these topics and importantly we offer an inclusive service whereby we drawing on my experience of migrant life. I aim to put my Orlaith Tomkins of Duhallow Community Food Services provided a wonderful cookery experience and further education to use Hauwa Umaru demonstration promoting healthy eating at our first Safefood Community Food Initiative. in developing the Irish education system recipient of an Digital Skills for Citizens Programme and supporting it to meet the needs of an Adult and Second Chance Bursary. IRD Duhallow continues to run training courses through the Digital increasingly diverse student body. Skills for Citizens Scheme where we are actively supporting people to get online and enjoy all that the internet has to offer. In a “connected” The grant from IRD Duhallow will help to ease the financial society, digital skills are essential if we are going to realise the full burden of the cost of the course, which had been a barrier social and economic potential of this digital world. Funding has been to my participation. It has helped me to see light at the end granted through the Department of Communications, Climate Action of the tunnel despite the challenges I have had to face in life, & Environment and IRD Duhallow is in a consortium group with Age like overcoming religious fanaticism, greed, corruption and Action. The courses that we are providing focus on digital skills training misogyny in my home country. This means a lot to me and by where citizens attending our classes are learning about the skills they God’s grace I hope to fulfil these goals successfully. need to use and enjoy the many benefits that using the internet offers. Members of our Beginners Digital Photography course getting out and about Margaret Kelleher learning the basics on our Art Classes for Beginners funded through Training is targeted at people over the age of 45, farming communities, and practicing their craft. SICAP Community Education and Lifelong Learning

page 30 pagepage 31 33 IRD Duhallow’s Local Training Initiative Resilient Youth Programme The Irish horticultural industry is an important economic sector in Progression Opportunities Employment opportunities are very limited for the young population Ownership of a drivers licence was Ireland with an estimated farm gate value of €433m, which is the fourth To date 32 students have in Duhallow, particularly those who have left school early with little identified as one of the major barriers highest sector in terms of gross agricultural commodity output value. successfully completed the or no qualifications or work experience. Building on the key learnings young people have in securing In Duhallow the Local Training Initiative provides vocational training programme at Level 4, with from the Dormant Accounts funded Youth Measure which was an employment in this rural region. This opportunities in Horticulture, providing Level 4 and Level 5 certification 26 achieving the major award, 18-month youth employment focused project delivered between is owing to financial reasons whereby leading to progression to further consisting of all nine modules. 2016/2017 in conjunction with Ballyhoura Development, IRD Duhallow the young person cannot afford the training, education and work in the Thirteen students have started continues to support Young People (aged 15-24years) who are NEET lessons or insurance, limited access horticultural sector. the Level 5 programme which (not in employment, education or training) through participation on to a suitably tax registered vehicle commenced in April of this a programme offering a range of pre-employment training supports, and low literacy levels in some Our Local Training Initiative has Charlene Mc Mullin preparing for her Driver year. The success of the Level 4 mentoring, group development and skills based training. Where instances which affects their ability entered its fourth successive year. It Theory Test during workshops supported programmes is emphasized by possible, training is based on the young person’s needs, capacity and to complete the theory element. through the Resilient Youth Programme. is a full time programme delivered Geoff O’Hagan minding the weekly vegetable the return of 11 past students to aspirations ranging from unaccredited introductory courses to minor From this identified need, IRD Duhallow has incorporated ‘Drive2Success’ on the grounds of the James O’ stall outside the James O’Keefe building. Produce undertake Level 5, representing fresh from the garden is available to the local accredited modules. core skills training workshops to support these young women and men Keeffe Institute and is supported community during the growing season. all 3 intakes at Level 4. who do not have access to a car or the support of family to access through funding received from Cork driving lessons. Participants are assisted to apply for their driver theory Education and Training Board. We test and then thereafter their learner permit. Classroom based learning are particularly grateful to Patricia is facilitated in preparation for the theory test where tutors are on hand O’ Mahony Assistant Manager and to offer one-to-one support to individuals with the questions as well as Catherine Power, Development Officer assisting them with the booking of their theory test and the steps to at Cork Education & Training Board obtaining their Learners Permit. for their guidance and assistance Gisela Jones tending to climbing beans in in administering the programme. the Therapeutic garden.

IRD Duhallow’s ReY participants had a visit from local Garda Marie Lynch where she spoke to them about her work with the local community. Many young people who join the programme are unsure of what Participants of the Level 5 Studying hard for their Level 5 theory exams. direction to take and therefore are not ready to make a decision relating Four past students also achieved Level 5 qualifications at An tlonad Glas to their future career. By offering alternative learning opportunities and in Dromcollogher and at Cork Training Centre, with three progressing to taster subject modules, as well as wrap around supports, the programme Level 7 and 8 qualifications in Horticulture and Wildlife Biology. maximises the likelihood of achievement for the young people to either Some of the Resilient Youth participants pictured with Jacinta Carroll and Jennifer Drumm, IRD Duhallow on a teambuilding trip to Escape Rooms Limerick where they had to communicate A number of past students have also found employment, with local further education, apprenticeships or paid employment. It allows the and work together to find clues, solve puzzles and crack codes to solve the puzzle and escape from the room. landscaping companies, and organic food producers. Two past students young people to progress to other mainstream provision at a pace which In 2018, with the assistance of the QCBI Innovation fund, IRD Duhallow have been employed by the OPW based at Muckross House in Killarney is appropriate for them thus reducing the risk of repeated drop out successfully engaged with 22 young people utilising a strengths National Park. which can be significantly detrimental to motivation and progression. based approach to overcome the barriers which affect participation Work experience gives The success of the programme is i.e. health, social, educational, employability. The part time programme young people an insight owing to the fact that the training included: One to one strengths based mentoring, planning and into working life and is characterised by a facilitative guidance supports as well as providing clear signposting to related enables them to learn learning approach incorporating, support provision. Participants availed of tailored training including: Dorothee Ott and Aileen Flynn harvesting onions. These are then sold in the weekly vegetable stall. by doing. IRD Duhallow’s project based learning, Manual Handling, Health and Safety in the Workplace, Digital Skills Programme Delivery existing linkages on development of individual Training, Personal Development, Apprenticeship information, CV and The LTI programme provides a the ground with local learning plans, self-paced CV cover letter building, Interview techniques, Job search strategies and broad introduction into the four employers are utilised learning, individualised learning continuous one to one mentoring. 10 young people were supported to main sectors of the horticultural to facilitate supported supports, work experience complete their driving lessons with a local qualified driving instructor. industry at Level 4, namely; food opportunities and provision of work sampling, work production, nursery and retail, high level one to one support Timmy O’Sullivan, ReY programme pictured on experience placements, landscaping and sports ground throughout the programme. the first day of his Youth Employment Support work shadowing, volunteer maintenance. This develops at Scheme (YESS) Placement at Newmarket Pitch placements and place and train Willie John Buckley working and Putt with Rose Slattery, Department of Level 5 into a more academic on his allotment plot. Employer Affairs and Social Protection and Tom schemes. ‘In work’ support is approach to botanical theory Twomey, Newmarket Pitch & Putt. facilitated to ensure job retention and horticultural science, with and career development. This involves regular contact with both the a large emphasis on organic The student allotment plot full of potatoes, Testimonial: Dermot Smith young people and the employers via email and phonecalls to monitor cabbage, onions and salad. production. The extensive Work I completed the Level 4 horticulture Local Training Initiative in 2017. progression. Site visits are also used to review the experience and Practise module at Level 5 allows students to undertake an 8-week work As part of the qualification, I undertook 2 weeks’ work placement address any issues arising. placement during the summer months. This is invaluable experience with Patrick Dinan of Blackwater Landscapes, based in Dromagh. and can set them on the way to a career in horticulture. Throughout An Information session was held on the Youth Employment Support Scheme (YESS) in January the year, students receive the opportunity to participate in non-elective After the course ended, he employed me on a part time basis and I 2019. Pictured are speakers on the morning; Ailbe Coffey, Career Coach; Jennifer Drumm, Jacinta am still working with him. I learnt a lot from my time on the level 4 Carroll, IRD Duhallow; Rose Slattery, Employer Relations Officer DEASP, who spoke on the YESS modules based on their individual training needs analysis. Included Scheme and Jason Sheahan, past youth programme participant speaking of his experience. in the programme are a number of events organised by the students, horticulture course and from Patrick, my employer. As I had enjoyed The benefits from this programme are numerous including social including Plant Sales, a Garden Open Day and a Weekly Vegetable Stall the year’s course, I decided to come back for the level 5. This was benefits concerning individual’s success in effectively and constructively throughout the growing season. These events accentuate the work put done with the support of my employer to further develop my participating in social, civic and working life. The programme empowers in by the students and enable the general public to purchase organically career in horticulture. the young people to grow in confidence in their own employability and raised vegetables and plants. The progression route from Level 4 to Undertaking these courses has given me new opportunities to engage more effectively with the labour market whilst also positively Level 5 at IRD Duhallow allows students continue their studies in the learn new skills and to develop my interest in gardening and has attributing to their mental health. The preparation for work element extensive grounds of the James O’Keefe Institute before progressing enabled me to start on a career in landscaping. of the programme provides an immersive experience for the young into employment or further training. Natalia Oleszko & Marie Murphy pictured receiving advice and tips on how to dress for an people to gain a greater understanding into cross sector career options. Interview from Joan Cashman, Colour and Image Academy.

page 32 pagepage 33 35 Youth and Education Youth and Education The IRD Duhallow Youth & Education Working Group plays a key role Careers Exhibition St. Colman’s Kanturk were in the provision of support to children and young adults of Duhallow. Choosing a career the overall winners who Education plays a critical role in the sustainability of rural areas through is one of the most eloquently discussed generational mobility and access to the jobs and industries of a modern important life decisions the benefits and costs of day service economy. Studies have shown that for every 10km a young that young people rural life in front of over person is from a Higher Educational Institute, likelihood of participation have to make at an 60 family members and in education decreases by almost 3%. The Youth & Education working early stage in life. It’s friends. Eoin O’Keeffe also group, through support of extra-curricular activities for primary, about so much more of St.Colman’s Kanturk secondary and adult than deciding what you took home the Best learners, addresses a key will do to make a living. Speaker prize on the need in an area without Over our lifetime, we night with his confident easy access to further spend approximately presentation. education. The time period 31½ years of our lives following education must working, from the Roisín Kelleher, Career Guidance counsellor, providing Young Adult Survey Charlotte Kitto pictured assisting some of the attendees at also not be forgotten and beginning of our careers until students with invaluable career guidance advice at IRD Duhallow’s Youth & IRD Duhallow’s weekly Coderdojo sessions. the needs of young people retirement. The importance of IRD Duhallow’s 16th annual Career’s Exhibition. Education working group aged 25-35 also falls under selecting a career with which we are satisfied cannot be overemphasized. in conjunction with Dr. the remit of the Youth The annual IRD Duhallow Careers Exhibition is an important date in the Brendan O’Keeffe of and Education Working calendar for Secondary School Students in Duhallow to help them make the GESERA Institute for Group. The upcoming these important career choices. Over 500 Senior Cycle students from Action Research have research study will add our across the Duhallow region and beyond were in attendance at the 16th Graduates of the 2019 Literacy Support Programme with their tutors Brid O’Riordan, Sinead been active over the past existing understanding of annual IRD Duhallow Careers Exhibition, which took place last October Guiney, Noirin Murphy, Mary Anne Murphy, Avril O’Connor and Nollaig Murphy. year conducting research settlement in rural areas in the Edel Quinn Hall Kanturk. The exhibition was largely attended by In the summer months we host a ‘Laugh and Learn’ Summer Camp with both teenagers and focusing on making learning fun, which incorporates a mix of formal and the next generation in Conor Judge presenting Michael O’Connor of local, National and U.K. Universities, Institutes of Technology, Agricultural young adults as part every community. Newmarket Foroige Club with their SICAP- funded Colleges, PLC Training Colleges, Solas, and the local Gardaí. Students classroom work and activities to foster learning through play. We also of the LEADER Youth Work Experience students Jenny Collier and Anna Foley who Smart TV & Karaoke Machine. were provided with an opportunity to explore the many careers host a number of clinics throughout the year focusing on providing research Project. This spent a number of months on placement in IRD Duhallow. Duhallow CoderDojo available by visiting the different exhibitors stands on offer and speaking additional supports to parents of children with Dyslexia and Dyspraxia process has left no stone unturned in order to gain an understanding There are now more than 1,900 verified CoderDojo’s Clubs across 93 to representatives from each college, who gave the students a much and giving practical advice and guidance as to how best they can of topics relevant to life in Duhallow and rural areas as a whole. It is one countries, with over 200 clubs in Ireland. CoderDojo is playing a vital needed insight into their future career choice. Roisín Kelleher, Career support their child at home. of the few studies of this type that looks beyond the realm of facts and role in addressing the technology and digital skills gap. Coding is a new figures and asks questions such as why it is that young people settle here, Guidance Counsellor was in attendance to meet students on a one to Public Speaking Competition 2018 literacy which is of crucial importance to succeed in an increasingly why they return home at weekends and what they do when they come one basis to offer additional support and advice in relation to subject In an age of increased screen time and the continuous stream of texting connected world and every child should have the opportunity to back from third level education. Analysis is currently underway and it is and course choices. and typing over verbal communication, IRD Duhallow’s Public Speaking develop these 21st century skills. Europe is expected to face a shortfall hoped that findings will be known before year end. The results will be Competition remains an important opportunity for youth of Duhallow of up to 900,000 of skilled ICT workers by 2020. Literacy Support Programme of particular benefit to the Youth & Education Working Group who will to learn an important skill. The importance of public speaking is critical It is reported that 1 in 10 children will experience difficulties with develop a 3-year strategic plan in response to the issues identified. Over the last year Duhallow Coderdojo Club was facilitated by a to a wide range of individuals from all walks of life. However, with the Literacy. Funded by SICAP, our Literacy & Numeracy Support Programme dedicated group of skilled I.T. mentors, who provided CoderDojo advent of Class Based Assessment in the Junior Cycle and continuous focuses on providing targeted supports to Children with Dyslexia or lessons on a weekly basis in the James O’Keeffe Institute in Newmarket. assessment at Third level, the importance of public speaking has grown Dyspraxia who are at risk of Early School Leaving. We have three different Duhallow CoderDojo provides young people with an opportunity to in the education system. Public speaking is a skill that can be learned types of classes supporting children: Literacy Support, TTRS (Touch Type learn programming and web development skills in a fun environment under the correct guidance and tutelage but the opportunity to speak Read and Spell) and Numeracy Support. Our literacy classes have a low through mini project work. This has helped to encourage creativity and in front of a room full of strangers remains a major achievement for any teacher pupil ratio (max 1:5) and they focus on reading, writing, spelling, self-led learning. young person. memory work and sequencing. Our numeracy programme focuses on The Youth and Education Working Group is extremely grateful to this mathematical literacy and building children’s understanding of numbers dedicated team who voluntarily give their time and dedication to and build their confidence when using maths. TTRS is an award-winning, running the club providing the young people of Duhallow with the multi-sensory course that teaches touch-typing, reading and spelling opportunity to learn coding skills that will help them to become the at the same time. Based on the alpha and omega spelling method, next generation of creators and inventors. the program aims to build literacy skills and increase confidence and self-esteem in users, as they master the art of keyboarding. Because it takes a multi- sensory approach to tuition, TTRS is also suitable for users who struggle with physical impairments and specific learning difficulties, like dyslexia and dyspraxia. Twenty-three year old hairdresser Katelynn Murphy was winner of the Best Start Up Category at the Duhallow Business Awards. Pictured presenting Louise Bourke presenting the award is Kathleen Cronin Kym Leigh Farrissey St. Colemans Boys N.S. were victorious in the IRD Duhallow Public Speaking Competition with from AIB who sponsored the with her Cert for Excellence Chairman of the Youth and Education Working Group Cllr Gearoid Murphy. Best Start Up Category. in Literacy. IRD Duhallow’s 11th Annual Public Speaking Competition took place Students exploring some of the many courses on offer from representatives from during October and November of 2018 with seven teams taking part. University College Dublin at the IRD Duhallow Careers Exhibition.

page 34 pagepage 35 37 Mental Health and Disability Community Inclusion Ability Programme Positive Mental health is a key driver of economic participation and service is completely confidential, People with disabilities are only half as likely to be in employment as productivity in Duhallow, and hence has the potential to impact incomes, non-judgmental and non- others of working age. Some of the many reasons for this include level of living standards, social engagement and connectedness. Many people discriminatory. Very often people education and skills, a fear around the loss of benefits and low expectations. experience difficulties with their mental health and these individuals are with lower incomes cannot afford The 2016 census showed that 13.5% amongst the least likely of any group with a long-term health condition counselling fees and therefore of the population and 6.5% of those or disability to find work, be in a steady, long-term relationship, live in go without. Mature Students at work had a disability, the labour decent housing and be socially included in mainstream society. from Cork Institute of Technology participation rate for people with a Some of the Ability Programme participants attended Cork SportsAbility Day at the Mardyke provide a weekly community disability being 30.2% compared to Arena UCC in April, and they got an opportunity to participate in a selection of sporting activities. • One in four people will experience a mental health problem at They are pictured with Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Mick Finn and Kate Feeney, 61.4% generally. some point in their lives. based Emotional Support and Sports Inclusion Disability Officer, Cork Sports Partnership. counselling Service in the James In response to this, a new programme A range of Sports and Recreational Workshops were delivered by Cork • Around one in ten children experience mental health problems. O’Keeffe Institute as part of their targeting Young People with a Sports Partnership to help encourage the young people’s participation in • Depression affects around one in 12 of the whole population. placement process. This includes disability was launched in June 2018. IRD Duhallow’s Ability Group pictured on a recreational activities while improving their social role. Activities included telephone listening and one to trip to see Annie the Musical in the Bord Gáis • 450 million people worldwide have a mental health problem. TO Participants, Brian Casey and Louise Pomeroy Funding of €16 million was allocated Energy Theatre as part of their aerobics, badminton, running and basketball. Participants also participated one Integrative counselling. Callers concentrating on their stiches at the for 27 projects nationally. Social & Personal Development module. in Cork Sports Ability Day in April, (Mental Health Ireland) TO Sewing and Craft class. to the Bereavement phone have which allowed them to taste a been referred to this service. Know Your Rights variety of different sports and recreational activities. The Employment Equality Acts, 1998- IRD Duhallow 2011 protect people from employment Phrenz Support Group Community Awareness Raising discrimination. This includes discrimination Established in 2016, IRD Duhallow’s IRD Duhallow has carried out in finding a job, keeping a job or doing work Phrenz group supports individuals a great deal of work over the experience or vocational training. They also in their own mental health last year to create an awareness include advertising, equal pay, promotion and recovery. Sharing experiences with amongst the wider community Joe Collins pictured with some of his creative art work dismissal. The Equal Status Acts, 2001-2011 others can be therapeutic and a TO Participant Claire ‘Fostering Work Place Equality’ Breakfast Seminar of their role in disability inclusion. on display at the Ability Programme Art Exhibition. protect people against discrimination when great way for people to learn new coping skills as Galvin working on her Collaboration for Employers. Left to Right: Triona Dennehy, IRD buying or accessing goods and services. This well as growing their support network and making patch work quilt. The Ability Programme is a Duhallow, Dermot Crosby, DEASP Disability Case Participants are supported and encouraged to participate in events in their TO participant Josephine Lehane partnership project with SECAD Officer, Thomas Linehan Twohigs Super Valu own Communities through Duhallow ‘A Day of the Region’ Festival. The could include discrimination when accessing preparing the soil for potting new friends. The group, which is peer facilitated, meet on the second Kanturk, Bernie Collins, Twohigs Super Valu healthcare, education, social opportunities or plants in the therapeutic gardens Thursday of each month Partnership and Ballyhoura Kanturk, Laura Reidy, HR Suite, Jacinta Carroll, Ability Group organised an Art Exhibition in June as part of this festival, while looking for accommodation. on the grounds of the James Development, with IRD Duhallow Disability Youth Engagement Officer, IRD Duhallow. they got an opportunity to showcase their artwork and put it on display for O’Keeffe Institute, Newmarket. in the James O’Keeffe Institute, Newmarket. being the lead partners. Over the past year, we have established a strong the wider community. relationship with a number of referral agencies to assist in identifying IRD Duhallow was also delighted to support the first National ‘Make FrienDs Group suitable participants for the programme; this has included St, Joseph’s Way Day’ Campaign which was an initiative established by the Disability IRD Duhallow is supporting Foundation in Charleville and Mental Health Services of the HSE. Federation of Ireland, raising a greater awareness of the access needs of a newly developed Youth Some of the Ability People with Disabilities. Transition Year students from Scoil Phobail Sliabh Club called the FrienDS, Programme participants pictured Luachra, Rathmore, Coláiste Treasa, Kanturk and Millstreet Community targets teenagers aged after a Drama School took part in this important campaign. 12 to 18 years who have Therapy Workshop with actor Liam Down Syndrome. The Participants of the Towards Occupation Programme celebrating the festive season at their Heffernan, best Christmas Dinner. group was founded by a known for playing group of parents who saw the part of ‘Blackie Towards Occupation Programme Connors’ in Glenroe. IRD Duhallow’s Towards Occupation Programme continues to provide the need for a safe space community based support to those experiencing multiple barriers for our young teenagers Support to access & participate in Education & Training to progression due to their mental ill health. The programme aims to with Down Syndrome to Each participant of the Ability Programme was provided with an opportunity support persons with mental ill-health/distress to participate in their Clíona Healy, Kate O’Callaghan and Nicholas Tarrant of interact. The group aims to work with Occupational Therapist, Jessica Duggan, to carry out a Vocational the FrienDS group taking part in health & nutritional to support these young Assessment which helped us to further understand the participant, own recovery and to achieve their full potential. The programme sessions, which were held in the James O’Keeffe Institute. is based on developing the positive assets and resources of each people to develop self- identifying their individual training and work capabilities. This helped to participant by providing accessible, comprehensive and community confidence, assist them to develop new skills towards promoting greater design a programme responsive to the needs of each young person. independence and preparing them to function more effectively in the Ability Programme Participants pictured on their graduation day with Joanne O’Connor based supports and training which will re-integrate participants into The Ability Programme, builds upon the young people’s learning through IRD Duhallow; Cathal Geraghty Cork Sports Partnership; Dermot McNamara and Sinead Higgins community. The main priority areas they feel are necessary include: of the Wellness Circle; Claire O’Reilly Artist, Susan O’Sullivan, Volunteer; a social network where they practical activities that support them to transfer skills to home and local -Personal safety, Physical health and well-being, Hygiene and grooming, Jacinta Carroll, IRD Duhallow; Pj Cleere, Development Manager of the Disability Federation of will be supported (individually community. Through the delivery of a range of training courses adapted to Ireland; Noreen Jennings, Support Worker from St. Joseph’s Foundation Cooking, nutrition and within a group) to achieve individuals’ specific needs, the programme aims to help these young people and Ailbe Coffey of the Wellness Circle. and healthy habits. their personal goals. There is a become as independent as possible. A broad range of courses have been Engagement with Local Employers A series of nutritional clear focus on capacity building delivered including: Life Skills; Social and Personal Development; Community Over 30 employers attended a Breakfast Seminar entitled “Fostering workshops have as well as a strong personal involvement, assertiveness and relationship building; Career Preparation Work Place Equality” in November. The keynote speaker on the morning been facilitated with development dimension Programme; Drama Therapy; Art & Crafts; Horticulture and Computers. was Laura Reidy, a Senior HR Consultant with the HR Suite, who works the assistance of IRD intertwined throughout the across a wide range of industries and sectors providing business owners Duhallow’s SICAP Promotion of meaningful training modules to improve and managers with best practice advice on all HR related issues. On the Programme. Social Roles the progression opportunities morning she provided employers with information on legislation in relation The Ability programme has of participants and to explore Aoife Douglas is one of the to the employment of people with a disability, workplace ergonomics and Tutor, Trudy Taylor assisting participants with empowered its participants to their projects as part of the Towards Occupation different pathways to achieving volunteer counsellors with disclosure. Dermot Crosby, Disability Officer, with the DEASP was also IRD Duhallow’s Community develop as individuals and enjoy new Programme in Teach Mhuire, Rathmore, Co. Kerry. their personal fulfilment. in attendance and provided information on the range of state supports Emotional Support and challenges through the exploration Counselling Service. available to employers to support those with disabilities in the workplace Community Emotional Support and Counselling Service and promotion of volunteering e.g. wage subsidy scheme. Bernie Collins of Twohig’s Supervalu Kanturk IRD Duhallow‘s Emotional Support Service is available by appointment opportunities and social action whilst gave an employer’s perspective of the wage subsidy scheme while Thomas to anyone over the age of 18, affected by mental ill health. The support making a positive contribution to the Cookery was one of the modules delivered Linehan, Staff Member also spoke. as part of the Life Skills module. local community.

page 36 pagepage 37 39 Equality for Women & Childcare Equality for Women & Childcare The Women and Childcare Working Group continues its efforts to in preparation for accessing better Women for Change Project are able to avail of this identify and provide supports to address the issues that affect the lives quality employment, self-employment In May 2018, the National Women’s Council of Ireland together with nine support locally in our of women in Duhallow and advocates for the positive development and improved social skills as well as organisations including IRD Duhallow’s Women’s Forum, were successful facility with qualified and of women’s rights and opportunities, especially those disempowered supporting women’s advancement in receiving funding under the Wheel’s Training Links Fund Scheme, experienced teachers. within rural areas. Domestic work, care obligations and low paid into decision making roles. under funding through the Department of Education & Skills. The aim of IRD Duhallow Newmarket precarious employment can combine to decrease quality of life and this project is to bring together a diversity of women who are currently The forum also aims to identify, After Schools administers standards of living for women in rural Duhallow. involved or are interested in getting more involved in representation acknowledge and celebrate the the National Community and participation in decision making within their local communities. This role of women in Duhallow. We are Childcare Subvention project gives women an opportunity to access training and to support An Taisce National Spring Clean Day 2019 committed to enhancing the capacity Programme and operates on a tiered each other in calling for women’s equality as well as to bring about change. with Rachel O’Connell, Co-ordinator of IRD of locally based community groups to pricing policy where subsidies are Duhallow’s After Schools and Rachel Budd, promote female participation. Horticultural Trainer with IRD Duhallow. IRD Duhallow has already hosted two workshops as part of this project. offered to families in receipt of a The forum is affiliated to the National These included a workshop on Influencing Policy Change in January 2019, social welfare payment and/or who hold a medical card ensuring that Children of IRD Duhallow Newmarket which covered how policy works and how we can influence it. The second all families have the opportunity to access the service regardless of their Women’s Council of Ireland, which is After Schools were delighted to an umbrella organisation for women’s participate in the An Taisce National workshop looked at Effective Committees and Negotiation Skills. This was a financial circumstances. groups in Ireland and represents some Spring Clean Day 2019. practical workshop which helped participants understand how successful 180 women’s groups. This allows the Duhallow Women’s Forum to link in committees work and will help provide the participants with guidance to and work with the NWCI in determining its core priorities and be involved ensure that their committee is productive, inclusive and cordial. in decision-making levels at local, national and international level.

Duhallow Work Opportunities for Women Programme Participants who received QQI Level 5 Since its establishment the Working Group has made a significant minor awards in Care of the Older Person, Care Skills and Care Support pictured at contribution to the region including the organisation of numerous IRD Duhallow’s annual Recognition of Learning Ceremony with Mary Wallace, Maura Walsh and Jacinta Carroll of IRD Duhallow. seminars and conferences and in particular the production of a calendar in Women also face a disadvantage in accessing educational opportunities, 2004 in honour of 12 notable and distinguished women from the Duhallow flexible employment, childcare and rural transport. This has resulted region. Following this, an information booklet was also produced detailing in putting women at a greater risk of poverty and social exclusion as information of the lives of each of these notable and distinguished women. well as having an impact on the women’s mental health. The Women and Childcare Working Group recognises the fact that if disadvantaged women in particular are to achieve equality in the labour market it is essential to remove, or at the least to significantly address, barriers to Participants of the Women and Local Elections workshop which was held to explore the current IRD Duhallow Newmarket After Schools Easter Camp 2019. their progression and participation. A number of initiatives, supports issues for women in Duhallow prior to the Local and European elections. and programmes have been put in place to meet the needs of women Our service is a vibrant, happy and safe learning environment all year in Duhallow focusing on the development of confidence levels, In May, a Women and Local Elections workshop was held to explore the round with exciting Easter, Summer and Halloween camps offered assertiveness skills and self-esteem of women. current issues for women in Duhallow prior to the Local and European annually. Technology Camps, Arts and Crafts, Baking, Nature Trails, Pitch elections. The Workshop covered topics such as what women want from and Putt are but few of the activities that the children take part in. The local councils in the local area; an explanation of the current state of children and staff of IRD Duhallow Newmarket Afterschools are currently IRD Duhallow’s CEO: Maura Walsh, Chairperson: Mary Wallace representation; the role of local councillors and the issues they should working towards their fifth Green Flag, which relates to Litter and Waste/ and Vice Chairperson: Breeda Moynihan Cronin - All Female Leaders. deal with? How can we make our local councils more accountable to Global citizenship and were excited to recently participate in the An PEIL Gender Equality Programme - Duhallow Work Opportunities women and how to engage with candidates on the doorstep. These Taisce Spring Clean day 2019. for Women Programme workshops have given women in Duhallow an opportunity to learn skills Duhallow Work Opportunities for Women provides a local, supportive in leadership, lobbying, campaigning and influencing policy. and an accessible approach to education and training for women. This project aimed at women who have been out of the workforce, has Afterschools provided an excellent opportunity to support women to increase their IRD Duhallow Newmarket personal and social skills whilst giving them the opportunity to upskill After Schools was founded by taking part in a series of training opportunities, both accredited and in 2005 to serve the local non-accredited. This has enhanced women’s access to employment by communities in Duhallow by Pictured at the Annual IRD Duhallow Recognition of Learning Ceremony are recipients of providing Afterschools care QQI Level 5 awards in Frontline Office & Reception Skills. giving them an opportunity to learn new skills suitable to a variety of for children aged 4-13 years. Duhallow Women’s Forum different careers, helping them to find a new direction in their life. Under the Child Care Members of the North Cork Childcare Managers Network at their meeting in the James O’Keeffe Duhallow Women’s Forum, established in 1997, represents a network of 174 women have been supported through Duhallow Work Act 1991 (Registration of Institute with Stephanie Moynihan, IRD Duhallow and Mary Murphy, Chairperson of the network. 17 women’s groups in Duhallow and plays an important role in improving Opportunities for Women to date. Training such as QQI Level 5 modules A well-deserved treat prepared School Age Services) Regulations 2018, by Rachel O’Connell, Co-ordinator North Cork Childcare Network women’s quality of life in Duhallow. This includes improving women’s in SNA, Intellectual Disability Studies, Palliative Care, Infection Prevention IRD Duhallow Newmarket After Schools of IRD Duhallow’s Newmarket The North Cork Childcare Network provides a valuable collaboration and access to education, training and personal development supports and Control, as well as Computer Skills for Work, Personal Development After Schools during the underwent registration with Tusla in 2019. Easter Camp 2019. networking platform for managers from 25 community childcare facilities in are some of the comprehensive range of supports offered through this Duhallow as well as Tusla, Cork County Childcare Committee, representatives programme. The programme has supported women to identify their The service prides itself in assisting families in the locality by offering from IRD Duhallow and other stakeholders in the childcare sector. existing skills and qualities and has helped them to consider returning daily bus transfers from schools to the facility, the provision of a to the workforce thus decreasing their risk of poverty in later years. The nourishing meal from Duhallow Community Food Services as well as The network meets on a bi-monthly basis to share experiences, discuss provision of mentoring has also been significant as it gave women an dedicated one-to-one homework support- and of course loads of fun challenges facing the childcare sector and to identify opportunities opportunity to avail of one to one support. activities and games once the homework has been completed! including staff training. The offerings of IRD Duhallow Newmarket After Schools include a full Members of the network welcomed the announcement of the Bachelor This project is co-funded by the Irish Government through the of Arts in Applied Early Childhood Education & Care via the IRD Duhallow Department of Justice and Equality and the European Social Fund support network for families apart from the day to day after school care, literacy and numeracy support is also available on Tuesdays where Skillnet commencing in September 2019. It is anticipated that graduates of Judy O’Leary, Chairperson Duhallow Women’s Forum, Jeanette O’Connell, Duhallow Women’s through the Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning (PEIL) the course will add to the available workforce at a local level combatting the Forum, Mary Wallace, Chairperson of the Board of IRD Duhallow, and Bridget Buckley discussing 2014-2020. children who are in the need of added support in literacy and numeracy committee skills at a Women for Change Workshop. current shortage of qualified child care professionals in the sector and more specifically in Duhallow.

page 38 pagepage 39 41 Warmer Homes Initiative Duhallow Furniture Revamp Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme (BEWHS) Better Energy Communities With the assistance of consumers concerns regarding the quality and IRD Duhallow’s Warmer Homes Scheme is in operation since 2006 and at Programme (BEC) the Community Services safety of reuse goods. REVAMP also participated the end of 2018 we have insulated well in excess of 3,850 houses. Areas IRD Duhallow carried out energy efficient Programme Duhallow in producing a promotional video which is now used by the CRNI to covered include North and Mid Cork, South Limerick and all of Kerry. upgrade works to a hotel in North Cork furniture REVAMP has been show other enterprises the benefits of the Re-Mark. The project was under the BEC programme in 2018. This Scheme is funded by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland in operation since January also a finalist for the Pakman Awards 2018 in the Community Recycling Two local projects have received grant (SEAI) and Pobal through the Community Services Programme (CSP). 2016 and is providing Project of the year category. These national awards recognize excellence approval through Northside Community To qualify for this scheme, you must be in receipt of Fuel Allowance or a range of in-demand in waste management and recycling among businesses, organizations, Enterprises (NCE) 2019 BEC application. Family Income Supplement or Job Seekers Allowance (For more than 6 services to the community community groups and initiatives in Ireland. REVAMP was also nominated These include Clondrohid Community months and have a child under 7 years of age), the One Parent Family and in particular to for the Cork County Mayor’s awards 2019. These accolades are testament Centre and Millstreet National Boys Payment, Domiciliary Care Allowance and Carers Allowance. Homes disadvantaged individuals to the difference Duhallow REVAMP is making in the community. School. Works to be carried out include must be owner occupied and constructed before 2006. Installer Tade Roche and groups in Duhallow. replacement of internal lights with high-performance drilling a wall in preparation for cavity In addition to the wide LED lights and cavity wall insulation works. wall insulation in a offering of good quality property. second-hand furniture for Continuous Training & Quality Assurance sale, Duhallow REVAMP Training is an essential part of our service where staff are kept up to Revamp staff - Krzysztof Cielen, Jessica Baron, provides a collection and Colm O’Connor, Julie O Flaherty, Debbie Pearson. date on industry standards. These include Manual Handling, Working delivery service, therefore enticing the general public to have their at Heights training, Abrasive Wheel training, Mobile Tower Scaffold furniture recycled and diverting such items from ending up in landfills. A training, Installer Insulation training, Project Supervisor Construction repair, restoration and re-upholstery service is also available and proving Stage (PSCS), Project Supervisor Design Process (PSDP) and Safe Pass. extremely popular and with the addition this year of professional Our cavity wall teams have received training from Envirobead Insulation Winners at the IRD, Duhallow Business Awards Creative Industry Category: pneumatic tables to the workshops, REVAMP has been able to extend on surveying and insulation and are Revamp Staff Helena Enright, Julie O’Flaherty, Jessica Baron, Debbie Pearson and greatly the range of repairs it offers. A detailed workflow plan is in place Krzysztof Lichorobiec with Maria Herlihy. certified with the National Standards to ensure that there is as little waste as possible and that project goals Employment and Training Opportunities Authority of Ireland (NSAI) to deliver and priorities are met on time and within budget. There is also a discount Another underlying social objective of Duhallow REVAMP is to provide Bonded Bead Cavity Wall Insulation. available in an effort to further assist and entice those in receipt of social employment and training opportunities. The social enterprise is currently KSN oversee the quality control for welfare, low income households and students. operating with 4 full time equivalents including Craft and Upholstery Eileen Moynihan, IRD Duhallow Warmer Homes and Susan Andrews from SEAI at the Helping the BEWHS where their inspectors Hands Seminar held at the James O’Keeffe Institute recently. Operatives, Stock Control/Sales and an Accounts Administrator. Employees carry out random quality checks on of REVAMP have availed of training opportunities through our Skillnets Additional Retrofit Works houses completed by IRD Duhallow. programme in the fields of Health and Safety, Administration, Customer Additional deeper retrofit works such as internal dry-lining, external wall In 2018 we had a pass rate of 96% Service, Training Delivery and Management to name but a few. The project insulation, heating upgrades, demand control ventilation and window from these inspections. We continue is currently seeking expressions of interest replacement were added by SEAI to the BEWHS in 2018. IRD Duhallow to carry out internal quality control from unemployed individuals who are has partnered with checks to ensure we maintain this Installer Tom Cambridge pumping interested in completing a work placement Northside Community insulation into cavity wall in a house high pass rate Enterprises (NCE) for the completed by IRD Duhallow Warmer Homes. in the area of upholstery, woodwork, delivery of additional Senior Alert Scheme (SAS) furniture restoration and customer service. A deep measures to our IRD Duhallow are registered with Pobal to deliver the Senior Alert range of training opportunities are available IRD Duhallow were shortlisted for the REPAK awards. Pictured at the awards presentation were: customers. Scheme to householders over 66 years of age. Qualifying householders Seamus Clancy CEO Repak, Triona Dennehy, Colm Crowley, Jessica Baron, Julie O’Flaherty, Colm through Skillnets and SICAP e.g. Forklift, CPC receive a free alarm or pendant which can be worn around the wrist O’Connor and Debbie Pearson of IRD Duhallow; Breeda Moynihan Cronin, Chair of training, Dumper Truck Operating, Safe Pass IRD Duhallow’s Social Economy Working Group; with Tony Keohane Chairman of Repak. Enprova & Kingspan or neck. The equipment is supplied and installed free of charge along and Manual Handling. Retrofit Home Environmental goals and bulky goods management with one year’s free monitoring. To date, over 290 applications have Newly Renovated Furniture Shop Incentive Scheme With over 100 tons of furniture diverted from landfills to date, Duhallow In 2018, we upgraded our cavity been approved by Pobal and installation of the alarms by Tunstall In 2018, REVAMP has application to IRD Duhallow is a registered installer of REVAMP is actively participating in a greener local environment. One of wall van. This van was fitted Emergency Response is on-going. We continue to promote this service Dormant Accounts Funding was attic, cavity wall and internal dry lining with a built in compressor which the principal aims of Duhallow REVAMP is to repair furniture items with as through the SAOI Network, approved and the showrooms received a insulation measures under the Kingspan & removed the need to tow a little waste as possible and with a strict adherence to using a minimum Antique dining chairs being compressor to each job resulting Duhallow Revamp, Duhallow full renovation and brand new look as a result. reupholstered by Enprova Retrofit Home Incentive Scheme. in greater efficiencies. of 85% reuse goods and materials in its overall operations. To date, the Community Laundry, DCFS and We are grateful for the assistance of the CRNI Jakub Nowacki CE Participant. This scheme is rolled out through our cavity wall certificate holder average is less than 5% new materials and over 90 tons of the furniture the Community Care group. who linked Duhallow REVAMP with an experienced retail merchandiser Envirobead and is available to householders whose properties were handled by REVAMP has been redistributed back into the community for design purposes. The showrooms which houses our unique stock built prior to 2006. In 2018, 51 houses received funding for insulation Carbon Monoxide Detectors through sales and refurbishment, thereby contributing to a reduction in collection is open Monday to Friday from 9.00am to 5.30pm so please works through this scheme. IRD Duhallow received an ‘greenhouse’ gas emissions and fly tipping. REVAMP also plays an active role come and visit! additional allocation of 200 in alerting authorities regarding illegal dumping and with the provision of carbon monoxide detectors a free collection service offers a great incentive to all individuals in the Testimonial: Liam Foley, Buttevant from Age Action in 2018. community to play their part in creating a cleaner environment. “I first found out about IRD Duhallow Furniture Revamp These alarms were donated on Facebook. I had an old chair at home that was given by Gas Networks Ireland and Commitment to quality goods DJ Sheehan cutting an insulated slab prior to to my Grandmother as a wedding gift in 1896. It had complement our insulation completing dry lining works under the BEWHS. and services remained in our house for years but ended up in the and ventilation works through the BEWHS and our installers fit the Duhallow REVAMP were the first shed for the last 30 years and it got into disrepair. I detectors free of charge in each home. enterprise in the country to be awarded the Re-mark, Ireland’s decided to get in contact with IRD Duhallow Furniture Employment Reuse Quality Mark of Excellence. Revamp and we got the wheels in motion by revamp The Warmer Homes Scheme is staffed through the Community Services The Re-Mark was established by staff coming out and pricing it then going through Programme (CSP) which contributes towards the employment of the CRNI, through the EPA Green exactly what they could do for our piece. I then went a coordinator and 5 full time staff. The scheme is further supported Enterprise funding, to address and dropped the piece to them after a few weeks I got through a number of labour schemes including the Rural Social Scheme Attending Cork County Council Reuse a call to say it was ready. I couldn’t believe my eyes External Wall Insulation works being carried out through the BEWHS in 2019. IRD Duhallow (RSS), Community Employment (CE) and the Tús Scheme who supply Exhibition - Colm O’Connor and Jessica when I saw it was restored to its former glory. They were brilliant to deal has registered with Baumit External Wall Insulation are in the process of gaining installer status Baron With Cork County Mayor Patrick through the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI). participants to work with teams insulating attics and cavity walls. Gerard Murphy. with and I could highly recommend IRD Duhallow Revamp.”

page 40 pagepage 41 43 Duhallow Community Laundry IRD Duhallow Community Employment Scheme Community Employment is a social welfare programme aimed at of the community through the supporting the long-term unemployed to enhance their employability CE scheme with our participant while enhancing the capacity of communities to function as cohesive Philip playing a key role in village social structures. CE has, since its introduction in 1994, acted as a maintenance and in particular resource for communities to identify their own needs and priorities. CE green keeping. integrates employment interventions and training for the individual with community services provision. Participant Development through Training Over the years, IRD Duhallow has worked to balance the twin aims of Training and retraining is a the scheme, striving to provide the best quality labour for communities key focus of the community whilst also providing legitimate work experience, education and employment scheme. The training for the long term unemployed. We have established our Department of Social Protection Chantal Cleary completed the Chef Collab scheme to provide work course as part of her training on CE. This Margaret, Anita, Eileen and Natalia the dedicated team that staff the laundry from The Laundry is a hive of activity each day with the team ensuring that clothes are efficiently fund specific training courses, afforded her the opportunity to shadow top Monday to Friday from 9.00am to 5.30pm. washed, pressed and folded. placements in areas where which have a QQI FETAC, City class chefs, culminating in her producing a dish Duhallow Community Laundry is the newest of IRD Duhallow’s Social Laundry Team real work opportunities exist and Guilds or other Certificate for 120 attendees at the Chef Collab Banquet. Enterprise to be rolled out as part of our overall suite of services to the Duhallow Community Laundry locally. The variety of work on qualifications for participants. IRD Duhallow also runs a Skillnet training elderly, infirm and disadvantaged people of Duhallow. The laundry is staffed primarily by the our scheme caters for both programme, which is utilised by the scheme for other training, which provides an affordable and accessible service located in the James Community Services programme, participants with activation the Department does not cover. This affords our participant’s wide O’Keeffe Institute with a home collection service also available. Care which affords us one manager needs and those with social opportunity to access desired Alliance Ireland recently published their Discussion Paper 10 focusing and 2 FTE positions. We also avail inclusion needs. education and training on rural carers and highlighted Caregivers in remote areas with limited of RSS and Tús participants to IRD Duhallow’s Community programmes. access to shops and services were at significantly increased risk of mental supplement the staffing. Like all Employment scheme is health difficulties. Duhallow CSP services, the aim of the service Over the past year, participants unique in that it is run as part Community Laundry is one of is twofold; provide an essential Participant Helena Enright discussing took part in Manual Handling, with Paddy O’Connor CE Supervisor of a wider suite of services to Duhallow services that alleviates pressure service to the local community Driver Certificate of Professional her progression plan. Paddy spends which we administer as the Local on carers in rural Duhallow. while simultaneously providing time with each participant exploring Competency, Interview skills, progression opportunities and further Development Company for the entire Chefcollab, Horticultural Equipment, valuable work opportunity to those The laundry can cater for large sheets and training options. Governance distanced from the labour market. duvets. This means that Older People don’t region. Our scheme is located across Accounting Technician, Forklift and The Laundry service falls under have to deal with cumbersome laundry items. a number of specific communities in the area including Rathcoole, Abrasive Wheel courses. All of the the remit of the Social Economy We are fortunate to have two very capable women in Anita Castle Boherbue, Ballydaly, Kilcorney, Dromtarriffe, Lyre, Newmarket and courses undertaken by participants Working Group of IRD Duhallow who was recently appointed as supervisor and Margaret Murphy who Banteer. Aaron Colman works in the DCFS meals kitchen, are certified through SOLAS, QQI or oversees the daily operations of the which produces and delivers almost 40,000 meals and report on a monthly basis CE focuses its efforts on City and Guilds. service. They ensure that every aspect annually to older people in the Duhallow region. to the group on operations, long-term unemployed, of the service provided is completed to business development and providing the ideal In terms of employment, the the highest standard. Ann Holody, Joan finance. The working group opportunity for people 2018/2019 scheme year was a Sheahan and Irena Cicha all recently provides invaluable expertise to be reintroduced to good one for our scheme. Six completed their Tús work placement to the service drawing local the workforce while participants have progressed into knowledge, business acumen Anita delivering laundry to Mr. John Linehan in with Natalia Olesko and Eileen Sheehan Clonbanin one of our regular customers that we also promoting lifelong employment, which is ultimately joining the team earlier in the year. and client understanding. collect from on a regular basis. learning and training. the primary aim of Community Duhallow community laundry provided The working group also supported a variety of grant applications which Working on the scheme Employment. the ideal opportunity for Tús participants assisted the laundry with upgrading of our equipment and also to provides the platform for Krzysztof Lichorobiec in Duhallow Revamp workshop Pat O’Sullivan works in Dromtarriffe to receive quality one on one training where he works to refurbish old furniture. Krzysztof Community Centre where he oversees construct a ramp which allows participants to enhance whilst completing their placement under is learning valuable skill in which there are currently its maintenance and prepares the hall for the van to be driven right up their self-confidence and identified skills gaps locally. for its many events. the stewardship of Anita and Margaret. to the door of the laundry thereby work experience while simultaneously-adding value to Duhallow easing the loading and unloading We also hosted a Daily Living Skills class communities. Our scheme currently has 22 places across the region of laundry. and the work completed is in areas such as Caretakers, Park Assistants, Anita overseeing Aoife from the Ability for participants on the IRD Duhallow Testimonial: Michael Buckland Lehane Bus Hire programme doing a wonderful job Ability Programme, a programme Furniture Restoration, Administration, Accounts, Community Laundry, ironing, under the tutelage of Anita “I worked on CE under Paddy for two years completing my work Networking the Ability group learned all the basics designed to support young people with Community Kitchen, Village Tidy Towns, Insulation Operatives and From the experience gained in for doing their laundry. disabilities to improve their employability Counter Assistants. Working as part of a team is essential for anyone in Rathcoole Soccer Pitch and Dromtarriffe GAA. I really enjoyed operating the laundry this past through a range of person centred supports. Anita demonstrated to hoping to re-enter the workplace and working on CE through IRD my time on the scheme. It gave me great confidence and got me five years, we aim to engage the participants how all the laundry machines worked and gave tips on Duhallow and its communities affords participants the opportunity to into the routine of getting to work as well as meeting and working with similar services in order to doing their own laundry. interact with community members and participants of other schemes with people. After the scheme I got a job with Lehane Bus Hire on develop best practice and strive fostering a strong work ethic, which stands to each participant in their a part time basis initially and now I’m working full time for them.” future career path. for continuous professional Testimonial: Pat O’Connor development of our service. “I would have been completely lost without the valuable service Working as part of the In the past year, we have engaged offered by IRD Duhallow’s Community Laundry. I live on my own, community also instils a One of our customers Mrs Patsy O’Sullivan, with Mary MacMahon and Clare and when I broke my wrist a few months ago, I found myself totally sense of pride for each of Derinagree receiving her laundry from Margaret. Cashman from the Millennium helpless, especially when it came to putting out clothes. Someone our participants. This year, Family Resource Centre in Glengoole, Thurles. They were in the process suggested that I ring IRD Duhallow and it has been an absolute Boherbue Community of setting up their own community laundry and they were able to see Godsend. The girls who work there are just so friendly and they are were nominated for Pride first-hand how our laundry operates on a daily basis and go through all a pleasure to meet when they collect and deliver my items. Best of of Place and IRD Duhallow the policies and procedures that we have in place. all it’s at a price I can afford and the washing and pressing is always supported the efforts We had the pleasure of hosting Daily Living Skills class on laundry for done to a top standard. Thank you to all who are involved in the William O’Sullivan maintains the delivery of this valuable service.” Church grounds in Ballydaly as part the wonderful Ability Group, Anita demonstrated how all the machines of his 19.5 hour a week placement. worked and gave them tips on doing their own laundry.

page 42 pagepage 43 45 IRD Duhallow Rural Social Scheme IRD Duhallow Rural Social Scheme Strengthening Rural Economies and Communities is central to this • Village and countryside enhancement projects; Reaping the Benefits in the Community and environmental issues e.g. living conditions. The steering group Government’s ambitions under Project Ireland 2040. Nationally, there • Looking after waymarked ways, agreed walks and bog roads By working closely in a supportive role with a wide range of community comprises of local Gardai, Community Welfare Officers, Public Health has been an increase of over 28% in the places available under the Rural across Ireland; and not for profit groups, the RSS has helped to create a sustainable Nurses, an Occupational Therapist, Local Authority Staff, St. Vincent de Social Scheme from 2600 to 3350 illustrating the Government’s ongoing • Social care and care of the elderly such as meals on wheels; community volunteer culture with a constant flow of projects and work Paul, Rural Social Scheme/Tús Supervisors, the Warmer Homes Scheme commitment to supporting and sustaining rural Ireland. The aim of • Community care for pre-school and after-school groups; that is contributing to the character and appearance of the region. The Coordinator, Rural Meals Delivery the Rural Social Scheme is to address the provision of certain services sustainable assistance provided to communities through the scheme Drivers and MABS. The group • Environmental maintenance work such as Tidy Towns projects; of benefit to rural communities, by harnessing the skills and talents has played a strong role in stimulating and increasing levels of voluntary meet quarterly or as required available among low income farmers and fishermen, while continuing • Helping non-profit cultural and heritage centres. activity. The support of RSS participants has enabled local volunteers to oversee the implementation to provide income support to eligible persons who are in receipt of to focus on community planning, coordination and improved project of community care requests. Supporting Farm Families specified, primarily, long-term social welfare payments. The objectives management and financing. The local safe guarding group The RSS has established itself at the centre of rural life in communities of the RSS are to: provide participants with opportunities to put work coordinate efforts to identify throughout Duhallow. The social supports of Farm Assist and RSS are skills into practice and to learn new ones; boost the participants’ The Walks Scheme needs, anticipate potential vital to supporting and sustaining farming family life for small holders. motivation and confidence; and to support the development and The Walks Scheme is a national scheme involving all landholders on hazardous situations, facilitate The RSS provides an important voice to farm families on social issues delivery of services to improve community wellbeing. As the RSS is a National Waymarked Ways, Looped Walking Routes and Heritage appropriately timely discharge and IRD Duhallow strives to keep farm families notified of changes in supplementary income support scheme designed specifically for those Routes, along with other trails that have been approved by the National from hospital and work to farming procedures or policies, as well as dealing with individual cases whose income falls below a certain limit, an individual must continue to Trails Office. The scheme ensures that National Waymarked Ways and integrate the individuals into their Bruach na Carraige is a centre for cultural satisfy the qualifying criteria for the scheme to be eligible to participate that affect them and their community. IRD Duhallow’s Women’s forum priority walks that traverse public and private lands are maintained excellence based in Rockchapel. Bridget Keating own community support system. works with the committee to ensure that the on the RSS. If a participant’s circumstances change, a means test is has lobbied with regard to pensions and securing entitlements for farm and accessible. IRD Duhallow administers the Walks Scheme for the centre is prepared for upcoming concerts and undertaken to determine their new rate of payment. women so they qualify for pensions in their own right. Farm families Duhallow Way Walk, which stretches 50 miles from Bweeng, Co.Cork Care & Repair Service training workshops. have been updated on changes to the pension system. An information to Clonkeen Church, Co. Kerry, South of the Paps Mountains. Funding IRD Duhallow has completed 21 repair jobs/referrals to date under the session on the Fair Deal Scheme has been facilitated and the Duhallow is provided for 25 local private landowners to maintain and upgrade Care & Repair service in 2019. This service is provided through a pool of Carers have been lobbying for a cap on the maximum charge that can their sections along the route. IRD Duhallow’s RSS continues to support local volunteers. The householder only pays for any materials used. Ten be applied to non-residential, productive assets. Farm Safety remains walking tourism in the region through the promotion and development people also receive a weekly friendly telephone call service. In 2018, Age high on the agenda and farmers are encouraged to improve working of the National Trails Office accredited walks. Action donated 200 Carbon Monoxide alarms, which are being installed practices and take preventative action to reduce risks. free of charge in homes.

Testimonial: Timmy O’Connell “I started on the Rural Social Scheme last November, I am still relatively new to the scheme, but it already has made a huge This year four participants Seamus Curtin, Tim Mahony, Billy Curtin and Michael P Murphy retired from the scheme, as well as supervisor difference to my quality of life. I have a busy workload on the farm Michael Corcoran. We wish them all the best in the future. but my weekly hours with the scheme are completed no problem Participants must be actively farming or fishing with an underlying without affecting what I have to do on the farm. The work I do entitlement to a qualifying department payment, such as Farm Assist, on the RSS is greatly appreciated and I know that I am making a in order to be eligible. The rate paid to a participant on the RSS is valuable contribution to life in Duhallow. RSS supervisor Sheila O’Keeffe leading the walk on the Mullaghareirk Mountain as part of the equivalent to the participants underlying social welfare payment plus The difference it has made to my social life already is amazing, I Bealtaine festival. Our scheme participants oversee the maintenance of the Way Marked Trails as part of the National Walks Scheme. a top-up of €22.50 subject to a minimum payment of €220.50. RSS find I have a lot in common with my work mates and we socialise participants in receipt of a widow’s pension or disability allowance retain together, which has been a huge boost to my self-confidence. We Duhallow Community Care Committee their payment and also receive a top-up payment which will bring the can discuss different farming methods; we can talk about problems IRD Duhallow’s Community Care Committee aim to support older and minimum weekly payment equal to €220.50. As part of the recent Social on the farm and maybe get advice or suggestions.” more vulnerable adults to maintain successful independent living, Welfare Budget package for 2019, the Department of Employment and reduce the level of admissions to hospital/residential care and increase the social reconnection of these people in their own communities. RSS participants Tim Enright, the late Joe Sexton, Davie Joe Breen and George O’Connor treating the Social Affairs increased the weekly personal rate for participants by €5.00 RSS affords participants the invasive species the Himalayan Balsam on the River Blackwater as part of the European LIFE project. with proportionate increases in weekly payments for qualified adult opportunity to remain farming Each community care case is unique and there is rarely a single 120km of Himalayan Balsam have been removed throughout LIFE SAMOK and Raptor LIFE by RSS. dependents with effect from March 2019. There is currently vacancies while working in the community solution. Given the complexity of issues, a multi-disciplinary approach for 19.5 hours a week. Timmy available on the scheme with IRD Duhallow. O’Connell works on his farm in across community, health, social care, housing and the voluntary Rockchapel and as part of his RSS sector is necessary. The Community Care Committee take a holistic In remembrance Work is available on the following type of projects: role and is part of the RSS Painting team seen here at Kiskeam approach to the person’s needs that captures physical, psychosocial To the shock and sadness of all at IRD Duhallow our colleague, Joe • Caretaking at community and sporting facilities; Community Centre. Sexton, RSS participant, passed away suddenly in June of this year. • Energy conservation work for the elderly and the less well-off; Joe will be greatly missed by us all. A great worker, straight talker and loyal colleague, Joe had a special word for everyone that crossed his path. During his ten years on the scheme he worked on a variety of projects, in most recent times he led the RSS scheme participants in the RaptorLife Project, where under his stewardship all new members to the team learned how to complete the actions of the programme, with Joe’s strong work ethic ensuring every day was a productive one.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. RSS Supervisors Marie Fleming and Sheila O’Keeffe attending the community awards. The work RSS participants undertake in the Community is evident by the excellent scores our Paddy Lucey is placed in the Glen Theatre, Banteer where he ensures that the old school house is villages and towns achieve in the Tidy Towns Pride of Place Awards. kept in top order for its many Concerts and Events.

page 44 pagepage 45 47 TÚS Community Workplace Initiative TÚS Community Workplace Initiative Tús is a Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection Reaping the Benefits Himalayan Balsam and activation initiative that was launched in 2010 for people who are long- In addition to the top up on their social welfare payment, there are many Japanese Knotweed, assisting term unemployed and in receipt of Jobseekers Allowance. IRD Duhallow other benefits to the individual on this scheme, such as generating a in habitat restoration in currently has 3 Tús schemes, 33 participants and 3 supervisors. Our Tús sense of psychological and general well-being and an opportunity to Natura 2000 areas. These Activation Scheme is designed to reintroduce long-term unemployed become involved with a wider community while working as part of a plants damage not only our to the structure of work and help them refocus on employment team. Those who participate receive ongoing training that enhances their environment, but also can while gaining valuable skills. Participants work 19.5 hours per week existing skills, and develop new strengths and therefore improve their cause structural damage in for 12 months in a variety of community settings including: Duhallow future employability prospects. Tús provides employment for individuals the region. Community Food Services for the rural meals service, Duhallow who have been unemployed for over a year, to help them get back into Warmer Homes Scheme, Village Renewal, community centres, sporting a regular working routine and regain a work focus. It also provides Under 25’s clubs, St. Vincent de Paul etc. IRD Duhallow aims to break the cycle of them with the opportunity to learn new skills, build self-confidence and Duhallow is acutely aware of unemployment by improving the employability and work readiness of help their local community at the same time. The Tús participants are the inter-generational nature Tús participants maintaining these participants. Work placement opportunities allow participants recognised and very much appreciated for performing valuable work to of unemployment and therefore has focused the garden in the grounds of to put work skills into practice enabling progression to work, further a very high standard including village enhancement, painting, cutting interventions on households affected to ensure the James O’Keeffe Institute. education or skill development opportunities. While on Tús participants grass and hedges as that the cycle is interrupted. Those aged under-25 who had been may engage in other commercial employment and are supported to well as supporting receiving a reduced social welfare payment can receive the full weekly pursue this. the Rural Meal Service rate when participating on Tús. These young people, many of whom and Warmer Homes. have never had any previous employment learn many of the important The single rate is The clearly visible attributes that are required to hold down a job e.g. punctuality, reliability €225.50 per week improvements to local etc. In addition, a number of those exiting the scheme have been referred or €134.70 for a villages and towns are onto the Resilient Youth Programme (ReY) where they are focusing on Qualified Adult. testament to the success the key attributes and traits of a valuable employee in order to aid their Other payments of the activation scheme. timely progression onto the labour market. in respect of Karin Kempf completes her Tús qualifying children placement in the local charity is €34 for a child shop “Shopín” in Macroom, which is part of Sullane Haven under 12 and €37 Nursing Home where she for a child over also completes arts and crafts 12. Participants are entitled to statutory Rylane village are cultivating a with residents. Pictured with pollinator ditch with the help of Tús Margaret Kelleher. annual leave during the 52-week period. participant Deborah O’Donovan. Willie O’Sullivan mows the Macroom GAA pitch as part of his Tús placement I am unemployed, how can I participate on the scheme? Traditional Building Skills Development An individual cannot be considered for Tús unless they are referred Participants have received in-depth and ‘on the job’ training in traditional by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection. The building skills including stone masonry, working with various lime- mixes, brick bonding, and traditional wood and plastering techniques. Department randomly selects names from the live register of individuals Old donkey cart before and after restoration. As part of the Tús scheme under the tutelage of This allows participants to acquire new specialised skills before they Master craft stonemason and supervisor Don Murphy, participants have restored a number of unemployed for over a year. They make contact with those selected to old agricultural machinery for the JOK Agri museum. ask if they are interested in the Tús Programme and forwards the details exit the scheme into the open competitive labour market. The entrance of those who are interested to IRD Duhallow. Everyone on that list is of the Church of Ireland grave yard at Lakeel Cross Kilbrin has been Vintage Machinery Restoration invited to a one-to-one meeting to decide on a suitable placement, completely transformed with the assistance of Tús. The work involved Agricultural machinery and many items that were part of rural and farm which matches their skills. In 2015 the Department of Employment the removal of an earthen ditch, the forming of a foundation and the life in bygone years in Ireland have been restored to their former glory Affairs and Social Protection introduced an Assisted Self-Referral method, construction of block walls with stone piers and gated entrance. It was by Tús Participants under the guidance of Supervisors. The public have faced with stone work, with a lime mortar mix throughout to restore whereby a Social Protection or Employment Services Intreo case officer kindly donated most of the vintage items which have been restored Testimonial: Jeremiah Lane could also put an individual’s name forward for the programme. To the original style of walling. A dry stone wall was also built at the lower and renovated. In the past year items such as a horse cart and a donkey I self-referred onto Tús with IRD Duhallow in June 2018 as I had a qualify for Tús a person must have been continuously unemployed for end of Kilbrin village. The work involved the clearing back of an earthen cart have been recreated from scratch. These and many more items keen interest in Pitch & Putt and was hoping to get a placement in at least 12 months and ‘signing’ on a full time basis, and in receipt of ditch, the opening for a gateway and the creation of a seating area. The of vintage machinery from IRD Duhallow were showcased at Tureen Newmarket Pitch & Putt to learn more about the green keeping a Jobseekers payment for DSP for at least 12 months and currently in full length of the earthen ditch was dry stone walled. Creamery Centenary Celebrations in May of this year. side of things. I was told that retraining opportunities would receipt of Jobseekers Allowance. Environmental Fieldwork be available to me during the 12 months of the scheme. I was A number of Tús participants are contributing to the RaptorLIFE project delighted when I was accepted and placed in Newmarket Pitch assisting in habitat restoration in Natura 2000 areas. They operate and Putt. Everyone was very friendly and I learnt a lot about the in teams along the Rivers Allow and Dalua working to eradicate the work that goes into the upkeep and maintenance responsibilities of the course. In November 2018, an opportunity came up to apply for a full time general operative position at Edpac, Newmarket. I applied and thankfully I got the position. I am still a member in Newmarket Pitch and Putt club since leaving the Tús Scheme and represent the club on the Committee and in Competitions outside of Newmarket.

Jerimiah Lane pictured at Edpac. Jodie O’Mahony works in IRD Duhallow’s Afterschools service as part of her Tús placement in Participants Liam Dunne and Paul Shine learn the craft of traditional stonewall building order to gain experience to progress her career in the childcare sector. with supervisor Don Murphy. Tús participants pulling Himalayan balsam on the banks of the River Blackwater as part of the EU LIFE environmental project.

page 46 pagepage 47 49 Duhallow Community Food Services South Eastern Duhallow Communities IRD Duhallow Representatives DCFS is managed by Orlaith Tomkins since 2008. convenience. Full traditional Aubane John Kelleher & Noreen Kelleher She graduated from GMIT with a degree in Hotel afternoon tea is a speciality, Banteer Denis Withers & John Kirwan and Catering Management. Prior to this, Orlaith reservations can be made by Bweeng Jeanette O’Connell & Sean Kelly worked in a number of companies both in Ireland contacting the centre. Outside Derrinagree tom Meaney & Andrias O’Sullivan and abroad. She has completed a number of catering continues to form a large training programmes from The Food Safety part of our business, providing Donoughmore & Stuake marie Wallace & Monica Kennedy Authority of Ireland and has also attained the hot and cold options for home Firmount Rachel Kelleher & Peter Cafferkey IMCV Professional Manager Award. catering, communions, birthdays, Kilcorney neil O’Shea & Cliona Browne Orlaith Tomkins, Manager of DCFS funerals etc. advice and guidance Tom Healy is an RSS participant who works with DCFS. The meals are transported in hot boxes to Laharn Eileen Forde & Sheila Crowley Rural Meals Service will be given on quantities ensure they reach service users piping hot. Lyre Billy Murphy & Richard Murphy The primary function at the required and menu selection. heart of the operation, is the Millstreet noel Buckley & Marie Twomey DCFS also caters for the students and staff at two local schools, Boherbue provision of meals to the Nadd Mary Leahy & Paudie O’Shea Comprehensive School and Colaiste Treasa in Kanturk. We provide elderly. The service can be homemade soup, scones, brown soda bread, sandwiches, fruit, rolls etc. New Tipperary Donnache O’Donovan & Bryne Byrne utilised by the clients at their for sale. The emphasis is on healthy foods produced from good quality Rathcoole Dan Joe O’Keeffe & Gerard Tancred convenience to suit their ingredients with no artificial additives or preservatives and that are low in individual requirements from sugar. DCFS also has a stand at The National Ploughing Competition every one to five days a week. The Western Duhallow Communities IRD Duhallow Representatives year. Here DCFS showcases the services it provides and also has a section services continue to be well Ballinahulla liam Doody & Betty Collins DCFS driver Vincent O’Sullivan of the stand where products are available for sale to the public. Revenue utilised with 37,800 meals produced delivers daily dinners to Joan O’Sullivan. Ballydaly Richie O’Connor & John McCarthy generated from all these sources is crucial to the continuation of the meals this year. Clients have the option of home delivery; collected at DCFS service. We would like to thank all our customers for their continued support. Ballydesmond siobhan Moynihan & Dan O’Connor between 12.30 – 2.00pm or the option to dine in the restaurant at these Boherbue margaret Murphy & Marie Casey times is also available. There are six delivery routes in operation daily travelling throughout the Duhallow area and beyond. Studies have shown Cullen Patsy Jones & Lorraine Singleton that staying socially active is a critical part of healthy aging. The restaurant Foilogohig Annette O’Reilly & Geraldine Cremin is the ideal space to meet people and enjoy a meal in comfortable Glash Mossie Fitzpatrick & Timothy Collins surroundings, with plenty of choice on the menu every day. DCFS also Gneeveguilla Cormac Collins & Yvonne Crean deliver meals to senior groups in community settings every week. DCFS had to introduce its first price increase in 15 years, as a direct result of VAT Kiskeam PJ O’Leary & Batt Casey increases in 2019. However, a meal and dessert still represents excellent Knockaclarig June Walsh & Ide Fitzgerald value for money at €7.50. Knocknaboul Maureen Fleming & Tim Fitzgerald Knocknagree noreen McSweeney & Mairead O’Sullivan

Owner and Head chef of the Bastion Restaurant Paul McDonald was one of the mentors on the Meelin Eileen Kelly & Denis McAuliffe Chef Collab programme on which Orlaith Tomkins and Katrina Cullinane participated. Rathmore Brian Kelly & Marie O’Leary Staffing Rockchapel mike Allen & Breda O’Callaghan DCFS is very fortunate to have long serving dedicated supervisors and Shrone Conor Creedon & Colette Carmody team members. Marcio Defreitas, Taur Batt O’Callaghan & Jeremiah Murphy Neily O’Flynn, Olive Casey, Trish Duhallow Groupsommunity in Tureencahill Bertie O’leary & Lil Fleming Twomey and Mary O’Connell are C all supervisors in their own areas of North Eastern Duhallow Communities IRD Duhallow Representatives responsibility. We are very grateful Olive Casey, Neily Flynn and Mary O’Connell planning the weekly orders and deliveries. Castlemagner andy Bourke & John Cott for the support of The Community Restaurant/Deli/Bakery/Outside Catering Services Programme, The Rural Dromtariffe David O’Keeffe & John Linehan Since its inception in 1994, DCFS engaged in commercial activity to help Social Scheme, Tús and Community Kanturk John Fuller & Tommy Mullane offset the running costs associated with providing a meals service. This Employment schemes who provide Meals Supervisor Marcio Defreitas ensures that is as important today as it has been through the years. Large scale meal the top quality and high standard of our meals is Kilbrin Tom O’Riordan & Mairead Lucey the staffing for the facility. never compromised. production and distribution to homes, in isolated areas is very costly. Lismire Martina Aherne & Marie Arnold Training and development of staff is important and staff are encouraged Our restaurant /deli/bakery on site is open Monday to Saturday serving a Newmarket marian Murphy & Ollie Dugdale to partake in training opportunities for job development but also large selection of food to eat in or takeaway. There is a fully stocked deli Tullylease angela Hannigan & Mary O’Connell personal development. In September 2018, IRD Duhallow and DCFS counter with home cooked meats and salads, a large selection of cakes collaborated with Chad Byrne Executive Chef of the Brehon in Killarney Freemount PJ O’Sullivan & Mike O’Regan and desserts, to bring #Chefcollab to Newmarket. This was an exceptional experience all produced in for 4 trainees to be mentored and trained by some of the top chefs in Mid Cork Communities IRD Duhallow Representatives house on the the county which culminated with a dining experience in the marquee Carriganimmy Joan Kelleher day. All items can with each trainee guided by the mentor taking the leading role in the be pre ordered Clondrohid Breda Kelleher & Gerald Kelleher production, presentation and serving of each one of the courses on the and ready for Aghabullogue Cal Healy & Peter Dineen night. It was a unique experience for those lucky enough to get tickets collection at your and for the staff involved. Rylane Nigel Dennehy & John Crowley The DCFS Pantry We are also indebted to all the volunteers who give their time so Ballinagree shane Lehane & Aonghus MacSuibhne Restaurant offers dinners throughout the generously to assist with deliveries. Bealnamorive Jim Twomey day allowing the elderly Inchigeelagh Joe Creedon & Nora O’Riordan to go out for the same Governance dinner that can also be Kilbarry Siobhan O’Dowd delivered to their doors. DCFS is managed by a Board of 16 Voluntary Directors. The Board meets monthly and oversees all the operations of the company. Macroom Breda McCarthy & Martin Coughlan Rusheen Gerald Coakley page 48 pagepage 51 51 James O’Keeffe Institute, Newmarket, Co. Cork, Ireland Telephone: 00-353-29-60633 Fax: 00-353-29-60694 • Email: [email protected]

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