All About Cork: Historian makes return to Spirit of Mother Jones fest

The Cork Mother Jones Committee has announced the return of historian Liz Gillis to the 2024 Spirit of Mother Jones Festival.

Gillis is a well-known author of history books such as the classic ‘Women of the Irish Revolution’ which exposed the often ignored role of many women in the period 1918-1923.

Her most recent publication is about the incredible story of the Hales brothers from Ballinadee, County Cork.

At the festival she will address the topic ‘Is this what they fought for? Women and Independent Ireland’.

In her presentation, Gillis will discuss what became of the women who had fought for the Republic in 1918-1923, in the new Ireland from 1924 onwards. The presentation will answer the questions of: Why did many of them virtually disappear from public discourse? How were they excluded from public and political life? Who was responsible? What became of them?

James Nolan, spokesperson for the Spirit of Mother Jones festival, said: “Liz Gillis spoke for the first time at last years festival. We have had such a positive reaction that we have invited her to return again and finish the story of how women were treated in the new Ireland which was run by Irishmen.”

“We are eagerly looking forward to her return to look at this vital issue”.

Liz will appear at the Dance Cork, Firkin Crane, Shandon on Thursday, July 25, at 7pm, on the opening day of the festival. She will be followed by historian Anne Twomey.

This will form just one talk from over two dozen events being held during the 13th Spirit of Mother Jones Festival taking place over three days from Thursday, July 25, until Saturday, July 27. There will be several music events, with a star attraction being Carla Gover and her band coming to Shandon all the way from Kentucky.

Ballyvolane community centre

Cork City Council has provided a response to Sinn Féin Councillor Mick Nugent, who asked that the local authority report on efforts to establish a community centre in Ballyvolane.

Rebecca Loughry, director of services for the Community, Culture & Placemaking Directorate said: 

The 2019 report ‘Ballyvolane/Dublin Hill and Environs Action Area Plan’ identified the need for a community building and the suggested area for that building was Meelick/Kempton Park in Ballyvolane. 

The RAPID coordinator has ed the main contributors to the report; the Ballyvolane Community Association and the Cork City Partnership requested some dates for a meeting.

“At his meeting we will outline who to invite to a broader community and services meeting. In regards to funding, Cork City Council works with all relevant community organisations including community associations to realise opportunities for funding.”

€21,600 for Killeens

New funding for Killeens has been secured under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.

Cork City Council has welcomed the announcement that €566,689 from the Department of Rural and Community Development will be used to combat dereliction and breathe new life into rural towns and villages on the northside.

Some €21,600 has been allocated to Killeens for enhancing the public realm, through the provision of additional landscaping and seating, bicycle stands, and the installation of a community notice board. Blarney, Kerrypike, and Tower will also benefit from allocated funding for various projects.

Heritage fund for Shandon welcomed by local candidate

Green Party Cork City North-West candidate Louise Jordan has welcomed the announcement that Shandon has been selected to receive significant funding through the Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme worth €198,838.

Ms Jordan said the grant will play a crucial role in revitalising the historic heart of Shandon, “ensuring the preservation and enhancement of its unique cultural heritage for future generations”.

“The Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme is a national initiative aimed at ing the regeneration of town centres with significant historical and architectural value. Shandon, known for its iconic landmarks such as the Butter Exchange, and St Anne’s Church and Shandon Tower is a vibrant community with a rich heritage that dates back centuries.

The funding will be instrumental in restoring key historical sites, improving public spaces, and fostering economic growth through heritage tourism.”

Residents have long advocated for investment in Shandon’s historic core.

“The planned projects include the restoration of historical buildings, the enhancement of public spaces, and the development of heritage trails and educational programs to engage both locals and visitors with Shandon’s storied past,” Ms Jordan said.

“This is a positive outcome for Shandon and Cork City as a whole. 

The Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme will not only preserve our invaluable heritage but also breathe new life into our community, attracting visitors and boosting local businesses. I am very grateful that this has been provided and very excited about the positive impact it will have.

“Shandon’s history is an integral part of Cork’s identity. This funding allows us to preserve our heritage while making it accessible and engaging for everyone. It’s an investment in our past and our future. The funding will be used to undertake an Integrated Urban Strategy, ensuring a comprehensive and sustainable approach to heritage preservation and community development.”

Part-time work

Blackpool Area Group Community Employment Scheme which provides part-time work opportunities in your community currently has vacancies for caretakers, GAA coaches, maintenance workers, and greenkeepers. Seamus at 087 7106221 for details.

Blarney Street Camino

The Blarney Street Camino will take place on June 6 with Shandon Street Men’s Shed in preparation for Men’s Health Week 2024.

Starting at the grotto at 12pm, the shed will embark on a 2km walk down Blarney Street. will walk the longest street in Ireland to celebrate men and show the positive and meaningful impact that men’s sheds have. 

Collect your certificate at the end and them for music and refreshments in the Rocksteps Community Centre Blarney Street. RSVP to Liz Madden at [email protected] or text/phone 087 6977942.

Have Blackpool, Shandon or Ballyvolane news? Email [email protected].