CorkIndependent.com Local News Feed http://www.corkindependent.com Fri, 03 Sep 2010 07:20:55 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.corkindependent.com/images/M_images/joomla_rss.png http://www.corkindependent.com CorkIndependent.com Local News Feed http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10208&Itemid=82 Heroin addicts in Cork are not getting fast access to Methadone Treatment Programmes, which could be causing some to overdose. Cork's Methadone Treatment Programme currently has 150 members, while there are a further 14 people waiting to access the programme, according to the HSE. However, to be included on the waiting list, people must be assessed, and one city councillor says the low figures are merely due to delays in the assessment procedure. Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10209&Itemid=82 New figures released by the Audit Bureau of Circulation (ABC) this week confirm that the Cork Independent is not only the largest freely distributed weekly newspaper in Cork, but in Ireland, another accolade for the real capital. The ABC this week certified the Cork Independent's Letter Box Delivery throughout Cork City and County at 25,673 copies, for the period 2 January to 4 July 2010. Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10210&Itemid=82 The sunny weather we have enjoyed over the summer is set to end this weekend. Met Eireann, the Irish Meteorological Service said that the good weather is at an end for the foreseeable future. Meteorologist, Jerry Scully claims this weekend will bring rain along the rebel county. Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10211&Itemid=82 Despite 25 children at Crab Lane NS being infected with TB, the school will reopen as planned next Monday. Parents at the 220-pupil school were informed this week that a further two active cases of the disease were confirmed after three initial cases were diagnosed previously. Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10212&Itemid=82 Plans by the Department of Social Protection to activate the economy through a social employment 'work for dole' scheme have been criticised in Cork. Minister for Social Protection, Eamon O Cuiv announced this week that he wanted to focus on job activation through providing social employment schemes for the unemployed. Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10213&Itemid=82 Cork people are still willing to take part in clinical trials at the Shandon Clinic, despite last week’s incident in which three men were hospitalised during the testing of a drug for cancer patients. Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10214&Itemid=82 A facility that makes prosthetic limbs at St Mary’s Orthopaedic Hospital (SMOH), which has been in operation for over 20 years is to be shut in November.Joe Moloney from Blarney, whose son, Tom, was born without any hands or feet has started a campaign to save the service that has treated Tom for nine years, after the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) decided to outsource the service. Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10215&Itemid=82 Bishopstown Credit Union’s MasterCard debit card is two years old. To celebrate, shoppers in Wilton Shopping Centre were treated to some birthday cake yesterday 1 September, the official birthday of the worldwide card. Local councillor Brian Bermingham was on hand on the day to slice up the cake. Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10216&Itemid=82 Plans are well underway for the Midleton Food and Drink Festival, taking place on Saturday 11 September. Festival Project Manager, John McCormack, grandson of the world famous Irish tenor, promises a great day out. “The Festival is a fantastic showcase for the wonderful variety of locally produced foods and crafts in East Cork,” he says. “It is now one of the premier food events in Munster. Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10217&Itemid=82 The privatisation of Cork County Council’s bin service began yesterday, after a deal expected to net the council €10 million over the next year. Cork County Council sold its waste-collection business because it was faced with an “unsustainable financial position” arising out of falling customer numbers, the introduction of a VAT charge of 13.5 per cent and rising costs associated with a new EU landfill directive on the pre-treatment of waste. Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10218&Itemid=82 A Total of 8,850 first and second-year girls are to get the free cervical cancer vaccination in Cork from 13 September, according to the HSE. Last May, 251 doses of the Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, Gardasil, were dispensed in North and West Cork, as part of a pilot programme. However, TD Deirdre Clune said the Minister for Health, Mary Harney, needed to reassure parents and young adults about the safety of the drug following concerns raised in the media this week. Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10219&Itemid=82 A second ‘Freedom Flotilla’ to Gaza, led by UCC lecturer Dr Fintan Lane will take place next month. Preparations are well underway internationally for the Flotilla, which is being organised by the same groups that were behind the Freedom Flotilla in late May. Between 10 and 15 ships are expected to take part in the flotilla and a coalition of Irish pro-Palestinian organisations has now come together to ensure that a large Irish contingent. Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10220&Itemid=82 A total of 2,500 families in the HSE South region who applied for the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance are still waiting for payment, even though schools re-opened this week. As of 27 August, the HSE had received 22,500 applications from the Cork and Kerry region. From June to the same date, it has processed 20,000, has registered 21,230 and has paid out 17,819 claims, at a cost of €8,429,675. Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10221&Itemid=82 Women need to be encouraged to become more politically active, according to a Cork TD, who believes the balance of gender is too heavy on the male side. Deirdre Clune TD told the Cork Independent that the departure of Olwyn Enright from Dail this week was a sad day for women in Irish politics. Fine Gael's Deputy Clune and the Labour Party's Kathleen Lynch are the only female sitting members out of 19 TDs representing the Cork area. Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10222&Itemid=82 A civic reception was held at Cork City Council this week for one of Cork's most popular councillors. Independent councillor Dave McCarthy (65) was honoured for his contribution to Cork over the last 25 years, including one year as the Lord Mayor of the city. Labour Party councillor Michael Ahern was among those who paid tribute to Mr McCarthy. Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10223&Itemid=82 The ceremony took place at the Ennis Pro-Cathedral last Sunday and the 57-year old native of Turners Cross succeeds Dr Willie Walsh, who held the position since 1994. Born in Cork in 1952, Bishop O'Reilly joined the Society of African Missions in 1970 and was ordained a priest in 1978. He then carried out two years of pastoral work in the Archdiocese of Monrovia, Liberia, before returning to Rome to complete his Biblical studies. Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10224&Itemid=82 Four Presentation Sisters from Cork are part of the relief effort for the floods in Pakistan, which has so far killed over 1,600 people and has left over six million homeless. Sr Bridie Walsh has been at her Ballycotton home since June but is returning to Pakistan on Friday 10 September where she will help flood victims come to terms with the tragedy. Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10225&Itemid=82 The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation Batt O'Keeffe has hit back at remarks by Fine Gael’s Michael Creed on statutory redundancies, labelling them as “inaccurate and politically motivated”. Minister O’Keeffe said his officials were dealing with a large volume of claims due to the recession, pointing out that the number of statutory redundancy claims has tripled in the past two-and-a-half years. Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10226&Itemid=82 Rescue Organisation Ireland (ROI) in association with the World Rescue Organisation, are bringing the competition to Ireland for the first time between Friday 3 and Sunday 5 September. The event will bring over 400 visitors to the city centre and is estimated to bring over €100,000 in revenue to Cork over the three days. With up to thirty teams taking part, The World Rescue Challenge is an international Fire Services event that involves national rescue organisations coming together from every corner of the globe, including the USA, South Africa, Russia and Europe. Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10227&Itemid=82 The winner of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1962 is to visit Cork on Wednesday 8 September when he gives the Inaugural Cancer Lecture of the Cork Cancer Research Centre at UCC. Nobel Laureate, Dr James Watson, will help UCC mark the formal collaboration between the Leslie and Jean Quick Cancer Laboratories at Cold Spring Harbour (Long Island, New York) and the Cork Cancer Research Centre. Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10228&Itemid=82 A charity coffee morning will be held in the O’Leary household, Kitsborough, Leemount, Carrigrohane in aid of the Courtmacsherry Lifeboat. The charity event will take place between 10.30am and 2.30pm. As part of the fundraiser the O’Learys will be taking second hand books, homemade cakes and breads, jam, jelly, marmalade, chutney, plants and garden produce on Friday, 10 September. Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10229&Itemid=82 Two Cork athletes will represent Team Ireland in the Special Olympics European Games, which take place this month in Poland. The athletes, Doreen McGreevey from Cork City and Riobard Lankford from the Glasheen Road, will join 32 others to represent the country in the games. Riobard will compete in badminton, while Doreen will take part in table tennis. The athletes will be accompanied by a Management Team of sixteen, including football coach Ciara Twomey, from Cork City. Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10230&Itemid=82 Ballincollig Business Association is organising a golf classic for 16 September. The classic is a vital fundraiser in aid of the Christmas lights for the town, which need renewing and will cost between €60,000 and €80,000. The event will take place in the Lee Valley Golf Club, which is a member of the Ballincollig Business Association. Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10231&Itemid=82 If anyone says that you can’t ‘bait’ the fun in Cobh this weekend, they’d be wrong. Members of the public are being invited to come along to the Cork Harbour Open Day on Saturday 4 September and catch some unsuspecting crabs off Cobh pier. The event is being run by the ‘See You in Cobh Committee’ at the promenade in the town and will run from 3 to 4.30pm. Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10232&Itemid=82 A unique exhibition is currently on show at Carrigaline Library, featuring many works of an eco nature. Produced by the girls of St Johns Girls National School the exhibition comprises costumes made from recyclable materials. There will also be an Eco tent exhibited, made up of hundreds of patchwork squares, each one designed by a pupil of the school. The tent has been used for story time and is a great attraction to the children. Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10233&Itemid=82 Cork Opera House is to host a special dance treat when Swan Lake takes to the stage later this year. Choreographers, Alan Foley and Yuri Demakov, have interpreted Cork City Ballet’s new full-length production of Swan Lake, a production premiered in 1895 with Petipa/Ivanov. Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10234&Itemid=82 Cork GAA legend, Billy Morgan, was last week inducted into the MBNA Kick Fada Hall of Fame at a special presentation ceremony in the GAA Museum at Croke Park.Billy joins seven previous winners of the award including Dermot Early Senior RIP, Mick O’Dwyer and Dublin’s Jimmy Keaveney. Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10235&Itemid=82 A Passage West woman who is hoping to wed her sweetheart of seven years is hoping to get the Cork public’s vote to help her win her dream wedding. Twenty-five-year-old, Yvonne Kiely, explained to the Cork Independent this week that she has been battling cancer for last five years. Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10236&Itemid=82 Children in Cork and in the HSE South area are facing a waiting time 20 times greater than their counterparts in the North East for orthodontic assessment services. Figures released by Fine Gael Cork South Central Senator, Jerry Buttimer, this week revealed the “staggering number” of children in Cork and the HSE South region who are being forced to wait for orthodontic assessment to determine whether or not they may need corrective treatment. Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10237&Itemid=82 Four health projects that have been busy behind the scenes helping to provide healthcare in Cork have been short listed for the HSE Achievement Awards 2010. Over 90 entries were received from healthcare projects across the entire southern region and 328 nationwide. The awards are being run in association with Quest Diagnostics and are aimed at recognising and celebrating outstanding work by health and social care staff and rewarding best practice. The awards are also aimed at boosting standards within the health sector. Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10238&Itemid=82 Follow the finalists of Cork’s Got Talent at the Venue Bar, Ballintemple, Cork on 4 September at 8.30pm. Fantastic spot prizes will be up for grabs and there will also be a special guest appearance from a former ‘You’re a Star’ contestant. Tickets are priced at €5 and all the proceeds will go to Cork Simon Community. Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10239&Itemid=82 ‘Leadership Capability in the Senior Irish Civil Service’ and ‘Productivity in the hotel industry – the New Zealand experience’ are just two topics that will be discussed at a major business conference being held at Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) next week. Management professionals and academics will gather at CIT for the 13th Irish Academy of Management Conference, hosted by CIT’s School of Business on Thursday 2 and Friday 3 September. Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10240&Itemid=82 A new group in Cork has been launched and it is designed to help women feel better about themselves and the decisions they make in their everyday lives. ‘Girls for Themselves’ is all about empowering women. It inspires self confidence achieved by using self esteem and image boosting techniques. The group meets on a monthly basis and is facilitated by a group leader who is a highly experienced mentor and coach. Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10241&Itemid=82 Fundraisers will take to their spinning bikes on Sunday 5 September when a spinathon will take place at Leisure World in Churchfield to raise funds for the Daniel Collins Fund.Little Daniel from Gurranabraher was born on June 24 at Cork University Maternity Hospital with a life-threatening respiratory virus. Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10242&Itemid=82 Did you know that Ireland has 71 per cent water fluoridation? Most countries in Europe including all of Great Britain, France and Germany have no water fluoridation at all. None.The reasons given for these countries not treating their water with fluoride include “toxicologically and physiologically debatable” reasons according to the Czech Republic, while France does not have fluoridated water because “of ethical as well as medical considerations”. Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10243&Itemid=82 The Cork Counselling Service has been awarded a year of free electricity this week after it was one of 15 local community groups to be awarded funds from Bord Gais Energy. Under the Community Energy Fund, the centre will have €10,000 of its energy costs paid for. A €100,000 fund was set up to celebrate the energy company’s one-millionth customer earlier this year. Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10244&Itemid=82 A detailed project on the docklands in Cork is seeking oral submissions. ‘Working Life in the Cork Docklands from the 1950s to the 1980s – An Oral History’ by Adrian Roche is a project, partly funded by a grant from the Heritage Council, which will be completed in November. Oral history is the process of collecting and recording the experiences and memories of people or groups. Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10245&Itemid=82 Self-defence classes are kicking off in Cork this week, as the Combat 365 Defence Training Academy is enrolling. According to trainers of the self-protection and self-defence system, which was formed in 2005, violent crime is on the increase and street attacks are almost a daily fact of life. The Lead Instructor is registered with the British and World Combat Association and is also on their register of Self Protection Instructors. Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10246&Itemid=82 A group of former St. Aloysius students, who were the first southern school to visit Stormont in the 1960s, are hoping to find all 120 pupils from its class of ’71 for its 40th reunion. The remaining Sharman Crawford Street school pupils are being invited to a meeting at the Bodega in Cork on Saturday 4 September, in which the group are aiming to find all four classes and 120 people. Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10247&Itemid=82 A group of resilient rebels have decided to get fit and raise cash for the Baby Jakub Fund, which has been helping the Novak family from Millstreet with medical expenses since the baby was born last year. Rose O’Neill, Sinéad Bullman, Owen Kelly and Tomás Jacob will all break a sweat when they undertake the gruelling nine-week programme at the Cork Rebel Boot Camp. All four are now looking for sponsorship as they prepare to shed the pounds from September. Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10248&Itemid=82 Plans are now in full swing for the 2010 Cork ‘20’ International Rally to be held in October. Entry forms can be downloaded from the event website along with other details needed for competitors and spectators alike. This year's event will boast no less than six different rallies, namely the Cork '20' International Rally, the Cork '20' National Rally, the Cork '20' Historic Rally, the Cork '20' Junior Rally, the Fiesta Sport Trophy and the Citroen Racing Trophy. Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10249&Itemid=82 The boat known as ‘Dreamer’, the fastest rigid inflatable boat (RIB) in Ireland, will be on show on Saturday 4 September as part of Cork Harbour Open Day. The RIB, which was built locally by Gale Force Ventures in Carrigaline is owned by Phillip Fitzgibbon from Kerry. Phillip currently holds the round Ireland record for the fastest time around Ireland in a RIB, a record he aims to break in the new RIB ‘Dreamer’. Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10250&Itemid=82 Des Wixted with his two grand sons James and Harry enjoying the family fun day at Bishopstown Leisure World last weekend. Photo: K Aherne Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10251&Itemid=82 Edana Murphy and Aoife Ryan pictured in Dripsey National School, co. Cork on their first day in Junior Infants class. Photo: Daragh Mc Sweeney/Provision Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10252&Itemid=82 Phil O'Hare from Rescue Organisation Ireland, Andy Fyfe from UK WRO and Evelyn O'Sullivan from Cork Convention Bureau get in some practice at the Port of Cork for this week's World Rescue Challenge. Photo: Gerard McCarthy Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10086&Itemid=82 Cork Green Party Senator, Dan Boyle, has announced that the deletion of section 59b of the Mental Health Act 2001, the section that deals with the use of forced Electro Shock Therapy (EST), is now Green Party Policy. The Green Party currently has a Private Members Bill dedicated to deleting section 59b from the current legislation and Senator Boyle's announcement pushes the argument past debates about its wording to calling for its complete removal. Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10087&Itemid=82 A spokesperson for the Cork City Drug Squad has said that this weeks' introduction of the Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances) Act could result in the resurgence of more traditional hard drugs. Five suspected heroin dealers were arrested in Cork City this week, following searches by the Drug Squad to weed out suppliers of the drug in the city. Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10088&Itemid=82 In the wake of Ivor Callely's resignation from the Fianna Fáil party this week, Senator Dan Boyle has also called for his removal from the Seanad while Fine Gael TD Bernard Allen described it as a "dagger in the back" of politics. Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10089&Itemid=82 A Cork businessman has questioned the government's reasoning behind a move to police the use of commercial vehicles for private use. The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government this month issued a circular, which it described as "no way out of the ordinary", on the rules and regulations regarding motor tax for commercial vehicles, following what it described as "an increase in the number of vehicles switching from private motor tax classes to commercial vehicle classes". Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10090&Itemid=82 The town mayor and foreman of Midleton have hit out against the latest Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) league report, which said the town was "seriously littered" and ranked it in 50th position out of 53 towns and cities surveyed. Town Foreman, Billy Buckley, told the Cork Independent that the An Taisce judges of the survey need to "get real" and realise that towns are struggling without outdoor staff, due to the local authority recruitment embargo. Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10091&Itemid=82 A Cork native has set up a smokers' rights group, with the aim of improving facilities for smokers in public places. The group, Forest Eireann, is a branch of the British Forest group and has already received over 1,150 online responses. According to the group, one of its aims is to debunk some of the myths about smoking, especially so-called ‘passive smoking.' Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10092&Itemid=82 The amount of people in the HSE South area seeking State help for back to school costs has soared this year. There has been an increase of 4,850 in the number of those applying for the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance, compared to 2009. Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10093&Itemid=82 Over two hundred volunteers were on hand at St Finbarr's Cemetery in Glasheen last Saturday to help with the upkeep of the graveyard, which has fallen into disrepair. Some of the renovation work involved cutting grass on individual plots that had not been cut for months because of cutbacks and the recruitment embargo at Cork City council. Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10094&Itemid=82 Seventy heads are wanted this month as part of a fundraising drive for Cystic Fibrosis as the Cork branch will attempt to break the world record for the most heads shaved in one hour of next month. Shave-4-Life will take place at Evergreen Bar in Turners Cross on Friday 22 October, but will launch at the venue on Monday 27 September. Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10095&Itemid=82 Cork City will play host to the first Diversity Day on Saturday 28 August at Bishop Lucey Park to celebrate the new communities in Cork. The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Michael O'Connell, will preside over the event, which will feature dancing from the Cork African Women’s Group and African drumming from the Cois Tine Drumming Circle. Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10096&Itemid=82 Last Sunday visitors flocked in their thousands to the stunning surroundings of St Mary's College Gardens in Youghal for the 4th Annual Youghal Medieval Festival. Events were planned to coincide with The Irish Walled Towns Network celebrations of National Heritage Week. Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10097&Itemid=82 An historical exhibition of photos, which will track the restoration of the promenade cast iron railings in Cobh throughout the century will take place on Sunday 29 August as part of National Heritage Week. The event is being run by Cobh's Tidy Towns group to celebrate the London-manufactured railings, which were installed at Columbine Quay over a century ago to help create the recreational area. Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10098&Itemid=82 "I looked pathetic," says Alan Healy, one of the participants of an upcoming charity fashion show, who says pictures of himself from his brother's wedding in January brought his weight problem home to him. Weighing 20 stone then, it was March before he decided to get some professional help. "You try all the diets, you try what people say, you play a bit of football and think you can do it yourself. Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10099&Itemid=82 The Beamish Cork Folk Festival has come up trumps again this year with the announcement that Shane McGowan and Sharon Shannon will headline this year's gigs. Organisers of the festival pride themselves on packing in some of the most exciting folk sounds of the summer and this year is no different with the announcement Irish icon Shane MacGowan and accordion queen Sharon Shannon are joining the lineup. Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10100&Itemid=82 The Cork-based Mad Pride Ireland movement is to receive international celebrity support this month as Stephen Fry has agreed to highlight it through his social networking page. The writer and television personality has taken Mad Pride Ireland as one of the charities and causes that he will feature on his Twitter on Monday 30 August. Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10101&Itemid=82 Cork sports clubs have been reminded that this Sunday 29 August is the closing date for receipt of entries in this year's 2010 Texaco Sportstars Bursary scheme. The prize fund for the scheme is in excess of €100,000. Previous Cork winners were Kilmacsimon Swimming and Rowing Club in 2007, Iona Women's Superleague Basketball Club. Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10102&Itemid=82 A new exhibition showcasing the work of students from Crawford College of Art and Design is running in the former FAS building and Tax office on Sullivan's Quay. The new show follows on from 'Bounce', the CCAD's most successful degree show, which was also on at the same venue in June. The art for sale supports the costs of running the building for the artists who work there. Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10103&Itemid=82 Blackrock GAA Club will be hosting a bluegrass show on Tuesday, 7 September at the Clubhouse Bar in Church Road. The event will feature music from Cedar Hill Bluegrass Band and guests. Cedar Hill is a traditional bluegrass band made up of six accomplished musicians and singers say they have stayed true to their Ozark roots. Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10104&Itemid=82 Artists exhibiting their work at Etain Hickey Collections in Clonakilty will be available to meet members of the public on Saturday 28 August, when the exhibition comes to a close. Being run as part of Cork Craft Month, the exhibition features the work of artists and craftspeople including Jim Turner, Anne Harrington Rees, Dunbeacon Pottery and Crawford Art College graduate, Noirin O’Connor. Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10105&Itemid=82 Cork ladies are being encouraged to run the upcoming Women’s Mini Marathon in aid of the HOPE Foundation. 250,000 children are living on the streets of Calcutta and The HOPE Foundation is funding projects in healthcare, education, shelter and child protection to help children and their families to break the cycle of poverty. Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10106&Itemid=82 A night of music, song, cabaret and comedy will take place on Tuesday 31 August to raise funds for a Cork baby who was born without eyes. Baby Jakub Nowak from Millstreet is undergoing surgery every few months for his rare condition Anophthalmia, as he was born without eyes or optic nerves. Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10107&Itemid=82 The 'End of Summer' Ballinlough festival takes place this weekend in what is sure to be a fun packed weekend for all the family. Cork hurling legend Sean Og O hAilpin will open the festival in Ballinlough Community Centre Park at 4pm with festivities to run until 10pm this Saturday 28 August. All events are free of charge but a raffle will be held with proceeds going to Marymount Hospice. Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10108&Itemid=82 A celebration of alternative Indian music will take place at the Pavilion on Sunday 29 August to raise money for The Hope Foundation. Kolkata Benefit will feature the musical fusion of Brazilian, Indian, and Cork-based groups before DJ and Bhangra singer, Amir Butt plays a mix of Indian dance music. Proceeds will go towards the Hope Foundation, which was set up in 1999 and works with the street and slum children of Calcutta (Kolkata). Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10109&Itemid=82 An operatic event will take place in Cork on September 11 to help raise funds for the Marymount Hospice and the Cheshire Home in Cork. The London Garden Opera Company will bring Verdi's La Traviata to Burren House in Kilbrittain and tell the 1930 Parisian story of lonely Violetta's transformation from a hedonistic courtesan into a tragic heroine. Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10110&Itemid=82 Fine Gael Transport Spokesman and Cork TD, Simon Coveney has proposed a new set of standards for use of the Government jet to ensure cost-effective and transparent Ministerial travel. The Government jet is being abused by Ministers, according to Deputy Coveney, and existing rules in the Cabinet handbook are outdated and have been flouted by Ministers for too long. Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10111&Itemid=82 A new group in Cork has been launched and it is designed to help women feel better about themselves and the decisions they make in their everyday lives. 'Girls for Themselves' is all about empowering women. It inspires self-confidence achieved by using self-esteem and image boosting techniques. The group meets on a monthly basis and is facilitated by a group leader who is a highly experienced mentor and coach. Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10112&Itemid=82 Fraud control activity carried out by the Department of Social Protection (Southern Region) in 2009 resulted in 29,642 claims being reviewed and savings of €14.45m being achieved, according to Cork South Central TD, Michael McGrath. "The Department's Southern Region [Cork, Kerry and Limerick] has confirmed to me that 29,642 individual reviews were carried out in 2009, resulting in almost €14.5m of savings," said Deputy McGrath. Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10113&Itemid=82 The Annual Inniscarra Inniscarra Agricultural/ Old Time Steam Threshing and Vintage Rally Show will take place again at Inniscarra Community Centre, Ballyanly this Sunday. In the cattle ring there will be nine classes available, which will also feature a Champion Beef animal of the show, in the sheep section there are four different classes for sheep farmers and one class for best goat. Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10114&Itemid=82 Transition Town Kinsale is showing how to share the harvest in a new and exciting way and giving details of it at a Coffee Morning in the Kinsale Temperance Hall from 9.30am to 12.30 next Friday 27 August. Instead of taking a bag of porridge oats off the supermarket shelf some people in Kinsale are getting involved in the whole process of growing and preparing the oats. Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10115&Itemid=82 The twinning project between Cork and Shanghai has resulted in an Irish mythology exhibition at the Ireland Expo Pavilion which will run until 31 August. 'Tir na nOg', which was commissioned by Cork City Council and created by both Cork and Shanghai artists, celebrates the Irish legend of the land of eternal youth. A reported 10,000 people have passed through the exhibit space each day. Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10116&Itemid=82 With Heritage Week coming to an end this weekend, a project on the docklands in Cork is looking for oral submissions. 'Working Life in the Cork Docklands from the 1950s to the 1980s – An Oral History' by Adrian Roche is a project, partly funded by a grant from the Heritage Council, which will be completed in November. Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10117&Itemid=82 Cork farmers will soon be able to apply for funding under a new sheep fencing and mobile handling scheme. €8 million has been provided for the scheme by the Department of Agriculture and Food and applications will be taken from 1 November. The scheme is part of the Rural Development Programme and will help sheep farmers in reducing labour input. Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10118&Itemid=82 Michael O'Mahony, a 21-year-old dairy farmer from Mitchelstown, has been named as the Cork-Avondhu Young Farmer of the Year and he will go on to represent the county at the 12th annual FBD Young Farmer of the Year Competition. The competition is run by Macra na Feirme in partnership with the IFA and Michael will compete against 21 of the country's other top young farmers in the national final, which takes place in the Tower Hotel, Waterford this weekend. Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10119&Itemid=82 A great opportunity to meet old friends and to make new ones is available to the people of Cork in September, all in the name of a good cause. The fundraising lunch will help to fund projects for abandoned and abused street and slum children in Kolkata (Calcutta). Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10120&Itemid=82 The McLoughlin family from Kilworth are busy organising the third Eamonn Mac 100km Memorial Cycle, which is due to take place on 25 September from Dunmanway to Kilworth. Many of the extended family, friends and neighbours will be participating in this event and all proceeds raised will go towards Cork Cancer Research Centre. Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +0100