New maritime programme for Cork youths
A new initiative creating clear and supported routes for young people in Cork to engage with maritime activity has been launched in Cork this week.
Meitheal Mara launched the Bádóireacht Pathways Programme this week where young people aged 12 to 25 can progress from an initial experience on the water as novice rowers to lifelong engagement with maritime activities, either as a recreational pursuit or as a potential career pathway.
For over twenty years, Meitheal Mara has been working to make the River Lee more accessible to the young people through rowing and sailing programmes. Now for the first time, the new integrated programme brings these activities into one cohesive framework.
Meitheal Mara’s Youth Programme Manager Clare Hayden said: “Each year we hear from our youth participants that they want more time and new challenges on the water. This feedback motivated us to create new opportunities that build on their rowing and sailing skills, while also deepening their maritime knowledge.”
Meitheal Mara works with youth groups across Cork, including Foróige, CDYS, YMCA and Cork Life Centre. Many groups begin with a rowing taster session in Meitheal Mara’s traditional currachs. From this first experience — travelling beneath Cork’s bridges and seeing the city from the river — groups often go on to participate in a 10 week rowing training programme, preparing for the Ocean to City youth race.
Ocean to City Race Manager, Geri Murphy said: “The annual Ocean to City race is a fantastic opportunity to showcase Cork Harbour. The 4km youth race is an integral part. When you see the joy and pride on the faces of the young people crossing the finish line, you really understand how much that achievement means to them.”
Liam McCormick is a former Bádóireacht participant and is now studying outdoor education at Atlantic Technological University in Castlebar. Reflecting on his experience, Liam said: “I started rowing when I was 16 as a student at Cork Life Centre. At the beginning, I really just did it to get out of class. I wasn’t very confident and wasn’t very good at it — people would even refuse to get in the boat with me. But I quickly fell in love with the sport, and it gave me a reason to get active and challenge myself.”
After completing an initial spring rowing programme, participants can progress through a range of options. This often begins with the Bádóireacht Summer Camp — a 4 day programme each August where young people experience everything from the adrenaline of regatta racing to the calm of a picnic row along the Glashaboy River.
Young people aged 16 and over can take part in the Youth Leadership Programme, which equips participants with the skills and knowledge needed to become assistant trainers on the water.
In addition to rowing and sailing skills, youth leaders receive training in understanding tides, reading weather forecasts, and using safety equipment, along with certifications in manual handling and first aid.
Liam, who participated in the first Youth Leadership Programme in 2022, said: “The programme took people from the Ocean to City races and gave them the chance to row over the summer while learning more about maritime culture and skills.”
He added: “I wouldn’t have gone down the path I did without Meitheal Mara. I’ve met people I never would have met and had opportunities I never would have had.”
Bádóireacht taster sessions for youth groups are now open for booking for February and March 2026. For more, contact Clare Hayden at badoireacht@meithealmara.ie.