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Irish Examiner
2 days ago
- General
- Irish Examiner
No Name Clubs: Helping Cork teenagers navigate modern life
'IF YOU'D asked me a year ago, 'would you get up on stage and be confident talking to the person on stage?', I'd tell you 100% no, because I wouldn't have had the confidence,' says Jake Costin. Nevertheless, when the 17-year-old from St Joseph's No Name Club in Cork's Mayfield saw one of his pals on stage at the organisation's annual Youth Awards in 2024, he turned to his leaders and said, 'I want to do this next year. I feel like I could do it'. Jake Costen pictured at the St. Joseph's No Name club in Mayfield. Picture Chani Anderson Costin was subsequently nominated by his club members to represent them at the 2025 awards, and in the space of that year, such was his growth in confidence and ability that he went on to win Host of the Year at this year's event, an accolade awarded yearly to two No Name Club members who have made an outstanding contribution to their club and local community. 'As soon as I said 'I'm putting my name forward', [my No Name] leaders and my peers were giving me advice and helping me,' says Costin, whose prize is a three-year college scholarship and a trip to Croatia in July to represent No Name Club through the Erasmus+ programme. He says that being a member of No Name is 'massively enjoyable' and 'a huge confidence booster', and recent research has shown just what a valuable resource the youth-led, volunteer-supported social clubs are for young teenagers as they navigate the difficulties of 21st century life. Jake McCarthy and Emily O'Brien pictured playing games at the St. Joseph's No Name club in Mayfield. Picture Chani Anderson The research, conducted by No Name over several months of last year, drew on surveys and focus groups with members, volunteers, staff, and board members, and compared findings with national data relating to the same demographic as No Name membership (15 to 18-year-olds). A whopping 93% of members reported increased confidence and self-esteem, while 81% said that their mental well-being had improved from being part of No Name. Olivia Meade and Jake Costen pictured playing bingo at the St. Joseph's No Name club in Mayfield. Picture Chani Anderson In contrast, a 2021 study of 4,400 Irish teenagers conducted by researchers at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, found that more than 29% of the adolescents described their mental health as 'bad' or 'very bad'. No Name Club, which was founded in 1978, is clearly doing something right. The organisation's ethos has always been to help safeguard young people's 'right to enjoy life, feel respected, and to mature without a reliance on alcohol and other drugs'. Having such boundaries seems to be a key factor in its success, with 96% of members feeling reduced peer or societal pressure to use alcohol or other substances. WATCHING THE GROWTH Natasha Walshe organises the games for a group of teenagers at the St. Joseph's No Name club in Mayfield. Picture Chani Anderson Natasha Walshe, now 30 joined St Joseph's No Name Club in 2011, when she was in transition year. 'I went up on a Monday night and brought a couple of friends. It was great because it was really whatever we needed at the time. We went on outings or had activities like boot camp. Then, when we were in sixth year, sometimes we just went up and had the space to do our homework; it wasn't like a homework club, but that's what we needed at the time and that's what they gave us the space to do. I think that's a real example of the youth-led part of the organisation. It's whatever you need it to be on a given night.' Walshe has had various roles in the club since she 'aged out', and, in addition to being a volunteer and the secretary of St Joseph's, she serves as a board member of the national organisation. Emily O'Brien pictured at the St. Joseph's No Name club in Mayfield. Picture Chani Anderson What has kept her invested for so long is, she says, 'tradition and change', citing the recent Youth Awards as an example: 'There's always that bit of tradition, and a lot of things are still the same, but it's always changing; there are always interesting new young people to see on stage. So while the core of the No Name Club stays the same, each year is different. Each group brings something different. But everything is rooted in that ethos of positive social events without alcohol and drugs.' For Walshe, volunteering is a life-affirming, enriching experience. 'Watching the growth of the young people is unbelievable,' she says. 'In my club, in the Youth Council, they have so many good ideas and such a positive attitude. Their enthusiasm really rubs off on you.' Jake McCarthy pictured at the St. Joseph's No Name club in Mayfield. Picture Chani Anderson Given the hugely positive findings of the recent research, what does she think is key to No Name fostering such confidence, self-esteem and community in its members? 'A big part of it is we take everybody as they are. If you're coming to us and you're already a confident person and ready to be up on stage and are just raring to perform, we have the space for that. But if you're a quieter person, less outgoing, you're treated the same, first of all. But you are met where you are.' Ewan Stockley pictured at the St. Joseph's No Name club in Mayfield. Picture Chani Anderson No Name is a safe space for all young people. 'Whether it is people who are part of the LGBTQI+ community or people from disadvantaged areas or people living with disabilities. We're not one-size-fits-all all. We're very much everybody can come to us, and I think that's very important.' No Name Club board member Edith Geraghty's first involvement with the organisation was in the early 2000s, when she and her late husband Seamus set up Erris No Name Club in Belmullet, Co Mayo. She taught drama and her teenage students were bemoaning the lack of a place 'to hang out'. The club is still thriving today, while Geraghty has since had various roles within the organisation. MEETING PEOPLE WHERE THEY ARE Part of the reason for No Name's longevity, she believes, is down to its ability to evolve and pivot to meet the requirements of its members. 'For example, consent. It was a big thing that was coming up, so we sent our staff to train with the National Youth Council of Ireland on consent so that they could then deliver that best practice back into the club. If anything comes up like that, we're able to pivot and meet it in terms of training.' The training No Name offers is never finger-wagging, but rather seeks to educate and empower. 'As teenagers, they're at that time in life when they want their peers and they need a peer group,' says Geraghty. 'There's also an assumption that we break down, which is that everybody is drinking. When you actually sit down and talk to teenagers, they're not, but they think all the others are. [The club] gives them a peer group, so when they go out and socialise they're able to say 'no, we're not drinking tonight. We're in the No Name Club'. And that's extremely valuable. And once they get the confidence that brings, it tends to stay with them.' Jake Costen and Olivia Meade pictured at the St. Joseph's No Name club in Mayfield. Picture Chani Anderson The research found No Name members out-performed the national average on several key metrics, from well-being to alcohol and drug misuse. For example, 54% of 17/18-year-olds reported they aren't drinking alcohol compared to the national average of 18%; while 96% of all club members stated they aren't engaging in substance misuse. 'We put the structure in place. We put the boundaries in place, they know what they can and cannot do,' says Geraghty. 'But within that space, they get to make all the decisions. They get to choose what they want to do.' Three years ago, Geraghty became grievously ill. While in hospital, and being told she 'wouldn't make it', she was Zoomed, FaceTimed, and visited by all the young people she'd known in Erris No Name Club, as well as all those she'd met travelling to clubs countrywide as a No Name development officer. 'They came to see me and to tell me that under no circumstances was I to die. It's not often you get a chance to realise that you've had an impact. 'It was such a marvellous, life-affirming thing for them to do.' A few months after she finally left hospital, Geraghty, who lives with severe complications from her illness, took up a seat on the No Name board. 'I have never missed an event since. The organisation has wrapped itself around me. They have gone above and beyond. The support that they've given me has been absolutely outstanding. I always describe No Name Club as a family and that's what we are.' See Cobh No Name Club is currently looking for a venue. If you can help, please email admin@
Irish Examiner
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
The Coronas review: Voices sweeter than honey ring around Cork ahead of band's Glasto set
A vocal sweeter than a keg of the finest organic honey, Danny O'Reilly was at the top of his game at a memorable night at Cork's legendary tent. What better way for The Coronas to warm up before their Saturday night show in Glastonbury than to wow their loyal fans at Live at the Marquee 2025. This was their ninth time playing the venue. With the reception they get here, you can be sure it won't be their last. The Coronas wowed their loyal fans in Cork at Live at the Marquee 2025 ahead of their Glastonbury set on Saturday. Picture: Chani Anderson On stage at 9pm sharp. Total pros. At 9.05pm an explosion of confetti: Addicted To Progress. The crowd sings every word. Monster start. "It's great to be back in Cork. Go raibh maith agaibh. Thank you very much," says Danny. At 9:10, a sea of outsized balloons are released and Danny is leaning into the barriers, high-fiving the front row. All girls. Literally not one bloke on the big screen. Apart from Danny. Led by multi-instrumentalist Danny, this Dublin trio is a band of real quality. The other two core members are Graham Knox on bass and Conor Egan on drums. Danny introduces everyone. Róisín O played a support set before The Coronas (led by her brother Danny) before guesting with the band. Picture: Chani Anderson "People are saying to us 'you're playing Glastonbury this weekend', but we've played here so many times that we've played to more people here. "This show is what we look forward to more. "This is our Glastonbury. And give a big Cork welcome to this marvellous singer [and local hero] Cian McSweeney." Fans enjoying The Coronas at Live at the Marquee in Cork on Friday. Picture: Chani Anderson Later, he climbs beyond the barriers into the crowd. Singing, mingling. Loads of blokes also on the big screen this time, to be fair. All the hits: Dreaming Again, Closer to You, ' That's Exactly What Love Is, If You Let Me, Give Me a Minute, Just Like That. Always a big reaction to classics like Heroes or Ghosts (the crowd singing this was a real highlight), What a Love, and Addicted to Progress. And, of course, San Diego Song. Confetti cannons explode across the stage as The Coronas ramped up the celebratory atmosphere at Live at the Marquee. Picture: Chani Anderson Touring for the past 20 years, they have released eight hugely successful studio albums — from Heroes or Ghosts in 2007 through to Thoughts & Observations in 2024 — most of which reached No1 in the Irish album charts. From their most recent album, they performed Speak Up, Confirmation, and Ghosting. They're currently working on their ninth studio album. A nod to excellent warmup act, Roísín O, who wowed this crowd. Being Danny's sister, of course, no doubt helped; so too did a belting cover of Chappell Roan's Pink Pony Club, but her own material was also powerful. And she guested with The Coronas, soloing beautifully on That's Exactly What Love Is, among others. God-given family harmonies. What a great voice. No surprise — they're Mary Black's children after all. Magic DNA. Magic night. Meet the fans at Live at the Marquee Fans enjoying the concert by The Coronas at Live at the Marquee on Friday evening. Picture: Chani Anderson Pauline Hurley and Norma McKenna arriving at the Marquee for The Coronas' Live at the Marquee gig in Cork on Friday. Picture: Chani Anderson Vanessa Mulcahy, Samantha Mulcahy-Ryan, and Brian and Michelle Hughes at Live at the Marquee in Cork for The Coronas. Picture: Chani Anderson Millie Horgan and Lily Moynihan arriving at Live at the Marquee in Cork for The Coronas. Picture: Chani Anderson Andrew and Niamh Moynihan were at Live at the Marquee in Cork for The Coronas' concert. Picture: Chani Anderson Gary Comane and Sinead Farrelly at the Marquee in Cork for The Coronas' headline gig. Picture: Chani Anderson Holly Prendergast and Becky Prendergast arriving at the Marquee for The Coronas' headline gig. Picture: Chani Anderson . .
Irish Examiner
6 days ago
- General
- Irish Examiner
Top 8: Which of these sourdough breads rises to the occasion?
Sourdough keeps well and even matures in flavour over days. As the wild yeasts combine with the natural bacteria in flour to ferment, the fermentation process is a lengthy one. This interaction pre-digests the dough, producing carbon dioxide that promotes the bread's rising while breaking down the gluten, and explains why some people with suspected gluten intolerance can tolerate sourdough. It's difficult to establish how much sourdough goes into a loaf. Some brands add sourdough flavouring, or a small amount of sourdough, along with regular yeast. I consulted the Food Safety Authority to see what can be labelled as sourdough. There is no ruling. 'If a consumer buys the product, it should have the general characteristics of what they expect a sourdough bread to be,' said a spokesperson. The best way to judge sourdough is over a few days. Those with all sourdough will last a week, while those with faster-rising regular yeast will go stale in a few days, some becoming rock hard, as a fresh baguette does (use for breadcrumbs). Dunnes Stores' Tartine Sourdough Ciabatta. Food pics: Chani Anderson Tartine at ABC in selected Dunnes Stores, ciabatta sourdough €3.90 Ciabatta has an open texture with an extra-chewy crust, and this one delivers these genuine Italian elements. All tasters put this and the sourdough baguettes top of their list. A good introduction to sourdough, the flavour is mild enough to appeal to children. Chop into cubes for croutons, or dip slices in crunchy salt and olive oil as a sociable starter. Use for sandwiches, lining with lettuce to cover the holes. Score: 9.5 Doreen's five grain sourdough Doreen's five grain sourdough €3.99 A comfortingly short list of ingredients includes malted wheat, wheat flour, sunflower seeds, linseeds, millet, pinhead oatmeal, barley, and rye. Dried rye sourdough gives it a very light texture, and it lasted well. As there is no salt, it is good for children's sandwiches. Adults would have liked a little salt. Children also liked that there is little or no sourdough flavour. Adult tasters would have liked more, but the natural taste won them over. Score: 8.75 M&S crafted sourdough €5 M&S crafted sourdough €5 With a light, open texture, and a nice, natural mild sourdough flavour, this was described by one taster as 'streets ahead' of many. A favourite. It contains rye flour and wheat flour. Kept well for several days, but this is also one to halve and freeze while still fresh. A good all-rounder. Score: 9 Tesco seeded sourdough bloomer €4 Tesco seeded sourdough bloomer €4 Not much sourdough flavour, but a good, slightly moist texture and chewy crust with a nutty finish from the seeds. Many of our rejects were claggy in the mouth due to the addition of soya flour (to make it squeezy) and other additives, but this one tasted like it was made, as it should be, from just flour, water, salt, and sourdough starter. Kept well for five days. Score: 8 SuperValu sourdough cob €3.99 SuperValu sourdough cob €3.99 Made from scratch in the Ballincollig (L&N) supermarket, this stood out for its good crust, slightly malty flavour with some sourdough hints. We bought it already wrapped and sliced – handy for saving some slices in the freezer for later. It kept for a few days. Score: 8.75 Lidl white sourdough €2.99 Lidl white sourdough €2.99 Nice, open-textured bread, stocked frozen and finished in-house, where we bought in Ballincollig (not every branch has a bakery). Not much flavour, but pleasant, with a nice, chewy crust. Unfortunately, it went hard after three days. Score: 8.5 Dunnes Stores Bakery four quinoa and oat rolls €2.35 Dunnes Stores Bakery four quinoa and oat rolls €2.35 Oats, quinoa, and seeds seemed like a good idea to try, as they provide extra protein. There's a sting of sourdough too, as if added in for flavour rather than slow development. Lots of additives – cellulose gum, esters of fatty acids, diphosphates, calcium acetate - lost some of the tasters' approval. They liked the taste and texture, though. We bought in the Bishopstown, Kinsale Road branch. Score: 7 Fitzgerald's 2 Bake at Home sourdough baguettes €2.49 Fitzgerald's 2 Bake at Home sourdough baguettes €2.49 Two rolls, vacuum-packed separately, are pre-baked, and we finish them at home in the oven. The label states there's just a little sourdough which is not surprising as it's not in the taste or the texture, which is more like regular baguette. There is also bread yeast, reflected in the texture with a crisp crust like a regular baguette and a tasty, light crumb. Goes stale quickly once baked. Score: 7
Irish Examiner
22-06-2025
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
Thousands take part in Cork's Eucharistic Procession amid 'a very uncertain world'
Thousands of people took part in the annual Eucharistic Procession in Cork City on Sunday, with many saying that the world has become such a dangerous place, more people will turn to God in the uncertain days ahead. This was echoed by the Bishop of Cork and Ross Fintan Gavin before he led the ceremony which got underway at Cathedral of Saint Mary and Saint Anne, also known as the North Cathedral. Bishop Gavin said he'd noticed an increase in those attending the event in recent years. A sea of faithful wound their way through the streets of Cork as the 2025 Eucharistic Procession unfolded, continuing a tradition that has united generations of worshippers. Picture: Chani Anderson He told the Irish Examiner that waking up on Sunday morning to news that US president Trump had ordered the US Air Force to bomb nuclear sites in Iran had no doubt made a lot of people feel uneasy. People from parishes across the city and county took part in the 2025 Cork Eucharistic Procession, which made its way from the North Cathedral through the historic streets of Cork to the Grand Parade, where Mass was celebrated in the open air. Picture: Chani Anderson The bishop said ordinary people are seeking out the higher power of God as they are looking for 'security, purpose, and meaning in a very uncertain world". A large proportion of those who took part in the procession were Catholic immigrants to the country. There was also a notable presence of younger Irish-born people. Faithful Catholics gathered in great numbers along the Grand Parade for the concluding Mass of the Cork Eucharistic Procession 2025. Picture: Chani Anderson For Indian-born Sabidha Matha, her husband, Joseph, and their two children, Anlive and Asmin, it was their first time at the procession. Sabidha, a nurse at CUH, said the family moved to Ireland two years ago. She said: More people are looking to God as the world is such an unsafe place now. The Russian invasion of Ukraine, Israel's brutal suppression of Palestinians in Gaza, and now its attacks on Iran being joined by the US are making people pray harder for global peace, people said. 'Everything is so confusing, everything is going wrong with the world with these wars,' said Patricia Campbell from Carrigaline who was attending the event for the third time. Altar servers and clergy from the Cathedral of St Mary and St Anne — 'the North Cathedral' — led the way as Bishop Fintan Gavin carried the Eucharist through Cork City towards the altar set up on the Grand Parade. Picture: Chani Anderson George Feeney, 19, from Kinsale was leading the 25-strong 1st Cork Scout Troop in the procession. It was also his third time at the religious ceremony. 'I think there is a resurgence in trust of the church amongst younger people,' he said. Dia Enodio, who is originally from the Philippines, came along with her two children Adiel, eight, and Biel, six. People from parishes across city and county took part in the 2025 Cork Eucharistic Procession. Picture: Chani Anderson Her family came to Ireland two years ago and they live in Tower, near Blarney. She pointed out that the Philippines is one of the world's most Catholic countries and so the transition to Ireland is great for her 'because we have so many churches we can go to here". People from all over Cork city and county wending their way through the streets of Cork for the 2025 Eucharistic Procession. Picture: Chani Anderson Terry McCarthy came down from Farranree to attend the parade. He said he'd been for the past two years after a gap of about 10 years. Prior to that he was a regular at it. He said: The world is now a very frightening place and anything could happen. I imagine a lot of people are turning to God because of this. The procession, led by the Butter Exchange Band, left the cathedral at 3pm making its way down Cathedral Street, Roman Street, through Mulgrave Road, onto Pope's Quay and over the Christy Ring Bridge. The faithful gathered along the Grand Parade in Cork City for the concluding Mass of the Cork Eucharistic Procession 2025, marking one of the city's oldest annual religious events. Picture: Chani Anderson From there it progressed along Academy Street, into Patrick Street and onto Grand Parade, where for the first time in its 99-year history it stopped at a specially constructed altar in front of the National Monument. Many more were waiting there and the participants prayed, listened to the liturgy and benediction, which was celebrated by Bishop Gavin. The annual Eucharistic Procession passing through St Patrick's Street, Cork in 1928. Picture: Irish Examiner Archive Crowd estimates varied from 3,500 to around 4,000. Next year crowds are expected to be even bigger as it will mark the 100th anniversary of the first procession. That took place in 1926 and was designed in the main part to heal divisions brought about by the Civil War. That parade was attended by tens of thousands of people.
Irish Examiner
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Irish Examiner Eats: Magical 'after hours' dining at iconic Farmgate Café
The Irish Examiner Eats Club kicked off its summer season with a truly unique offering, an exclusive 'after hours' evening dinner in Cork's iconic English Market. Exclusive to Irish Examiner subscribers, a special menu awaited diners at the Farmgate Café, after the historic market had shut up shop for the day. Following the roaring success of last year's IE Eats Club dinners, in Goldie and Good Day Deli, anticipation was high for this first event of 2025, and delighted diners were rewarded with a luxury Farmgate menu served up in the restaurant, as the evening sunlight filtered through the market's soaring rafters high above. Irish Examiner food editor, Jillian Bolger officially welcomes the guests to the event in the Farmgate Café. Picture: Chani Anderson The Farmgate Café was originally opened by Máróg O'Brien and her sister, Kay Harte, in 1994, with Kay then taking over the reins and it is now operated by Kay's daughter, Rebecca Harte. Over the years, it has become a local favourite and a national institution, and is very firmly on the map for international tourists and visitors seeking the finest Irish food, sourced locally, much of it from the market below, and delivering menus of traditional Irish dishes with a contemporary twist. Under head chef Pamela Kelly and front of house manager Tricia Cronin, IE Eats Club diners were first greeted with a welcome drink and then served up a fabulous four course menu which was rapturously received. Beginning with canapés (Arancini with Toonsbridge scamorza, and corned beef and caper turnover), it was then followed by a first course of mackerel, soused beets, remoulade, before moving on to the main course of lamb cutlets, barley, and vegetable broth, colcannon potato, and then finishing with dessert of buttermilk Panna cotta, served with Bushby's strawberries, from Rosscarbery, in West Cork. Deirdre and Denis O'Mahony clink glasses in the Farmgate cafe. Picture: Chani Anderson Exclusive tickets to IE Eats Club events can only be purchased by Irish Examiner subscribers and before the wonderful night was out, excitement was already building in anticipation of the next such event in August, as part of the Cork on a Fork food festival, and with details to be announced in the very near future. The Irish Examiner food writing team also dined, with food editor Jillian Bolger introducing the dinner and the team, with wine writer Leslie Williams introducing the wines, before the curtain was drawn on yet another magical night out of wining and dining for the Irish Examiner Eats Club. Read More Winning €250m EuroMillions ticket sold in Cork city centre
