N O N A ME ! CLUB Summer 2012 Newsletter
www.nonameclub.ie
ÉADAOIN NÍ MHAICÍN AND CATHAL BRODERICK WIN HOSTESS AND HOST OF THE YEAR AT NATIONAL YOUTH AWARDS
Celebrations at National Youth Awards THE No Name Club celebrated a year of achievement in style at its 2012 National Youth Awards in Kilkenny. The wonderful Lyrath Estate Hotel was once again the venue for the National Youth Awards, which was attended by over 1,000 well-dressed young members and adult volunteers. No Name Club Chairperson Carole Goulding welcomed everyone on behalf of her fellow board members, particularly founding members Eddie Keher and Eamonn Doyle. “The No Name Club is thriving and these awards are endorsing the work
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we do for young people throughout Ireland,” said Ms Goulding. The main event was the final of the Host and Hostess of the Year c o m p e t i t i o n s , w i t h t h e aw a rd s eventually going to Cathal Broderick, from Gort No Name Club in Co Galway, and Éadaoin Ní Mhaicín, from Claremorris No Name Club in Co Mayo. The eight other finalists interviewed by MC Damien Tiernan, before performing their party piece, were Nadine Brennan (Kells), Cormac O’Connor (Cobh), Aoife Barron (New
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Ross), Dale Hickey (Kilkenny); Danielle Nagle (Killarney), Cillian Lambe (Dundalk), Ciara Martin (Donegal) and Eoin O’Mahony (Headford). The finalists had all been interviewed previously by the adjudicating panel in Portlaoise and its chairman, Michael Browne, told the audience that “the competition was very close and the standards extremely high”. Mr Browne also said that the finalists are all “excellent ambassadors of what No Name is about”. For photos from the National Youth Awards see pages 6 and 7.
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Headford: Best Band
Kilbride: Best Group Singers
Mountbellew: Best Comedy/Novelty Act
Baltinglass: Best Group Dance
Dungarvan: Best Musical Cameo
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Supertalent 2012 reaches a thrilling conclusion in Templemore THE No Name Club’s young members once again proved they are a “Supertalented” bunch this year. The standard of competition throughout the regional finals was very high, setting the stage for a memorable show when the Supertalent national final came to Templemore, Co Tipperary, in May. The final of Supertalent 2012 attracted some of the No Name’s brightest and best to the Garda College to compete for ten prestigious national titles.
NO NAME CLUB CEO JOHN DONOVAN PAID TRIBUTE TO T H E M U LT I -T A L E N T E D COMPETITORS There was a huge array of talent on display, with the audience treated to a wide range of excellent entertainment, from toe-tapping traditional tunes to show-stopping musical cameos. There was little to chose between those competing in the 10
categories such was the high standard of the participants, who did their clubs proud and gave the judging panel a very difficult job. No Name Club CEO John Donovan paid tribute to the multitalented competitors for their efforts and he also expressed his sincere thanks to An Garda Siochana for the use of their facilities and their continued support. After a hugely entertaining six hours of music, singing, comedy, film, drama and dancing, the winners in each category were presented with beautiful perpetual trophies. The runners-up received lovely crystal trophies and there were certificates for each and every one of the acts who took part in the Supertalent final. The clubs presented with the winning trophies by No Name Club Chairperson Carole Goulding were Claremorris (two), Headford, Moutbellew, Kilkenny, Kilbride, Castlebar, Baltinglass, Dungarvan and KIllarney. For the full results from Supertalent 2012 see www.nonameclub.ie
WINNERS
G E RRY SH EIL , C A ST L E B AR NNC - MALE SOLO SINGING
CIA R A PHI L L IPS, KI L KENNY NNC - FEMALE SOLO SIN GI N G
ÉA DAO IN NÍ M HA I CÍN , CLAR EM O RR I S NN C SO LO IS T
Castleknock NNC presented “Legally Blonde” in the Musical Cameo category.
MICHELLE SARSFIELD, CLA R EM OR R IS N NC - SOL O DANCE
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Healthy Living
SOUTH SLIGO NO NAME CLUB
South Sligo No Name Club learns about healthy eating and lifesaving SOUTH Sligo No Name Club’s members have been learning a lot more about what’s in the food they eat and the affect it has on their bodies. Catriona Coleman came to visit the club recently and gave a very informative talk on a wide range of aspects encompassing healthy eating. Many of the club’s young (and not so young!) members were surprised to learn about what’s really in some of their favourite foods and drinks, with Catriona using a number of popular products to illustrate things like fat, calorie and sugar content. As well as giving a very interesting and educational talk, Catriona also facilitated
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the measuring of the South Sligo members’ blood sugar levels and blood pressure. Joan Gallagher said it was an eyeopening experience for their hosts and hostesses: “They learned an awful lot from it, Catriona was excellent.” Meanwhile, South Sligo No Name Club also recently availed of its in-house e x p e r t i s e t o h o l d a l i f e s av i n g demonstration, just as people begin to start heading back towards the beaches. Three of their members – Caoimhe Gallagher, Eoin Coleman and Orla Coleman – are qualified lifesavers and they gave a demonstration of their skills to their No Name colleagues (who
helpfully volunteered to play the “injured parties”) as well as outlining what to do in an emergency situation.
CAR CR A SH SI MUL AT I O N S In association with the Road Safety Authority
Killarney
Baltinglass
SEVERAL No Name Clubs have recently received a first-hand look at the devastating impact of car crashes. Balla, Baltinglass and Killarney No Name Clubs were among those who participated in car crash simulation exercises as part of the N o N a m e C l u b ’s o n g o i n g partnership with the Road Safety Authority (RSA). The young members of the clubs also played their part in the exercises, which were designed to increase their awareness of road safety and what happens at the scene of a road traffic accident. The realistic recreations of car crashes involved the Gardai, the Fire Service and the Ambulance Service, Following the “crash”, a 999 call was made to alert the emergency
services and the Gardai, Ambulance Service and Fire Service respond to the scene of the accident. There were a number of injured par ties following the crash, including one badly injured person who had to be cut from a car by the Fire Service. All those injured in the accident were treated for their injuries by the emergency services. Anne Nagle, of Killarney No Name Club, said the simulation exercise “really hit home” with their members and it proved to a very effective way to promote the road safety message. The youngsters were also reminded of the importance of h av i n g a n I C E ( i n c a s e o f emergency) contact number saved on their phones in case they are ever involved in an accident.
Killarney
Baltinglass
Killarney
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N ATION A L YOUTH AWA RD S Scenes from the National Youth Awards at the Lyrath Estate Hotel in Kilkenny.
Enjoying the No Name Club’s National Youth Awards were Eddie Keher, Founding Member, John Donovan, CEO, Carole Goulding, Chairperson, and Bobby Kerr from TV’s “Dragon’s Den”.
Tommy Hannon presented Éadaoin Ní Mhaicín from Claremorris NNC with the Jo Hannon Perpetual Trophy, newly inaugurated for the Hostess of the Year competition Danielle Nagle from Killarney NNC
Ciara Martin from Donegal NNC turns the tables and the mic - on MC Damien Tiernan
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Cormac O’Connor from Cobh NNC receives his trophy from 2009 Hostess of the Year Dale O’Sullivan from St Joseph’s NNC
N ATION A L YOUTH AWA RD S
The finalists in the Host and Hostess of the Year competitions celebrate at the National Youth Awards
Cathal Broderick’s parents Eamonn and Marian lead the Gort NNC celebrations after he was named Host of the Year
Aoife Barron from New Ross NNC
No Name Club Chairperson Carole Goulding makes a presentation to the Kerr family; Moya, Bobby and Suzanne.
Cillian Lambe from Dundalk NNC
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Starting a No Name Club Training and Development Officer Niall Bailey talks about the challenges and opportunities AS the No Name Club has continued to grow and thrive in recent years, new clubs have been established in various locations throughout
Ireland. There are many challenges, as well as opportunities, when seeking to get a new club up and running, as No N a m e C l u b Tr a i n i n g a n d Development Officer Niall Bailey is discovering in Drogheda at the moment. Drogheda previously had a No Name Club in the ‘80s and ‘90s and will have one again by next autumn if all goes according to plan. “One of the hardest elements about establishing, or re-establishing, a club is where it will actually meet – securing a premises is always one of the biggest challenges,” said Niall. He pointed out that it can be difficult to find one which is suitable for No Name Club meetings and activities; where the price is right and which is very easily reached by members. “If it’s not within reach then many teenagers will vote with their feet and they just won’t go,” said Niall. Fortunately for Drogheda No Name Club he has managed to secure a premises right in the centre of the Co Louth town. The club will meet in the CocaCola Social Club, which the company transferred to the
A REC ENT S CENE DUND FR ALK N O N OM CLUB THAT AME COUL BE R D SOON EPLI CATE DROG HEDA D IN
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ownership of Drogheda Borough Council, in trust for the people of Drogheda. “We managed to get a slot there on Friday from 8 to 10 p.m. and now that we have a premises I’m trying to round up a few more volunteers,” said Niall. While No Name Clubs are about the young members, they are only made possible by the contribution of adult volunteers and a strong group of adult leaders is vital to the success of any club.
No Name Club Training and Development Officer Niall Bailey
Niall said he received a good reaction to a piece published in the Drogheda Independent, while an interview he and Dundalk No Name Club member Cillian Lambe – a finalist at the National Youth Awardsgave on local radio was also a big help in spreading the word and generating interest. “The reaction has been pretty good, we now have around seven volunteers, but we’re trying to get a few more on board,” said Niall. “It’s l o o k i n g go o d f ro m a volunteer point of view, getting teenagers onboard is the next challenge.” Niall acknowledged that summer is not the best time for that challenge, but that they will be making a real push to get the club up and r u n n i n g , w i t h a h e a l t hy membership, when school returns in September. “It can be a slow process getting the word out and generating interest through the media, advertising and other ways,” said Niall. However, he’s encouraged by the reaction in Drogheda so far. “A lot of people there have been saying it’s great to see the No Name Club coming back,” said Niall.
No Name Club gets top marks in school
Liam Keaveney, Vice Chair, No Name Club, Edith Geraghty National Training and Development Officer for the No Name Club’s Schools Programme, and Con Nolan, No Name Club National Child Protection Officer, pictured with the Elphin School No Name Club Committee at the presentation of Leadership Certificates at the end of the school year
THE No Name Club was given top marks by students from a Co Roscommon school recently. Elphin Community College became the first school-based No Name Club and National Training and Development Officer with responsibility for the Schools Programme, Edith Geraghty, said it has been very successful. “It was a great success and the kids absolutely loved it,” said Edith. However, she pointed out that you don’t have to take her word for it. Students at Elphin Community College involved in their school’s No Name Club created a “Mood Wall” where they wrote how they felt about their experiences with the club to date. The feedback was hugely positive, as each and every one of those involved expressed how happy they were to be part of the No Name Club and how
Supporting road safety in Erris
much they have enjoyed their activities so far. The Elphin No Name Club has already held a ver y successful fundraiser and is well prepared to get going again when school resumes in September. School-based No Name Clubs are a relatively new development for the organisation and it’s one that Edith is very passionate – and excited – about. “School No Name Clubs are individual clubs located in secondary schools throughout Ireland and complement the No Name Clubs established in communities,” she explained. “School No Name Clubs have a unique identity and purpose in providing a positive alternative to the pub culture for young people aged 15 plus within their local School area, as well being a positive role model for
students and contributing to the successful growth of No Name Clubs throughout the country,” said Edith. The school-based No Name Clubs comprise a student committee, young leaders, school members of the No Name Club and a supervising teacher working within the School and in line with the club’s ethos. They are supported by parents and a Training and Development Officer from the No Name Club. The school-based No Name Clubs run from September until end of April, in line with the school year. The No Name Schools Programme is a pilot initiative being run by the No Name Club to encourage development throughout the country. If you are interested in learning more about the No Name Schools Programme please contact Edith Geraghty on 086-0820266.
ERRIS No Name Club prides itself on its road safety message. Every year the club works with the Road Safety Authority to help promote road safety for all. Earlier this year, as part of its ongoing efforts, Erris No Name Club handed out over 1,000 pieces of high-vis safety equipment after Mass in four local parish churches.
The equipment included high-vis jackets, bags, stickers and belts. All of the four churches also gave time for the club’s hosts and hostesses to speak from the altar to further promote the road safety message. Among the subjects they addressed were driver fatigue, drunken driving and the importance of always wearing your seatbelt.
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ROAD SAFETY Ballinrobe and Headford No Name Clubs promote road safety through the Yo u n g R o a d S a f e t y Ambassadors Competition THE Young Road Safety Ambassadors Competition offered Headford No Name Club the opportunity to dramatically improve safety at a local community play school. One of Headford’s adult leaders, Bernie, was at attending a meeting at the Little Acorns Community Play School when its Policy Committee brought up the issue of safety in the car park. The members noted that at busy times - 8.30 a.m. to 9.15 a.m. - parking was chaotic with disabled spaces being used; cars left running and cars being temporarily abandoned in undesignated places. It was also noted by play school staff at the meeting that some children were arriving without their seat belts on; some were standing on seats and on the floor of the car and children aged under 5years-old were sitting in the front seat of cars or without appropriate booster seats. For parents approaching on foot, the marked “Zebra” pathway was also mostly being ignored. These many serious safety issues were tackled by 16 very enthusiastic members of Headford No Name Club, who on the first morning found that a full nine adults and one child were not wearing seat belts. However, thanks to Headford No Name Club the parents are now well informed on car park safety and
Dale O’Sullivan from St Joseph’s No Name Club wins a Garda Youth Award
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ensure they are “Safe and Seen”. Children of all ages are also now wearing the jackets every day. B a l l i n ro b e N o Na me Club has undertaken a large number of road safety initiatives in recent times as part of the Young Road Safety Ambassadors Members of Headford No Name Club with children from Competition. Little Acorns Community Play School The club launched its project during the St Patrick’s Day Parade, in which it entered two cars: one which had arrived home safely and the other which had been crashed due to unsafe driving. The boot of the “safe” car was full of high-vis j a c ke t s a n d ro a d safety leaflets, which the members handed Ballinrobe No Name Club with their cars during the St out along the parade Patrick’s Day Parade route. Ballinrobe’s highly etiquette, while the children are on effective project also included a “Get constant “seatbelt alert” and inform the Home Safe” campaign for Mother’s Day, staff about their wearing them in the which saw hundreds of “Get Home Safe” morning when arriving at the childcare pledge certificates handed out to those centre. who signed up for the campaign. All staff at Little Acorns Community The club then ran a colouring Play School were issued with high-vis competition to highlight the importance jackets. of wearing seat belts for children at Due to this initiative Little Acorns has primary school level. now introduced a policy whereby staff Ballinrobe No Name Club also took a involved in school pick ups and drops offs s t a n d a t t h e M a y o P l o u g h i n g – both walking and in the car - are now Championships, where they distributed required to wear the high-vis jackets, to lots of information and high-vis jackets. ONE of the No Name Club’s former National Youth Award winners has been recognised for her community work. Dale O’Sullivan, from The Glen in Cork, was presented with an Evening Echo Garda Youth Award at a ceremony in the Rochestown Park Hotel. She was nominated for the award by St Joseph’s No Name Club, whom she represented at the National Youth Awards in 2009, winning Hostess of the Year. Dale was back at the National Youth Awards this year, where she officially kicked-off proceedings with 2011 Host of the Year Marty Waters from Ring of Hook No Name Club.The duo also presented the runners-up in the Host and Hostess
of the Year competitions with their trophies. Joe Mullane of St Joseph’s No Name Club said they were delighted to nominate Dale for the Garda Youth Award and that it was well deserved in light of all her voluntary work within her local community, both with the No Name Club and others. “She has been with us since she was 15 and has made an enormous contribution to the club and her community,” said Joe, adding that Dale is a future adult leader at St Joseph’s No Name Club. Dale, who turned 21 in May, is currently studying Business Studies at Cork Institute of Technology.
BR I N GI N G HI STO RY TO L I F E I N BA L L A
Pictured at the launch of "Beneath The Stones" were (front L to R) Councillor Henry Kenny, Sabina Trench, Southwest Development Company Project Officer, Councillor Austin Frances O’Malley, Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, and Crona Esler of The Western People. (Back L to R) Fr Denis Carney, Belcarra PP, Tommy Padden, No Name Club, Danny Roche, project sponsor, Patricia Francis, Treasurer, Val Rodgers, past Rector of Balla , Denise Padden, PRO, and Brendan Conwell, No Name Club.
BALLA No Name Club has brought history to life with the launch of a new book entitled “Beneath the Stones”. The book originated from one of the Balla club’s chosen projects for the year, their ongoing work on the restoration of the grounds of the historic Holy Trinity Church of Ireland. Brendan Conwell said when they embarked on this project at the church they found that there was a graveyard there too and it contained the remains of the family of Henry Lynch-Blosse, who had settled in Balla in 1754, and those associated with the family. As par t of an ambitious project, Balla No Name Club not only identified and recorded the details of all those laid to rest in the cemetery, but they compiled short accounts of who they
were, bringing the stories of the people and the history of their area to life in the process. The impressive 96-page book that resulted from that process – Beneath the Stones - was launched by Crona Esler from The Western People recently, with proceeds from the sale of the book being used to fund the restoration work. Meanwhile, the very first No Name Club Mini Marathon was held by Balla No Name Club recently. It was part of the Mayo AC/C +C Cellular League 2012, but the Balla club threw it open to walkers, joggers and runners of all levels and abilities. Four of Balla No Name Club’s members also took part in the 8km race, with a small sum from the race entries going to the club - also for its restoration project.
First past the post at the inaugural Balla No Name Club Mini Marathon
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ATHBOY’S ADVENTURE THANKS TO THE NO NAME CLUB’S HEALTH PROMOTION GRANT
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MEMBERS of Athboy No Name Club put themselves to the test recently when they visited Loughcrew Adventure Centre. Ten members of Athboy No Name Club travelled to the adventure centre at Oldcastle, Co Meath, where they took part in a number of exciting challenges and activities designed to test their mental and physical strength, as well as their agility. The Athboy crew were more than up to the challenges, which included a Tree Top Zip Line, Witches Ropes, Climbing Wall, Assault Course, Forest Crystal Maze, The Crannóg Challenge and Archery. Team-building and confidence-building were very much the order of the day and the sun shone brightly as the Athboy members enjoyed the various activities. A very tasty lunch was served to the members following their efforts on the adventure course, following which Aoife was surprised when a birthday cake was produced to mark her 16th birthday. Athboy PRO Liz McCormack, on behalf of Athboy No Name Club, thanked the national organisation, for funding this trip under its Health Promotion Grants.
COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
THE No Name Club was represented at the Young Social Innovators’ annual showcase in Citywest, Dublin, recently. Some 3,500 secondary school students were at the event, which recognised their work in tackling p ro b l e m s i n c l u d i n g p o ve r t y, homelessness and mental health issues. The No Name Club had a stand at the “Create a Better World” exhibition at the showcase. There representing the organisation were CEO John Donovan, National Child Protection Officer Con Nolan and National Training and Development Coordinator: Schools Programme, Edith Geraghty. They were accompanied by hosts and hostesses from both Claremorris and Dungarvan No Name Clubs, who were able to tell their counterparts about their No Name experience to date. The No Name Club stand contained a wealth of information
about all that it has to offer young people and Con Nolan said there was great interest shown in the organisation by the huge number of students in attendance. “It was a great day and a very worthwhile exercise. There was great interest shown in the No Name Club and it was ver y beneficial in terms of spreading awareness,” said Con. The Young Social Innovators’ annual showcase was also visited by President Michael D Higgins, who viewed the many projects and later addressed the large crowd. President Higgins received a standing ovation when he said it is not a time for cynicism. “It’s a time for us getting beyond anger, often righteous anger,” he said. “There just isn’t any point in flailing around in negativity. It is a time to be positive. It is a time to look out there ahead and see the kind of society that you want it to be… and put it into practice.”
Edith Geraghty, National Training and Development Co-ordinator: Schools Programme, speaking to a member of the public who took an interest in the No Name Club's stand at the Young Social Innovators' showcase in Dublin recently.
THE No Name Club has appointed a new Communications Officer. Conor Cullen, who previously worked as a journalist for regional and national newspapers, came on board earlier this year. To share your club’s news on the No Name Club website, to be included in our next newsletter or for help with any communications or media-related matters please contact Conor by email at ccullen@nonameclub.ie or by phoning 059-6400298.
BALLYJAMESDUFF NO NAME CLUB TO RAISE FUNDS AND AWARENESS BALLYJAMESDUFF No Name Club will be putting its best foot forward on July 21 next. The club, along with the Order of Malta’s Cavan Unit (Community Care and Cadets) will be hosting a jumble sale at Ballyjamesduff Hall. While this event is a fundraiser, for the local No Name Club it is more about promotion and raising awareness in the hope that both m o re yo u n g s t e r s a n d a d u l t volunteers will come onboard. David Cahill from Ballyjamesduff No Name Club said they will be manning a stand, where they will have plenty of information about the No Name Club and where they will also be happy to answer any questions that anyone may have. As well as the No Name Club stand, David said that the Road Safety Authority (RSA) – with whom the No Name Club has a long-standing relationship – will also be represented at the jumble sale.
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Kilkenny NNC enjoys a very busy year KILKENNY No Name Club has had one of its most successful years this year and was once again at the heart of the organisation’s national activities. “We had a great group of transition years on board and some fifth years from last year’s group stayed on to help out any way they could to motivate the new group. We hosted a brilliant Junior Certificate Results night disco in the Hub in Kilkenny with a total of close to 1,100 attending that evening,” said Neil Gunning of Kilkenny No Name Club. Neil said that from day one they were over-enthusiastic (in a good way!) about getting as much from their experience in the No Name Club as possible. “We took part in several team-building exercises to promote new friendships and teamwork in the club,” said Neil. “We entered a team into the Road Safety Authority’s Public Speaking competition and they did our club proud, relaying great stats and information on the topic to a great audience, which included Minister Joan Burton. Katie Mulrooney from the team was also selected as best speaker of the evening and won an award,” said Neil. “We took part in many club activities over the winter including a table quiz, paintballing, Ice skating and various other activities,” he added. “Dale Hickey and Eimear Walsh were selected through an interview process to represent the club in the regional finals of the youth awards in Carlow. Eimear, who received great feedback from the judges, was unlucky not be selected, but Dale was selected to represent Kilkenny at the National Youth Awards,” said Neil. Kilkenny was also the location for National Youth Awards, which were held in the Lyrath Estate Hotel for the third year running with great success this year. “Dale represented himself, his parents and the club brilliantly on stage in the final, being interviewed by Damien Tiernan of RTE. He was unfortunate not to win this year, but the winner, Cathal Broderick from Gort, put
up a great show and deserved the Bobby Kerr Perpetual Trophy,” said Neil. Kilkenny No Name Club also won a Supertalent tile through Ciara Philips for Solo Singing, while Lynda Mooney (Solo Dance) and Chloe Power (Solo Musician) took second place overall in their respective categories. As the year draws to close, Kilkenny No Name Club remains very busy and recently held a road safety evening in conjunction with Kilkenny County Council. “From the feedback, the council hopes to devise a road safety initiative to teach all transition years in local schools,” said Neil. Kilkenny will be having a graduation night in the Newpark Hotel in the coming weeks for its Hosts and Hostesses, to present them with their certificates for the year. “We are already looking to next year being even busier and knowing the influence this year’s group will have left in their schools and the community,” said Neil, adding that Kilkenny has some great ideas for the club on both a local and national level.
Kilkenny’s Host of the Year Dale Hickey in front of an RTE camera during filming for Nationwide’s recent feature on the No Name Club
Donegal NNC’s great new home
Donegal No Name Club members enjoying their new home
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DONEGAL No Name Club moved into its impressive new headquarters earlier this year. The club has moved to a drop-in centre in the town, which it shares with Donegal Family Resource Centre. The No Name Club has its own dedicated section in the large building (formerly a furniture showroom), just off the town’s Main Street, while it also has access to the bigger space on Monday, when it meets for two hours, and Friday nights, when the centre is also open to the wider community. The No Name Club and Family Resource Centre have pooled their resources to come up with an exceptionally well-kitted out building for the young people of Donegal town. It boasts everything from pool to air hockey tables and games consoles to
PCs, with sofas and bean bags to sit back, relax and have a chat on. There is a coffee dock, a small shop and a stage where up-and-coming bands can hone their musical skills and entertain their friends. However, this centre is not just for young people – it’s run by young people. It is managed by a youth committee, which consists of hosts and hostesses in their second year with Donegal No Name Club. They have the support of the adult volunteers, but they run the centre. The club’s new home was officially opened by the three members who have represented it at the National Youth Awards during the past three years: Tanya Friel in 2010, Andrea Keeney in 2011 and Ciara Martin in 2012.
PH OTOS F ROM A ROU N D TH E CLU BS 2012 CASTLEBAR AT THE GREENWAY CYCLE
GORT COOKING UP A STORM
BALLINROBE ENJOYING A PAINTBALLING OUTING
COBH HAVING FUN ON AN ICE-SKATING TRIP.
ATHENRY TAKING PART IN THEIR LOCAL ST PATRICK’S DAY PARADE HAIRDRESSING IN RING OF HOOK
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Be Wise, Be Health Aware THE Health Service Executive’s Health Promotion website is an invaluable resource for those seeking information on the complete spectrum of healthrelated topics. The website (www.healthpromotion.ie) provides links to a wide range of comprehensive and easily accessible information on issues like alcohol, smoking, mental health and healthy eating, among many, many more. There are also a large number of very useful resources, such as leaflets and publications, available to download from the Health Promotion site. Of particular interest to No Name Club members will be the section on young people, which links to www.spunout.ie - a site specifically designed for young people that looks at topics like volunteering, alcohol and smoking, as well as everything from exams to
fitness. SpunOut.ie also has very active profiles on Facebook and Twitter. SpunOut’s most recent campaign focused on the Fiscal Treaty Referendum. It took an apolitical approach to this referendum, but provided a platform for young people to become empowered and to form their own opinions. Other very useful sites that can be accessed through Healthpromotion.ie include Letsomeoneknow.ie – a new mental health website for young people – and Drugs.ie, which provides information and support on issues relating to drugs and alcohol. Each year the No Name Club encourages clubs to participate in Health Promotion by means of a small club grant. The HSE’s Health Promotion unit is one of the No Name Club’s primary funders.
New Ross seeks Prom King and Queen NEW Ross No Name Club is playing a major part in the town’s celebrations of Irish-America Day in July. This community initiative, which hopes to attract visitors to New Ross town and the Hook Peninsula in Co Wexford, will be held from July 1 to 4, with a wide range of exciting events taking place. The area, ancestral home of John F Kennedy, will celebrate its many US connections and the No Name Club is p l ay i n g i t s p a r t b y h o l d i n g a competition to find the first ever Prom King and Queen of New Ross and the Hook Peninsula.
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Students from second year up to fifth year can enter for these prestigious titles, which are usually the preserve of US High Schools! Not only will the winning boy and girl get the honour of being called Prom King and Queen, but they also get a perpetual trophy for their school, €100 worth of shopping vouchers and a designer hoodie. As well as all that, the Prom King and Queen will lead the Irish America Day Parade in New Ross on July 4! For full details of the Irish America Day celebrations in the New Ross area see www.experiencenewross.com