Kanturk Foróige: Empowering Youth Since 2004 with Community Projects and Fun-Filled Club Nights

By KEVIN O'CONNOR 2003 & 2023 Special Olympian World Athlete

When did Kanturk Foróige start?

Kanturk Foróige first opened their doors in August 2004. The Kanturk Foróige Club was open to the young people in the community aged between 12-18 years and it was based in the Kanturk GAA club room. On the First Club night there were 17 members and 4 Volunteer Leaders and from that first night it grew as the word spread amongst the young people. How did starting up a Foroige club in Kanturk come about?

How did you get volunteers and young people?

Initially a need was identified in the town that the young people needed a safe environment to hang out with their friends and make new friends. A date was set for a public meeting, posters were created and put up around the town in businesses and notices in newsletters. The public meeting was held in the town. We agreed to get the Kanturk Foróige Club up and running. Full training was provided by Foróige to the volunteers. A Lot of planning had to be done prior to opening the doors of Kanturk Foróige Club, for instance finding a premise, deciding on an evening to have the Foróige Club, spreading the word to the young people and posters enticed people to attend the first Kanturk Foróige Club night.

How did you get Kanturk community involved in the organisation?

Over the past 20 years Kanturk Foróige Club has taken on a lot of community projects which are linked with Foróige’s Youth Citizenship Programme. Every year our club completes a project within the community which is decided upon by the members. Foróige’s Youth Citizenship Programme encourages young people to participate in their communities, have their voice heard, and build critical skills and social capital, which helps improve their well-being and shape their future. We believe each young person can contribute something important to their community. Which is why we feel it is very important to undergo a community project every year if possible. A memorable project that Kanturk Foróige club completed that comes to mind, is the Sensory Garden in Cope Foundation Kanturk. The members completed a mural out in Cope which was based on things the residents enjoyed doing for example feeding the ducks, walking over the bridge, going to the park and the mural replicated this. The members also painted bird boxes and put them in the garden. Also another project that stands out is the wooden Christmas figurines that are in O’Brien’s Park every December. Thanks to the mens shed who did the cut outs and the members of Kanturk Foróige painted them.

What does a typical Kanturk Foróige club night look like?

Every club night is so different, which we love! The Club meets every Monday night 7.30pm-9pm in our club room in Edel Quinn Hall, Kanturk. The club runs primarily September until May/June. The young people form their own committee which is a fantastic opportunity especially for those who sit on the committee as they gain experience and learn a variety of skills. The committee will call the meeting where items are discussed and members get a say. The members have fun, play pool, darts, do arts and crafts, play chess, badminton, make loom bands, listen to music, movie nights, pizza nights, enjoy tea and biscuits, relax and chat. When the weather is fine and evenings are longer we go to the park, walk and talk around the town where the members often come up with ideas for their Citizenship project. The club attends North Cork Interclub events which are organised by the North Cork Foróige District Council and its an opportunity for members to meet other young people in Foróige Clubs across North Cork. Interclub events for example would be discos, talent shows, quiz nights.

How does someone find out more information about joining Kanturk Foróige Club?

Please feel free to call 0872065296 for more information regarding joining Kanturk Foróige Club. If you would like to know more information about other Foróige Clubs in North Cork or would like to set one up in your community please contact 0864134777 for more information.