Mayor's Diary Cllr Christopher O'Sullivan
The rich history and heritage of our county is something of which I am particularly proud. I was delighted to see Cork native, Antarctic explorer Edward Bransfield honoured recently, with a monument erected near his birthplace at Ballinacurra, Midleton.
Edward Bransfield is credited as the first person to officially record discovering the Antarctic Peninsula.
The commemoration was supported by Cork County Council’s East Cork Municipal District Office and Commemorations Committee and marked the 200th anniversary of his 1820 discovery, beginning an era of Antarctic exploration.
I attended the launch of the third year of Cork County Council’s award winning Teen Talk last week. This is an important initiative to encourage transition year students to discuss issues affecting their health and wellbeing, with a particular focus on mental health. With social pressures and anxiety on the rise amongst younger people, initiatives such as this are essential to promote awareness of the links between healthy minds and our overall wellbeing.
This programme will reach 1,500 students from 50 schools across the county this year, who will hear from experts on nutrition, fitness, personal wellbeing and mental health.
The Teen Talk events will take place in Charleville on 26 March, Little Island on 31 March and Bantry on 2 April.
I was delighted to see the iWish conference and exhibition return to Cork at the end of January. The programme encourages female students to consider science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) subjects in school and college, going on to enjoy successful careers across the many career opportunities that exist in this area.
It wasn’t too long ago when I was a student, so I can easily remember how difficult it can be to make decisions over subject choices, so it’s great to see events like this being organised to help students make informed future proof decisions.
Cork County Council is a strategic partner of iWish, recognising the importance of encouraging female participation in STEM subjects, adding further to the talent pool behind Cork’s thriving economy.
As Mayor, I am honoured to attend a range of events in our fine county. I was delighted to be invited to celebrate 50 years of Bandon AFC last Saturday, with some of the best names in Cork soccer. We must remember it is still one of the most participated sports in Ireland. Clubs like Bandon AFC do so much fantastic voluntary work which helps keep young people away from drugs and antisocial behaviour. Here’s to another 50 years of more of the same.
Whatever your political persuasion, if you want to see change in your town, county or country, I urge each and every citizen to use your vote on Saturday in General Election 2020.