Chill on the Hill Youth Café was in celebratory mode on 21st September when young people of all ages gathered to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Cobh Youth Services. In 1992 this project began in response to a plea from young people for a place to meet, a space where they could come together in a safe, friendly and comfortable environment. At the celebrations Cathal Rasmussen, Chairperson Cobh Youth Services, recalled how a group of concerned adults, spearheaded by Emmanuel Leonard rsm, set about the task. From small beginnings in a drapery shop, at a rent of £40 per week, Cobh Youth Services later moved temporarily to the Parish Centre and, finally, to the ground floor of a vacated fish shop in Top of the Hill. In 2001, President Mary McAleese officially opened this new centre which became known as ‘The Plateau.’

The hard-working Board of Management dared to dream that one day they would purchase this three-storey premises and so the fund-raising took on a new lease of life with coffee mornings, auctions, barbeques, raffles etc. Grant applications were also successful and by August 2004 the entire premises in Top of the Hill became the property of Cobh Youth Services. An art and craft room, computer room, dance/drama studio, library, quiet room, study centre for Homework Club, youth café, kitchen etc. were developed. The Board of Management decided to hold a competition among the second-level students in the town to find an apt name and logo for the new development and so “Chill on the Hill” was born. Minister for Youth Affairs, Mr Sean Haughey, officially opened the newly extended and refurbished state of the art centre in March, 2008. In the past year the Board of Management has also purchased and upgraded the disused Mount Crozier Tennis Club to provide outdoor sports facilities for the young people.

Cobh is justly proud of this most impressive Youth Centre and the excellence of its facilities. It is most grateful that the young people can avail of such a wide range of opportunities in a safe and caring and bright environment. Primary school children come each afternoon from 2.30 pm to 5.30 pm where there are provided with a snack, then helped with homework, followed by activities – art, crafts, cookery, computers, drama, sports etc. The Homework Club is very well subscribed with over 30 children from 1st to 6th class attending every day. From 7.30 pm to 10.00pm the centre is open to teenagers from 13 to 18 years where, apart from enjoying the ambiance of the Youth Café, they also get involved in social development projects, film making, dance, music, cookery, etc. They also liaise with local community groups such as Tidy Towns Committee, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Summer and Easter Camps, Graffiti Projects – recycling and waste management. One project entitled “Making Waste Fun” involved collecting hundreds of empty cans and creating a big fish/shark to accompany “Timmy the Optimist” at one of the entrances to Cobh. This initiative was in co-operation with Cobh Tidy Towns in its efforts to improve a neglected area at one of the approaches to the town.

Making Waste Fun

Twenty years down the road Cobh Youth Services now employ a full-time Youth Co-Ordinator, a full-time Youth Worker, part-time Youth Workers, five Community Employment personnel plus a number of volunteers. Mr Fergus Finlay, Chief Executive of Barnardos Ireland, was the guest of honour at the 20th anniversary celebrations. He was loud in praise of the facilities and work of Cobh Youth Services and especially the sense of ownership and pride so evident among the young people who introduced and led the whole proceedings on the day. “I’ve been in centres all over the country, but I have never come across one that appears to be so totally owned by the young people as here in Cobh.” (Mr Fergus Finlay)

For the celebratory event one of the young people acted as Master of Ceremonies, others acted as guides and the dance teams, bands and singing groups entertained the numerous guests, dignitaries, parents and young people. Mr. Fergus Finlay presented Emmanuel Leonard rsm with a picture representing the youth of Cobh in recognition of her twenty years of commitment – as the only founder member still actively involved in the Board of Management. The young people enjoyed lots of special activities specially organised for the celebrations such as rock climbing and archery. Delicious refreshments were provided by Gilbert’s Restaurant and so ended the celebration of 20 Years A-Growing. We wish continued success and every blessing to Cobh Youth Services as it continues to grow and blossom.

Ann Lenihan rsm
Southern Province