Fermoy festival focus on friendship

The power of kindness will preside in North Cork next week when Fermoy undertakes its third annual Friendship Week.

All sectors of the community will espouse positivity “to promote all things that encourage friendship”, says Fermoy community health worker and project co-ordinator Jacinta McCormack.

It runs from April 11 to 15. The week derived from a 2013 anti-bullying campaign when the Fermoy Community Network opted to highlight the positive aspects of the area.

Jacinta notes: “Who knows what someone may be thinking? Community kindness is so important.”

Assisted by Jacinta and community work colleague Brendan Scahill, the 2014 inaugural project caught the public’s imagination.

The initiative has expanded to wider participation and further events. This year’s programme commences on Monday with a Traveller culture awareness workshop at Fermoy Resource Centre with a friendship social coffee morning in the centre the following morning.

Jacinta and Brendan deliver a ‘Little Things Matter’ closed workshop to Blackwater Day Centre clients.

A variety show featuring community groups and schools in on the Thursday while Fermoy Camera Club will hold a kindness photography exhibition.

On the Friday, Fermoy Film Club will screen Pay It Forward  at the Fermoy Youth Centre.

For full details on the events taking place, log onto Facebook/Fermoy Friendship Week; inquiries to Fermoy Resource Centre on (025) 32962.