In the early 1970s , a youth group was set up in Togher to facilitate the after school needs of primary school children/teenagers in the area , initially using the local community centre and girls school hall which hosted discos chaperoned by volunteer parents. Headed up by Mr. Morley from Deanrock , Mr. Dalton from Togher Road and many others , its activities included day trips away , performing plays and many other events.
The Green Box in background
In 1975 , the Children's Club was officially formed by Mr. Morley and others to encourage the young people in Togher to become involved in local activities and events. Each member was presented with a membership card which ensured their participation in singing competitions , plays and day trips away. However , it soon became apparent that a more suitable permanent premises was required and to that end , Fr Hodnet petitioned for the erection of a club house behind the Girls National School. Local men and women were heavily involved in its construction and staffing. Local Deanrock man Pat O'Rourke was the regular D.J. at the discos and was himself a pioneer in Cork Pirate Radio! Many other local organizations used the facilities as well , including the Majorettes and Tamborettes and Martial Arts clubs ( see below ).
1976 & 1977
Children's Club
Teenage Club 1978
Instructor Jim O'Sullivan ( R ) - Rose Lawn
7th July 1979
Sandra Dalton was chairwoman of the Teenage club when she was 16/17 (circa 1978 ). The Teenage clubhouse became known as the " Green Box " due to its timber being painted in green. She recalls how Fr.
Hodnett went off to Lourdes and gave instructions
that the Teenage club was to be closed while he was away. However Fr.
Daly was unaware and a disco was held for the children of Between. He
was
not happy when he came back! A sculpted wooden hand was presented to
Togher Teenage
club by lord mayor Paudie Black in 1981 as acknowledgement of their
fundraising
efforts for various charities which Sandra proudly displays in her home.
Togher Teenage club gave money to buy the first four
beds for Marymount hospice. Many years later following Fr. Hodnett's
departure from the Parish, the Togher Teenage club presented him with a
placue.
for Teenage Club
Sadly , with the passing of time , these clubs like many others which sprang up in Togher in the 1970s , were like comets streaking across the sky and faded away in the 1980s and are no more.
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