Thursday’s Morning Focus came lilve from the Junction Cafe and Community Resource Centre in Cloughleigh, Ennis
John Cooke was joined by Jean Tierney of the Clare Youth Service- Manager of The Junction Youth Café to discuss the service as a whole
She also promoted the building to the entire community as a venue and a social hub
Leonard Cleary, Ennis Town Clerk and Mayor of Ennis Peter Considine discussed the development of the facility and the contribution it makes to the area
The Junction building was developed by Clare Youth Service and Ennis Town Council in 2011
At the Junction – Youth and Community Resource Building – teenagers aged 14 to 18 come just to chill out, unwind and meet friends, and how it’s given teenagers somewhere to go instead of hanging around the town of Ennis
Janelle Whyte from Ennis is a Volunteer with the Clare Youth Service, Keith Purtill is a Leaving Cert Student from Cloughleigh and Laura Corcoran is a Colaiste Student from Kilrush Road, Ennis
Jean Guilfoyle, a CYS Volunteer and Participant in adult programmes, joined John also
Jean has done some courses herself and volunteers in two youth programme in the evening
Shauna Dobbin of Ennis Community College and Michael (Mikey) Flaherty, Ennis Community College Student, and both from Cloughleigh
As well as relaxing and chilling out at the Junction – local teenagers can get involved in a range of programmes in various areas of concern like Mental Health, Youth Information on Tackling Suicide and cyber-bullying and other current issues
It’s estimated that have been over 1000 leaders in over 100 youth clubs in Clare since the Clare Regional Youth Council was formed in 1969
Many have of course left, emigrated, retired etc but a group as organising a reunion for all as part of the Gathering
Night of Nostalgia for Youth Club Leaders will take place this Saturday at the West County Hotel, Ennis
John was joined by former Youth Club Leader Jim McMahon and Eugene O’Halloran who spoke about their experiences in the youth club and encouraged people to attend the reunion.
While many teenagers attend the junction to take part in Youth Programmes, Cafe groups and other development activities – they’re also there to have a good time so while I was here people were playing pool, listening to music, surfing the net and just having a chat with friends
John spoke with Brian McDonagh, a 2nd year student at St. Flannan’s College and Pa Mongan, Youth Reach Student.
John spoke with Andrea O’Regan, a former service user and now a CYS volunteer.
Musicians Alan Rooney and Anthony Hehir joined John for a chat and played a few tunes
Both were participants in Music programme at CYS.
If you have a story for Morning Focus email Focus@clare.fm
