Passage West Girl Guides Honoured for Five Decades of Community Service

St Theresa's Girl Guides in Passage West has been recognised with a Cork International Hotel Community Spirit Award, celebrating 50 years of dedicated volunteer work with young people in the harbour town.

The group, which marked its golden anniversary in March, continues to inspire 80 youth members across all age groups, from Signets to Brigíns and Rangers. Each week, the young people gather at Fr. Collins Hall to develop essential life skills through activities ranging from arts and crafts to rope work.

At the heart of the organisation is a team of dedicated local volunteer leaders, including Norma Lombard, who began her own journey as a Girl Guide before returning to lead the next generation. She emphasised that the group's core mission remains unchanged: building confidence, creating a secure environment, and fostering lasting friendships among members.

The Passage West group has become a cornerstone of community engagement in the area. From coffee mornings to Halloween parties, walks to cycles, the Girl Guides have raised funds for organisations including the PACE Centre, Marymount, and Homeless Help and Support Cork.

Environmental stewardship forms another key part of their activities. The young members regularly participate in spring and coastal clean-ups, learning about nature and biodiversity whilst helping to maintain their local area for everyone to enjoy.

Eoghan Murphy, General Manager of the Cork International Hotel, said:

"Organisations like St Theresa's Girl Guides are important for a local community as they inspire young people to appreciate their local community. It has been a milestone year for the group as they celebrate their 50th anniversary and we're delighted to be able to honour them with a Community Spirit Award in recognition of their commitment and dedication over the years."

The award recognises the countless volunteer hours that have shaped generations of young women in Passage West over the past five decades.