07/10/2026
Well done to the 3L CSPE students who spent a fantastic day in Cork last Friday!
For their CSPE CBA the class decided to organise a trip to learn more about poverty and homelessness.
The students organised the full event themselves, from contacting charities to logistics and fundraising. It was also fully self-funded, including the donations they brought with them.
The resulting trip was an eye-opening experience, during which the class discovered the amazing work done by Cork Penny Dinners and Edel House, Good Shepherd to help people suffering from poverty, abuse and homelessness.
One part of the class was dropped off at Penny Dinners where they were met by Chris and Noel for a presentation of the premises and the long history of food distribution to people in need. Then the students donned their gloves and nets to prepare sandwiches for the people already gathering at the entrance.
At Good Shepherd, Ciara and Jessica told us about the many houses that the charity owns and manages to accommodate homeless families, women suffering from abuse and teens in need, and how we can support Good Shepherd. The next hour was spent doing a big spring clean in the Good Shepherd training and education centre. After the hour, the kitchen and back garden looked amazing!
After a lovely lunch in the Marina Market, the group headed back to Castletownbere.
If you want to know more about these two amazing charities:
Penny Dinners: www.corkpennydinners.org
Good Shepherd:
www.goodshepherdcork.ie
The students would like to thank the local businesses who supported their project
