On the International Day of Older Persons, 7th October, the Spring Chickens Older People’s Social Club who meet weekly in Cumann na Daoine, Youghal, took part in a heartwarming celebration – the hanging and unveiling of a beautifully crafted quilt which now hangs in CnD Community Café.
This project, born out of the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, serves as a testament to the resilience, creativity, and solidarity of the local residents.
The unveiling ceremony was graced by Councillor Mary Linehan-Foley, who expressed her admiration for the intricate craftsmanship and the profound meaning behind the quilt. She recalled her own childhood experiences with quilt making and emphasised the importance of preserving such cultural heritage.
Hayley Fox Roberts, Community Development Worker at Cumann na Daoine, provided insights into the project’s inception. During the Covid pandemic, the organisation sought ways to help older individuals in the community combat the enforced isolation. Hayley continued “During lockdown in 2020, we wanted to find a way that older people in the town could stay connected. Through our ‘community call’ system (where around 120 older people on our lists, including all the Spring Chickens members, received a friendly weekly call from one of our volunteer team for a check in and a chat) we asked people would they like to take part in this knitting/crochet project. Those who did received a parcel of wool and needles dropped safely to their doorstep. When all the squares were collected (after lockdown, via door to door pick up) they were expertly sewn together by Sue O’Loughlin and a stunning centrepiece was created by Jennifer White”.
An additional two cloth panels were made by Hayley to hold squares that were made of cloth or of different size, and these are displayed from today on the first landing of CnD stairs (they can be seen from ground floor). The quilt itself was backed by Nikki Bray of CnD Women’s Group and big thanks to CnD’s caretaker Zbignew for setting up the hanging poles. Hayley gave thanks to everyone who participated in this project, to all those who donated wool and needles, and to Jennifer Heffernan of CnD Community Café for enabling the hanging space.
Staff of Cumann na Daoine and students on the LTI Community Development course joined Spring Chickens for the celebration. The quilt stands as a symbol of the community’s unwavering spirit during a difficult time and honours those who were lost to COVID-19 and celebrates the resilience of the older generation. The project also serves as a reminder of the power of community and the importance of supporting one another.
As the quilt takes its place in the Cumann na Daoine premises, it will serve as a lasting reminder of the community’s strength and the enduring bonds forged during the pandemic. It is a testament to the creativity, resilience, and togetherness of the people of Youghal
Pictures: Images of the unveiling of the community quilt. 
Photography by Michael Hussey.