38th / 40th Cork CSI - Unit History

History of Ballinlough Scouts

FORMATION OF A NEW UNIT

By the early 1960's Ballinlough was one of the few parishes in Cork without a scout troop. Mr Walter McGrath, District Scout Master, set about forming the new troop and on the 13th July 1963 an announcement was made in the Evening Echo that Rev. Canon E. Fitzgerald had sanctioned the formation of a scout troop in the parish. A meeting was held for parents on August 8th and on the 22nd August the first roll book entries were made for the 38th Cork Scout Troop. The troops neckerchief colours were Navy and Sky Blue (the parish colours)

38TH CORK SCOUT TROOP

The 38th Cork Scout Troops first Court of Honour was formed in December 1963 and at their Christmas party that year Fr. Crowley presented the PL and APL stripes and the patrol flags. The first patrols were: Curlew, Stag, Hawk & Fox. Their first hike was to Hydes Brake near Glanmire in January 1964 and the first investiture was held in Eglantine School in June 1964. The first camp was held in July 1964 to Glenstal Abbey in Co. Limerick. In 1981 the 38th and 40th scout troops were merged due to declining numbers and formed the 38th/40th Scout troop.

40TH CORK SCOUT TROOP

The origins of the 40th Cork Scout Troop lie in its then sister troop the 38th Cork. On Camp in 1966 in St. Brides, Wales the Court of Honour of the 38th made the decision to form a second troop as the troop was filled to capacity and more were waiting to join. 4 members of the 38th Court of Honour were named the first PL's of the 40th and a decision on the troops neckerchief colour was also made - it was Black with a Tangerine Border. The first Investiture of the 40th Cork was held on 29th June 1967 in Hillsboro and was attended by the Barrack Street Band.

MACAOIMH CATHS

In late 1966 a large number of boys under the age for scouts were looking to join. It was decided to form a macaoimh cath to cater for this age group. The 38th Macaoimh was formed and had their first Investiture on 1st January 1967 in Hillsboro and 23 macaoimh were invested. The demand was so great that in 1969 the 40th macaoimh was formed and both caths joined others for the opening of Kilcully, the dioceses new campsite to replace Hillsboro.

VENTURER GROUP

The first Venturer section was formed in Ballinlough in 1976 from both troops and the first Investiture was held in the church in Mount Melleray and a new neckerchief combining the colours of both troops (Sky Blue with and Orange (Tang.) border, was presented to Walter McGrath the unit founder. The troop was very active from the start and paid many visits to Mount Melleray in preparation for Jamborora 77. The Venturers section served on staff for the camp. The Venturer section has been closed on number of occasions due to lack of numbers but has always reopened and in currently very active.

BEAVER COLONY

In September 1986 with the advent of a new training section in our association, the 40th Cork Beaver section was formed for boys between 6 and 8 who were too young to join the macaoimh. From the start the beaver were a success and there has regularly been a waiting list to join up. The regional beaver fun days are one of the high points of the year and the first was held in Pfizers in 1986 and the next in Fota (via train) in 1988. The first Beaver Leader was Simon Kennefick.