CGI Girl Guides were re-established in Carrick-on-Suir in 2010, after a 15-year absence.
This new unit was initiated by Audrey O’Toole-Phelan, whom was previously a leader with Harold’s Cross Guides, Co. Dublin. The newly established unit contained only a Brigin section (aged 6-10) run by Audrey and three local volunteers. One year later, the older section for Guides (aged 10-14) was opened by Carrick native, Shirley Kirwan. By this stage the sections contained 20 and 21 girls respectively and was ever growing. Almost nine years later, the unit currently has three sections, now including Rangers (aged 14-18), with a combined 50 kids in total.
We currently have eight volunteer leaders, whom work with the girls every Friday evening locally here in Carrick-on-Suir. We also aim to open Cygnets (aged 5-6) and Storrows (aged 18-30) in the coming years.
Our activities within guides are not limited to our weekly meeting, where we teach life skills and self-confidence while encouraging creativity, knowledge sharing and female empowerment. Currently our unit motto, ‘I can and I will. Watch me!’. We often take part in both regional and national events including trips to the zoo, orienteering, backwoods cooking, and hiking. We also take part in national and regional camps, alternating every two years. We provide the opportunity to take part in international camping experiences for guides, rangers and leaders alike. In addition, CGI is now linked with An Gaisce and provide the opportunity for girls over the age of 14 to take part in the Gaisce and Oisĩn awards.
Our leaders, both experienced and new, dedicate their personal time to ensuring a wholesome experienced for each and every girl in our unit. They are provided with essential training such as, child protection awareness, first aid, basic and warrant training. These ladies also avail of opportunities to take part in national and international events whilst gaining invaluable life skills and the opportunity to give back to their community.
Unfortunately, we are limited in the number of girls we can take in due to lack of volunteers and child safety regulations. With an ever-growing list of young girls waiting to join we are always open to recruiting new volunteer leaders. Our only requirements are females over the age of 18, whom can be Garda vetted but also have a positive can-do attitude!
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer , please contact Shirley Kirwan Cloona Unit leader on 087 670 2474
Other contacts
- Audrey O Toole (Brigin Section Head ) – 085 7161110
- Carrie Littlewood (Guide Section Head ) – 087 6400113
