About Us

Scala began in Cork in 1988 as a partnership between Redemptorists and laity with a special mission to young people. Since then we have drawn on resources and a wealth of experience nationally and internationally to become one of the most significant providers of youth ministry in Ireland. Scala offers retreat, leadership and volunteering programmes to over 3000 students each year from schools in Cork, Limerick, and Waterford and further afield.

We have recently moved to our new premises at Castle Road, Blackrock, Cork. We feel very privileged to be working in such a beautiful setting close to Blackrock Castle and the River Lee. Our conferencing facilities include 4 meeting rooms, a large seminar room and a purpose built café, equipped with tea and coffee making facilities.
The centre is situated amid 2 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and can facilitate groups of up to 150. Public greens and the Lee river walk are adjacent to Scala.

We engage with young people through the following:

•Confirmation and Secondary School retreats

•The Meitheal Youth Leadership Programme in which 20 Cork schools participate.

•One day mentoring / leadership programmes for schools.

•Local outreach programmes

•Resourcing local groups and parishes

We are presently developing further programmes in the area of youth outreach.

MEET OUR TEAM

	Noel Kehoe Noel comes from Newry. He is a Redemptorist and is the Coordinator of the Scala Community and Team. Having worked with young people in Ireland and Brazil, he assists with retreats and leadership training. He lectures on the Certificate Programme in Youth Ministry Studies, and works closely with SERVE.
	Natalia Hyde Natalia is originally from Torquay in England but moved to Cork when she married a local man. She is a qualified Religion teacher and joined Scala to facilitate both Retreats and Leadership training. Natalia’s main role is Retreat programmes co-ordinator.
	Imelda O Donovan Imelda is from Cork and is married with two young children. She has been involved with Scala since its beginning, having been co-author of the original Meitheal programme. Imelda works closely with the schools and students in her role as Scala’s Meitheal programme co-ordinator.
	Pa Cotter Pa is from Kilworth Co.Cork and is married with one child. He is currently studying for a Diploma in Youth & Community Work at UCC. Having been involved in Scouting Ireland for many years, Pa has been appointed as Outreach programmes co-ordinator.
	Veronika Huckova Veronika joins the Scala team from Slovakia where she has been a coworker with the Redemptorists for the last 3 years. She has worked in both Slovakia and Kazakhstan. She likes nature, culture and music. Veronika will be facilitating retreats and assisting the Meitheal leadership programme.
	Kevin Passon Kevin is from Germany. He joined the Scala Team at the beginning of September 2011 for a one year community and service experience. His passion is football and movies. He finished school this year and on his return will commence his university studies.
	Gavin Power Gavin joins Scala from Belfast where he was lecturing in science. As a Redemptorist student, he is now studying philosophy at UCC. He also facilitates retreats and leadership programmes and has a real passion for surfing.
	Titi Akerele Titi is from Nigeria and is married with two children. She is working with Scala as our Receptionist and Administrative assistant. Titi is happy to assist you in any enquiries and to take bookings.
	Catherine Ann Cronin Catherine Ann is from Cork.She is a Mercy Sister and is a volunteer working as relief receptionist here at Scala. Catherine Ann has worked as a nurse in Cork University Hospital for a number of years.
	JP O'Riordon J.P. is from Kanturk Co. Cork. He is a Redemptorist and after many years as a missioner both in Nigeria and Ireland, he has taken up his new ministry as curate in Mahon Parish.
	Dan Baragry Dan is from Limerick and is also a Redemptorist. He has worked both in Ireland and the Philippines and is returning to Scala after 3 years in Dublin. He is currently Director of formation and preaches Missions and Retreats
	.Michael Forde Michael is a Redemptorist from Galway works as a chaplain in Cork University Hospital. He spent some years working on parish missions in the west of Ireland and a further term in parish work in Brazil.
	John Hanna John, is a Redemptorist missioner, originally from Co. Down. He is famous for his guitar and singing. He has worked all over Ireland and also spent many years in the Philippines.