Fond remembrances from a community indebted

I am sure many of you know that it was through the drive and effort of George Good that the Cathedral Youth Club was opened in September 1972 in The Old Cathedral School, London Street.

We have many happy and special memories of this wonderful person. His dedication and commitment to the young people living in the Fountain Estate.

His vision impacted on David Warke and together they set out on a journey to provide a safe space for young people to come together to enjoy recreational activities in order to distract them from becoming involved in anti-social behaviour.

As you will appreciate at that time - the year 1972 - bombs were taking place practically daily in the city. So they felt it was important to involve the young people in positive programmes.

Our first residential took place at Gortin Glen and, of course, George was there to assist us and our new curate at the time Rev. Terry Dougherty.

The conditions we stayed in would really be frowned on now but the young people had a great time cooking outdoors and sitting around a campfire before retiring inside the old building to spend the night (or what was left of it) lying on the floor.

We also look back with great fondness to our weekends spent at Portnoo. As there was no money then to spend on residentials George always booked the church hall so that we could bring the young people from the Fountain to this beautiful area to enjoy the beautiful beaches.

Fishing was always a great attraction for the members of our youth club and, of course, they had a great teacher. George would arrive in his car and pack the kids in like sardines and off they would go to spend the day fishing in one of the loughs.

His residence at Portnoo Cliff Cottage was always an open door to all of us. He even lifted his television and brought it down to the Church Hall (in case they got bored he would say).

I also look back at the yearly variety concerts we held in the Cathedral Schools. The concerts proved to be a great cross community event and attracted people from right across the city to come along and enjoy entertainment provided by the late Don O'Doherty, Seamus McDevitt, James McCafferty, the McLaughlin School of Irish Dance, sadly now all moved on.

George was instrumental in making this all happen as he had a great relationship with everyone living in the city regardless of colour and creed. All the money raised through the years went to the Cathedral School again to support this wonderful person in his nearly impossible task of keeping the church open during the worst period of the Troubles.

Sitting in Inniskeel Parish Church on Thursday listening to Michael Good delivering the family address we feel so privileged to have known this wonderful, friendly, humourous person and to have shared a tiny piece of life.

Reflections from past members of the Cathedral Youth Club: George Good left a legacy for all the young people in the Fountain.