Student-made documentary focuses on Cumann Iosaef work

A STUDENT-made film, which focuses on the work of the Cumann Iosaef community centre in Tralee, had its première last week.

Transition Year students Daniel Sheehy, Hannah Shalvey and Felix Walker were the driving force behind the project, titled ‘A Threshold for Decency’, which was shown at Clogharesta in Tralee’s Hawley Park, on Wednesday evening.

Cumann Iosaef is a local charity which works closely with the elderly and vulnerable people in the community, helping them to feed, home and support themselves.

The centre also provides a home to essential services such as a local taekwondo club, a crèche/playgroup and the Tralee Special Olympics Club.

What was initially supposed to be a short five-minute piece ultimately developed into an almost 40-minute-long documentary after the students approached James Hussey and Kevin O’Connor – both Cumann Iosaef stalwarts – to appear in the film.

The work of the centre was brought into focus last month when it emerged that funding was needed to help support the group.

“Our funding is limited. It is strictly controlled and, simply, if you take us out of the equation, the question must be asked, ‘who is going to replace us?’” said Kevin in the documentary.

Speaking about how the people of Tralee and the wider community could help Cumann Iosaef, Kevin said that there are a number of ways which can help.

“The most important thing that people can do would be to talk to their local politicians. Remind them of the services that we provide, remind them of the benefits that they bring to society and remind them that we are helping to keep people out of institutions and prevent overcrowding in our hospitals,” Kevin continued.

“That’s what the public can do. We’re not asking for money from anybody. The State should provide the funding, not the general public.

“We’re not looking for any credit here. We just want to be given the space and the finance to do our jobs and our work in the community.”

A ‘Threshold for Decency can be viewed in full on ‘The Kerryman’ Facebook page.

Daniel Sheehy, Hannah Shalvey, Mayor of Tralee Norma Foley, James Hussey, Felix Walker and Kevin O’Connor at the film première of the ‘A Threshold of Decency’, a documentary made about the Cumann Iosaef Center.