The Youth Employment Scheme originated as follows:

In 1984 unemployment was a serious problem in Cobh, as elsewhere in the country. Arising from a christian concern to alleviate this situation a number of people came together to consider ways of generating employment. This group consisted of Sr.Emmanuel Leonard of the Sisters of Mercy, Luke Cassidy,Patrick Coughlan,James Meagher,Francis Scriven and myself. It was decided to initiate a project at Clonmel (Old Church) Graveyard under the sponsorship of the Great Island Historical Society.

This project was undertaken for the following reasons:

(a) It would give employment to 12 youths and a supervisor for 17 weeks.

(b) Its findings would be of benefit to researchers and local historians for many years to come.

(c) It would give the young people some insight into the history of their locality and a pride in their heritage.