The town of Cobh, County Cork had been commonly known as "the saddest town in Ireland, for in years gone by from its piers have left hundreds and thousands of young men and women on its immigrant ships".
This was now changing as industries such as oil, steel and shipping provide employment for residents.
A growing tourist industry means that ships that once took people away from Cobh now bring tourists to the coastal town. As a new tourist attraction, Cobh is playing its part in the developing the efficiency of its hotel industry.
This report from looks at a new initiative to train young women for jobs in the hotel and hospitality industry. Sponsored by Fáilte Ireland and the County Councils. Maureen Corkery, who manages the training courses for the Cork County Vocational Educational Committee, and Sheila Durkin, a course instructor, tell RTÉ News about the training, which is primarily targeted at young women.
At the Hotel Commodore on the Cobh seafront forty four girls from Limerick, Waterford, Cork and Kerry have just completed a six month residential course in hotel training.
This RTÉ News report was broadcast on 24 March 1964.
