1985 — The Melvin Returns to Kilcully

Five years after first hosting the competition, Kilcully once again welcomed Scouts from around Ireland for the All-Ireland Scoutcraft Competition for the Melvin Trophy, held from 22–25 August 1985.

The event was considerably larger than its 1980 predecessor, with approximately 1,000 Scouts from 58 troops taking part. Held during Cork’s 800th anniversary year, it was one of the largest Scout gatherings Kilcully had hosted.

Patrols competed in traditional Scoutcraft skills for the coveted Melvin Trophy, which was won by 4th Waterford (Abbeyside), who retained the trophy following their victory in the competition the previous year.

This commemorative pennant survives as a reminder of the 1985 event, carrying both the Kilcully emblem and the distinctive Cork 800 symbol, linking the event to the city’s anniversary celebrations.