By Michael Hussey

John Kennedy speaks on Count John McCormack

John Kennedy from Community Radio Youghal presented a wonderful evening of music and nostalgia entitled ” The sound of greatness” celebrating the World famous Irish tenor Count John McCormack at The Walter Raleigh Hotel as special guest of The Youghal Ailbrin Society.

People often ask what is Ailbrin? It is a small society that hosts a series of talks on a variety of subjects, from September to April on the third Wednesday of the month in the Walter Raleigh Hotel. The name Ailbrin is the oldest known Irish name for Youghal and means wooded rock.

The talks cover a wide range of subjects from local history, current affairs, travel, art, music, architecture to deep sea diving. Many of the most popular talks with the public have been given by local speakers.

The society was founded in 1966 by Noel Mc Namara a local solicitor, as a discussion group. Michael Murray acted as Chairperson in its early years. Members met once a month in the Devonshire Arms Hotel and as the speakers were friends and the room was free there was no fee.

John Kennedy, Community Radio Youghal presenter with Sheila Loughnan and Dympna Quill from The Youghal Ailbrin Society

After some years the Society expanded, speakers were brought in from outside to broaden our horizons. All this activity involved more expenses, fees for speakers, room rental and inevitably insurance. It also required a hard working and dedicated committee, most of whom have given several years and much of their time to keeping the show on the road. What we now need are more members interested in helping the present committee. At a meeting on Monday September 17th, a discussion was held on whether or not to continue with the society’s activities, the present committee has agreed to stay on until April of next year.

New members are welcome the yearly fee is 35 euro for a family and 25 euro for individual membership. Non members are welcome to attend for a fee of 5 euro.

John Kennedy, guest speaker with his wife Sheila, Michael Murray, Dympna Quill
and members of The Youghal Ailbrin Society