By Christy Parker | Photo: Michael Hussey (YoughalOnline.com)

Youghal Comhaltas Concert at Bru Na Si

Youghal Comhaltas is striving to nurture good neighbourly relations with local residents in a praiseworthy initiative currently underway. Bru na Si, the Comhaltas group’s headquarters, is situated on a council-leased site on Magniers Hill and accessible from Cork Hill via nearby Blackwater Heights estate. The site holds strong historical and scenic value, being situated near the archaeological remains of an old barracks overlooking the Blackwater.

Bru Na Si

Since Bru na Si was constructed in 2004, the immediate area has assumed a growing social, educational and tourism profile, with various groups utilising the premises. “We endeavour to benefit the wider community by facilitating other interest groups when possible,” says Youghal Comhaltas Chairman Michael de Buitleir. “Presently, we have dance, music, theatre and religious groups, a youth club, a pre school and the Irish Red Cross availing of Bru na Si.”

In these circumstance especially, appearances and infrastructure matter and hopes are high that Youghal Town Council will soon address and develop an unsightly road frontage. While the council has already cut overgrown grass margins, Youghal Comhaltas is keen to foster its own initiatives too.

Last week, a group of children from the estate assisted Comhaltas members to landscape and plant in the vicinity of Bru Na Si. It was, by all accounts, a successful liaison. “The kids were wonderful,” says Comhaltas secretary and avid gardener, Mary Tracey. “They were very interested in what needed to be done and help us with the rockery as well as planting and watering. One teenager lad did a great job mowing the lawn.”

The initial, successful collaboration has unveiled scope for further interaction. “Gardening never finishes and there is always other forms of maintenance or cleaning up that could provide opportunities for co-operation,” says Michael. “We would like to involve the local community in our activities inside and outside Bru na Si, should they wish us to do so,” he adds.

Youghal Comhaltas

A meeting with Estate Liaison Officer Jennifer Ring is scheduled for this week, in which potential ideas are likely to be discussed. Meantime, the work of small hands and big hearts has already given the exterior of Bru na Si a more eye-pleasing profile.