For the first time in the history of Showcase, 10 Essence of Ireland products were awarded by a panel of experts for depicting through their design, production methods and presentation what is unique about Ireland. It is anticipated that the Essence of Ireland selection will be considered as gifts for foreign dignitaries, VIPs and corporate clients.

Martha Cashman, Sculptural Ceramics, originally from Ballymacoda, Co. Cork scooped one of the Awards at Showcase which were presented by President McAleese at a special ceremony at Showcase Ireland in the RDS. “They enhance our contemporary world, connect us to past beauty and skill, and take that past far beyond simple replication, into a new relevance, a new expression for our own time. Innovation and competitiveness are going to be key to our economic vitality and our future. We have both showcased here, along with all the elements of fine and wise business practices, the culture of hard work and high level service which maintain the integrity and high reputation of Irish companies and crafts on the world stage. The range of exhibits, the sheer excellence of our award winners even in these tough times, lifts our hearts and make us proud”, said the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese Read more

YoughalOnline is delighted that its website www.youghalonline.com has been nominated, put through the judging stages and are now finalists for the Irish Blog Award 2009 in the – Best News/Current Affairs Blog – Sponsored by IGO People – Photo Michael Hussey (YoughalOnline.com)

The news website reflects the lives of those who live, visit and work here in Youghal and the surrounding area. The full list of those nominated in each of the categories may be viewed on the Irish Blog Awards website. Best wishes to all the nominees!
The 2009 Blog Awards are on Saturday February 21st 2009, at the Cork International Airport Hotel at 7.30pm sharp. Read more

The 19th eircom/FAI International Soccer Awards were announced before over 800 guests and a live tv audience, including the Minister for Education and Science, Mr. Batt O’Keeffe at Citywest Hotel, Saggart over the weekend. Eighteen awards were announced including the Senior International Player accolade which was awarded to Kevin Doyle. Report Shane Supple

Well done to local man Eddie Foley from Youghal who was awarded a special Merit award. The Special Merit award was handed to former FIFA Referee , Eddie Foley an Army quartermaster from Youghal who retired this year having enjoyed a career as one of Ireland’s most successful and respected referees. Eddie was the only official ever from the Republic of Ireland to have been appointed to the World Cup finals and the European Championship finals. It’s great to see local people doing well in the sporting world and while everyone remembers the stars and players, it’s a tribute to Eddie that we don’t hear his name being bandied about on our television screens, in national newspapers or in match reports. He goes about his job in a quite steady and professional manner, which is why he has been recognized by the F.A.I as well as the F.I.F.A, the governing body worldwide for international soccer fixtures and matches.

Eddie has been on the FIFA Assistant Referees Panel since 1995 and has lined at France ’98 and Euro 2000 he was the first only official ever from the Republic of Ireland to Read more

People in Cork should take advantage of new green grants, says Malachy Harty

The Green Party’s representative in Midleton, has welcomed the announcement by ministers Eamon Ryan and John Gormley of €100 million worth of new grants that will help homeowners and people living in local authority housing to save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions through better insulation and energy systems. Malachy Harty said: “The new national insulation programme is worth €100 million to the economy, and has the potential to create hundreds of lasting, local jobs. Householders who take advantage of the scheme can expect to reduce their heating bills by up to €700 per year.
“The scheme will be open to the public in March, and I urge homeowners – particularly those with older homes and large energy bills – to register their interest now with Sustainable Energy Ireland. Read more

Pictured is the Youghal bridge with the snow covered Knockmealdown Mountains in the background. Temperatures dropped to well below freezing with widespread snow showers across the country this past week. Met Eireann is forecasting more outbreaks of sleet and snow. Photo Michael Hussey (YoughalOnline.com)

If you have pictures of the recent bad weather please sent them in to news@youghalonline.com for publication. Read more

Petty Officer Chef Micilin O’Keeffe (Irish Navy) from Youghal supervises the daily running of the catering in camp Ciara which is located at Goz Beida, Chad. Micilin, part of four personnel from the Navy, is returning back to his home town of Youghal this week after a 4-month deployment mission in Chad, Africa. By Michael Hussey (YoughalOnline.com)

Several other Youghal men Cpl. C. Colman, Cpl. D. Lane, Cpl. T. Curran, Petty Officer M.O’ Keeffe (navy chef) and GNR. G. Gillman, Sgt. T. Hennessy, Pte M. Butler, Cpl. S. Twohig, Pte.Lane (Killeagh)formed part of the 98 Infantry Battalion deployed on an UN Mission to Chad-Central Africa last September to contribute to protecting civilians in danger, particularly refugees and displaced persons. Read more

The ship ‘Red Duchess’ departed from Youghal Harbour today(Sat.7th Feb.) on her voyage back to Scotland. The 1,300-ton ship had brought a cargo of timber for the Glennon Bros. Timber Plant in Fermoy. By Michael Hussey/Photo Michael Hussey

The crew of six is made up of four Filipinos and two British. Youghal man Tommy O’Connell boards the ship as she departs to help the captain pilot her safely to the outer harbour.
The Yellow Pilot boat leads the way as the ship follows. Another local man Barry Clohessy meets them on board the Yellow Pilot boat near the East Cardinal buoy(known locally as the Easter Bouy) at the outer harbour. Tommy then has the dangerous task of climbing down the ships rope ladder to board the Yellow pilot and return safely back to the Youghal Quays. Read more

Youghal’s premiere art centre, Gallery 126, has acquired works from one of the world’s most prominent sculptors. A series of bronze figures by Diarmuid Byron O’Connor have been added to the gallery’s display. Mr O’Connor is best known for his Peter Pan and Tinkerbell adornments in the entrance garden at London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital for children. By Christy Parker/Photo Michael Hussey (YoughalOnline.com)

The hand-shaped bronze figures retail for €1500 and are available also in bronze resin for €750. Measuring under 15cm and bearing names from Greek mythology, they are inspired by the artist’s ongoing fascination with the human figure. “Each piece has its own unique drama they draw upon our common understanding and experience of our own bodies,” he says. Mr. O’Connor’s works originate as drawings, the collective consciousness of which inspires his sculptors. “I draw from life but sculpt from memory,” he explains.
The London-born artist of Irish descent, happened on Gallery216 on the North Main Street during a visit to Youghal. Impressed by the works in situ, he introduced himself to proprietor Eamonn O’Brien, himself a former resident of London. Read more

Pobalscoil na Tríonóide held its second Careers Evening for the Parents and Students of Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Years. They were given the opportunity of speaking with personnel from a number of colleges as well as consulting with up to 50 people who work in a wide range of  occupations. Photo Michael Hussey (YoughalOnline.com)

The Guidance Department who organised this event are extremely grateful for the support given by the local community in Youghal. Many local people gave up their free time to give advice and information to students and their parents about the work in which they are involved with. Read more

Happy 40th Birthday to Mick O’Connell who celebrated the big day with family and friends at The Devonshire Arms Hotel – Photo Michael Hussey (YoughalOnline.com)

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