“They” say that Youghal is the second oldest town in Ireland, next to Kinsale.   That’s as may or may not be, but nobody can deny that Youghal is steeped in history, is home to ancient buildings and places, and has housed many famous – and infamous – people over the past hundreds of years.  Youghal 2009 is not so very different to those days.   We still have our buildings and ancient monuments, and we also have our people.  People like Maurice Ahern, Fr. Keane, Michael Hackett, Nooch Kenefick, John Russell and, of course, John Stack. Report Denise Fitzgerald/Photo: Michael Hussey (YoughalOnline.com)

What these people have in common, apart from being Youghal locals, is that they are all writers who have had their books printed.   John Stack recently celebrated his very successful launch of Ships of Rome, to the delight of all in the area, and Maurice Ahern, who is very well known by all, and sports a large extended family and many fans, launched his new book  “When the Tide Turns”.   The launch took place in Cree’s Newsagency in Main Street, Youghal and the people flocked in to congratulate Maurice on his great achievement.    Canon Browne performed the official launch, and was very complimentary to Maurice on his great book.
The event was attended by Mayor Olly Casey, Cllrs Michael Beecher and Mary Lenihan Foley, and other dignitaries in the town.   Excitement was high and a great festive air abounded throughout.
Maurice told the East Cork Journal that when he was researching the book, he was amazed at the unity of the people of Youghal and the fact that, despite hardships which they had to endure, they never faltered.   They were steadfast in their beliefs, honour, integrity and their love of the town of Youghal. “  Maurice added that their belief in God and justice, and their tenacity and fortitude, over-rode their hardships because they believed that the day would come for their children’s children to walk tall in their town, with the right to control their own destiny.  It is because of this, he said,  that we, who came after, enjoy the freedom which they fought so hard and suffered so much for.  The onus is now on us to make sure that those who come after will always be proud to say “I’m from Youghal”.

Maurice had a burning passion to record the heritage of our town which has been dormant far too long.  “When the Tide Turns” is a book which will give our young people an insight into their rich heritage.   Maurice has gone to great lengths in his book to be honest and fair in what he wrote, and he spent many hours of research, investigation and more research to ensure  this has happened.  It is an account which will amaze, sadden, delight and entertain all readers and is a must for everyone who has ever heard of the town of Youghal.

At the launch, Brian and Cree Fitzgerald outdid themselves with their hospitality and the food and drinks served went down a treat by all.   The interest in “When the Tide Turns” was evident in the great numbers who turned up on the day to purchase the book, which was personally signed by Maurice.   The book is available in Cree’s Bookshop for those who could not make it to the launch.

Maurice has a family and a half, and they each turned out to wish him well and success on his book.  From the eldest relative to the youngest great, great grand daughter, Erika, they were all there to celebrate.   It was evident that all were very proud of this local historian, their family member, their friend.

Click on image to see the slideshow of who was at the book launch (Allow a few seconds for slideshow to load)

Canon Tom Browne PP officially launches ‘When the tide turns’ Youghal: A Town and its People – By Maurice Ahern at Cree’s Bookshop Photo Michael Hussey
11 Maurice Ahern with Mandy and Holly Preston and Siobhan and Aaron O’Regan
12 Maurice and Anna May O’Brien
13 Youghal authors and historians Frankie Keane and Maurice Ahern
15 Cll. Mary Linehan Foley and Maurice
16 Angela Fitzgerald, Alice Mangan, Phil Fitzgerald and Lily Davis
17 Jim Flanagan and Maurice
19 Youghal author and historians Maurice Ahern with the extended Ahern family
24 Maurice and Ger O’Regan
25 Brian Fitzgerald speaks glowing tributes on Maurice and the new book of Youghal and it’s people
30 Maurice thanks Canon Tom Browne PP and the people of the town
37 Brian Fitzgerald, Mayor Olly Casey, Maurice Ahern, Cree Fitzgerald and Canon Tom Browne PP
38 Canon Tom Browne PP, Maurice Ahern and Mayor Olly Casey
44 Mayor Olly Casey, Maurice Ahern and Canon Tom Browne PP with the book ‘When the tide turns’ Youghal: A Town and its People
49 Derek Kiely, Erika Kiely and Maurice
52 Maurice signs his book for John McGrath
55 Maurice Ahern and Maurice Browne
57 Maurice signs the book for Kay Donnelly
59 ‘When the tide turns’ Youghal: A Town and its People Author Maurice Ahern
67 Author Maurice Ahern and Marian O’Halloran
68 Michael and Maurice Ahern