Youghal Arts Network Midsummer’s Ball 2009

Youghal Arts Network are a group of different arts groups and people involved in the various arts,  who came together approximately three years ago under the umbrella of the Youghal Arts Network.   Various fundraising events are organised each year, the proceeds of which are used to fund a programme of events in the town each Summer. Denise FitzGerald Reports/ Photo Michael Hussey (YoughalOnline.com)

Youghal Arts Network Midsummer's Ball

The Youghal Arts Network Gala Ball made its debut last year in the Mall Arts Centre, and such was the success of the evening that this year the Group organised yet another Ball for the same venue.   This was held on Saturday night last, June 13th and it was a memorable night for all who attended.   East Cork Journal went along, and in these days of recession, it did the heart good to see the style and effort which went into the night.   Long gowns came out of the tissues and were worn with panache, and the gents weren’t left wanting in their black ties.
The evening commenced at 9pm and those arriving were met with large baskets of flowers – carnations for the gents and a lovely corsage of roses for the ladies. The entry of €60 included wining, dining and entertainment and was great value for such an enjoyable evening.

The Mall Arts Centre-Youghal- Photo Michael Hussey-YoughalOnline.com

East Cork Journal spoke with Donacha O’Cearuill, Chairman of Youghal Arts Network, who was loud in his praise for the group.   He was delighted to outline the events for the evening, commencing with the wonderful group, Lar na Cruinne (the meaning of which is Centre of the Earth), a group attached to the Youghal Comhaltas.  They would entertain the guests at the commencement of the evening.  Then, after wining and dining, the guests would be invited up to the ballroom where the Roaring 40’s band would entertain.   A break would be followed by a surprise entertainment, which Donacha assured would be hugely received by all.  The Roaring 40’s would then take to the stage again, and the night would go on….and on….and on.

Well, Donacha was not exaggerating.    The meal, which was a superb buffet provided by Le Gourmet, meant that guests could help themselves to whatever they wanted.  Drinks, and especially their wonderful lager, Bavaria, were courtesy of the Gleeson Group and they went down a treat. The weather on Saturday night was balmy and warm, ideal for outdoors, and where nicer a place to be than in the company of good friends in the Mall Arts Centre, overlooking the River Blackwater.  After the meal, the guests met in the large function room for the start of the evening’s entertainment.   The Roaring 40’s Swing Band is well known and very popular, and they started things going with a bang!
After a break, superb entertainment was to come in the form of Youghal Musical Society, who were invited to send a representative group along to further entertain the guests.  The Musical Society are currently in the final stages of rehearsal for their forthcoming production of Oklahoma, which is being staged in the Mall Arts Centre from June 20th to June 26th.   The group took to the stage at the interval where they delighted the audience with their rendition of “Oh What a Beautiful Morning”, “Kansas City”,  “I’m Just a Girl who can’t say No”, finishing with a rousting version of “Oklahoma”.   The audience  got to their feet at the finish to show their appreciation of the wonderful singing and entertainment, and it certainly set the pace for the rest of the evening.   Eileen Hunt, Youghal Musical Society, told East Cork Journal that it was a great compliment and challenge to be invited along, and they were very honoured to perform.   She thanked the members of the cast who attended, as they are so busy with rehearsals at present.
And so, it was back to the great Roaring 40’s and the dancing, ceol agus craic continued long into the night and early morning.
The efforts of this great group of artists and art groups in our town are entirely voluntary, and the wonderful summer programme of events which is put in place as a result, is testament to their commitment and hard work.  They certainly deserve to be supported, and on Saturday night last in Youghal, they received that support.
Click on image to see who was at the Midsummer’s Ball (Allow a few seconds to load)