Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat, Austin Lidbury, launched at 18:15 on Thursday, 24 September, in response to a call for assistance.  The 36 ft. Irish registered fishing vessel, with two persons aboard, reported mechanical difficulties 12.5 miles south of Ballycotton.  The RNLI lifeboat reached the casualty at 19:00 hours and established a tow.

The stricken fishing vessel arrived back in Ballycotton at 20:40 hours where it was safely secured alongside the pier wall.

Ballycotton Lifeboat was founded in 1858.  To date, the crew of Ballycotton Lifeboat Station have been awarded seventeen medals by the RNLI, 2 gold, 7 silver and 8 bronze.

The station has a €2 million, Trent Class lifeboat, Austin Lidbury.  This is a 14 metre, all weather lifeboat, with a top speed of 25 knots

To learn more go to www.ballycottonlifeboat.org

RNLI contacts
For more information please telephone Bláthnaid Lane Walsh, Lifeboat Press Officer, Ballycotton RNLI station, on 087 4151475 or ballycottonrnli14@eircom.net or Niamh Stephenson, Media Relations Manager Ireland on 087 1254124 or nstephenson@rnli.org.uk

RNLI online
For more information on the RNLI please visit www.rnli.ie  News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI Press Centre www.rnli.ie/press

Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the Ireland and the UK. The RNLI operates over 230 lifeboat stations with 43 in Ireland. The RNLI is independent of the Coast Guard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824 its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 137,000 lives. The RNLI is a charity registered in England, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.

On  Tuesday  night  last, September  22nd  2009  April  Joanna  Curtin’s  first  public  exhibition opened  at  Gallery  126,  North  Main  Street  Youghal.
By www.youghalonline.com Arts reporter/ Photo Thomas Bulman

April  has  recently  graduated  with  an  Honours  Degree  from  The  Crawford  College  of  Art  and  Design, Cork  where  she  spent  her  time  exploring  themes  of family, childhood  and  the  transience  of  memory.  Awarded  The  Ted  and  Mary  O’  Regan  Arts  Bursary  in  2007  and  the  Cork  Institute  of  Technology  Purchase  Prize  in  2009  when  one  of  her  pieces  was  purchased  by  The  Dublin  Office  of  Public  Works  her  work  has  gone  from  strength  to  strength  and  has  achieved  favourable  mention  in  The  Irish  Times  Arts  section.

April’s  current  exhibition  interrogates  the  function  of  photographs  and  the  impulse  to  immerse  oneself  in  the  family  photo  as  an  extract  from  her  personal  artist  statement  explains.

“I am interested in memory as a construct of imagination and a subjective creation of memorials.  By delving into the recollections of others  through  photographs, and projecting my own impressions onto them, I seek to create a new narrative to which I can relate and present an invitation to the viewer to investigate her/his own remembrances and their relationship to our communal memory.

Within these photographs, I address not only notions of memory, but of self.  My interest in creating artwork is to evoke one of the essential human dilemmas, the yearning for, but inability to, return to the past. Within art, there is the potential to create a space that evokes a loss of awareness where one can become completely submerged in the stillness of a moment. My use of old photographs fuels my search for altered states of consciousness and reality, where for a time the viewer and the canvas become one. My work is my narrative, my imaginative negotiation between and through the spaces of past and present, as my paintings become the connection between then and now, an embodiment of my own journey. Applying contemporary colours and ideas to the faded facades of yesterday invites the viewer to do the same, so to speak, and opens up these windows to the past, providing a space for a momentary escape from reality and the present.”

April

April’s  work  is  innovative  and  fresh  as  she  offers  a  different  take  on  the  “family  photo”. Walking  through  the  exhibition  is  like  taking  a  trip  down  memory  lane  albeit  with  a  new  pair  of  glasses!!!   April  would  like  to  thank  in  particular  Mr.  Eamon  O’  Brien,  and  everyone  who  came  to  the  opening  reception  last  Tuesday  and  made  it  such  a  success.  In  attendance  were  her  family, friends, art  lovers and  many  locals  all  of  whose  support  is  greatly  appreciated.  A  celebration  of  culture  and  heritage, April’s  exhibition  is  currently  on  show  at  Gallery  126  and  she  would  like  to  invite  anyone  even  a  little  curious  to  take  a  walk  inside  to another  place  and  time.

Click on image to see April’s exhibition at Gallery 126

4655 – artist  April  Joanna  Curtin
4656 – April and her sister Alicia
4657 – April and family, mother Joan, father Willie John, grandmother Johanna and sister Alicia
4690 – April and animator Vaughan Buckley
4692 – Willie John Curtin, April, Kieran Heffernan, Paul Roche and Alicia Curtin
4695 – Kieran Heffernan
4696 – Willie John Curtin and his sister  Rose  and her daughter Laura
4697 – Kieran Heffernan and Paul Roche, The Cyberoom

4698 – Kieran Heffernan and Paul Roche, The Cyberoom
4699 – April with guests
4701 – April and Eamon
4705 – Opening Speech

Youghal based artist Martha Cashman looking is currently exhibiting her work at the National Botanic Gardens,  Dublin this September to 16th October 2009

The National Botanic Gardens are located 3 Kilometres North of Dublin city centre, 10 minutes by bus from O’Connell Street (Nos.13 and 19)

Hours:
Monday to Sunday 9am – 6pm
Admission Free,
Car Park €2
For further information please contact:
Ana Duncan
Sculpture in Context, PO Box 10054, Dublin 16
Tel:       087 6258258
email:  info@scullptureincontext.com

On Tue the 22nd Sept in the Ally Bar, Cloyne, Thomas Cahill from TC Valeting launched the new fundraising seven aside hurling tournament for the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Report: Shane Supple | Photo: Maurice Supple

Present at the launch were many players from the different clubs in Cork, in his opening speech Thomas Cahill of TC Valeting and Cloyne GAA explained how the event was going to raise much needed funds for the Guide Dogs for the Blind who are based in Model Farm Road, Cork. Each club is invited to enter a team of 10, seven players and three subs. The cost of entering a team is only €100 per team. Each team will be in a group of five teams graded similar to each other, which means that each team will get to play at least four games. If they win out their own section then they continue on to the next stage.

The games will be played throughout Nov & Dec with a final date fixed for around the 17th Dec. The final will be a big match with a guest commentator in for the game and all the ceremony of final day with bands leading players onto the field. There will be a presentation of a cup and medals for the finalists and the over all winners will receive from O Neills a complete team kit of jerseys. The runners up will receive hurleys for the club and so on down the line.

To keep matters in hand the referees will officiate all games and ref’s like Diarmuid Kirwin fresh from his recent stint as All Ireland referee and Cathal MacAlister who also refereed at all Ireland level have both amongst others offered their services to this very worthy cause. Several Clubs in the area have also offered use of their pitches under lights to allow for midweek games and evening games for the months of Nov and Dec. There will also be a safety officer at every game to ensure all is well.

The Irish guide dogs for the blind have recently spent in excess of 4.5 million euro to refurbish and add to their existing premises and all funds raised from this event will go directly to The Irish Guide Dogs. They offer a variety of services, with courses designed to develop both new and existing skills, to provide a holistic programme of instruction which prioritises independence and mobility by motivating and supporting participants to achieve their personal goals.

They receive approximately 85% of their income through donations and fundraising by a network of almost 100 voluntary fundraising branches around the country.  It will cost over €5.2 million to run the organisation in 2009.  It costs over €38,000 to breed, train and support a guide dog partnership. They breed most of their would-be Guide Dogs, and have a very successful Dog Supply and Breeding programme.

The Breeding Programme was established in 1984.  In the early days there were two brood bitches and outside stud dogs were sourced.  Since 2000 the programme has developed and grown to produce quality dogs for training as Guide Dogs and Assistance Dogs.  There are currently 30 brood bitches and 7 stud dogs and they produce around 140 puppies a year.  From these puppies the trainers will identify which will go forward as an Assistance Dog or Guide Dog

~ Click on images below for slideshow ~

To book a place in the tournament for your team and help this very worthy cause you can contact your club secretary who will have all the information and entry forms or you can contact Thomas Cahill direct by email at tcvaleting@eircom.net or ring him on 087-2073049.

THE FIRST CUT FILM PROJECT this Saturday  Sept. 26th 2009, where 18 short films and 5 Animations made throughout 2009  by young people, aged 14 to 21, who participated in FIRST CUT workshops and summer schools will have their first public screening

This Festival, which takes place at County Hall, Cork, is organised by FIRST CUT Youth Film Project in association with Cork Film Centre and funded by The Arts Office of Cork County Council and South and East Cork Area Development, SECAD. The young filmmakers come from Youghal, Passage West, Glanmire, Carrigaline, Cobh, Ballincollig,Carrigtwohill, Togher, Douglas and Midleton.

FIRST CUT Youth Film Project in South and East Cork is now in its third year. During that time two successful and very enjoyable Gala Film Nights have taken place  at County Hall, Cork. This expansion from Gala to Festival is due to the increased interest and involvement of young people in this film making project throughout the area.
This year young people from East and South of the Cork Harbour area will gather together to see their films on the big screen.

The Festival will be a lively, informative, creative and fun mix of short films, workshops, information for all.

The Festival Programme will kick off at 2pm in the Lobby of Cork County Hall. The inaugural FIRST CUT Festival will be officially opened by Mick Hannigan, Cork Film Festival Director.
In the Lobby itself Information Stands will be on view from St John’s College, Sawmill St., Film Department, The Gaiety School of Acting and an Animation Film Maker.
Each of the participating groups including youth projects, clubs and schools, who took part in the FIRST CUT2009 Workshops will also have stands providing information on their groups, their roles and of course their films .

There will be an opportunity for everyone to mix and mingle and look at the information on offer at the Stalls and ask questions.

At 3pm there will be 3 Workshops available to all young filmmakers to choose from
* Fresh Film Festival
* Claire Dix  a local, young writer/director of documentary TV, short fiction, animation and also an award winning director of music videos.
* Screen acting  with the Gaiety School of Acting
More details on the content of these half hour workshops will be available shortly, meanwhile if you would like to tell us your preference we can set aside a place for you.
At 5.30pm approx. the First Cut 2009 Films will be premiered on Floor 16.
We at FIRST CUT hope that this Festival adds to your enjoyment of, and interest in, film.

This event is free. For more information please contact
MARY MC GRATH, FIRST CUT CO ORDINATOR
0868139019
cfcfirstcut.blogspot.com

Stunning Comeback Earns Youghal Girls A Point. Youghal United U-14 girls produced a stunning comeback at Richmond on Saturday to secure their first point as the season got underway.
Report: www.youghalonline.com sports/Photo: Courtesy Youghal United

The U-14 girls took the trip to Richmond hoping to get the new season off to a winning start. This was a very even encounter on a poor pitch and the Youghal side looked rusty inside the first ten minutes. Richmond took the lead shortly after and as much as Youghal huffed and puffed they did not create any clear chances with only a number of speculative efforts from Jess Lawton to draw some consolation from. Richmond made it 2-0 approaching halftime.

The Youghal team were determined to correct the score in the second half and began strongly. However, Richmond made it 3-0 five minutes into the second period. A swerving free kick from Rachel Galvin was then spilled by the keeper for Jess Lawton to roll home. It was disallowed for offside. Stung by the injustice and the scoreline, Youghal finally got to the pace of the game. Two quick goals from Jess Lawton, after strong running and unerring finishes, had Youghal believing a comeback was on. At 3-2, and a number of changes to the line-up, Youghal piled on the pressure. Unfortunately, Richmond scored a fourth when the Youghal defence failed to deal with a bouncing ball in the area: 4-2 to the homeside.

It was evident throughout the game that the girls were not match fit and were slow closing down. To their great credit however, they found some reserve and lifted themselves to shock Richmond in the last 15 minutes.
Rachel Galvin looked increasingly dangerous as she pushed forward from midfield and it was no surprise when she danced through the defence to slide the ball under the despairing keeper: 4-3. Marie-Louise Keane then went on a mazey run, beating two defenders, but just failed to find a colleague in the box. The impetus was now firmly with the away team. Rachel Galvin again picked up the ball and ran at Richmond. With their defence looking edgy, Rachel found herself one to one with the keeper. She struck it beautifully, lifting it just over the keeper’s desperate hand: 4-4. In the dying minutes Youghal were denied an improbable winner when Jess Lawton, put through by Rachel Galvin, saw her firm strike ricochet off the keeper’s elbow to safety. At the final whistle this felt more like a victory than a draw.

The character shown by the players will bring them success this year if they are quicker to close down the opposition. Jess Lawton and Rachel Galvin take the headlines but it was a terrific team and squad performance with one special mention to Molly Long who was outstanding at right back.

Report By Christy Parker

Prior to the meeting proper, the Council welcomed a delegation from Church Street. They Clodagh Madden, spokeswoman, Jerry McCarthy representing Shalom House and the Alms houses, Mick Treacy of the Nook, Brendan McCarthy, father of three small children and Kay O’Beirne, grandmother and regular minder of two small grandchildren. They also had sanction from tour guide Sheila Loughnane to speak on her behalf. They were there to convey their concerns on the potential re-opening of the laneway, which has been closed for two years, during and following major landscaping work in keeping with the town’s Heritage Strategy and regeneration programme.

Heritage core

Ms. Madden said that while the laneway was now “peaceful, safe, attractive and welcoming,” with what little traffic that needed to access being easily manageable. She first deliberated on the issue from a tourism perspective. “It’s the heart and obvious access to major tourist and heritage sites in the town,” she said. Tourist numbers were not just rising significantly, with over 100 traversing the lane last Friday alone, but doing so in a delightful ambience that was producing pleasant interaction between locals and visitors delighted with the general area. “It’s a contrast to the days when they’d be flattened against walls by traffic,” noted Ms Madden.

Nook proprietor Michael Treacy also emphasised the commercial/tourism aspect of the lane, insisting that Youghal’s industrial profile with its “fast-buck” mentality was in the past, that heritage is its and that it “shouldn’t take rocket science” to devise a plan to minimise the traffic that threatened it.

The argument reflected more personal concerns when Jerry Mr. McCarthy spoke of 25 residents of Shalom House having to “duck into doorways” to avoid cars. Kay O’Beirne spoke of the dangers posed to children by traffic on the narrow lane, not to mention the cul-de-sac now discouraging so called joy riders. Parking was largely a pleasure now, she emphasised but those parking in their own premises would have difficulty accessing the lanes with a constant traffic flow, as would wheelchair users. Brendan McCarthy echoed the concerns in respect of his and others’ children. It would provide a nightmare journey for people with prams, he added.

Cllr Barbara Murray was first to respond and her views would be reflected in the subsequent sentiments of her colleagues. She agreed that Church Street was now “gateway to the heritage core” and also felt that pedestrianisation generally, was the way forward for Youghal. The chamber was unanimous in its acceptance that traffic would be bad for Church Street but, as Cllr Mary Linehan Foley observed, there are still another five lanes to consider and the knock-on effect that closing any one lane can have on the remainder. She agreed with the sentiments but also found approval for her insistence that the issue be considered in the wider context of a proper traffic management plan.

Town Manager Patricia Power concurred and said she would set about rallying a senior engineer and his forces to conduct a survey with a view to devising such a plan.

Priestly problems

Progress on the issue had been faster than the traffic on the lane used to be, but the delegation then presented a logjam. Ms. Madden recalled a promise of “five parking spaces for residents of Shalom House.” However, a “certain priest” had, “without consultation or planning permission,’ managed to have installed three bollards and a parking space for his personal use. At one stage, the delegation reported, he had engaged “the most courteous and considerate” of developers, John McMahon & Co, to erect a fourth bollard but a lady driver had insistently sabotaged the plan by parking on the site!

The council heard that the priest refuses to drive into the alleyway where he lives and has not merely been stubborn but “very abusive” when attempts have been made to persuade him to do so.  Letters had been dispatched, an Archbishop (appropriately) had been invoked “and perhaps even the Pope,” suggested Ms Madden, but to no avail. Where the Church failed, so also had the State. Gardai armed with measuring tapes had also failed to cajole the man of the collar into confronting the demons of the alleyway, with the power of petrol. It was decided that Town Clerk Liam Ryan –a former altar boy allegedly- would best be suited to resolve the riddle of the priest and the passageway.

Votes Of Congratulations:

Cllr Revins congratulated Pat Collins on re-opening Jack O’Patsy’s at Friar Street. He said it a workforce of nine will be employed with potential for 25 in due course. All products on sale within will be made in Youghal, he added.

Cllr Linehan Foley congratulated Sinead Lane of Windmill Lane for becoming Ireland’s first blind solicitor. She paid tribute also to all ibvolbed in the recent triathlon and the ill-fated, rain-soaked Medieval day which, she noted, still attracted a steady “trickle” of people. The councillor also congratulated Cara Moloney of Mill who recently became the first female ever to become first in the Potential NCO course. She congratulated in advance all participants in the Team Youghal entry for the All Ireland cycle race.

Cllr Donie Daly congratulated hurlers Leigh Desmond and Brendan Ring on representing the successful Cork Intermediate team over Kilkenny.

Cllr Michelle Hennessy congratulated six members of the Keniry School of Dancing, two from Youghal and four from Midleton, who performed “fantastically” in a show from Eurodisney on September 3rd.

Mayor Sandra McLellan offered a vote of congratulations to Gardai Pat Grace and Pat O’Leary on their retirements. She also paid tribute to Dennis Desmond of O’Reilly’s Terrace on the huge success of his “absolutely fantastic” Epping Forest during their visit to Youghal. She also congratulated Eddie O’Sullivan on his new autobiography.

Town Foreman’s report:

Cllr Linehan Foley said a recent outbreak of graffiti was a disgrace and she hoped the gardai had apprehended those responsible. A bollard “at Frankie Keane’s place” needed re-erecting. She asked who is responsible for Parklands, as a lot of residents have problems with faulty fireplaces. She said the developer was referring them to the council but she didn’t think the council had taken over the estate yet. She suggested someone attend to a wall at Kilcoran road, near Brendan Casey’s as it seems about to fall.

Cllr Liam Burke said a cracked footpath at the bottom of Windmill Lane needed attention. He sought updates on proposed landscaping at Srathan na Sali. He reminded that the diving board needed taking in at the end of the month, while the green area at the path leading to the diving rocks needed cutting. Light no 4 at Shanavine needed replacing, he concluded.

Cllr Donie Daly said residents at Sweetfield wanted a derelict site next to a developed site restored to its previous state. Also, the wooden, flower-adorned entrance sign at Sweetfield is “being kicked by people’ and perhaps a concrete solution could be found. He too wanted a baby swing for the Millennium playground. Residents at Mill road have a ponding problem. The roundabout at Mill Road was a problem too as it was hard to see approaching traffic from the town side approach. The sight lines at Magner’s Hill/Dermot Hurley presented a similar situation and speed ramps for the front of Dermot Hurley estate were also required.

Site for Eyesores

Cllr Eoin Coyne said overhanging trees at Golf Links Road near Poison Bush Lane badly needed trimming for the sake and safety of pedestrians. Two shores at the top of Sarsfield’s Terrace needed unblocking. He condemned the “dreadful eyesore” that is the old Murray Kitchens (and would-be-Dunnes!) site, now despoiled even further with graffiti. He requested that the owners be asked to cut the grass at least. He sought an baby swing –with harness- for the re-opened Millennium playground.

Cllr Hennessy had had much of her list already aired but she said residents at Parklands were wondering when the lights on the estate would be activated given that the poles and bulbs were in place. “Its pitch dark and children are out playing,” she said. She said hedges on private properties opposite Amber petrol station badly needed pruning as they were intruding onto the footpath. She repeated previous requests that the rockery at Dermot Hurly estate be removed, before a bad accident occurred.

Lisbon

Cllr Murray wondered if the Council could draw o the bond if nothing forthcoming from the developer’s side at Parklands. “Apparently there is a lot of rubble on the green area,” she said. She said a new sign for Nealon’s Quay is blocking sight lines and also some of the signs for the Battle of Lisbon 2 should be removed “regardless of what party” before they take the eye out of someone’s head or worse! (There was a general ‘yes” to her proposal). She said the town’s bins were a mess, with curry sauce very apparent. Cllr Linehan Foley asked were she sure it was curry sauce?! The wall in Ashe Street, is “absolutely scary,” she said, with a bulging belly and a tendency to topple. She wanted the ground arrows on Nealon’s Quay car park painted.

Cllr Michael Beecher wanted trees near Artysan cut back though he was unsure if it was a council matter and even if it was, which council! He urged the Town Foreman to check for other obtrusive trees also. He also wanted some “dangerous” tree stumps removed from opposite the Town Hall (or Mall Arts Centre if you like). The pavement and gutters at the tourist office and CYMS respectively needed remedial attention. Graffiti around the town, he said, was scandalous, as was dog fouling and general littering. “These people should be caught and an example made of them,” he insisted. He said a hand railing was needed going into the sally port opposite Cross Lane. A similar remedy was needed on steps to the footpath at Mill Road. He too was asked about the non-lights at Parklands and he wondered what plans there were for the green area at the entrance. He was told it was a private space and there were currently no plans.

Cork County Council Items:

Cllr Murray said a dip on he road near the swimming pool needed resolving. She was keen for landscaping at Srathan na Sali to proceed. The bins at Claycastle needed to be emptied more frequently, while the area to the right hand side, although merging into private property from County Council land needed to be cleaned up. She said there was “huge ponding” at Kia garage.

Cllr Beecher asked if there was any plan to alleviate flooding at Quarry Road. He believed Kilcoran Road was “not on the Register of Electors, nor on Sat Nav” and showed up as Knockaverry instead.” Cllr Linehan Foley (who lives there), vehemently disagreed. Liam Ryan said the road was Kilcoran Road and the townland was Knockaverry. It was decided to “write to Franchise” to resolve any discrepancy. The councillor repeated previous requests for route information signs at the end of Cork Hill, two ‘Fair Trade’ signs at town approach roads and information signs on the N25 indicating free main street parking from 1-2pm.

Cllr Hennessy asked if the road liners were returning as there were still a lot of road marking needed. Cork County Council’s Town Engineer Paul Murray said he had completed the list he as give but they would be returning from the country and a further list could be considered. He warned that the road works budget was now at €3,000 from the original €20,000. However more funds would be available in 2010.

Quarryvale quandary

The discussion detoured towards the newly re-painted and slightly extended double yellow lines opposite Crowley’s garage, by the entrance to Quarryvale. Cllr Linehen Foley, forever warning of the danger being imposed by vehicles ignoring the lines and impeding the view of emerging drivers, said they “might as well have painted hop scotch lines there” for all the difference it would make. Mr. Murray appeared relatively unmoved, his alleged promise to Cllr Linehan Foley to landscape the area with flower beds remaining unfulfilled. Cllr Daly demanded “a more imaginative solution than Mickey Mouse double yellow lines” to avert a tragedy. He had written to the guards to no avail.

Cllr Daly then suggested the area’s footpath be extended. Cllr Linehan Foley said a private tenant adjacent to three boards that occupy a footpath space would be willing to talk to Mr. Murray, who in turn said he would follow up on the issue. It was felt the footpath would offer the best part of a solution that could be easily completed finalised by the application of hardcore covering and some ditch removal. However, the Town Clerk reminded that several agencies may need to co-operate to effect funding for the project, with Cork County Council responsible for the road and an Estate Enhancement Programme in operation that revolved around Woodland Grove and Quarryvale. The current economic climate did not promise much in that direction. One can only hope the climate doesn’t darken further with a serious road accident in the area.

Babies, bottles and beer

Cllr Daly then continued that the area between the prom and Claycastle was “a disgrace’ -liter-ally so to speak- with cans, beer bottles and nappies in evidence. Not that babies were drinking mind for, as he asked, “what kind of animals leave this stuff behind them?” He advocated prosecutions, followed by public “naming and shaming.” Cllr Beecher concurred and nobody demurred.

Cllr Burke sought an update on the proposed new fire station for Youghal and likewise the proposed new library. He decried the ongoing ponding by Nagle  House and once more raised the issue of the missing concealed entrance sign at Summerdale Lawn. He said there was “no road surface at all” between St. Coran’s well and the entrance to Summerdale Lawn and beyond, amongst other places. He repeated the usual list of “jigsaw puzzle pavements”, aka Tallow Street, South Main Street and the junction of South Abbey and Strand Street. The Town Engineer said new costings for the proposed fire station were currently being considered.

Cllr Revins thanked the engineer for road repairs to the main streets and asked for similar in the Knockaverry area. Cllr Linehan Foley requested likewise for a manhole cover in Kilcoran Road. She then asked that signs be erected on the bog road to Redbarn warning of road-crossing swans and ducks. A motorcyclist had nearly collided with some ducks recently. She dismissed the Town Clerk’s scepticism that such signs existed by referring to their presence a plenty in Killarney for example. She also condemned dumping at the area’s Birdwatch which she revealed, was now a romantic (if not actually a mating) site for humans. She sought a solution to the “unbelievable” overflowing of the toilets at the Front Strand due to vandalism. Finally, a shore in Kilcoran Road was in poor shape also.

Mayor’s Business:

Mayor Sandra McLellan said French town Lamour Plage wished to send a deputation to Youghal to re-energize twinning arrangements. They wish to investigate the possibility of establishing summer camps between teenagers from both towns. She had passed the information to Youghal’s twinning committee.

The Mayor referred to the upcoming Youghal celebrates History conference weekend (Sept 25th-27th) and said it had an outstanding programme of events pertaining to ‘The Blackwater Valley –Historic Houses and Landscapes.’

She also remarked on a conference in Killarney called ‘Getting a Grip’ which will tackle the issue of reducing drug and alcohol related harm. Town Clerk Liam Ryan said he would advise anyone interested in attending on the funding situation.

Mayor McLellan then reminded the council of the impending Team Youghal entry for the Race Around Ireland on behalf of the Emer Casey Foundation. (See elsewhere in this edition for details).

Taking in Charge of Dun na Mara, Youghal:

The Town Clerk said there had been no submissions following newspaper notices and the Council would now proceed with the taking over.

Nomination of Public Representaive To Youghal Community Alert Committee:

Cllr Coyne, nominated by Cllr Revins was appointed. Cllr Beecher declined to be nominated given that he is already treasurer of the group. It will be Cllr Coyne’s official remit to report proceedings back to the Council.

Draft Youghal Town Council ‘Taking in Charge’ Procedure for Private Housing estates Policy Document:

The Town Clerk quickly described the various aspects of the taking in charge procedure contained in the document. Cllr Linehan Foley welcomed the initiative, saying it would educate and inform a lot of people and dispel many misunderstandings regarding the issue. One such example was the misconception that the Council was responsible for council houses on private estates, she cited. She asked how long it usually takes for a Council to take charge and was told it takes “a number of years,” depending on how long until the developer met all the criteria necessary to fulfil his obligations. “Usually if there is a delay, it’s down to the developer,” Mr Ryan said.

Draft Youghal Town Council Tenant’s Handbook 2009:

Mr. Ryan said it was an update of he 2005 handbook and dealt with all aspects of Council tenancy. Cllr Beecher commended the contents.

Youghal Farmers’ Market

The market is seeking to trade at Dolphin’s square on Fridays, the Town Clerk informed the meeting. It emerged that difficulties over insurance issues had decided the organisers to abandon previous intentions to trade on a Tesco owned site adjacent to the supermarket. Mr, Ryan was seeking permission from the members to amend the Casual trading bye-laws prior to accepting a submission to the Council for the market. Cllr Murray was uneasy about the loss of car spaces as was Cllr Revins but the uncertainties were far outweighed by the positives, probably moreso with the recent failure of the ‘Dunnes Stores’ planning application on foot of local objections!! “We are losing shoppers to similar markets in Dungarvan, Lismore and Midleton,” observed Cllr Revins.  Cllr Murray said she could see the lure of greater foot traffic at Dolphin’s Square compared to Barry’s Lane and she gradually rowed in with her approval. Mr Ryan added that if Tesco had a problem in relation to a protected structure then they could concede it to Youghal Town Council and there would be no insurance issues!”

Motions in the name of Cllr. Burke seconded by Cllr. Revins:

a): That Youghal Town Council calls on Cork County Council to freeze the County Demand for 2010 in light of the current national economic difficulties being experienced by al businesses and local authorities; and that this motion be circulated to all local authorities in Cork County”.

b): “That Youghal Town Council calls on our local County Councillors to table a similar motion at Cork County Council”.

Cllr Burke said the annual County Charge paid by Youghal to Cork County Council had risen from to €619,000 in 2006 to €740,000 in 2009. Neither a breakdown of expenditure nor details of how it was calculated were ever forthcoming, he said. He believed no increase could be justified for the coming year in the current economic climate. Cllr Revins said a recent AIMI conference, many town councils expressed similar concerns. Cllr Murray praised the Motion and said she would raise it at County Council level. The Motions were passed unanimously.

Motion in the name of Cllr. Revins seconded by Cllr. Linehan Foley:

“That Youghal Town Council calls on the Minister of Finance outlining the importance of the RAPID area status of Youghal, and ask him not to implement the draconian financial cut backs proposals contained within the McCarthy report. This is in recognition of RAPID’s significant and demonstratable impact on improving service, delivery, support and resources for new and existing projects, community initiatives and local infrastructure”.

There was unanimous concurrence for Cllr Revins’s view that Youghal had benefited enormously from RAPID programmes. Cllr Murray recalled that Youghal originally recoiled from RAPID designation but it had proven to be of enormous benefit. “It’s been an ongoing process and it needs to continue,” she insisted. The Motion was passed unanimously.

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YOUGHAL COMMUNITY HOSPITAL FACING SERVICE CRISIS

By Christy Parker

There was anger and dismay amongst Youghal Town Councillors when Cllr Barbara Murray revealed that a severe reduction in care was impending at Youghal Community Hospital.

The councillor said that staffing shortages at the hospital were set to severely affect front line services. She revealed that five nurses who had left, for various reasons, over the past two years, while two longstanding care attendants will be retiring within weeks. Their replacements are to be taken from a HSE redeployment scheme.

However, to date nobody had applied for the positions. Consequently, the hospital faces having to close St. Coran’s ward, which was refurbished with local funding and has been open less than two years. “This ward has four respite beds which are in constant use by families from Youghal and throughout eat Cork,” she said. “It is often the only place that families can use and know that their loved ones are being well cared for in their local area. It seems our elderly will suffer that a policy made by armchair travelers can be maintained.”

Cllr Murray added that three continuing care beds are also at risk, while all podiatry services are now based in Midleton. “Youghal once had four visits a month, then two days a month and now the service is gone completely,” she said angrily. The councilor said she has a Motion down for the next HSE meeting calling for local matrons to hire own staff in the event of redeployment not being taken up.

Knockanore’s success in building a top quality indoor sports hall continues apace with a donation from Tallow Credit Union marking its initiative. Credit union representatives travelled to Knockanore last weekend to hand over a €2,000 cheque to members of the KGK (Knockanore-Glandine-Kilwatermoy) Sports Committee. Report Christy Parker

Costing €600,000, the hall, adjacent to Knockanore national school, evolved from an aspiration five years ago. Assisted by funding from the National Lottery and Clar, the plan reached fruition when builders Aqualine Ltd., Cappoquin completed construction in Sept 2008, although it was officially opened by MEP Brian Crowley last May. “Phase 1 involved construction, was landscaping, paining and kitting it out to a certain degree,” says KGK Community Sport chairman Mike O’Neill.

School students, local sports bodies and women’s groups have been using the facility for a variety of purposes, including indoor hurling, soccer and general training as well as ladies’ PE classes. Now, Phase 2, with further funding from Waterford Leader Partnership, promises to extend its remit considerably. “We intend to acquire a stage, seating, lighting bar, etc. to make it amenable for drama and the arts,” say Michael. “We’d also hope though that other sports groups, such as volleyball and basketball organisations from within and outside the parish avail of it,” he adds of what he described as “a hall that’s paid for.”

Tallow Credit Union.

At the recent ceremony, Michel acknowledged Tallow Credit Union’s “unwavering commitment and assistance to the communities in its common bond area and thanked them for this most recent donation.

For her part, Tallow Credit Union’s spokeswoman Angela Leahy said it was “an honour and a pleasure to return the compliment to the Knockanore community, who have always supported us.” She added that her organisation was committed to a three-year sponsorship programme and, having “contributed over €250,00 to local groups over the past three years, we want to reassure communities that we are here for them.”

In a brief summary, Angela outlined further enhancements in a credit union that is “going from strength to strength.” She spoke of extended opening hours to include lunch times and the recently launched Credit Union ATM Card. Which “is proving particularly popular with younger people and students.” A new scholarship scheme is imminent for 2010/11, which should alleviate problems associated with the Third Level fees atrocities!

It need hardly be mentioned that Tallow Credit Union, in its 31st year, 300 members, €9,523 in shares and assets of over €19m, continues to provide a wide range of financial services for a particularly rural community. These include lending schemes based on car, baby and farmer requirements –not that all three don’t occur simultaneously either.

Inquiries regarding Knockanore hall: 087- 9675399 (voluntary line -open 7pm—9pm, text messages all other times).

Tallow Credit Union: (058) 56289; www.tallowcu.ie

A gathering of approximately 20 attended The Walter Raleigh on Tuesday September 1st when the Youghal & District Community Alerts resumed its monthly meetings following the August recess. Committee members present were Chairman Mossie Lynch, Treasurer Michael Beecher, Secretary Pa Forrest, Assist Secretary Kay Curtin and Garda Sergeants John Sharkey (PR) and Paul Kennedy.   By Christy Parker

Stastistics:

Recapping the previous six weeks, Sergeant Sharkey said criminal and disorderly activity had, fortunately, been relaively low in the region. The sergeant’s subsequent report summarised garda investigations in the jurisdiction over the past six weeks as follows: Thefts: 11; Fraud: 7; Drugs: 2; Public Order Offences: 11; Drivers Under The Influence: 8; Criminal damage: 17; Burglary: 3; Assaults: 3.
The gardai said that the majority of investigations been successful, with some outstanding incidents likely to be brought to successful conslusions in the coming weeks.

Phone & Tell:

Sergeant Sharkey reiterated that members of the public should never hesitate to alert gardai with regard to  witnessing suspicious behaviour or holding concerns. In fact, he proceeded, on very quiet nights the gardai would probably welcome the diversion!

Mr. Beecher remarked on the incidences of underage drinking and mentioned specific areas of town where the problem appeared to particularly manifest. Sergeant Sharkey said it would be impractical to mount surveillance programmes in these or other areas but repeated the importance of reporting illegal behaviour. “We will respond to every call and while sometimes culprits may be gone, on the balance of probabalities we will catch them a lot of the time,” he assured.

Community Be Alert:

Chairman Mossy Lynch told the gathering that “community alert is not just about all present here, but should be about the town as a whole.” He urged that “everyone should alert within their community.” Mr. Lynch floated the idea of one or two people in different areas being the focal point of community alertness on their own and others’ behalfs. However, it was deemed that it might overburden such individuals, not to mention compromise their lives generally and it was agreed that the community alert movement is progressing satisfactorily as it is. It was also observed that resident’s networks have a vital role to play in community protection.

Halloween

Responding to a query from the floor, Sergeant Sharkey said there would be “significant resources” deployed to meet the now depressingly anticipated social disruptions attached ot Halloween night. It was put to the gardai that the town was insufficiently policed last Halloween when particularly violent and disruptive incidents evolved. Ironically, that night sparked increased interest in the Community Alert project and strengthened the resolve of the townspeople against social disruption.

General community policing

The gardai have no plans to allocate individual gardai to particular areas, Sergeant Sharkey said. He said the system, which operates in some towns, including Cobh, has inherent flaws in that should a garda be absent, for example, incidents on his ‘patch’ might suffer poor response. Also a garda in one area might carry a far greater workload then others, he explained. The sergeant said that as a rule the garda that responed to a call would deal with the matter thereafter.

Alarms, CCTV, invitations, funds, bus and schools

The meeting heard that recession-rleated funding shortage is delaying the processing of house alarm application forms. It had been mooted earlier in the year that the funding which was frozen pending a procedure reassesment, woud be resumed from September 1st. However, further news had as yet not been forthcoming. The forms remain in the garda station, with further applications welcomed.

The sergeant said a meeting with the relevant Rapid co-ordinator regarding the application for CCTV funding for the town was imminent. He said it took a lot of research and time to acquire an accurate pre-tender estimate. He said the application could now proceed but that funding again was a likely impediment.

Treasurer Michael Beecher confirmed that letters had been issued to the council and the Chamber of Commerce formally inviting them each to appoint a representative to attend Community Alert meetings. It was noted that in particular Mayor Sandra McLellan, Cllr Michelle Hennesssy and Cllr Beecher were regular particpants anyway.

Mr. Beecher said the Community Alert group had raised almost €800 through the July church gate collections. Following some suggestions and a short discussion on how best to disperse the money, it was agreed that it would best be spent on a “community–based” project rather than administered to benefit individuals, with an information session incorporated. Further discussion will ensue.

Mr. Beecher referred to a pilot community bus scheme being managed by the Youghal Transport Group. The group, of which he is treasurer, intends to purchase a bus designed specifically with elderly and disabled in mind. South & East Cork Area Development (SECAD) had provided €4,500 funding. He said it was necessary to be a group committee member to avail of the service and new members are now being sought. Meanwhile the project (though not the bus hopefully) was about to get “off the ground,” and would soon go to tender.

Sergeant Sharkey agreed with a view from the floor that a Community Alert representative/s should endeavour to visit Pobalscoil na Trionoide, particlarly perhaps transition year. He said a visit need not specifically regard Community Alert business but that it could be included within it.

Drugs Awareness Week, which runs from the 5th to the 9th of October, will see the Youghal Community Drugs Initiative, in conjunction with Foróige, host two evenings to help public awareness with all aspects of drug and alcohol mis-use. Report: Michael Twomey

Development Worker for the Southern Regional Drugs Task Force (SRDTF), Gordon Kingsley explained. “There will be different activities within 8 towns in the region. These activities will involve information evenings, workshops, launching of projects, and will involve family members highlighting work they have done,” he said.
Part of the awareness week will also see the local agency try to raise its profile in a town that has a growing drug problem, while highlighting the role the SRDTF can play in affecting positive change.
The Youghal project will hold information evenings on the specific work of the project in various locations throughout the town. This will include information around substance misuse and the developments within the project. There will be two evenings; Monday 5th at the Holy Family church hall and Wednesday 7th Oct. at Nagle House, South Abbey, Youghal. Both events start at 8pm. and are open to the general public.

A piece of work developed by the family support group will be on display. This work highlights how the person, family and wider community are affected by drugs and alcohol. The piece will be on display at the Southern Regional Drugs taskforce conference in conjunction with Kerry-life education on the 8th of Oct in Killarney called the ‘Getting A Grip Conference’.
Meanwhile, in Colbh, the Cobh community drugs Initiative and the local management group will present the findings of an internal evaluation of the project to the wider community on Tuesday 6th 0ct 2009 at 7.30pm. The YMCA building on main street Cobh will host the event and it is open to the general public. A formal launch of the project will happen on the evening with various speakers having an input with information on other developments that are currently in the pipeline.

For further information in Youghal contact Eric Trihy Youghal community Drugs worker on 086-3842183 and for Cobh contact Cobh Drugs worker Gemma Turner on 086-8283760