The children from the Parklands, Youghal, celebrate their first Halloween 2009 with trick-or-treating and wearing their scary costumes

“Taken to Youghal on 31st October 1602, he was marched by a troop of soldiers through the streets to the place of execution”
Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com  Email news@youghalonline.com

Blessed Dominic Collins (1566-1602) Irish martyr, Jesuit brother
When the Desmond Rebellion was put down in 1583, Dominic Collins of Youghal became a professional soldier in the Catholic armies of Europe. Ten years later he joined the Jesuits in Santiago de Compostela. Sent back to Ireland in 1601 as a companion to Fr James Archer SJ with the Spaniards going to Kinsale, he was eventually captured and put to death for his faith. Patrick Duffy tells his story.

Early life: a soldier of fortune
Dominic Collins was born into a leading Catholic family in Youghal, Co Cork in 1566. Both his father and his brother served as mayor in the town.and he may have attended the Jesuit school set up in the town in 1577.
The local people recognised Elizabeth as Queen, but did not want Anglicanism as the new religion. So when the Desmond Rebellion was crushed (1583), there was little else for a young Catholic man of ambition to do but to seek a career on the continent. Sailing to France, Dominic enlisted in the Catholic army of the Duke of Mercoeur and quickly became a military governor. He later transferred to the Spanish army and was in the garrison at La Coruña.

Joins the Jesuits
Here in 1598 he met the Jesuit priest, Father Thomas White from Clonmel, who had earlier founded the Irish College at Salamanca and had come to La Coruña to hear the confessions of Irish soldiers during Lent. Dominic confided in Fr White his intention of joining the Jesuits. Fr White explained the difficulties of studies for the priesthood. Dominic said was happy to be a Jesuit brother.
The Jesuits were reluctant to accept him, feeling that a battle-hardened soldier would not settle into religious life, but Dominic persevered and was admitted to the novitiate in Santiago de Compostela. Here he proved his mettle when the Jesuit College was struck by a plague. Dominic tended the victims, nursing some of them back to health and comforting the others in their last hours.
A report sent to Rome at this time describes him as a man of sound judgment and great physical strength, mature, prudent and sociable, though inclined to be hot-tempered and obstinate.

Battle of Kinsale
At this time Ireland was in turmoil. O’Neill and O’Donnell had revolted in Ulster and in 1601 King Philip III of Spain decided to send an army to help them. An Irish Jesuit, Father James Archer, who was acting as O’Neill’s envoy with Rome and Spain, asked that Dominic, who knew the needs of soldiers, be sent with him to Ireland.

Siege of Dunboy Castle
After the shock defeat of the Irish and the Spanish at the Battle of Kinsale, Fr Archer went back to Spain. Dominic went with O’Sullivan Beare’s men to the Beara peninsula and was along with a group of 143 soldiers under the command of Richard McGeoghegan, who took refuge inside Dunboy Castle. This was a small square fortress on the mainland overlooking Beare Island. Here Lord Carew, the president of Munster and an army of 4,000 soldiers besieged them for several months.
During the siege, Dominic, though a veteran of many battles, could not as a religious take part in the fighting, but he could and did give bodily and spiritual assistance to the wounded and the dying. Knowing too how keen Carew would be to capture a Jesuit, he thought that by handing himself over as a hostage he could negotiate an honourable cease-fire. But Carew refused any negotiations and the besieged surrendered. Carew ordered Dominic and two others to be kept prisoners while the rest were hanged in the market-place, fifty-eight on that day, and the remaining twelve four days later. A plaque on the ruins of Dunboy Castle today commemorates their brave struggle.

Interrogation and torture
The three surviving prisoners were brought to Cork for interrogation. As the other two had little to reveal, they were soon executed. But Carew interrogated Collins, hoping he could persuade him to become a Protestant and thus gain a propaganda victory.  He alternately tortured Dominic and made him primises of preferment to high ecclesiastical office. Some of Dominic’s own family visited him, urging him to save his life by pretending a conversion which he could afterwards repudiate. But Dominic would have none of it, and clearly made a choice of a martyr’s death.
Martyrdom
Taken to Youghal on 31st October 1602, he was marched by a troop of soldiers through the streets to the place of execution – the first time he had seen his home town in fifteen years. He wore his black Jesuit gown and addressed the crowd in Spanish, Irish and English, cheerfully telling them that he had come to Ireland to defend the faith of the Holy Roman Church, the one true path to salvation. So moved were the crowd that the hangman fled and a passing fisherman was forced to do the job.
Influence
Left hanging on the gallows, the rope eventually broke and Dominic’s body fell to the ground. Under cover of darkness, local Catholics took his body away and buried him with respect in a secret place. From that day he was venerated as a martyr in Youghal and his fame quickly spread throughout Ireland and Europe. In the Irish Colleges of Douai and Salamanca the Jesuits showed his portrait and many favours and cures were attributed to his intercession.
Although used to the rough life of the army camp, Dominic always kept a strange innocence and gentleness. He is one of the most attractive of all the Irish martyrs.

Information courtesy www.catholicireland.net

The Hot Spot Youth Music Group is searching for fun, energetic, music passionate adults who would like to volunteer with their Youth Music Night.              Email news@youghalonline.com

The Music Night is run every Thursday evening from 7pm-9:30pm at the Hot Spot Youth Cafe, Nagle House, South Abbey. The Music Night which is organised by Bobby Lee and Steven Whelan encourages young people to learn different forms of music, compose their own songs and get involved in public performances.

If you are an adult musician who would be interested in getting involved in this hugely worthwhile project then please contact Nicola on 086 1702347 or call down to the music night have experience the buzz for yourself. Rock On!!

November 9 – 14 2009

Anne Frank and Me, directed by Marion Wyatt.

“A play that deserves to be seen.  The impact is powerful.”

Matinees 11 a.m. Tuesday – Friday, tickets €10;

Monday– Saturday evening at 8 p.m.  Tickets €25/€20.  €10
students every night.

For booking, please contact the box office, 021
4501673, Everyman Palace Theatre, 15 MacCurtain Street, Cork.

Youghal gardai are keen for parents to be particularly aware of their children’s whereabouts and intentions over the coming Halloween. Speaking on the station’s weekly CRY report, Garda Peter Queally recalled that last year was a particularly disruptive and depressing Halloween in east Cork and asked parents to understand the potential for problem, whether through peer pressure or personal intent. He also reassured that extra garda resources would be deployed throughout the region. Report: Christy Parker   Email: news@youghalonline.com

EGGS

Garda Queally also requested retailers to be alert for signs of intended disruption, such as a sudden increase young people purchasing eggs  “They are unlikely to be baking cakes!” he suggested ruefully, adding that, “throwing eggs, even against a hard surface like a wall is deemed a criminal offence of defacing property.” The garda’s concern coincides with a report that Tesco’s in Youghal and Midleton had decided, almost unbelievably, to locate their eggs near the stores’ entrances, at €1 per ½ dozen. Given the time of year, there are those who would consider the initiative more cynically opportunistic than coincidental.

FIREWORKS

The radio report also outlined firework offences related to Halloween. Possessing unlicensed (bought from unlicensed dealers) fireworks carries a fine of up to €10,000 and/or five years imprisonment. Similar penalties apply for throwing an unlicensed firework or having possession with intent to supply. Types of firework thus considered include loud Black Cats, whereas such as Sparklers are normally licensed for sale.

While it is not an offence to conduct firework display in one’s garden, it may be offensive, Garda Queally explained. He recommended that people consult with their neighbours or consider possible disruption to them, especially regarding the welfare of small children who maybe sleeping, or possibly pet animal concerns, before dispatching fireworks.

ALCOHOL

Garda Queally rounded off the Halloween agenda by submitting that Halloween partying on the beach was not illegal but the same didn’t apply to consuming alcohol there simultaneously. That in turn prompted him to remind parents to check also on their offspring’s activities during this week of school holidays. “We have a serious underage drinking problem,” he explained.

GARDA PATROLS

The spokesman then addressed an unfortunate misconception regarding garda patrols. “Recently,” he said, ‘some elderly people have called to the station seeking reassurance of Garda presence or even reporting suspicious disturbances in the vicinity of their homes late at night. Some callers mistakenly believed that, with the station closed overnight, Youghal gardai are dispersed to Midleton. “That’s not the case. In fact, we have extra resources on patrol in town because the station is unmanned,” reassured Garda Queally. “And if someone rings us, the phone will be answered in Midleton and a message relayed to us immediately.”

Garda Queally also reported that a woman declined to ring the gardai on a Saturday night because she was afraid they’d be too busy. “We are never too busy for a call. We have the resources,” he said.

CRIME

From a quiet week previous, there were two particular incidents recalled. A burglary at the Walter Raleigh resulted in a fast arrest, with the alleged culprit due to appear before Youghal’s November court sitting.

On October 17th, between 8 and 10 pm, damage was caused to property at the new St. Raphael’s building. Garda Queally said CCTV footage was quite good and several youths may be identified in due course. However, he said gardai are also eager for any information on the incident, with full confidence assured. He repeated the possible consequences arising from of arrest for such incidents. “You only get one or two chances at the Juvenile Diversion programme before court appearances ensue. A conviction there stays with your for a long time and can badly affect job and travel prospects,” he concluded. Youghal gardai can be contacted on (024) 92200.

Castlemartyr Resort, which is part of the Dromoland Group, is located on breathtaking grounds just off the N25 in the village of Castlemartyr. The 5 Star hotel was invited to take part in the recent Midleton Food Fair.  They served food to the adults and had a special area for the children, inviting them to ice their own fairy cakes.  The stand proved very popular on the day and by 2pm they were sold out.  The decision was made to support a local charity and all proceeds taken on the day were donated to Ballycotton lifeboat. On Thursday evening last, 29 October, a cheque for €700 was presented by Mr. Andrew Phelan, Hotel General Manager, to the Chairman of the Ballycotton lifeboat fundraising committee, Ms. Fiona Flynn.

Ms. Flynn thanked Mr. Phelan and the Castlemartyr Resort for their kind donation.  She explained they are constantly looking for new ideas to raise funds for this important charity and would hope to be in touch early next year to discuss a possible fundraising event at the Resort.

The Irish Canon (abridged) 10 plays, 70 characters, 3 actors, 1 hour
BACK WITH A BANG!
At the Half Moon Theatre, Cork

The Irish Canon had a hugely successful summer run in the Half Moon Theatre, Cork Midsummer Festival’s Spiegeltent, and at Spraoi in the Park, Waterford. Now it returns with a bang for those of you who missed it!

Three actors hurtle through ten of the most famous Irish plays ever written whipping through over 70 characters in a show that’s crammed with culture, comedy and hilarious hysterics.

In a jam-packed hour, the Half Moon stage will come alive with Irish figures who have dominated theatrical circles for over a century. Cathleen Ni Houlihan, Christy Mahon, Bessie Burgess, the Bull Maccabe and many more grace the stage in quick succession, running breathlessly through iconic Irish theatre of over one hundred years, unfurling into comic chaos.

Completely and unashamedly abridged, watch The Irish Canon, flash before your eyes dragging Irish plays kicking and screaming into the future. This multi-headed parody is filled with oodles of imagination and a knock-about sense of fun, it’s a rip-roaring improvisational hour of theatre!

It’s back, it’s bigger and better than ever and it’s most certainly not to be missed!
“An engaging successful piece of comedy” – Irish Examiner

Tickets: €12*

Tue 27 – Sat 31 Oct, 8.30pm
At the Half Moon Theatre

The 1,500 ton ship the Fingal is pictured being loaded with wood products. John Walsh from the Youghal Shipping Company said that this is the “first export of this type in many a year to leave Youghal Harbour”.
Photo: Michael Hussey Email news@youghalonline.com

The wood logs are first shipped to Youghal from Scotland. They are then trucked to the Glennon Brothers plants in Fermoy and Longford for the timber processing operation. The Glennon Brothers supply both the Irish and UK markets with products for the construction, pallet wood and fencing industries.  However this shipment is set to sail to France.

Up to recently ships like the Red Duchess could be seen sailing into Youghal Harbour full with these wood logs. Victor McDermott the crane operator loads the ship with the help of Barry Clohessy from Youghal Shipping. The yellow pilot boat guided the ship to the outer harbour where she The ship set sail to France at high tide last night (Tue. 27th Oct. 2009)
Click on image to enlarge

HALLOWE’EN night in Youghal promises more treats than tricks this year when Grayson launches his debut album with a special gig in the Gate Bar. Hailing from Australia, the tall likeable singer songwriter has made Youghal his home for the last couple of years. He’s recorded an album in the local Claycastle studio and used the town as a base for touring Ireland and Europe. Report: Eanna Dowling Email: news@youghalonline.com

The debut single from the album “Stand Clear” was released on October 23. It’s a tribute to the legendary Bus Eireann announcement when the automatic doors open – “Stand Clear, luggage doors are operating”. Funny and catchy, “Stand Clear” has all the makings of a classic. Already it has received critical acclaim from the music industry and you will be hearing it on your radio. Grayson has been seen chasing buses all over the place making a video for the song.

Grayson has toured Ireland supporting Aslan and been all over Europe performing solo. He played in 14 different countries and made many radio appearances. One of the highlights came when Ray Heffernan, the man who wrote Robbie William’s Angel, invited him to open a show in Arona, Italy. Ray saw Grayson on Youtube singing an original song “Change” and immediately made contact and offered him the show.

No stranger to TV, Grayson has appeared on Balcony TV, the quirky hit internet phenomenon. It started in Dublin’s Dame Street with artists playing an acoustic song on a balcony overlooking the traffic. The idea caught on and spread to other cities and in December Grayson will become the first artist to play on all of the Balcony TVs in the world when he performs on London’s version.

Grayson’s debut album “Somewhere In The Night” features his pop/rock songs and is out now. He released an ep in Australia in 2007 which got a lot of radio play and led him to be nominated for Musician of the Year at the ABC Newcastle Music Awards. But this is his first album proper and he’s honed his songwriting and found the right production to highlight his powerful emotive vocals.

Grayson has thoroughly enjoyed his time in Youghal but early next year he will head home to Australia. Numerous festivals and media appearances await his return and he’s thrilled to be bringing his new songs on a well-produced album with him. He’ll be back this way in 2011.

Hopes are high locally in Youghal that “Stand Clear” will be all over the national airwaves and become a hit. You can witness the launch of the album at the Gate on Hallow’en night, Saturday October 31st 10:30, when Grayson plays with a full band.

http://www.myspace.com/graysonau

Stand Clear released on October 23 -
Text music 4078 to 57501 to download and help chart the song!!!!

Somewhere In The Night – available from online outlets and at the launch gig.

“Stand Clear” – Grayson’s track out now

Bus Eireann customers will be queuing up to download Youghal based Grayson’s debut single “Stand Clear”. This bright slice of pop rock perfection tells the story of the singer and a girl on a bus getting to know each other but having their moments interrupted every time the bus stops by the announcement of “Stand Clear – Luggage Doors are Operating”.

Grayson’s about as far from home as an Australian can get, but he’s recorded a gem of a track in Youghal and is optimistic about it doing well. He’s been chasing buses all over the place to make a video for “Stand Clear” which will soon be online.

“Stand Clear” is the first single off Grayson’s debut album, “Somewhere In The Night”. The album will be launched at a Hallowe’en night gig in The Gate, Youghal. He also plays Crane Lane in Cork City on Friday November 6.

http://www.myspace.com/graysonau

Stand Clear released on October 23
Text music 4078 to 57501 to download and help chart the song!!!!

Statement by Cllr. Donie Daly – Labour Councillor for Youghal

The government’s proposal for a cut of €1.3bn in the Social Welfare Budget would devastate the social welfare system, lead to greater inequality in Irish life and plunge those who are already on the lowest of incomes into an even deeper well of poverty.

The Labour Party acknowledges the burden on the national finances created by the increase in the social welfare budget over recent years, but the most effective way to reduce the bill is to get people back to work.

A reduction of €1.3bn in the social welfare budget could not be achieved without cutting some or all basic social welfare rates.

A cut of €1.3bn would represent a reduction of around 6% in the overall social welfare budget. If this were to be applied across the board, it would bring the basic rate of jobseekers allowance down to a little over €192 per week.

Those who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own and those who have worked all their lives and are now on pension, should not be required to pay the price for the recklessness of bankers and for Fianna Fail’s mismanagement of the economy over the past twelve years.

Throughout the past year the mantra from Brian Cowen, Brian Lenihan and others in Fianna Fail has been that “We are all in this together, and that we will all have to share the burden”. However, it is clear from statements of the Taoiseach and the Minister for Finance that the three sectors that are the key targets are – those on social welfare; those who work in the public service; and those who depend on public services.

In last year’s budget Mr. Lenihan spurned the opportunity to raise significant additional revenue by closing the massive tax reliefs available to the super wealthy and ending the scandal of tax exiles.

All the signs are that Fianna Fail will again opt to make their primary targets ordinary workers and those on social welfare.

For more information, contact Cllr. Donie Daly (086) 8103886

STATEMENT BY COUNCILLOR DONIE DALY

Labour Councillor for Youghal
Friday, 23 rd  Oct. 2009