Youghal Town Councillor Donie Daly surprised his council colleagues at October’s meeting when he chastised them for conducting “full-blown conversations” while council officials were addressing the room. The Labour representative, in his inaugural term, said he didn’t mind whispering but the behaviour of councillors who engaged in loud conversation while the Mayor, Town Clerk or Town Manager were speaking was “rude and ignorant.” He called for cessation for future meetings.
By Christy Parker

Ladles, spoons, stirrers, spreaders, spades, forks and shovels.

Youghal based artist Martha Cashman sculptural works are on show in the Castlemartyr Resort Hotel, Castlemartyr, Co. Cork. The exhibition opens Fri Oct 23rd until Dec in conjunction with the Jazz fringe fest being held at the hotel for the weekend.
Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com  E Mail: news@youghalonline.com

The domestic table settings and garden tools that help to put food on our tables continues to be a focal point and inspiration for my work, the evolution of the spoon-like implements that aid eating and serving, as sets, pairs and place settings we use on a daily basis cease to fascinate me.

We use these tools at least three times a day, yet we rarely think of how they came into being in terms of shape size and materials they are made of, we were eating with our hands up to the Middle Ages, the development of the eating utensil is an interesting story. Coastal peoples had access to an abundance of shells; a stick fastened to the shell allowed for a multipurpose tool, farmers used the hollow horns of sheep and goats as a vessel for liquid thus began the development of the spoon.

The pieces I create serve as forms of personal narrative, from memories of a rural upbringing, a collection of non functional, sculptural tools using mixed media, porcelain with bright lustres, with wire and wood.

Works are on show in Castlemartyr Resort Hotel, Castlemartyr, Co. Cork, opens Fri Oct 23rd until Dec in conjunction with the Jazz fringe fest being held at the hotel for the weekend.

Minister for Lifelong Learning, Seán Haughey TD, today (Tue 13th Oct. 2009) in the Clock Tower  Conference Centre  in  the  Department of Education  and Science , Dublin launched groundbreaking new guidance on sexual orientation for second level schools.

Launching the Resource Minister Haughey said ‘I am delighted to launch this important resource which represents the culmination of a lot of hard work by all concerned and has had the committed involvement of all the education partners. It will be of very significant practical assistance to Principals and Schools Leaders”.

The Guidance for second-level School Principals produced by the Department and GLEN (Gay and Lesbian Equality Network) is the first comprehensive guidance for schools on sexual orientation issues that has the backing of all the education partners. It supports schools in tackling homophobic bullying and in providing a safe and supportive environment for lesbian, gay and bisexual students. It is intended to be used by School Principals to implement measures such as creating opportunities to have positive visibility of LGB students and developing zero-tolerance policies on homophobic bullying in their Schools.

Sandra Gowran, Director of Education Policy at GLEN said “this guide is a major step forward for schools. It will benefit all second level school goers, especially those who may be lesbian, gay or bisexual, by creating environments in schools that are more accepting of difference and diversity.”

“Our schools have always played an important role in transmitting our values as a society to all students. These values include respect for diversity and acceptance and celebration of difference”, said Minister Haughey. The 21st century school is one that is safe and supportive of all students, including lesbian gay and bisexual students. As with all bullying in schools, homophobic bullying is unacceptable and a whole-school approach is required to ensure that lesbian, gay and bisexual students are safe and supported and achieve their full educational and personal potential.

Recognising the breakthrough importance of the engagement of all Education Partners on this issue for the first time, Sandra Gowran commented “All the Education Partners (Management Bodies, Teachers Unions, Principals Bodies and Teachers Unions) are aware of the prevalence of homophobic bullying and its impact on LGB students. Recognising the seriousness of the issue, the Partners are supporting the development and implementation of the Guidance. This is a most welcome and progressive development.”

Clive Byrne, Director of the Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD), speaking in advance of the launch said “This is a very important and valuable resource which will be welcomed wholeheartedly by Principals and Deputy Principals up and down the country. The NAPD is committed to supporting our members in addressing the serious issue of homophobic bullying and in providing safe and supportive schools for all students”

Minister Haughey concluded “A partnership approach is vital to the achievement of a successful outcome to this project and I would like to confirm the continuing support of my Department to this important agenda. I look forward to continued collaboration with GLEN and the education partners in the future”.

For Further Information, contact:

Sandra Gowran      Director of Education Policy, GLEN      (087) 7960615 or
Brian Sheehan        Director, GLEN                                            (086) 2330417

GLEN – Gay and Lesbian Equality Network,
Fumbally Court, Fumbally Lane, Dublin 8
E: info@glen.ie; W: www.glen.ie  T: +353 1 4730563

The Minister for Education and Science, Batt O’Keeffe TD, today explained to Fine Gael’s education spokesman the commitment under the new Programme for Government to increase funding to schools.
Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com   E Mail news@youghalonline.com

Minister O’Keeffe said: ‘For the second day running, Brian Hayes is confused so let me explain to him what’s happening in Government.
‘I’ve already secured an increase in capitation – money used for the day-to-day running of a school – of €20 million this year.
‘I want to make capitation the main funding mechanism for schools so that they have flexibility and autonomy in how they use their funding to meet the needs of the school community.
‘Now, the new Programme for Government commits to further increasing capitation funding to provide for needs such as book rental schemes and curricular activity.
‘The precise level of support will be considered in the context of the upcoming estimates process and the Budget.
‘I’ve said to management bodies that I want to work with them to minimise the administrative burden on schools.
‘I’ll be consulting with school management bodies about the arrangements for the consolidated grants to issue to schools on foot of the new Programme for Government commitment.’

Benefit race night for Youghal Rugby Club at Youghal Greyhound Track.

The benefit night is a fundraiser for underage rugby in the club where over 200 juvenile players from U-8 up to U- 19 play:
The fundraiser is on Friday 30th October 2009. Tickets are €10 available from club members.
The ticket also gives admission to a disco at the clubhouse afterwards.

A MOCK EMERGENCY EXERCISE, organised by Youghal Coastguard, and involving Youghal Fire Service, HSE Ambulance Service, Youghal Coastguard and the Search & Rescue helicopter from Waterford, EI-SAR, took place at Pilmore on Sunday 11th October 2009.
Report: Denis O’Flynn  Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com
E Mail news@youghalonline.com   or  info@youghalonline.com

The exercise involved a car leaving the road, crashing through a fence and ending up precariously close to the shoreline at Pilmore. Having received an emergency call from a member of the public, Youghal Coastguard – led by Mike Lee, Officer-in-Charge – were first on the scene and, having surveyed the scene, set in motion the response from the other emergency services.

The scene showed a crashed car with its roof partly caved in and a driver and front seat passenger seemingly seriously injured. Youghal Fire Service, headed by Tommy Roche, Youghal Station Officer rushed two tenders to the scene with cutting equipment and Youghal Ambulance Service also promptly made their way to the scene with HSE Paramedics.

Youghal Fire Service proceeded to use cutting equipment to help release the driver, who was the more seriously injured of the two in the car. As this was being done, the HSE Paramedics and the Fire Service First Responders were attempting to stabilise both the driver and passenger. Such was the seriousness of the injuries sustained by the driver, including head and spinal injuries, the Coastguard tasked the Waterford based helicopter, EI-SAR, to attend the scene and airlift the injured party to the local casualty hospital.

The arrival of EI-SAR coincided with the successful release of the driver who was then given further medical aid on the ground in preparation for his airlift. A member of the helicopter crew, who is also a Paramedic, assessed the patient and oversaw him being transferred to the helicopter by members of Youghal Coastguard. Having secured the injured party in the helicopter and adding an extra HSE Paramedic, EI-SAR took off on route to the hospital.

Meanwhile the Fire Service and HSE medical staff was continuing to deal with the injured passenger, which necessitated the cutting off of the roof of the car to enable the Paramedics put the passenger on a spinal board as well. Having stabilised the patient, he was transferred to the HSE Ambulance and rushed to the Casualty Department of the local hospital.

This exercise showed the professionalism of the local rescue services in the manner in which they carried out this duties and work side by side in an emergency situation. The whole exercise was filmed by an RTE Television crew for a series of programmes on the Irish Coastguard Service nationwide which will be shown in the New Year.

The local Youghal Coastguard Unit would like to thank St. Ita’s GAA Club for the use of their grounds in Pilmore which facilitated the landing of the Search & Rescue helicopter.
Click on image (allow a few seconds to load) to see the Youghal Emergency Responders in action in the Mock Exercise filmed for RTE’s new series to be screened in next year

Two Lismore men have launched an advisory book for the property market in which they replace the jargon of the real estate world with plain English. ‘PROPERTY: The 100 best ways to BUY AND SELL’ is a slim-sized, illustrated collection of wisdom and information garnered through experience by two Ken’s – Madden and Buggy. Report: Christy Parker

In their inaugural publication, estate agent Madden draws on his trade experience to impart his easy-to-follow advice. His partner-in-prose, ex-hotelier and restaurant owner Buggy brings a personal perspective from the other side of the counter and also provides humorous, hand-drawn illustrations to accompany each nugget of knowledge. “Most property books on market are very formal, in terms of layout and information, “ says Ken Madden. “We are presenting 100 tips and pieces of advice in a way that’s easy to understand and enjoyable to read. More importantly, I believe they can bring a good return to the reader.”

From a selling perspective, since entering the business in 2004, the Ken Madden -also a Lismore town councillor- has contemplated many simple, inexpensive initiatives that could enhance property or prove useful in negotiating terms with buyers. “For example, presentation is vital,” he says. “Its not always easy to present property in show house condition, especially if you have a young family or pets, but for a relatively small outlay you can make a huge difference by painting the front of the house, or putting down new carpet, or doing some landscaping. This will hasten a sale and increase the value simultaneously.”

Conversely, the book advises buyers that “ some sellers paint their homes in advance…..look out for paintwork that’s covering up damp patches.” Madden Ken considers the buyer’s perspective further: “There are many considerations. Know what you want –town or country, a modern or a ‘character’ dwelling, two or more bedrooms, etc, etc.” (One illustration in the book depicts a fox asking, pertinently, “Have you anything on a chicken estate?!”)

Furthermore, says the councillor-turned writer, “Look carefully at property and location and decide if it’s suitable for future needs, such as a home for a future family. Think of the running costs and ask if it is a modern, well-insulated house that perhaps has cost-saving features like pellet boilers or special glazing.”

He adds, “The administration aspect is important too. I’d advise securing the loan for a property from a bank in advance. You go up enormously in the seller’s mind if you can say definitely you have finance proven.”

Self-acclaimed, “the only property book of its type in the known world,” much of the direction given is purely common sense. Buying in an up-and-coming area, viewing property in various weather conditions, ventilating your house of cooking smells before potential buyers arrive, inquiring of local facilities and checking for quality finishes around baths and showers seems obvious enough. However, “people often forget the most obvious things when the emotions connected with buying or selling take over,” as Ken (Madden) observes.

Published by Book Republic, ‘PROPERTY: The 100 best ways to BUY AND SELL’ is an uplifting read even if one never has cause to flirt with the property market. Soon to be available nation wide, it is presently available locally in Lismore, from Eason’s in Dungarvan, on amazon.co.uk and at 100bestways.com. Price: €9.99

As the sun makes a rather belated appearance for what remains of the summer pupils and staff of Knockanore National School in west Waterford returned to start a fresh new year. With the departure of last year’s 6th class pupils and the addition of 15 junior infants the school now has 95 pupils attending each day.

With this fresh start the Parents council held their AGM on 23rd September during which the past officers stood down after their very successful 2 year term. This made way for a new set of officers to be appointed for the next 2 years. Principle Eleanor Ronayne presided over the election of the new officers. Voted in were Eileen McCarthy-Thompson as Chair, Brigid Hunt as Treasurer, Aine Ormond as Secretary and Amanda Hogan as PRO. The new officers wish to thank the past officers for all their hard work and for making the transition so smooth and efficient.

Knockanore N.S. has launched the new text-a-parent scheme. The school has compiled a log of all parents mobile phone numbers and is now able to inform parents of up and coming events and important dates. The system is running well and “everyone is getting the message.” Not only does this resolve the problem of lost notes but it is cutting the school’s photocopying budget and doing their bit for the environment by cutting down on paper usage.

Up and coming events-

Bag Packing in Tesco – On 23rd and 24th October shoppers in Tesco Youghal will be able to avail of a bag packing service. As this is to be one of the busiest weekends of the year being a Bank holiday and the start of the half term break a number of parents will be on hand to help during this busy time. Labeled buckets will be found at each manned till and all donations are very gratefully received.

Guest Speakers- The parents Council are currently arranging for a number of speakers to give evening talks on a variety of topics including Child Safety and Internet Safety among others. Watch this space for more details.

Email- For anyone who would like to find out more information about the Knockanore N.S. Parents Council we now have a dedicated email address- knockanoreNSPA@gmail.com

The I.F.S.A. All Ireland Master Angler Shore Championship 2009 was held in Youghal on Sat 10th and Sun. 11 October 2009. It is the most prestigious event in the shore angling calendar.  The annual event is held in a different province each year and the winner goes on to represent Ireland in the World Championship. The awards ceremony took in The Walter Raleigh Hotel, Youghal.
Photo: Barry Lawlor Photography Youghal E Mail info@lawlorimaging.com
Send your news story to E Mail news@youghalonline.com

This year the competition was held over two days comprising three sessions,
On Sat 10th Oct. from 9.00am – 1.00pm at Youghal Strand ; from 5.00pm – 9.00pm at Garryvoe and on Sun 11th Oct at The Slob Bank Youghal. Catches were good with 14 different species being caught, including two specimen painted ray caught by Mick Maher at Garryvoe. The entire event was covered for C.R.Y. by Kieran Kidney.

High quality images of this event may be obtained from Photo: Barry Lawlor Photography Youghal E Mail info@lawlorimaging.com

Congratulations to actress/playwright Elizabeth Moynihan formely of Grattan St. Youghal, who has been nominated for best radio play the “Cider Queens” at the annual ZeBBies Awards  2009. The ceremony will take place at the Sugar Club in Dublin. The two-part play first aired on RTE Radio 1 Sunday Playhouse last April 2009. Report: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com

The “Cider Queens” a poignant two-part radio play, explores the interlocking lives of three young women in the small-town tedium of 1970s Ireland. A bittersweet Showband soundtrack from the period, all platform shoes and glad-rag Glam rock, brightens an otherwise astringent study of public houses and private violence. The play featured Norma Sheahan, Dawn Bradfield and Jessica Regan.
The awards take place on the Thursday the 26th of Nov. 2009 and Elizabeth’s play is down to the last three in her category.

ZEBBIES LIST OF QUALIFYING SCRIPTS 2008 — 2009

The RADIO list below consists of projects for the stage and screen in Ireland each of which was premiered in Ireland between 1st July 2008 and 30th June 2009, and was written by an Irish writer or a writer normally resident in Ireland.

RADIO Category
10! 9! 8! 7! 6! 7! 8! 9! 10!     Kevin Gildea     RTÉ
Across the Narrow Water (Part 1)     Tom Kelly     BBC7
Across the Narrow Water (Part 2)     Tom Kelly     BBC7
Ainglaíocht     Frainc O Murchadha     RTÉ
Avenues of Eternal Peace     Lucy Caldwell     BBC4
Bogboy     Deirdre Kinahan     RTÉ
Cider Queens     Elizabeth Moynihan     RTÉ
Dead Sea Salt Bake     Hilary Fannin     RTÉ
Dignity     Laura McDaid     BBC4
Echoes of War     Gary Mitchell     BBC3
Honeymooners at 3.3.5pm     Joe O’Byrne     RTÉ
I’m From Here     Billy Roche     RTÉ
Lullaby     Francis Turnly     BBC7
Marrying Dad     Gina Moxley     RTÉ
Níl Tú Ag Siúl Amach le lead ón Northside     Brían O Tiomáin     RTÉ
No Going Back     Ron Hutchinson     BBC4
Numb     Eugene O’Brien     RTÉ
Past Imperfect     Lee Gallaher     RTÉ
Point of Departure     Francis Turnly     BBC4
Rosanna, Night Walker     Martin Malone     RTÉ
Smoke And Daggers     Hugh Costello     BBC4
Swimming Around Ireland     Martin Meenan     BBC4
The Crane     Joe O’Byrne     RTÉ
The Forgetting Curve     Hugh Costello     BBC4
The Forgotten     Anne Devlin     BBC4
The Lottery     Shay Linehan     RTÉ
The Rights Of The Child     Frank McGuinness     RTÉ
The Road Wife     Eoin McNamee     BBC4
The Rough Field     John Montague     RTÉ
The Serpent Bequiled Me     Julie Parsons     RTÉ
The Sweet Smell of Cigarette Smoke     Julie Parsons     RTÉ
Thinking Ahead     Jack Olohan     RTÉ
Tricks of the Trade     Martin Duffy     RTÉ
Will you swap knees with me?     John McManus     RTÉ
Woman On A Beach     Claes Johansen     RTÉ