Mick Flannery and Kate Walsh played to a capacity audience of music lovers last Thursay night ( Nov. 26th Nov. 2009) at St Mary’s Collegiate Church in Youghal. Sacred Root Productions promoted the event to raise funds for their excellent work with youth and community group.
Photo: Michael Hussey/Bromwen Howley www.youghalonline.com  Email: news@youghalonline.com

Local musicians Bobby Lee, Helen Murray and Steve Whelan played support and Bobby Whyte was MC. The concert is one of a series to be staged in the historic Church with Liam Ó Maonlaí (Hothouse flowers) to play next at the beginning of January 2010. Watch this space for more info.

Mick Flannery

It’s hard to reconcile the nondescript character from interviews, with the husky voice, rich with charisma and charm, that emits from the speakers. But Mick Flannery is a bit of a paradox. The shy Corkonian – stonemason by day, troubadour by night – caused quite a stir with his 2005 debut ‘Evening Train’, an album that drew more comparisons with a young Tom Waits than any other artist in recent memory, Irish or otherwise.

The most astounding thing about Flannery, though, was that an album dripping with maturity, poise and potential was crafted when the Blarney man was just 21 years old.

Now at the ripe old age of 25, Flannery’s first major label-debut is equally as stimulating. The Waits comparisons are still apparent, although on ‘White Lies’, there’s a sense that Flannery is very much determined to shun any resemblances, and find his own sound. Undoubtedly influenced by classic songwriters, his gorgeous, textured voice – which sounds it’s lived through several lifetimes – is less imitative of his heroes, but no less affecting or understated.

There’s no doubt, either, that Flannery’s talent as a songwriter is exciting: aching piano and guitar ballads sit comfortably astride sultry, theatrical bar-room fables that groove and quietly holler, while the subtleties of his key changes, the gorgeous female backing vocals on many songs, and his proficiency with lyrics (Near or Far is particularly stirring) don’t go unnoticed, either.

A singer-songwriter in the truest sense of the word – perhaps ‘storyteller’ would be more appropriate – ‘White Lies’ may not be a perfect album, but it’s certainly a promising step forward for a real talent. Watch this one grow. Review by Lauren Murphy

Kate Walsh

Kate Walsh is an English singer from Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex.

A graduate of the Brighton Institute of Modern Music, her first album was Clocktower Park (produced by Lee Russell), released in 2003 by Kitchenware Records. The album was named for a meeting place in her home town. In 2007, she released her second album, Tim’s House. It quickly became the No. 1 album on the UK iTunes Store. The album also features her most popular song, Your Song. Her big break came when she gained iTunes customers’ attention when her song Talk of the Town became the iTunes Free Single of the Week from the week beginning 20th March 2007.

Her third studio album, Light and Dark, was released in the UK on 31st August 2009. The lead single from the record, June Last Year, was released on 24th August. She is set to begin her UK tour at the end of September

Steve Whelan

Youghal singer/songwriter Steve Whelan has a very down to earth approach delivering his music with a spirit of honesty presence and grit. His smoky vocals married with his simple but poetic and addictive melodies produces a musical honesty and edge possessed by few writer composers. His influences range from Ben Harper, Cat Stevens, The Beatles to Gospel and Spiritual music.

Bobby Lee

Broadly deemed one of the finest guitarists of his generation, in 1996 Bobby was judged Fender’s “Irish guitarist of the future” by no less an intuitive opinion than that of Donal Gallagher, brother to the late Rory. (He received his award at Wembley Conference Centre, in the company of such as Hank Marvin of The Shadows and Peter Green of Fleetwood Mac).Interveining years has seen Bobby collaborate and support international luminaries like David Gray-Mercury Rev-The Kinks – Ronan O Snodaigh – Dee Armstrong- Liam Ó Maonlaí as well as long time friends and Irish stars Kila.

Bobby’s highlight in 2007 was funkin it up on the chill stage at Ireland’s prestigious Electric Picnic Festival 2007 and he has just come off a National tour with Dublin based band Kila to promote his new album “The Future History”. Bobby is a soulful, sensitive performer and songwriter, his highly spirited Funky Folk and Soul sound takes his music far beyond the realms of singer songwriter. His songs carry messages laden with spiritual and social imperative and are delivered with supreme musical and vocal dexterity.

He cites Jesus Christ as influential in his life and work but asked as to his religious preference, he replies, “I am who I am. Its not the branch that matters, it’s the ground its planted in, whether Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim. They’re all just labels. Its not important what I am, its important that I am.” Bobby was ably joined on stage by local singer Helen Murray who is a former winner of the Y Factor.
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Transition Year teachers and students  graced the catwalk on Friday night the 27th November 2009 in aid of the Young Scientists Awards, the Emer Casey Foundation and Muscular Dystrophy Ireland.
Photo: MichaelHussey     Email:news@youghalonline.com

There were seventy two Transition Year students each taking part in staging the event-from modelling, ticket sales, stage design, advertising, photography,video etc. Clothes were modelled from eight local retail stores Helens, Danelles, Nevilles, Flavins Sportswear, Genesis, Touch of Class, South Beach and Amore Bridalwear.

Vouchers were kindly donated for raffle sales on the night by businesses such as Jack O Patsy, Nevilles, Danelles, Sports and Leisure and Super-Valu. The Young Scientist Awards will take place at the RDS in January 2010. Pobalscoil Na Trionoide are proud to have three teams selected to represent the school at national event. The Science Department who have supported, encouraged and guided the teams will travel with the teams to Dublin for the four day event.

A portion of the proceeds raised will be allocated to part fund the expenses incurred as all Transition Year Students will travel to support the teams. The two charities chosen by the Transition Year Students are the Emer Casey Foundation and Muscular Dystrophy Ireland. Both have a dear place in our hearts and every effort will be greatly appreciated. The Fashion Show commenced at 8pm and was a night filled with fun, glamour and entertainment. Cork Rose Amy Moran compered the show.
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Congratulations to Elizabeth Moynihan, formely of Grattan St., Youghal, on winning the ZeBBie 2009 Best Radio Script for the ‘Cider Queens’ at last nights (Thur. 26th Nov 2009) glitzy awards ceremony which was held in the Sugar Club, Dublin. Elizabeth featured recently on YoughalOnline.com and was interviewed by Roisin Hally on Youghal local radio CRY last Friday. Click here to listen to the interview where she talks about her upbringing, her play, and advice to other writers. By YoughalOnline.com Arts reporter.

Elizabeth is currently working on stage in London and was unable to attend the prestigious awards ceremony but was delighted with the news as was her family back here in town. If you would like to congratulate Elizabeth on winning the ZeBBie 2009 Best Radio Script Award please feel free to use the comment box below.

The ZeBBies are annual awards created by the Irish playwrights and screenwriters Guild (named in honour of O. Z. Whitehead) to acknowledge the best script(s) written by Irish playwrights and screenwriters during the previous year.

The two-part play was first aired on the  RTE Radio 1 Sunday Playhouse last April 2009. The “Cider Queens” is a poignant two-part radio play, which 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.

Senator David Norris was the lively master of ceremonies at the packed and sparkling ceremony where the ZeBBie Award Winners 2009 were announced:

Best Television Script     Frank Deasy for Father and Son (Episode 1)
Best Radio Script     Elizabeth Moynihan for Cider Queens
Best Theatre Script     Elaine Murphy for Little Gem
Best Film Script     Enda Walsh for Hunger
Honorary Services
to Writers Award     Rough Magic Theatre

The Irish Playwrights and Screenwriters Guild, with the support of the Irish Film Institute also held a  presentation of old short films, which included early newsreel, drama and comedy. These films were first seen in the Volta Cinematograph in 1909 under the management of James Joyce. The IPSG and the IFI are delighted to celebrate the cinematic endeavours of Ireland’s greatest writer with this centenary programme, which featured the live musical accompaniment of the highly talented septet, 3epkano.
The Irish Playwrights and Screenwriters Guild is the representative body in Ireland for writers for the stage and screen. The Guild is an organisation run for and by the writers themselves.

Labour’s budget policy

Labour’s position on the budget can be summarised as follows

* Labour acknowledges that the size of the economic problems facing the country is enormous and must be dealt with quickly or else we will find ourselves in a deeper hole.
* It is deeply regrettable that we have found ourselves in this position but Fianna Fail’s mismanagement of the economy and creation of the property bubble means Ireland is suffering far more than most from the global financial crisis.

o Fianna Fáil have had the country’s credit card for the past twelve years.  The bill has now come in for that credit card and Fianna Fail are expecting us all to pay.

* Labour is playing a constructive and positive roll in finding solutions to the countries difficulties.  The key to solving the crisis in the public finances, and in particular reducing the social welfare bill, is getting people back to work and protecting the jobs that are vulnerable in these tough times.
* Labour has continuously suggested solutions to the jobs crisis, for example as back as April we published detailed proposals including;

o an employers’ PRSI exemption for firms creating new jobs
o training and work experience for people on the live register
o a new National Development Plan to prioritise investment that creates jobs
o Ending upward-only rent reviews on commercial property to help small businesses.

* Labour also believes we have to restore confidence and end the fear that families might lose their home.  That is why Labour has proposed a two year moratorium on home repossessions.

* Labour agrees that a €4bn adjustment must be achieved in the upcoming budget but strongly disagrees with Fianna Fail’s new ‘slash and burn’ approach.  Labour believes a more balanced approach is necessary to minimise the long-term damage to the economy and to the social fabric of the country.
* The approach that the Labour Party is taking to the €4bn adjustment is in line with the approach that the Government itself advocated last April when it brought in the emergency budget.  They suggested four billion in an adjustment for 2010 and they broke that down into three components.

o Firstly, a reduction in the capital budget of about three-quarters of a billion.
o Secondly revenue raising measures of about a billion and three-quarters and;
o Finally reductions in public spending of about a billion and a half.

* Labour does not agree with those who argue for slashing basic social welfare rates or the minimum wage.  Labour also doesn’t agree that there is any justification for indiscriminate pay cuts.  However Labour does agree that the public sector pay bill has to be reduced and that this is achievable by negotiation.

Dealing with the deficit.

* The first thing to acknowledge is that the black hole FF has created in the public finances is enormous and that there are no quick or easy solutions to the problem.  Tax revenues have collapsed, so we simply can’t go on spending at the rate that was developed over the last years of Brian Cowen’s economic bubble.
* If we don’t act decisively the public debt in this country will be unsustainable.  That’s simply not acceptable.  That’s a millstone around the necks of our children and our grandchildren that we simply can’t afford.
* Thanks to Fianna Fail Ireland has now developed two types of deficit within the public finances – the structural deficit and the cyclical deficit.  The key problem is the structural deficit i.e the FF deficit which is the result of Brian Cowen and Charlie McCreevy, buying elections, stoking the property bubble and failing to rein in the banks.
* The cyclical deficit will be eliminated in the longer term through economic growth and when we get people back to work.
* We have no hope of fixing the structural deficit by a return to normal economic growth.  According to the ESRI the structural deficit is about half of the overall problem (or about 10 billion euro).  We need to address this problem quickly.
* Postponing the adjustment will not help, as the debt will increase, the interest burden will be higher and interest rates are likely to go up.

What would Labour cut in the budget?

Fianna Fail are saying that the whole adjustment can be done on the expenditure side.  But in April they were saying that the €4billion would consist of:

* €750m in capital spending cuts (which can be largely achieved through lower tender prices)
* €1500m in current spending cuts, including pay
* €1750m in taxation/revenue raising

Labour is arguing for a balanced approach, similar to the Government’s own proposals in April

Public Sector Pay

The key point is to achieve the reduction in pay through negotiation, and as part of a process of reform.

* Cutting basic rates of pay is lazy thinking.  The government has ducked the challenge of reforming the public sector, so that it does more with less – less money, and, where appropriate, less staff.
* We need more local autonomy.  The people who know how to reduce staffing budgets are the people who work in agencies and departments.
* We all know that there are areas where staffing numbers can be brought down.  For example since 2007 Labour has been calling for a redundancy scheme for administrative staff in the HSE.

Revenue-Raising Must be Part of the Mix

Examples of where Labour would raise revenue: (Round figures)

* End property-related tax reliefs €400m
* Abolish mortgage interest relief for landlords €600m
* Carbon tax €500m
* 48% income tax on incomes over €100,000 €355m
* Text tax of 0.01c €118m
* TOTAL €1,973m

We need to do more about JOBS

Specifics include:

* Providing training and work experience for people on the live register to help them access employment.  Labour is the only party to publish detailed proposals in this area in our policy document ‘Just the Job’     http://www.labour.ie/policy/listing/1239027551994512.html
* Ending upward-only rent reviews for existing contracts on commercial property to help small businesses.
* Introducing an employers’ PRSI exemption for a limited period where a firm shows it is creating a new job, and where they hire someone who has been on the live register for 6 months or more.
* Producing a new National Development Plan to prioritise investment that will create jobs.

End Home Repossessions

* Labour believes that the banks should not be allowed to repossess a home for a period of two years, where a family is making a genuine effort to pay their mortgage.
* This gives the banks an incentive to deal with the mortgage holder in good faith, and make a genuine effort to work out a meaningful repayment schedule. The current situation only gives home owners six months and that’s way too short.
* Labour has also proposed expanding the services available to people in arrears – an advocate with teeth.
* Labour introduced these ideas in a Dáil motion, but Fianna Fáil voted it down.

Tickets are on sale at Scott’s, 137 North Main St, Youghal [Tel: 024 90333] and the Tourist Office, Market Square. Price €18 / €20 at door.
mick-flannery-to-play-at-st-marys-collegiate-college-youghal

Kate Walsh is making a special appearence at Mick Flannery’s gig on Thursday 26th of November in St Mary’s Collegiate Church, Youghal. The Essex singer/songwriter will support Mick Flannery in what is sure to be an entertaining evening following  the recent success of the John Spillane gig.

Calling Kate Walsh a singer songwriter is like saying Van Gogh was a cartoonist. Kate is, er, different. A 26-year-old from a sailing town in Essex who’s been likened to Joni Mitchell, Kate Bush and Jane Austen, she’s ferociously independent…in every sense. She adores Debussy, studies cello, listens constantly to Classic FM (and little else), bemoans the demise of vinyl and CDs (she finally got an iPod when iTunes gave her one after her last album ‘Tim’s House’ knocked Take That off the top of the download chart but rarely uses it), is entertainingly scathing about the conventional music industry (”it’s fickle, selfish, impersonal and backstabbing”) – and has established her own cottage industry to do it her way. And when she sits down to write a song you’d better lock up your hearts for you instantly become Kate’s close personal confidante as she bares her soul with shocking candour.

You almost believe her. She’s currently single, lives in Brighton, though ’stupid men,’ do still run amok on her beautiful third album ‘Light and Dark’ (”yes, I do have a light and dark side – we all do, don’t we?”) The title track is particularly poignant, a guilt-ridden reverie on a love triangle that opens enticingly…’I left you for another man and he doesn’t deserve me…’

“It’s the saddest song I’ve ever written. It’s about two men and they both heard it independently and knew it was about them,” she grimaces. “There was a lot of trouble…it was awful going through it, but it’s a great song! I think it’s one of my best songs ever.” One of the first times she sang it in public – at London’s Union Chapel – it upset her so much she barely made it to the end. It happens. “When you’re singing it makes all the sentiments so real again. I sing mainly with my eyes shut and I feel every word. I try to make an instrument of my voice, like playing a wonderful, emotive piano piece, lilting on certain words and phrases…”

Listening to the very real pain and fragility of her music you imagine the author must be a quivering wreck permanently teetering on the edge of a nervous breakdown. Far from it – chattering away ten to the dozen like she’s known you all her life, Kate Walsh is warm, funny and likeably self-deprecating, fully recognising the self-indulgent nature of the confessional songwriter’s art. “Nooooo, I don’t think I’ve had a terrible life at all,” she giggles. “I just mope and wallow more than anyone else. Maybe a part of me deliberately creates havoc so I’ve got something to write about – we like a bit of mayhem us songwriters. But now I’m changing all that and other things are becoming more important to me than some man who’s done the dirty on me. I’m not giving stupid men the time of day any more.”

She insists she’s not ambitious for fame or glory, but is immensely proud of the bigger sounds that characterise ‘Light & Dark’. And, now writing songs on piano rather than guitar, insists that ’stupid men’ will no longer be tolerated in her songs… or personal life. “For the first time, I feel happy about myself. Do you know what? I think I’m growing up…”

The Art exhibition by three local artists at Jack O’Patsy Pottery, Friar St, Youghal, was opened last Monday night (Nov. 23rd 2009) by Ms. Bernie Heffernan, deputy principal of Pobailscoil na Tríonoíde and former art teacher to Andrea Cashell (ceramic artist), Martha Cashman (sculptor) and Diane Magee (painter).
Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com Email: news@youghalonline.com

All three would agree that Ms. Heffernan was a huge influence on them as young teenagers, which ultimately lead to their careers as artists. Ms. Heffernan gave a very concise account of each of the artists work including insight into their techniques.

She also encouraged the crowds to come back another time to appreciate the quietness of both the art works and the space.  But as busy as this event was it still didn’t deter discerning art buyers from making their purchases! It was a really enjoyable night, punctuated with the arrival of delicious food, compliments of Gerald Esposito proprietor of Capri Bay, a local and much celebrated Italian restaurant.

Some of the guests in attendance were Mayor of Youghal Sandra McLellan and Deputy Mayor Michelle Hennessey and local artist Cormac Meegan with his wife Peg and of course Jack O’Patsy owner Patrick Collins.

The exhibition will run until December 18th 2009.  Opening hours 10am – 6pm Monday to Saturday and 12noon – 6pm on Sunday. Jack O’ Patsy Pottery, Friar st, Youghal, Co.Cork.

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Author Nicola Depuis talks about her new book Mná na hÉireann – Women Who Shaped Ireland, which includes a chapter on the extraordinary Youghal born Anna Haslam. The interviewed with Stan Notte for C.R.Y. Youghal local radio will air on Tuesday (24th Nov. 2009) at 6.20pm.
Click here to listen to the interview – Podcast courtesy C.R.Y. Youghal Local Radio

Mná na hÉireann – Women Who Shaped Ireland by Nicola Depuis

From Queen Medbh to Mary McAleese, Constance Markiewicz to Nell McCafferty, this is a collection of profiles of women who have shaped Ireland.

All too often when people discuss important figures in Irish history, only men are represented. When women are mentioned, it tends to be the same one or two well-known figures. Yet Irish history is full of an impressive array of women who have brought change and progress to the island and their stories are collected together for the fist time, in Mná na hÉire­ann.

From nuns to aviators and revolutionaries to civil rights campaigners, Mná na hÉire­ann profiles over fifty formidable Irish women. These profiles bring to life the amazing courage, determination and selfless actions of the inspirational women who have shaped this nation.

THE MNÁ NA HÉIREANN WHO MADE THE LIST:

Mary Aikenhead   Doctor James Barry  Louie Bennett   Eavan Boland   Saint Brigid   Sister Sarah Clarke   Margaret Cousins   Eileen Desmond   Bernadette Devlin McAliskey   Maire Drumm   Biddy Early   Ann Louise Gilligan & Katherine Zappone   Maud Gonne   Lady Augusta Gregory   Veronica Guerin   Anna Haslam   Lady Mary Heath   Nora Herlihy   Garry Hynes   Mother Jones   Nan Joyce   Sister Stanislaus Kennedy   Delia Larkin   Doctor Kathleen Lynn   Mary McAleese   Nell McCafferty   Catherine McAuley   Mairead Corrigan Maguire & Betty Williams   Catherine Mahon   Constance Markievicz   Queen Medb   Joan Denise Moriarty   Agnes Morrogh Bernard   Nano Nagle   Rosemary Nelson   Christina Noble   Edna O’ Brien   Sinead O’ Connor   Nuala O’ Faolain   Maureen O’ Hara   Grace O’ Malley   Sonia O’Sullivan   Anna Parnell   Edel Quinn   Mary Robinson   Adi Roche   Peig Sayers   Hanna Sheehy Skeffington   Edith Wilkins

Author Information
Nicola Depuis is from Cork. She has worked as a journalist for eight years writing for the Irish Examiner, the Irish Independent and The Evening Echo. Her journalistic experience and her lifelong interest in the role of women in our history has inspired her to write Mná na hÉireann.

Mná na hÉireann
is published in hardback at €24.99

Show-stoppers, Sea Shanties, Gospel Singing, Christmas Songs and Comedy – all at The Mall Arts Centre, Youghal on Tuesday and Wednesday 15th and 16th December!
Picture: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com Email: news@youghalonline.com

After, Harmony’s fantastic success with Guys and Dolls last May, they are now busily rehearsing a great new show especially for Christmas. (Tickets already on sale at Cree’s Card Shop)

Harmony’s Christmas Special, directed by Finbar Hannon, will be a terrific night’s entertainment for all, and features the excellent and wide-ranging talent of this group.

Harmony can always be depended on for a great show. Previous productions include; ‘Many Young Men of Twenty’, ‘Some Enchanted Evening’, ‘Dancing at Lughnasa’, ‘Showtime and Here’s to John B’, ‘From Here to Broadway’, and ofcourse, their most recent production, the brilliant Guys and Dolls.

Harmony specialises in doing a great job for pocket-friendly ticket prices. €10 for a great night and a complementary tea or coffee!

Book now to avoid disappointment – call to Cree’s Card Shop, North Main Street, or simply phone 024 93899.

If you would like details on upcoming events and concerts in the Mall Arts Centre, send an email to themallartscentre@gmail.com where you’ll be added to our mailing list and be the first to know whats on !

For further details on any of the above or to make a booking at the Mall Arts Centre, call 083 360 6507 now!

Aesop’s Fabulous Foibles and Fables – The Mall Arts Centre Youghal – Saturday, December 5th

Aesop’s Fabulous Foibles and Fables is a play for children, written by Jack Healy and George Hanover, based on the stories of Aesop. It was first performed to full houses at the Firkin Crane, during The Cork Midsummer Festival of 2008. Since then it has enjoyed another run at the Half Moon Theatre in Cork and has been performed over fifty times throughout the country. It received a prestigious  invitation to the Irish Cultural Centre in Paris where it was performed in December of last year.

To coincide with the Youghal Chamber Christmas Festival and the  arrival of Santa in Youghal at 3pm on Saturday, December 5th, there will be two performances at 12 midday and 2pm just in time to greet Santa on the quay.

Tickets on the door at €5, family of 5 only €20.

Running time approximately 60 minutes. For further information call 083 360 6507.

Last chance to see Jon Kenny live next Saturday, November 28th

Last chance to get tickets to see d’unbeliveable Jon Kenny performing for one night only at the Mall Arts Centre this Saturday, November 28th!

Kenny started his career as a front man for a glam rock band in the 1970s. From there, his career path travelled through the varied acting arenas – stage and film, comedic and tragic, mime and dance, characterisation and stand up.

He has been amazingly successful in all of his chosen fields, winning numerous awards along the way, including a meteor award for the biggest-selling DVD and a nomination for the prestigious Irish Times Best Actor Award.

Kenny’s present show, ‘I’m not says I … I’m Fine’ heralds a return to the type of work that made his reputation as one of the most talented comedians in the country. He uses the changing face of contemporary Ireland as the scaffold on which to build his hilarious observations and characters. Running through such contrasting experiences as supporting Munster rugby to visiting a health spa, Kenny takes no prisoners and delights in emphasising the humour in everyday 21-century life.

For tickets to the show (€20 each) drop into Crees Card Shop on the North Main Street or get them on the door on the night (show starts at 8pm).