Barry Walsh a member of St.Colmans boxing club won the Munster Intermediate boxing championship in Dungarvan,Co.Waterford on Sun 8th Nov.

Barry beat Kieran Noonan of the Rathkeale club in Co. Limerick on a score line of 11-4 in the 54kg weight division . The bout was 3 x 3 minute rounds and Barry needed to be at his best to overcome his older opponent. Well done!

Three artists, all living locally, will exhibit their work collectively in the upstairs gallery at Jack O’Patsy Pottery, Friar St. At different stages over the past five years all three natives have returned to work and live in Youghal. Andrea Cashell (Ceramic Artist) Martha Cashman (Sculptor) Diane Magee (Painter)

Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com  Email: news@youghalonline.com

On finishing her degree in 2000, Andrea was awarded the N.C.E.A. Purchase Prize. Her  Public Commissions include an installation in the National College of Ireland, The I.F.S.C.  Dublin and The Mall Arts Centre, Youghal. She is currently working on a series of slab built sculptures based on plant forms. She uses soft slabs of clay to allow each piece assume it’s natural form during the drying process, giving each a unique quality. The hard edges of the cubed forms contrast with the soft unfurling petals inside.  She uses white stone clay and fires her pieces to 1000 degrees. This body of work is currently selling in various galleries throughout Ireland.

Martha recently received the Essence of Ireland Award presented to her by President Mary Mc Aleese. She has exhibited extensively both in Ireland and abroad.  Her work can be seen as part of the permanent art collection in U.C.C. Martha works with mixed media such as porcelain, paper clay wire and carved wood.  Her collection includes a series of non functional sculptural tools such as spoons, ladles, stirrers, spreaders, spades forks and shovels. Martha says ‘These forms evoke memories of my rural upbringing and pay homage to the elders of my past’.

Having studied, worked and lived in Limerick for 13 years, it’s comes as no surprise then that Diane’s first solo show was in Limerick in 2007, it sold out on the night of the opening. This lead directly to a series of commissioned pieces for a Limerick based art collector.  Her second solo show, also in Limerick in 2009, again sold out.  A contemporary realist in style, her work explores and records the landscape and views which surround her daily; she works in oil on canvas.  To date, Diane’s work is mainly commission lead and is part of public and private collections in Ireland, Switzerland, the U.K, and the U.S.A.

All three artists are delighted to be showing their work together in their home town of Youghal. The exhibition will be open to the public on Tuesday November 24th and will run until Christmas.

Report Sunday 8th November 2009
Last weekend we played our second week of turkeys in mixed weather
conditions.With the greens in great condition after the recent
drilling the scoring was superb considering there were only 16 holes
open for play. Hopefully the drains will be cleared in the coming weeks
and allow us to play the full 18!

Results-
1st Nett- Don Sheehan/Seamus Murphy, 1st Gross- Anthony O’
loughlin/Martin Keohane, 2nd Nett-Michael Landers/Tom Pomphrett.It was
great to see Pompy arriving on time for a change on Sunday
morning,that watch he won recently must be keeping good time!!
Turkeys contine each Wednesday,Saturday and Sunday.

Ladies morning Wednesdays at 10.30.

Claycastle Pitch and Putt Club
Report 22/11/09

Result of 3rd Turkey competition- 1st Nett- Thomas Bulman, Sheila O’
Sullivan. 1st Gross- Ed Long, Michael Dalton.Mixed Nett- Michael
Dalton, Breeda Treacey.

Result of 4th Turkey competition-1st Nett- Rita Ryall,Michael
Ryall,Ted Healy. 1st Gross- Gene Fox,Michael Ryall.

Turkey competitions continue each Wednesday 2.00pm Saturday 2.00pm and
Sunday 10.30am + 2.00pm.

Ladies morning Wednesdays at 10.30am.

Last Friday (Nov.6th) saw the graduation ceremony of the students from the East Cork Further Education and Youthreach Centre for the FETAC May 2009 assessments. This awards ceremony brought together the different departments working from the centre- namely the Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme, the Back To Education Initiative and the Youghal Adult Learning group The event was presided over by Brian Crowley, MEP with Nuala Glanton, Adult Education Officer for County Cork VEC and Donal Griffin representing FETAC also in attendance.
Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com Email: news@youghalonline.com

The awards being presented were for Art, Craft and Design, Childcare, English for Speakers of Other Languages, Horticulture, Computer Literacy, ECDL, Communications, Maths, Preparation for Work, Personal Development and 1st Aid. The ceremony recognised and celebrated the success of over 200 people achieving component certificates across the disciplines with over a hundred students in actual attendance. A large crowd of family and friends were there to witness the culmination of years of hard work by the students and the dedicated panel of tutors.

Attending a live ceremony has a special significance for many of the graduates. Some are changing careers; some never completed secondary school. The students come from diverse backgrounds and situations and as such they have made a significant commitment to improve their lives through education – often juggling work, family and finances to realise their dreams. Everyone was dedicated to one goal – to see students graduate and be successful in their lives. This was obviously a special moment in the students’ lives and to experience the thrill of walking up to receive their awards was inspiring.

So heartfelt congratulations to all those involved and may it be a night that will be recalled with a smile for many years to come.
CLICK ON IMAGE to see the graduates receive their awards with Brian Crowley MEP

Scott’s of Youghal -  Proprietor Tom Scott
137 North Main Street, Youghal, Co. Cork  – Ireland
Tel: (024) 90333  Mobile: (087)  6873287
“Quaint little shop with lots of gifts and great value situated on North Main St. Youghal”

Thanks for visiting our webpage on www.youghalonline.com. Shop and buy top sellers in gifts, collectibles, home, garden and seasonal decor. Give your home a makeover indoors and out. Please visit our shop and discover the amazing selection of our new products. We have something for everyone on your shopping list, him, her, or the one who has it all.

This shop has some really great gifts that you won’t find elsewhere, including things from local artists. It is situated on Youghal’s main street with parking outside the front door and there are several car parks nearby for ease of shopping. It’s a cute shop with good prices, tons of eclectic merchandise and the handcrafted things are nice-not overpriced.

We have an extensive range of Yankee candles with over 24 different scents to chose from. Scott’s also stock Communion, Confirmation, Baptismal and Wedding Candles.
Gifts for all occasions-Glassware, Tableware, Shannon Bridge Pottery
Books, Children’s Books, Jigsaw books, Angel Cards and Indian Cards

Gemstones- The proprietor, Tom Scott, has a personal interest in Gemstones and carries a large range
Essential Oils, Scented Soaps for the bathroom
Clocks and Timepieces
Call to Scott’s of Youghal for Gifts & Treasure’s and much much more….

PLEASE CLICK ON IMAGE and take a tour inside Scott’s of Youghal – Gifts & Treasure’s and see some of our products on display

THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY OF YOUGHAL are seriously concerned by the announcement yesterday that Tytex (Ireland) Ltd are to close their manufacturing facility in the town after more than 25 years. This coupled with the recent closures of Artesyn Technologies, Kodak, Avery Dennison, Couristan Carpets, Seafield Fabrics has created a huge void in our proud Town.

The effect of the loss of 75 jobs on the Town will be catastrophic and every effort will be made by us to highlight our plight at National and European Level. Our thoughts are with the families of the men and women who now face an uncertain future.

We would like to express our sincere appreciation to Michael Sheehan and his staff for the tireless efforts they made in the past months trying to save the Youghal Operation.

Youghal Tidy Towns Committee celebrated its 21st anniversary on Friday 23rd October last at the Mall House Arts Centre where the Committee held a reception for past members and for those who have contributed to the work of Tidy Towns over the last two decades.
Photo: Michael Hussey www. youghalonline.com Email: news@youghalonline.com

The group was founded in 1988 by Alice Walsh, who became the group’s first chairperson. In the early days she was assisted by among others, Dick O Driscoll, Karen Byrne, Lil Danne, Michael Hackett, Bill Leahy, and Mr + Mrs Michael Connolly. The first Committee had great help from Larry Cunninghan, Town Clerk and Des Heffernan, Town Architect.
The committee in the early days played a pivotal role in raising awareness of tidy town’s issues such as litter control, cleaning and sweeping the Town Centre and engaged a number of residents from various estates around the Town.

Some of the group’s initiatives included:
* The raised flowerbeds at Summerfield Cross and Greencloyne
* The installation of hanging baskets at Dolphin Square.
* The initiation of an Estates competition.
* Various tree planting initiatives.
* The development of the Millennium Garden in association with Youghal Town Council.
The 20/25 strong committee has been chaired by Ned Brennan for most of the current decade. The committee in the current era has faced many new challenges which they have tackled with great energy and enthusiasm.
The Committee has pursued an ambitious programme over the last decade which included:
* Extending the Hanging Baskets Project to the Lighthouse Hill and the Strand.
* The construction and maintenance of new flower beds.
* The Town Centre Planting Scheme.
* The Youghal in Bloom Estate and Garden Competition.
* Wildlife Sign Board Project.

The success of the Committee has grown in recent years with a number of wins in the Cork County Council Litter League, Regional Awards and consistent increases in Youghal’s position in the National Tidy Towns Competition.
“We look forward to welcoming our former members, friends and supporters on 23rd October to celebrate 21 years of achievement” Mr. Brennan concluded.

Youghal Town Cllr. Mary Linehan Foley delivered a synopsis of the Adjudication Report from 2009 Tidy Towns Competition (Cork South) to the October meeting of Youghal Town Council.
Report: Christy Parker  Email: news@youghalonline.com

The report’s comments seemed surprisingly positive, given the dog turds, fag butts, beer cans, abandoned plastic bags, Moll Goggin’s corner apartment block, etc., that one encounters on an average stroll through the jurisdiction. Possibly, the adjudicators like to emphasise the positive by way of encouragement, in the manner of an art teacher telling a student he has ‘a good eye for colour’ while disregarding the squashed pizza effect on the canvas. (Crosshaven got similar commentary and finished 36 points below us.)

In any case, Youghal’s 272 marks from 400 beat Midleton’s paltry244. The report is too lengthy to repeat in full but the adjudication report contained the following pats on the head:

Overall Development Approach:

Local people very well informed of plans and activities and contact with schools on six different contexts very worthwhile.

The Built Environment:

New enterprises were found to be blending well with traditional businesses, Katrina in the visitor centre was “very helpful” and the heritage trail was very impressive. The Visitor Centre and Youghal Town Council Offices were “beautiful” and the Market Square “supreme,” with the cut-stone monument to Danny “Duis” McCarthy much admired. Gaelscoil Chorain, its railings and piers, were much appreciated, as were the town’s churches and major historical structures. The report notes busy, attractive shops “with no sign of the recession” (!) at the end of June. On a detrimental note, the compiler felt “some suitable protective structures” could be installed at Buttimer’s and Harvey’s Quays “to avoid people accidentally falling into the docks.” So the Tidy Town’s adjudicators committee would recommend the 800 year-old quayside be fenced off?!!

Landscaping:

Memorial (Green) Park was lauded, with high praise for the “magnificent” and “exciting” Youghal Tidy Town’s Committee booklet. Wildflowers growing out of stone walls were considered excellent.”

Wildife and Natural Amenities:

Sadly, much appreciation here, with the scenic splendour and tranquil ambience of the Slob Bank described as “a rough road surface not that suited to walking” and bedecked with “lots of vegetation and all kinds of briars.” It was recommended it be chemically treated. That’ll go down well with the underage drinkers!!

Litter Control:

Litter was deemed “well controlled, with only isolated bits” on the road to the recycling centre, near the Strand Church, around the docks, plus a few more places! Bizarrely, the reporter noted that, “some of this may have come from passing motorists” and “doubts if much of it was discarded by locals.” The town centre was deemed “almost litter free” and “was being tidied up by a gentleman.”

Waste Minimisation:

The compiler was “surprised” to find “a mattress and lots of other items, some in plastic bags, dumped at the rear of the old Youghal Carpets building.” A local man said this was prevalent in other areas too, particularly since the €3 entrance fee to the (‘free’) recycling centre was introduced. The centre itself was described as “busy” with the depot and landfill “clean and orderly.” It was noted that the schools’ waste minimisation initiative programme had been completed but that it was unclear whether this was in connection to a relevant ‘green flag’ educational programme.

Tidiness:

The town was considered “orderly and tidy, especially in the town centre,” with weed-free, well-swept kerbs. It was recommended that rear of Youghal Carpets be boarded up and that the Tidy Towns Committee attend to “the walk starting at the dump,” i.e. the Slob Bank, if under it’s control.

Residential Areas:

The name signs were praised, especially the stone sign for Dr. Kennedy’s Place. The estates were considered to be generally well kept, with some attractive to excellent landscaping. Likewise the traditional town houses were largely “well presented” with “attractive colour schemes, beautiful hanging baskets, window boxes and tubs of flowers.” Sever private hoses, it was noted, had “brilliant displays of flowers, shrubs, trees and hedging,” all of which “bolster the public flora to show to town at its best.” Mention was made of “a bungalow at the back of St. Mary’s Collegiate, across from a small car park, that has exceptional landscaping to the front where the house nestles peacefully on the side of a hill.”

Roads, Streets and Back Areas:

The roads were generally “in good condition,” with road signs “clean and distinct.”  Youghal was found to have “great footpaths that lead out long distances from the town centre, with many people walking on a sunny day.” (Sure sign of recession at last?!). The roadside verges at the town entrances were “well maintained” and helped extend “a welcoming feeling at the glorious landscaping at the roundabouts” and thereafter.

General Impression:

The writer said, “it was a pleasure to visit Youghal,” after a ten year absence. He had found “great improvements” towards its current “high standard” and was impressed with ‘the way the back areas have been developed.” He thanked all for the Tidy Town’s Committee for its efforts and presentation. That’ll teach you, Midleton!

Minister O’Keeffe reassures students awaiting decisions on grant applications

The Minister for Education and Science, Batt O’Keeffe TD, today [Thursday 5th Nov. 2009] moved to reassure students awaiting decisions on their grant applications.
Minister O’Keeffe acknowledged that some students are experiencing delays in the processing of their grant applications.
But he said every effort is being made by local authorities and VECs to ensure that students get decisions on their grant applications and are paid as soon as possible.
It’s understood that the awarding bodies received an unprecedented number of applications this year and that they’re still getting late applications daily.
Minister O’Keeffe acknowledged the difficulties VECs and local authorities are experiencing because of the recruitment moratorium in the public sector which, in some instances, is affecting the processing of grants.
Minister O’Keeffe said: ‘Our difficult economic circumstances mean tough choices had to be made to control public expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long run.
‘That includes the need to implement a recruitment and promotion moratorium in the public sector.
‘It’s inevitable that staffing constraints on public bodies will lead to certain pressures on services.
‘I know, however, that the bodies are endeavouring to ensure that the work associated with the processing of grants be prioritised.
‘I want to acknowledge the efforts of the VECs and local authorities in these challenging circumstances.
‘Apart from the pressures associated with the volume of applications, a significant number of outstanding grant applications haven’t been processed in full because they’re incomplete.
‘I’d also remind students and their parents to return all necessary supporting documentation as early as possible to help the awarding bodies make prompt decisions on entitlement.’
Minister O’Keeffe has asked the Higher Education Authority to request institutions to be flexible in respect of the payment of the student services charge for those still awaiting a decision on their grant application.
He’s also assessing organisational options for the processing of grant applications in the longer run with a view to streamlining operations and achieving more effective administrative efficiencies.
‘Possible options for a more significant aggregation of functions are now being explored in the context of budgetary considerations and the Government’s overall programme of public service reform,’ said Minister O’Keeffe.

CORK EAST Labour TD Seán Sherlock believes that the closure of Youghal’s last manufacturing plant is proof that the town has was forgotten during the boom and is bearing the brunt of the bust.
Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com Email: news@youghalonline.com

“Tytex’s closure signifies the loss of 80 jobs, and it is a sad sign of the times that this figure pales in comparison with the number of jobs across the country.

“The real impact for the town of Youghal goes beyond the 80 people now looking for work in an already difficult climate. This closure symbolises the final nail in the coffin for the town’s once healthy factory trade.

“Artesyn Technologies and Dennison closed in recent years, and the knock on for Youghal has already greatly hit the town. The responsibility of politicians will be to fight for towns like Youghal and do what we can to ensure it gets a greater slice of the cake when things pick up again.”

“The news of this latest closure coincides with the revelation that a special task force charged with job creation has met just once this year. It is clear that the Government is out of ideas, and it is the forgotten towns like Youghal who are suffering for it.

Deputy Seán Sherlock
Labour Spokesperson on Agriculture and Food
Cork East

Flemings (Davis) Lane
Mallow
Co. Cork

022-53523
087-7402057