80 jobs are to go with the closure of the Tytex Ireland Ltd. plant in Youghal town. The Tytex factory provided niche medical textile products that help to improve quality of life for people all over the world. Youghalonline.com reporter Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com
Email: news@youghalonline.com

The plant at Springfield Industrial Park has been there for nearly 24 years. It is understood that the Danish owned company now intends to relocate the Youghal operation to other plants in Eastern Europe and South-East Asia.

Staff were informed of the closure by management yesterday afternoon. Following the announcement employees were told they could go home and needn’t return to work until next Monday. They were informed that the factory will close by March 2011. The news came as a bitter blow to the town which has lost more than 2,500 factory jobs in the past 10 years.

Speaking to Youghalonline, The Mayor of Youghal, Cllr Sandra McLellan said she was “very sad to see the last manufacturing factory leave the town” She had worked in a number of factories which have closed down in recent years, including Youghal Carpets, Dennison and Artesyn Technologies.

Seafield Fabrics, Blackwater Cottons, Kodak and Bryant Rubbers have also closed their doors in recent years. Youghal town councillor Donie Daly told Youghalonline that ” It is a huge blow to the workers and their families and to the economy of the town” At its height Tytex employed more than 150 people. Some of the 80 workers have been with the company for more than 20 years.

Click on image to see the Tytex Ireland Ltd plant during  happier times at the open day back in May 2007

There are many and varied very worthy causes for which people organise and hold fund raising events.   SOFT Ireland Support Organisation for Edwards and Patau’s Syndrome is one of the lesser known organisations, but this fact does not take from the very worthy and supportive work which is carried out by them. Denise FitzGerald Reports

SOFT Ireland is a voluntary group which was founded in 1991, dedicated to providing support for families with children born with the life threatening Chromosomal Disorders Edwards Syndrome and Patau’s Syndrome.   SOFT puts families in touch with other families who have lost children, and who have newly diagnosed babies and family that are caring for babies with these disorders, and also families experiencing the bereavement of a lost baby.  The incidence of Trisomy 13 is about one in five thousand of total births, while that of Trisomy 18 – which is Edwards – is about one in two thousand five hundred of total births.   This happens more frequently in girls born than boys.  It is extremely rare to have a second baby with the same disorder.

On Friday last, the Youghal group of SOFT organised a fundraising Fashion Show and Coffee Morning which was  held in La Bella Roma Restaurant.   The elegant Restaurant was filled to capacity with supporters, and on entering the restaurant, the delicious array of cakes, pastries and confectionery met the eye.   All tea and coffee was sponsored by Proprietors Seosamh MacCárthaigh and Tommy O’Shea, who also provided the venue free of charge for this very worthy event.

There were local models on hand to display the gorgeous clothing, and they certainly could take to the stage anywhere in the world and do themselves justice.   Again, the girls volunteered their time and work for SOFT.

Fiona Hennessy, SOFT Youghal and organiser of the Fashion/Coffee Morning said she was delighted with the support received from the people of Youghal, and she extended sincere thanks also to all the businesses in the town who gave prizes for the raffle and, of course, to the Proprietors of La Bella Roma for their huge contribution.    A total of €1,500 was raised for the morning, all of which will be donated to SOFT Ireland.

Fiona’s baby daughter, Leah was born with Edwards Syndrome on September 25th 2005.   Leah lived for six weeks until November 5th, when she sadly died at home with her mum and dad.   Fiona told East Cork Journal that she and her husband were delighted to have another baby boy, Zack, who was born on August 28th 2008 and is perfect in every way.   The sad death of Leah is not forgotten and her short six weeks of  life is helping other parents to deal with their great loss, through SOFT Ireland.   An organisation which is more than worthy of all support.

Soft Ireland was founded in 1991.  Its a Voluntary group dedicated to providing support for families for children born with the Chromosomal Disorders Edwords Syndrome and Patau’s Syndrome.  SOFT puts families in touch with other family who have lost children and who have newly diagnosed babies and family that are caring for babies with these disorders and families experiencing bereavement.

We were delight to have another baby boy Zack on the 28th of August 2008 who is perfect in every way.

Saturday, November 28th at 8pm-The Mall Arts Centre, Youghal
Tickets are now on sale at Crees Card Shop at the recession beating price of €20 !

www.youghalonline.com Email: news@youghalonline.com

As the Celtic Tiger seems to have slunk into a corner, curled into a ball and gone to sleep, God only knows where-has anyone seen him- and our newspapers are full of stories of doom and gloom and bad weather, an evening of hilarious comedy with the inimitable Jon Kenny is just what the doctor ordered. We could all do with a good dose of that! So turn off your televisions and radios – they’re only making you sick – and come out for an evening of craic.

‘He has an uncanny eye for the most absurd elements of life as we know it while at the same time lampooning the idiocies spawned by recently discovered (and just as quickly lost) affluence’ (Hotpress – March 11 2009)

‘Jon Kenny drips country. If you hung him out to dry what you’d find if you looked in the puddle below would be a reflection of rural Ireland over the past few decades, warts and all’ (Donegal News)

‘I’m not says I …I’m Fine’ heralds a return for Jon to the type of work that made his reputation as one of the most talented comedians in Ireland.

Jon 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 emphasizing the humour in everyday life.

This is a thrilling experience for lovers of comedy everywhere.

Tickets are now on sale at Crees Card Shop at the recession beating price of €20 !

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

Future local authority tenants may or may not be aware that, part of the process in gaining the keys to the new residence involves attending a pre-tenancy course. The matter was briefly re-emphasised by Town Clerk Liam Ryan at the October Town Council meeting. By Christy Parker

Mr. Ryan first explained that the purpose of such a course was to explain the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlord in all aspects of management and upkeep of property. Further issues include the council’s Anti-Social Behaviour Policy, waste recycling, differential rent schemes, various rent payment methods and options with regard to purchasing the property. He added that agencies invited to send representatives also to attend the course include the Garda, MABS (Money Advice and Budgeting Service) and the Community Welfare Office.

He summarised the Pre-tenancy course format thus:

1) Introduction; 2) Meeting addressed by Garda MSBS and CWO representatives; 3) Letting Agreement read; 4) Tenants advised they are responsible for insuring contents of property; 5) Councils Anti=Social Policy explained; 6) Tenants encouraged to establish Residents’ Association or join existing one; 7) Tenants advised o waste disposal, recycling and composting options; 8  Rents calculation and payment methods explained; 9) options for purchase outlined; 10) Town Foreman/Engineer advised s on electrical, plumbing and maintenance issues; 11) Letting Agreement signed and keys handed over; 12) On completion of course, tenant signs a Declaration stating that the Letting Agreement has been fully explained, that they understand the terms and conditions and have been given a copy of the Tenant Handbook.

YOUGHAL TOWN COUNCIL has been declared Ireland’s inaugural Town/Borough Council of the year. The award was afforded at the Chamber Ireland 6th Annual Excellence in Local Authority awards ceremony in Dublin’s Burlington Hotel last weekend. The Awards were held in association with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
By Christy Parker / Photo: Finbarr O’ Rourke   Email: news@youghalonline.com

Nominated by Youghal Chamber, Youghal was short-listed for three awards (more than any other town or borough council) across Arts & Culture, Economic Development and Partnership with Business. In all, 36 town, borough and county councils were short-listed from nominations received. This year was the first occasion that an individual Top Town/Borough Council accolade was awarded from within the total assessments. The overall Local Authority of 2009 was South Dublin County Council.

Youghal Town Clerk Liam Ryan says the award reflects “the hard work and imaginative approach” of many sectors, including “past mayors and councils as well as those who spearhead and promote the town’s heritage, economic, tourism and other services. It shows what can be achieved and is being achieved through co-operation and effort from the bottom up,” he concluded.

Aileen Ahern, manager of Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group, describes the award as “national recognition for Youghal Town Council’s innovative approach to rejuvenating the local economy. These projects are are all about investing in Youghal’s Unique Heritage, and having the vision for Youghal as a major tourist destination going forward,” she adds.
The event supported by AIB, An Post, CBRE, ESB Networks, Hibernian Aviva Health, Vodafone and Zurich. Awards were also sponsored by Boots and Energia and each winner was presented with a specially commissioned trophy designed by Mullingar Crystal.

For further information please contact Aileen Ahern, Manager, Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group on: 024-20530, or tourism@youghal.ie

Or Jessica Dempsey, Press & Communications Officer, Chambers Ireland on 086-6081605 or jessica.dempsey@chambers.ie.

Youghal Arts Network held a fancy dress Halloween fun fundraiser at the Marine Bar, Youghal, in aid of the local South Abbey National School. Everyone came in the spirit of the occasion despite the ghoulish weather on the night.
Report: Denise FitzGerald and Michael Hussey Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com
Email news@youghalonline.com

Frighteningly creative efforts were made by all who attended this popular fundraiser. Frankensteins and Dracula’s mixed with naughty nuns, saucy schoolgirls, witches and vampires.  Zombies were having fun, the party had just begun!. It was a frightening to see them all dance to the “Monster Mash” although Brian Sheehan and Maria Moynihan were seeing doing a new dance craze the “Boris Karloff”.

Click on the image below to see everyone doing the “Mash” where the Ghouls all came from their humble abode to get a jolt from the electrode. Thanks to Brian Sheehan and family who worked late in the Laboratory that night, Donacha O’ Cearuill from the Youghal Arts Network and his crew from the crypt in organising the event, not forgetting Jim Furey who did MC, Paul Daly for donating “The Raven” painting and Dj Sean Hardware for the mosh… i mean mash! (mh)
Click on image to enlarge

Additional report Denise FitzGerald
No Costume, no entry for South Abbey N.S.

The Youghal Arts Network a very active group of people who, among other things, organise fund raising events to help voluntary clubs, organisations, groups, schools etc., in the town of Youghal who are in need of financial help.
South Abbey National School is a very old building which is school to as many children as it can possibly hold.   It is a proud school with a long history in the town.   Originally a Church, the School was set up in the premises in 1886.  Thus, there are massive expenses involved in keeping this beautiful building maintained and suitable for the children of the school.

On Saturday night last, the Youghal Arts Network organised an Adult Fancy Dress which took place at the Marine Bar in Youghal.  The proceeds were to help South Abbey school with their rising costs.   One of the conditions of entry on the night was “no costume, no entry”, but there need be no doubts – all arrived in their finery and splendour.   A large crowd supported the event, and had as much – if not more – fun than the children had earlier in the day.   The atmosphere was festive and fun filled and it was quite obvious that all were having a great time.  A raffle was held, which helped boost the income and a most interesting Auction also took place.   Local artist, Paul Daly, whose daughter is a pupil in South Abbey, painted and kindly donated a magnificent picture entitled ‘The Raven’ which depicted a lady with a raven on her arm.  Suitable, indeed, for the time of year.   The painting was purchased at a very respectable price, which made everyone very happy.

The Principal and teacher of South Abbey N.S. told East Cork Journal that they were delighted their school was the recipient of the fundraising Fancy Dress, and wish to extend to all in the Youghal Arts Network their sincere thanks.

Much in the same vein, talking with East Cork Journal Sinead Sollveld, principal, told of a competition which was run by the school for pupils in 1st to 6th classes.  The competition was for the best costume and it was won by Jaco Wolmarans who, incredibly,  wore a costume which was made entirely by himself.   No bought outfit, no expensive masks or horns, no pricey tattoos or transfers all over the arms and legs – no, just a simple outfit which Jaco had great fun making himself.   Well done, Jaco.

The Parents Committee and Eochaill Óg are a great bunch of people who love to enjoy life and meet with friends as often as possible.   This year, they got together and organized a most fantastic Halloween Night for all their Juvenile members, family and friends. See more photos and report in this weeks East Cork Journal out wednesday Nov. 4th 2009 at all newsagents.
Denise FitzGerald Reports/ Photo: Michael Hussey   Email: news@youghalonline.com

They started their work by decorating Club Aras into a maze of witches caves, vampire’s coffins and the hall was decorated all over with skeletons, ghosts and monsters.   In fact, the Mums and Dads looked positively terrified when they arrived with their own ghosts and monsters in tow!   Each child received a goodie bag and for the next two hours or more they were  enthralled with arts and crafts, face painting, Halloween games – all going on to disco music by D J Ollie.   Over two hundred children spent the afternoon playing, dancing, running and having a crystal ball!   Tea/Coffee and refreshments kept the parents quiet, as they sat and watched the children enjoying themselves in the large and comfortable Club Arus.  It was great to see many of the Dads along enjoying themselves.

Gone are the days when Mums made costumes out of old curtains, and used boot polish to blacken the faces.   At Club Arus on Saturday, the costumes were amazing.  They ranged in colours from pitch black to purple, pucey pink to lime green, blood red to snowy white – and these were worn by parents too!   There were witches, batmen, skeletons, fairy queens, pumpkins, white witches, and some that this journalist just could not identify.   There were spot prizes for dancing, party pieces, wrapping the mummy, musical statues etc., and the winners included Eabha Walsh and Jason Coleman for the colouring competition, and Claire Kilgannon who won best adult costume.

This level of children’s entertainment and fun takes a lot of organising and work, and great credit is due to the parents Committee and Eochaill Óg for their dedication and commitment to the Juvenile members, their families and friends.   Their thanks, surely, was the joy and happiness on the faces of all the children as they were ‘tricked and treated’ in true G.A.A. Youghal style.

Click on image to enlarge

The Quay’s Bar held their annual Halloween party for their customers dancing to the sounds of the Newtown Cowboys and later at the Quay’s famous nightclub.
Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com Email: news@youghalonline.com

The Quays Bar is situated in the picturesque walled harbour of Youghal, where the movie ‘Moby Dick’ starring Gregory Peck was filmed. Perfect for enjoying an early morning coffee or a late evening glass of wine while soaking up the view of Youghal Bay from our decking area. Relax and enjoy a tasty carvery lunch or evening meal in the comfort of our traditional bar and restaurant.
Click on image to see The Quay’s Bar Halloween Fancy Dress 2009

Address     Ship Street, Youghal
Style     A la carte
Schedule     Bar Food Served all day
Phone     353 (0)24 91566 -

The Daisy Swayne Memorial Tournament 2009 was played over the weekend of November 1st.The members came out in force to remember our great friend and founder member Daisy.
Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com  Email: news@youghalonline.com

Over 150 cards were played in the three days tournament in terrible weather conditions. After the captains checked and double checked the cards James O’ Neill was anounced as the winner claiming his first strokeplay event in Claycastle.

James is the proud winner of the Daisy Swayne Perpetual trophy for the coming year. The beautiful glass prize was presented by Mossy Swayne, daughter Colette O’Donnell and grandchildren Eoin and Clare

Results
Overall nett- James O’ Neill, Overall gross- Martin keohane, Gents
nett 0-8 Don Sheehan, 1st gross- Anthony O’ Loughlin, Gents nett 9-15
Tom Pomphrett. Ladies nett 4-12 Lily Bulman, 1stGross- Joy Bryan,
Ladies nett 13-18 Teresa McCarthy.
Please note the turkey competitions will now begin at 2.00pm sharp
form now on.A committee meeting will be held in the clubhouse on
Monday 9th November at 8.30, all members are requested to attend.