Christmas Day swim at Garryvoe Beach in East Cork in aid of Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat.

The weather leading up to Christmas 2009 was arctic; perhaps even too cold for the hardy men and women who take an annual dip for charity.

At 7:00am on Christmas morning the ground in East Cork was covered with ice and thoughts of people swimming in the cold Atlantic ocean seemed unlikely. And then the weather changed. The temperatures rose slightly, dissolving the ice and the rain came, cold and icy. At 8:15am the RNLI lifeboat flag was raised at Garryvoe beach by John West. This was John’s statement to the elements that their planned sponsored annual swim at Garryvoe for Ballycotton lifeboat would go ahead, despite the weather. At 11:15am three Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat crewmembers, Niall Hassett, Aiden Sliney and William Sliney, abandoned their Christmas Day celebrations and put on their lifeboat gear.

They were launching the lifeboat boarding boat and standing by off-shore at Garryvoe to watch over the fundraising swimmers. Niall said that if the fundraisers could go into the sea in this weather for Ballycotton lifeboat it is the least they could do. At 11:55am Garryvoe promenade was like a summer’s day. Parking was at a premium. Family supporters came out in droves to support their hardy fundraising swimmers. Ralph Gunn was leading his band of fundraisers for Ballycotton lifeboat, with several family members and friends. His young son stayed in his mother’s arms, too young to join in the fun. Another son took a photograph of them ready to dive in which was sent to his supporters with the message to forward on their promised sponsorship money. At 12:00pm sharp they carefully went down to the beach and ran into the water. The tide was high and they didn’t have far to go. Some took a few strokes before leaving the freezing water to be wrapped in the warm towels held for them by their proud families. With a few final words to friends they returned to their warm homes to continue their Christmas Day celebrations, with the thought that they will do it all again next year. Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat would like to thank all those who took part in the swim on this cold Christmas Day. They would also like to thank all those who have supported them in any way throughout the year and hope that they will continue to do so in 2010.

Due to the tremendous response of ‘The Grip’s’ reunion gig at the Youghal Rugby Club last August, the band are delighted to inform Youghalonline.com that they will be performing live again this Saturday 2nd January 2010 in the same venue. Johnny Blue will again be special guest on the night in what is sure to be a crowd filler so come along early and support ”The Grip” supporting local live music!

The rock group ”The Grip” were one of the better known bands playing the circuit back in the ’80′s and had a huge following wherever they played but especially here in their home town of Youghal. They have their own unique style and play the best of music from that era covering classics like The Clash, Ian Dury & the blockheads, The Cars, Doors, etc. and of course their own numbers as well. So for a night of nostalgia and good sounds be sure to spread the word ”The Grip” are back in town!.

Christmas Day Mass at St. Raphael’s Church will begin at 9.30am with Fr. Joe McGuane and Christmas Carols will be sung by The St. Raphael’s Staff Choir. The Crib at St. Raphael’s will be open to the public from Christmas Day onwards between 10am and 5pm. Please come along and say a prayer.
Photo Michael Hussey (YoughalOnline.com) | Graphics: Kieran McCarthy

The Crib in St. Raphael’s Church, Youghal, has always been a place to visit for the people of the town and surrounding areas and much work has gone in to the building of this magnificent structure by the staff of St. Raphael’s Centre.

Sean Fitzgerald and Gerard Griffin who work at the centre have dedicated many hours on the decorating of The Nativity scene for the adoration of the birth of Jesus by the people of the town.

Youghal people in times past fondly remember praying at the crib and taken a strand of straw from the Manger as a memento of this most Holiest occasion on the birth of Jesus. Many churches leave the manger empty (without the baby Jesus) until Christmas Day to reflect that Jesus has not yet been born before then.

Everyone here at YoughOnline.com would like to wish a Happy and Holy Christmas to everyone here in the Town and also to those abroad who tune in to our website.
All the best and Happy Christmas!

The popular Quay’s Bar celebrated its 9th Birthday last night( Tuesday December 22nd 2009).The capacity crowd danced the night away to the music of Brogue Hill and afterwards at the fabulous Quay’s Nightclub.
Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com  E-mail 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.
Phone     353 (0)24 91566  www.thequaysyoughal.com
Click on image to enlarge

Santa Claus was spotted on the roof of the Youghal C.Y.M.S. premises at the Market Square in the centre of town.
Report: YoughalOnline North Pole correspondent Photo: Santacam E-mail: news@youghalonline.com

Amazingly YoughalOnline.com photographer captured the event on Santacam. Ray Phelan, caretaker in the C.Y.M.S. said he first heard noises on the roof and when he looked out the back window he couldn’t believe his eyes when he saw Santa on top of the chimney!.

Santa is on his way from the North Pole to deliver Christmas presents for the children of the town and surrounding area. Ray said “It proves once and for all that Santa really exists”. Ray wouldn’t say what present he got from Santa but rumor has it that it is a new snooker cue to improve his game!

Two other members of Youghal C.Y.M.S., Anthony Fouhy and Sean Murphy also saw the spectacular magical event. Mr. Murphy said “Santa shouted Ho Ho Ho! and he invited Santa to take a break from his hectic schedule to play a free game of snooker while Mr. Fouhy reminded Santa that his subscriptions were now due.

C.Y.M.S. President Mr. Brendan Cooney said “Santa doesn’t need membership as he considers him to be an honorary member of the society but would like to remind the members of the C.Y.M.S. that subscriptions are now due and may be paid to the caretakers or assistant treasurers”.
So the Santa Claus story is true. Happy Magical Christmas from Youghal C.Y.M.S.

Youghal C.Y.M.S. Christmas Message

The President Mr. Brendan Cooney and committee of the Youghal C.Y.M.S. would like to wish all the members of the Society, the generous sponsors and supporters and in particular the people of the Town a very Happy and Holy Christmas. The annual Christmas draw will be held on Tuesday 22rd Dec. at 8pm in the Hall. Tickets are currently on sale and may be purchased from committee members or at our office in the Market house, Market Sq.

Membership subscriptions are now due and may be paid to the caretaker on duty or any of the asst. treasurers

Bainisteoir: the ten greatest GAA managers
There is an old saying that a game is won or lost once the players cross the white line, writes An Fear Rua…

However, that is not necessarily the full story of sporting success. Behind every great team there is a great manager. In Gaelic games, we have been blessed over the years with many great managers, not just at inter-county level but in our clubs as well.

Finbarr McCarthy, author of ‘Great GAA Moments 2007’, is from Cork and is the Gaelic Games correspondent for 96/C103 FM. Now, Finbarr McCarthy has taken on the daunting task of giving us his selection of the ten greatest managers ever to grace Gaelic games. Bainisteoir reveals the secrets and stories of the best managers in the intensely competitive world of the GAA – in their own words. In an excellent book, these icons of Gaelic football and hurling look back on historic victories and infamous losses.

• Kerry’s Mick O’Dwyer shares the secrets of his long run of success with the Kingdom – and Kildare, Laois and Wicklow.
• Kilkenny’s Brian Cody on his phenomenal record, his research and ‘player management’ and those much talked-about training routines.
• Dublin’s Kevin Heffernan explains how he changed the way in which the Dubs’ teams prepared and trained for victory.
• Meath’s Séan Boylan, who combined an outstanding run of success with the ‘Royal’ county with his renowned role as a healer.
• Clare’s Ger Loughnane remembers the controversies that followed him at both Clare and Galway. A great motivator, he still retains the will to win.
• Tyrone’s Mickey Harte reveals how he outsmarted Kerry and motivated his players to repeated success with their fighting tradition.
• Kerry’s Páidí Ó Sé look back on his straight-talking stewardship of the Kingdom, and later, success with Westmeath but less so with Clare.
• Cork’s Billy Morgan was dogged by controversy and his own outspoken nature yet he achieved great things with the Rebel county.
• Armagh’s Joe Kernan’s inspirational dressing-room tricks at half-time in All-Ireland Finals.
• Cork’s Jimmy Barry Murphy recalls his hurling success on Leeside at the same time as an Adidas controversy, mixed with his lasting greyhound-racing hobby

Words courtesy: http://www.anfearrua.com/

96 fm GAA Awards 2009 -  click on image to enlarge

Youghal musician Shane Supple who has been writing songs for many years now was delighted to learn this week that his song and video “Lifetime Guarantee” is featured on the Hot Country Christmas Special which airs on Sky TV channel 279 every Monday at 4pm and 10pm and is repeated throughout the week on Tuesday at 4am & 10am. Saturday at 2pm & Sunday at 8pm.
By YoughalOnline.com music reporter     E Mail: news@youghalonline.com

This video was shot by local cameramen Kieran McCarthy and Maurice Supple, the video was edited by Maurice and Shane Supple. It’s great to see local artists involved in the music scene and it’s even better when there music is featured on Sky TV for the entire world to see.
Hot Country the program is gaining a great audience in Ireland as it features many Irish musicians from the world of country music as well as major artists like Alan Jackson, Willie Nelson, Kenny Rogers, Johnny Cash to name but a few. The song “Lifetime Guarantee” is taken from Shane’s new album “Country Style Blues” which has featured on many radio stations around Ireland and England and is proving quite popular.
At this stage Mick Flavin has recorded the song and there is talk of Kenny Rogers recording it on his next album during the summer. When contacted Shane was over the moon and wanted to thank everyone for the support and kind words he has received.
Shane said, “I knew it was going  be on TV as the producer of the show contacted me during the week to let me know it was going out, but I was sitting there and watching TV when the song came on.” ” It was a weird feeling but I felt great as it is one of my favourite songs”. He added “I just want to thank Kieran and my brother Maurice for the great work they did in making the video”.

Shane is son of the well know legendary Showband entertainer Art Supple who recently won the inaugeral CRY Showband ” Hall of fame award 2009″. Its great to see the music tradition being carried on from father to son and the people of Youghal and surrounding area are proud of their work and talents.

To contact Shane visit his website on www.shanesupple.com or email him at info@shanesupple.com

The final town council meeting of 2009 was conducted in the absence of Town Clerk Liam Ryan, who was ill. Assistant Town Clerk Helen Walsh deputised. The meeting commenced with Cllr Mary Linehan Foley thanking her chamber colleagues for the many good wishes, flower bouquets and kind inquiries during her recent hospitalisation. “I felt humbled and I really appreciated it,” she said. The councillor in turn congratulated Youghal Town Council on this year’s Christmas lights, noting that “the town is looking well.”
By Christy Parker

Cllr Sammy Revins congratulated Jane Quirke from Ballyclamsy, a qualified Charters Accountant in the auditors department of Price Waterhouse Corporation. Earlier this month , Jane achieved joint first place in Ireland on taking her Taxation exams , who finished first in Ireland in her Taxation exams. (See additional piece at end of report).

Cllr Donie Daly congratulated Liam O’Laocha on his election as Gaelic and Culture Officer at the recent Cork County Board convention. He also paid tribute to Leigh Desmond on earning the Munster Intermediate Player of the Year 2009. “Best player in the county is honour enough but best player in Munster is a phenomenal achievement,” he said. The councillor also congratulated Youghal under-16 footballers on becoming County champions and the under-21 hurlers on taking the East Cork title.

Town Foreman’s Report:

Cllr Liam Burke observed that the Mall House gates are closed more often than open to the public and, secondly, there is a lot of green mossy growth on the footpath leading to Ardan na Mara on which it is extremely dangerous to walk.

Cllr Eoin Coyne asked that the council locate the owner of a camper van that is seemingly abandoned at the entrance to Cherryvale estate, causing an obstruction to motorists departing and arriving. The councillor also asked that Tesco be contacted with a view perhaps to pruning the foliage behind its amenity site. “There are a lot of people illegally dumping stuff there and that might expose them more,” he suggested. He also asked that remedial work be conducted at the front entrance to the CYMS where water is flooding the front hall and “actually warping the front door.”

Graves, fire alarms and potholes

Cllr Linehan Foley said a tree at the “new part” of the cemetery was once again attracting complaints by shedding its winter leaves onto graves. She said people are slipping on them and the graves can’t dry out because of it either. The councillor understood the council needed to get permission form “either Cluid or Respond” but wondered if the tree which, she elaborated, “is more bushes and branches,” could be cut down altogether.

The councillor asked whether supplying fire alarms to council houses was the responsibility of the council or its tenants? Acting Town Clerk Helen Walsh said every council was fitted with a smoke and any extra ones would be at the tenant’s own cost. Cllr Linehan Foley had in mind a constituent whose alarm was broken and she asked whose responsibility it was to replace it? The tenant was going to replace it herself but feared she might then not be covered by insurance in the case of a mishap. It was agreed that the council would investigate and replace the alarm if necessary.

Cllr Barbara Murray sought information o the situation on (council) housing repairs in general. She also asked that the council tend to some hedging on the Killeagh road that is protruding onto the footpath. Town foreman Ger Lupton said it would be the responsibility of the property owner and Cllr Murray said she didn’t know who was the owner but she would make known where the property can be found.

Cllr Michelle Hennessy pointed out that the road at the top of Windmill Hill needs cleaning and rubbish removed from the area. A pothole at the bottom of Cork Hill was causing cars to swerve and there was considerable dumping on Cork Hill on the left hand side near Raheen Road, she added.

Cllr Daly complained that a lady had recently fallen and broken her wrist on the Mall Lane. “It’s a death trap and something needs to be done about it,” he warned. He had received numerous complaints from mass goers about potholes on Chapel Lane and potholes were aplenty too between Mistletoe Grove and the N25, although he realised it was a Cork County Council issue. The councillor was also concerned that tree roots were undermining the wall dividing Indian Point and the graveyard.

Cllr Daly noted that work might be imminent on the treacherous blind spot caused by illegally parked vehicles at the entrance to Quarryvale and asked to arrange a date to visit it with the Paul Murray, the town engineer. Mr. Murray said he would visit as soon as it was arranged with County Council traffic management official Eileen Coleman. Cllr Linehan Foley, who had also raised the issue repeatedly over many meetings asked to be included in the expedition as footpath parking issues at Dr. Kennedy’s Place had also formed part of her campaign. “That hasn’t disappeared,” she reminded. She was welcomed to tag along.

Cork County Council Items:

Cllr Hennessy said parking on Cork Hill was now a serious issue, as people often parked too close to other cars. This led to drivers being unable to drive out in the early mornings to go to work and in turn having to disturb neighbours to move their vehicles. Alternatively, they parked in a manner that just about prevented other cars accessing a space at all. She suggested boxes be painted by way of bringing order to the situation. This was roundly deemed a good idea and the town engineer said he would investigate.

Cllr Hennessy inquired of an update on the disability space road markings. Town engineer Paul Murray said some had been painted around the town, such as opposite the Credit Union, while work was started near Roseville. He said he had a small crew who were working on the project between other commitments.

Cllr Michael Beecher said he was delighted a new surface was cleared and a footpath installed between Meadow Valley and Ballyclamsy but it appeared no proper stone was laid underneath it and he could see vehicle tracks already embedded in it. Mr Murray said he’d look at it. The councillor proceeded that, part of the Inch Road also needs repair. The engineer said he would contact the relevant personnel in relation to it.

Shanakeel

Claycastle, Mall Lane and Quarry Road

Cllr Murray asked that the Claycastle area be give a clean up before Christmas, especially in lieu of a Christmas swim. She mentioned four Corona bottles having been there for eight weeks! The councillor also reported that she had that evening been notified that sewerage at Aeon Developments, Greens Quay was spilling into an adjoining property. She also drew attention to ponding at Kilcoran Place and water descending the Atlantic Steps, which would be further hazardous in freezing conditions.

Cllr Linehan Foley repeated the concerns relating to the pothole at the bottom of Cork Hill and also the issue surrounding the Mall Lane, which, in her opinion “should have been left closed.” She said closing the Mall Lane did not contribute to the town’s commercial business, while the traffic was both “highly dangerous” and a disturbing to the lane’s residents. Cllr Murray interceded that the main problem was that a surface was laid that was only suitable for pedestrian traffic and needed replacement by a concrete surface. Cllr Linehan Foley disagreed, saying it should have remained pedestrianised as “a fortune of council money” had initially created a beautiful laneway but now “people have no quality of life up there.” She asked that the issue be raised again in the chamber at some stage.

Cllr Revins referred to more potholes, namely at Moll Goggin’s Corner and “at Sammy’s Butchers in the Strand!”

Cllr Coyne also despaired of the Cork Hill pothole, before pointing out that drivers exiting the T-junction from Copperally onto the Quarry Road were having great difficulty seeing traffic from their right. He believed it was the angle of vision that was the crux of the problem. The town engineer agreed to view it officially. The councillor then cited dissatisfaction with the ponding at Nagle House, to which he had also referred at November’s meeting. Mr. Murray said he had unsuccessfully attempted to resolve the problem with cold tar. The road had fractured and he would attempt to mend it with hot tar next month.

Flood plan?

Cllr Liam Burke said he was extremely concerned about possible tidal flooding and asked if Youghal had a flood emergency plan and, if so, what was it. The town engineer said a flood survey had been conducted some years ago but the only plan as such was the provision of sandbags and the installation of flood barrier on the docks area. “Short of acquiring funding to raise the quay walls, there is nothing mush else we can do,” he said.

In the even of an emergency, Mr. Murray continued, Cork County Council would be responsible for implementing a response. Cllrs Linehan Foley and Murray recalled that the last time -2004- when Youghal had serious flooding- it was left to the town councillors to direct traffic and oversee sand bags deployment. “It was frightening. There wasn’t even a guard around,” said Cllr Linehan Foley.

Town Manager Patricia Power said it was worth examining the situation further although the County Council had an emergency strategy for various events, which included co-ordination between the County Council, An Garda and the HSE.
“Flood defence and response are the two issues involved,” she observed, informing that major damage was caused during the recent Cork flooding by vehicles driving through the water and causing waves. Incredibly, people leaving their vehicles to remove ‘road flooded’ signs also contributed to the disaster, she added.

Cllr Burke repeated that given serious flooding is forecast to occur frequently, “a formal flood emergency plan should be drawn up” for Youghal. Cllr Linehan Foley added that even the provision of an emergency number for elderly people especially, to ring would provide reassurance for them.

Cllr Burke concluded his submissions on County Council matters with a repeat of unresolved issues, namely, the concealed entrance sign for Summerdale lawn and “the usual list of broken footpaths at Tallow Street, South Main Street and the junction of South Abbey and Strand Street.”

Mayor’s Business:

Mayor Sandra McLellan she had received a letter from Kathleen Keniry thankig the council for the recent civic reception celebrations held to honour her 50 years teaching Irish dancing. The mayor referred to a letter from the Chamber of Commerce requesting free parking on the main street over Christmas. It was deemed that the matter had already been discussed and that free parking would apply on Christmas Eve only. Mayor McLellan concluded by formerly adding retired town councillor Olly Casey’s autobiographical book, That’s Gas to the council library.

RAPID Report

Cllr Revins said there was no report, no co-ordinator until next March and no tenants liaison officer after Dec 21st. “I can’t see any RAPID meeting happening before March which is very disappointing,” he said, adding he would welcome “any meeting with the residents’ network meantime, to keep things going.”

Unresolved Motions Report:

Cllr Mary Linehan Foley referred to a motion that called on the council to widen and improve Kilcoran Road, including provision of a footpath. She said it had been submitted eight years ago and was still unfulfilled. The councillor didn’t have anything against other areas being resurfaced, but she would be seeking her colleagues’ support for a January motion about “about slapping on Compulsory Purchase Orders etc.” in relation to this long-running saga. “These potholes have been there for 20 years and its wasting money to be filling them for three showers of rain, while elderly people are falling over them,” she alluded.  Cllr Liam Burke supported Cllr Linehan Foley, adding that a very dangerous bend on the road added to the danger.

Local Authority 2010 Budget meetings for 2010:

It was decided to hold the meeting prior to January’s Town Council meeting on January 11th.

Revised Road Traffic and Car Park Bye Laws 2010:
This item resolved particularly around the traffic management plan pertaining to the DeValera Street car park. It was perceived that a lot of issues and “serious concerns” were contained within and therefore the matter would be best dealt with over a special meeting. This is scheduled for Monday January 18th , with the draft results being forwarded before a full council meeting thereafter.

Motion by Cllr Murray, seconded by Cllr Beecher: ‘That Youghal Town Council calls on the OPW to provide funding for the provision of flood protection barriers as a matter of urgency.’

Cllr Murray said she believed two reports had been commissioned in times past, one elaborate in its recommendations and the other simply proposing building walls with gaps and erecting moveable barriers, etc. She was unaware which had been sent to the OPW but suggested they be revisited and revised if necessary in lieu of a fresh application.

The councillor felt present strategy focused unwisely on reactive clean-up tactics whereas pro-active, preventative measures were far more advisable. She would accept the work being done, if need be, in stages, with more vulnerable areas addressed first.

Cllr Burke said the sea threat was very real and when it did transpire it would affect back street residents and mains street businesses alike. He recalled boats being rowed on the main street on Ash Wednesday 1962 and forecast it may well be repeated. Cllr Linehan Foley remembered a similar occurrence at Brown Street in 1989.

Cllr Hennessy said householders on the back street were “seriously concerned” to the point that they wished to send a delegation to the council to voice their fears and to seek reassurance. “Their children have left home now and most of these people are elderly and worried,” she stressed. “Salt water can destroy their homes and they can’t get insurance.” The councillor said there needed to be “hundreds of sandbags” ready for immediate deployment on foot of a flood warning.

As Cllr Murray’s motion was approved, Cllr Linehan Foley added that a similar motion from Cllr Revins had been submitted to the OPW some years ago, that received a positive reply. “They said we were on their list and maybe we can look up that reply again, she concluded.

At which point all retired for beverages and sandwiches to mark the Christmas, with the ham salad and white wine particularly complimentary towards each other, one found.

**

Major academic honours for Youghal’s Quirke sisters

The daughter of former poultry shop owners Vincent and Deirdre Quirke, Jane Quirke achieved 570 points in her Leaving Cert at Loreto Convent Youghal. She then attended UCC from where she graduated 2004 with First Class Honours in Law and French. Jane then undertook post-graduate studied in Dublin City University, from where she acquired a Professional Diploma in Accountancy. The 27 year-old joined the Auditing section of chartered accountants PricewaterhouseCoopers in 2006 where, completing further studies in Chartered Accountancy, she became a Certified Accountant in 2008.

Subsequently transferred to the company’s Taxation department, Jane took her
final exams with the Institute of Taxation this year, finishing joint first in Ireland.

Jane’s sister younger sister by four years, Anne Marie, also attended Youghal’s
Loreto school and acquired 590 points in her Leaving Cert. She subsequently
graduated from UCC in 2008 with an Upper Second Class Primary Degree in Civil
& Environmental Engineering. Earlier this year she completed successful studies
for a Master’s Degree in Transportation and sustainable Development in Paris..

Jane will take up work on January 4th next with a Paris-based French company as a
project engineer, which will see her working on international projects on low
energy buildings in South Africa, China and Thailand.

end

Garda Confidential No: 1 800 666 111

Community Garda Peter Queally aired some timely advice on the Saturday garda report on Community Radio Youghal. The garda said he had accessed information from the garda website that he felt merited imparting to listeners, especially with the Christmas holiday season imminent. By Christy Parker

Garda Queally provided the guidelines under various heading as follows:

How to prevent being burgled:

* Keep suitcases and bags in attic or with handles tied together as thieves will use them to transport items from your house.
* Keep windows and doors shut and locked even when at home; a thief will burgle property even when someone inside, e.g. when they see bathroom light go on.
* Use an alarm if possible, even if leaving house for a short time.
* Chain wheelie bin to a fence away from house as a burglar will stand on it to gain entry. “It happens regularly,” said the garda.
* Join local neighbourhood watch/community alert group. Garda Queally added that part of his remit is to start up neighbourhood watch schemes and he would be more than willing to help anyone who wishes to do so with information and other assistance.
* Secure front door and ensure windows have window locks.
* Fix broken garden gates.
* Put wire basket on inside of window box as it prevent burglars from fishing keys through letter box

Pointers on going away for Christmas holidays:

* Make your home look as though someone is living there; cancel newspaper, milk deliveries etc.
* Trusted neighbours may help you by collecting post and opening/closing curtains, turning on lights etc.
* Ask them to park their car in your driveway.
* Avoid discussing holiday plans where strangers might hear details.
* Leave important documents and other valuable items with a family member, a bank or locked in a safe.
* Do not put your home address on your luggage when travelling abroad; your work address will suffice, where applicable. Address can be noted at airport, etc.
* Make sure all doors and windows are locked and set alarm if you have one.

Precautions when at home over Christmas:

* Put Christmas presents under tree early on Christmas morning or keep tree out of view from window.
* Lock and bolt doors and windows.
* If expecting a parcel delivery, make sure someone is home to receive it or have a neighbour do so.
* Keep keys, mobile phones and other valuable items locked away out of site.
* Never leave keys in door or within sight from windows or doors.
* Once you’ve opened gifts, don’t leave boxes on view outside to advertise your good fortune to criminals.

Avoid being a victim when out shopping:

* Take extra care to conceal our pin number when using a cash point or check-out; never let anyone see your pin number and never write it down.
* If you carry a handbag keep your purse at the bottom or even on your person. “Avoid leaving handbags or purses on top of a trolley or in front compartment. It only takes a second to have it stolen, warned the garda.
* Never leave wallet in back pocket and keep handbag zipped at all times.
* Stay alert when using your mobile phone. It’s very easy for someone to snatch it out of your hand.
* Always put shopping parcels in boot of car and lock it.
* Don’t leave any valuables on seat of car as they attract thieves and as well as losing your valuable you have a broken window to replace too.
* Keep car door locked even when travelling.
* Don’t leave your house keys in your car.
* Secure your Sat-nav and hide it when not in use; don’t preset your exact home address into it.

Underage drinking:

Garda Queally said he had visited Youghal’s off licences in recent weeks to address this issue. “It’s still a very big problem and moreso as false IDs can be acquired on the internet,” he noted. He then stressed that it is illegal to buy alcohol if under 18 or for supply to someone under 18. “We will be trying to detect this increasingly in coming weeks,” he attested. The garda asked that parents discuss drinking issues with their children and advised also that, “they see you as a role model so try to set a good example on how to use or not use alcohol.”

Addressing festive celebrations, the following guidelines were offered:

* Everyone is responsible for safety, whether having a house party, office party or similar.
* Serve alcohol responsibly and don’t sere it to people already drunk.
* Don’t serve alcohol to people under 18.
* Have low or non-alcohol alternatives available.
* Serve food that is tasty and filling.
* Promote safe transport options for your guests, including calling taxis and having bus timetables available.

Staying safe on a night out:

* Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be home.
* Carry our mobile phone with you and make sure it is charged.
* If one of your group has had too much to drink, ensure they get home safely.
* Watch out for one another.
* Plan your trip home in advance, e.g. arrange a lift.
* Never drink and drive.
* If you’re a designated driver, park in a well-lit area and don’t leave property visible inside.
* If you see someone in trouble, call 999 or your local garda station.

For further information/guidelines see:  http://www.garda.ie/

The Youghal & District Community Alert programme elected the following officer at the November AGM in the Walter Raleigh hotel. Chairman: Jack Dempsey; Vice-chair: Pa Forrest; Secretary: Kay Curtain; Treasurer Michael Beecher; Pro: Sgt John Sharkey; Asst PRO: Garda Peter Queally. By Christy Parker

The incoming committee thanked outgoing Chairman and Youghal & District Community Alert programme founder Moss Lynch. Treasurer Michael Beecher said there was “tremendous credit” due to Mr Lynch, having kept the movement alive almost single-handedly over a year prior to the surge in public interest that sustains it today. Mr Lynch declined the offer of a titular position as President, saying he sought “no honours” for his commitment, but rather it was a pleasure to work for the community’s interests.

Incoming Chairman Jack Dempsey’s inaugural initiative was to re-arrange monthly meeting’s starting time a quarter hour earlier, at 7.45pm, with meetings lasting an hour at most. He also stressed that the new starting time would be stringently observed.

A question from the floor inquired as to a previous intention make a contribution gesture towards an elderly-related project. The chairman said that, with only one source of funding –an annual collection- thus far, the kitty was relatively modest. This money would likely be needed to cover unavoidable costs through 2010. However, he suggested the issue be re-considered after the next annual collection and this was agreed.

New Community Garda Peter Queally said was currently endeavouring to acquire a list of elderly people in the town and district, whether living in isolation or otherwise and asked that information on same be forwarded to him from any community source. It was suggested that a volunteer group of responsible younger people –teenagers perhaps- could also be organised to assist in visits, errand and caring for such vulnerable citizens. The chairman supported the idea but reminded that it would need to be very carefully organised.

It was suggested that a coffee morning be organised to raise funds and awareness of the Community Alert group. It was noted that a lot of people remained unaware of its functions and procedures and the treasurer Michael Beecher said he would look into the matter.

The chair concluded with an appeal to town councillors present for a few days of free parking prior to Christmas. He was told the council normally facilitated free parking from 4pm in the run up to Christmas but the issue would be discussed at the next town council meeting (Dec 14th).

At the meetings conclusion the attendance were given high visibility jackets as part of Road Safety Authority initiative.

Crime statistics

Earlier, the meeting had received a report from Sergeant John Sharkey on crime affairs and statistics over the intervening time since October’s meeting.

These transpired as follows:

Burglaries (3): Walter Raleigh, Strand Street & South Abbey

Criminal damage (9): Strand Street, Catherine Street, St. Raphael’s, Store Street, Father O’Neill’s GAA ground, Chestnut Drive (2), Cork Hill.

Driver Under Influence (4): tested @ Lackaroe, Priory Court, Claycastle, Ballymacask.

Mandatory Alcohol Testing (MAT) Checkpoints: (9 failures): Mounted at Rhincrew (2), Greencloyne (2), Strand Street (2), Ballyvergan (2), Claycastle, Ballyvergan.

Drugs: (3): Carlton Wharf (3).

Minor assaults (7): Strand Street, DeValera Street, South Main Street, Front Strand, Stepping Stone House, Chestnut Drive, Cork Hill.

Assault Causing Harm (2): Lighthouse Hill, Usual Place pub.

The next Community Alert meeting will take place in the Walter Raleigh at 745 pm on Tuesday January 5th and on the first Tuesday of every month thereafter. Inquiries, etc to, Garda John Sharkey @ Youghal garda station (024) 92200 or to any committee member.