Claycastle Pitch And Putt Club Report 20/12/09

The 6th and final turkey competition of the year was played over last
weekend.1st Nett- Joan Hyde, Don Sheehan. 1st Gross- Michael Landers,
Seamus Murphy. 2nd Nett- Gene Fox, Michael Ryall. There were 4 turkeys
up for grabs in the end of season draw and the  lucky winners were-
Helen Landers, Paddy Mangan, Teresa McCarthy and Martin Dalton. The
Christmas Fayre started in earnest last Wednesday but unfortunately
play was suspended for the weekend due to the sub zero conditions, the
competition will now be completed on the weekend of 2nd and 3rd of
January 2010.
The draw for the club leagues 2010 will take place on Sunday 3rd January.
The club would like to pass on its deepest sympathies to one of our
founder members Kity Shiels on the recent passing of her brother Davy
O’ Brien. May he rest in peace.
Claycastle Pitch and Putt Club-A review of the year-
It was an extremely successful year on the playing front for the
members of Claycastle, with the highlight being Ed Longs’
participation in the Gents National Matchplay in Castletown Co. Meath
over the June bank holiday weekend. Ed qualified out of a tough
section in Crosshaven which included one Thomas Lynch who is one of
the hottest prospects in pitch and putt at the moment. Ed not only
became the first Claycastle player to qualify for this prestigious
event but also went on to reach the last 32 where he narrowly lost his
closely fought game. Claycastle were also represented at the Gents
National Strokeplay in Tralee Co. Kerry in July where Don and Colin
Sheehan competed in the in the intermediate section and Anthony O’
Loughlin competed in the seniors. Colin came agonisingly close to
claiming his and Claycastle’s first national title when he finished
runner-up to Mallow man Trevor O’ Donovan, It was a great day for the
Sheehan family as Colin’s dad Don qualified for the final 18 where he
put in a solid performance. In the seniors Anthony finished in 15th
place, but for some poor pitching could have finished much higher. All
in all it was a terrific effort by the Claycastle lads at national
level and hopefully 2010 will see a national title finding its way to
Youghal. At provincial level Martin Keohane qualified for the Munster
Matchplay in Castleisland Co. Kerry where he was drawn against
defending and National champion Frank Dineen. The draw seemed like a
tough one but Martin dug deep and found the performance of a lifetime
to beat Corks inter-county captain by a margin of 3&2. As so often
happens Martin found it hard to replicate his performance in round two
and narrowly lost to Matchplay specialist Pacelli Darcy form Bruff by
3&2.
In August our juvenile member David Poyntin represented the Cork
juveniles at Munster and National level where Cork made history by
completing a marvellous clean sweep beating fierce rivals Kerry into
second place at both championships. On the open circuit the scramble
team of Joan Hyde, Rita Ryall and Maureen Broderick played superbly to
claim the ladies prize at the Fermoy open scramble. Declan O’ Shea
also played well in Fermoy where he picked up two prizes. In our own
scratch cup in March Anthony O’ Loughlin held off a late charge by the
ever consistent John Walsh (Collins) to win the cup for the second
time. Ed Long continued his fine form throughout the year to win
prizes in Dugarvan and Corkbeg and also made numerous cuts at scratch
cups in the city. At a local level the officers prizes were fiercely
contested throughout the year. In May Adrian Landers retained the
Presidents prizes while Bridie Walsh added another major title to her
collection by winning the Lady captains prize. Ed Long played superbly
to claim the Captains prize while rising star Colin Sheehan won the
Chairman’s prize. In September Ted Healy won the most sought after of
all prizes when he won The Noel O’ Driscoll Perpetual trophy. James O’
Neill won his first major prize when he won the Daisy Swayne memorial
in October. A special mention must go to our captain Martin Keohane
who completed a feat that will surley not be achieved again by winning
both the Club Matchplay and Strokeplay. Martin’s  form peaked at just
the right time during the year and hopefully these victories will give
him the confidence to go on and become the player we all know he can
be.

The officers and committee would like to wish all our members and
their families a happy and safe Christmas and we’ll see ye all again
in 2010.

Claycastle Pitch and Putt report 6/12/09
Result of 5th Turkey competition- 1st Nett Rita Ryall,Ted Healy,Tom
McCarthy. 1st Gross-Joy Bryan,Michael Dalton,Michael Shiels.
Result of festive fourball- 1st Nett Rita Ryall,James O’ Neill.1st
Gross- Michael Ryall,Declan O’Shea,2nd Nett- Ted Healy, Teresa
McCarthy.
The 6th and last turkey competition of the year will be played on
Wdnesday 9th and Saturday 12th teeing off at 2.00pm sharp both
days.The enrty sheet for the club winter leagues is now up on the
notice board,closing date is 20th December.Pleasenote the late entries
will not be acepted.
The club would like to pass on our sincere condolencesto our popular
member Declan O’ Shea on the sudden passing of his father.May he rest
in peace.

Youghal Choral Society is pleased to announce that they are holding their annual Christmas Choral Service on Sunday 13th. December at 7.30 pm in St. Mary’s  Parish Church Youghal.
Report: Michael Twomey Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com
E-mail: news@youghalonline.com

For many, this festive celebration is the beginning of Christmas in Youghal. Its popularity is growing year by year offering a platform for aspiring artists and established musicians. The Carol service retains a traditional warmth and unique timelessness with an uplifting presentation of carols, music and Christmas readings.

Participating choirs will include the Cantairi Mhuscrai Ballincollig, conducted by Mary O Brien, Choir Cois Farrraige Ballycotton, conducted by Pem Stanley and the delightful Pobailscoil na Trionoide  School Choir, directed by Jack O Rourke. The youth choir and instrumental group comprising of youth from West Waterford and East Cork, formed in recent years and directed by Patricia Whyte, will also perform.

As in previous years the evening’s event will be varied. Solo artists will include two of Youghal most respected sopranos, Una Whyte and Geraldine Kelly, while the incomparable Tallow tenor, Frank Ryan, is set to delight the audience with his repertoire of song. Accompanist for the night is the very talented Tracey O’ Connell.

Host choir, Youghal Choral Society will also perform offering their sublime rendition of the ever popular, OH, Holy Night. So if you are looking for a taste of that old Christmas feeling away from the glare and noise of shops and television mark Sunday the 13th. Dec in your diaries as a date not to be missed

Youghal Rugby Football Club Sponsor ‘Berties’  -  Match Sponsor ‘The Nook’
By Derek Kiely Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com E-mail:news@youghalonline.com

Munster Junior League Div 2

Youghal XV   12     v     Old Christians XV 22

DEFEAT For Youghal last Sunday against Old Christians in a hard fought battle at Frogmore.

Youghal conceded a penalty after just six minutes of the match, which was converted by Christians Out-Half Aidan Tobin giving the visitors the early three point advantage. That lead was extended to eight points on the 26th minute when the Christians winger Aidan Weir went over in the corner for the try.

Christians definitely started the better, taking their early chances, but Youghal fought hard in every department and replied superbly just two minutes later when Youghal’s winger Alan Fox made a fantastic interception on the right wing about 35 meters out from goal and showed a clean pair of heels to the chasing Christians defence as he ran over the try line and touched down under the posts.

Jonathan Ormonde converted and suddenly it was just a one point game. Youghal started to dominate possession and territory for the next 10 minutes with magnificent performances from the forwards, in particular Eoghan Power who put his body on the line throughout the entire 80 minutes.

After a delay due to an injury the first half was delayed by five minutes and on the stroke of the 45th minute Youghal were dealt a terrible blow, when completely against the run of play and in slightly suspicious circumstances Christians broke on the right wing after what looked like an obvious knock forward the ball found its way to Kieran Weir who touched down for the try, which was converted by Tobin giving Old Christians a 15 point to 7 point lead at the break.

The second half was a real hard fought battle in trying conditions and Youghal started the brighter, with the forwards led by Ken Forrest, ploughing their way up the middle of the pitch, winning phase after phase, completing ruck after ruck, but just not getting the breaks every team needs.

Youghal fought hard throughout the second half but the pressure told on the 71st minute when after a series of conceded penalties five meters out from the Youghal try line, referee Paul Twomey warded Christians a penalty try. Tobin converted and Christians led by 22 points to 7.

The cries from the visiting supporters was to push for the bonus point and few could have had any criticism of the Youghal players, who were out on their feet at this stage for conceding a fourth try, but Sean O’Neill’s men were having none of it.

The words, courage, belief and determination come to mind for all who watched as Youghal broke up the middle on the 77th minute and a series of tremendous passes the ball made its way out to the left wing and into the hands of Youghal’s winger Stephen Kelly who ran brilliantly in for the Try.

The match ended with a victory for the visitors, but they really had to earn it and to be honest there was nothing between the teams, except an odd decision here and the odd bounce of the ball there and Sean O’Neill’s team will take plenty positives out of this one and consider themselves to not at least have got a bonus point.

Youghal RFC would like to sincerely thank Michael Treacy and the Treacy family at ‘The Nook’ for their generous sponsorship of the Youghal versus Old Christians match. The Tracy family have a tremendous tradition in supporting sport in Youghal and have a great association with Youghal RFC.

Sponsors like ‘The Nook’ are vital to Youghal RFC and it is always deeply appreciated.

Quiz Night

Youghal RFC would like to thank everyone who supported the recent table top quiz that was held in the recently at the premises of the Clubs Main Sponsor ‘Berties’.

The quiz helped raise some much need funds for the club and everyone enjoyed the night.

Happy Christmas

As we head for the festive season Youghal RFC would like to wish all its members, sponsors and supporters a very peaceful and Happy Christmas and a prosperous 2010.

The AGM of Youghal Credit Union was held in the Walter Raleigh Hotel on Tuesday November 24th. The large attendance heard the results of the previous year which according to Mr. Peter O’ Donnell , Chairperson, proved very well despite the economic climate. Members approved a dividend of 1.5% on savings. A loan interest rebate of 12.5% for members who were borrowers during the year was also approved. The remainder of the surplus of €2.9 million was used to build up the reserves of the credit union and ensure it’s financial safety and soundness for future years.

The Chairperson noted that whilst lending was down on previous years the credit union is still open for the business of serving the local community. Savings were reduced by €1 million which reflected the current economic climate. During the year some investment bonds underperformed but they recovered later on in the year. Most of these bonds have now been encashed and placed on deposit which will reduce investment exposure.

The AGM  also heard of the new range of services that were introduced during the current year. A new website, youghalcu.ie, was launched which allows members access to their account information. An ATM was launched during the course of the year allowing members full time access to their savings. A further range of electronic services are expected to be launched during the coming year. The car draw, which proved so successful, is due to continue with the next draw due in the New Year.

The Baptism of Griffin Beechinor took place at St. Michael’s Church, Glendine, Co Waterford last Saturday (December 5th 2009). The parents Alan Beechinor from Cork City  and Niamh Parker from Lackaroe, Youghal were joined by the Godparents Dermot Cassidy and Nicola Parker.
Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com E-mail: news@youghalonline.com

The occasion was a wonderful opportunity for family, friends and parishioners to share in the joy of the Baptism of baby Griffin. Celebrant was Knockanore Parish Priest Fr. Patrick Condon. Reception was at the Cliff House Hotel, Ardmore, Co. Waterford.
Click on image to enlarge

Blackwater Academy is proud to present ‘Blackwater Academy on show’ at the Walter Raleigh Hotel Youghal, 6th December, 7.30pm.

The show includes ballet, tap, hip hop and contemporary dance numbers. Musical theatre numbers will include a huge variety including numbers from the likes of ‘Peter Pan’ to ‘We will rock you’, including the popular ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’. Students range in age from 3 ½ – 17 years.

We are very proud of our 120 students who regularly perform locally. 2009 has been an amazing year for Blackwater Academy. 4 students have played main roles in shows in the Everyman Palace, Cork Arts theatre, and the Opera House, and at Feis Maitiu many students at Blackwater Academy were prizewinners.

Blackwater Academy’s main focus is building confidence, and giving each child the opportunity to shine in their own way, but above all else is having fun, fun and more fun!!

All staff and students are looking forward to our end of year show so we hope you will join us this Sunday and share in our wonderful performances.

Tickets cost €12 for adults and €10 for children. Discounts available for 5 or more.

High Spirits Junior Dance & Drama Club will have a Cake/Book Sale  and Christmas Concert on the 19th Dec ’09 in the Youghal Community Centre.

The Cake Sale will begin at 10.30am and the Concert will begin at 12pm.  Please come along and see our talented young people and help us raise funds for our pantomime taking place in April 2010.  Entry is €2 with a complimentary cup of tea or coffee.  For more information on the HIGH SPIRITS group visit www.high-spirits.ie.

Need a great show this Saturday night coming????

After a cracking show in Cork – a full house and standing ovation from the audience! – Bideview Drama bring their great New York play ‘Pied a Terre’ to Kilworth, Co Cork (near Fermoy) this Saturday night, Dec 5, at 8PM. All welcome!

This is the Irish premiere of the play by John Anastasi. Directed by Jack Aherne, with set design by Mary Sheehan, Stage
Management by Judy Burton, lighting by John Roche and makeup by Celine Earl, there is much to enjoy in this very modern drama. Pied a Terre is set in today’s New York and is about Jack (played by Eddie Kelly), Julia (Vanessa Hyde) and Katie (Irene Kelleher). There are lots of interesting plot-twists, laughs and dramatic moments to enjoy throughout – a very modern
love-triangle! Tickets available on the door.
–
Vanessa Hyde
PRO
Brideview Drama, Tallow
Co Waterford, Ireland
087 6733 782

A huge well done and congratulations to all involved in Brideview Drama’s 1-Act comedy, ‘The Loaded Dog’. With 5 performances completed at various Munster 1-Act Drama Festivals, the group did very well with prizes.

Behind the scenes the three actors had much help from members of the group. Patrick Smith, Orla Devlin and John O’Dea had great fun rehearsing and performing the play, and entertaining audiences. Matthew Kavanagh was congratulated on many occasions for his soundscape, sound effects and lighting plot. Monica Murphy did excellent work as Stage Manager and the play benefitted from all sorts of props and advice provided by Jack Aherne.

This silly, exhausting, full-action comedy went to five festivals during November: Ballincollig (where it came second), Rossmore, Haulbowline, Cork (at the Cat Club) and Castlelyons (where it won the Best Play award – nice one for the director, James Hyde). Patrick won a very well-deserved Best Actor award at Castlelyons (plus two nominations for the same award at other festivals). Orla got a nomination for Best Actor in Cork (great for someone on their first outing on the national circuit, and competing at ‘Open’ level), and John was admired by many for his very good vocal delivery.

Meanwhile Brideview’s “Festival” 3-Act play for 2010, “Pied a Terre”, directed by Jack Aherne has just completed its second performance – this time at Aghada Community Centre near Midleton.Once again the set looked superb (designed by Mary Sheehan and built by Jack, Eddie, Peter, Judy and Ger) and a large crowd attended despite the horrific weather conditions!The Aghada audience were very appreciative, even though they found sections of the story rather “saucy” (they had forgotten to say “Adults Only”, so some younger members sneaked in!), and wished Jack and the excellent cast and crew all the best on the circuit next year. Thanks again to Judy – the speed dresser in the wings, and to John Roche for his support performing the thankless task of sitting in the wings and hanging and re-hanging pictures as required! Next performance is on Thursday December 3rd at the Cork Arts Theatre where we hope to have a full-house attending – come along if you haven’t seen it yet, it is a lovely cosy venue and the cast and crew would appreciate the support! Cork Arts Theatre is on Carroll’s Quay, just across the river from Cork Opera House.

Rehearsals for Brideview’s January 2010 farce “Tom, Dick & Harry” continue apace with David Murphy at the helm. The set is taking shape and doors can be heard slamming (on set!) in the Tallow Community Centre, so audiences can look forward to another energetic, action packed ride. Cast includes; Will Motherway, Sean Tobin, James Hyde, John Roche, Audrey Sheehan, Mary Curley, Emer Martin, Martin Sheehan and Tomas Roche. Stage Management is being ably performed by Sarah Curley (Allen).

Finally, if you want to see hundreds of pictures from David Murphy’s ‘Christening Party’ comedy held back in September in Tallow in aid of the Tallow Community Council, visit the following website (many thanks to Brian Fitzgerald for the photos): http://tallow.myphotoalbum.com.

Youghal fisherman Barry Clohessy came across an intriguing item during a walk on Youghal beach recently. Barry was approaching Redbarn from the Youghal side when he spotted a fluorescent pink object on the shoreline. Closer inspection revealed it was an American-made buoy, such as would be used to guide a boat to lobster pots.
By Christy Parker / Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com Email: news@youghalonline.com

The buoy was covered with miniature barnacles from which grew some form of marine life that resembled long, thick, jelly-like worms. “This suggests it was in the water for a very long time, probably three or four years at least,” says Barry.

The object was all the more interesting for the man-made markings it held. It was adorned with several small reflective strips, presumably to help locate it at night The Number 3 was festooned on upper end in felt-tip marker, while the words ‘Spit and Sputter’ were also written on the side.

Other scribbled markings were the numbers ‘648-8413’ and ‘Home: 643-2277,’ which possibly are local telephone numbers within its area of origin. The number 105958 was also written on it. “That may be a licence number of some sort,” muses Barry

Finally, the manufacturer’s identity, barely discernible on the underside, was found to be ‘Polyform US Ltd.’ A fast internet search shows this to be a company based in the city of Kent, in the King’s County, Washington, eastern USA.

The company’s website indicates that the buoy is form its LD (Low Drag) series, patented in 1989. It would be used to retrieve 700-lb. crab pots in dangerous seas of up to 30ft. The reduced surface drag is intended to facilitate “faster, safer pick ups as well as easing strain on both crew and gear,” say the makers.

However, it remains a mystery how from whence the buoy travelled to Youghal. Various theories have been floated and efforts to land the truth are ongoing via international channels.

The Youghal RNLI Lifeboat has a lovely range of Christmas Cards for sale this year.

They are available from Muckley’s Jewellers, Crowley’s Petrol Station and Youghal Lifeboat Souvenir Shop.  Please help us save lives at sea by buying our Christmas cards.

The Lifeboat Souvenir Shop will open every Saturday & Sunday for the month of December from 10am to 1pm.