Sunday last (29th Nov. 2009), a new pond was opened at St. Raphael’s Centre, Youghal in memory of the late Richie O’Sullivan, who had been in residence there for 40 years.
Report: Becky Grice    Photo: Michael Hussey    Email: news@youghalonline.com

When Richie passed away in January of this year, his family decided to donate money to the centre to help renovate the old pond, where Richie had spent so many happy hours.

Richie’s brother, Con O’Sullivan told the East Cork Journal, ‘There was always a pond at St. Raphael’s Centre, that Richie truly loved but, over the years, it fell into disrepair, which was a shame. The staff of St. Raphael’s had always been so kind to Richie, that it felt right to give something back and to also honour his memory. He was as much a part of the place as any other resident, and, because of this, there’ll always be a little part of him there.’

The official opening took place on Sunday last, with Fr. McGuane and Director of Nursing, Maura O’Leary present, as well as Richie’s brothers and sisters Con, John, Helen and Theresa, and their families.

Richie’s three other brothers, Donal, Michael and Kevin, were unable to attend but sent their love and thoughts on that special day.

The pond has fish and water-lilies in it and the O’Sullivans hope that the residents will find as much happiness at its side as Richie did.

The Friends of St. Raphael’s also made a donation to the cost of the pond, as did the HSE.
Staff nurse, Eleanor O’Riordan Martin and Maura O’Leary both thanked Richie’s family for their kind donation and stated that the new pond has ‘pride of place’ in the grounds of St. Raphael’s Centre.

Con O’Sullivan also paid tribute to the centre’s gardener Michael Roche, David Keane, who came up with the design of the new pond and the staff and residents of St. Brendan’s Ward, where Richie spent his last years.

The pond is a place for calm reflection for all the residents and, as Con hoped, Richie O’Sullivan will be a part of it forever. Report by Becky Grice, East Cork Journal
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Barry Treacy Manager of Youghal Credit Union will give a talk
on How To Manage Your Money During a Recession
in Cumann Na Daoine (League of the Cross Hall)
on Thursday 3rd December at 2.30.
the talk will include :How to manage debt.
Budgeting
Credit Union Services.
For further information contact Stacey at 024-91900
All welcome.

Christmas Community Night
Our next monthly get together is hosting an Polish Night.
Come and learn about Polish Culture and sample some Polish food.
The Community Night will be held in Cumann Na Daoine, Catherine St,Youghal,
at 7.30pm on Monday 14th December.

All welcome. Admission free.
Tel Stacey for further information tel 024-91900.

Open Day Showcases New Drop In Centre For Men
Thursday 10 December at 11am sees the formal opening of a new drop in centre for men in Youghal.  Run by the Men’s Social Club, this new facility offers a welcoming and cosy drop in space, where men can read a newspaper, use the computer, enjoy a game of cards, snooker, chess or rings, or just have a coffee and a chat.  To celebrate the opening of the new centre the Men’s Social Club is delighted to invite you to come in and see the drop-in centre, enjoy some refreshments and find out more about the club at their open day on December 10th.

The Men’s Social Club at Cumann na Daoine has been in existence now for over ten years.  It was established to provide a space for men of all ages and social groups to meet in a friendly and understanding atmosphere.  As a group we undertake a variety of social activities such as fishing, visiting centres of national interest, bowling and networking with similar groups to ourselves.   We are also involved in the Music Group.  We are always on the lookout for new members, so why not contact us or encourage other men to join.

For further information contact Mack or Stacey 024 91900.

Cumann na Daoine (formerly League of the Cross), Catherine St, Youghal, Co Cork

An evening of hilarious comedy with the inimitable Jon Kenny, who performed to a capacity audience, at The Mall Arts Centre, last Saturday night ( Nov. 28th 2009). Jon started his career as a front man for a glam rock band in the 1970s. From there, his career path travelled through the varied acting arenas – stage and film, comedic and tragic, mime and dance, characterisation and stand up.
Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com Email: news@youghalonline.com

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

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

Click on image to enlarge

BIOGRAPHY
Jon’s career in entertainment started at her age of sixteen as lead singer in the glam rock band called GIMIC, who toured extensively in Ireland and the UK, and were also one of the first bands to tour Eastern Europe.
Leaving the band in his early twenties, Jon joined Theatre Omnibus, a dance and classical mime company. They toured throughout Ireland, England and America, one of the highlights being their critically acclaimed performances at the prestigious Lincoln Arts Centre in New York.
In the mid eighties Jon left Theatre Omnibus to embark on a solo career where his madcap blend of music, comedy and theatrics began to emerge and he was soon seen on RTE , on the Davis At Large show where he wrote and performed his own comedy sketches.
In the late eighties Jon formed the D’Unbelievables with Pat Shortt and proceeded to write and perform the shows; The Cattle Dealer’s Lament; Mad Jax Show; It’s My Shout; One Hell Of A Do; I Doubt It , Says Pauline; and D’Ats Life. D’Unbelievables proved to be Ireland’s most popular comedy duo ever. They performed their shows to sell out audiences all over Ireland, Great Britain and America.  They also produced four chart topping Videos;   D’Video, D’Telly, D’ Mother and D’Collection.
He also performed on stage with Theatre groups such as The Island Theatre company, Limerick; The Actors Company, Dublin and Druid Theatre, Galway. In 2005, he was nominated for the prestigious Irish  Times Best Actor Award for his performance in Under Milk Wood with The Island Theatre company.
Jon’s film work includes parts in Angela Mooney Dies Again, The Van, Les Miserables ( where he acted opposite Liam Neeson) , and a cameo role in Angela’s Ashes. His television work includes; Father Ted (Channel 4), The Fitz (BBC) , Gortnaclune(RTE)  and various other personal appearances.
Recently, Jon has toured Ireland with his one man shows; ‘ I’m Not Says I …I’m Fine’ and his new show simply called ‘ Jon Kenny – live’.

Christmas Charity Fair in aid of the Emer Casey Foundation at Greenbarn, Inchiquin, Killeagh took place last Saturday 28th Nov. 2009.
Photo: Michael Hussey Email: news@youghalonline.com

The exciting Christmas event was not to be missed. The action packed event has something for all the family. From flower arranging to raffles and music not to mention a visit from Santa! Kids had their faces painted and carol singing was performed by the The Church of the Holy Family Choir.

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Christmas festival fun starts with the annual Christmas lights switch on.
Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com  Email: news@youghalonline.com

Free entertainment for all the family Youghal is gearing up to put smiles on faces all over East Cork with its upcoming 3rd annual “I Believe….”Christmas Festival. Running from Saturday 28th November throughout the festive season, this highly successful annual event is packed full of activities ensuring that the build up to Christmas is a relaxed, happy and safe environment for locals and visitors alike.

Initiated by Youghal Chamber of Tourism and Commerce to promote shopping locally, the “I Believe…” Festival promises to build on the great momentum gained during the traditional tourist season of the summer months, when Youghal was given the status
of “family fun destination”

Events at the Switch On included -  Youghal comes alive with street entertainment, Barty’s Music Show, Face-painting and Balloon art, Youghal Choral Society perform Christmas Carols, Tones of the famous Youghal Pipe Band and Christmas Lights turned on!