Australian Singer/Songwriter Grayson along with with his full band will perform his last gig in Ireland to be held at The Gate Bar, Youghal on Friday the 15th of January 2010. Two support acts will also feature on the night from a very talented young lady from Poland and an up and coming songwriter from Cork City.

The night will also hold the first launch and screening for the music video of the single “Stand Clear” which was filmed, produced and edited in Youghal over the past few months by local Kieran McCarthy and co-produced with Grayson.

The single “Stand Clear” reached No. 1 in the Indie download charts in Ireland and also reached the top 40 commercial charts on release receiving major airplay. Come along and give Grayson a good send off before he heads back to the land of Oz to play the tail end of the Summer Festivals.

For more info visit:
www.grayson-music.com
www.myspace.com/graysonau

STATEMENT BY COUNCILLOR DONIE DALY
Labour Councillor for Youghal
Friday, 8th January 2010

LABOUR PROPOSES IMMEDIATE ACTION TO DEAL WITH WEATHER CRISIS

Labour Councillor Donie Daly for Youghal has strongly criticised the failure of the Fianna Fail/Green government to respond more quickly and adequately to the current extreme weather conditions. Labour has proposed a programme of action that should be initiated immediately to alleviate the worst effects of the weather crisis.

Parts of the country have been experiencing arctic conditions since before Christmas, with families in some areas unable to leave their homes, but their plight has been largely ignored by the government.

There are a number of steps that must now be taken by the government.  These would include using the Defence Forces to assist in the clearing of paths in urban areas, many of which are currently in a lethal condition; the recruitment embargo should be lifted to allow Local Authorities to take on temporary staff from the live register; Local Authorities should be authorised to sub-contract clearance of secondary roads and suburban estates to private contractors; the Fuel Allowance should be temporarily increased to assist those on social welfare to cope with the additional heating costs; mobilise the efforts of many people who are willing to volunteer help to others in difficulties and utilise local radio more which has been doing an excellent job in providing information to local communities.

There should also be a national advertising campaign that would:
1) Urge businesses and householders to clear paths outside their premises.
2) Advise householders on measures to protect their homes.
3) Provide advice for the elderly on measures to cope with the conditions and keep warm.

“There has been a total absence of leadership from the government with Ministers, who should be responsible for taking action, totally invisible.  Why is it that the government’s Emergency Response Coordinating Committee has only begun meeting in week three of this crisis?

“We have a Minister for Defence who has stated that he will mobilise the army only ‘if he’s asked’, a Minister for Transport who is still soaking up the sun in some exotic location far from the abandoned buses, trains and cars that are now littering most parts the country, and a Minister for the Environment who has allowed the country to run out of gritting salt and has ordered more from outside the jurisdiction which is expected to take at least another week to deliver”.

“With forecasts of sub-zero temperatures for at least another week, it is absolutely crucial that the government takes on responsibility for leading and coordinating the response and implement the measures Labour has set out.”
Contact Cllr. Donie Daly (086) 8103886

At  02:45pm on Sunday, January 10th, two members of the public reported seeing an unattended wind surf board in the water near Youghal Lighthouse. Photo: John Hennessy

Youghal Coast Guard were called out, retrieved the wind surf board, and did a shoreline search but found nothing. The surf board was in poor condition which suggested it was cast adrift somewhere with no one in attendance. As a precautionary measure Youghal Lifeboat were deployed to carry out a search of Youghal harbour with Helmsman, Sean Slattery,  and crew members, Ray Kelly and Darragh Mathews. No casualties were found during the search and the operation ended around 04:30pm.

CRY’s Noel Cronin and some of his rural reporters who feature every Saturday on “Rural Report” on CRY. Also attached is picture of Theresa Joyce presenting a birthday cake to Noel on the occasion of his birthday. Email: news@youghalonline.com

Picture one Noel and Bill Daly. No 2,  John Young from Dungarvan, nNo. 3  Rhona Coughlan from Cork new presenter on CRY. No.4  Noel and Bill Daly, No. 5 Eddy Moloney and John Young,   No.6 Noel and Paddy McGrath (Inch)     No7. Noe and Henry Nicholson,    No8. Noel and Mary Peadar Daly,   No9.  Margaret, Theresa and the birthday boy,   No10. The Birthday boy and Theresa Joyce,  N012  Noel and Jim Lane (ardmore)    No 13  Noel and Jim Lane   No 14 Noel and Tom Donovan (Knockanore)  No 15. Noel and John Cunningham (Youghal)
Click on image to enlarge

STATEMENT BY COUNCILLOR DONIE DALY
Labour Councillor Youghal
Friday, 8th January 2010

VHI INCREASE A FURTHER TURNING OF THE ECONOMIC SCREW ON FAMILIES

The announcement of an increase of 8% in VHI rates represents a further turning of the economic screw on hundreds of thousands of hard-pressed families.

Public sector workers who are experiencing pay cuts of up to 8% and many others in the private sector who have also seen their incomes drop are now going to have to pay even more for VHI cover. This could mean as much as €180 extra per year for a family of four.

In addition, the increase of €25 in the health insurance levy, announced by the Department of Health over the Christmas period, is likely to lead to increases in the rates charged by other private health insurers.

The justification offered by private health insurance for increases over recent years was the rate of inflation.  We are now experiencing significant deflation, but families are still being asked to pay even more.

The net result of this is that we are likely to see a further fall in the number of people with private health insurance and this will, in turn, put more pressure on the public health service. For the first time ever there was a decrease last year in the numbers with private health insurance, with a drop of some 21,000 subscribers in the first nine months of 2009. These increases are likely to increase the rate of decline.  The implications for the health insurance system will be particularly severe if, as suspected, many of those who are leaving the system are younger subscribers.

It is now more evident than ever that our current two tier system of health care is no longer adequate.  Private insurance is increasingly expensive, while public patients still face long waiting times and often unsatisfactory conditions in accessing care.

It is now time to begin the process of the introduction of the system of universal health care, first proposed by the Labour Party in 2002, which is the norm in most European countries.  It is clear that the current system is not working satisfactorily for either public or private patients.

Contact Cllr. Donie Daly (086) 8103886

Brideview Drama Group have asked us to post this information and link which is highly recommended for anyone connected with the Arts. “Here is the link to Fiona Shaw’s recent lecture, The Michael Littleton Memorial Lecture. http://www.rte.ie/radio1/littleton/ It’s about language and Irish theatre and it’s fantastic! Maybe you could put the link onto the bulletin for inspiration? Thought the least I could do is share it! The Michael Littleton Memorial Lecture is a most prestigious annual public lecture hosted and broadcast by RTÉ Radio in honour of the station’s late Features and Arts Editor. Previous lectures in the series have been delivered by Mary Robinson (2003), Archbishop Diarmuid Martin (2004), Prof David McConnell (2005), Prof Brendan Drumm (2006) and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (2007). (It’s an hour long so get comfy and enjoy.)”

‘Tom Dick & Harry’

The plot? Well, Tom and his (long-suffering) wife Linda are trying to start a family, and are expecting a visit from the scarily efficient Mrs Potter, the Inspector from the local Adoption Agency. But Tom’s idiot brothers, Dick and Harry, arrive (and get completely in the way) with all sorts of ridiculous schemes to help out: including illegal immigrants, even more illegal cigarettes, a worryingly logical trade in used body-parts, an Albanian Crimelord, gardening tools, alcohol, dodgy car tax-discs, saxophones, mobiles phones, a spring-loaded sofa and a clueless plodder of a cop.

Of course, it all works out well in the end, after much laughter, physical comedy and racing about. It stars a finely tuned cast, including Will
Motherway (as the hero), Sean Tobin (the Delboy character), Audrey Sheehan (ever-loving), Mary Curley (strict & scary), James Hyde (just plain thick), Martin Sheehan (armed and dangerous), John Roche (An Garda), Tomás Roche

(Chin Chin!) and Emer Martin (as the gorgeous girl, in her 1st production with the club).

‘Tom, Dick and Harry’ is on 2 weekends: Thursday to Saturday, January 21-23
and 28-30, at Tallow Community Centre, from 8.15PM each night. As always,
there’s lots of nice free refreshments at interval (wine, nibbles and soft drinks). You don’t need to book – just arrive at the hall, or save a place
by calling 058 56304 between 11AM and 5PM.

See you there! (Yes, the heating will turned up ALL the way!)

Further Info:
Vanessa Hyde
PRO
Brideview Drama
087 6733 782

By the way, if you’re a member of a drama group (or doing something dramatic
this year) and want us to spread the word when the event is coming up,
please send your notice (and any poster or other image of less than 500
kilobytes) to our main email address and we’ll forward it on to all our
contacts: brideviewdrama@gmail.com.

Wednesday night last January 6th, in the majestic setting of  St Mary’s Collegiate Church, Emmet Place,Youghal, multi-talented musician Liam O’Maonlai performed live in concert, and what a concert it was! Report: Oona Colin/Photo: Kieran McCarthy www.youghalonline.com

Liam,  previously of the Hothouse Flowers, gave a fantastic performance playing his own songs along with a lot of traditional Irish songs “as gaelge” where he mastered the tin whistle, guitar, piano and bodhran.  Guest support on the night was Christine Deady from Cork.

The concert was held in the chancel, situated right up at the top of the church, partitioned off from the rest, making it more intimate and warm with the twinkle from the candles placed all around making it a magical place.  At the end of the night, one left feeling lighthearted, singing and dancing out the gates of the church.

How lucky we are in Youghal to have such a fantastic venue rich in centuries of history to be able to welcome these talented artists to our  beautiful town.

Organised by Bobby Lee of Sacredroots Productions in support of youth music projects. Local young talent Darragh, winner of the recent Y Factor, Cleo Lee and Leo Mullane also played support on the night. Two more gigs lined up for  February with Kila on the 5th and Declan O’Rourke on the 27th.  Luca Bloom will also  be appearing in St Mary’s Collegiate Church  on March 20th.

If you would like information regarding the rental of this magnificent 12th century church, please call  083 360 6507.
Info: sacred-root.com or call 087 9957102 for details.
Click on image to enlarge

In response to a Weather Alert from Met Éireann, Cork City Council is advising all road users to take special care when using the roads in the coming days.
Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com

Lowest temperatures of zero to -4 degrees are predicted over the next 3 days with frost and icy patches developing as winds ease and clear spells develop. Highest temperatures today will be only 1 to 4 degrees and icy conditions will become widespread.

Motorists are advised to:

1. Check local and national weather forecasts before setting out on a journey.
2. Clear your windows and mirrors before you set out, carry a screen scraper and de-icer.
3. Carry a mobile phone in case you need to call for assistance. Do not use it while driving. Stop somewhere safe or ask a passenger to make a call.

If driving in icy or snowy conditions drivers should:

1. Remember it takes longer to stop in icy conditions than on a dry road. Drive slowly and allow extra room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front.
2. Use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin.
3. Manoeuvre gently, avoiding harsh braking and acceleration.
4. To brake on ice or snow without locking your wheels, get into a low gear earlier than normal, allow your speed to fall and use the brake pedal gently
5. Remember that heavy snowfall and rain reduce visibility. Use dipped headlights and reduce speed.

In the event of a minor skid do the following:

1. If you start to skid, release the brake pedal fully and stay off the brake.
2. Turn the steering wheel in the same direction as the skid and ease off the accelerator at the same time.
3. Avoid over correction with too much steering.

Salting and gritting will be carried out on national routes, bus routes, main traffic routes, city centre bridges/footpaths and other critical sections of roadway as dictated by the weather conditions which are constantly under review. Emergency contact number 021/4966512.

Ballycotton lifeboat crew pagers were activated this morning, 5 January, at 08:10 and requested them to assemble at the lifeboat station.  Many crewmembers had to clear ice from their windscreens before answering the call.  However, this did not stop them as their assistance was required for a 20 metre French fishing vessel in difficulties 20 miles east of Ballycotton.

The RNLI lifeboat, Austin Lidbury, slipped her moorings at 08:30 and arrived at the casualty at 09:40.  A towline was established and the fishing vessel, with five persons aboard, was taken under tow.  The tow speed was reduced as the wind in the area was fresh, blowing NNE Force 6.  The fishing vessel was safely secured along side the pier at Ballycotton at 13:30.

Liam O Maonlai of the Hot House Flowers and guest support Christine Deady play at St Marys Collegiate Church Youghal on Wednesday the 6th of January 2010 in support of youth music projects.

Tickets €20 on sale at Scott’s Treasure shop 137 north main steet Youghal also available at the door. Start time 8.30 dress warm.

Info: sacred-root.com or call 087 9957102 for details. Under 16′s are free  ID required and all ages are welcome.  Strictly no alcohol doors open @ 8.30pm
Dress warm its an outdoor gig inside.

COMING UP IN FEBRUARY KILA

Sound provided by www.claycastlerecording.com

Contact sacredroot@gmail.com

To hear Sacred root sounds
Visit www.sacred-root.com & www.myspace.com/sacredroot

Liam Ó Maonlaí
WEDNESDAY JANUARY 6TH ST MARYS COLLEGIATE CHURCH YOUGHAL CO.CORK

Liam Ó Maonlaí

Born in 1964 mount Carmel Hospital. His Mother Eithne Lydon was a trained pianist and Actor from Galway. Her Father was also a passionate piano player who bought his own piano at the age of 19. Liam grew up with this piano in the house. It was on this piano he discovered a deep sense of musical satisfaction. Liam’s father taught him to sing in his native tongue. ‘He transmitted a love to me that no book or teacher could’ the love was of humanity expressed through culture. Liam recognises the huge importance of culture in the development of the human species. ‘We are connected. It has been said again and again and again. God knows the ecstasy that lies ahead. When the penny drops and we realise the wealth in music and culture the world over. The flowering of all life’

In 1981 he won the all Ireland final as bódhran player under 18. He has been a finalist on the tin whistle, piano and as a singer many years over. In Athlone he entered a group of dancers and led them to victory in a set dancing all Ireland. In Ennis in 1985 he and Fiachna Ó Braonain ,with the enchanting presence of Maria Doyle Kennedy won a music award called Gradam Shlogadh. They had put together a rhythm and blues group with all songs written in Irish. This was the seed beginning of Hothouse Flowers, which went on to be one of Ireland’s most successful rock bands and released seven albums.All through the Hothouse Flowers years, Liam remained faithful to his traditional roots. ‘Traditional music does not belong to me. I belong to it. The same as the land.’

Liam as been involved in the Nuclear Free Future movement for some time. In 2001 he helped host the same ceremony in Carnsore point and Wexford town. At the end of 2006 he will attend the nuclear free future award ceremony in Navajo country. In 2004 he was a guest of the barefoot college ,Tillonia, Rajisthan India. He played at the university in Jaipur in the company of the finest regional musicians around.

Liam recorded the album Rian with his close friend, renowned producer John Reynolds in 2002. It will be released in Ireland November 2005 and is also being released America, Canada, Japan, UK and Europe. He is releasing the album through Rian Records his own label.

Liam went to Mali in January 2006 where he played at the renowned Desert festival with Uillean Piper Paddy Keenan and participated in the making of a documentary. Himself and Paddy played with musicians from the greater region from very well known artists to local tribes people. It was an amazing experience of communication between distant people and races through the medium of music, and he learnt of the close relationship the Irish harp and the African Kora.

Liam has also travelled extensively in Australia, Japan, America, Europe, Scandinavia, Morocco and India and has played and continues to play with the traditional players of these places. ‘I believe the style known as séan nos, carries a sense of the soul of the land and the people who are awake in that land. I feel, when in the company of other cultures, the singing of this style opens a window into what it is that connects us. Every country has it’s own séan nos.’words particularly English words are not enough. They have been used to lie on a grand scale. They continue to be used to manipulate and confuse. Music has a purpose that remains to be seen. The potential is beyond imagination. ‘