Sun 20th June 2010

Youghal Town Council AGM 2010 – by Youghal Town Councillor Donie Daly

This Tuesday 22nd June 2010 is a big day in the calendar of Youghal Town Council, not only is the AGM being held at 2.30pm, which elects the Mayor & Vice Mayor for the coming year, but the Standing Orders Sub committee is also meeting at 2.00pm. The agenda for this sub committee meeting is as follows:-

1.    Union Restrictions/Work to Rule in relation to meetings outside of normal hours.

2.    Amendment of Standing Order No. 1 & Standing Order No. 5.

In effect there will be a vote to return the times of the meetings back to 7.30pm on the 2nd Monday of each month. As most of you may know I have been unable to attend Youghal town Council meetings since March, due to the changing of the meeting times from 7.30pm to 10am, as I work in Limerick. There have been suggestions in some quarters that I didn’t try hard enough to make these meetings and that all other avenues were exhausted and the ‘nuclear option’ of changing the meeting times to 10am was the only course of action.This is false. No other alternatives were explored or offered when the vote was taken to change the meeting times. My options, which were so gratefully offered by the other members, were among others:-

a) Why couldn’t I work flextime or work up the hours on some other day? b) could I not get ½ days holidays? c) arrange meetings near Cork so that I could attend council meeting first?

These were my options!

Let me put the record straight. I work for a company in the Private Sector on a 6 month contract, which is due to end in August. I leave for work at 6.30am and return home at 7pm, Monday to Friday. I meet clients of the company, not on my timetable but at the discretion of the clients, 100% of whom are based between South Limerick & North Galway. I am entitled to 10 days holidays, for my 6 months contract. I can choose to take these before my contract expires or alternatively if my contract is not extended and I finish in August, I can choose to be paid for these untaken holidays. This is a much more prudent approach as come August, if I don’t get another job, I will have plenty of time on my hands, but no income.

That’s the reality, I face!

Some have said that other councillors have to take time off work as well. Well as far as I know, and I may be wrong, we have 4 full time ‘public representatives’, 2 self employed, 1 retired teacher, 1 student and myself. I’m not working to supplement my benefits, or in addition to my pocket money, and I can’t take time off from my part time job, cutting grass or doing my paper round. This is a real job, with real responsibilities, in order to pay real mortgages and feed a real family. But, as I have been told, that is the small sacrifice I should take for being a public representative.

But enough of that, hopefully my colleagues will vote to return the meetings to 7.30pm and we can all get on with our jobs, both real & imaginary!

Last year when it came to the vote for who should be Mayor, I supported Councillor McLellan. Not because, as it was suggested I may have been part of some Sinn Fein/ FF/ Labour pact, but because as the councilor that garnered the highest number of 1st preference votes in the local elections, she had a mandate from the people to be Mayor. And I respect that mandate. Being Mayor shouldn’t be about what party you are with or what pacts have been formed, it’s about who the people of Youghal want to see represent them. That is why I voted last year for Sandra to be Mayor.

This year, if I could be at the AGM, I would have voted for Cllr. Micheal Beecher, again I certainly do not agree with his or Fine Gaels views on a lot of issues and we have been on opposing sides on a number of topics this past year.

Michael received 508 first preference votes, just 16 less than Sandra.

At the time of writing, I do not know who will be elected Mayor, although I have my suspicions. Michelle Hennessy (168 first preferences) is currently Vice- Mayor, and logic would dictate that she would step up this year to the chair, however I feel that even with the experience of assisting Mayor McLellan for the past year, it may be too early for Michelle at this stage in her Council career and maybe she will feel better equipped for the position next year.

I feel Councillor Linehan Foley (289 first preferences) will get the nod on this occasion.

Next year, for what it’s worth, if I’m lucky enough to be able to attend the AGM, I will be voting for Cllr Eoin Coyne (414 first preferences). Cllr. Sammy Revins (294 first preferences) will probably wait till the final year (2013/2014) to bow out of local politics as Mayor.

It’s Official – Summer’s Here as a Record Two Blue Flags raised in Youghal, Co. Cork

Youghal was officially confirmed as ‘Ireland’s Finest Coastal Resort’ with two of its beaches, Claycastle, and for the very first time, Redbarn, adjacent to the Quality Hotel and Leisure Club awarded ‘Blue Flag Status’ by An Taisce on Monday 14th June 2010.
Photo: Michael Hussey | Copyright www.youghalonline.com | Email: news@youghalonline.com

The awards were presented by Mr. John Gormley T.D., Minister for the Environment Heritage & Local Government at Velvet Strand, Portmarnock, Co. Dublin.

This year a total 10 beaches in Cork – 5 in the South & East and 5 in the West of the county were awarded the prestigious blue flag which represent the highest standards in water quality, environmental information and education, environmental management and safety, services and facilities.

Speaking at the official presentation of blue flag and green coast awards ceremony at Youghal’s Mall Arts Centre, Patricia Power, Director of Services, Area Operations South, Cork County Council commented: “It is important to remember that the Blue Flag stands for more than just excellent bathing water quality.  For beaches, it covers 32 criteria which have developed over the years to become more holistic and to address the various issues of sustainability; including litter management, provision of lifeguards, toilet facilities, animal control and more”.  Ms Power commended the local authorities for their commitment to the Blue Flag campaign, but also the clean-up operations carried out by various community groups, individuals and organisations which she stated “were  invaluable and a credit to those involved”.

Youghal’s blue flags are set to provide a timely boost to the tourism industry in the area, with The Quality Hotel and Leisure Club predicting the award will create at least 15 new jobs in their facility.  Speaking about the award, Allen McEnery, General Manager said: “This news comes on foot of a very solid start to the traditional holiday season by the Quality Hotel and Leisure Centre Youghal. Bookings are well up on last year and we see this as our customers telling us that they like what we have to offer to families.  We predict our business is set to grow by an additional 22 % this year alone and as an island Nation – we have precious few Hotels located on our beautiful beaches.” said Allen.

In addition to Youghal’s two flags in Claycastle and Redbarn, other beaches in the area awarded blue flag status for Cork include: Shanagarry: Garryvoe Beach, Old Head of Kinsale: Garrylucas & Garrettsown, Clonakilty: Inchydoney, Rosscarbery: Owenahincha & Warren, Skibbereen: Tragumna, Mizen Head: Barleycove.

The Blue Flag campaign is operated by An Taisce and implemented in Cork County Council using an Inter-Departmental approach involving Area offices, Environment and Water Safety sections.

Cork County Council has undertaken the provision of a full complement of beach lifeguards at all its 10 blue flag beaches this summer and will continue to supervise beaches at weekends in June and full time from July until the end of August.

The Green Coast Awards were also presented at this ceremony to 10 Cork beaches.  These awards seek to promote and protect the environment of rural beaches aiming to acknowledge clean environment, excellent water quality and natural unspoilt beauty.  They may not have the necessary built infrastructure required to meet the criteria set for Blue Flag Status however they are exceptional places to visit and enjoy our rich coastal heritage and diversity.

For further information contact:

Paul Murray – Engineer Cork County Council: 086-2855452

Aileen Ahern- Tourism Marketing Officer, Youghal: 024-81814 or 086-1703128 E: tourism@youghal.ie

Aoibhinn McGee – Sales & Marketing Manager, Quality Hotel & Leisure Club: 024-93050 or 087-6645021 E: amcgee@qualityhotels.ie

Aileen Ahern

Manager, Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group,

7-10 Enterpise Youghal,

Emmet Place,

Youghal,

Co. Cork.

Tel: 00 353 24 81814

E: tourism@youghal.ie

W: www.youghal.ie

Youghal Arts Network are a group of different arts groups and people involved in the various arts,  who have joined together under the umbrella of the Youghal Arts Network. Various fundraising events are organised each year, the proceeds of which are used to fund a programme of events in the town each Summer.
Photo: www.youghalonline.com Email: news@youghalonline.com

This year will be a little different from the previous two years as this year it will be a masked ball. Donacha O’Cearuill from the Youghal Arts Network heaped huge praise on the students and teachers of South Abbey N.S. Youghal, for making the colourful masks as a project for in the art class. He said ” He was overwhelmed at the different colours and artistic designs that each pupil put into the making of the masks.”- “Clearly a lot of effort and input was needed for the designs and i would like to thank the Principal Sinead Solloveld, the teachers and especially the hard working students of South Abbey N.S.”

The ball will be held in the Mall Arts Centre on Saturday June 19th 2010.
While you’re having your meal Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Youghal will be entertaining you, then the wonderful Swinging Blue Cats will help you to dance off your dinner. The past two years were a great success so get your tickets now!

Tickets Available form:

Alan Prims, Gallery 126, Jack O’ Patsy’s

Or committee members

Donacha O’  Cearuill, Jennifer Kirwan, Jessica Gunn or Sean O Neill

It’s Childs Play!  At Youghal Family Fun Festival 16th – 18th July 2010

Youghal’s first ever dedicated Family Festival will take place in the stunning seaside town on Friday 16th, Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th July 2010.
Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com Email: news@youghalonline.com

Inspired by Youghal and its surrounding areas’ official designation by Failte Ireland as a ‘Family Fun’ destination, tourism product providers in the area have organised a weekend of fun-packed FREE activities and entertainment for all the family! Event organisers are hoping to capitalise on the prospect of more families holidaying in Ireland this Summer; with recent independent research carried out for Failte Ireland, indicating that as many as eight out of ten families will take a holiday at home this year.

The opening event; a ‘Mardi-Gras’ Parade on Friday night promises a world of colour and spectacle throughout the town.  Saturday will feature the finest of local produce in the Family Food Festival in Market Square.  The highlight of the entire weekend however will be the crowning of Youghal’s very own ‘Queen of the Sea’, generously sponsored by local businesses; Claycastle Recording Studios and The Seahunter Charter Boat.

This festival will feature a non-stop programme of events including children’s storytelling, sandcastle building and crab-catching competitions.  The sound of music will fill the streets with children’s busking sessions and interactive children’s dance workshops.  Sunday 18th July is Funday.  ‘Greenpark’ in the centre of the town will come alive from 12.00 – 4.00 pm with mayhem sure to ensue in the ‘Fastest Daddy Competition’, ‘The Walter Raleigh Spud & Spoon Race’ and ‘The Teddy Bear Hospital’.

Speaking about the upcoming festival, Chairperson of the organising committee, Sal Tivy of Perks Entertainment centre commented: “We have certainly struck gold we believe here in Youghal again.  We will be hosting one of the biggest Family Fun Festivals imaginable in July from 16th – 18th.  The wonderful thing about this festival however is that there is fun for families aged from one to one hundred!   And most importantly almost all events in the festival are free.  We look forward to welcoming family visitors to our beautiful town where we will guarantee a fun-filled weekend.  We are also thrilled that any proceeds raised from our ‘Queen of the Sea’ Competition will go to the hugely deserving ‘Childline’ Charity.

Youghal Chamber of Tourism & Commerce has already noted an emerging trend in visitors to the area with more families in particular from the midlands – Kilkenny, Tipperary, and Offaly already making their way to Youghal. It is expected this festival will attract in excess of 5,000 extra visitors to the town over the festival weekend period.

Youghal Family Fun Festival is supported and part funded by South & East Cork Area Development (SECAD), and Youghal Chamber of Tourism & Commerce in association with Failte Ireland and Youghal Town Council.  For further details of this festival log onto: www.youghal.ie or call the festival headquarters in Youghal Tourist Office on: 024-20170.

Issued by: Youghal Family Fun Festival.

Contact: Aileen Ahern E: tourism@youghal.ie

Tel:               024-81814

Click on image to see some of the previous fun events in Youghal – Photos www.youghalonline.com

A series of limited edition prints by Walter Verling will be on display in Gallery 126 from Friday 18th.June. Images of the prints will also be up on  www. Gallery 126.com from Thursday 17th June 2010. Each edition is limited to ten prints only. The gallery will be open on Friday and Saturday evening until 9pm.
Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com Email: news@youghalonline.com

Summer Ball time is here again. The 2010 Youghal Arts Network ball is on Saturday June 19th. This year  the music will be provided by the  Swinging Blue Cats, an exciting and brilliant dance band from Kilkenny. Tickets are availble from Gallery 126. The ticket price at € 60 includes food and all beverage on the night. All proceeds from the ball are used to provide family entertainment in Youghal during the summer season.
If you wish to book tickets please ring Eamonn on 024 92568.

Youghal Adult Education courses begin in September. Early booking is essential if you wish to secure a place on the course of your choice. The following classes are extremely popular:- drawing,painting,design,ceramics,photography,printing/batik and communications.    The course co-ordinator is Patricia Burns who can be contacted on 086 815 7161.
From June 22nd. to June 24th. the work of the final year students of 2010 will be on display in the Jack O Patsy gallery on South Main Street, Youghal.

Youghal Choral Society are delighted to announce that they are to hold a Summer concert on Thursday, 17th June in St Mary’s Collegiate Church, Youghal at 8p.m.

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

The choir has had a very busy season to date. Last Sunday morning the choir performed alongside the Cork Garda Choir and choirs from Ballincollig led by Mary O’ Brien, at Youghal Front Strand for dawn chorus.  This 7a.m. event, which was broadcast on RTE Radio One, was a huge success and the choir are now busily preparing for their annual Summer concert, which promises to be an evening of beautiful music and song which is not to be missed.

Special Guests

As always, Youghal Choral Society have organised a number of special guests to perform in their concert. This year guests include highly talented musicians and singers.  Guest soloists include sopranos Geraldine Kelly and Una Whyte. Guest musicians include violinist, Lesyla Iglody, pianist Daniel Kearney and concert harp and flute duet, Brian Hughes and Una Whyte and piper, Christy McCarthy.

Soprano Geraldine Kelly is very highly regarded having performed as guest soprano in numerous concerts. Geraldine is a beautiful, Cork School of Music trained soprano who delights audiences time and time again. Una Whyte is a U.C.C. music graduate who performs regularly in concert both at home and abroad.

Ukrainian violist, Lesya Iglody is an extremely talented violinist. She is 1st violinist with the Cork Symphony Orchestra and performs regularly in orchestras and quartets. The choir are delighted that Lesya is to perform in their concert.

Daniel Kearney, from Dungarvan, is a 15 year old Cork School of Music trained pianist. Daniel is quickly making a name for himself as an extremely promising young musician having recently been a prize-winner in the Cork School of Music Concerto Competition.

We are delighted to have a concert harp and flute duo of Brian Hughes and Una Whyte. Brian Hughes is a flautist from Dungarvan, Co. Waterford. He is trained by Maria White and attends the Cork School of Music. He is a very talented young musician. He will perform with concert harpist, Una Whyte. Una was trained in the D.I.T. Conservatory of Music and Drama, Dublin where she was a scholarship student. She has performed as guest harpist with orchestras including the Cork Symphony Orchestra and Wexford Symphonia Orchestra.

Legendary Youghal piper, Christy McCarthy will be performing on the night. It is always a delight to hear his rousing and wonderful playing.

Other guests include the Youghal Youth Choir made up of young people between the ages of 7 and 17. This choir under the direction of Patricia Whyte (BMus) are a group of beautiful young singers.

Of course, host choir, Youghal Choral Society will also perform a selection of music to suit every taste. The Choral Society are going from strength to strength and are sure to delight audiences with their beautiful renditions of classical, light classical, popular and Irish repertoire.

The Concert

This concert takes place in conjunction with the visit of members of the Larmour Plage twinning committee to Youghal. Last Summer, members of Youghal Choral Society visited Larmour Plage for five days where they were hosted by local families. The choir enjoyed a wonderful concert with the Larmour Plage choir and a magnificent stay in this beautiful part of France. Youghal Choral Society are delighted to welcome members of the Larmour Plage Committee and choir. The choir are busily rehearsing for what promises to be a wonderful evening of music and song. The choir will be accompanied on the night by Maria White and Daniel Kearney.

Tickets for this concert are priced at 15 euro with concessions available for O.A.Ps and students. Tickets are available at Cree’s Card Shop, Main Street, Youghal or at the door on the night.

So, mark Thursday, 17th June, 8p.m. in St Mary’s Collegiate Church, Youghal as a date in your diary not to be missed!

One of the highlights of Youghal’s social calendar is the popular and enjoyable Youghal Arts Network Midsummer’s Gala ball this Saturday 19th of June 2010. The ball will be held in the beautiful surrounds of  the Mall Arts Centre.

It’s that time of year again to dust off your tux and tails and the women to get a new dress. Yes it’s the Youghal Arts Network Midsummer’s Gala ball on the 19th of June 2010

This year will be a little different from the previous two years as this year it will be a masked ball. The tickets are €60.00 but for that you will be getting a Buffet Meal, Drinks (Beer, Red/White Wine or Minerals) and entertainment.

While you’re having your meal Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Youghal will be entertaining you, then the wonderful Swinging Blue Cats will help you to dance off your dinner. The past two years were a great success so get your tickets early as they are starting to go.

Tickets Available form;

Alan Prims, Gallery 126, Jack O’ Patsys

Or committee members

Donacha O’  Cearuill, Jennifer Kirwan, Jessica Gunn or Sean O Neill

Community Radio Youghal has a new logo. A few months ago the call went out to some local graphic designers and artists to come up with some ideas for a new logo for Youghal’s favourite radio station.
Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com Email: news@youghalonline.com

The brief was simple, A logo that was eye catching, modern and was representative of the town and local area. In the end  the work of three designers came under consideration, Nigel Robertson, Mike Walsh and Claire Regan who all came up with really good ideas and some very innovative designs.

A CRY committee was assembled to deliberate on the designs and in an effort to gauge public opinion A facebook poll was also carried out . Nigel Robertson’s “Sunset logo”  was the early favourite but Claire Regan refused to be beaten and at the very last minute made one final submission which was the unanimous choice of the panel.

CRY104fm would like to extend our appreciation and thanks to Claire for her hard work and dedication not only on the logo but also in the different projects she is currently involved in with the radio station . The Station is delighted with its new logo and free bumper  stickers are now available in our offices in  Cumann Na Daoine.

Tune in to  ‘Spotlight’ on CRY – Arts programme with Claire Regan, John Butt, Oona Colin, Colin Durkin. Every Wednesday between 6.30pm and 7.30pm

‘One Bright Spot’ – an art installation by Marcella Reardon

‘One Bright Spot’ is a window installation by local artist Marcella Reardon in S. Adams shoe shop, 100, North Main St., Youghal. The inspiration comes from a 1920′s tourist poster advertising the town, that is on permanent display in Treacys’ Nook Bar, and which Reardon has borrowed for the window. She chose the Adams’ shop window because of “the beauty of the preserved shopfront and the turquoise paintwork”.
Photo: Michael Hussey redtv.ie & YoughalOnline.com | Email: news@youghalonline.com

“The aim of the this piece is to improve the streetscape of the town by filling what was an empty space with a new artwork, which in itself refers to the town and presents a colourful and positive image for the holiday season,” says Reardon. “The contents of the window include an original pair of 1920′s shoes and other objects pertaining to the shoe trade. These are intended to honour the significance and tradition of the Adams family as former traders in the town.”

Many of the objects are collected locally. “The crab shells are from Caliso Bay,” says Reardon. “The small quartz stones from the Slob Bank pathway and all the flower prints are from local wildflowers picked from the beaches and hedgerows. Altogether, they present a holiday window with an atmosphere of fun and good times.”

Acknowledgements.

Shop window courtesy of Doris Adams
Printing by Barry Lawlor Photography
Poster courtesy of Mick Treacy(The Nook Bar)
Shoes and Shoemakers heels courtesy of Pat Looby
Postcard photographs sourced by Tom Fitzgerald(An A-Z of Youghal)

Special thanks to Eamon O’Brien (Gallery 126)
Special thanks to Fukoko Ando (fukokoando.com Paris)

Supported by Youghal Town Council

Please click on image to see some of the artwork on display at Marcella Reardon’s installation

Mary Coughlan Trio performing at Youghals International College Church (Across from Youghal  Garda Station ) Friday  June 18th 2010 – Tickets @ Scott’s Treasure Shop (Ticket Only) 137 North Main St, Youghal. Tel: 024 90333
Strictly No alcohol or intoxicated persons allowed into concerts – All ages welcome

Born 5 May 1956, Co.Galway, Eire. This acclaimed Irish singer’s troubled upbringing manifested itself in an erratic career path, including stints as a model and a street-sweeper. After moving to London in the mid-70s she married and began raising a family, before terminating the union and returning to Galway with her children.

She began her singing career in 1984, working with Dutch producer Erik Visser (who became her long-term collaborator). The following year she made an acclaimed appearance on the Late Late Show and recorded her first album, which showcased her powerful and bluesy jazz stylings and became an unexpected bestseller in her native Ireland.

Despite her ongoing personal problems, Coughlan continued to reap praise for her recorded output on WEA Records. On Under The Influence she revived the 1948 Peggy Lee hit “Don’t Smoke In Bed” and the Billie Holiday ballad “Good Morning Heartache”, as well as Christy Moore’s “Ride On”. In 1988, Coughlan made her acting debut in Neil Jordan’s High Spirits, and released Ancient Rain. Her fourth album, Uncertain Pleasures, was recorded in England with producer Peter Glenister, former musical director for Terence Trent D’Arby. It included new compositions by Mark Nevin (Fairground Attraction) and Bob Geldof as well as cover versions of the Rolling Stones’ “Mother’s Little Helper” and the Elvis Presley hit “Heartbreak Hotel”.

Coughlan began straightening her personal life out in the mid-90s, and signed a new recording contract with Big Cat Records. The label issued an excellent live set and her US debut, After The Fall. In June 2000, Coughlan presented a series of multimedia shows in Dublin celebrating Billie Holiday, a singer whose life story has close parallels to Coughlan’s own. She embarks on the next phase of her career with an extraordinary new album. Entitled ‘The House of Ill Repute’ – its thirteen songs represent the end of a thirteen year relationship in Mary’s life.

The album re-unites her with Erik Visser, whose previous work with Mary has inspired them both to career best performances on the albums ‘Tired And Emotional’ and ‘After The Fall’ albums. Seldom has there been a better matched maestro and muse; as the immaculate song selection, sympathetic arrangements and matchless performances on this record reflect.

The first single is the late Kirsty MacColl’s wry discourse on misadventure ‘Bad’, an early highlight of an album that runs the gamut of emotions like a long night of Reeperbahn madness. Flirtatious on ‘Love Is Extra’, salacious on ‘Pornography’, outrageous on ‘Tootsies’; Madame Coughlan knows the intimate details of all the visitors to The House of Ill Repute. And in the cold light of the morning, we find them adrift on the emotional tundra of ‘Antarctica’ or clinging to the barren (Celtic) rock of ‘The Whore Of Babylon’.

It’s often said that an artist’s best work is made under the most trying of personal circumstances. With the release of ‘The House of Ill Repute’; Mary Coughlan emerges from the catharsis of record making, waking up to a new day; confident in the knowledge that she has produced an album which will stand up as one of the very best of her stellar career to date.