The Tweenies Club celebrated their 10th anniversary with lots of fun for Mums, Dads, Grans and of course the kids. DJ ‘Spill’ aka Claire Regan entertained everyone with music from Thomas the Tank to the Birdy song. Photo: www.youghalonline.com Email: news@youghalonline.com

Mr. Balloon Man made fantastic shapes with all the coloured balloons, the cup cake station was very popular where the kids made their own cream sprinkled cakes with icing, face-painting, refreshments, teas and coffee, you name it, it was a fun time for all. The organising committee were delighted when the Deputy Mayor of Youghal, Eoin Coyne, helped in cutting the anniversary cake. Great credit to all involved in making the fun day a great success.

The Tweenies Club began in September 2000 and has enjoyed 10 years of success, providing children and their carers and parents with friendship, support and an opportunity to socialise with other families. During that time, hundreds of babies and pre school children with their mums, dads, Grannies and Gran-dads, child minders and au pairs have come along. Families from many countries, Nigeria, Holland, Australia, France, Poland, USA, UK, and counties around Ireland have attended Tweenies – everyone is welcome! The adults stay with the child at the group as Tweenies is as much a group for them as for the children.

Since the first meeting in the hall at the Methodist Church in Youghal, hundreds of children have enjoyed a morning of play, art and singing in a safe child friendly environment. Donna Mitchell and Fiona Murphy, both “blow ins” to the town, set up the group and the first meeting saw 10 children turning up. Over the years there have been many changes – the hall was renovated by the Methodist church providing a modern kitchen and toilet facilities and a storage room for the Tweenies equipment. There has been a succession of new leaders, always on a voluntary basis and usually from the mums who were using the group. The group became very popular and was increased to 2 mornings a week in 2003. The outside space in the yard was also used for outdoor play when the weather allowed. Tweenies also enjoyed activities outside of the hall with a series of summer visits to Fota and Parson’s Green Farm, summer meetings at Green Park and the playground, taking part in the St Patrick’s Day Parade and parents nights out. Christmas was always good fun with usually 2 parties to accommodate all the excited children and of course a visit and photo with Santa.

The Methodist Church have been very supportive of Tweenies and as part of their Outreach work are glad to have the group using the hall and its facilities. The Katherine Howard Foundation provided a grant each year and along with fundraising and subscriptions, the group was able to regularly get new equipment and toys.

A big thanks must be given to everyone who has been involved in making the Tweenies Club a success, all the leaders over the years for their hard work, setting up and clearing away and taking the responsibility for organizing the sessions, the tea makers in the kitchen, the leaders who organized the art sessions, everyone that attended the sessions, the Church for their support, local businesses for sponsorship and of course Santa!

10 years on and the Tweenies Club is still going strong, lets hope children and their parents and carers will find fun and friendship there for many more years to come.
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Youghal RNLI Lifeboat was launched on Saturday the 11th of Sept at 11.58 to a 28ft pleasure boat that was on fire 3.4 miles east of Caple Island with one person onboard.
Photos: Kevin Power (Ardmore rescue pics) and courtesy Youghal RNLI

When the Lifeboat arrived on scene the casualty had been transferred a local fishing vessel that was close by and was taken ashore to awaiting Lifeboat and HSE first aiders and Paramedics.  The Youghal Lifeboat under the helm of David Slattery and crew members John Griffen Jr and Martin Morris stood by the boat and maintained a safety area around the burning vessel as it was believed there were gas cylinders on board.  Fortunately the casualty was not injured but the boat later sank.

And again at 16.15 to a report of a sailing dinghy with two 14 years old girls onboard that had got into difficulty off Ardmore head.  The Youghal Lifeboat under the helm of John Innes and crew members John Griffen Jr and Erik Brooks rescued the casualties from the water and assessed them to be hypothermic. The Waterford Irish based Coast Guard Helicopter was also on scene and due to the condition of the casualties RNLI helmsman John Innes decided  to  transferred them to the helicopter where they were taken to Waterford to an awaiting ambulance and taken to hospital where they were later released safe and well.  The Youghal Lifeboat recovered the dingy and returned it to Ardmore.

Youghal RNLI Lifeboat Called To Pleasure Craft – Sunday 12th Sept 2010
The Youghal Lifeboat’s pagers went off for the third time this weekend this time to the aid of a 28ft pleasure craft that was experiencing engine failure 4.5 miles south east of Youghal Lighthouse.  There were two people on board.  Youghal Lifeboat under the helm of John Innes and crew members Thomas Cliffe and Eddie Hennessy arrived on scene and established a tow. The Lifeboat towed the vessel safely back to it’s moorings in the Youghal bay area and the lifeboat returned to station.

Noreen Varney
Youghal RNLI Press Officer
0870506640

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Noreen Varney Youghal RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 0870506640

RNLI online

For more information on the RNLI please visit www.rnli.ie  News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI Press Centre www.rnli.ie/press

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the Ireland and the UK. The RNLI operates over 230 lifeboat stations with 43 in Ireland. The RNLI is independent of the Coast Guard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824 its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 137,000 lives. The RNLI is a charity registered in England, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.

Team Youghal is sponsored by Jack O’Patsy Pottery and KIA Motors Youghal.
By Derek Kiely In Youghal – Photo: John Hennessy

TEAM YOUGHAL had their official launch Monday night at the ‘Mall Arts Centre’ in the Mall House ahead of their attempt to defend their ‘Race Around Ireland’ eight person team title.

The race around Ireland is far and away the toughest cycling endurance test in Europe and is the World’s second toughest endurance race and in Ireland the cyclists of Team Youghal will have to cover a distance of 1,350 miles travelling through all four Irish Provinces with many steep climbs and sharp descents along the way, starting at 8pm on Tuesday the 14th of September in Navan.

What makes this such a fantastic challenge is the constant flow of the race which runs 24 hours a day from start to finish, with no let up and that overwhelming desire not only to complete the race which is a huge challenge in itself, but to win it and defend  titles!

The race is part of the Ultra Marathon Cycling Association (UMCA) World Cup Series and the race is organised by the Navan Road Club and is sanctioned by Cycling Ireland.

Unlike other cycling races such as the RÁS or the Tour de France, the course is in no way roped off, there are no marshals controlling traffic flow, and there are no planned rest stops or stages in this event.

In terms of a sporting event, this really is up there with one of the toughest tests there is as the relay style strategy of Team Youghal will come into play over the four or five days of constant peddling.

There will be a cyclist racing at all times 24 hours a day and the team should enter County Cork via Kerry on Thursday night and make its way by Mizen Head, on through Schull, Bantry, Skibbereen, through the outskirts of Cork City and at approximately 7am on Friday morning the team should be tackling St Patrick’s Hill and then make its way on to East Cork, through Carrigtwohill, Midleton, Castlemartyr, Killeagh and then through its home town of Youghal where there is one of many time stations.

When you consider that this part of the race is just Cork City and County it puts the 1,350 mile distance into perspective.

The Team Youghal cyclists will cycle to raise funds and more importantly raise awareness for the Emer Casey Foundation and are Ger Flanagan, Tommy Roche, Christy McCarthy, Brian Fitzgerald, Kieran Groeger, Eoin Whyte, Michael McCarthy and John Twomey.

Following a video display at the official launch Mayor of Youghal Town Council Mary Linehan Foley told the East Cork Journal “It is my pleasure to launch Team Youghal’s bid to defend their Race Around Ireland title and I want to thank the lads for their dedication and commitment to a very worthy cause in the Emer Casey Foundation, they have put Youghal on the map in a sporting sense and have raised awareness to a foundation that deserves everyone’s support”.

Team Youghal, team leader Ger Flanagan explained the route involved and the ambition to beat the existing winning time in 2009, which stands at 90 hours and 6 minutes, he said “We have a great team involved in this the World’s second toughest endurance race. We have a team of eight great cyclists, plus a support crew that are invaluable in terms of making this all work. I have said it many times before, we are nothing without our support team and I want to thank all our sponsors and friends and families for their support throughout the year”

Juliette Casey mother of the late Emer Casey also attended the launch and said “I want to thank Team Youghal and everyone who have shown tremendous support for the foundation. We started off as a family run foundation and now because of the tremendous support we also have friends helping us to run things. We have three PHD Students working in the area researching Ovarian Cancer and that is only possible because of the fantastic support that we have received and I want to thank everyone for their support”

2010 proved a landmark year for Youghal and its surrounding areas when it was ear-marked by Failte Ireland as a ‘Family Friendly Hub’ – a Failte Ireland family friendly holiday initiative.  The initiative is set to expand over the coming months as the local steering committee and Failte Ireland undertakes a major recruitment drive of new tourism activity providers, approved accommodation providers, along with restaurant and food providers to the programme.

The aim of the project is to develop the region (Youghal, East Cork and West Waterford) as a family holiday resort, increase visitor numbers and grow revenue.  To date over 27 tourism operators in the area are currently reaping the rewards of having signed up to become one of the programme participants.  The initiative has provided a wide range of free training in marketing and customer care for all participants, produced a brochure, developed a web presence, conducted an advertising campaign, supported family friendly product development and funded beach management projects.

Hilary Creedon of Failte Ireland outlined the progress to date on the initiative: “The feedback to date from visitors to the initiative has been extremely positive.  A nominated industry steering group drives the initiative at a local level with the support of Failte Ireland and this is working extremely well.  At this stage of 2010, we’re ready to bring the project to the next stage of development.  Following its first full year of operation, we plan to work closely with operators to build on the quality of the family friendly experience that is delivered in the area”.

This local steering committee is made up of tourism product providers in the Youghal, East Cork and West Waterford region and is chaired by Sal Tivy of Perks Entertainment Centre.  One of the first tasks this voluntary steering committee set about was organizing a free family festival weekend from 16th – 18th July 2010 which attracted in excess of 5,000 visitors to the area over the course of the weekend.   “The festival exceeded all our wildest expectations”, said Sal Tivy, of the steering committee.  “On reflection however, I believe the secret of our success was that all the fun events were free and the simple, old fashioned ideas will always be enjoyed by kids of any era,” commented Sal.

The area was chosen not only because of its +2,500 bed nights, but also key to the decision process was that facilities are already in place for the ideal family holiday – with two blue flag beaches, water activities along with the ability to offer families the facility to holiday in any weather conditions.  Another key factor was because of its geographical location and touring base for families to visit the many attractions and activities in the wider East Cork and West Waterford area.

To become a partner on the programme tourism product providers must sign up to the ‘Family Friendly Charter’ which outlines the basic requirements to be considered a family friendly establishment. There is no cost incurred to prospective members, and members will greatly benefit from attendance at a free day training course for Family Friendly Service Delivery conducted by marketing and customer care professionals.  This is a pre-requisite for at least one nominated member of staff.  Members also benefit from inclusion in Fáilte Ireland’s communications campaign for the Family Friendly initiative (including printed material, direct Mail pieces, web, publicity etc).

A quality control mechanism has been put in place by Failte Ireland where programme participants will be visited to ensure the consistency of their family friendly offering and that all elements of the charters are being adhered to.

If you are a tourism product provider in the Youghal, East Cork or West Waterford region, keen and in a position to deliver a ‘family friendly service’, why not consider getting involved in this innovative and free initiative?  For more information contact the Family Friendly Steering Committee, c/o Youghal Chamber of Tourism & Commerce on: 024-92447 or email: info@youghalchamber.ie

Issued by:
Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group Ltd.
Contact: Aileen Ahern Tel: 024-81814 E:tourism@youghal.ie

A lone sailor had just enough time today (Saturday 11th Sept. 2010) to send out a mayday before abandoning his blazing 28 ft pleasure craft 9 miles east of Ballycotton lighthouse.
Pictures: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com and Gavin Tivy on board the ‘Seahunter’ Email: news@youghalonline.com

Crew pagers at Youghal and Ballycotton lifeboat stations were activated.  Crewmembers at Ballycotton lifeboat station spoke of how they could see the black smoke in the distance as they rushed to the lifeboat station.

An angling boat in the vicinity recovered the lone sailor from the sea.  He was transferred to another angling boat and was immediately taken to Youghal where his condition was assessed by medical personnel.

Youghal and Ballycotton lifeboats were requested by the Coastguard to remain on scene while the pleasure craft blazed.  Approximately an hour later the boat sank and the lifeboats returned to station.

Bláthnaid Lane Walsh
Press Officer
Ballycotton lifeboat station

Every year in Ireland nearly 2,500 women are diagnosed with breast cancer. In Youghal, a group of women recently got together to form a very pro active Youghal Support Group and on Sunday, August 29th, a Pink Ribbon Run/Walk was organised to help raise funds for  Cancer Support. Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com

On a beautiful August day, a large group of ladies met at the Market Square in Youghal, all wearing their pink ribbons, dressed to impress, and ready to go Pink to raise funds for Breast Cancer.   There was an air of commitment and resolve, but also a lot of fun and camaraderie on the quays as the ladies waited for the off.   Babies in prams, and doggie pets firmly on leashes were all ready for the walk/run.   Young and old, fit and not so fit, people from all walks of life came along to support the event for a cause which, for many families, is the most worthy of all.

Many families, in one way or another, are affected by this disease and their friends and relatives were delighted to be able to go along and help raise funds.  Youghal Pipe Band played their hearts out prior to the commencement of the run and hundreds of balloons were let off into the clear blue skies over Youghal, their soaring and flying a symbol of hope to all who watched.

Click on image to enlarge

Youghal Credit Union presented the keys to the lucky winner of the Summer car draw. The presentation took place on Saturday (August 27th 2010) outside the main offices of the Youghal Credit Union. Pic: www.youghalonline.com

The lucky winner Margot Walsh from Fanisk, Killeagh, was presented with the keys by manager Barry Treacy. Margot was accompanied by her husband John. Margot is the proud owner of  the new Kia which was supplied by Pat Ryan from Kia motors, Youghal.
Photo: Michael Hussey YoughalOnline.com  Email: news@youghalonline.com

An exciting range of night class courses will commence shortly at Pobalscoil Na Trionoide, Youghal. Courses will be held on Monday & Thursday evenings the first week starts on Monday 27th September and Thursday 30th September 2010.

Enrolments can be made at the office from Thursday 9th September by phoning 024 25732 or why not call to our enrolment night on Tuesday 14th September from 7:30pm – 8:30pm where course tutors will answer your queries. Enquiries by email to adulted@trionoide.ie

Click  here or icon to view our fully detailed brochure

Click  here or icon to view our fully detailed brochure

MONDAY NIGHT COURSES

Beginners Computers

Intermediate Computers

ECDL Modules 1, 2 and 3

Introduction to Digital Photography

Style & Image

Intermediate Wood Turning

First Aid

Salsa Dancing

Beginners Bridge

Beginners Guitar

Cooking Made Easy

Conversational French

Microsoft Powerpoint

Garden Design

Art for Relaxation

THURSDAY NIGHT COURSES

Beginners Computers

Follow-on Computers

Dimensional Auto CAD using Solidworks

Web Page Design

Photoshop

Conversational Irish

Advanced Woodturning

Follow-on Salsa

Yoga for Beginners

Bee Keeping

Beauty Course

Meditation & Stress Relief

Remember enrolments can be made at the office from Thursday 9th September by phoning 024 25732 or why not call to our enrolment night on Tuesday 14th September from 7:30pm – 8:30pm where course tutors will answer your queries. Enquiries by email to adulted@trionoide.ie

Click here or icon to view our fully detailed brochure

Members of the Youghal Art Group presenting a donation to Ina Murphy for the St Vincent de Paul Society.

This is in lieu of wine at the opening of their recent annual exhibition. Pictured back: Michael O’Loughlin,  Louise O’Loughlin, Marina O’Loughlin,  Risteard MacSuibhne, Gwillym Dewick, John Roche. Front: Brid O’Brien, Kathleen McSweeney,Ina Murphy, Brigid Hughes.

Congratulations to Lee Walsh who qualified to represent his country in the forthcoming U-16 Home International Snooker Championships. This is Lee’s first time playing at this level and will compete with some of the best snooker talents from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. This is the biggest international team tournament outside of the European and World Championships. Pic: www.youghalonline.com

It is a great honour for the Youghal CYMS to have this young talented snooker player amongst it’s ranks. His parents Eamonn and Marie and members of the Walsh family from Woodview Court, Youghal, are extremely proud of his achievements as are the people from the town. Lee is the grandson of Jimmy Healy. Best wishes to Lee on his travels to Wales from the committe and members of Youghal CYMS.