THE CRIB IN ST. RAPHAEL’S CHURCH, YOUGHAL has always been a place to visit for the people of the town and surrounding areas and much work has gone in to the building of this magnificent structure by the staff of St. Raphael’s Centre. Fr. Joe McGuane will celebrate Christmas Day Mass and Christmas Carols will be sung by The St. Raphael’s Staff Choir. The Crib at St. Raphael’s will be open to the public from Christmas Day onwards between 10am and 5pm. Please come along and say a prayer.
Photo Michael Hussey www. YoughalOnline.com

The staff who work at the centre have dedicated many hours on the decorating of The Nativity scene for the adoration of the birth of Jesus by the people of the town. Youghal people in times past fondly remember praying at the crib and taken a strand of straw from the Manger as a memento of this most Holiest occasion on the birth of Jesus. Many churches leave the manger empty (without the baby Jesus) until Christmas Day to reflect that Jesus has not yet been born before then.

YoughOnline.com would like to wish a happy and holy Christmas to everyone here in the town and also to those abroad who tune in to our website. Happy Christmas!

Christmas 2010—Youghal Parish

Christmas Liturgical Ceremonies

MASSES

CHRISTMAS VIGIL  FRIDAY 24th

7.30p.m.          Our Lady of Lourdes Church

7.30p.m.          Holy Family Church

7.30p.m.          St. Mary’s Church

Night Mass

11.30p.m.        St. Mary’s Church

CHRISTMAS DAY      SATURDAY 25th

9.00am            St. Mary’s Church

9.30a.m.          St. Ita’s Church

10.00am          Our Lady of Lourdes Church

11.00am.         Holy Family Church

12 noon           St. Mary’s Church

SACRAMENT OF PENANCE /CONFESSIONS

Thursday 23rd:               10.30—11.00am                          Our Lady of Lourdes Church

Friday 24th:                    10.30—11.30am                          Our Lady of Lourdes Church

Friday 24th:            11.00—1.00pm                                     St. Mary’s Church

Readings for Christmas Eve / Christmas Day Click Here

Additional info: Courtesy of www.youghalcatholicparish.com

Sung by The Drifters. Cartoon by Joshua Held.
Featuring Bill Pinkney on lead bass and Clyde McPhatter on tenor.
An animated Christmas Card, and a homage to a great song, a great band, and a great Holiday.

YOUGHAL PRIEST FR. JOHN KEANE will undertake a charity walk on Youghal beach on Monday December 27th in a bid to raise urgent funds for a new posting in Liberia. The 50 year-old clergyman is a popular and familiar figure to east Cork and west Waterford parishioners, from Ballymacoda to Lismore and all points in between and support for his missionary work has long been active and generous in the region.

Fr. Keane spent three years to late 2009 in Equador but says that eventually struggling with Spanish, especially at administrative level, was seriously impeding his work. Following a year’s sojourn in Youghal, during which he was treated successfully for a back ailment, he has volunteered to serve a poverty-ravaged parish in west Africa. “I was encouraged by a Cork born colleague to assist,” he reveals. “It’s a strongly Christian country, with a large Catholic population but vocations never took off there.”

The priest will be based in the capital Monrovia from next January and while not yet fully au fait with the details of his new posting, he describes it as within the biggest of three large dioceses in the region. Additionally, he is conscious of the legacy of poverty left by Liberia’s 1989-1996 civil war that claimed 200,000 lives and displaced a million people. The country’s current population is circa 4,000 on a land mass of 43,000 sq miles.

Liberia’s adult literacy rate is estimated at 55.5%, while 68% of the population live below the poverty line.
An estimated 35% of Liberians are malnourished, only 28% are fully immunized, just 25% have access to safe drinking water and only 36% have access to proper sanitation. Sustained economic growth is also hindered by inadequate roads, water, sewage, and electrical services.

Fr. Keane will hope to replicate the food and nutrition projects he established so successfully in Ecuador, thanks largely to donations from east Cork and west Waterford. “It’s important to bring Jesus into people’s lives as a friend and protector but it would be hypocritical to do so in church only and to walk out and say bye-bye, see you next week,” comments the plain-speaking priest. “So yes, I will be at trying very hard to practice what the Bible preaches, not just repeat it.”

The fundraising walk departs the front strand promenade at 2 pm for the round journey of six miles to Pilmore and back. Sponsorship cards are available from the priest at Kilcoran Road (086-8332105) or from Anne Murray, Golf Links Road (087-2807618; 024-92947).

The popular Quay’s Bar celebrated its 10th Birthday last night( Wednesday December 22nd 2010).The capacity crowd danced the night away to the music in the main lounge and afterwards at the fabulous Quay’s Nightclub. Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com

The Quays Bar is situated in the picturesque walled harbour of Youghal, where the movie ‘Moby Dick’ starring Gregory Peck was filmed. Perfect for enjoying an early morning coffee or a late evening glass of wine while soaking up the view of Youghal Bay from our decking area. Relax and enjoy a tasty carvery lunch or evening meal in the comfort of our traditional bar and restaurant.
Phone     353 (0)24 91566
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Wm.Nevilles of Youghal launches their new website. The website is dedicated to showcase the wonderful array of top brands stocked in Youghal’s leading supplier of clothing. The website is easy to navigate with click on buttons for Women – Men – Kids – Household – Embroidery, etc. Stay updated by clicking on to www.wmneville.com

Welcome to Wm.Nevilles of Youghal, proud suppliers of top quality Irish and European clothing in the East Cork area since 1945. Please take time to view our site and don’t hesitate to contact us with any queries you may have. As well as stocking all the top brands we also have a complete Embroidery service to give your club sportswear it’s unique identity or add personal touches to your clothes.

Nevilles of Youghal for
Lambay Clothing | Jack Murphy Outclothing | Remus
Douglas & Graham | Ben Sherman | Mustang | Wrangler
Pierre Cardin | Melka | Mona Lisa | Frank Lyman | Triumph
Underwear | John Bently | Castle Knitwear | Sao Paolo
Brandtex | Tivoli | All School Uniforms

Wm Nevilles general drapery opened its door to the public on Nov 1st 1945, serving the people of Youghal and surrounding areas of East Cork and West Waterford.
Opened as a general drapery, supplying ladies, gents and chidrens wear, footwear for all the family and housesold goods, Duvets did not exist in 1945. Instead wool blankets were the order of the day from Foxford and the Dripsey woollen mills. Suits were not readymade, and a suit length was sold with all the trimmings to be taken to the tailor, and made to measure. Now in the 21st Century suit are sold off the peg. Ladies fashions have changed greatly, styles getting longer, shorter, wider, and narrower. Whatever the trend Wm Nevilles have for the last 65 years provided the answer.

The business was started by William Neville. William married his wife Kathleen in 1953 and they continued to run their growing business together. They had five children. Mary the second eldest showed great interest from an early age, and Joined the business officially in 1975. Ann joined the family business in 1979 and Pauline in 1983.

William and Kathleen Nevilles concept for business was to provide a quality service built on quality products at affordable prices stemming from a great love for their local community. Since Their deaths in 1979 and 1992 respectfully, their legacy has held the business in good stead and the business now a household name continues to flourish and grow. Mary a fore front of the business for 34 years sadly passed away in feb 2009. The business today is run by Ann and Pauline with the next generation showing a healty interest.

So from 1945 till !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! we continue to cloth you in style and quality, and appreciate your continuing custom with us.

Warmest Regards, The team at Wm. Neville

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Over 150 people convened at the Walter Raleigh hotel on Sunday December 12th for the screening of A Town Out Of Time, Michael Twomey and Kieran McCarthy’s short ‘contemplative documentary’ on Youghal’s decline through and since Ireland’s late nineties and mid noughties boom time.
Report: Christy Parker/Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com

The film did not endeavour to scapegoat or apportion blame, but across 27 minutes of footage (edited from over three hours), allowed the camera to communicate impartially the visual evidence of a town far from thriving. Vocal commentary was added from UCC’s Dr. Kieran Keohane on the sociological impact of urban changes and similarly from his colleague Brendan O’Sullivan., a director of sustainable development. Also vocal –and local- on celluloid, were financial consultant and former Labour town councillor Donie Daly and local retailers Ken Brookes, John Kennedy and Michael Farrell.

Before the screening even commenced, a point of controversy arose when it was revealed that the original intention to screen the film in the reportedly €2.5m Mall Arts Centre was abandoned due to a €500 tag for hal hire and insurance. Particularly for two locals uncertain of turnout, this was beyond contemplation, so the un-costly welcome of the Walter Raleigh was preferred.

Four distinctions

The film addressed its topic under four categories –job losses, doughnut effect, planning and the future. The lens alighted on empty factories to communicate the loss of over 2,000 jobs across several closures at a time when the country was thriving through “the myth of the Celtic Tiger,” as Mr. Kennedy recalled it.

Amidst all this, the doughnut effect evolved. The term is a portrayal of the physical void created at the centre of an urban setting when commerce relocates to its perimeters. This process commenced in Youghal with the arrival of Lidl and Tesco. It would have been –and some day may yet be- exacerbated with the development of a retail complex at the decrepit old Murray Kitchen’s site in the same area, which was rezoned for retail amidst high optimism a few years ago. Currently its would-be developers and ‘Dunne’s Stores’ flag wavers, Galvin Brothers of Killarney, are now €45m in debt and maybe located in the corridors of the High Court.

Parking spaces

Brookes Supervalu proprietor Ken Brookes recalled that whilst not begrudging its right to exist, he objected to the proposed ‘Dunne’s’ development. He then referred to “the hardest decision of my life” as he somewhat augmented the doughnut effect by relocating from the town centre to the upper end of North Main Street. The requirement of greater car parking space to compete with newly arrived Lidl and Tesco in Greencloyne prompted the move. He said he believed the arrival of another shopping complex on the town’s periphery would have “destroyed the town centre’s infrastructure,” a point considered valid by Bord Pleanala when they refused planning permission to Galvin’s. Wistfully, Mr Brookes also recalled a halcyon time when Merrick’s flourished and workers even arrived in town to take up residency in the building where they worked.

Mr. Keohane pointed out that the doughnut left a non-physical legacy too, as it removes a community’s meeting points and thus diminishes the threads of social interaction that help to bind it. Mr. O’Sullivan explained that planning guidelines operate on town centre protection, with new developments ideally slotting into the area and only progressing ever outwards according to necessity and practicality. He elaborated that accelerated development and accelerated de-development equally exacerbate problems of identity and attachment, no less than one-off housing affected those in rural areas not otherwise tied to the land.

Monstrosities

It is widely accepted within and without the town, that some diabolical planning was executed in Youghal over the past decade. Moll Goggin’s Corner in particular, Allen’s Quay and to a slightly lesser extent Green Park, are regularly cited as areas forever ‘uglified’ if one may invent a term. Mr. Daly described these apartment complexes as “90% empty in some instances” and not just unproductive but evolving into even worse eyesores through graffiti and other despoilments. “We’re stuck with them for hundreds of years now,” sighed Mr. Farrell. He described the towering insult to Youghal at Moll Goggin’s Corner as “selling out” the precious tourist attraction of the wonderful adjacent strand. Mr Farrell advocated that planning decisions be made only by qualified people and with regard to the overall effect on the town and not just the immediate locality. His point resonated through Mr. Keohane’s insistence that bad planning “is not a victimless act” but has longterm negative effects on a community.

To a haunting music score, the town’s derelict sites were paraded one by one, emerging and departing like sick soldiers on the battlefield of Youghal’s lost economy. Only the rats, literally, remained hidden, one felt as the feeling of loss and an empty return for faith grew increasingly nauseous.

Hope

The film pondered the future to a lesser degree, though the focus of the audience would settle on it more considerably. Mr Keohane offered hope in the context of ever-shifting opportunity. “Places like Bray and Skegness have reinvented themselves out of physical decline and Youghal can do likewise,” he encouraged, indicating that it needed leadership and a definite direction in so doing.

Reaction

The film, professionally produced and presented, was afforded heartfelt applause. The immediate reaction from some quarters was to question why not one representative from the most immediate port of responsibility- Youghal Town Council- was present. All had been invited, confirmed Michael Twomey, but with the exception of Cllr Liam Burke, who had furnished viable cause to be missing, he had no idea as to the whereabouts of the elected representatives. Two had not even acknowledged his invitation. “It’s surprising, as are usually good at attending openings and things,” he mused mischievously to much mirth in the hall.

Moving swiftly on, the film maker reminded that, “it’s not about the council anyway. They can’t resolve our problems. They have no power,” he proceeded. “Their own TD’s don’t even care about them. Cork County Council has the revenue and effectively run the town but they don’t care either. I think its brave town for town council because it’s a lose-lose situation. They end up getting the blame for things they can’t control. Politics between Youghal Town Council and Cork County Council is a juggernaut laden with boulders going downhill on flat tyres,” he concluded to applause.

The absence of a political figurehead or nine meant that the film maker was left to field, rather than chair, the questions and opinions that subsequently emerged. He did so exceedingly well, to ensure a legacy of positivity from a disheartening diversion.

Opinions and options

One by one feelings flowed and topics tumbled: “For over 40 years a lot of town organisations sat on their hands and let things happen; we have to be embarrassed as a town now,” said one man. “The local train station was a wasted opportunity, “voiced another. “A tourist driving from Moll Goggin’s where you can now no longer see the bay, past the closed hotels and derelict sites, to the Clock Gate, would ask themselves, ‘What the hell happened here?!,” interjected Michael.

One man spoke of “crap political stuff” after his willingness to clear rubbish voluntarily from Claycastle car park elicited a warning from Cork County Council not to get involved. Another mentioned tourists yearning year on year to access the ever-evasive interior of the Clock Gate. As heritage raised its head, it was deemed that the annual Youghal Celebrates History recurrence was an “elitist” event; not that this was bad but just that it did not preoccupy locals very much. “History is not being sold here,” said Michael Twomey.

The Youghal entrance sign at the bypass on the Cork side was ridiculed as being unlit and even party to a dangerous piece of road. Dungarvan’s “American style billboards” proclaiming the arrival at its territory was hailed as exemplary. No toilets at Youghal beach? “A joke,” condemned Michael, recounted recently seeing a very elderly man trying in vain to persuade a locked front strand door to allow him in. An elderly speaker told of his plans to build a small hotel, a nine-hole golf course and chalets at the Rifle Range, only for Youghal Town Council of the 1970’s to him successfully. He was still angry. Why, asked yet another voice, reasonably, were Allen’s Quay and Carlton Wharf allowed to rise without the proposed marina and swimming pool respectively, first installed?

Change

The film had indeed focused minds and the past was forming a warning for the future. “Get involved in community activities for a start,” urged a man determined to establish a community garden project. “We need a sea-change by way of a lot more community co-operation,” insisted Michael Farrell. Free car parking was crucial too, he felt as he criticised a current project to diminish on-street car spaces in favour of bicycle bays. As for politics….”Don’t always vote for Mr or Ms. Popularity (person or party), he urged, “They may not have two brain cells to rub together.”

The viewing concluded with a jaundiced regard for politics. “A town is its people,” intoned Michael Twomey, again to wide agreement. To that end, if the town wants something done whether to follow dream, development or destiny, “we would best do it ourselves,” was the conclusive opinion. How that resolve can be nurtured and generated may hold the key to Youghal’s survival and prosperity -or otherwise. The power of film can only do so much.

* While there are many requests for copies of the film to be made available, the makers say they cannot commit to distributing it wholesale until they have first investigated the option of having it transmitted thought television. “It was never intended as a commercial venture in any case,” says Michael. Meantime a second screening may be on the agenda early in new year.

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Lotto Draw - Numbers for last Monday were 1, 6, 25, 27 Jackpot €19,710 not won.  Euro 200 shared by Fidelma O’Connell, Tom Pomphrett, Alasdair Bush, Bryan O’Donoghue, Martin Murray.  Sellers prize Wm McCarthy.  Next week’s Jackpot is €19,710.00.  Turkey voucher winners Niamh Fitzgerald, Ger Walsh, Aine Tynan, Ellie & Katie O’Shea, Pauline Landers.  Buiochas as an tacaoicht.  Congratulations to the following lotto sellers who were drawn out as winners at our Christmas Party. Turkey Vouchers
Angela Kelly, Margo O’Connell, Brian Hogan, Margaret Leahy, Mary McDermott, Fintan Lawlor. Bottles of Wine Gene Fox, Anne Walsh, Angeline Murphy, Eileen Ring.

11/12/2010 – 2011 Championship Draws The 2011 championship draws were made at the County Board Convention on Saturday11th December. In Premier Intermediate hurling we will play Ballincollig with the losers playing the losers of Watergrasshill & Tracton in Round 2. While our Intermediate Footballers play Glanworth with the losers playing the losers of Castletownbere & Fermoy in Round 2.

Full list of draws made can be found at www.gaacork.ie.

10/12/2010 – Senior AGM

The club held it’s Senior AGM on Friday 10th December which was preceeded by Mass for all of our deceased members & friends concelebrated by our out going President Fr. Bernard Cotter. The following officers were elected for the coming year and we wish them all the best over the next 12 months.

Chairman – David Kilgannon, Vice – Chairman – Sean Ring, Secretary – Alan Hennessy, Treasurer – Ned O’Connell, Fixtures Secretary – John Parker, Registrar – Stephen Twomey, PRO – Derek Kiely, Cultural Officer – Liam Ó Laochdha., East Cork Board Representatives – John Parker (H), Micky Walsh (F), County Board Representatives – Paddy Coleman, Billy Carroll, Players Representative – Eoin Coleman, Underage Representative – TBD, Excecutive Committee – Pat Barry, Finbarr Coleman, Assumpta Parker, Dan O’Sullivan, Ger Motherway, Jillian Corcoran, Vincent Murray, Club President – Dan O’Sullivan, Vice Presidents – Canon Tom Brown, Assumpta Parker.  The Managers were also ratified on the night with selectors to be officially announced in the New Year.

Intermediate Hurling - Peter Queally, Junior Hurling – Sean Ring, U21 Hurling – Ken Bulman, Intermediate Football – Peter Queally, Junior Football – TBD, U21 Football – Aidan Foley

Cork County Draw

Comhghairdeachas do Michael O’Regan who won 5th prize (laptop/lcd TV) in this month’s Cork County Draw.

Notice to Members

St. Stephen’s Day - Charity Football Match – 26th December 2pm at Magner’s Hill

A mixed Charity Football Match in aid of local Charities has been fixed for St. Stephen’s Day in Magner’s Hill at 2pm to include Married v’s singles, old v new all welcome to join in on the day.  Teams will be picked on the day.  This will be followed by music by Mark Ansboro together with finger food.  Come and join in with craic agus ceol.

New Year Night…. join the fun and festivities at Club Arás on New Year’s Eve and ring in 2011. Music & finger food provided on the night.

Eochaill Óg Notes

The Juvenile AGM – The Juvenile AGM has been rescheduled for Friday 8th January @ 8pm. All managers & coaches are requested to attend. Also all parents are invited.

Juvenile Awards Night – Our 2010 Juvenile Awards night is now scheduled for Saturday 9th

January @ 7pm where our victorious teams of 2010 will be presented with their medals. Also all participants in the recent Gaelic4Girls program will receive their certificates on the night. All are welcome in which should prove to be an eventful night for our Juvenile members.

Saturday Morning training for U8s, 7s, 6s and Gaerlic4Girls will Re-commence on Saturday 22nd January. Eochaill Óg would like to take this opportunity to wish all it’s members, friends & supporters a very Happy Christmas and to continued success on the playing fields in

2011.

Christmas Party Juvenile - A superb afternoon entertainment was had on Saturday the 11th December last at Club Arás as Eochaill Og celebrated it’s Christmas party for all it’s juvenile members, family and friends. Organised by the Parent’s Committee they transformed Club Arás into a winter wonderland with Santa’s own Grotto. On entry each child was given a goodie bag and entertained for 2 hrs with arts & crafts, face painting, a visit to Santa where all children received a present and a disco music was supplied by DJ Barry. Santa was absolutely fabulous on the day and had a good chat with all the children and adults that visited him.  Over 130 kids really enjoyed themselves and danced and played away the afternoon heading home exhausted.  Thanks to all who helped organized this event and the helping out clean up afterwards.  It was great afternoon at Club Arás and super to see the smiles on the children’s faces as they went up to talk to Santa….

Youghal G.A.A. Calendar This now on sale in Stephen Twomey’s and The Club and is priced at 10 euros. This is a superb Christmas gift for family and friends at home and abroad.  Thanks to all who helped produce this Calendar and to Flanagan Print for their help and assistance with printing.  Please support.

Thank You

On behalf of Cumann Lúthchleas Gael Eochaill I would like to take this opportunity to wish all it’s members, friends & supporters a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year for 2011. I would like to say thank you to all for your help and support help throughout to 2010 and look forward to your continued support in 2011.

Lyrics and music by Mick Flannery

Snowmen in the field I see
ride the coal-bags down the hill with me
hey look you’ve got Rudolf’s nose
put my hat on you’ll get cold

Now let’s have a snowball fight
I always want you on my side
sit down by the fire with me
let’s try and climb the Christmas tree

You and I alone will go
and I will walk you all the way back home
and we will talk about our school and things
and I will see you tomorrow please

Oh yeah I forgot this part
this is where you break my heart
you told me that you loved me then…
did you really mean it friend?

And don’t go telling me lies love,
tell me the truth love…
tell me the truth love…
cause that way I won’t have to know love
won’t have to see love,
won’t have to ask the Ghost of Christmas Past.

www.myspace.com/mickflannery
www.mickflannery.com
www.myspace.com/lisahannigan
www.lisahannigan.ie

Youghal’s Michael Del Punta, aka “The Singing Waiter” new Cd called Christmas Collection is now available to buy. The seven-track predominates with- known classics masterfully rendered in typical jazz/swing style by the 20 year-old crooner. The CD, limited to 500 copies for the Christmas market, was recently launched at the Nook Bar, Youghal.

Michael Del Punta’s Christmas Collection coast €9.95 and is available in Youghal from Broderick’s, Touch of Class, Capri Bay, Cree’s Card Shop, the Cyber Room and of course from Santa Claus late on December 24th.

At 8am on Christmas morning John will hoist the lifeboat flag at Garryvoe Beach, across the bay from Ballycotton lifeboat station in East Cork.  John is forewarning people that Ralph and his friends, John included, will dive into the icy waters at 12 noon in aid of Ballycotton lifeboat.  The snow last year didn’t stop this hardy bunch of fundraisers and this year won’t be any different.

People gather from 11:30 am on Christmas morning in support of their loved ones who are taking a dip for charity.  The car park is as busy as a fine summer’s day and the atmosphere is like no other time.  The supporters are well wrapped up against the elements and have towels and warm clothes ready as the swimmers emerge from the cold Atlantic waters.

All associated with Ballycotton lifeboat appreciate what these swimmers go through on their behalf and thank them for their brave efforts.  It is hoped as many supporters as possible make the journey to Garryvoe to cheer them on.

The fundraisers for Ballycotton lifeboat would also like to thank anyone who helped and supported them in any way during 2010.  A happy Christmas to all.

A huge thank you for all the support you have given us at Ballycotton lifeboat throughout the year.  May you have a happy and peaceful Christmas.

Bláthnaid Lane Walsh
Press Officer
Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat station

087 4151475