Here is a timeline charting one of the most epic weeks in Irish politics – a failed leadership bid, six ministerial resignations, a botched Cabinet reshuffle and threats to pull down the coalition Government.

The crisis was initially sparked by allegations over Mr Cowen’s contacts with Anglo-Irish Bank chiefs.

Just five days after winning a confidence vote as leader, the Taoiseach announced he would go after talking to his family.

Click on video of Taoiseach Brian Cowen’s visit to Youghal in May 2009 – Vid: Shane Supple

Thursday January 13

- Mr Cowen privately lines up a Cabinet reshuffle but is sidetracked when speculation mounts over a leadership heave.

- He convenes a parliamentary party meeting and tells TDs and Senators he will consult with them privately and in person over the next 48 hours to assess if he should stay on.

Sunday January 16

- Mr Cowen defends his position, claiming he has the support of the majority of the party.

- Micheál Martin offers his resignation as minister for foreign affairs and calls on the Taoiseach to step aside.

- Mr Cowen informs Green leader John Gormley he intends to stay on as Fianna Fáil leader and mentions a possible reshuffle. Mr Gormley tells him it is a bad idea.

Monday January 17

- Ministers and TDs spend the day briefing for or against the Taoiseach, who appears to have a slim majority wanting him to stay. Most claim it is too late to change.

Tuesday January 18

- Mr Cowen survives the self-imposed vote of confidence in his leadership. Mary O’Rourke claims the secret ballot was two-to-one in favour, others suggest the victory was by just one or two votes.

Wednesday January 19

- Mr Gormley and his colleagues Eamon Ryan and Dan Boyle hold talks with the Taoiseach over the timing of an election. The Greens claim they came away thinking that a reshuffle and new Cabinet appointments are not on the table. Fianna Fáil TDs dispute that.

- Mary Harney announces her resignation at 9pm. Mr Gormley knows nothing about it until his wife Penny Stuart tells him after watching the news.

- Three other ministers follow her out of the door at 11pm – Dermot Ahern, Noel Dempsey and Tony Killeen. This time Mr Gormley hears about it on RTE’s news bulletin the following morning.

Thursday January 20

0700: Mr Gormley rings Mr Cowen after 7am and says it is a serious matter and calls for a meeting.

0830: The two sides come together in the first of a series of meetings to discuss the affair. The Greens are adamant they warned they would not support any new appointments.

0930: Batt O’Keeffe, “best friend” of the Taoiseach, becomes the fifth Cabinet casualty when his resignation is leaked.

1100: The Dáil is suspended amid damning accusations that Mr Cowen is pulling a political stunt in filling Cabinet posts with election candidates.

1330: The Taoiseach outlines in the Dáil the reassignment of ministries among sitting Cabinet members and the election date of March 11.

1645: The Greens detail their complete lack of knowledge about resignations from the Cabinet and their attempts to stop the posts being filled.

Friday January 21

- Former finance minister Ray McSharry publicly talks of his dismay with the week-long revelations.

- Junior minister Conor Lenihan likens the unprecedented events to “car crash politics” while Micheal Martin urges senior figures to reconsider their views on the leadership over the weekend.

- Less than 24 hours before he quits, Brian Cowen denies he should stand down. – He later consults with his wife Mary and makes the difficult decision to resign.

Saturday January 22

1400: The Taoiseach arrives at the Merrion Hotel to state he will remain as head of Government but move aside as the Fianna Fáil leader.

To all members of Youghal Town Council,

We, the producers of the documentary film, “Town Out Of Time” are writing in response to media reports and an informal message that the Council wishes to view our film at a private sitting in the Mall House. With respect, and without prejudice or malice, we must decline your offer.

There are a number of reasons why, in our opinion, engaging in a private viewing would be inappropriate. Firstly, all council members were invited to the public screening on December 12th at the Walter Raleigh Hotel via email. Some councilors took it upon themselves to respond, some chose not to respond at all, while others stated they would be present. The councilors were invited because we believed they have a vested interest in any reflection, comment, report, opinion, article and so on about the town in which they have put themselves forward to represent. Whether you would have attended in that capacity, as public representatives, or just as curious viewers was not something that could be controlled by us, no matter what way you were invited. We stress that other bodies such as the Chamber of Commerce were also invited via email. Invitations were extended to members of the press and to members of the Film Studies department at UCC and finally to those who took part in the film and those who helped during the making of the film. Beyond these invitations the screening was open to all, free of charge.

Secondly, that none of the councilors were present at the screening at the Walter Raleigh Hotel was not a concern to us. We were relieved, appreciative and heartened by the turn out. We were not aware, throughout the screening, that no member of the council was present. We did not need the council to be present.What was evident in the post-screening discussion was the anger and frustration expressed by members of the audience that no representation was made by the council in what was a public event. It must be clearly understood that the expectation of people should not be seen as ill-judged. Following a very comprehensive and successful media campaign the dog on the street was aware of the event and, more poignantly, what the content of the film was about. If issues about Youghal are being discussed amongst its people and those who represent them are invited to attend and don’t, then they have every right to be angry and frustrated. If any member of the council had expected to take criticism due to the film’s content then there are a number of points that should be made clear.

We as the makers of the film were acutely aware that we ourselves were open to harsh criticism as we were honest in our appraisal throughout the advertising campaign that the film did not paint a pretty picture, therefore we stood to be charged with damaging the town’s image further and hurting those who believe such a portrayal is an insult to their sensibilities. Nevertheless, if one can’t stand by one’s convictions then what is there left to stand by only dishonesty? In short, we were willing to take that criticism on the chin. If the members had seen the film they could not have disagreed with the assertion I made in a Community Radio Youghal interview that no-one in the film is made accountable or blamed for the decline of our town. The film simply looks at what happened. Had even one member attended one can only imagine the kudos (not votes) that they would have gained. For years, Irish politics has been blighted by a small town mentality of gaining favour and votes through the cringe-worthy habit of politicians hanging around funerals, pubs, photo opportunities and so on. At election time, humility and modesty are forsaken as the landscape is marred by posters and streets littered by leaflets telling the public how great they are and what they can do. That world is dead in the hearts and minds of modern Ireland. People of Youghal, who it must be said are of considerable intelligence and oftentimes rare ability, were angry at the screening of our film because they felt councilors who could have attended bottled the responsibility to represent them. Politics is supposed to be for the brave and honest, not the cute and clever. If there was a fear factor then let it be said. If a person is honest to themselves and about themselves then there is nothing on this planet to fear.

Imagine then, if you can, how it would be perceived for Complete Control Films to attend a private viewing of “Town Out Of Time” in the chamber of the council. To engage such action would be to turn democracy inside out – the people should not be going to their council, the council should be coming to the people. To ask such a request is only to heighten the perception that politicians are separate to people, that they are at best ill-informed and at worst arrogant. I have stated publicly on a number of occasions and on the night itself that the council has a thankless job and any council member knows on taking their seat that politics is a lose-lose game. I personally know that many councilors work extremely hard and that local politics is often tougher than the national arena because there is nowhere to hide, it is a goldfish bowl. The public is all too aware of this, but hard work cannot be only evident at a time of the politicians’ choosing but of the people they represent. Being present at the screening of a film that portrays Youghal as being on its knees is hard work but it would have been worth it to you and it would have been greatly appreciated by the people who were present.

Finally, and in conclusion, it is impossible not to wonder what screening the film in the council chamber could possibly achieve. We presume that the invitation is an attempt to right a wrong and that effort, however misjudged and well meaning, is appreciated. There have been many requests to re-screen the film such has been the interest. We are sure that the members are as curious as anyone else, but why should we afford a viewing to you and not the others? Having received an invitation, we do hope to screen the film at Youghal’s Adult Education Centre as a means of supporting students working with communication skills and to discuss the impact of film. This seems to us to be a wholly appropriate exercise. Viewing it in the council chamber serves no purpose, it would only inflate the undeserved self-importance of the film, the producers and the council. We hope that this letter makes clear the reasons why we must, and why we want, to decline your offer. Following submission to the offices of the council, we also intend to publish this letter online as we have been asked by so many people who attended the screening about our intentions following the media report in the Youghal News 20/01/211. Publishing the letter means all the people of Youghal who want to know, will know.

Sincerely,
Michael Twomey
Co-Producer “Town Out Of Time”
www.completecontrolfims.com

The course acts as an  introduction to Music Technology and covers areas such as Intro to digital audio, microphones techniques 101, production techniques such as EQ and Compression, and, Recording Procedures and Techniques. It aims to give students with little or no prior experience an introduction into the art of Music Technology.

The course administrator, Tony Irwin from Stoneybucket Media and Course Coordinator, Warren Tivy, Claycastle Studios, were delighted in this new venture which compliments the other actitivies held there and is now surely becoming the hub for all artistic performers in the East Cork region and well beyond.The studios reputation is now known all over Ireland with its impressive 2300 sqft of Studio, the largest in the south of Ireland.

12 year old Keith Phelan from Youghal suffers from Spastic Quadraplegia, and his one hope of cure is treatment which can only be administered in Germany. The people of Youghal have taken Keith to their hearts, and their efforts at fundraising for his surgery have been phenomenal.

On December 17th last, the Youghal RNLI hosted a Christmas Party Fundraising night to help raise funds for Keith and also for the RNLI.   The Party was held in the Quay’s bar and with Rannach, a DJ, finger food and a Monster Raffle, it turned out to be a fantastic, well attended night.

On Saturday last, January 15th, the members of Youghal RNLI were delighted to present a cheque in the amount of €1,000 to the Phelan family, to put towards their huge expenses in their efforts to help Keith.

Speaking with the East Cork Journal, Keith’s Dad, Tony confirmed that they will be travelling to the X-Cell Centre in Dusseldorf on April 17th next where the family will meet with the various specialists, and surgeons. On April 18th, Keith will undergo a lumbar puncture operation and ongoing tests over the period of at least a week.  These tests will be crucial in the future prognosis for Keith, as they will reveal the vitality of his stem cells, and it is this level of vitality of the cells which will determine whether or not medical help will be successful for Keith.

Mags, Keith’s Mom, told the East Cork Journal of how they were just an ordinary family like any other.   Their two eldest children, daughters Lyndsey and Kelly, were born before Keith and their youngest son, Dean arrived shortly afterwards.   Keith’s illness changed the lives of the Phelan family but, as Mags and Tony emphasised, it was not for the worst – their son, they said, is one of the most loving children you could find, and his sisters and brother adore him.   They want Keith to be able to do all the things that other 12 year olds can do – play soccer, run to the shop, go swimming in the summer, be able to meet his friends whenever he wants – but whatever the outcome in Dusseldorf in April, the Phelans will always remain as they are – a loving, close knit, supportive family.

Both Tony and Mags said how grateful they are for all the support they have received, and  wish to thank sincerely all the people of Youghal and surrounds, not only for their huge financial generosity, but also for the wonderful support, help, and commitment they have given to a family who are, just now, in need of such  encouragement.

Thu, Jan 20, 2011 at 8:11 PM

Having spent the day searching Cork Harbour for a missing fisherman Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat crew took a break when the light faded to get something to eat.  They were sitting down to eat at 19:15 when their assistance was called upon again to a 30 foot fishing boat reported to be sinking off Roches Point, at the mouth of Cork Harbour.

The Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat and Crosshaven RNLI lifeboat responded to the shout.  A salvage pump from the Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat was placed on board the fishing vessel with two Ballycotton lifeboat crewmembers.  The fishing vessel was stabalised and taken under tow to Cobh.  They are expected to arrive there at 20:30.

RNLI crewmembers will get something to eat and will launch again at 22:30 to resume their search for the missing fisherman off Ringabella Bay.  If their efforts are not successful they will launch again tomorrow morning, Friday, 21 January, at 9:30am to resume the search.

Bláthnaid Lane Walsh
Press officer
Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat station

AN Bord Pleanala granted conditional permission for the change of use of a building from retail to restaurant with takeaway, in Youghal. By Paul Mooney – Dungarvan Observer (Out every Wednesday)

Conditional permission had been granted by Youghal Town Council on 3rd August, 2010, to Shirley Feeney c/o Spatial Planning Solutions, Studio 4, Crawford Business Park, Proby’s Quay, Cork, for change of use of existing premises at Annemount, Upper Strand, Killeagh Road, Youghal, from retail, to restaurant with ancillary take-away including permission for construction of a single story extension to rear and all ancillary works. (Ref. no. 58015).

However, the application was appealed to An Bord Pleanala on 23rd August, 2010, by John and Ann Fitzgerald, of Dún Mhuire, Upper Strand, Youghal, and Dermot and Ann Twomey, of Droumcarra, Upper Strand, Killeagh Road South, Youghal. (Bord ref. no. PL87.237402).

Both appellants live nearby to the premises in question.

In their appeal, the appellants argued that the proposed development is incompatible with the development plan policy on residential amenity and terms of the lease held on the site; the ground floor of the premises has not been used as a shop for 20 years; the application should have been considered in the context of the entire site, not just the area of ground floor, proposed for change of use.

The appellants also argued that the extension would be visually intrusive, generate noise and negatively impact on the residential amenity of the appellant’s property.

They also argued that the use of the a side lane to access the service area will introduce disturbance into the appellant’s property; the amenity value of the front garden space of the appellant living in ‘Droumcarra’ will be undermined by the proposed development; a seven year permission is impossible to enforce and the appellants should be protected by the residential zoning of the site; the proposed development conflicts with Youghal Development Plan, because the area is zoned ‘Restricted Residential’ (RO); sewerage and drainage are old and inadequate in the area and not designed for commercial loading; the site cannot accommodate parking requirements that will arise from the proposed development; visitors likely to block access to the CIE bus stop; no street furniture / tables or chairs should be allowed on the footpath outside the premises; advertising should not be fixed at first floor level; long opening times will disrupt residential amenity and encourage anti-social behaviour; the extractor fan on the eastern elevation will injure residential amenity.

The appellants concluded their objective points, adding that the garden to the rear of the premises comprises of the private amenity space for residential use on site, and its subdivision will seriously injure the amenity of future residents.

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The applicant responded to the appellants’ points, arguing that there is no explanation of what ‘restricted’ means in the development plan, in relation to the site being zoned ‘Restricted Residential’. The applicant argued that ‘other uses’ may be considered subject to not distracting from residential amenity. “A family orientated restaurant with appropriate opening hours would not detract from the zoning objective,” the applicant said. “The area includes a butchers shop, a church, recreational facilities and retail uses.” The applicant also argued that the proposed development will serve local needs with a menu more akin to a sandwich bar or pizza restaurant, rather than a fast-food take-away. The applicant also argued she was happy with the 10.00 p.m. closing time, so as not to attract post-public house business.

The applicant said the rear yard will be separated from Dún Mhuire by the intervention of a butchers shop and the restriction of noise levels to 50 dBA imposed by the planning authority can be achieved.

Other points the applicant argued in support of her application, included: residential part of premises has been refitted and rear garden will remain in residential use; the applicant was unable to finance a two year grant of permission, so a seven year grant of permission is more acceptable and provides a monitoring mechanism to ensure conditions are being complied with; there is free roadside parking in the area, except at the bus stops, with a public car park a short distance away; a contribution of €25,000 was imposed by the planning authority in respect of parking services; the proposal is modest and will not materially alter the loading in the public sewer system; the shop front will be retained as it exists and appropriate signage will be agreed with the planning authority.

After consideration at a meeting, An Bord Pleanala decided to grant permission with revised conditions for the proposed development on 22nd December, 2010.

” Having regard to the planning history of the site, the former use of the property as a retail premises, the existing shopfront and the mix of uses in the vicinity of site, it is considered that, subject to compliance with the conditions set out below, the proposed development would be in accordance with the objectives set out in the Youghal Town Development Plan 2009-2015, would not seriously injure the amenities of the area or of property in the vicinity and would, therefore, be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area,” ruled the Bord.

The latest figures released by Fáilte Ireland on visitor numbers in 2010 which show an overall decline of 15% on the 2009 figure to levels last seen in 1998, are extremely disappointing as Government inaction has let this downward trend continue in towns like Cobh,Youghal, and Midleton and the many villages of East Cork.

Cork East Election candidate Cllr.John Mulvihill said: “2010 was certainly a difficult year for Irish tourism with adverse weather conditions and the paralysis from the Icelandic ash cloud adding to an already difficult trading environment. The severity of the decline, including an 18% drop in visitors from our largest market Britain is however most worrying.

Cllr Mulvihill continued “We must remember that behind these numbers are jobs and businesses in East Cork that are dependant on a buoyant tourism industry and today’s figures will not inspire confidence.

“In June last year, the Labour Party published a Tourism Policy document – Extending the Welcome: Labour’s proposals to sustain and develop the Tourism Industry – which outlined immediate steps to be taken to arrest this decline including abolishing the air travel tax, reforming our outdated visa processing system, addressing the issue of “zombie hotels” and introducing legislation to allow for the downward review of rents.

“To date, belated action has only been taken on one of these crucial steps, the travel tax. This delay is simply indefensible given the importance of tourism as an economic and employment generator across the country.

“Recent endorsements for the Irish tourism industry from Frommer’s travel guide, putting Ireland as the top tourism destination for 2011 and getting voted ‘Most Popular Destination 2010’ from a major Chinese newspaper, show the high regard in which our tourism product is held abroad and the opportunity that exists to develop this vital indigenous industry.

In conclusion the labour general election candidate stated“We have a world class tourism product in East Cork; however we do not have a Government to match and this is delaying action on the steps necessary to help our tourism agencies reverse the decline in tourist numbers and let tourism play its full role in stimulating our economic recovery.”

Gardaí to probe criminal gang link to cash for gold firms

Justice Minister Dermot Ahern has launched an inquiry into some cash-for-gold businesses.

He wants Gardaí to investigate whether some of the outlets buying gold jewellery are being run by organised crime gangs.

Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan will now look into the matter.

In the past few months there has been a significant increase in the number of these businesses starting around the country.

Read more: Click here for full article

The Sinn Féin Party in Cork-East is calling on all the Labour members of Cork County Council to support a motion calling for a 40% salary cut of TD’s, Ministers and the Taoiseach in the new Dail after the forthcoming General Election.

Cllr Sandra McClellan, who is the party’s Cork East election candidate, said she was very disappointed to discover at the January 10th Council meeting, that a similar motion to hers in the name of Labour Cllr Noel McCarthy was prevented from being moved by the Labour Whip Sytem.

Cllr McLellan said, although Cllr McCarthy’s original motion called for a 30% cut in TD’s salaries, as opposed to Sinn Fein policy which calls for a 40% cut, she had been eager to give it her support and was gutted to later see that Cllr McCarthy had been prevented from moving the motion.

Sinn Féin is now calling on all County Councillors, particularly Labour members, including Cllr John Mulvihill, its Cork East election candidate and Cllr John Gilroy, Cork North Central candidate to support Cllr Sandra McClellan’s motion when it’s moved at County Hall next week

YOUGHAL C.Y.M.S. under 14 snooker player Keane McCarthy is the winner of the 2010 ‘Wagon Wheel’ Cork under 14 Snooker Championship which was held in Fermoy CYMS last Sunday afternoon.

The tournament director for the event David Joyce, the current Cork Billiards and Snooker Association Chairman, David Joyce was congratulated on the manner in which he organised and ran the competition.

There was an entry of 15 players and every player can be praised for the immaculate attire which each of them turned up in and the sporting way in which they conducted themselves throughout the day.

After four hours play the Cork under 14 Championship reached the semi final stages where Keane McCarthy from the Youghal CYMS defeated Scott Donovan of the Crucible Snooker Club, by two frames to one.

In the other semi final Dean Callanan of the Crucible Snooker Club defeated his fellow club mate Calim O’Callaghan by two frames to nil.

Both Keane and Dean played excellent snooker in the final but the honours went to Keane on a score line of two frames to nil, thus bringing the title of ‘Under 14 Cork Champion’ and the silverware back to Youghal CYMS.

This week’s league games threw up some great results. The AOH were coasting at Morrison’s Island looking likely to take the scalp of the mighty Crucible, with both Greg Casey, Daniel O’Regan and David Cassidy all defeated by two frames to one it looked ominous for the cue men from Blarney Street, but this Crucible team have quality from one to five and in the end salvaged a great win after a powerful comeback.

Tony More won his game by three frames to nil over Tim Murphy levelling the match at six frames all and Ryan Cronin won by two frames to nil over Donncha Breathnach to secure a famous victory.

In the other matches Youghal CYMS ‘A’ had a breathtaking win over Douglas in the ‘Market House’ pushing themselves up one place in the league into an unassailable third place and a semi final place along with The Crucible and Shooters.

This defeat has almost certainly finished any hopes that Douglas had of a final four qualification spot, unless they Douglas cue men win their remaining three matches and Shooters suffer the AOH suffer three defeats, mathematically it is possible, but highly unlikely.

Shooters are safely through to the last four semi final matches and again showed their quality with an impressive victory over Youghal CYMS ‘B’ where Anthony O’Connor and David Forde recorded three frames to nil victories.

The disappointing news from the Cork Snooker Leagues point of view was another walk over conceded by Fermoy CYMS during week 11. That’s two walk over’s in two week’s which nobody likes to see, hopefully it is a minor blimp in what has been a fantastic return to competitive league snooker in the ‘Rebel County’.

The Cork Snooker league will play week 12 this coming Thursday night the 20th of January and then take a break for the Gleneagle Hotel-Ladbrokes Munster Snooker Club Championships in Killarney Jan 28/29/30 and will remain on a break the following week also, as the Gleneagle Hotel-Ladbrokes All Ireland Snooker Club Championships which will be also held in Killarney on Feb 4/5/6th.

The obvious reason for this break is if any of the Cork Snooker League Teams finish in the last four of the ‘Munster Championships’ they will qualify for the ‘All Ireland Championships’.

The League resumes after this break with week 13 on Thursday the 10th of February.

League Results Week 11

AOH 6 – 8 Crucible

Shane O’Mahony 2 – 1 Greg Casey

Lloyd Myers  2 – 1 David Cassidy

Kevin O’Leary  2 – 1 Daniel O’Regan

Tim Murphy  0 – 3 Tony Moore

Donncha Breathnach 0- 2 Ryan Cronin

Shooters 8 – 2 Youghal CYMS ‘B’

Gary Bracken  1 – 1 Christopher Cooney

Anthony O’Connor 3 – 0 James Hennessy

Thomas Greany 1 – 1 Trevor Flaherty

Dave Forde  3 – 0 Michael Hennessy

Fermoy 0 – 8 Youghal CYMS ‘C’

W/O

Youghal CYMS ‘A’ 8 – 1 Douglas

Chris Lyons  1 – 0 Donal Murphy

Derek Aherne  2 – 0 Gerry O’Sullivan

Brendan Cooney 3 – 0 Karl Busteed

Adrian Landers 2 – 1 Finbarr Wallace

Breaks:

Daniel O’Regan (Crucible) 61

Dave Forde (Shooters) 69

Anthony O’Connor (Shooters) 55

Brendan Cooney (Youghal A) 54

Cork Snooker League Table after Week 11

Played Won Lost Points

Crucible   11  10  1    10

Shooters   11  8  3     8

Youghal CYMS ‘A’ 11  8  3     8

AOH    11  7  4     7

Douglas   11  4  7     4

Fermoy CYMS 11  3 8     3

Youghal CYMS ‘B’ 11 3  8     3

Youghal CYMS ‘C’ 11 1  10   1

Fixtures for Week 12 of the Cork Snooker League Thursday the 20th of Jan

Shooters v Youghal CYMS ‘B’

Douglas v Youghal CYMS ‘A’

Youghal CYMS ‘C’ V Fermoy CYMS

The Crucible v The AOH

Future Fixtures

The Cork Under 19 Snooker Championship will be held in the Crucible Snooker Club on February the 13th

Snooker League Semi-Finals will be held on February the 24th

Cork Snooker League Final on March 3rd. (Venue to be decided)

Orme Shield Snooker Team Comp will be held at the Youghal CYMS On 26th and 27th of March.

The Gleneagle Hotel-Ladbrokes Munster Snooker Club Championships that start Friday week the 28th of January has released the schedule of play for the tournament.