The first networking event for Women in Business in Youghal next Tuesday, 28th June in the Red Store from 6.00 pm to 8.00 pm. If you are interested why not pop along to this first networking event for Women in Business in Youghal.

Further info:

Sinéad Conroy

South & East Cork Area Development Ltd.

Midleton Community Enterprise Centre

Owennacurra Business Park , Knockgriffin

Midleton, Co Cork

T: 021 461 3432

F: 021 461 3808

W: www. secad.ie

E: sconroy@secad.ie

At 12:45pm this afternoon, Sunday 26th of June, Irish Time, Team Youghal completed the toughest endurance in the world, The Race Across America, for the Emer Casey Foundation. The Team spent 7 days 14 hours and 5 mins cycling across America, with an average speed of 16.42 mph, going through the Arizona Desert , The Rocky Mountains and the Kansas Plains, to name but a few. They covered 3,000 miles, with someone in the saddle, supported by crew, at all times, both day and night. All the cyclists and crew from Team Youghal crossed the finish line in Annapolis, Maryland, to a huge reception, getting cheers and applause from family and friends who travelled there to be with them in their hour of glory.

Ger Flanagan said at the finish line today: “This is a very emotional day for all of us in achieving the finish of this race. We had ups and downs but we got here in the end. This was due in no small measure to all the help and support we received from everyone at home, everyone in America, and all our sponsors. We also were given a great boost throughout the race by all our friends on Facebook and we couldn’t believe it when we had over 1,000 followers towards the end of the race.”

Tired and saddle sore the Team Youghal are now going to replenish their energy and take a well earned rest for a day or so before travelling on a fundraiser tour to New York for the Emer Casey Foundation.

Team Youghal are a group of amateur cyclists based in the East Cork Town of Youghal and have already completed The Race Around Ireland in 2009 and 2010. The Race Across America is their greatest achievement so far with the people of Youghal immensely proud of both the cyclists and crew. For more information check their website; www.teamyoughal.com

Following in a tradition that dates back to 1898, people will line the streets of Youghal to take part in the annual Eucharistic Procession. The OLDEST Corpus Christi Procession in Ireland will take place in Youghal this Sunday, 26th June 2011 at 12.00 noon. The procession started way back in 1898 and has continued ever since. Report / Photo: Michael Hussey – www.youghalonline.com

Over the last few weeks two local men Noel Cronin and Barty Murphy have been busy installing cable and loudspeakers to broadcast the event both live on local radio CRY and through the loudspeaker system, all 44 of them. Noel told Youghalonline.com that he has been doing this every year since 1974 and remembers when the procession would proceed to the Green Park where the Loreto nuns would prepare the altar and decorate the bandstand.

The present route around the central part of town is in place since the mid 90′s. Noel said that over two and half miles of cable is used with the loudspeakers attached at regular intervals.

Barty Murphy who helps Noel ‘surround sound’ the town said once the cables were sabotaged when someone cut the line but were soon repaired with a bit of insulation tape!.

The Eucharist Procession will begin directly after 12.00 Mass in The College Gardens, Emmet place, Youghal. The Blessed Sacrament is carefully placed in the monstrance and elevated so that all adorers can see. The Priest carries the monstrance with the Consecrated Host for the adoration of the people of the town through the streets flanked by Canopy Bearers.

The procession route is as follows: Emmet Place down Church St. on to North Main St.- Watsons Corner- Dolphin’s Sq.- Catherine St.- Grattan St- Market Sq. -The Mall- Strand St. turn at the Grotto on to Pearse Sq.- Friar St.- South Main St.- North Main St. turn up DeValera St. -Emmet Place and back to the College Gardens for Benediction.

The Procession will be broadcast live by local radio CRY on 104fm and on the internet www.youghalradio.com.

The local ‘Harmony’ musical group performed recently at the Youghal International Spanish College Chapel. Ann Brooks from the group said they were more than happy with the new venue. The group performed a variety concert with musical director Finbar Hannon at the helm, accompanied by Tracy Symon on piano. The International Spanish College, formerly the Presentation Convent, was a beautiful setting for such a concert. The performers, singers and audience all had a great night and delighted to help in the fundraising for the local Youghal Cancer Suppport Group. Pic: Michael Hussey

‘Harmony’ is an entirely voluntary and open group and new members are always very welcome.  It doesn’t ask for financial assistance from the already hard-pressed local community – it is self-supporting. ‘Harmony’s’ shows are always to a very high standard and thoroughly enjoyable.  Among it’s many successes are ‘Many Young Men of Twenty’, ‘Some Enchanted Evening’, ‘From Here to Broadway’, ‘A tribute to John B & Showtime’ and ‘Guys and Dolls’, along with various recitals, concerts and Christmas Shows.

 

The meeting was attended by Assistant Town Clerk Helen Mulcahy, Town Manager Patricia Power, Mayor Mary Linehan-Foley, Town Foreman Ger Lupton, Town Engineer Paul Murray and Cllrs Barbara Murray (FG), Michael Beecher (FG), Michelle Hennessy (SF) Liam Burke (Green Party) , Eoin Coyne (FF) and Sammy Revins (FF).

Congratulations:

Cllr Murray congratulated the management and staff of both Cork County and Youghal Town Councils successfully working towards ensuring that Youghal has a blue flag on each of its three beaches. She asked the town manager to indicate to An Taisce that all three beaches are designated as Youghal locations, although technically Claycastle and Redbarn come under Cork County Council’s jurisdiction.) She further noted that the blue flags were accompanied by Green Coast awards, for wider environmental excellence. Cllr Burke observed that “Youghal is the only town in Ireland with three blue flags.”

Cllr Beecher praised the town’s artistic, musical and sporting talent in general. By example, he cited the Youghal Soccer Club’s “world class” presentation recently when they entertained Bray Wanderers. He elaborated with reference to Ireland’s renowned culture of welcome with reference to the visits of Queen Elizabeth and President Obama’s (although they avoided Youghal this time, possibly because the visits preceded the arrival of the third blue flag.) “It was fantastic to see the great Irish welcome,” he said before concluding the kudos with a tribute to CRY and its recent cancer charity promotion.

Votes of Sympathy:

Cllr Coyne called for a minute’s silence for Dr, Garret Fitzgerald and Brian Lenihan, “two wonderful men and fantastic servants to our nation who will be greatly missed.” This was duly observed.

Town Foreman’s Report:

Cllr Burke said a pothole at the bottom of Windmill Hill “keeps reappearing.” He then claimed that there were 11 errors in the Irish wording of the parking bye-law sign in Nealon’s Quay (probably replicated in similar signs in other car parks). He said the worse mistake was “the Irish for Monday,” being spelt “’Luna’ instead of ‘Luan’”, meaning the law was effective “from the moon to Saturday!”

Cllr Beecher wanted a sign at Claycastle indicating nearby toilets to be directed in the appropriate direction, as it was pointing to a private house whose residents were being disturbed by visitors wishing to avail of the facility!

Cllr Coyne wanted a loose manhole at Kenny’s Lane resolved,  he reiterated the misspelling of Irish words on the bye-law signs and sought clarification on the bye-law regarding dogs leashed on the beach during June-August. He was told it was requisite from 11 am to 7 pm seven days a week. He also sought pruning for some bushes on the Golf Links Road.

Mayor Mary Linehan Foley requested that weeds in the Mall be removed. She also asked, on behalf of some residents, that a railing be installed on a piece of ground being traversed by mass goers in Raheen Park. Happily, the railings at the former South Abbey school at South Abbey were an ideal fit and she suggested they be transplanted forthwith.

Cork County Council Items:

Cllr Revins observed that there were 42 pages in the latest Cork County Council Beach Bye Laws (oh Gawddd!) and while many of the stipulations would not be very relevant to Youghal, recommended that the councillors familiarise themselves with the details. Cllr Murray noted that the “very controversial bye-laws” irked many people with horse interests in west Cork, while dog issues mostly pertain to Youghal. Cllr Revins sought clarification on “a drain company offloading into the Slob bank renovation works. He learned that the substance in question was “sand and gravel” from a front strand sluice and not the contents of the town’s sewers as had been feared. (It’s unclear why it wasn’t just deposited on the beach).

Cllr Murray complained of the “absolute eyesore” that is the would-be library premises (the former Collins’s bakery). The town engineer said he would take up the matter with the county council. The councillor suggested that corri board be used an efficient and economic method of constructing signage to identify public toilets at the beach. They would be prominently displayed and visible from a distance. Cllr Murray then asked that highly visible signage be posted advertising the beach bye-laws. She also drew attention to a broken manhole cover in Dysart (near Strand church).

Cllr Beecher advised that a new gully be installed at Hillview, as previous efforts were insufficient. He asked that the road surface between Tesco and the council yard be improved to which the engineer said there was a shortage of manpower but he’d see what could be done. Cllr Beecher asked about the Tallow Road and was told that the road surfacing tenders were now in.

Cllr Burke delivered “the usual list of broken footpaths” aka Tallow Street South Main Street and junction of South Abbey/Strand Street,

Cllr Coyne said a pothole on Hayman’s hill was ever present and worrying and Mr. Murray said he hoped it could be repaired, budget permitting, along with works on Raheen Road. The councillor said the road surface at Knockaverry also needed remedying and the engineers said it was hoped to tend to it in 2012.

 

Mayors Business:

Cllr Linehan-Foley, in her final meeting as mayor, paid further tribute to former the late Taoiseach Garret Fitzgerald and Brian Lenihan TD. She wished absent Labour Cllr Tommy O’Connell a “full and speedy recovery” from his recent illness, the sentiments being unanimously endorsed. She conveyed best wishes to Team Youghal on their fundraising cycle across America and remarked that it was a great advertisement for the town. On behalf of the Youghal Concerned Citizens Group, she asked if the town hall rear area could be made available for the launch of the Youghal Bay Fish Pie award on July 2nd. The assistant town clerk asked that they contact her office. The mayor noted that here were many events planned for Youghal over the coming months before praising local events she had recently attended, including the “outstanding” First Army Band in the Collegiate Church on behalf of the Keith Phelan fund, a sand sculpture competition in Pilmore and the Munster Matchplay championship at Youghal Pitch and Putt club. The Vintage Vehicles day, Chatterbox, Choral and Musical societies, CRY’s Radiothon, Youghal Soccer Club versus Bray and, again, the Blue Flags were all lauded. The mayor hoped (probably in vain) that the national media would provide as much coverage for the blue flag regained as it did last year when it was lost! Cllr Beecher echoed the mayor’s sentiments that “negativity” was being afforded too much prominence.

 

Youghal Clock Gate Tower Business Plan:

Assistant Town Clerk Helen Mulcahy Sought and was given agreement to lease the Clock Gate to the Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group (YSEDG) for 7-10 years at an allowable rent and so enable that body to seek funding towards developing the structure.

Traffic Management Plan Church Street. DeValera Street, Ashe Street & Emmet Place. (Presentation of Amended Draft Plan by Eileen Coleman, Traffic Engineer):

See elsewhere in this issue for report.

Report on Claycastle Leisure Company by Chairperson (Mayor Linehan-Foley):

Following a recent meeting of the company, the mayor said, all was going well at the centre. However it was hoped that one (unnamed) school in Youghal would avail of the facility rather than travelling to another centre as was its current practice. “We need all the schools using it to keep it open,” she stated, adding that when funding was being sought to construct the centre, all the schools had indicated a need for the facility. A previous letter to the school inquiring as to its apparent aversion to using Aura had not received a response and another is to be dispatched.

Meeting with Youghal Chamber re: Motion:

“In the interests of advancing new retail business within the Town Centre, where an existing outlet has been vacant for a period of two years or more that Youghal Town Council call on the Chamber of Commerce/Youghal Traders Association to initiate guidelines/policy among its members and possibly all landlords within Youghal that such properties as mentioned above would be made available at 50% of the current market rental value for start-up retail businesses for a period of two years”:

It was decided to seek this meeting after the council’s July meeting (July 12th) rather than following the AGM on Tuesday 21st June as proposed.

Any Other Business:

Cllr Murray drew attention to the availability of the town hall/Mall Arts Centre as a location for civil marriages. She believed very few people were unaware of this fact and congratulated the council for its foresight in registering it as such.

YOUGHAL CONCERNED CITIZENS GROUP enjoyed an attendance high in numbers and rich in representational value at its bi-monthly meeting in the Red Store on June 7th. The attendance may or may not have been affected by the screening of A Town out of Time -the socio-economic documentary depicting Youghal’s declining profile even during the ‘boom’ years- in the wake of the meeting, at 8 pm.

A press release compiled and issued by the group’s new PRO Eoin Budds, notes that the attendance included representatives from the town council, the Chamber of Commerce and the Tidy Towns, organisations not normally conspicuous by their presence at the concerned citizens gatherings. It will be interesting to see how many return for the next meeting on Thursday July 7th. Nonetheless Mr Budds refers to a willingness for various groups work in co-operation to promote “’Brand Youghal’” being apparent.

Dog litter

The statement reports that the meeting commenced with a report on the “Dog Litter” project from Suzanne Cotter. A subsequent discussion focused on the need to create greater awareness on this issue and the following initiatives were agreed in principle: i) promote responsible dog ownership with distributed leaflets ii) distribute free dog litter bags in shops; iii) erect signs around town to highlight the issue.

Further discussion ensued on the possibility of CCTV being used as a deterrent, while Cllr Barbara Murray said such cameras may seeing cameras may prevail in the strand areas in the near future as part of the town and county councils’ anti-litter initiatives. She advised that anyone seeking to promote CCTV privately should negotiation with local residents committees. The issue of stray dogs was also considered. As with most matters nowadays, funding was deemed problematic but the issue is to be further addressed. Meanwhile congratulations were extended to the Dun Chorain estate for successfully reducing its considerable dog litter problem.

Fish pie

Norman MacDonald updated the gathering on the “Youghal Bay Seafood Pie” project and the “Tourist Buses” project, both of which initiatives he is actively promoting. He said the seafood pie competition –in which local restaurants are vying to devise the definitive fish pie recipe for Youghal, with subsequent marketing potential- was progressing extremely well, with 18 restaurants thus far committed.  The judging ceremony, assisted by internationally renowned adjudicators, will take place on Saturday July 2nd, at a venue to be announced.

Paula Tutty reported on her initiative to run a Teddy Bear’s Picnic day in the Green Park on Sunday July 3rd. It was appreciated –and admired- that Paula has managed to construct this project in very short notice in order to coincide with fish pie weekend. Much is promised in terms of free fun, games and entertainment, with families encouraged to bring their own picnic on the day. Public announcements will follow in the days leading up to the event.

 

Tourist buses

Meanwhile Mr. MacDonald updated on tourist buses initiative whereby he and thus far Cliff Windsor and others greet arriving tour buses and impress on them reasons to linger in Youghal and also to return here in due course. Norman said more volunteers were needed to extend this effort across seven days a week. This, according to the press release, “followed some heated and passionate exchanges on the duplication of work being done by Norman and the Youghal Chamber of Commerce, as well as members of the chamber who have an organised meet and greet in place.” The exchange was –thankfully- considered a healthy development, “with some strong feedback” from Perks supremo Sal Tivy. Jim Flanagan reiterated, for the umpteenth time, that the citizens group will work with any organisation and this was followed an agreement with the Youghal Chamber to work with Norman to further develop the tour bus project. This agreement is undoubtedly is to be welcomed by all and perhaps marks a very significant example of how to secure a healthier and more efficient approach to town tourism and development into the future.

The statement concludes with a reminder that the next Concerned Citizens (name to be changed shortly) will be held on Thurs 07 July at 7 pm in the Red Store, North Main Street. It’s a public meeting and all are welcome.

GARDAI IN YOUGHAL are poised to “come down heavily” on so called ‘boy racers’- the June meeting of The Youghal and District Community Alert group heard. Community Garda Peter Queally made the observation while elaborating on the presence in town of a traffic corp. section. “They are here for the summer and are monitoring the situation regarding by racers,” he said. “They have the noise level detectors.” The garda said Garda headquarters in Fermoy were also very aware of the situation in Claycastle car park and “is keen to target the issue.” He added that some court appearances were imminent and more were likely. Drivers under 18 would be subject to the Juvenile Liaison System.

The meeting began with reference to the Youghal Concerned Citizens Group which was meeting simultaneously in the Red Store. Mr Beecher noted that that growingly successful group would heretofore be meeting on twice monthly on Thursdays and urged people to attend.

Crime stats

Garda Queally then delivered the statistics on reported crime since the previous month’s meeting. There had been three burglaries, for two of which a man had been arrested. A file was being prepared for the DPP. The third burglary occurred on Thursday May 26th between 10 pm and 1.30 am Friday in a house on the Quarry Road. Jewellery had been taken and gardai were keen for information, on (024) 92200.

Nine incidents of criminal damage had been recorded. These included another infringement, on May 30th, at Perks, where several such incidents had occurred recently. The culprits had been attempting a break-in but had fled empty handed.

There was one incident of drink-driving, on June 2nd. Drug detections involved four cases of possession plus two with intent to supply. There were only three recorded public order offences, despite two bank holidays.

Two robberies had occurred, including an incident where three men forced the manager of the Red Store to unlock the premises at knifepoint before escaping with a four-figure figure sum of money. That crime remains under investigation and anyone with information is again invited tome forward, anonymously if preferred. The second robbery –against a person- occurred in the front strand and an arrest had been made, with a court appearance likely to follow. There as one shop theft, at Lidl on May 4th.

Garda Queally said there had also been one alleged rape reported. He did not divulge details or any further information on the matter other than to say that a man had been arrested and questioned and that a file was being prepared for the DPP. He understood that such an alleged incident could cause particular unrest in the community but reassured that there was no cause for alarm.

In general the reported crime overview was thus:

Burglaries (3): BallyGlavin  (May 14th); Clifton terrace (May 15th); QuarryRoad (May 26th).

Criminal Damage (9): @ North Main Street (May 5th); Blackwater Heights (2) –May 9th and May 23rd); Cliftonville (May 15th); Yew Wood (May 21st;); O’Brien’s Place (May 29th); Spa Hill (May 29th); Perks (May 30th); Burgess Cross May 10th ).

Drink-Driving (1): detected @ Greencloyne.

Drugs –possession (4): Kenny’s Lane (May 6th); Chestinut Drive (May 12th); Killeagh Road (May 18th); Green Park (May 23rd).

Drugs –intent to supply (2): The Rise (May 6th): Ard Na Mara (May 18th).

Public Order (3): Blackwater Heights (May 23rd); Lighthouse Hill (May 30th); The Mall (June 3rd).

Robbery (2):  Red Store (May 16th); Front Strand (May 30th).

Theft from Shop (1): Lidl (May 4th).

Conference reflection

There was some discussion on the recent conferences night, hosted by Muintir na Tire, at Cuman na Daoine and which dealt with elderly abuse and home insulation. Mr Beecher said the occasion had been a considerable success and that another such event would likely occur in September or October. He said the increasing evidence of elderly abuse –whether physical, sexual, finance, psychological, emotional or discriminatory- was very alarming. “Their rights are being provoked,” he stated. Garda Queally said he had received a call on a case of suspected elder abuse within a fortnight of the meeting.  The chairman also noted that legally, an elderly person can refuse to enter a nursing home, adding that he recognised that very many nursing homes provided excellent care.

Regarding the Warm Home Scheme, the chairman said it was eye-opening to discover that there were grant schemes available of which many people were aware. It emerged from the floor, through Cllr Michelle Hennessy, that insulation grants were available in some instances for people on fuel allowance and renting privately, regardless of age.

Garda Queally was asked whether gardai can issue fines for dog litter. He replied that it was a matter for the litter warden. Michael Beecher said the issue had largely been resolved in Dun Chorainn with the assistance of the town hall, signage and information leaflets that outlined the serious health risks, particularly to children. He said a lot of loose dogs from outside an area exacerbate the problem. Garda Queally said A Mr. Dave Scully of Killeagh was the dog warden for the area on (024) 95106.

Drinking and worms

A lady from the floor recalled two unsavoury incidents at the front strand. First, she witnessed a dog ‘leaving his message’ in the water adjacent to some children. Then she noted a group of girls, one of whom was in charge of baby in a pram, boisterous and drinking on the promenade. The bottles were left, broken, in their wake. The garda said it was illegal to drink in public and that gardai would respond appropriately if called.  Mr. Beecher said he would like to see dogs banned form the beach entirely on health grounds. “The worm in dog dirt live for years!” he explained aid. As things stand, dogs on the beach must be on a leash between the hours of 11 am to 7 pm?? through June to the end of August.  Another voice from the floor said he saw a small child pick up “hard” dog litter on afternoon! “He could have taken a bite out of it!” he warned, to a collective shudder. Mr Beecher said covert CCTV was due in town to help counteract the scourge.

Never wasting time

It was also observed from the floor that some of the public knew nothing about community alert, some knew but didn’t want to be involved, others felt it was pointless reporting issues to the gardai, while yet more were simply afraid to do so for fear of reprisals.  The speakers stressed that the community must always be alert to potential injustice or criminality in its midst and trust the gardai to respond to such threats when they become manifest. He urged that people not merely read or inquire about Community Alert meetings but also to attend some meetings. He added that he had recently alerted gardai to an incident in the strand arena, the response had been instantaneous and the culprit subsequently arrested.  Garda Queally availed of the diversion to reassure that “no matter how trivial a suspicion may appear, it is best reported and would never be regarded of trivial concern by gardai.

It was recorded that there are concerns amongst residents in South Abbey regarding some anti-social behaviour by some members leaving Nagle House the youth centre. It was relayed that a very small group of about three were the main players and efforts were being made to curtail it.

Flag Day:

It was noted that weekend 9/10th of July was available and it was agreed that it was ideal for this year’s collection.  A summer break will ensue meanwhile and the next Community Alert meeting will take place on Tuesday September 6th.

Foroige Youghal is seeking adult volunteers to spend time in one-to-one support roles with young people. Open to both sexes, each volunteer will be matched with a young person of similar gender, aged between 12 and 17, with a view to sharing social or educational pursuits for one to two hours weekly. Participating adults must be over 21 but there is no upper age limit applied. A year-long commitment is expected.

The initiative represents a nationwide community programme called the Big Brother Big Sister Youth Monitoring Programme. It aims to forge friendships, by which it is hoped the young person would benefit “through increased support, confidence and general enjoyment,” according to Youghal Foroige Youth officer Nicola Lucey.

Naturally, each volunteer must undergo a Garda vetting procedure. Successful applicants will be subsequently trained before being matched with their young charges. Those of similar interests will be paired together.

Once matched both the adult volunteer and his or her new friend can decide on the type of activities they would like to pursue. For that matter, they can espouse football, cinema, beach or library and just go chill in a restaurant and chat over coffee. “It’s a very welcome idea and I’m sure the benefits will be equally shared by both parties,” says Nicola.

 

Interested parties may contact Nicola on: (024) 90793; 0861702347

See also www.bbbsireland.ie and www.foroige.ie

COMHALTAS CRAOBH EOCHAILL stylishly celebrated the launch of its 21st year of summer entertainment (Ceolta Si seisiúns) with an evening of music, song, dance and story at its Bru na Si, Magner’s Hill. The night was venerated by an invited audience led by Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport, Jimmy Deenihan. Other guests in a roll call of politicians, community pillars, Bru na Si patrons and general culture vultures, included Ard Runai of Comhaltas Ceolteoiri Eireann Tomás Ó’Maoldomhnaigh, Runai of Waterford Count Board Martin Forrester, East Cork TD’s David Stanton (FG) and Sandra McLellan and acting mayor of Youghal, Barbara Murray. All available town councillors were present, except the Fianna Fail contingent of Mary Linehan-Foley, Eoin Coyne and Sammy Revins, whose presence was summoned by leader Micheal Martin to a party pow-wow in Midleton.

The absentees missed a wonderful occasion. Bru na Si’s under 15 musicians set the tone for a series of excellent performances across several disciplines, with Youghal pipe band’s Brian and Tom McCarthy also contributing their unique talents. The standard unequivocally high, a glancing survey denoted unified appreciation and enthrallment amongst the audience.

‘Cupla focals’

‘Fear an Tí’ –chairman will do to Sassenachs- Michael de Buitléir, then ushered the dignitaries to deliver their words, beginning with Acting Mayor Cllr Murray. The councillor stressed upon Minister Deenihan that Youghal was striving to become an “iconic centre for arts, culture and heritage,” with particular regard for the Clock Gate and the Town Walls. Funding support, she pleaded, would be most welcome. Cllr Murray also paid tribute to hard work of Youghal Comhaltas and its immense value to local tourism, children and heritage.

Mr Ó’Maoldomhnaigh said Comhaltas came into existence 60 years ago and had managed, along with similar organisations, to preserve Irish language and culture through voluntary hard work. He acknowledged the government’s generosity in supporting Comhaltas’s five-year plan in 2001, which improved services for voluntary sectors such as Youghal. It now had seven regional resource centres and nine smaller centres like Bru na Si.

The speaker said Comhaltas now aimed to support the Irish language in a new structure which would look at ways to include the language with music and dance. Furthermore a three-year plan was focused on getting people to use whatever few Irish words they had, in a bilingual capacity.  Concluding, he turned to the performers lauded the “fantastic entertainment here tonight.”

Minister Jimmy Deenehan officially launched Seisiún 2011. He stressed Comhaltas Ceolteoiri Eireann’s crucial role in Ireand’s tourism. Adding his appreciation to the prise of the night’s performances, he said “there must be a very high quality education programme involved.” He added, perceptively, “It’s great to see so many happy people in unison tonight and for that alone I am delighted to be here.”

Minister Deenehan said Irish music “wasn’t so cool’ when Comhaltas originated but today it is globally renowned, with “a unique sound that resonates with so many people.” He proceeded, “Ireland is perhaps best known for ours writers, musicians, singers, actors and artists and I am convinced that our arts will repair the damage done to this country and its image.” He acknowledged the international, ambassadorial role played by Youghal Comhaltas and believed that “the more Irish artists out on the world platform the better.”

Mr.de Buitleir advised the minister that Youghal Comhalts had represented the Department of Foreign Affairs in China and Mexico during its many foreign trips. “So we are available for bookings,” he suggested, smiling.

In a typically humorous aside, Minister Deenehan acknowledged Youghal TD Sandra McLellan as SF spokesperson for Arts and recalled “we’ve already had some very interesting encounters in the Dail,” he surmised. “She’s a very ladylike figure in the Dail. I’d suggest that she would stay like that!” he added to much laughter.

Expansion

The minister promised he would help however he could regarding expansion plans at Bru na Si. However, refreshingly insightful, he suggested that the “small and not over-ambitious centre” was “just about the right size as it is.” He warned against “over-ambition” and losing the crucial, intimate connection between performers and audience as had occurred elsewhere. Mr De Buitléir explained that the expansion was intended to meet education and family needs as against expanding the performance arena. The chairman then presented the minister with a Jack O’Patsy Plate to commemorate his visit, advising him not to drop it meanwhile. “I never dropped anything in my life!” returned the former Kerry footballer with a grin. .

Future

Future plans for Comhaltas Craobh Eochaille, officially founded in 1983, include the on-going outreach programme to national schools, whereby introductory tin whistle is taught for half an hour weekly. A second programme intended to restructure this arrangement to allow a child to conduct Irish music as a curriculum item from early age to university is also imminent. Meanwhile the group will be represented by five groups at the Munster Fleadh in Balincollig on Jul 17th and a trip to Holland is timed for next September. The next 21 years promise nothing but the sound of success and great service.

Seisiún Ceolta Sí occurs every Monday and Thursday from 8 pm. Adm €10. See www./comhaltas.ie/locations/detail/youghal_comhaltas

The proceeds of the recent CRY 104fm/Youghal Cancer Support Group Radiothon were distributed on Thursday night, 23rd June, at a small function in Bertie’s Bar. The Radiothon ran for 50 hours from 10am on Friday 27th May to midday on Sunday 29th May, with CRY broadcasting constantly throughout and street collections manned by volunteers from the Youghal Cancer Support Group and CRY.

The public and local businesses responded brilliantly and the event  – which was a joint fundraiser for both organisations – raised  a total of €2,912.92. Youghal’s new Mayor, Councillor Eoin Coyne officiated at the function, which was attended by, CRY Board member, Barty Murphy, station staff and volunteers along with Youghal Cancer Support Group Chairperson, Therese O’Connell, together with Pauline Scully, Diane Irwin and Susan Kenefick, all of Youghal Cancer Support Group.

Chairperson, Therese O’Connell accepted a cheque for €1,500 on behalf of  Youghal Cancer Support Group from CRY Station Manager, Declan Gibbons. Therese thanked all involved in organising the event, CRY presenters, volunteers from both organisations and, most importantly, all who supported the Radiothon in any way.

Declan Gibbons accepted a cheque for €1,412 on behalf of CRY, representing the station’s share of the proceeds. He paid tribute to CRY Community Development Officer, Darragh Parker – whose brainchild the Radiothon was – for his tireless effort and organisation, which ensured that the event was such a success.

He thanked Noel Mackey and The FitzPatrick family for the use of the premises in 138 North Main Street; Luigi From the Rendezvous Restaurant who kept the presenters well fed throughout the Marathon; Scotts, Cunninghams Butchers , Absolute Flowers , Team Bailey ,Super Valu , Flavins Grocery shop, Permanent TSB and  Team M mens Salon for spot prizes and Donations.

Declan also thanked The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland for their permission to broadcast around the clock, without which the Radiothon could not have taken place. He thanked the Gardai for granting the station a permit to collect in public places, all the volunteers from the Youghal Cancer Support Group and CRY presenters and volunteers.

Most of all, he thanked everyone who gave so generously during the 27th, 28th and 29th of May.