Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on Tourism, Sandra McLellan, has welcomed the awarding of an unprecedented three Blue Flags to Youghal, with the Front Strand beach now joining Claycastle and Redbarn beaches on the prestigious list.

Speaking at the announcement of this year’s winners Deputy McLellan said: “I want to congratulate all of this year’s winners. The result for Youghal, in particular, is an absolutely outstanding achievement. To be awarded three Blue Flags surely confirms Youghal as the finest coastal resort in the country. The awards reflect a dedication to excellence and are a result of a huge effort from the local authority, staff and community. Their commitment to the campaign, including beach clean-ups organised by a range of voluntary groups, has been rewarded with this fantastic news.”

“It is important to remember that the Blue Flag stands for more than just excellent bathing water quality, but also reflects a beach’s compliance with a range of international standards covering areas such litter management, provision of lifeguards, toilet facilities, animal control and more. As such, the three Blue Flags which Youghal can now boast conveys, to potential visitors at home and abroad, that this area is dedicated to providing a first class experience in a first class environment.”

On Tuesday evening last St Itas GAA club held a launch night for the forthcoming fundraising Race night which will be held in Farrells Bar Summerfield on Friday 8th July at 8.30.

St Itas Chairman Sean Harnedy thanked everyone for attending the night and spoke about How important events like this were to the club in these current times. Every club has to raise funds to pay for insurance equipment and other expenses involved in running a club and St Itas was no exception to this rule. However with the help and support of our sponsors like Michael Farrell from Farrells bar here in Summerfield, Johnny Dineen Bookmakers, and our other sponsors who have always been fantastic when it came to events like this.

A night like this is more then a fundraising event its also a chance for the players supporters and local community to get together and interact and have some fun. Art Supple as one of the selectors spoke about how important this event was in helping everyone come together all in support of the players and mentors who put in long hours in training and playing matches. Its also a great fun night with everyone in with a chance to have the winning horse on the night.

So clear your diary and make sure you have your seat in the stand booked for this great night of fun and racing at Farrells Bar Summerfield on Friday the 8th July.
The first race is starting at 8.30pm with many races on the night and a huge crowd is expected get your tickets now from any of the Committee members or any of the players. There will be spot prizes and a raffle on the night and tickets for this event are only €10.

Ballymacoda will be a hive of activity on Sunday next June the 12th when the Imokilly Motor Club will kick off their 2011 Motorsport calendar with a grass surface Autocross. The venue for the event will be in a field next to the village. As the event will be round 4 of the National Autocross Championship and round 2 of the Munster Championship a real quality entry is envisaged across all the classes with both the specials and the saloon cars fighting it out for supremacy over the course of the day.

Entries are coming in at a steady pace and all the championship regulars should be there as well as locals like Mark and John Dolphin in their specials the lads will be trying hard to win the local event, in the rally car section Emmet Cronin in his Escort will be one to watch as will Owen Murphy the winner of the first two rounds of the National Forestry Championship, he takes out the Twin Cam and he should be one of the hard chargers.

The format for the day’s action is as follows: Scrutiny at 10 am followed by the practice lap at 11.30 and the first of the days timed runs set to commence at 12.30.Entries for the event have been coming in at a steady rate and let’s hope that by Sunday we will have a capacity entry and entertain all those who will come along to enjoy the action and be treated to some wonderful driving skills. Remember Motorsport events like these take a lot of planning and preparation so that is why we are always looking for some new members to come along and join the club. You can catch up with all that is happening with us by logging on to our website www.imokillymotorclub.com. Or follow us on Facebook.

Until then hope to see you all in Ballymacoda next Sunday and (Lets kick up some Dirt). Event is sign posted from Castlemartyr

Greenbarn Garden, Lifestyle
Greenbarn is a large shop, garden centre and cafe nested between Killeagh and Youghal, just off the N25 on the Waterford – Cork route. Contact us on 024 90166 or email info@greenbarn.ie

With plenty of parking its the ideal place to come for a day out.

Corks only 4 Star Garden Centre

The Greenbarn Garden Centre is 20,000 Sq ft, with 10,000 Sq ft under cover it’s any gardeners dream. We have a comprehensive selection of plants from a tiny pansy to mature olive trees, superb herb section with advice on herbs for health, vegetable section, annuals, perinnials, seasonal bedding, large selection of tree ferns, bamboos, seeds, bulbs. We stock all the tools and chemicals required to maintain your garden.

A group of amateur cyclists from Youghal, Co. Cork have chosen to compete in one of the most respected and longest running endurance-based sporting events in the world to honor the memory of a young woman from their hometown who lost her life to cancer. Their participation will also help to raise funds for cancer research.

Team Youghal, who will participate in the Race Across America (RAAM), officially began their effort with a launch in the town’s Mall Arts Centre on May 28th.

RAAM is considered to be one of the world’s top cycling events and, unlike the Tour de France, it is one continuous stage, similar to a time trial. Racers must traverse 3,005 miles across 12 states and climb over 170,000 vertical feet. This is a non-stop race across the continental United States with competitors cycling about 350-500 miles a day, racing 24 hours a day from start to finish.

This is the 30th anniversary of the race and Team Youghal will make history by being the first ever Irish squad in the eight-person Team category. The team’s members range in age from 37 to 60 and in occupation from fire officer to retired school principal. They are taking part to raise money and awareness for the Emer Casey Foundation.

Emer, who was from Youghal, in Co. Cork, was diagnosed with ovarian/uterine cancer in February 2006 when she was only 27. She died on June 10, 2006, four days after her 28th birthday. Her family established the foundation in her honor. To date The Emer Casey Foundation has raised more than €500,000 for research into ovarian and uterine cancer.

Mayor of Youghal Mary Linehan-Foley launched the event before a packed house, which included the cyclists and crew of Team Youghal. The Mayor said, “I’m very proud to be invited to this launch and proud that a team from Youghal will be the first Irish participants in this world cup race.” She went on to say, “This is a great opportunity to put Ireland, and indeed Youghal on the world map which will benefit tourism numbers in these very tough economic times.”

Team Leader Ger Flanagan (46), who works as printer, expressed his gratitude to his fellow team members and to their sponsors: “I would like to thank every member of Team Youghal for their efforts to date and I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead.” He particularly thanked Firedog, the team’s main sponsor, which has donated €20,000 to their cause. Other sponsors include Magners Irish Cider, Youghal Town Council, and Emer’s parents, Juliette and Brendan Casey.

RAAM will begin on June 18, from the Pacific Coast in Oceanside, California. Team Youghal are hoping to finish on June 26, in Annapolis, Maryland. A fundraising event is planned for June 28 at the Consulate General of Ireland in New York City. There will also be 5k run held in Central Park on June 29.

You can follow Team Youghal’s progress by visiting www.teamyoughal.com or joining the team’s Facebook page. Updates of the team’s progress will be posted hourly throughout the race. If you would like to find out more about The Emer Casey Foundation or make a donation, please log on to www.emercaseyfoundation.com.

Info:- By Brian Donohue www.irishemigrant.com

The family of Youghal schoolboy Keith Phelan are determined to continue the fight improve his quality of life despite the closure of the centre providing his stem cell treatment in Germany.  The XCell Centre in Dusseldorf, had administered one treatment session for Keith’s cerebral palsy of treatment last month and the family hoped to return there for further treatment next year.

However the centre has been closed, temporarily at least, apparently in response to the German government implementing new EU guidelines on the provision of stem cell treatment.  “We have been told that the centre must apply for a new licence and naturally we are very disappointed,” says Keith’s dad Tony, “and as yet we don’t have any timescale on that.”

The centre’s website carries a brief notice indicating that “stem cell therapy “is currently not possible to perform” and regretting the need to cancel appointments “until further notice.” Updates on the situation are offered on completion of an online form.

While the closure marks a setback in Keith’s treatment it is not the end of the road in their quest to provide a better quality of life for Keith. As part of his on-going treatment, the XCell Centre had strongly advised that Keith travel to the German city of Unna, for a week of neuro-rehabilitation, involving physical and speech therapy. The family hope to meet this arrangement, for which efforts are continuing to raise the €5,000 cost.

The second youngest of four siblings, Keith suffered bleeding in the brain at birth, which has effectively rendered him almost paraplegic and prone to drooling and epilepsy. He attends the local Bun Scoil Mhuire and undergoes daily therapy, including a weekly 100 mile round trip to the Bandon Hyperbaric Oxygen centre.

Stem cell treatment involves removing bone marrow, harvesting stem cells and re-administering them, by injection or intravenously, into the body. The process is unscientifically unproven but practitioners believe the stem cells may replace or regenerate diseased tissue. While debate rage as to the treatment’s viability, it is claimed to help relieve a wide array of degenerative conditions, including cerebral palsy, stroke, MS, diabetes, spinal injuries, Parkinson’s, arthritis, Alzheimer’s and autism.

For the Phelan family, the XCell centre brought hope without promise. “We were told from the outset that there was no guarantee it would help Keith’s,” says Tony. “We certainly don’t expect a miracle cure but we will explore every opportunity to provide Keith with a better quality of life.”

Six months of fundraising initiatives saw the local community fund the €9,000 treatments session for Keith, who travelled to Dusseldorf with his dad and mum Margaret. Tony says the family were treated “very kindly and very professionally” at the centre.

The family was advised that Keith’s brain was formatted towards instructing certain responses and that “it needed re-formatting towards developing new habits,” says Tony.

The centre provided physiotherapy sessions and supplied a detailed programme of exercises to bolster this process. Depending on his progress, the centre would decide whether to recommend further stem cell treatment for Keith. .

Tony says Keith’s general condition and demeanour has improved since his return from Dusseldorf. “His posture is better, he is using his left hand for the first time and his reading has improved,” he says. “I can’t say categorically whether this is due to the stem cells, the physiotherapy or a combination of both,” he adds. “If the centre doesn’t re-open we will consider other options to give Keith the best future we can provide.” The X Cell Centre did not respond to inquiries for further information.

The Youghal Concerned Citizens Group held its latest meeting on Tuesday May 24th in the Red Store. Secretary Adrian Hyde opened proceedings with issues arising from the previous meeting. He spoke of the group’s inaugural meeting with Town Clerk Liam Ryan having gone well. Mr. Ryan had been supportive, “in principle” on various, voluntary initiatives such as litter clean-ups, painting and restoration work, etc, provided insurance issues were met. This is being addressed with hopes high of a successful outcome.

More specifically, Mr Hyde reported that the town council was negotiating with Iarnrod Eireann on clearing the old railway site and the group’s participation in this remains undecided. Other issues to which his report referred were:

Youghal beaches/casual trading: Youghal Town Council’s jurisdiction extends to the start of Claycastle and provides for three casual trading licences. Cork County Council manages beyond that has no provision at all for same.

Road Signage: Problems recur with the NRA, while the county council informed David Stanton TD that the signage denoting Youghal from the bypass “is adequate.” Not many agreed.

Board Walk: Youghal Town council has secured €137,000 funding from Failte Ireland (75% of total needed) and was preparing to go to tender. The three month project would commence next spring but Cork County Council has not yet secured funding for its section from Claycastle to Redbarn.

Clock Gate: The KPMG feasibility study to renovate the structure had been completed. Funding had been secured from South Coast Enterprise Board for a business plan that had been conducted  and is yet to be adopted formally by the council . A conservation plan has been compiled and was funded by SECAD. Thereafter funding has to be acquired for the actual work itself, which includes a ground floor reception area, a first floor presentation area for arts and crafts, a second floor reconstruction of the jail, a third floor virtual observation desk and a rooftop viewing desk area. The entire project is funding-dependent and is thus stalled.

Fish Pie

Mr. Norman MacDonald said there had been a hugely positive response from restaurants in the area, with practically all of them committed to entering the contest to create the definitive Youghal Bay Fish Pie recipe. Internationally-renowned adjudicators, recruited by marketing manager Tim Magee, are being sourced. The judging and award ceremony is set to occur at Nealon’s Quay on Saturday July 2nd.

Teddy Bear’s Picnic

Ms Paula Tutty spoke on a planned Teddy Bears’ Picnic family day in the green Park for July 3rd. The main obstacles centred on funding and insurance. It was considered charging businesses to trade by way of raising funds. Bouncy castles will not feature due to high insurance, which would probably necessitate charging for their use. The group is in the process of acquiring quotes for general insurance for the event. The Walter Raleigh had agreed to make its premises available as an alternative venue in the event of bad weather , while Youghal GAA chairman David Kilgannon, said that club’s premises would be freely available if need be also.

Michael De Buitleir urged that they join Cork County Council’s Community and Voluntary Forum whereby access to reasonable insurance quotes would be possible –amongst other benefits, not least enhanced credibility and respect.

With advertising, volunteers and entertainment also hurdles to be cleared, it was accepted that a lot of hard work in a short space of time was needed and the wider group pledged support. Word emerged that publisher Ger Flanagan had promised assistance in the marketing area as the commitment to making gains for this summer season was endorsed.

Coach tours

Mr MacDonald said that sourcing information on tour buses was going well. Four new companies had begun visiting Youghal since the group had started. These, along with others, were being provided with information on Youghal, with emphasis on history, food and natural beauty. Nonetheless, many companies were still bypassing the town or driving straight through except for toilet stops. Mr. MacDonald had met personally with some operators and had persuaded them to consider spending more time in the town, while the main emphasis was to entice visitors to holiday here in coming years.

Meanwhile it was agreed to acquire updated literature/pamphlets to give to the coach passengers. “Bloody Blarney is the first thing that hits you in the backside when you research on the web!” he informed, adding that the Tynte Castle was as good a tower as the “friggin’ old stone!” The main difference was promotion, promotion, promotion. A speaker from the floor said the town also needed keep abreast of fluctuating trends in global tourism, particularly as the town doesn’t have a singular big attraction.  The Lonely Planet Guide and CIE were depicted as major targets for marketing, while locally more volunteers were needed to greet coach tours on arrival. It was also noted that many tourists don’t carry cash and it was not profitable for bars and cafes to make small refreshment sales through credit cards.

Absent

The chairman Jimmy Flanagan briefly referred to an unnamed person who had questioned the validity of volunteers meeting bus passengers and cited a €2,500 survey having been undertaken to address coach tourism. Mr Flanagan said he had invited the person to attend the meeting with a view to sharing information and working in co-operation. Unfortunately the offer had not been accepted. “We welcome all individuals and organisations here. Everyone has something to give,” he concluded.

Showers

In deference to the seaside survey undertaken by the Owen Budds, it was agreed to lobby Cork County Council on casual trading licences. The local authority was also to be asked whether they have given any consideration to providing showers in the area. Mr Budds said Cllr Barbara Murray had agreed to further the request and also to assist with funding and costing inquiries. A viable proposal for such provision could and would be made to Cork County Council once a proper and detailed costing procedure was completed.

Toilets

The related matter of public toilets, the meeting heard that funding restraints meant the county council were preoccupied with maintaining the archaic structures they have, with better signage anticipated. Mr. Budds said other options included portaloos. Alternatively  the far more expensive, Australian-designed, ‘Eco-loo,’ was an option, being chemical-free and self-biodegradable. “Advertisements can be placed the side to help generate funds,” he added, promising further information in time. Funding, as always, was the main issue and the group would be investigating possibilities.  It was revealed also that a member of the public had volunteered to renovate the existing toilets, the omnipresent insurance issue notwithstanding.

TG4 disappointment

Micheal De Buitleir said Youghal had failed in its application to participate in a TG4 series based on twelve non-Gaeltacht towns promoting Gaelic culture in a one day festival. The series carried a €40,000 marketing package as first prize. Mr De Buitleir, said TG4 adjudicators had found Youghal did not seem very partial to promoting the culture & language (e.g. the Tidy Towns had not sought Gaelic signage, Youghalonline.com had scant Gaelic content, etc. ) and had deduced that the town was only interested in the prize! However, a valuable lesson had been learned and there was time to correct the landscape for next year’s application. Mr De Buitleir also reminded the gathering that their efforts amounted to “social capital’ and they should not underestimate its value to the town and to local authorities, especially in these stringent times.

There was some discussion as to whether to “formally invite” other organisations and local councillors to meetings. While such presence would be welcomed, reassuring and possibly productive, it was also acknowledge that the meeting was a public event and maybe best represented by people attending through genuine interest as against polite response to an invitation. Mr. De Buitleir felt invitations were best issued only in deference to particular issues or perhaps to make a presentation on their work. Following much consideration and thought, it was nonetheless decided by a show of hands that invitations would be issued anyway in the interests of forging contacts and nurturing networks and relationships.

AOB

Mr. Flanagan spoke for everyone when he wished Red Store manager Mark Goldman best wishes for a full recovery after his recent ordeal during which his premises was robbed at knifepoint. The chairman also wished the best to Team Youghal on its impending 3,500 mile cycle across America in aid of the Emer Casey Foundation. He said the internationally high-profile event also offered a wonderful showcase opportunity for Youghal.  Gratitude was expressed to artists/photographers Eileen and Will McGoldrick who offered to provide any works required to help market the town. The McGoldricks also invited all present to the launch of their next exhibition, on June 16th, featuring the work of former cinema projectionist Michael Roche.

There was also a suggestion that the group adopt a different name to project a more positive image, especially when dealing with statutory agencies.  This will be discussed at the next meeting.

It was remarked from the floor that the signage affecting the town entry from the N25 Cork side is not large enough, resulting in drivers taking the bypass route instead, before then turning off towards Cork Hill and eventually turning left (due to no signage at all) at the bottom of the hill and missing the town centre completely. On the Waterford side, signs remain denoting businesses and facilities that no longer exist.

Also from the floor, Ms Suzanne Cotter raised the issue of dog litter. She said signage and an increased awareness campaign had improved matters considerably in her own estate and recommended a similar campaign for the town generally. It was also decided to investigate whether ‘pooper scooper’s, which are provided free at the town hall, could be issued in more general outlets.

The next meeting is on Tuesday June 7th in the Red Store (upstairs) at 7 pm.

Youghal Utd 1 Bray Wanderers 3: PREMIER DIVISION Bray Wanderers took just eight minutes to show their cup pedigree when they eased past Youghal United at Ardrath Park, east Cork, last Sunday.

Man-of-the-match John Mulroy slotted home the opening goal from Shane O’Neill’s pass and, six minutes later, it was 2-0 to Pat Devlin’s side. Ireland Under-19 star Conor Murphy started and finished the move that led to the second goal as he chipped high into the far corner of the net.

But it could have been so different had Youghal taken a gilt-edged chance in the opening minute but Bobbi Donoghue was unable to poke the ball home at the far post.

Youghal pulled a goal back through Clohessy on 34 minutes with a neat finish but Bray restored their two-goal advantage when Mulroy chipped in his second after 57 minutes.

YOUGHAL UTD: Kearns; P Kelly, Kenneally, A Kelly, A Hennessy (O’Sullivan 77); Geary (Herlihy 87), Landers, Donoghue, Mangan-Murphy (Ryan half-time); D Hennesssy, Clohessy.

BRAY WANDERERS: Gregg; S O’Connor, Mitchell, Prendergast, Kendrick; Doyle (Massey 85), D O’Connor (Kelly 76), Mulroy (McGuinness 69); O’Neill, Murphy.

Referee: Graham Kelly (Cork).

Click on image to see the teams in action. Photo: Kevin Power

YOUGHAL CHORAL SOCIETY are delighted to announce that they are to host a concert of music by the Army band of the Southern Brigade. This concert will be held in the magnificent setting of St. Mary’s Collegiate Church, Youghal at 7.30p.m. on Sunday, June 5th.

Youghal Choral Society are very excited to have secured the services of the band for what promises to be a wonderful, sell out performance.

Tickets will be available at Cree’s Card Shop, Youghal and advance bookings can also be made by emailing youghalchoralsociety@eircom.net

Proceeds on the night will go to the local Keith Phelan Appeal which is a very worthy case.

Complete Control Films will screen Town Out Of Time documentary film upstairs at The Red Store, Youghal on Tuesday 7th June 2011 at 8:00pm.

This will be the second public screening of this film and due to high public interest you are advised to come early. Admission is FREE.

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Comments on Town Out Of Time:

“I was very impressed. It’s an excellent documentary and deserves a wider audience.”
Dr. Gwenda Young. Senior Film Lecturer, UCC

“A searingly honest, well-crafted, well-researched documentary portraying a town struggling to re-establish its identity.”
Colm Keane. RTE Broadcaster.

“…it is taut and focused, sharp and powerful… visually, the film is stunning. The overall effect is of a tragic beauty. This is the kind of filmmaking that we need.”
Dr. Kieran Keohane. Sociologist and author, UCC

“…it’s excellent: raw, powerful…The montage of the closed shop-fronts, in particular, was stunning… a superb piece of work.”
Carl O’ Brien. Chief Reporter, The Irish Times.

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Town Out Of Time is a film that takes a contemplative look at what happens to a town when all its industry disappears, its economic centre collapses and speculators change the landscape.

This is a story of how a town can effectively die when politicians make the wrong decisions and when politics has no vision.

With interviews from experts and local businesses, the film reflects on how greed and apathy led to the neglect of a town throughout the Irish ‘boom years’.

The Red Store Bar, Youghal
Tuesday June 7th 2011 8:00pm ADM: FREE

A short trailer clip from the documentary. Please press play.