Sinn Féin TD for Cork East Sandra McLellan has welcomed the Government response to the Cloyne Report, but said that the deeds which made it necessary were a shameful disgrace.

Speaking in the Dáil today on an all-party motion Deputy McLellan said:

“What astonishes most people with regards this report is that it related to a time when the Catholic Church in Ireland had put in place detailed procedures for dealing with child sexual abuse, and during a period of constant revelations with regards child abuse by priests. Best practice as contained in guidelines and rules doesn’t matter one iota if there isn’t implementation. There was abject failure on behalf of the church and to a lesser degree the state.”

She added:

“I am very glad that the Government have taken issue with the disgraceful lack of engagement by the Papal Nuncio with the Commission and the outrageous interference of the Vatican in matters of child protection in this state. I welcome the Government’s stated priority of bringing abusers to justice and in particular the appointment of the Assistant Commissioner to examine the possibility of doing this. In addition, I would make a personal call on all abuse victims to go straight to the Gardaí as the body best able to deal with allegations of abuse.”

“Sinn Féin are heartened by the ‘Children First’ child protection guidelines being placed on a statutory footing. The government has made firm commitments following the Cloyne report. We are determined to see that these commitments are delivered upon.

She concluded:

“This has been a long and painful chapter in Irish history and the reports and investigations are set to continue. We must make sure that no child, from this day forth, is ever subjected to the horrors visited on the victims detailed in this and previous reports. This must end. Immediately.”

The winner of the ‘Queen of the Sea’ 2011 is Kate Mulcahy from Youghal. Kate, a former student of Pobalscoil na Tríonóide, is currently studying Psychology and French at Trinity College, Dublin. Report: YOL | Pictures: YOL

Representing the Quay’s Bar, Kate was escorted by her boyfriend, Dónal Breen, and presented with a tiara and sash by last year’s ‘Queen of the Sea’ Susie Fitzgibbon at the crowning ceremony last Saturday night on the ‘Myrtle Grooove’ gig rig stage.

Master of Ceremonies Shane Supple announced the winner in front of a large audience which was also broadcast live on CRY 104fm and on the internet.  Congratulations to Kate and her escort and all the contestants who entered this years event from all of us at YoughalOnline.com.

Youghal, Co. Cork confirmed its status and designation by Failte Ireland as a ‘centre of excellence’ in family fun with its 2nd Family Fun Festival over the weekend (15th – 17th July). A truly action packed festival programme of free family entertainment drew a crowd of in excess of 8,000 visitors to the coastal resort over the course of the weekend.

Events which kicked off in style on Friday evening, with a ‘Mardi Gras’ parade setting the seaside town ablaze with colour.  Highlights of the parade included the contestants in the ‘Queen of the Sea’ competition as they cruised through the town in a range of vintage cars, led out by the nationally renowned ‘Youghal Pipe Band’.  It was all about food food food on Saturday however, with TV celebrity chef Rachel Allen on hand to open the outdoor food emporium.  Over 40 food and craft producers served breakfast, brunch and lunch to the hungry festival goers, with media sponsors 96 FM broadcasting live only adding to the atmosphere!

Sal Tivy, Festival Chairperson commented on the festival weekend saying: “This year’s festival can be summed up as ‘elegance with fun’ in my opinion.  Thousands of people came to Youghal over the course of the weekend and we truly had something for everyone. There was a ‘buzz on the streets’ in Youghal again, something the town badly has been missing.  Hopefully, local traders reaped the economic benefits of the influx of visitors to the town.  We have now established one of the finest festivals in the country, which I have no doubt in the coming years, is set to rival the ‘Rose of Tralee’ said Sal.

Saturday night saw the crowning of Youghal’s very own ‘Queen of the Sea’; 19 year old Kate Mulcahy – who represented The Quay’s Bar, Youghal.  Kate was presented with a cheque for €500, along with a perpetual trophy.  The Queen of the Sea Competition was generously sponsored by Youghal Credit Union.  Sponsor cards taken by which each queen raised badly needed funds for ISPCC’s Childline and the local RNLI.

 

‘Sunday was Funday in Greenpark with the first dog show in Youghal in over 20 years attracting tens of happy hounds to the park.  Shrieks of laughter could be heard all over as couples battled each other and the obstacle course to claim the title in the ‘wife carrying competition’.

A new and exciting addition to this year’s event was the ‘Myrtle Groove’ gig rig, with live performances from quality bands and musicians all weekend long.  The internationally renowned ‘Kila’ took to the stage and received a rapturous welcome from crowds on Saturday evening. At the closing ceremony of the event, Sal Tivy paid tribute to the hard-working committee who worked behind the scenes to make the event possible.  “They were a small, but magnificent hard working team.  I would personally like to express my thanks and say it was these people who made it such a successful event for Youghal.  I would like to say it was my privilege to have worked with them.”  The Festival Committee wishes to thank the townspeople of Youghal and all its sponsors for their support of this event.

Click on image to start slideshow. Pics: YOL

 

THE FESTIVAL featured a non-stop programme of events. Sal Tivy, Festival Chairperson commented on the festival weekend saying: “This year’s festival can be summed up as ‘elegance with fun’ in my opinion.  Thousands of people came to Youghal over the course of the weekend and we truly had something for everyone. There was a ‘buzz on the streets’ in Youghal again, something the town badly has been missing.   Hopefully, local traders reaped the economic benefits of the influx of visitors to the town.  We have now established one of the finest festivals in the country, which I have no doubt in the coming years, is set to rival the ‘Rose of Tralee’ said Sal.

Click on image to see the “Queen of the Sea’ Food Festival 2011. Pics: YOL

 

TV CHEF RACHEL ALLEN was on hand to cut the ribbon with the Mayor of Youghal Eoin Coyne for the official opening of the ‘QUEEN OF THE SEA’ food festival where visitors were invited to take a wander through the many food and craft stalls and taste the finest local produce to be found in the area.

Over 40 food and craft producers served breakfast, brunch and lunch to the hungry festival goers, with media sponsors 96 FM broadcasting live only adding to the atmosphere!

Click on image to start slideshow. Pic: YOL -

 

THE ‘QUEEN OF THE SEA’ FESTIVAL featured a sandcastle building competition which attracted large crowds at the Mall Beach. With the live open air free music concert on the Myrtle Grooove gig rig playing in the background, the Kids-N-Kastles competition got underway in the glorious sunshine at the Mall Beach in the centre of town. This was just one of many fun activities during the festival. Visitors and locals alike strolled up and down the quays taken in the sights, sounds that the ‘Queen of the Sea’has to offer.

Youghal, Co. Cork confirmed its status and designation by Failte Ireland as a ‘centre of excellence’ in family fun with its 2nd Family Fun Festival over the weekend (15th – 17th July). A truly action packed festival programme of free family entertainment drew a crowd of in excess of 8,000 visitors to the coastal resort over the course of the weekend.

Click on image to see the sandcastle building competition

 

Kevin Mangan Memorial raises funds for the Mercy Hospital Foundation

By Derek Kiely in Youghal

KEVIN MANGAN’S name will be forever remembered by his close friends and the support of his family as the annual Kevin Mangan memorial golf day was held at ‘Gold Coast Golf Resort’ last weekend, but this year was a little bit special as funds were raised for the Mercy Hospital  Foundation.

 Kevin sadly passed away a few years ago when he died after he suffered from Sleep Apnea and Kevin’s family and friends started a memorial day in 2008, but this time the family and the friends of the fondly remembered Youghal man wanted to do something more and with the dedication of one of his greatest friends Anthony O’Donoghue started to organise fund raising, sponsored prizes and sponsor cards to help raise funds towards a machine at the Mercy Hospital that can help with this condition.

Over 40 people turned up and played in the event and the organiser of the event Anthony O’Donoghue said “We wanted his (Kevin) memorial day to be a charity event from here on in, it certainly has grown over the last three years and I hope it gets even bigger and more people get involved. People in around Youghal have been very supportive and I want to thank them for their help and sponsorship, in particular this year to Mr Noel Mackey, he was brilliant”.

The red jacket for the winner was presented to the evergreen Paddy Yellop, who at 75 years young beat the field to the number one spot.

Mrs Phil Mangan the mother of the late Kevin Mangan said at the presentation “People have been great and I want to thank everyone who donated or helped in any way, Kevin Will never be forgotten with his great friends and if we can help to save just one life that would be brilliant”.

The event organiser is already getting ready for 2012 and going by the enthusiasm shown by the group to raise funds for the Mercy Hospital Foundation, this annual event is set to grow much bigger.

The presentation of prizes was held at Noel Mackey’s Central Star last Saturday evening and the top five winners were:

1st  Paddy Yellop

2nd Adrian Yellop

3rd Michael O’Donoghue

4th John Leary

5th Anthony Kelly

Click on image to enlarge

 

Youghal, Co. Cork confirmed its status and designation by Failte Ireland as a ‘centre of excellence’ in family fun with its 2nd Family Fun Festival over the weekend (15th – 17th July). A truly action packed festival programme of free family entertainment drew a crowd of in excess of 8,000 visitors to the coastal resort over the course of the weekend.

Events which kicked off in style on Friday evening, with a ‘Mardi Gras’ parade setting the seaside town ablaze with colour.  Highlights of the parade included the contestants in the ‘Queen of the Sea’ competition as they cruised through the town in a range of vintage cars, led out by the internationally renowned ‘Youghal Pipe Band’.  It was all about food food food on Saturday however, with TV celebrity chef Rachel Allen on hand to open the outdoor food emporium.  Over 40 food and craft producers served breakfast, brunch and lunch to the hungry festival goers, with media sponsors 96 FM broadcasting live only adding to the atmosphere!

Sal Tivy, Festival Chairperson commented on the festival weekend saying: “This year’s festival can be summed up as ‘elegance with fun’ in my opinion.  Thousands of people came to Youghal over the course of the weekend and we truly had something for everyone. There was a ‘buzz on the streets’ in Youghal again, something the town badly has been missing.   Hopefully, local traders reaped the economic benefits of the influx of visitors to the town.  We have now established one of the finest festivals in the country, which I have no doubt in the coming years, is set to rival the ‘Rose of Tralee’ said Sal.

Click on image to see the Youghal Queen of the Sea 2011 Mardi Gras. Pics: YOL

Chip-pan dangers stressed during the Youghal Festival weekend. Carelessness in the kitchen and one of its frequent results was the theme of a demonstration mounted by the Youghal Fire Service. A mobile ‘chip-pan unit’ which is used to display the effects of leaving a chip-pan unattended on a hot cooker, and what should be done in the event of a fire, was put into operation by fire officers and fire fighters at the demos.

Large crowds gathered to watch the spectacle in the centre of the Market Square, as Youghal Firefighter Lyz Sweeney directed operations and informed the crowds of the dangers of fire.

The ways in which to deal with a chip-pan fire, and ways in which such an occurrence shouldn’t be dealt with, were highlighted by the fire service members and pamphlets were distributed to raise awareness of fire safety issues.

It was stressed by all involved that if such a fire is getting out of control, it should be left to the emergency services to deal with and the home should be evacuated. If, however, somebody in the house decides they can safely extinguish the fire, then a fire blanket should be placed over the blaze, or a damp squeezed towel, if a fire blanket is not available. The cooker should be turned off, if possible, and the chip pan allowed to cool down for 30 minutes before being removed.

Click on image to see the fire demonstration by the Youghal Fire Service

 

Proud To Be A Part Of Queen Of The Sea Festival

The weather failed to dampen the spirit’s of the large crowd who turned out for the Queen of The Sea festival event held in Youghal last weekend, and one business who were particularly proud to be a part of the event was Abbey Seafood, the new business venture, who usually operate in Dolphin Square Carpark on a Friday and Saturday came to the event armed with lots of fresh fish (and lollipops) having moved for the day to become part of the highly acclaimed family event.

Businessman and ex-Fisherman Adrian said “We were amazed by the crowds that came to the event, and gave us the chance to expand our already growing customer base, and handout recipes and colouring sheets to those attending.  Even the weather didn’t seem to put people off, and the buzz was electric, we hope that events like these become a regular fixture in Youghal.”  The business, run by two brothers, has flourished since their set-up in Youghal, and they have quickly established a large customer base, with regular customers helping to spread the word.

Offering the freshest seafood around, Abbeyseafood aim to bring fish to everyone, and prove once and for all that you don’t have to be a chef, to cook fish.  Adrian also added “Our Mother is from Youghal, so we knew that we would be welcomed by family members, but the welcome that we have got has gone over and above this, we have found some of the friendliest people live in the town, and we are delighted to be here.”   Brother John, who is also involved in the business, said “We aim to prove to people that fish doesn’t have to be frightening and that it can be part of your daily diet, you don’t have to be Jamie Oliver to put together the perfect fish dish.”

With over 30 years combined fishing experience, the brothers have proved that there is life after the construction industry.  Both brothers were unemployed after the collapse of the industry and decided to go back to their roots in order to gain employment and also bring a new asset to the town, by offering everyone the chance to buy fresh fish at competitive prices.

Don’t take our word for it, why not join Abbey Seafood in Dolphin Square on Friday or Saturday from 10am to 4pm, and put their knowledge to the test, or if you can’t make it to the market, why not get them to come to you, just call 087 3668833 or 086 0540963 and they can bring the fish direct to your door!

 

Over the first weekend in July, Eochaill Óg hosted a venue for the 2011 Féile (All-Ireland U14 Football Championship). This was a huge undertaking by many Clubs across the county with 186 teams taking part. Youghal hosted 2 teams, St. Bridgets (Roscommon) & Sean O’Heslins (Leitrim), while over the 2 days 5 other visting clubs (Killeagh/Itas, Kiltha Óg, Carrickmacross Emmetts (Monaghan), Newmarket & Ballyphehane) all descened upon Club Aras. The action commenced on Thursday with the local boys taking on near neighbours Killeagh/Itas and Kiltha Óg taking on Carrickmacross Emmetts from Co. Monaghan. The Youghal boys quickly found themselves 0-6 to no score down after 10 minutes but were given a lifeline 5 minutes to half time when they scored a goal after their first attack. This settled the team and they tacked on another 2 pts before the short whistle. The second half was a very competitive affair with the Youghal boys eventually winning on a scoreline 1-6 to 0-8.

Our girls took the field against Sean O’Heslins the Leitrim champions. Youghal got a terrific start by scoring a goal just after Heslins opened their account. The more experienced and physically stronger Leitrim girls eventually took control to run out convincing winners 2-11 to 2-0. In other games the visiting teams proved to be too strong for all local teams and Friday’s first boy’s game between St. Bridgets (Roscommon) & Carrickmacross Emmetts (Monaghan) decided who progressed to the semi-final stages. This was a cracker of a game with the Roscommon boys eventually winning after withholding a strong 2nd half comeback from Carrickmacross.
The girls group proved to be a more tighter affair with all 3 visiting teams ending up on 6 points each, the ababcus’ in the county board was called for and our host team, Sean O’Heslins were declared winners on a scoring difference of 1 point. Unfortunately both winners from Youghal were beaten in the semi-final stages on the Friday evening.

The highlight of the weekend was the participation in the parade from the Mardike to Grand Parade in South Mall. With over 4000 pkayers marching with their Club & County flags there was a real carnival atmosphere to throughout the evening. All the boys & girls were in full voice with “Up the Youghal Girls”, “Everywhere we Go” and “Up the Youghal Boys” and then we marched on to meet our own Clubman and President of the GAA Christy Cooney where each captain received a momento pennant. After the parade, on our return to Club Aras the host families picked up their visiting players and brought them home for a well earned rest and the start of friendships between players for years to come. On the Friday night Eochaill Óg held a social event in the Walter Raleigh with a disco for all the teams and a traditional music session in the bar with Ceoltais entertaining the parents, supporters and Club members. At the end of the evening both visting teams and Eochaill Óg made presentations to each other as a momento of the weekend.
Overall this was a fantastic weekend for our Club and also the town with over 200 visitors staying for the weekend. With fabulous weather over the 2 days Youghal was shown in a very positive light and hopefully some of these Féile visitors will return and revisit our historic town.

Eochaill Óg would like to take this opportunity to thank all members who helped in anyway in organising the weekend under the leadership of Féile Officer, Kieran Cliffe, our sponsors Shane Keohane Scaffolding, The Coffee Pot, O’Neills Oil, Galvins Cost Cutters, Twomeys Butchers, The Red Store & Noel Cronin. For entertainment over the weekend many thanks to The Walter Raleigh Hotel for the hall and to Ceoltais and to DJ Andrew for musical entetainment.

For photos of the weekend please check out – http://www.youghal.cork.gaa.ie/home/club-photos