Minister of State for Tourism & Sport, Michael Ring today (26th August 2011) announced a grant of €400,000  from a fund of €4.4 million to Youghal Town Council for Youghal Leisure Centre.  The grant will seek to improve access for people with disabilities, as well as a Green Swimming Pool initiative to make the pool more energy efficient.  The award was the joint highest award of 19 similar applications from local authorities around the country. 

Attracting over 158,000 visitors per annum, Youghal Leisure Centre was designed in 2004 and opened in 2005. In welcoming the grant allocation, Town Clerk Liam Ryan expressed his delight at the announcement.

“€400,000 is clearly a hugely substantial amount of money to be granted in this current economic climate and it will have a positive effect on employment in the town, helping to sustain jobs and hopefully create new ones too.”  The grant will be used to implement methods aimed at reducing the running costs of the centre and remove barriers to people with disabilities living in Youghal and the surrounding area.   “We were confident that the application met all the relevant criteria which were set out, and once again Youghal Town Council has managed to secure maximum funding for its key projects”, added Mr. Ryan.

In announcing the grants Minister Ring said: “The grants will help pools to become more efficient, and reduce their carbon footprint.  Large heating bills are the single biggest cost in running a swimming pool.  So by making them more efficient, we are also reducing the burden on taxpayers by cutting back on energy and water requirements.”

Only two weeks ago, Claycastle Leisure Company – Youghal Town Council’s Management Company behind the facility signed another four year, eleven month Management contract with Aura Sport & Leisure Management Ltd. (part of the Aura Holohan Group) for the facility. (Click here for more on that story) The premises has been maintained in an excellent condition but compared to similar swimming pools of similar size and usage, energy costs are particularly high; partly due to the high seasonality of demand.  Further sharp increases in energy costs have been widely signalled by energy providers, but the opportunity has now been created to implement initiatives aimed at saving costs by the awarding of this grant.

In 2010 Youghal Leisure Centre took top honours as the ‘Best Recreational Facility’ at the Zurich LAMA Awards (Local Authority Members Association Awards) which recognises the very best of Ireland’s talent in local projects of Construction, Engineering and Infrastructure.
(Click here for more on that story)

Click on links below for up-to-date info from Youghal Town Council

W: www.youghal.ie

Youghal.ie aims to promote Youghal & its environs in the areas of tourism & business. There is also a ‘Whats On Youghal’ section that is populated weekly.

F:www.facebook.com/youghal.ie

www.facebook.com/Youghal.ie is a facebook page, linked to the Youghal.ie website, managed by Youghal Socio Economic Development Group (YSEDG)

E: tourism@youghal.ie

Tel: 024-92926 E: liam.ryan@corkcoco.ie

Further information; Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport Press Office: Tel: 01-6041076 or 01-6041090

Youghal To Make A Meal Of Mackerel Heritage – By Christy Parker

YOUGHAL celebrates its traditional  link with seafood on Saturday when the town hosts its first ever mackerel food festival. The succulent smell of mackerel cuisine will waft across Barry’s Lane –adjacent to the Clock Gate- when local chefs display various methods of cooking and presenting the grey-backed wonders.

The event is the latest in a series of initiatives spawned by the voluntary Youghal Concerned Citizens Group, which was formed in response to recessionary problems. Previous marketing events included the Youghal Gold Label Youghal Fish Pie competition, while themed Halloween and Christmas strategies are also being developed.

Meanwhile, “Tomorrow will help to promote our maritime heritage,” says YCC spokesman Norman McDonald. “We’ll have mackerel, smoked, fried, boiled, marinated, sweet & sour, curried, and God knows what –with free samples of course!”

Local nutritionist Rose Kelly will also be available to offer advice on tips, especially on the value of mackerel in children’s diets. Music and a children’s line fishing (no rods) contest will also ensue.

Every late summer brings thousands of mackerel into the old harbour though signs are that they are not poised to drop by in celebration of their flavour tomorrow! “They are out there but its touch and go if they will honour is with a visit,” says Norman, scanning the horizon. “But we have plenty of dead ones anyway!”

The festival starts at 2pm and will also include a ‘ladies swim’ in the nearby quayside. Amongst those expected to take dip are the Loreto class of 91, who are hosting a reunion on the day.

Atlantic mackerel

The Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus), is a pelagic schooling species of mackerel found on both sides of the North Atlantic Ocean. The species is also called Boston mackerel, or just mackerel.

The Atlantic Mackerel is by far the most common of the ten species of the family that are caught in British waters. It is extremely common in huge shoals migrating towards the coast to feed on small fish and prawns during the summer.

Abundant in cold and temperate shelf areas, it forms large schools near the surface. They overwinter in deeper waters but move closer to shore in spring when water temperatures range between 11° and 14°C.

In north-east Atlantic: North Sea (east) and British Isles (west). The North Sea stock decreased dramatically in the 1960s because of direct overfishing.

Male and female Atlantic mackerel grow at about the same rate, reaching a maximum age of about 20 years and a maximum fork length of about 47 centimetres (19 in). Most Atlantic mackerel are sexually mature by the age of three years.

As food
Atlantic mackerel are sought after for food either cooked or as sashimi. It consists mostly of red meat and has a strong taste desirable to some consumers. Atlantic mackerel is extremely high in vitamin B12. Atlantic mackerel is also very high in omega 3 (a class of fatty acids), containing nearly twice as much per unit weight as does salmon. Unlike King mackerel and Spanish mackerel, Northern Atlantic mackerel are very low in mercury, and can be eaten at least twice a week according to EPA guidelines.

Mainly in Scandinavia and the United Kingdom, canned mackerel in tomato sauce, brine, or vegetable oil, is sometimes eaten with salad or in sandwiches.

Mackerel is an excellent source of Phosphatidylserine as it contains approximately 480 mg / 100grams by weight. Phosphatidylserine is an important brain food that can have positive effects on ADHD and Alzheimer patients.

Click on image to see Mackerel Fishing around different parts of Youghal Quay- Pics: Michael Hussey (2010)

VISITORS once again flocked in their thousands On Sunday (21st August 2011) to the stunning surroundings of St. Mary’s College Gardens in Youghal for the 5th Annual Youghal Medieval Festival. Events were planned to coincide with The Irish Walled Towns Network celebrations of National Heritage Week.

Official figures on the day saw in excess of 6,000 people visit the free annual event over the course of the day. The Heritage Council of Ireland undertook a series of surveys at the event, with initial results showing that there was a huge surge in people attending from outside the region.

These photos were sent into Youghalonline by photographer Gerry O’Mahony from Ardmore (originally from the Kinsalebeg area). For further info and to see more of Gerry’s images click his Facebook Page here.

Further info: www.ardmorenotes.com

Click on image to enlarge

 

THE YOUGHAL BAPTIST CHURCH held its third annual Soccer Summer Camp at Youghal United’s Ardrath Park from Monday August 22nd to Thursday 25th. The camp was run in partnership with Coaching4Christ, (C4C) a Christian ministry formed in 2004 and whose mission, as described on its website is “to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the many thousands who love or have an interest in the game of football.”

The 65 children, of both genders, who took part, throughly enjoyed themselves over the 4days. The soccer coaches helped the children to improve their skills, with 15 minutes of Gospel sessions included in each coaching session. On the final day a ‘World Cup’ competition was held between the different groups representing famous soccer countries.

Each child received a medal with the World Cup winning team delighted to take away the 2011 trophy. Youghal Baptist Church minister Mervyn Scott said the facilities provided by Youghal United were top class and combined with the sunny weather made this year’s Soccer Summer Camp one to remember.

Click here to visit the www.youghalbaptist.ie website

Click here to visit www.coaching4christ.co.uk website

 

Coaching4Christ Summer Camps

Our summer camps are an opportunity for churches to use Coaching4Christ as an outreach opportunity with our week long program of skills and games ending the week with the ‘World Cup’. The Gospel Message is delivered through a series of talks on Creation, Sin, Jesus, and Salvation

Our Ministry

Coaching For Christ (C4C) was formed in 2004 as a Christian ministry to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the many thousands who love or have an interest in the game of football.

C4C sees the sport of football as an ‘outreach opportunity’ not an ‘obsession’. Millions of pounds are spent on sports and recreation around the world each year. If we’re not playing, we’re watching. C4C seeks to captivate this interest and use soccer as a platform for sharing God’s love.

Our Aim

The ultimate aim of C4C is to enable people to find a new ‘manager’, a different kind of rule book, and a prize that’s even better than the world cup! C4C seeks to introduce Jesus into their lives and give a new purpose for living.

Our Methods

C4C is made up of a team of qualified soccer coaches. Most importantly, each member of the team has a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Having fully committed their lives to Him, they are determined to combine their skills and expertise in sports with their faith for the furtherance of the Gospel.

Whilst the interest in football has no age barriers, it is inevitable that a large area of the work of C4C is with young people.

Today (Sunday, 21 August 2011) SIA participated in the annual medieval festival in Youghal, Co Cork. We had a fantastic day with the most amazing and positive respone from all those people who took the time out to take a look at our medieval shoe stall. We demonstrated the medieval turnshoe technique and sent some happy customers home with lovely medieval shoes and their very own ‘make your own medieval shoe kits’.

A Special thank you has to be said to my two lovely assistants and good friends Eimear and Emma, who tirelessly helped SIA have a truely wonderful day in Youghal. The medieval festival was a great day out for all the family and we hope to see everyone next year! Next week SIA is in Ardee’s Medieval Festival in Co Louth. We will have our medieval stall on display where you can see how to make your very own medieval shoe. The festival will commence from 2pm until 6pm. Hope to see you there!

THE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATION ESTABLISHED TO WORK FOR THE BETTERMENT OF YOUGHAL

Tour Buses: Jim Flanagan noted that coaches previously stopping for half an hour were are now staying for up to three hours following the persistent efforts of Norman McDonald and Cliff Windsor (in costume) to greet tour parties and to negotiate with drivers and tour operators.

Norman McDonald said he had secured a visiting convoy of nine buses, bearing 500 passengers, from a cruise liner docking at Cobh on both Thursday August 18th and Tuesday September 6th. He requested (and has since received) volunteers to assist with greeting the visitors and advised that a good impression would almost certainly usher Youghal onto future liner excursions. Plans would be fashioned to make the new visitors’ visit informative and memorable.

The Youghal Concerned Citizens (YCC) group advanced several schemes during its August meeting in the Red Store. Amongst the issues discussed were: Up to 9 Coach tours from Cruise Liner in Cobh visiting Youghal on the 18th August. YCC organising volunteers to meet and greet, signage, music and some dancers! Look out for us with special high-vis jackets on!!

Cllr Mary Linehan Foley of Youghal Heritage Committee, the organisers of the last weeks Youghal Medieval Festival 2011 paid particular tribute to members of the Youghal Concerned Citizens who gave up their time on the day for the event.

- Signs for the Youghal Gold Label Seafood Pie erected -
- Window stickers available for restaurants serving it -

THE IRISH GREYHOUND BOARD has announced two new appointments. Alan O’Shaughnessy the current Racing Manager in Waterford is to become the new Control Steward for Co. Kerry and Kathleen Lennon, the current Racing Manager in Youghal will move eastwards to fill Alan’s old role in Kilcohan Park. As a result of these announcements two new positions have arisen and will be advertised this week on the Irish Greyhound Board’s website. The two new vacancies will be a new Racing/General Manager for Youghal and a new Sales and Operations Manager for Waterford in order to strengthen the team there.

IGB’s CEO, Adrian Neilan said: “We are delighted to announce the new appointments of these seasoned, enthusiastic and experienced people in their new roles and we wish them well for the future. We are quite excited about moving forward now and advertising two new vacancies in the organisation which will further strengthen our great industry and sport in Munster”. The new positions will be advertised later this week on IGB’s website.

Alan O’Shaughnessy, a native of Listowel moves back to his native Co Kerry having built a wealth of experience in the industry having nearly three years in Kilcohan Park and prior to that over four years in Limerick Greyhound Stadium. Kathleen Lennon is originally from Kilkenny and she makes the short trip across to Waterford having spent over four years in Youghal and having also previously worked for two years at Curraheen Park Cork, her commercial track record will help further drive the industry in the south eastern region.
Wednesday, 24th August 2011 – www.waterford-today.ie

THE SECOND ANNUAL PINK RIBBON MEMORIAL WALK will take place on Sunday the 28th Aug at 2.30 from Market Square Youghal. The walk organised by the Youghal Cancer Support Group will go through the town,  down the back street and ending in Green Park with a short service dedicated to all those who have lost their lives or are living with cancer. A lament will be played by piper Michael McCarthy from the Youghal Pipe Band.

No sponsorship cards are needed to take part, donations can be made on the day! We would also ask that as many of you as possible wear Pink. The service will be celebrated by Canon Browne and Reverend  Hewitt. We will also be releasing pink and white balloons. Anyone that would like to purchase one of the specially printed T-Shirts can do so on the Friday or by contacting 087-2731121. They are 7 euros each

The pink ribbon is an international symbol of breast cancer awareness. Pink ribbons, and the color pink in general, identify the wearer or promoter with the breast cancer brand and express moral support for women with breast cancer.

Statement from Eras Eco for Community Radio Youghal
20th August 2011

It is disappointing that misunderstanding of the implications of the proposed development is causing unnecessary anxiety among some sections of the local community. The proposed development is a small scale plant that involves the application of a well-established and proven technology with excellent environmental credentials and will improve the overall performance of the facility.

Eras Eco stands over the operational record and performance of its Youghal facility and we have provided full briefings on the development to a variety of local representatives including tours of the current facility. We hope that this will help foster a more considered reflection of the proposal.

Eras Eco is fully committed to being a good corporate neighbour and managing our operations in compliance with the strictest environmental and safety requirements. We hope to continue offering sustainable local employment and an on-going contribution to the local economy and this proposed development will help us do just that.

Some Questions Answered

Refute speculation

We categorically refute the speculation that there is any intention to develop a waste incinerator. That is just incorrect.

Dealing with Waste

The plan is to develop an ‘integrated waste’ treatment facility which includes storage and processing. There will be no dumping on-site. All wastes will be consigned to appropriate authorized facilities.  Waste water is treated on-site prior to discharge to sewer.

Waste water

The Company has a dedicated Waste Water Treatment Plant on-site which treats waste water from the drying process prior to discharge to sewer. The company invested in an EPA approved upgrade of the plant in 2010.  The period during the implementation of an improvement programme waste water was ‘transported offsite’.

Emissions limits

Following last year’s EPA approved upgrade works all emission limits are being met. All previous exceedances of EPA emissions were minor and immediately reported to the EPA. The EPA has reported that the Company has never exceeded its total annual mass emission limits and progressively reduced and improved our discharges since acquiring the site in 2009.  Under the new site plan, there will be a further reduction of emissions to atmosphere and sewer.

Licensing & approval

While notice of intent to grant planning approval was advised by Cork County Council, the application was appealed to An Bord Pleanála, the statutory body responsible for adjudicating on the development. The proposal will require a review of our Waste License. We intend to apply to the EPA for this as soon as possible.

We are confident that the development proposed will meet the strict requirements of both An Bord Pleanála and the EPA.

Description of the proposed system

The enclosed process uses water and oxygen at high temperature and pressure to organically break down the wastes, with no harmful emissions to air or water.

The closed loop system uses waste heat from the process to generate steam to drive turbines for power generation.

The cooled steam is recycled in the system but any waste water is sent to an on-site treatment plant and then discharged to sewer.

Over 100 people gathered on Youghal’s quayside for the launch of Eochaill, a salmon yawl built a year previously as part of a maritime heritage project. Present were Fine Gael EP Sean Kelly, who performed the  launch and his party colleagues, Cork East TD David Stanton, Youghal and Cork County Councillor Barbara Murray and Canon Tom Browne P.P.

The project, supported by Youghal Socio Economic Development Group and SECAD, was conducted within Tynte’s Castle, a 15th century townhouse on North Main Street, last August. Overseen by veteran boat builder Jimmy Horgan of Youghal, it drew immense interest from tourists and locals, who were invited to ‘drive a nail or share a tale’ over pots of tea. Two shifts, working day and night, built the boat in traditional fashion over 11 days and it was painted and varnished last winter.

Mr Horgan, 67 and a competitive rower, said Youghal once nurtured over 30 such boats during drift net salmon seasons. Last year, just one remained, built in 1947 by the late Paddy Buttimer and which Eochaill exactly replicates.

Mr. Kelly said the project the realisation that “Ireland must develop from communities’ strengths and potential.” He said Europe was looking to develop an “Atlantic Strategy, from Ireland to the Iberian Peninsula,” with emphasis on fishing, energy and maritime tourism, inclusive of boat building, adding that Youghal, encouragingly, held “a great heritage and a great maritime tradition alongside wonderful beaches.”

Cllr Murray said further maritime projects may see construction of miniature replicas of boats famously associated with Youghal and which, ideally, would reside in an eventual maritime museum. Doubtless, Mr. Kelly’s offices may be asked to update on funding possibilities on both counts  in lieu of Youghal’s hospitality!

Canon Tom Browne PP blessed Eochaill before it was set afloat to the strains of  Mo Ghile Mear (My Bright Darling) from  Olan and Christy McCarthy of  Youghal Pipe Band. Its cedar wood material –as against larch for working crafts- makes it ideal for leisure or sporting activity and interested, parties are invited to make submissions towards its future. Inquiries: Barbara Murray 087- 2854971

Click on image to enlarge