YOUGHAL’S HERITAGE TRAIL is part of the East Cork Heritage and Garden Trail and The Trail delves into Youghal’s unique historical past from its origins as a Medieval walled town to its emeregence as a thriving bed of industry and commerce in the 15th and 16th Century and the destruction of many of its finest buildings during The Desmond Rebellion of 1579. 

The Documentary series  follows  the existing route of Youghal’s Heritage walk which is a historic guided tour of Youghal’s olde town,  the first stop being  the site of the exchange dating back to 1672 , Dan then visits such places as The Mall House, The Water Gate, The Clock Gate, Tyntes Castle, Boyles Almshouses,  Myrtle Grove , The College Gardens before finishing up at St Mary’s Catholic Church. Each stop offers a fascinating insight into Youghal’s unique and varied history.

Beautifully produced and presented the series can be heard after the 6 O ‘clock news on Community Radio Youghal every evening from Monday to Thursday on the Youghal@5  programme.

Click on video below to see an interesting archaeological discovery in Church Street,Youghal, filmed by YoughalOnline back in August 2008 – Reporter: Shane Supple | Camera: Kieran McCarthy

On Sunday last 21st August 2011, visitors once again flocked in their thousands 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.  “This year in particular we seem to have attracted visitors making their way from far and wide”, commented Clodagh Mahon who conducted the surveys.  “I interviewed visitors who had made their way from Carlow, Kilkenny and beyond, but also met with families from overseas, the UK in particular, who had actually planned their stay around the event, which in turn delivers a great spin-off for the town.”

Celebrations kicked off at 12.00 pm where the ‘Medieval Quarter’ played host to an abundance of performers, guests and festival goers all of whom came out in their droves. The renowned ‘Freelance Knights of Redemption’ from Cavan undertook a full fighting and weaponry display while elsewhere in the Medieval encampment visitors were huddled around the roasting ‘lamb on the spit’ to observe the wonderful styles of medieval cookery.  This year’s highlight proved to be the ‘have a go’ archery, which in keeping with the spirit of the day, was free.

It was a case of ‘back to basics’ for kids this year with a focus on arts and crafts and traditional games taking centre stage.   Speaking on behalf of the organising committee Catherine Desmond said: “Parents were delighted with the concept of ‘back to basics’ fun. Children were able to get involved and create their own medieval hats and colour their medieval shields which they could then wear and bring home as a souvenir. Each year the committee tries to incorporate a good balance of fun, education and heritage into the festival and I think it’s fair to say that we achieved just that.” said Catherine.

A range of quality food and craft stalls only added to the electric atmosphere of the gardens in ‘Maid Marion’s Food & Craft Fair’.  Traders recreated the colourful atmosphere of a noisy Medieval Marketplace and visitors were given the chance to purchase unique gifts and top quality food produce.

Local favourites The Youghal Pipe Band took centre stage at 2.00 pm with Community Radio Youghal broadcasting live throughout the day.

Cllr Mary Linehan Foley of Youghal Heritage Committee, the organisers of the event, thanked everyone for their support on the day: “The event was a tremendous success again this year, and I would like to take the opportunity to thank our many hard working volunteers who worked tirelessly before, during and after the event. Festivals like these rely heavily on volunteers and it’s great to see such community spirit.  The Councillor paid particular tribute to members of the Youghal Concerned Citizens who also gave of their time on the day.

Youghal Medieval Festival was organised by The Youghal Municipal Heritage Committee and was funded by the Heritage Council of Ireland and Youghal Town Council.  Marketing efforts were supported by South & East Cork Area Development.

Click on image to enlarge – Pics: John Hennessy

The Argentinean/Dutch tango ensemble, Tango Extremo gave a mesmerising performance at the Mall Arts Centre last Thursday night.  The group presented their latest theatre programme entitled ‘Viva la Vida!’, which gave dance lovers a chance to practise their steps at the Mall Arts Centre. The show  enticed you to sultry and sleepless Buenos Aires. With four albums under their belt, Tango Extremo are one of the most original and fascinating ensembles from the Netherlands

The historic wooden schooner Kathleen and May is up for sale. The ship is advertised for sale on the Kathleen and May website and on the Classic Yacht for Sale website interested in offers in excess of US $2,500,000.

The Kathleen and May is the world’s last remaining wooden, triple-masted schooner and is one of only 60 famous tall ships on the UK’s National Register of Historic Vessels. She was built in 1900 at a cost of £2,700 and would trade extensively between the Bristol Channel ports and Youghal for almost 60 years. She was owned for much of her life by Youghal coal merchant Martin J. Fleming, who renamed it after his daughters. Mr. Clarke, a Bideford councillor and haulage contractor, purchased the ship after discovering her in terminal decline in 1998 and restored her at a personal cost surpassing £1m. In 2007 he received an OBE for his ‘contribution to the maritime industry.’

An exceptionally rare opportunity to purchase an important part of Britain’s maritime heritage. Built in 1900, the Kathleen & May is the only wooden triple-masted sailing schooner still in existence. One of only 60 famous tall ships on the UK’s National Register of Historic Vessels, neighbours include the Cutty Sark and HMS Victory. Beautiful and graceful, this tall ship has been completely and sympathetically renovated to its original 1900 specification.

The Classic Yacht for Sale website reads -

Topsail Schooner
Length Overall: 29.98 metres (98.30 feet)
Gross Cargo Tonnage: 250.00
Net Tonnage: 99.00

Depth Hold: 3.10 metres (10.16 feet)

Maximum Breadth: 7.06 metres (23.15 feet)

Interested in offers in excess of US $2,500,000

KATHLEEN & MAY was built for Captain John Coppack and named after his daughters Lizzie and May. She was employed taking cargoes such as cement, coal, pitch and clay anywhere between Oban, Scotland and the Channel islands. Her fo’c'sle could house four hands, while the Captain and mate occupied small cabins leading off the saloon, which also served as a mess room. Her first commercial voyage was under Captain Tom Hughes from Connah’s Quay to Rochester with 226 tons of firebricks. She then carried cement to Plymouth, pitch to Cardiff, coal to Falmouth and clay to Weston Point.

In 1908, she was purchased by M J Fleming of Youghal in southern Ireland, renamed KATHLEEN & MAY, and placed in the coal trade between the Bristol Channel and Ireland, carrying oats or pit props on the return passages. Under Captain Joe Aherne of Youghal she imported coal from Lydney and from Garston, often carrying oats or pit props on the outward voyage. On St Georges Day 1931, she carried her last cargo under sail alone – 202 tons of coal from Cardiff. In that year she was purchased by Captain Tommy Jewell fitted with an 80HP auxiliary engine and her topmasts were shortened. Tommy Jewel operated the vessel until 1961, after which she had a series of owners until finally retired in 1967.

In 1970 she was acquired by the Maritime Trust with funds given by the Hong Kong shipowner Sir Yue-Kong Pao.
A complete restoration to full sailing condition was done in Bideford, back to her original 1900 build with the exception of some up to date conveniences like heads and a 400 hp engine.

 

 

Almost a year to the day after it was completed, a large crowd gathered on the quayside in Youghal to see the coastal town’s very own ‘Salmon Yawl’ traditional fishing boat officially launched by Munster MEP Sean Kelly (21st August 2011). Named ‘Eochaill’ the 18 ft (5.5 m) boat was based on the only surviving example, built by Youghal native, Paddy Buttimer in 1947.

The project was the brain-child of Jim Horgan, from Youghal, but now living in Galway who has almost single-handedly revived traditional boat-building through his teaching and practical methods.

Speaking at the launch, Jim recounted the traditional skills used in the building the boat which was built of cedar strip-planked onto six solid frames made of grown oak.  “I want to pay particular tribute to the carpenters involved in completing this wonderful project, and the many volunteers that gave of their time in building the craft”.  The boat was built in a record two weeks, in the historic ‘Tyntes Castle’ in the centre of town, where traditionally this type of boat would have taken six weeks.

Sean Kelly, MEP commented on Youghal’s long maritime heritage, which is synonymous with the town, and also the wonderful natural resources in the area.  “Being a Kerryman, I remember well traveling at least a half an hour to get to the seaside as a youngster said Sean, whereas here on your doorstep you have such beauty and resources.  The MEP also commended the many volunteers who worked tirelessly to complete the boat.

Next to speak was Cllr Barbara Murray who worked with the Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group in securing a grant from SECAD (South & East Cork Area Development) for the project.  The Councillor thanked Jim Horgan for his efforts in completing the project in such a short time, and expressed her hope that this project would be the first in a series of similar projects.  “Hopefully we will see replicas of other boats particularly associated with Youghal, like The ‘Kathleen & May’ constructed and housed in a Marine Heritage Museum in the town in time to come.  Thanks also to the McCarthy family for opening the doors of Tyntes Castle for the duration of the project said Barbara.

“I also want to congratulate the only woman who took part in the construction of the boat, Andrea Lane, who bravely stood shoulder to shoulder among 25 men to play her part in the project” added Barbara.

Community Radio Youghal broadcasted live from the quayside, only adding to the atmosphere of the occasion, with MC Tommy Collins leading proceedings with his usual professionalism.  Canon Browne blessed the boat, before Olan and Christy McCarthy of the Youghal Pipe Band ‘piped’ as the boat was lowered into the water to the cheers of the gathered large crowd.

‘Eochaill currently remains in the careful hands of The Youghal Bay Boat Club.  However, submissions from groups, clubs, and societies are now being taken on the future ownership of the boat.  If your group is interested, please contract Cllr Barbara Murray directly by email: barbara.murray@corkcoco.ie or by post to: The Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group, 7-10 Enterprise Youghal, Emmet Place, Youghal.

Click on image to see the launch of the new boat ‘ Eochaill’

A DELEGATION representing the Save Youghal Ambulance service met with the H.S.E. on Friday the 19th of August. The Delegation consisted of Minister of State Sean Sherlock, East Cork T.D.s David Stanton and Sandra Mclellan, Cork County Councillor Barbara Murray. 2 local Doctors Mayor of Youghal Eoin Coyne and A member of the Save Youghal Ambulance Committee.

The Delegates were shown a presentation outlining the H.S.E s future plans for the East Cork and West Waterford area. All attendees then entered into a very open and frank discussion which both sides agreed was very informative. Delegates reported that there are still a lot of issues that have to be ironed out and the H.S.E have now agreed to meet with all doctors in the areas affected in the coming weeks to address their concerns.

Save Youghal Ambulance Committee are very pleased with this progress, however  feel that there is a lot more work to be done by the H.S.E to appease the concerns of the committee and the public on this issue. this is only the first step and on a long road and we will be keeping a very close eye on developments before deciding what future action needs to be taken.

Tara O’Connell
Chairperson, Save Youghal Ambulance Committee

 

We must learn lessons from the UK riots

Cork East Fine Gael TD and Chairman of the Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality, David Stanton, has called on the Government to instruct all State bodies and semi-state companies to take account of the need for corporate social responsibility.

“The glaring spotlight of the world’s media was focussed on the London riots last week, and the shocking events have sparked a crucial debate on moral, social and civic responsibility. We should, at the very least, aim to learn from these events. I believe the Government can take the lead here by underlining the need for State bodies to take a progressive and benevolent approach to corporate social responsibility.

“I am calling on the Government to instruct State agencies, semi-state companies, Government departments and local authorities to take a strong stance when it comes to this issue. These bodies should be encouraged to incorporate a sense of civic duty within their operations.

“This could have practical and positive benefits for local youth and sporting organisations. There are surely many instances where property and lands under partial or total State ownership are vacant and could be used by these community groups.

“We have seen the impact of societal breakdown in the UK. Youth organisations at community level play a very important part in providing activities and outlets for young people. While this cannot prevent every problem or provide every solution it certainly can be very important for social cohesion and personal development.

“Many companies within the private sector have already taken the lead on this issue, and there’s no reason why State bodies should not have clearly defined policies aimed at promoting social inclusion.

“I would like to see the Government develop a proactive policy in this regard and instruct all State bodies to take cognisance of this need. Such bodies should highlight in their annual reports to Ministers the steps being taken to improve their corporate social responsibility.”

COUNTY COUNCILS in the southwest yesterday apologised to motorists for delays and disruption this summer.

However, they defended the carrying out of major roadworks during the busiest part of the season in or near major tourist regions.

Fine weather and the need to spend national budget allocations were advanced as reasons.

In Cork, roadworks are being carried out at Ballyvourney on the N22 route from Cork city to Killarney. Motorists are experiencing delays of up to 15 minutes.

Major roadworks are also taking place in east Cork between Youghal and Midleton, causing severe disruption to traffic.

In Limerick, motorists are experiencing delays in Newcastle West and near the tourist village of Adare, while in Kerry there are delays as a result of roads programmes in Listowel and elsewhere.

Budget allocations from the Department of Transport and the National Roads Authority had to be drawn down and spent by certain deadlines, and this was a major consideration in scheduling works, a spokesman for Limerick County Council said. He added that any delays were unfortunate.

Cork County Council, which is spending some €42 million on roadworks this year, said the major consideration in its programme was “not just the national road allocation”.

“Resurfacing has to take place in fine weather. We apologise for the delays but the work is necessary. We try to minimise the disruption where possible,” said a spokesman.

The council spent “100 per cent” of its annual budget each year and contributed money from its own resources to resurfacing and other works, the spokesman said.

The roadworks have come in for criticism from tourists and locals travelling to Kerry.

A senior engineer in Kerry County Council said the roads department could not shut down because of the tourist season, and the works in Listowel were scheduled to finish before the annual race meeting in mid-September.

Other major resurfacing works are planned for the N22 near Killarney, but these would not be starting before mid-September, the engineer said.

ANNE LUCEY The Irish Times – Saturday, August 20, 2011

www.irishtimes.com

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT!

Youghal Triathlon 2011 has been cancelled due to road works, being undertaken by the National Roads Authority, on the N25 between Youghal and Killeagh. These road works are expected to cause disruption until the end of October 2011. Because of the Health & Saftey implications of the situation Youghal Triathlon 2011 will not now go ahead as planned. All entries received to date will be “returned to sender” with immediate effect. The orgainsing committee would like to extend our sincere thanks to all athletes and apologise for any inconvenience caused. Hopefully we will see you all again for Youghal Triathlon 2012. Triathlon Ireland have been informed.

Plan A on Friday evening last was to swim from the Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat slip, out around Ballycotton lighthouse and back to the lifeboat slip.  The August weather had other ideas.  The event organisers arrived in Ballycotton at 3:30pm, reviewed the conditions in Ballycotton Bay and put Plan B into action.  Three buoys were placed in the Bay and the 45 swimmers had to swim around these to complete the 3.5 km swim. Photos: Courtesy of Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat

The swim was organised by the Munster Open Water Swimming Organisation and they travelled from as far as Limerick in the west to Waterford in the east and places in between.  The swimmers ranged in age from 13 to 65 years.  They were started in five different groups, at five minute intervals, the slower starting first and the fastest in the last group.  By doing this the field would have tightened up towards the end of the swim.  Each group was accompanied by kayakers for the entire swim.  The organisers had two ribs in the area also.  The Ballycotton RNLI all weather lifeboat, Austin Lidbury, kept careful watch over the swimmers in the middle of Ballycotton  Bay and their boarding boat, with two lifeboat crewmembers aboard, moved throughout the entire route.
There was a sprint for the finish between two swimmers, who completed the course in 50 minutes.  The camaraderie among the group was infectious and the many onlookers felt involved.  Having swum the 3.5 km course they then waited on the Ballycotton lifeboat slip for the other contestants to finish.

One of the organisers, Carol Cashell, explained that all entrants had to have swum a 3 km open water competition previously to qualify.  She related that the swimmers enjoy the freedom of swimming long distances in the open water.  Carol confirmed 32 did this swim last year, when they successfully swam around Ballycotton lighthouse, 6 have swum the English Channel, 6 have done the Straits of Gibraltar and 2 have swum around Manhattan Island in the US.  When asked about the weather conditions and how they affected the swimmers she explained that they don’t particularly like the sunny days as this blinds them.  They would have been happy enough with the misty evening they were faced with.  However, by the end of the swim the sun shone on this harty group.

This event was a fundraising effort for Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat.  Initially an email was sent to 150 swimmers listed on the Sandycove mailing list.  By the morning of the event, Friday 19 August, 45 swimmers, 14 kayakers and 2 ribs had volunteered their time and energy to help raise funds for our lifeboat service.  Carol explained that the swimmers have done swims such as this for other lifeboat stations in Co. Cork, e.g. Courtmacsherry, Kinsale, Crosshaven.  As a charity the RNLI appreciates efforts such as this in support of their lifeboats which offers a free service to those in trouble at sea. When the swim was finished and all swimmers had safely completed the course they left with the promise that they would be back again next year.

Click here to visit the Ballycotton RNLI Lifeboat website