YOUGHAL’S MUNICIPAL HERITAGE COMMITTEE has received €60,000 from the Heritage Council of Ireland towards further restoration work on the Town Walls. The figure represents 90% of the total budget allocated nationally for 2011. The information was contained in a Municipal Heritage Policy report by Cllr Liam Burke to Youghal Town Council’s September meeting.  He said the money will be used on projects to remove vegetation from the walls as well as cleaning, repointing, strengthening and other repair work on the section of walls between the Jail Steps and Sarsfield’s Terrace. A contractor has been selected and the work “should commence immediately and be completed by the end of the year,” he added.

Other items contained in the report included:

Youghal Town Council’s Public Realm Plan: The latest phase has been completed, at Emmet Place. Together with finished works at Church Street the project is deemed to “represent a considerable enhancement to the most important heritage area of the town.”

Graveyard Wall: A collapsed area between St. Mary’s Collegiate Church and St. Mary’s College Gardens has been repaired and new railings have been installed, “resulting in considerable visual improvement.”

Clock Gate:

Following the KPMG Feasibility Study and Conservation Report, this year has seen the completion of a subsequent Business Plan. The building has been leased to the Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group which is now in a position to seek SECAD funding for necessary works. “The restoration of the Clock Gate and its re-opening to the public is considered an immensely important policy objective of Youghal Town Council,” says the report, “and a successful funding application would bring it closer to reality in the not too distant future.”

Medieval Day:

The 2011 Medieval Day, in reasonably good weather, was deemed exceptionally successful and attracted an estimated 6,000 visitors throughout the day. This would “probably represent the highest attendance” for any such event by participating towns in Ireland. Local traders sponsored raffle prizes, for which their generosity and support are very much appreciated.  The committee members are thanked, including Mayor Eoin Coyne and Cllrs Mary Linehan-Foley and Barbara Murray. Gratitude is also extended to all others who assisted in organising the event, participant stall holders, others who helped on the day (including the Youghal Concerned Citizens group) and the media for their interest and promotion.

YOUGHAL TOWN COUNCIL has adopted a draft plan to half its development contributions from €5,000 to €2,500 (per car parking space). A further amendment to the legislation to make special provision for developments in certain areas of the town was also discussed and will form the core of a motion to be tabled by Cllr Barbara Murray at October’s town council meeting.

The decision to adopt the draft plan was taken at a special sitting of the council on Tuesday September 20th to review the current development scheme plan. Town Clerk Liam Ryan told the meeting that that plan had undergone the public consultation process with no submissions. Meantime it allowed for any development that commences in 2011, having been granted planning permission and where it was visibly obvious that no development had yet taken place, would be able to avail of reduced charges.

The town clerk added that a number of small developments that have such planning permission are now in position to avail of the reduced charges. “This should to generate economic activity in the town,” he observed.

Specific Areas

Cllr Barbara Murray welcomed the adoption, saying Youghal had been “off the Richter scale”  with €5,000 charges at a time when Midleton was charging €1,800 and Cobh €2,900. The councillor then argued for a more discriminatory scheme to boost economic development. She proposed that the town council should endeavour to reduce further, or even eliminate, car space charges in certain areas, most probably within the ‘tourist trail’ (town centre) region. “The town clerk and town architect could look at areas to create incentives and select such areas where we want to see development happening,” she suggested

The councillor based much of her argument on the premise that even at €2,500, a premises changing use to increase its car parking facilities by four spaces, would incur a €10,000 fee “before a shovel was lifted.” She proceeded, “Our hands are tied regarding rates but can development contributions are reserved functions and if we do it now, people waiting to commence developments can benefit immediately.”

However Mr. Ryan said it would presently not be legally possible to incorporate this facet into the plan. He told the meeting, “If you do that without adopting the current draft scheme first, then the old development contribution scheme will still apply and you’d have to go through another public consultation process to change it. Nobody could then start a new development under the lower rate scheme.” He further explained that if the council merely adopted the reduced rate section, developers could benefit immediately. The members could then look at specifying certain areas for further amendments later on.

Cllr Murray accepted this and said she would table a motion of October’s full council seeking consideration of special rates for specific areas. Cllr Sammy Revins, in advance, asked that the Strand be included due to depreciating economic fortunes.

First Cut! Film Festival 2011 – Saturday & Sunday October 1st & 2nd 2011 – Glanmire Co Cork

Contact: Mary Mc Grath, Festival Organiser, (firstcutfilm@gmail.com), photos available; 0868139019

What:  First Cut! Youth Film Festival– Open To The Public

When:  Saturday& Sunday, October 1st&2nd, 2011-09-26

Time:  Saturday: 1.30 – 9:30 p.m. & Sunday: 12.00 – 7:00 p.m.  – Screenings, Workshops, Animation, Acting for Screen, Panel Discussion& Filmmaker Q&A

Cost:  €5.00 Season ticket or €2 per screening

Where: Cinemobile, Glanmire Community College Grounds, Glanmire Co Cork Web:  http://www.firstcutfilmfestival.com

The short film ‘Steve’s in Hospital’ (4 mins long)  was given special mention by the Jury of professional filmmakers from Cork Film Centre at the First Cut! Film  hosted by Cork County Council on September 16th. Because of that it has been selected for the Festival & will be the opening film on Saturday. Made by Gavin Curley,Jason O Sullivan, Anthony Cooney, Cristopher Hughes & Shane Buckley from Youghal and Aaron Hennessy  Sean Hennessy, Kian Harte from Inch, Killeagh during Easter 2011. The young filmakers wrote the script, acted, directed, filmed, did sound, lighting & editing. The Festival is open to the public and everyone welcome

Welcome to the First Cut! Youth Film Festival, taking place this year, with Cinemobile, ‘bringing the magic of the movies to your doorstep’

A wonderful showcase of films and events have been lined up including drama, documentary, comedy, animation, horror and artistic/experimental films made by local, national and international young filmmakers under 21 who submitted their films in response to an Open Call.

Due to the overwhelming number of entries this year, a selection of twenty eight films was made with great difficulty by professional filmmakers from Cork Film Centre.

The films are of a high standard and we think you will really enjoy them!

This is a great opportunity for young filmmakers to showcase their work, We are delighted to bring together young filmmakers, film buffs and professional filmmakers to share their ideas and knowledge.

Feature Films at the Festival include Award Winning My Brothers, ( Will Collins, Timmy Creed& Niall Owen will take part in a panel discussion/Q&A Session).

and Disco Pigs,(Cillian Murphy, Kirsten Sheridan), both films have strong Cork connections.

International feature films include Project Nim,( From the team behind Man on Wire comes the story of Nim, the chimpanzee who in the 1970s became the focus of a landmark experiment which aimed to show that an ape could learn to communicate with language if raised and nurtured like a human child.) and The Illusionist, (a stunning animated film).

Workshops

Pascal Scott, well known actor, Kilnascully fame, & Patrick O Shea, Glounthaune Filmmaker are giving an Acting for Screen Workshop on Sunday morning.

This should be great fun & opportunity to learn from the professionals.

Also Animation Workshop for young filmmakers from Jane Lee, 1 1/2 hours, on Saturday 1st.

Both take place in Glanmire Community College.

Funding/ Sponsers: This is a non profit event, with funding from The Arts Council, Cork County Council Arts Office & SECAD.

The Festival has been generously by SuperValu Glanmire.

The Film Project Nim is sponsored by Monkey Maze, Glanmire.

It features films made by young people for everyone.

“As I reflect over the past year I can see that First Cut! Film Project& Festival has really come into its own: short films have never been more popular, we have never showcased so many films and the quality is really good. Film is a powerful tool of communication and imagination, and young people really make their own of it. We think you will be inspired by the shorts made by young people and equally by the award winning features we have chosen for this Festival.” Mary Mc Grath, First Cut! Festival 2011

Mary Mc Grath

First Cut! Youth Film Festival

firstcutfilm@gmail.com

0353868139019

cfcfirstcut.blogspot.com

 

http://www.facebook.com/pages/First-CutYouth-Film-ProjectFestival/127337763985353

The First Cut! Youth Film Festival working in association with Cork Film Centre is funded by The Arts Council and the Arts Office of Cork County Council.

Artist Eileen McGoldrick latest exhibition in Castlemartyr Resort & Spa. The Exhibition entitled “A Painted Life”, is an exhibition showcasing four decades of her paintings, from her first self portraits and life paintings, through to more recent abstracts.

The evening was well attended. Castlemartyr Resort & Spa provided wine and canapes for the attending Art Lovers. Andrew Phelan, General Manager, and his PA, Eilish O’Shea officially opened the exhibition, and provided the speeches. Artists Stephen Pearce and Diane Magee were also in attendance.
The Exhibition runs until the 28th October, and is open to all.

EILEEN McGOLDRICK: Eileen has been Painting and Drawing ever since she can remember. Her earliest memory is drawing on the coal hole door aged about three in Derby Street, in Belfast.
Eileen left Belfast and went to Birmingham Art college where she gained a BA Hons in Fine Art Painting, She then moved to Oxford where she continued to paint and work as a community artist and Tutor.
Eileen now lives and works in Youghal, Co Cork. The work on view here is all recent, and has been inspired by her return to Ireland. Eileen feels being an Artist has made every day an adventure, whereby she strives to explore the subject that she wants to represent, in what ever media she feels is appropriate. Eileen will work for months on an idea, or a feeling, by exploring it, following instinct, and relying on years of experience to create unique images that always excite, whether they are mixed media portraits, or an inner journey.

website: www.mcgoldrickart.com

Click on image to see the opening of the exhibition ‘A Painted Life’ by artist Eileen McGoldrick

ROAD RESURFACING will take place in Youghal on the South and North Main Streets from Monday the 26th of September from 7pm to 7am and will continue for 10 days approximately. Work will continue in 300m sections each night. Road Diversions/Closures will be in place.

IT’S OFFICIAL

YOUGHAL UNITED ARE GUINNESS WORLD RECORD BREAKERS.

IRELANDS FIRST EVER 5- A- SIDE GUINNESS BOOK OF RECORDS RECORDED

AND

OFFICIALLY RECOGNISED BY THE GUINNESS BOOK OF RECORDS

YOUGHAL UNITED AFC LAST JUNE ACHIEVED SOMETHING NO OTHER IRISH FOOTBALL CLUB HAS ACHEIVED BEFORE, WHEN AT ARDRATH PARK YOUGHAL CO. CORK THEY SHATTERED THE GUINESS BOOK OF RECORDS 5-A-SIDE RECORD WHICH THE STOOD AT 27 HOURS AND 15 MINS BY RECORDING AN INCREDIBLE

33 HOURS & 30 MINUTES !!!!!!!!

Many people will now always remember Youghal’s June Bank Holiday 2010 as the weekend that at Youghal United’s home ground ‘Ardrath Park’ the brave players broke the Guinness World Record for a 5-A-Side soccer match.

Youghal United Schoolboys/Girls and Academies will benefit from funds raised during that gruelling challenge. The new record will take some beating and the efforts by not only the players but all the back-up people involved in this magnificent moment in Youghal United’s history will never be forgotten.

The day to day running costs such of a soccer club as everyone knows is significant with cost such as transport, equipment, maintenance amongst many other costs during the season and all monies that were raised are sincerely appreciated.

Youghal United Promotion Committee member Emmet Perry said “The whole event really brought the town together and the support we received was truly brilliant. I would like to thank on behalf of everyone involved in our Guinness Book of Records success our sponsors,Farrells Summerfield Bar, Berties,T&E Fitzgerald Homes, Sports & Leisure & Youghal Credit Union. All of the people who advertised in our commerative book.

Thanks to Darragh and CRY who gave the event great coverage.

Willie O Mahony who recorded every second of the match.

Youghal News, The East Cork Journal, The Echo and Derek Kiely who kept the people informed from the start.

Fellow committee member Kevin(jock) Gallogly praised Finbar Walsh, Pierce Hennessy and Brian Wade for getting the event off the ground.

16 players were involved in this remarkable weekend but without the help of Ken Dempsey, Jamie Lawton, Kieran Curly, Joe Crotty and Tony Kelly it would have never have been completed.

HISTORY MAKERS YOUGHAL UNITED ACHIEVE THE UNACHEIVABLE AND BREAK THE RECORD

TAKE A BOW

Patrick Morrissey, Christophe Colin, Kevin Gallogley, Barry Goggin, Diarmuid Schuel, David O’Keefe, Mike Lyons, Aidan Ryan, David Kenneally, Pedro Geary, Leon Geary, Martin Cohen, Pierce Hennessy, Anthony Kelly, Gavin O’Leary and Stuart Hickey.

CORK-BASED ATLANTIC HOSPITALITY SERVICES (A.H.S) has officially announced its appointment as the new management company to for Youghal’s Walter Raleigh hotel. The 109 year-old hotel went into voluntary liquidation on September 16th under   former owners Beechwood Ltd. About of 30 full-time and part-time jobs were lost.

Interviews are planned this week to recruit staff, with a view to reopen the hotel as soon as possible, according to AHS Regional Manager Stephen O’Connor.

Receivers BDO moved quickly to appoint A.H.S, which currently has 14 hotels under asset management throughout Europe and America.  Its Irish Portfolio includes the four-star Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort, Offaly’s Kinnitty Castle Hotel and Ballykisteen Hotel & Golf Resort in Tipperary.

Mr. O’Connor says, “The Walter Raleigh Hotel has been a landmark for years in Youghal and plans are well underway to re-open the property in the very near future. We foresee an exciting future for this special building.”

Mr O’Connor adds that “open interviews will be held on Thursday 29th September & Tuesday 4th October to recruit for all areas of the hotel, but particularly for accommodation, reception, bar and kitchen sectors. We would ask people to bring their CVs to the hotel from 11am-3pm on those days.”

YOUGHAL TOWN COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 2011
By Christy Parker

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

Resignation of Tommy O’Connell

The meeting opened with a letter of resignation from Tommy O’Connell, which was read to the chamber by assistant the town clerk. Mr. O’Connell had returned to the council last February, after an absence of two decades, when he was co-opted by the Labour party to replace his party colleague Donie Daly. Never hesitant in expressing his feelings, the veteran politician’s presence in the chamber had invigorated proceedings on several occasions. Equally so, he had brought an insight born of experience and astute thinking to several issues. Unfortunately ill health had rendered his tenure short-term.

In his letter, Mr. O’Connell thanked the councillors for their courtesy and support throughout his term and their kind wishes towards him since his illness. He said it had been “an absolute honour and privilege to have had the opportunity to work for the people of Youghal again” and he had “enjoyed getting to know and work with the council members.” The letter thanked especially town clerk Liam Ryan, who had shown him “the utmost courtesy and respect” and who had “given generously of his time and advice” in assisting him.

Mr O’Connell’s letter proceeded, “I have always prided myself I taking very seriously the role of councillor and I hope that whoever succeeds me will also see it as great opportunity to have a part in making and keeping Youghal a great place.” In wishing the members “the very best in the future,” he reassured them: “Don’t worry, I won’t be back in another twenty years!”

The assistant town clerk, the town manager and the councillors in turn paid sincere tribute to Mr. O’Connell and wished him the very best in his retirement. Media representatives don’t get to speak at council meetings but similar sentiments would have echoed from that quarter. An interesting and humorous voice is now absent from proceedings.

Congratulations:

Cllr Linehan-Foley congratulated Team Youghal for “putting Youghal on the map” through their Race Around Ireland fundraising cycle and following on their previous Race Across America achievement. Cllr Murray paid tribute to Cork County Council’s engineering department on west Cork’s Mizen Head footbridge, which she called “an absolute wonder of engineering” and a potential award winner. Cllr Beecher congratulated Comhaltas Eochaille on their highly successful summer season and its overall work with young people. Mayor Coyne concurred and also praised rugby players Lee  McCarthy and Cillian Ansbro on representing Munster at under-18 level.  Youghal Concerned Citizens were lauded by Cllr Hennessy for their excellent contributions to the town during the summer. Cllr Flanagan congratulated the Youghal Pipe Band on their recent concert performances in the Collegiate Church. “A vote of congratulations in reverse,” explained Cllr Burke as he passed praised to Youghal Town Council on behalf of the Board of Management of Pobalscoil na Tríonoide for the Tidy Towns bronze medal award. The mayor returned with a tribute to Cllr Burke on his “belated Leaving Cert Honours” acquirement. Cllr Revins congratulated Youghal and Cork County local authorities and associated Fás workers on the Tidy Towns performances. He also congratulated Youghal Heritage committee for its Heritage Day celebration.

Town Foreman’s Report:

Cllr Revins wanted 25 kph speed limits installed and advertised an all estates amidst rising safety concern. He asked if property owners in the Strand –including banks-could be imposed upon to keep their premises and back gardens clean, referring specifically to a property “across from Clancy’s.” Cllr Burke raised the issue of pot holes at Nealon’s Quay. Cllr Linehan-Foley was concerned about the pavement slabs near the snooker hall area, due to which she said she had recently suffered “a nasty fall.” She feared for the elderly in the circumstances. Furthermore, tree stumps that remained from some tree felling (due to vandalism) in the same area were also a risk to pedestrians, especially at night, she added. The Nealon’s Quay potholes also concerned her.

A major pothole at Cherry Vale worried Cllr Beecher, as did a gully in Hill View, which he said needed urgent replacing. Cllr Hennessy asked when Springfield Court would be taken in council control. The acting town clerk said it would occur soon, the developer having departed and the council yet to complete a short snag list. Cllr Flanagan sought an update on the speed bumps and was told to refer to the town clerk.

Derelict sites

The mayor bemoaned the number of derelict building in Youghal, especially in the northern sphere and asked if the property owners could be approached. The town manager relied that every effort was being made to address the problem but that the Derelict Sites Act was a particularly difficult and complex piece of legislation. It required a structured approach involving detailed reports pertaining to different sub-sections it from the town engineer and town architect to name but two. “We have made significant progress in some cases,” she added and offered to implement further action wherever required. Cllr Murray, by way of lessening the undesirable effect a little, said that boardings could meantime be made less ugly by incorporating artwork on them. “Perhaps it could be done through a school or youth project,” she suggested.

Cllr Beecher asked if NAMA now owned the former Murray Kitchens on Mill Road and was told yes. He then wondered if NAMA should be asked to clear it up. Ms Power said in cases where there is still an asset on a site, it is easier get a liquidator to act on improving a derelict site but where the site itself is the only asset it was difficult. “We are basically in completely unchartered waters,” she elaborated. “The Minister for Finance is effectively the de facto owner when a company has become insolvent,” she added. The manager agreed with Cllr Murray’s perception that “a community approach can sometimes be more effective than a statutory approach,” especially when an owner is bankrupt.” Meanwhile she advocated moving early on a property before it became seriously depreciated and sought updates with a view to compiling a quarterly list.

Cllr Beecher then urged that action be taken on a derelict property in Friar Street that, he was then informed, was now owned by a bank. “There is a vermin problem there,” he advised (presumably referring to the derelict site). Cllr Revins believed the said building was “in danger of collapsing,” while Cllr Linehan- Foley described it as “pigeon heaven.” She said the situation was unfair on the nearby residents.

Main Street and library

Cllr Murray asked when the main street resurfacing would be starting. The town engineer said it would be starting on September 26th. Cllr Murray inquired as to ponding at Ballyvergan being resolved and asked whether the bond from the developer whose work preceded the ponding remained available. The engineer said he was pursuing it. Cllr Murray then asked when the former Collins’s bakery was to be painted and was told the work was imminent, with a contractor appointed. Cllr Linehan-Foley interjected that it was a shame it was idle, while the county council were paying rent for a property elsewhere. She asked for a relevant report for October’s meeting. Cllr Murray questioned whether the site –with its archaeological complications- was now a suitable site for a library anyway. Cllr Linehan-Foley asked why, if it was suitable before, it was no longer so. “We’ll be saying the same thing next year and the year after,” she lamented.

Cllr Revins said residents near St. Coran’s Well wanted a nearby site cleaned up and also asked that accumulating sand be removed from a bend at Claycastle. Cllr Linehan-Foley wants grids on the pavement near the Bank of Ireland repaired or replaced. The engineer said they would be replaced.

Cork County Council Items:

Cllr Beecher wanted the “Third World” old Cork road entrance to Youghal –at the bypass- properly maintained. “Ok, depending on funding,” replied the engineer. The councillor also wondered if a sign on an island near the Mill Road roundabout would be “lit up” as its design intended. He asked too that a sign be installed at Kilcoran Road as an ambulance lost direction there recently. He was told that the signage was imminent. Cllr Burke asked the engineer to look at a remaining section of an old toilet at the top of the Lighthouse Hill that was in danger of collapsing from its cliff face. He then listed “usual list of broken footpaths,” i.e. Tallow Street, South Main Street and the junction of Strand Street/South Abbey.

Diving rocks and weather:

The mayor sought an update on the diving rocks repairs. Mr. Murray said the works required step repairs and metal work at the location at a cost of €21,000. He would consult with town clerk on funding. Cllr Murray asked if an offer to conduct the work free of charge had been received. Ms Power said there had been an approach but it was not apt for “work of such a substantial nature.” She said there had been an insurance use also.

Mayor Coyne inquired if there was a contingency plan to ensure water supplies in severe winter weather. The town manager said each local authority had such a plan but that much of Youghal’s water problems last winter arose from frozen stopcocks. She advised people to check their appliances and also the lagging on unprotected pipes. The cork county council website had advice on the issue, she reminded. In response to an inquiry from Cllr Murray on salt reserves, the manager said there were supplies stored in Killeagh and Youghal, spreaders would be available, grit would also be stored, a list of depots and priority routes was being prepared and negotiations were on-going with various groups towards implementation. Cllr Murray advised it borne on mind that Cork Hill, Pobalscoil, etc., be given priority status.

Mayor’s Business:

The mayor said he had been in contact with ‘anti-toxic sludge’ group BEAG who, he said, wished to meet the councillors at October’s meeting. Ms. Mulchay said it would be “difficult” to do so while the planning process was still unfolding. Cllr Linehan-Foley asked her to “explain to the media and the public the facts” regarding Eras Eco’s application to process toxic waste. She recounted that Cork County Council had granted planning permission, which was being appealed to Bord Pleanala. Meanwhile this appeal was frozen while the Bord investigated whether the application had been made under the appropriate planning legislation.

That Eras Eco application

Cllr Hennessy –well all the councillors really- pleaded that it be explained why the town council could not hold sway on the controversial planning application. “We cannot comment or interfere with any ‘live planning application,’ confirmed the assistant town clerk simply. “We can’t touch them, or we’re finished!”, reiterated Cllr Linehan Foley. “And that needs to get out there to the public. It’s totally a Cork County Council issue.”

The mayor thanked various groups for the programme summer activities of which space prevent us repeating.

Projects Update: Mall Lane Streetscape Works & Town Walls: Ms. Mulcahy said the contracts had been awarded and work would commence within a fortnight.  The engineer said he would consider a recommendation from Cllr Revins that the Mall Lane project be conducted in tandem with the main street resurfacing project. The Eco Boardwalk: Construction costs exceeded funding and the engineers are attempting to resolve the issue based on material and construction.

Report by Cllr. Burke on Heritage MPC:

Report by Chairperson on Claycastle Leisure Company. Cllr Linehan–Foley said a lease had been signed with award-winning Aura to manage the centre until 2016. €400,000 government funding had been acquired to upgrade the centre, which will focus on reducing running costs, ‘green’ energy initiatives and disability-related services. Works will start very soon.

Youghal Socio Economic Development Group Report: Cllr Murray described how the YSEDG and YoughalkChamber of Commerce and Tourism had invited and subsequently chaperoned the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring around Youghal. The minister He had stressed the importance of having “shovel ready” projects which the town clerk had already prepared. “Consequently we got funding of €400,000 for the leisure centre plus another €12,500 for other projects,” she reported. “We lobbied him for ‘site specific’ marketing funding,” she added.

Cllr Murray recalled that Joyce Hosford was the successful applicant from 16 to manage the Mall Arts centre and had worked with Peter Kelly of Franc on the recent marriage to be aired on television in January. The group had met with the Head of Finance in Cork County Council to seek funding for the next three years. At present the YSEDG was chiefly concentrating on the Clock Gate funding project. It was wary of funding caps and would be working with other organisations on a strategic approach to this problem. She concluded with praise Youghal Enterprise Centre staff and congratulations on their recent €25,000 lottery win,

YOUGHAL’S SINÉAD KANE, has undertaken the challenge of learning to horse ride for a television documentary series. Sinéad Kane is well known for becoming Ireland’s first blind solicitor and her efforts to defy her disability this time in the scorching heat of Mexico can be seen on RTE1’s Two for the Road this week.

The half-hour episode pairs Sinéad with Cobh comedian Maeve Higgins who frequently dons specialised glasses to simulate blindness and acquire a better perspective of Sinéad’s disability.

Sinéad’s hereditary conditions means she has only 5% vision and is officially registered as blind. Immensely determined, she overcame doubt, prejudice and despair to qualify as a solicitor. She presently works on employment law in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. She is also developing a burgeoning career as a motivational speaker and recently addressed the Barry Group wholesale distributors.

The venture was filmed on a vast ranch owned by a woman called Uschi, 7,500ft in   the Mexican mountains surrounded by three waterfalls. Totally unaccustomed to horses and extremely nervous, every ounce of Sinéad’s renowned fortitude would be severely tested.

On eventually being nurtured onto her horse Palomo’s back, Sinéad recalls, “I was leaning forward and shaking. I wanted to cry. I started panicking at the thought that this horse would soon be moving and also my eyes were in agony because the sun was so strong.” The outcome of Sinéad’s trauma will be revealed in the programme.

To her surprise, Sinéad’s overall experiences brought her a new awareness of the relationship between horse-riding and the disabled. “Uschi was very open-minded towards disabled people wanting to learn to horse-riding,” she notes. “Sadly, many horse riding schools in Ireland aren’t as encouraging.”

This is to be lamented because, as Sinéad explains, “Posture is often affected when a person is visually impaired. Horse-riding requires the rider to sit up tall and allow the pelvic area to follow the motion of the horse. Trunk muscles become strong, the head comes up, shoulders become square, and riders become increasingly aware of their body. The result is highly therapeutic.”

Two for the Road airs on RTE1 at 8.30 pm on Thursdays

A 17 year old Bantry girl, whose family hail from Youghal, has won gold in the European Kickboxing Championships. Lily de la Cour took the honour in the World Association of Kickboxing Organisation (WAKO) European Championships in Lignano Sabbiadoro, a north-eastern Italian city near Venice.

Lily is the daughter of Willie de la Cour, granddaughter of the late Nonie and Tommy de la Cour and niece to Tommy, Len, Nora, Mary and Alice, all well-known of the long-established MacCurtainstown family. Eight countries competed in the Lily’s Light Contact division in the Championships.

In her hour of glory, Lily defeated her Hungarian opponent Evelin Mako, by a unanimous 3-0 in the Junior Light Contact Minus-50 kg division. This followed her triumph by a similar margin over Slovakian and Turkish opponents respectively in her two opening bouts. The delighted, if breathless, champion says she felt “ecstatic” after her historic victory.

The championships in all were contested by over 1,000 competitors and drew an audience of about 800. Lily’s dad, a psychiatric nurse and her mother Jane, flew to Italy for the occasion, along with Liam, the other member of the family. Liam, 12, almost claimed a second de la Cour medal, losing out by a single point in the Cadet Minus 47 kg Light Contact semi-final. Willie, now a psychiatric nurse, left Youghal in 1985 and a career as a painter and decorator. He moved to West Sussex, where he met his wife Jane, also a psychiatric nurse.

Lily was born, two years before the family returned to Ireland. Jane, whose maiden name is Welford, attended Loreto boarding school but hails from Mallow. “So Bantry was sort of neutral territory for us to settle in,” laughs Willie. Honours Lily took up kickboxing aged just seven, during a summer camp at Bantry’s St Goban’s Tech school –now subsumed into Coláiste Phobail Beanntraí. The new European champion has held All Ireland Irish championship titles for the past eight years.

In 2010 she was runner-up in the World Championships, a year previous she was European Champion in a Cadet division and at aged 12 she won a world title in semi-contact fighting. Various other titles have also been accumulated. Throughout, Lily has been coached by her Ian Kingston, her Drimoleague-born club mentor at Bantry West Cork Kickboxing Club. “I owe him everything. He is simply a fantastic coach,” vouches Lily. Articulate, confident and extremely dedicated, Lily trains four nights a week –increasing to six as competitions approach. She says that nights like that in Italy “more than make up” for sacrifices made in her social life.

The family are regular visitors to Youghal and thankfully Lily has “great affection” for the town and her roots therein. Being a kickboxer, let alone a fantastic one, tends to elicit remarks of a teasing –but undoubtedly cautious- nature from the male juveniles in Lily’s orbit. “It doesn’t last long,” she explains, somewhat unsurprisingly. Currently studying for her Leaving Cert, the champion has professional ambitions to be a PE teacher. More immediately, her sporting sights are set firmly on claiming the world title in 2012, the championships for which will be held in Ireland.