Tidy Towns Presentation Dominates Proceedings At Youghal Concerned Citizens September Meeting – By Christy Parker

A small attendance was apparent at Youghal Concerned Citizens meeting in the Red Store on September 1st. Much of the group’s work is quietly undertaken in private mode but nonetheless Chairman Jim Flanagan expressed a wish to see more people attend the public forums, in the interests of bringing forward and promoting ideas for consideration.

Matters soon turned to the treasurer’s report which in short reported a sum of €280 collected during the mackerel mini-food fest, plus €70 already standing to give a total €250. However, there’s an outstanding bill of €204 to be met….

Mr Flanagan welcomed President of the Tidy Towns Ned Brennan and congratulated him and his committee on Youghal’s sixth place in Ireland in the recent IBAL Tidy Town’s contest.  Mr. Brennan delivered a power-point presentation on the committee’s work, past, present and future to the room. The address, followed by some exchanges of views and information, would provide the mainstay of the evening.

Former town clerk Mr. Brennan said Tidy Town competitions are judged under eight categories, of which Youghal’s main challenge at present concerns roads, the back street and associated areas.

Achievements and obstacles

Achievements in recent times had included greater co-ordination between the Tidy Town committee and other agencies such as the town council, residents’ associations, etc. Greater litter control, enhancement of residential areas and the Lighthouse Hill, a spring planting programme, more hanging baskets (over 200 in total) and increased wildlife signboards featured amongst many other improvements that had  culminated in Youghal’s first ever national bronze award in 2010.

Obstacles to further progress were plentiful to however and included plastic signage, derelict sites, vandalism and graffiti. He said a general lack of maintenance was problematic but if everyone just dedicated half an hour a week to their own area, “the place would look immaculate.”  He added that the “slow process” in which statutory bodies acted and reacted was a further impediment. Stray dogs and associated fouling were a major problem too, especially on estates. The back street from Greens Quay to Strand Street, car parks included, were “very badly kept,” he advised.

Mr. Brennan also pointed out that littering and other anti-social activity by young people in Green Park was problematic. He advocated that reality be grasped and the park recognised as a functional amenity area. He felt that if this meant part-segregation and a designated play or sports area for teenagers, then so be it, adding that, while mobile CCTV would help, impressing on young people to take self-responsibility for unacceptable behaviour was the key to alleviating litter and vandalism problems. “They are just young people enjoying life, not total gurriers, but they need some boundaries imposed,” he reasoned.

Fines, resurfacing, gardens,

In terms of litter fine enforcement, the Tidy Town spokesman favoured a tiered approach over the present €120 blanket fine strategy. “It alienates people from the litter byelaws. I think a graded system would get better public support,” he advocated. Mr Brennan also felt that the gardai were “not really prepared to take on” litter enforcement, dog fouling included.

The speaker said he didn’t understand “why the main street, which is in relatively good condition was about to be resurfaced, while the back street, in a worse state, was not.  He assumed it was because the impending main drainage scheme would mean digging it up gain but argued that there is a main drainage point beneath the main street also. Oh dear. Norman McDonald said plans to resurface the back street were mooted as far back as the Tour de France visit in 1998!

Off the man road, he said the Tidy Towns had ended an annual gardening competition because the entrants were small and repetitive but that a similar scheme based on inter-estate competition may be launched next spring.

Buses on the ‘Champs Élysées’

The issue of parked buses and trucks on the Lighthouse Hill was raised after Mr. Brennan showed a slide of the hill without the buses, whereby the colourful hanging baskets were spectacularly visible.  He said the area was within the town council’s jurisdiction and it could have the vehicles removed without any recourse to further bye-laws or such. He added that the Tidy Towns committee had offered the council €2,000 “towards some sort of project to alleviate parking on the hill, except for tourist buses. “It is Youghal’s ‘Champs d’Elysees’ and we’ve led a six year campaign to clear it (of parked trucks and buses) but we haven’t been able to make progress,” he concluded.

Meanwhile across the road, the Tidy Towns committee had received dispensation from the town council to clean and paint the bandstand and fountain in Green Park in advance of the Franc wedding the following weekend, which would be televised nationally in January.

Future and funding

Regarding the future, the chairman said his committee could only achieve its targets through following a strategic plan. A TUAS worker was about to manage that aspect in relation to the Tidy Towns committee’s new four year strategy.  Funding was of course fundamental to success. The group had earned reward money through its various high mark achievements over the years but there was never enough to develop as one would wish. He was grateful for the town council’s annual €5,000 year grant but the recessionary times meant it had not increased over several years. Also, the embargo on public service recruitment and the council’s limited resources were impediments to progress. “We spend about €20,000 every year and we need some sort of ring fenced funding arrangement with the council,” he observed. Nonetheless they had plans to replant Market Square trees and install further basket holders at the Strand Church.

Responding to an inquiry from Norman McDonald, Mr. Brennan said Youghal Town Council hoped to take over maintenance of the Rhincrew roundabout from Waterford County Council (he didn’t specify who would pay for it) in tandem with a town council plan to pave, illuminate and generally refurbish the general Foxhole area.

That prolonged section of the meeting concluded with agreement that the YCC and the TT would liaise and co-operate where possible on future projects. “There is nobody precious here and nobody taking anyone’s jobs,” agreed Mr. Brennan.  “We all have the same objective and there is enough work involved to keep everyone busy for 100 years!”

Volunteers for brochures and buses

The meeting proceeded with an appeal for up voluntary contributions towards a written brochure for Youghal. Secretary Adrian Hyde said they were seeking accounts (500 to 1,000 words) from locals depicting their personal interest or activities in the town. Mr. Hyde said the group also needed up to 25 volunteers to devote an hour or so a week towards assisting Norman McDonald’s task of coach arrivals and offering them information literature etc.

Updating on the ‘49 steps’ long-standing renovation project, Jim Flanagan said two issues remained to be addressed. Mr Jerry Dennehy was eager to undertake the work but appropriate insurance clearance was yet to be acquired and also, the YCC were also awaiting specific instructions from Cork County Council.

Festivals and the floor

The chairman added that work was proceeding on the upcoming ‘Halloween Spooktcular’ and information leaflets would be distributed to traders on the projects. Similarly, plans for a Charles Dickens themed Christmas were evolving well, while considerations for 2012 festivals were very much underway also. He then reiterated the YCC ethos that it welcomed input from any organisation or individual in the town and equally was willing to aid and abet other group’s initiatives or events. The feedback from the community thus far in the YCC’s short life, he felt, was positive and supportive.

As the meeting concluded, Mr. Flanagan updated on a few issues: regarding vegetable allotments and said there is actually no further spaces available at present. From the floor, a b &b owner reported a major downturn in Irish visitors but a considerable increase in foreign arrivals for 2011. A second individual said holidaymakers at a prominent caravan site held a celebration day at their site but had complained that they “never know what is happening in the town.” It was agreed that efforts would be made to target that market with information literature in 2012.

It was also observed that Cork visitors on particular were very unhappy that most Bus Eireann vehicles no longer stopped at the Walter Raleigh (unless by way of parking in front of the nearby flower baskets at day’s end, one presumes!). “It’s a major complaint,” said the speaker. “We’ll contact CIE,” said Mr. Flanagan. It was suggested that the public be reminded that dog litter bags are available from many shops in the town. It was agreed that a door or window sign on the supplying premises would be beneficial but that it was a matter for individual shops.

The next Youghal Concerned Citizens Meeting is on Thursday October 6th at 7.3-pm in the Red Store North Main Street.

A Lismore Town Councillor has added his voice to concerns over the planning permission granted to sludge drying plant Eras Eco Ltd’s plans to process hazardous waste at Foxhole in Youghal. Fianna Fail Cllr Bernard Leddy’s views emanate from a political and social founding but also from a professional perspective as he is a renowned pharmacist and former president of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI).

The councillor finds the plant’s intended new technology  -AquaCritox- involving super critical water oxidation, “absolutely cutting edge technology” and ‘of Star Trek’ type consideration.’ He believes said it might very well be the future of waste treatment with the added bonus of it being an Irish company’s development (Cork-based Super Critical Fluids International- SCFI). The location was the problem, however.

The councillor is perturbed by the company’s declared intention to store and treat hazardous waste on a site adjacent to the Blackwater and, by inference, with relevance for Co. Waterford. He is unhappy that arsenic, cyanide, hydrofluoric acid, sodium, potassium hydroxide, barium, ammonia, to name a few, features on a lengthy list of chemicals the company hoped to treat (some of which are already being processed under its existing licence). “What amazes me is that Cork County Council could allow planning permission for processing this type of material at the mouth of one of the finest salmon rivers in Europe!,” he proceeds.

Waterford

From a political perspective, he believes Waterford County Council should have been consulted regarding the planning application. “I know the company are not legally obliged to do so but given the potential effect on everyone in the Blackwater basin if anything goes wrong, then we have a vested interest,” he says. “Waterford relies immensely on Blackwater tourism as well as employment in the fishing industry, our nature conservation and of course most important of all, people’s health. Somewhat ironically, Eras Eco Ltd is solely owned by Ormonde Organics, based at Killowen, Portlaw, Co. Waterford.

The pharmacist, who works for the Mari Mina chain, is particularly concerned about the treatment of hydrofluoric acid. “To be honest, I cannot see how that particular element can be broken down without a catalyst, through any process. Maybe I’m wrong but it’s one of the most indestructible chemicals there is,” he states.

Berlin

Without intending to be a scaremonger, Cllr Leddy refers to a chemical spill Berlin in 1986, which a former college colleague of his was charged with remedying. “They guaranteed said it was safe, yet an accident happened. The river turned pink in a major environmental disaster. That kind of potential will always be there. Toxic waste should be treated at source.”

The councillor proceeds that “a lot of people living by the river are now taking serious interest in this issue, and adds that he will be urging local authorities in Co Waterford to make submissions to any licence or other application that arises.

The councillor notes that SCFI’s promotional material cites “50,000 people” as necessary to run a pilot scheme  for the treatment of human waste alone, while “Youghal’s population is about 6,500” and that “500,000 to 1½ million people” would be needed to make it commercially viable.  He wondered from where the material would come and by what means. “The Rhine disaster was an absolute accident,” he elaborated, “and if this is allowed to continue, then I believe this is another one waiting to happen, especially if they should ever opt to import waste by boat.”

This year’s Community Alert AGM will be held in the Cumann na Daoine premises, Catherine Street, Youghal, on Wednesday October 5th at 7.45 pm. All are welcome.

GARDAI CONCERNED OVER SCHOOL RUN CONGESTION  – By Christy Parker  

YOUGHAL GARDAI want parents and other drivers to park carefully when dropping off and collecting children at Gaelscoil Choráin and to be extra mindful of the requirements of residents and other drivers in the area. Community Garda Peter Queally says there have been “a number of complaints” arising from congestion on the street since the school re-opened, especially in the mornings. We can see both sides of the problem and we realise the difficulties,” says the garda. “We will be talking to the school and maybe the school could liaise with parents. It’s a geographical thing and it’s further complicated with other parents accessing Bunscoil through Strand Street”

Crimes

Meanwhile entry into derelict buildings is deemed trespassing, breaking and entry and/or burglary and perpetrators will be pursued as such, according to the garda.  Garda Queally was speaking after a man was arrested on suspicion of just such an infringement. “Sometimes these incidents also lead to criminal damage,” he proceeds, “People need to be aware that we follow up reports of such incidences and indeed we put a lot of time into investigating them.”

Garda Queally expresses concern at the number of derelict sites in the Youghal area. “As well as being eyesores, they present an ongoing problem for us,” he says.” We would be concerned that a they could be prone to someone setting light to wooden structures, which could cause immense damage to neighbouring properties as well. We’d ask owners to secure their premises.”

Garda Queally also referred to the increasingly common occurrence of ‘drive-off’ theft from petrol stations. “It’s not the cleverest of crimes,” he advised. “Almost every garage in the county has CCTV now and we practically always have a successful investigation as a result.”

Elsewhere on the crime front, the garda warns householders to be on the alert for bogus callers. Last week two foreign nationals were arrested having called to houses on false pretences of collecting for charity.  “They showed ID but not permits for collecting money,” says the garda. One of the me was subsequently repatriated to Poland on foot of a EU arrest warrant while the other was sent to Monaghan where he was being sought by gardai.

Alarms

The Waterford native referred also to community matters and had good news for those awaiting socially monitored alarms. “After several months delay, the latest applications have been sanctioned and we have received funding to buy and install about 30 alarms.” He said. “We expect the installers from Wexford to start work in a couple of weeks. It’s been a long wait because the rules changed and our hands were tied.”

Garda Queally said forms for the next round of applications were now available from the garda. That process would take several months also be he added that for people urgently requiring the appliances, the option remained to purchase them privately, at a cost of about €250. The gardai would provide information on how this could be done.

MARINO’S TESTIMONY
27th Sept 2011
Tuesday 7:30pm
7:30 pm
MASS

Marino will give Inspired Talk following Mass, followed by Q&As [Tea/coffee will be available in Church Hall after Marino’s talk] Holy Family Church Youghal Co Cork

The name of Marino Restrepo´s mission is Pilgrims of Love and is based all on the mystical experience he has been through during his kidnapping ordeal in Colombia.

This mission involves all of his activities around the world. Among the most important, he cares much for the very poor communities and works very hard to provide them with not only the word of the gospel, but also food, medicine, education and clothing. He has been able to build churches and chapels in many of those communities, as well as schools and first aid centers. His entire mission evolves around the Catholic faith.

He enjoys a very strong support from the authorities of the Catholic Church at home and abroad. He will not do any thing without the consent of the church first.

www.marinorestrepo.com

Marino Restrepo is a Catholic lay missionary from Colombia who travels the world sharing his testimony. Marino was born a Catholic but disregarded his faith at an early age and embraced all the self-seeking illusions of the world. He chose to experience a life of drugs, unhealthy relationships and New Age
philosophies. His acting/musical career led him to Hollywood where he was a producer and musician. Marino thought he had it all until a visit home to Columbia in 1997 for Christmas. His sister encouraged him to pray a novena prayer to the baby Jesus. He accepted thinking it would give him an extra ounce of ‘good luck’. Following the novena, Marino went on his way to visit his uncle. His visit was short-lived as Marino was kidnapped by guerrilla rebels of the FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) and held captive in the jungle for six months. They told him they would kill him once they had received ransom for his kidnap. For 15 days he lay in a cave full of bats and infested with numerous insects and bugs. It was here, in his complete isolation and despair, that Marino had a mystical experience of God. His life changed forever.

Five and a half months later, Marino was miraculously released from captivity after a miracle of God, and after his release he went back to his Catholic faith. Eighteen months later he became a full time missionary for the Catholic Church leaving all of his past, and his worldly possessions behind.

ART AND CULTURE VENUES open their doors in Youghal on Friday night, Sept. 23th 2011. Drama, behind-the-scenes tours, and music performances are all part of the fare on offer. The night is one of the highlights of Youghal’s cultural calendar and will give people the opportunity to explore venues and facilities at night and for free!

SINN FÉIN CORK EAST TD, SANDRA MCLELLAN, has called on the Government to challenge the excessive pay, pensions and lump sums of senior public and civil servants.

Speaking in the Dáil on the Judges’ Remuneration Bill, which seeks to reduce judges’ pay in line with the pay of other public service employees, Deputy McLellan said:

“While the average industrial wage in this state is somewhere around €35,000, judges can expect to earn multiples of that, anything between €147,000 and €295,000.  This, while more than 440,000 people are unemployed and signing on the dole, and many many more don’t even qualify to do that; and while untold hardship is being visited upon ordinary people right throughout this state, as a result of cuts, cuts and more cuts, with no end in sight.”

“In addition, the obscene figures which have emerged over recent weeks are further evidence of the continuing practice of excessive pay and privileges, including severance and pension provision, for senior members of the civil and public service. This must be tackled head on. Government cannot continue to hide behind the excuse of contracts or precedent.”

“Sinn Féin has called for, and continues to call for, the capping of all public sector pay at €100,000. Similarly pension pots should be reduced for senior public servants.”

“The Government has promised legislation to deal with excessive senior public sector pensions and to end the practice of ‘added years’ but these changes look likely to apply only to new entrants. This is unacceptable. Methods must be looked at to tackle the excessively high pension arrangements for existing public and civil service top dogs. Increasing the tax rate applied to the balance of lump sum payoffs is just one option.”

Veteran Photographer Focuses On Youghal To Aid African Famine Victims.
By Christy Parker

A SERIES OF STUNNING LANDSCAPES form a photographic exhibition in aid of Trocaire’s East Africa Famine Relief opening in Youghal Credit Union from Friday next (Sept 16th). ‘A Human Life’ features approximately 60 pictures by local, veteran photographer Bob Rock, who says they “depict the beauty of Youghal as never seen before.”

Several of the photos were taken either at dawn or at dusk and create portrayals of the town’s harbour, beaches and hillsides that blend nature and soul to leave an indelible impression on the viewer’s consciousness. “They are absolutely amazing. I’ve lived here all my life and have never seen photos to represent the town so magnificently,” says Youghal Credit Union manager Barry Treacy.

Most of these images have never been printed before “and as I’m now 76 years old, probably won’t be printed again!,” smiles Bob. “So it’s an opportunity to own something unique.” As an extra incentive, the photographs will retail at about half the normal price.

The images are mounted to 18”x 24” ready for framing and are printed on acid free paper using Canon’s Chromalife 100 Inks, meaning they can survive for 100 years behind glass. “They are easily removed from the mount for posting abroad, ” adds Bob.

Bob was moved to organise the exhibition by news footage of the starving families in Africa. “It is so tragic to see children and parents suffering like that,” he reflects. “I felt compelled to do something to help those unfortunate people.”

Jovial and sincere, Bob spent 50 years involved in photography, for 35 of which he recorded for posterity the happiest events in the lives of his community, including almost 2,000 weddings and “often for two generations of a family.”

Bob has exhibited in Dublin, London and Madrid, won silver and bronze medals from the “Photographic Society of Ireland,” was a finalist in the “Kodak Bride of the Year” and has six of his images in the “Best of Irish Professional Photography” archive. He retired from professional photography a decade ago, since when he has been documenting the Irish landscape. “I needed a break from faces” he jokes. Ironically the gaunt, suffering faces from distant Africa now prompt him to publicise his talents again.

A Human Face ruins from Friday September 16th for four weeks. Bob Rock’s work can also be viewed on www.bobrock.zenfolio.com.

Féileacáin (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Association of Ireland) is coming up to a year since its official launch last October. Since the official launch the charity has grown from strength to strength. Féileacáin has helped many grieving parents and continues to do so everyday across Ireland with more hospitals coming on board all the time. Brian and Liz Roche two of the founders of the charity, who are both from the Youghal area asked on their friends and family to join them in walking the 30th Evening Echo Cork City Women’s 4M Mini Marathon for Féileacáin with them.

When they asked they never thought how many people would want to walk alongside them in memory of the precious little angels and the families they left behind. Not only friends and family, but the Youghal community have gotten behind them to raise funds and awareness for this very important charity . Youghal’s leisure center Aura has also got behind Féileacáin and everyone who is doing the marathon for them by offering them 2 days training a week with a trainer who is on hand to give diet advice as well as working out exercise plans for everyone.

“I’m very proud of our friends and family and delighted to see more people coming on board every week”, said Brian Roche ” it is great to all come together get fit and healthy while raising important awareness for our charity. We are so greatful to Aura for bring us altogether twice a week. Every week someone new comes over to us and asks us about our charity , because of all of us training together in our Féileacáin t-shirts . It is great to raise awareness in our locality and the larger surrounding area.”

“Aura Youghal Leisure Centre fitness team were delighted to support the Feileacain training group in their challenge” said Tracy Kenneally, Operations Manager, Aura Youghal Leisure Centre. “We have been delighted to see them all support each other and achieve the weekly goals. There is nothing more motivational than a common goal for a group to achieve, be it to cross the finish line or raise funds and awareness for Feileacain” said Tracy.

“It is our mission is to help people feel healthier, happier and better about themselves so no matter what a persons goal is and it is important to us that these goals are achieved” she added. Tracy went on to explain that Aura have recognised that not everyone wants to use a Gym and a pool and as a result have designed unique fitness programmes specific to the area that people want to workout. “We have listened to our customers and designed a range of results cards for example the “Splash Cards” are for the pool only and cover everything from just getting started in the pool right up to Triathlon training or even your own Aqua Aerobics workout!, or “Cardio”, “Core”, “20 minutes”, “Pick ‘N Mix” are a sample of the other range of cards”. If anyone is interested in learning more about this we would be only too delighted to give them a 4 week results planner which can use some of these cards.

As we all settle into the Autumn season we all begin to reflect on our fitness and healthy lifestyles. For anyone who thinks that they can’t change or that it’s too late… remember your future is in your hands and it’s never too late to start anything. You only have to take a look at the way this group have taken on board their challenges over the last few weeks and I have no doubt that they will have some very proud supporters waiting for them on the finish line.

“It has been a pleasure to support their cause” said Tracy, “if anyone is wondering how they can also donate to this charity we have a Sponsorship card at the reception desk in Aura Youghal Leisure Centre” or call us on 024-91614 for further details.

So as the marathon date comes  closer everyone is fitter and healthier and ready to walk or run the 4 miles.  It will be great to see all the purple t-shirts among all the other charity’s on the day. Each person taking part in the marathon for Féileacáin can add the name of the baby they are doing the marathon in memory of on the back of their t-shirt. Anyone wanting to donate online can find the list of fundraisers for Féileacáin on www.mycharity.ie .

Please take a look on Féileacáin’s facebook page or their website  www.feileacain.ie to see the fantastic work this charity do and send them an email if you want to take part in the marathon or help the charity in any way.There is also a friends of Féileacáin facebook page for anyone wanting to help the charity.

LAST WEEKEND saw the National Inter-County Championships take place at the Portmarnock pitch and putt course in Dublin. On Saturday the Ladies teams took to the course with Dublin winning the title by just six shots from Kildare. On Sunday it was time for the Gents to represent their respective counties in strong winds and difficult weather conditions. On the Cork team were two Youghal players from the six in total, Paudie O’ Sullivan and Club Secretary Anthony O’ Loughlin who is also National Strokeplay Champion of 2011 and who was captain of the county team last weekend in Dublin. Included on the Cork team were Ireland’s number one and two ranked players respectively John Walsh and Ray Murphy. Paudie and Anthony represented their county with pride and didn’t disappoint in front of large crowds who were in attendance.

The two Claycastle players were paired together in the foursomes and sent Cork on their way and gave them the advantage shooting an impressive 45(9 under par). It was then down to the singles where once again the Cork lads never gave up and performed fantastically. Paudie carded a 51 while Anthony posted the score of the day 46(8 under par) and doing so sent Cork on to win the National Inter-County Championships 2011 with a total score of 391(41 under par) thirteen shots clear of second placed Meath on 404. Wexford finished in third place eight shots further back on 412. The Cork team who have now won nine Inter County titles in succession and are a major force in the sport of pitch and putt and hopefully they can make it 10 title in a row next year.

Congratulations to Captain Anthony O’ Loughlin and Paudie O’ Sullivan on great performances and who were a fantastic addition to the County team. 2011 has been the first year since 1999 that Claycastle has had a player represent the County team. In fact this year has been the first year that there have been two Claycastle players on the 6 man team. It has been a tremendous and historic year for our Club with Anthony O’ Loughlin winning the All-Ireland Championships just over a month ago and to have more success so soon is fantastic. It is a year that will not be forgotten for a very long time. For this achievement to occur in the Club’s 25th year makes it that small bit more special.

Other Claycastle Pitch & Putt News

After the success of the Captain’s prize a few weeks ago, the Club’s next major competition is set to take place. The most prestigious of them all, the Noel O’Driscoll memorial prize will begin on Wednesday 21st of September at 2:30pm and will continue on Friday 23rd at 2:30pm. On Saturday 24th play will also begin at 2:30pm while on Sunday 25th September there will be two sessions, the first at 10:30am and the final session of the tournament will get underway at 2:30pm sharp. We hope to see a large turnout and keep the fantastic attendances high as we have seen over the last few officers prizes.
The final major competition of the year will be the Chairperson’s Prize, sponsored by Martin Keohane our current Chairman, and play will begin on Wednesday 28th of September at 2:30pm. There will be an afternoon session on Friday 30th at 2:30pm and play continues on Saturday 1st October at 2:30. While on Sunday 2nd once again there will be two sessions, the first which will get under way at 10:30am and the second at 2:30pm.

On Sunday next the 18th September an adult/juvenile competition will take place where the juvenile players will be teamed up with the adult members. Play will begin at 2:30pm sharp. We hope to see a big turnout.
The Club’s A.G.M. will take place on Wednesday 5th October at the Walter Raleigh hotel at 8pm. All members of the club are more than welcome to attend on the night.
Juvenile competitions will continue throughout the Autumn and Winter months every Saturday morning at 10:30am. All new juvenile members are welcome to partake. For those wishing to avail of free coaching instead of the competition, that will take place at the same time.
We are proud to announce that Claycastle has won the right to host the 2012 National Matchplay Championships here in Youghal. This is a major tournament and we are privileged to host such an event. it will be the largest tournament hosted by Claycastle in the history of the club since 1986. This major championship will take place over the June weekend next year where there will be a total of 96 players taking part, 64 gents and 32 ladies.

James Howes
P.R.O.

Saturday, 17 September this week (at 7.30PM) sees Waterford’s special annual night out for everyone who loves a good show. The fifth annual “123 Festival of Drama” celebrates all things dramatic in Waterford county and city, and is a hugely popular opportunity for Waterford’s many local drama groups and actors (of all ages) to strut their stuff. Just like every year, the 123 Festival offers much entertainment, excellence and great good fun.

With a theme of “The Greatest of These is Love!”, this year’s 123 Festival puts many many drama groups, actors and entertainers on stage showing, in just a brief few minutes, what they can do. The Festival is also a way for Waterford people from all walks of life to get their writing performed – often for the very first time. The festival is one of Ireland’s very rare opportunities for writers to see their work performed in front of a live audience, and has become a recognised route for supporting, encouraging and discovering new talent.

To help the writers and performers improve their craft, each year we have an Adjudicator who offers valuable guidance and suggestions – this year it’s Michael Twomey, star of stage and screen, especially loved for his years in the hit comedy Chah and Miah.

On at the Townhall Theatre, Dungarvan (sponsored by Waterford County Council’s Arts Office, with much valuable support from Dungarvan Town Council), this year over half of The 123 Festival entries feature new writing by Waterford people and the performers themselves. What you’ll see includes:

Kieran Stewart of Waterford with his new play – about the love of property and what happened to us all during the Celtic Tiger years.

Dungarvan Dramatic Club brings along their take on The Crucible by Arthur Miller, a play about love gone wrong in all sorts of ways. With a huge cast, it’ll be interesting to see where they fit everyone on stage.

Hank Regan of Village Players, Dungarvan, continues his fine run of new pieces, with writing about marriage in all its glorious confusion. Also, Push Pull Productions of Waterford are in for a bit of fun with their pieces on the art (and egos) of actors and drama groups!

Sharon Hennessy of Cappoquin will strut a fine bit of Roddy Doyle about the stage; while Aisteoiri an tSean Phobail, Old Parish, presents a piece from one of Ireland’s greatest modern plays, The Weir.

It’s always great to see teenagers showing the oldies how future theatre’s going to look, and the 123 Festival welcomes Emily Aherne and Martina Cullinane of Brideview Drama, Tallow, with their take on family love.

Konor Halpin of Waterford brings the show some political-love with a hilarious riff on the finest of Fine Gael ; and, lastly, Mary Marron of Dungarvan takes us into interesting  new territory with her always quirky writing.
There are many other acts, so come along and join in the fun on Saturday, September 17. If nothing else, the 123 Festival is a great way for budding actors and performers to see how very easy it is to climb the stairs, stand in the light, strike a pose, and let their inner Colin Farrell’s and Soairse Ronan’s out to play!
After the show, there’s a great prize-giving, so everyone’s welcome to stay on and help celebrate. Tickets for The 123 Festival of Drama (Dungarvan Townhall Theatre) are €10 per night and can be booked by calling texting 0876733782, or emailing 123festival@gmail.com. Doors open 7PM and the show starts promptly at 7.30PM.