“The Beauty of Youghal” photographic exhibition in aid of Trocaire’s Famine Appeal at Youghal Credit Union by veteran local photographer Bob Rock is drawing to a close this week. The exhibition was a fantastic success and the Rock family are very pleased with the money raised so far for the famine appeal in East Africa. The remaining unsold prints are now reduced in price from 50 to 25 euro. They would make a lovely Christmas present and also help the charity, so why not drop in to your local Youghal Credit Union and place your order.

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.”

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.”

To visit Bob Rock’s photographic website click here

Count Dracula is coming to the KGK Hall to entertain all at the Halloween Tea Party! This is sure to be a great night and you don’t want to miss out.  The hall will be transformed into the perfect dining experience with a Halloween feel and dancing afterwards from 8.30pm till late on Saturday the 29th of October, all for only €25 per head and yes even better it’s a BYO as in bring your own drink. If you haven’t already booked your place, then give Aine Ormonde a ring on 086 8384441 where she will be happy to reserve your place and answer any questions you may have. Remember not to assume a table is reserved for you, you must call Aine or Billy to reserve a place. Don’t be shy, you can reserve as an individual, couple or group, all will be catered for and all are very welcome. This is going to be a fun night with maybe some surprises in store! Don’t delay; reserve your place now as this is a popular night on the local calendar.
The Fashion Show was a great success and enjoyed by all. We would like to thank Tess and Theresa from Touch of Class Youghal for all their hard work and to remind the ladies (and maybe the men-Christmas is around the corner, a nice gift for the lady in your life!) of the beautiful collection they have in store, to suit all sizes. Be sure to pop in and have a look where Tess and Theresa will be sure to look after you. We must also thank all those who supported the fashion show as well as those who were selling tickets, the sponsors and everyone involved. Your help as always is greatly appreciated.
Anyone interested in doing a First Aid Course in the hall should give Mary Smith a call as she is hoping to give people an introduction to First Aid. This would be a very worthwhile course for all individuals as First Aid is beneficial in so many situations be it in the home, work or out and about. Give Mary a call and she will be happy to fill you in on all the details.
We would like to ask you to keep December 1st free as we hope to organise a Floral Arrangement evening. More details in the following weeks.
At the beginning of our recent meeting we remembered Rose Casey who was a much loved and active member of our community. Rose is dearly missed and we wish to extend our deepest sympathy to her husband Liam, daughters Gina and Sharon and to all those who were closest to Rose. Rest in Peace.
Remember to book the hall or simply make an enquiry for birthday parties, meetings, classes, or anything else you may require the space for you can do so by calling 087 9675399  between 7pm and 9pm.
The KGK Community Sports Hall is kindly sponsored by Tallow Area Credit Union.

KGK HERITAGE SOCIETY
At the recent meeting of the KGK Heritage Society there was a lot of interest and excitement at the projects that are being considered. Knockanore , Glendine and Kilwatermoy as you know is steeped in history and this newly formed group looks forward to gathering all the  information  they possibly can to rediscover our past so that future generations can benefit and be proud that all was not lost and forgotten. This is an open group and anyone is more than welcome to join. If you have any information to contribute then put it on paper  before it’s forgotten and please come along to the next meeting or you may contact one of the newly elected officers. Billy Cantillon was voted chairman, Pat Casey as secretary and Eileen Mc Carthy-Thompson as PRO. Already there are members of our community working hard to make detailed notes on various projects, i.e. Births, Deaths and Marriages, Field names, Local Folklore, Monuments and  Holy Wells etc. There are hopes of cleaning up our local bridges and gathering the stories the children that attended our local schools wrote about our community in 1938! As you can appreciate all this will take time but step by step we’ll continue to explore our past and invite you all to come along and discover your heritage with an open active determined group. We hope to have a meeting once a month, the date of which is soon to be confirmed. We’ll keep you posted.

Brussels can seem a long way from Co. Cork, but that’s exactly where Irish EU Officials Teresa O’ Driscoll and Michael Hamell will be heading this week. Ms. O’ Driscoll who works for the EU in Alicante will be visiting her former school Pobalscoil na Trionóide in Youghal on Monday the 17th of October.

Mr. Hamell who works for the European Commission in Brussels will visit the School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences UCC on Friday the 21st of October.

Ms. O’ Driscoll and Mr. Hamell will be amongst almost 50 Irish people working in EU-Institutions across Europe who will be coming home to visit their old schools and talk to secondary school students about how the EU works and career opportunities available.

“This is the third time Irish EU officials have taken part in the ‘Back-to-School’ activity. It’s clear that Irish people working for the EU are really keen on taking part and letting young people know what is out there for them.”, said Barbara Nolan, Head of the European Commission Representation in Ireland.

Amongst them are officials from the European Central Bank in Frankfurt, the EU Delegation in Sarajevo or the Joint Research Center in Petten. All in all, almost 50 Irish EU officials will be taking part in the “Back to School” activities this year – from translators to scientific researchers and financial managers. They will get the chance to talk to young people at home and hear their views. It’s also a chance to let students know about careers in the EU, the challenge of living and working abroad as well as issues of broader interest such as climate change and the EU’s response to the economic crisis.

Background

The ‘Back to School’ initiative is taking place across the EU. It all started in 2007 when the German officials went ‘back to school’ to mark the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome and it proved so popular that it has expanded every year, with more and more people taking part.

For more information and a list of all participating schools and officials go to

http://ec.europa.eu/ireland/education/back_to_school/

Sinn Féin TD for Cork East Sandra McLellan has said that the government is contradicting itself on the issue of voting rights in presidential elections for Irish citizens in the north and abroad.

Deputy McLellan said that despite commitments from the Taoiseach, Fine Gael and Labour Senators last week voted down a Sinn Féin motion in the Seanad on the issue.

Deputy McLellan called for clarification from the government.

She said:

“The Taoiseach Enda Kenny recently gave a commitment to my party leader Gerry Adams that the proposed constitutional convention will consider the issue of voting rights, including those of Irish citizens in the north, for future Presidential elections. However his commitment does not tally with the actions of his government colleagues who voted down a Sinn Féin motion last week on this issue.

“Clearly the government is contradicting itself.

“Fine Gael is on record as stating that Irish citizens living outside the 26 counties should be allowed to vote in presidential elections, subject to certain conditions, and likewise the Labour party is on record as advocating the extension of voting rights.

“However we now have the bizarre situation where both government parties talk about supporting the extension of voting rights, but when it comes to a vote, they stand in opposition to the idea.

“The government cannot continue to pay lip service to Irish citizens in the north and abroad. They must clarify their position on this important issue.

“Sinn Féin will continue to work with all political parties and organisations including the One Voice, One Vote campaign to ensure that the rights of the people in the six counties are the same as those in Galway, Dublin and Cork.”

YOUGHAL CONCERNED CITIZENS MEETING OCTOBER 2011
By Christy Parker | Photo: Will McGoldrick | Graphic: YOL

Some confusion persisted amongst the Youghal Concerned Citizens group regarding remedial work to facilitate the re-opening of the Diving Rocks on the Lighthouse Hill. The meeting was informed by chairman Jimmy Flanagan that builder Gerry Dennehy, who had volunteered to undertake the work to Cork County Council specification –subject to the necessary materials also being provided- had secured the necessary insurance cover to undertake the task.

However Youghal Town Council’s September meeting heard that Cork County Council was in the process of securing the estimated €21,000 to conduct through tender. This appraisal was delivered at a time when Mr. Dennehy’s insurance cover had not been secured.

Some discussion ensued across several points; whether it was still relevant that the YCC volunteer had acquired insurance cover, what time projection the county council held as regards undertaking the project and even if voluntary work on such a scale remained practical and acceptable in the eyes of statutory authorities these days. One argument suggested thanking Mr Dennehy for his offer and leaving the work to the county council’s process. Another line of thought proposed contacting the town clerk for clarification and this was agreed.

Limited company

Further debate was conducted on the merits of assuming limited company status and of registering a trademark. Chairman Jimmy Flanagan said inquiries had revealed that the move would provide some protection to the group for large events such as an enhance mackerel festival, but not as much as had been hoped. The issue of using a trademark for marketing purposes also brought conflicting opinions, while caution was expressed about transforming what is effectively an all-embracing community group into a company, even if only for the sake of asset protection and marketing. Secretary Adrian Hyde said the issues of financial liability and matters like insurance cover were being confused. It was opted to invite expert opinion to the next meeting to clarify the situation in all its aspects.

No allotments

The question of allotments was briefly discussed, with confirmation that the town council had informed the group that there were no allotment spaces currently available in the town. From the floor and as point of information, it was stated that a group that had sought allotments had acquired €1,800 grant from Cork County Council. Youghal Comhaltas had provided some limited space so they could acquire experience but, having to “travel 10 miles out of town” to find a suitable patch, the group was now fading.

Treasury, BEAG and Marketing,

The group’s finances stand at €1,082, following €309 spent on insurance and €1,800 funding from Youghal Credit Union towards the upcoming Halloween festival.

A letter from the Blackwater Estuary Action Group (BEAG) opposed to the treatment of hazardous waste at Eras Eco, was read to the meeting. The letter explained that BEAG was continuing its campaign behind the scenes, with on-going contact with Bord Pleanála and with the EPA on issues relevant to licensing and the company’s Environmental Impact Statement. It noted that Eras Eco Ltd had not yet applied for its licence renewal. BEAG had also entertained a presentation of the Aqua Critox technology intended to treat the hazardous waste and had been in touch with SCFI, the manufacturing the technology are awaiting a visit to the company’s base in Ringaskiddy to further investigate the technology. Posters and petitions were on-going and it was hoped to amass 10,000 signatures opposing the plant’s plans. In due course another public meeting and possibly a street protest would ensue.

Marketing was next on the agenda. It was accepted that the summer’s ‘meet and greet’ initiative aimed at tour bus companies had been a great success. More tour busses had visited Youghal as a result and many others had stayed longer, with passengers making their way onto the town’s streets. It had been a late-nurtured idea and plans for next summer were now in progress to progress it further and hopefully to establish Youghal firmly as a stopping point for the tour companies. The YCC marketing section intended to compile video and brochure presentation for tour buses, while also providing training programmes for those who will greet the arrivals, of which there are currently about 20 volunteers.

Other marketing suggestions included targeting the Youghal diaspora (preceding a similar initiative mooted by the Global Irish Economic Forum in Dublin a day later!). It was agreed to seek a meeting with the Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group ( YSDDG) to contemplate a co-ordinated approach.

Halloween festival

Preparations for the upcoming inaugural ‘Halloween Spooktacular’ are at an advanced stage, the meeting heard, with flyers and posters going to print the following day. The secretary said the feedback from the public and business community was thus far very positive. “Any clubs or individuals participating in fancy dress –child or adult would be most welcome and add to the occasion and to participate in the 3 pm parade on Saturday October 29th.

The packed schedule, covering three days, would include a headless horseman riding down the main street, presentation on the Witch of Youghal, a witch trail, treasure hunts, pumpkin competitions, storytelling, fortune tellers and even a display of torture machines in Barry’s Lane. Many other attractions and novel activities would be included in what was described as “a unique and big selling point” for the town.

Treasurer Ruth Lee asked that volunteers for the YCC collection day on Friday October 28th. Anyone who can donate eve an hour of their time can contact the secretary on 024-91355. The next meeting of the YCC will take place on Thursday November 3rd in the Red Store at 7.30 pm.

Loneliness And Isolation Features Highly At Youghal Community Alert AGM.
By Christy Parker

CONCERN over lonely and isolated elderly people and was a prominent issued raised at October’s Youghal and District Community Alert meeting. The occasion was also the group’s AGM and was conducted in Cumann na Daoine following the unavailability of the Walter Raleigh hotel.

Outgoing chairman Michael Beecher commenced proceedings by asking Pa Forrest to deliver the treasurer’s report, which showed a current balance of €1,043.45 from an opening sum of €905.08. A Red Store coffee morning with guest speakers had brought a debit of €120 while the annual church gate collection month collected €1,042.35.

Crime report

Community Garda Peter Queally delivered the monthly crime report, while deviating from previous practice in largely not identifying specific times and areas. There had been just one theft from a shop over the previous month and two general thefts and gardai had conducted 10 street drug searches of which there were three arrests for possession. Six public order incidents were detected, three burglaries -one of which was aggravated burglary- had occurred, alongside three criminal damage offences and one drink driving arrest.

The aggravated burglary had occurred in the Quality Hotel at approximately 5.30 am on September 12th. The night porter had disturbed an intruder, who launched a brief attack. Nothing had been stolen and an investigation is on-going.

Garda Queally said October and November are prime months for burglaries and advised that property owners take all common sense precautions, such as securing doors and windows, keeping valuable possessions concealed and also being mindful of elderly neighbours, etc.  He described how recently a local woman, 87 and accustomed all her life to keeping her door open, was visited by two men. They demanded money and when told she had none, asked for her bank details. “She was sharp enough to change the last two digits,” revealed the garda, “but it illustrates the danger. A neighbour had seen the walk in but had presumed they were relatives or something.”

Underage drinking

The garda said Sergeant John Sharkey had addressed the Junior Cert and transition year students, but nonetheless there had been three incidents of underage drinking detected following the exam results. The miscreants had been brought to their homes and details referred to the Juvenile Liaison Officer for further pursuance. “It was a busy enough night and the real perpetrators were those that acquired the alcohol for them,” he proceeded, adding gratefully that the night had produced “no public order incidences.”

New committee

Before new officers were elected, outgoing chairman Michael Beecher thanked all who had participated in the group’s work during his tenure. He paid tribute also to those who assisted with installing 21 socially monitored alarms lately, noting that willing hands remained available to accompany the chief installer, ‘Joe from Wexford,’ in installing the outstanding 10 alarms form the current tranche of 31. Garda Queally proposed that food money for the installers should be provided from the group’s finances on such occasions and this was agreed. Mr. Beecher further thanked outgoing committee secretary Kaye Curtain and likewise treasurer Pa Forrest, regular attendees, members of the media and the Walter Raleigh for its excellent co-operation in providing meeting space.

The new committee was then elected, with Desmond Davis proposed as chairman from the floor and elected unopposed. Des, as he is known, is a Wicklow man resident in Youghal for over three years and is also chairman of the Care and Repair project. Michael Beecher swapped chairs to assume the role of secretary, again unopposed, while Moss Heaphy takes over as treasurer from Pa Forrest.

Attendances

The first issue to confront the new committee came from the floor when ideas were sought by which to attract greater numbers to the monthly meetings. That attendances in recent months have been quite small, is probably due to several factors; primarily the relatively low level of crime in the area, people reluctant to travel at night to a meeting, especially in bad weather and  -according to the group generally- detailed  coverage from the local media addressing people’s curiosity.

Following some discussion, it was decided that November’s meeting will be a morning session at the Red Store, with complimentary tea/coffee and scones. It is hoped that the convenience of time and venue will entice elderly members of the community to attend but also family members and anyone with questions or concerns regarding any aspect of community or personal security.

Alone, lonely and vulnerable

There was considerable discussion on the plight of what initiatives the group could make to address the issue of elderly people alone and vulnerable. That there is a widespread, sad and silent problem out there was evident from the testimony of those who had helped to install the monitored alarms and those involved with the Care and Repair project. Several spoke of the intense loneliness being experienced by many people in Youghal in the latter years of their lives.

They described how elderly people, often ignored by their own family, welcomed tradespeople into their homes as much if not more, for the social interaction as for the work at hand. “We chatted over tea for a couple of hours in her kitchen. There was no fire lighting and no television on. She said that every day was just so lonely. It was heart breaking,” testified one speaker.

From the floor a woman said she had volunteered to join the Care and Repair programme as a companion/assistant for the elderly during worker visit. There was a waiting list however and she wondered how she could become involved. It was explained that currently two tradespersons attended a job but consideration was now being given towards replacing one of those with a companion. The Care and Repair project was currently mostly in need of drivers however so this would be a valuable asset to bring to any involvement.

Re-visits

Garda Queally wondered if a re-visit system could be initiated, by way of providing further reassurance and company for those who were known to be alone and requiring more social contact. The idea was accepted but underlying issues were further aired, including providing identity details to reassure householders, recognition that many elderly people would feel uneasy with visits from people they do not already know.

The new chairman advised that commitment could evolve towards a task that the group might find beyond their capabilities. It was decided also that other sectors of the community might care to become involved in regular visits, with possibly some transition students at Pobalscoil na Tríonóide being encouraged to participate. All told, it was felt that increased liaison between Care and Repair and the Community Alert groups could be beneficial.

Community alert means alert community

A pivotal point was made by Mossy Lynch, co-founder of the Community Alert movement in Ireland and former chairman of the Youghal branch. He said ‘community alert’ meant more than a group or committee being alert, “but,” he asked, “is the community alert to the needs of the people within it –their neighbours.”

Mr Beecher, who had assisted in the installation of the monitored alarms, remarked on how delighted the recipients were, often regarding the reassuring devise as akin to having company in the house. He further reflected that the satisfaction was mutual, his point echoed by others, who agreed that chatting to the more senior members of the community was usually both educational and entertaining. The issue will be revisited at November’s meeting, which will be held in the Red Store at 11 am. Guest speakers may attend and if so details will be announced in due course.

Note: Application forms  for personally monitored and fire alarms are available on-going through committee members, Community Garda Peter Queally and at Youghal garda station (024-92200).

Féileacáin would like to thank the Youghal community and surrounding areas for getting behind them and supporting them in running and walking the mini marathon in Cork on the 25th September. It was fantastic to see all the purple t-shirts in the cork mini marathon this year and Féileacáin definitively made their presence known among all the other charities.

“We felt very proud of everyone who took part”, said Liz Roche one of the founder members, ” We were very proud of our family and friends and people we had never met before all walking together united in the same cause.”

“Féileacáin are also very grateful to Aura Leisure Centre Youghal for all their support and help in getting the participants of the mini marathon, taking part for Féileacáin, fit and health. It made such a huge differences to all the walkers/runners to have the support of all the members of staff at Aura there with every step they took.”

Féileacáin would also like to thank Supervalu for letting them hold a bag packing in there store on Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th September. Féileacáin would like to thank all the customers of Supervalu who dug deep into their pockets and supported Féileacáin over the two days of bag packing.

” The best part of the bag packing was talking to people who were interested to find out about the charity, people chatted, shared their stories and donated money. There was a lovely atmosphere in Supervalu for the few days we were there packing” said Brian Roche, “we are very gratefully to Steven O Sullivan for allowing us to do the bag packing, and his support was very touching. The amount raised for the bag packing was a staggering 1,881 this will go a long way to help the charity help bereaved parents. Thank you Youghal and Thank you Supervalu.”

From this money Féileacáin can put more memory boxes into maternity hospitals all over Ireland, these boxes are a comfort and support to parents who have just lost their precious baby. The boxes help them make memories and keepsakes for their baby .These little keepsakes offer them great comfort from such precious memories in the months and years that follow the loss of their baby . These parents must bury their baby but not their baby’s existences. It is so important to have photos and memories, something they can hold onto and look at. Féileacáin knows photos are so precious, as are the little foot prints and locks of hair. That’s why they work alongside the charity Now I lay me down to sleep and shops like Silverhaven and Precious Prints. Both these companies can turn these precious footprints into charms or Christmas tree decorations. These precious charms can be worn on necklaces and chains for parents to keep their little babies close to their hearts. They also offer 10% back to Féileacáin when people order from them and mention the charity, which helps the charity to reach out, support and help other grieving parents capture their baby’s precious memories.

Now I lay me down to sleep NILMDTS is another fantastic charity who works closely with Féileacáin and go into hospitals to make sure the parents have some beautiful photos of their precious baby, this is all done free of charge by trained professional photographers. Féileacáin and NILMDTS are two amazing charities who to amazing work and wouldn’t not be able to continue this without all the help they get from you the public. Thank you to everyone who both took part and raised money or to those who put their hands in their pockets and gave so generously.

On the 15th October Féileacáin ask if you would come together and remember all the babies and the families they left behind. Support and comfort one another while lighting a candle, in honour of International Wave of Light. International Wave of Light is where people from all over the world light a candle at 7pm for one hour. This results in a continuous wave of light, thought, and memory across the world for 24 hours in remembrance of all the children who die during pregnancy and shortly after birth. To show that they live on in their parents and families hearts and are “Always Loved, Never Forgotten”.

Click on image to see the Féileacáin volunteers and participants who took part in the Cork Mini Marathon 2011. Pics: Bronwen Howley

“Ireland needs someone with experience as President. Gay Mitchell MEP was a TD for 26 years and an MEP for seven. I believe that he has the experience and the international contacts that we need to help bring jobs to this country.

“For too long, we have forgotten what we were good at and what we do well. Agriculture is the star of this economy at the moment and a major creator of jobs. A big part of his role as President would be to help open up new markets and develop existing ones, so that more people can find work in this vital area.

“Speaking at the national launch of his presidential campaign last week, Gay Mitchell described his proposals to lead the charge in promoting mental health, especially for young people. He wants to work with voluntary groups who do important work in the area of mental health. This generation is under great pressure, and we’ve seen too many people take their own lives. It’s time for us to tackle this in a meaningful way.

“I am asking all my supporters to vote for Gay Mitchell as I believe that he is the best person to be President of Ireland.”

TARA O’CONNELL SUCCEEDS HER DAD ON YOUGHAL TOWN COUNCIL
By Christy Parker

TARA O’CONNELL has been selected to succeed her late father Tommy on Youghal Town Council. The co-option took place unopposed at a special meeting of the Youghal Labour Party in the Gate bar on Thursday night October 6th. Labour Party official George Cummins oversaw proceedings which were also attended by local branch Secretary Sean Rush, party members, the O’Connell family and friends. Mr Cummins extended his condolences to the O’Connell family on Tommy’s passing last month following a brief illness.

For Tara, 39 and the eldest of two girls in a family of four children, the occasion was one of pride laced with poignancy. “I was very proud to succeed my dad but very sad he wasn’t there to see it,” she recalls, “particularly as it was something he always wanted for me.” In the event a prepared speech she had scribed went unread. “I just felt too emotional when the moment came,” she says.

Early influence

Tara traces her interest in politics to an early age and her dad’s influence. “I remember canvassing with my father when I was about eight and loving the razzamatazz of it all,” she remembers. “I also had a teacher whose dad was a politician and that intrigued me also.

In time the issues and practice of politics formed a driving force in her life and she duly joined Sinn Féin as had her father before his transference to Labour. After many years in SF, including a stint as chairwoman, she again followed her dad’s footsteps, this time into the Labour party. “I felt their social policies better suited my own ideas on social issues,” she explains. Much of her time in Sinn Féin coincided with the conflict in Northern Ireland and she remains a Republican at heart. “I am delighted to see peace in the Six Counties,” she states, “but I very much support the goal of a united Ireland.”

Social issues

In latter times, as Chair of the Save Youghal Ambulance group, Tara has been to the forefront of the fight to retain an efficient ambulance service in the town. There are on-going negotiations proceeding on that issue, she says” but we hope to issue an update shortly.”

On a broad level, Tara strongly advocates fairness and equality and would trumpet the cause of the less well off, the disenfranchised and the marginalised. “I feel that people on the lower end of the economic scale –the ordinary workers and the unemployed- always take the brunt of things and the latest cutbacks once again exemplify that,” she states.

Her new role as town councillor, Tara “will be following up issues raised by father,” including his rent/rates reduction initiative and a feasibility study into restoring drift net salmon fishing on the Blackwater. “But I very much intend to make my own impact as well,” she insists.

Self help

A single mum of a teenager daughter, the new councillor sees Youghal’s future best served by self-sustainability. “Large industrial investment is not going to come here in the foreseeable future,” she believes, “so we must to rely on ourselves.  That’s why groups like the Youghal Concerns Citizens set such a great example. We have all got to work together to build a better future. I believe at this moment, tourism and heritage projects, along with promoting and assisting the establishment and development of small, individual businesses, offers our best options.”

Pragmatically, she realises that town councils have limited, ever-diminishing power. “That’s why I have always found it unfair that some people automatically blame the council when anything goes wrong. Sure they make mistakes like everyone else, but I think all the councillors have the good of the own at heart and try to do the best they can within the limits imposed on them.”

That may all change for better or worse very soon. In about seven weeks Environment Minister Phil Hogan is set to present to the cabinet his Local Government reform proposals. Things are almost sure to change and maybe change radically. “We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it,” says Tara. Meanwhile she intends to make every moment count on behalf of the town that her late father loved dearly and was staunchly proud to serve.

Rihanna ‘Not Impressed’ With North’s Agricultural Programme.
By Enda Long-Grass.

ROCK SINGER  RIHANNA says she is “very disillusioned” with the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme following her recent trip to the province. The singer took time out during her Belfast concert tour to visit the countryside and investigate how the programme was developing. Unfortunately she was ordered from a field by an irate farmer during her explorations. “One of the stipulations in the 2009-13 Policy document is to ‘encourage diversification of economic activity’ but I didn’t experience anything like that,” says the disappointed singer. “I was testing a cross-cultural media initiative involving turnip-friendly film technology, that could increase turnover without risking subsidy deferment, but I was shown the gate and told to pull it out after me. I think the whole thing needs to be re-generated, preferably with a coinciding education programme for farmers. Right now I want nothing more to do with it.”

On a positive note the singer her faith in the Democratic Unionist Party remains unshaken despite party member Alan Graham disagreeing with her agriculture initiatives. “I still take my shir….er, cap off to Peter Robinson whose wife has long inspired me,” she says.