The Lost Brothers perform “Christmas Must Be Tonight” by ‘The Band’ on The John Murray Show Christmas Special, ‘A Very Murray Christmas’ live on RTÉ Radio 1.

AS CORK SNOOKER takes its seasonal break, with the Cork Billiards and Snooker Association (CBSA) Cork snooker league resuming in mid January it is an opportunity to take a look at this seasons action so far in the thriving sport of ‘Rebel Snooker’ down south in Cork City and County.

After International representation in Malta and Canada for David Cassidy and Greg Casey of the Crucible Snooker Club, on return from Republic of Ireland duty the CBSA had their annual general meeting and all officers elected were as before with the exception of Derek O’Neill of Douglas Snooker Club who became the associations new Chairman.

O’Neill to his credit has been very active getting around to as many games as possible as well as attending both the under 14 and under 16 Cork snooker championships this year so far. The league were saddened to hear that last years champions Shooters from Blackpool would not be competing this season, as well as Fermoy CYMS , so Douglas Snooker Club to their credit entered a second side into the CBSA Cork snooker league.

Early games in the league belonged to Youghal CYMS who were unbeaten home or away, and the return of Aaron Tobin to the side certainly gave Brendan Cooney’s team a fantastic option.

It took a while for the Crucible to get going, but right up until the Christmas break last Thursday Jimmy Hussey’s talented side remain unbeaten with an exciting eight frames to seven frames black ball victory against Youghal CYMS in the Market House, gaining a valuable three away points.

The CBSA Cork snooker league is certainly dominated by both Youghal and the Crucible this year, where both sides have qualified comfortably for the league semi finals, but who will join these two sides is the burning question.

Three sides are now in a position to fill those remaining two spots, the AOH, Douglas ‘A’ and Youghal CYMS ‘B’, with the Morrison’s Island men of the AOH looking definite qualifiers and a battle between Youghal and Douglas to be played out in late January for the other spot. Whoever qualifies will be very hard pushed to make it through to the 2012 final, it really looks likely to be Youghal CYMS ‘A’ and last years runners up, the Crucible in the decider.

At under age level within CBSA this year there were two championships played, the Cork under 14 snooker championship was held at Fermoy CYMS and was eventually won by Youghal CYMS player Noel Landers, who won the event without dropping a frame en-route to victory.

The Cork under 16 snooker championships were held at Youghal CYMS and this was certainly a one man show, with Youghal CYMS player Aaron Tobin breezing his way through the field to secure the Cork county title.

The under age structure at Youghal CYMS is incredible and the standard of players coming through is frightening, from as young as ten years of age upwards are very capable players indeed.

2011 saw the return of top class professional snooker back in the Province for the first time in decades as ‘World Snookers’ Players Tour Championship 8 (PTC8) arrived in Killarney last October and Nine CBSA players entered into the event. The standard was very high and all but one Cork player Ryan Cronin made it through the qualifiying stages to play in the last 128 main event.

Ryan a well known player from the Crucible was unlucky in his match against Stephen Maguire in the main event, but put together a great run in the Amateur Cup, making it as far as the semi finals.

All credit to the Cork players who played in the top class professional tournament and if the PTC returns back to Killarney again next year, I am sure plenty of the ‘Rebel Cue-men’ will enter into the event.

Now Cork Snooker is in its break it will give the players and indeed their clubs time to think ahead to January where as well as league resumption the Munster Snooker Club Championship will start on Friday the 20th of January at the Gleneagle Hotel and there are seven Cork sides involved in the tournament and hopes are high for Cork success next year.

Previous championship winners in 2000 Youghal CYMS ‘A’ will be travelling to Killarney for a consecutive 25th year, which in itself is a fantastic achievement.

Youghal have every chance too, if things go their way , but the Cork favourites going into the event will certainly be the Crucible with Internationals Greg Casey, David Cassidy, Ryan Cronin, Daniel O’Regan and the newly acquired Garry O’Sullivan the Crucible look like potentially the team who could go all the way.

Next year also sees the National under 21 and under 19 championship finals in Cork, when they will be played in Douglas Snooker Club in March. The south side club will also host the Cork Close championships on the 19th of February and one other significant date in Cork for the new year is the 8th of January when the Cork under 19 snooker championships will be held at the Crucible snooker club.

So plenty of top quality snooker to look forward to in 2012, but for now from everyone involved in the game a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful new year. For all Cork snooker information check out www.corkbilliardsandsnookerassociation.com or for all snooker enquiries go to www.ribsa.ie

 

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The Crib at St. Raphael’s will be open to the public from Christmas Day onwards between 10am and 5pm. Please come along and say a prayer. Fr. Joe McGuane, Chaplain St. Raphael’s Centre will celebrate The Christmas Day Mass at 10am and Christmas Carols will be sung by The St. Raphael’s Staff Choir.

The St. Raphael’s Chapel Christmas Crib animation pictured below made by Youghalonline two years ago has become one of the most searched and popular on Google Images. It appears on the front pages ahead of thousands of similar images when searched for animated Christmas Crib.

The Crib in St. Raphael’s Church, Youghal, has always been a place to visit for the people of the town and surrounding areas and much work has gone in to the building of this magnificent structure by the staff of St. Raphael’s Centre, who have dedicated many hours on the decorating of The Nativity scene for the adoration of the birth of Jesus for the people of the town.
Youghal people in times past fondly remember praying at the crib and taken a strand of straw from the Manger as a memento of this most Holiest occasion on the birth of Jesus. Many churches leave the manger empty (without the baby Jesus) until Christmas Day to reflect that Jesus has not yet been born before then.

www.youghalcatholicparish.com

Christmas Liturgical Ceremonies

 MASSES

CHRISTMAS VIGIL  SATURDAY 24th

7.30p.m.           Our Lady of Lourdes Church

7.30p.m.           Holy Family Church

7.30p.m.           St. Mary’s Church

Night Mass

11.30p.m.         St. Mary’s Church

CHRISTMAS DAY      SUNDAY 25th

9.00am             St. Mary’s Church

9.30a.m.           St. Ita’s Church

10.00am           Our Lady of Lourdes Church

11.00am.          Holy Family Church

12 noon St. Mary’s Church

Daily Mass from  19th to 23rd December

8a.m. St. Mary’s Church

10a.m. Our Lady of Lourdes

7.30pm Holy Family  Wednesday 21st

Mass on the 26th December

12.30pm Our Lady of Lourdes Church

Daily Mass from 27th to 30th December

10am Our Lady of Lourdes     Tuesday to Friday

31st December 10am   St. Mary’s Church

Please note no 8am or 7.30pm Mass this week.

SACRAMENT OF PENANCE / Confession

Saturday 17th:       10.30am -11.30am         St. Mary’s Church

Saturday 17th:      After 6.30pm Mass         Our Lady of Lourdes

Saturday 17th:      After 7.30pm Mass         Holy Family Church

Thursday 22nd:    10.30—11.00am.            Our Lady of Lourdes

Friday 23rd:  10.30—11.30am                    Our Lady of Lourdes

Saturday 24th: 10.30am – 1.00pm              St. Mary’s Church

PENITENTIAL SERVICE

Thursday 22nd  December

7.30p.m.—8.30p.m. Holy Family

Carol Services

Sunday 18th  – St. Mary’s Church at 4pm

Led by St. Mary’s Parish Choir

Tuesday 20th December at 7.30pm in Holy Family Hall led by Holy Family Choir

Dickens’s Discount Days – Find fantastic bargains in Youghal this Thursday 22nd December 2011.

Christmas Eve – By Christy Parker

Bated breath, eyes open wide, anticipation wells inside

On the night that culminates past the ‘father of all waits’

Visions of a laden sleigh crossing moonbeams on its way

Induce each hour to tease and test young brittle minds that cannot rest

And who, propelled on shoeless feet, hasten toothpaste across teeth

Lest that wise man knowing why, should see them sleepless and pass by

So scrambled sheets secure and tell the all-seeing eye that all is well

Where palms pressed hard by little fingers authenticate the wait that lingers

Like a song whose chorus when, it finishes starts up again

Is that a noise upon the roof? Could it be a reindeer’s hoof?…

If you’re awake he’ll turn and go, so shut those eyes that he won’t know

But angels gliding by your bed wrap you in sleep and dreams instead

Of morning time that will shed light on the magic of that night

In coloured packages of paper that cannot wait a second later

For young hands that tear in fear that they might somehow disappear

Before the joys so wound and bound inside the packages are found

Meeting friends from far away, home for Christmas, not to stay

Noisy bar in beer-gut scrudge, with precious little scope to budge

Brain engaged in one last push to somehow win that counter rush

Then laden with the liquid force, squeeze back to rejoin the discourse

Now sprouting through intoxication wings of wild imagination

And answering the clarion call of bonhomie and alcohol

Soars you past the stifling clouds of mediocrity and crowds

To the rightful place where you belong: upon the throne of chat and song

An erstwhile Queen amongst your peers in the War of Lending Ears

Your voice is resonant in glory through every charge of joke and story

But the battles not being lost, impose on you that loathsome cost

Of wilting balance, muscles weary, vessels swollen, red eyes bleary

Yet, one more round -make it a double- in this rosy Christmas bubble

Not quite ready to be burst while there remains this ego thirst

Until you cross the beer-strewn floor towards the night and your front door,

Remembering in lurching pause, tonight Mum, you are Santa Claus.

 

“Christmas Eve” taken from  ‘Don’t Step In The Poems’ by Christy Parker available at Alan Prim’s Bookshop, 6 South Main St, Youghal. Co. Cork. Phone: +353 (024)92781

A chara,

As secretary of the Youghal Arts Network, May I take this opportunity to thank you personally for all you’re help and assistance to us during the year and wish you and the team the best of luck for 2012. I wish to publicly thank the committee and members of the Arts Network for great efforts all year in organising our very successful ventures , namely , the Father Ted Night , which is being run again in January next , The 4th Midsummer Gala Ball , which we will continue next June . The Halloween Fancy Dress night , which will run again next October and any ancillary events we participated in during the year . Have a very happy and peaceful Christmas and an eventful new year . Nollag shona dhuit agus ath bhliain faoi mhaise . Donacha O Cearuill , Runai , Youghal Arts Network.

Youghal Lighthouse Offered To Town Council – By Christy Parker

The transfer of Youghal Lighthouse into the care of Youghal Town Council was the subject of a presentation to December’s town council meeting by Tim Ryan, the Inspector of Local Aids to Navigation for the Commission of Irish Lights (CIL).

Mr Ryan began by explaining how the CIL, which dates back to 1665, remains tasked with responsibility for Irish lighthouses, north and south of the border, under the 1894 Merchant Shipping Act. The commission oversees general (outer harbour more or less) navigation across 80 lighthouses, 145 buoys, 488 beacons and several electronic aid mechanisms such as marine DGPS’s, along with 4,200 local (inner harbour) navigation aids, including sea farming.

Technological advances have now surpassed the need for many navigational aids, inclusive of lighthouses and every five years the CIL reviews its remit. Elaborating, Mr. Ryan explained that “there are two buoys south of Youghal to warn general shipping of the dangers from the Barr Rocks and the Blackball Ledge. The lighthouse in turn guides local shipping to the north or west of the dangers. Effectively, if need be, the lighthouse could be replaced by three more buoys.”

Under this criteria, a CIL review in 2010 deemed Youghal lighthouse an aid to local navigation only. Government funding, strictly audited, now only supports assistance to general navigation aids, so the commission wants to hand over the Youghal Lighthouse to the local authority. Similar arrangements continue to occur throughout the country, whereby the CIL will provide advice and assistance but will not advance monetary support.

On departing, the CIL would bequeath a large quantity of the 1,000 watt bulbs (two a year) required to flash warnings, but the remaining cost of maintaining the acquirement was estimated at about €5,000 a year. Cllr O’Connell, to general agreement, suggested that the structure could generate income towards this through tourism initiatives, as has occurred in, to similar circumstances elsewhere. She also wondered -half joking but fully serious- if the house could be handed over at a “knocked-down” price but the CIL representative pleaded that his organisation was as funds deficient as everyone else these days.

No house

Cllr Linehan-Foley reflected the widely-held sentiment that Youghal Lighthouse, in common with the Clock Gate and Town Walls is iconic to Youghal and has to be maintained. So far so good, but the discussion hit the rocks somewhat when Mr Ryan explained that the CIL is only parting with the lighthouse and its adjoining out houses. It will retain ownership of the nearby dwelling and garden that also occupy the compound. The reason for this is quite simply that this section –currently leased as a holiday home- has a market value, which the CIL is in the process of defining.

The CIL envisaged erecting a 2m high dividing fence between both aspects, while creating a separate entrance for the garden. Rejecting this notion, Cllr Liam Burke argued that, “It has been a complete site since Norman times. In fact the Norman’s brought over nuns from the Order of St. Ann in France to run the lighthouse. A dividing fence would tarnish its historical integrity and reduce its heritage value,” he argued as he asked that CIL consider providing the house as well.

Mr Ryan was not of a mind to give away houses however. He suggested two alternatives. “You could either buy it or, perhaps, lease it,” he urged. When light is thrown on the market value of the house and garden, he will inform the council.

 

Related Story: Click here to read ‘Ireland To Pay For Its Own Lighthouses’

 

The launch of the Youghal C.Y.M.S. Calendar 2012 took place at the society’s premises with guest, FÁS supervisor Mary Carson. Speaking at the launch the President of the society William Kelly congratulated all those involved in the making of the calendar and particularly thanked FÁS supervisor Mary Carson and Cathy O’Mahony, resource tutor with the Youghal Adult Learning Centre. Mary Carson, FÁS supervisor, said that she was delighted to be associated with the wonderful work that the Youghal C.Y.M.S. do and could see this especially with the young teenage members as an invaluable place to go within the centre of our community. The President William Kelly and committee of the Youghal C.Y.M.S. would like to wish all the members of the society, the generous sponsors and supporters and in particular the people of the town a very happy and holy Christmas.

The annual Christmas draw took place last Sunday 18th December. Youghal C.Y.M.S. Annual Raffle Results:

1st Weekend for two at Killarney Munster Snooker Championships, sponsored by YCYMS- winner Eamon Walsh, Woodview Court.   2nd SuperValu Hamper sponsored by Brooks SuperValu- winner Christy McMahon, Ballinvarrig, Youghal.   3rd Christmas Hamper, winner Róisín Coleman c/o Lower Cork Hill.  4th €50 Fuel Voucher sponsored by O’Neill Oils Youghal-winner Molly O’Neill, Meadowlands Youghal. 5th Sunday lunch for two sponsored by The Quay’s Bar, Youghal-winner Jacob Maggie, Park Lane.   6th Bottle of Brandy sponsored by Bertie’s Bar-winner Des Reddy, Dermot Hurley Estate.  7th Bottle of Vodka sponsored by JD’s Bar, and Christmas Cake sponsored by Biddy Phelan- winner Tommy Curtin c/o Quay’s Bar. 8th Bottle of Whiskey sponsored by Mackey’s bar- winner Mareka McEvoy, Fleming’s Court.  9th Bottle of Vodka sponsored by The Point Bar, plus four Leisure Centre Vouchers sponsored by Aura- winner Ray Phelan, Raheen Park.  10th Four Bottles Wine sponsored by Aspel Centra, Front Strand-winner Brid Lenihan, c/o Moby Dick’s. Congratulations to all the winners, have a happy Christmas and we will see you all in the new year.

 

Related Video: Steve Davis takes an amazing snooker shot at Youghal C.Y.M.S 2005

SAVE YOUGHAL AMBULANCE PROTEST ILLUSTRATES REALITY
By Christy Parker   

The Save Youghal Ambulance Group’s latest protest against the HSE ‘s proposed changes to the east Cork ambulance service included dramatic simulations of a fatal car accident and a resuscitation scene.

Those attending last Saturday’s demonstration adjacent to the Community Hospital, witnessed the surreal replication of a young man, his leg askew and near severed, ‘blood’ pouring from his head while his female passenger lay motionless and bloodied in the wreckage of their grey Vauxhall.  Paramedics fought desperately to resuscitate a third occupant on the grass verge while a blue blanket covering all but a hand and protruding shoes of a fourth unfortunate indicated that any medical assistance would sadly come too late.

A placard towering over the wrecked car asked, “Will we die waiting?” in reference to the HSE’s planned reconfiguration of the ambulance service. Other placards haunting the grisly scene touted sentiments such as, “HSE makes Cuts –We Bleed” and “Employee of the Year –the Grim Reaper.”

Sinn Féin TD for East Cork Sandra McLellan, Youghal Mayor Eoin Coyne and Youghal Town Councillors Michelle Hennessy, Eoin Flanagan, Mary Linehan-Foley, Michael Beecher and Tara O’Connell, who is also Chairwoman of the Save Youghal Ambulance group, were amongst those who braved the icy midday wind.

The protest comes as the HSE’s prepares to begin implementing changes to the Cork & Kerry ambulance system in east and north Cork early in 2012. The plans include replacing overnight on-call paramedics and Youghal’s fixed base ambulance with a ‘roaming’ first responder paramedic car and a non-emergency vehicle, along with 33% reduction in ambulances in the Cork/Kerry region.

Critics fear emergency ambulances will have long distances to travel and are also unhappy with the Executive’s plans to man rural first responder vehicles with volunteers trained in defibrillator use, a cost-reducing measure that would also reach  HIQA targets for responding to cardiac incidents.

United message

Labour Minister of State for Research and Innovation, Seán Sherlock’s has called for the plans to be postponed, labelling them dangerous to the public as matters stand. Deputy Sherlock says there are many details yet to be adequately processed, “particularly in relation to rural communities,” adding that changes “should be phased in on a trial basis first.”

Meanwhile Deputy McLellan said Saturday’s protest “sends a strong, clear message of ‘hands off our ambulance’ to the government, Health Minister Dr. James O’Reilly and the HSE.” The TD added, “From the first meeting in the Walter Raleigh last summer, we all agreed that this would be a non-political campaign, that everyone would work together, GP’s committee members, politicians and the public and we have to keep that work going.”

Mayor Coyne described the simulations as “a sign of what could become a reality if the cuts are made to our ambulance service. The mayor said he was not particularly in favour of on-call as it stands but would want 24-hour on duty service ideally.

Cllr O’Connell described on -call as “a separate issue within the ambulance service, involving unions and funding and so on. We are simply citizens fighting to keep our ambulance.”

All three speakers are equally united in welcoming first responders “if fully trained to advanced paramedic standards,” as Deputy McLellan put it, “but only in addition to the present ambulance service and not instead of. A rapid respond vehicle manned by a paramedic is not the same as an ambulance manned by an advanced. Obviously we want to be sure that everybody gets the correct proper training to reach advanced paramedic levels,” she concluded.

Local protestor Bernard Leamy, perhaps illustrated the essence of the campaign most poignantly of all as he recalled a recent and first-hand experience. “My son Shane, who is 21, was taken very ill last Saturday and we had to call the Youghal ambulance at 2.45 am. It arrived within 15 minutes. Under the HSE changes it might take an hour to arrive but last week, thanks to the Youghal ambulance, he was in hospital within that hour.”

Meeting

Meanwhile, last week the HSE agreed to meet a delegation consisting of Youghal doctor Declan Matthews, Dr Bertie Daly of Newmarket, North Cork  and Cllr O’Connell to discuss their concerns. The meeting will be held in Naas on Tuesday Dec 20th. “The HSE is not au fait with the demands and conditions pertinent to rural areas and we will be stressing that this untested system could cost lives,” says the councillor.

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The meeting was attended by Town Manager Patricia Power, Town Clerk Liam Ryan, Deputy Town Clerk Helen Mulcahy, Town Engineer Paul Murray, Town Foreman Ger Lupton, Mayor Eoin Coyne (FF) and Cllrs Barbara Murray (FG), Michael Beecher (FG), Michelle Hennessy (SF), Eoin Flanagan (SF), Liam Burke (GP) Tara O’Connell (Lab), Sammy Revins (FF) and Mary Linehan-Foley (FF).

The meeting was permeated by complaints from Cllr Michael Beecher who found the fan heater system adjacent to which he was sitting aggravating towards his throat and his asthmatic condition. As the councillor’s coughing and hoarseness increased, he turned off the heating. This rapidly decreased the room temperature much to the discomfort of his chamber colleagues, particularly Cllr Michelle Hennessy, who sits alongside Cllr Beecher but who was suffering flu symptoms. In a co-operative effort unprecedented in Irish politics, the Fine Gael and the Sinn Féin representatives even swapped seats in a bid to assist each other. Sadly it proved great in gesture but short in success as eventually Cllr Beecher, hoarse, terse and half way through his third packet of Strepsils, made a heartfelt plea that the system be replaced by “proper storage heaters.” It remains to be seen whether this demand on democracy will be met.

The meeting began with what would transpire to be a lengthy diversion into matters of the departed, following confirmation that Youghal Town Council would heretofore operate the Joint Burial Board in conjunction with Cork County Council. The town manager turned the sod on the debate as she revealed that the burial budget for 2012 included €40,000 towards upgrading the cemetery lodge and €20,000 towards the provision of a future graveyard. Additionally the budget provides, for the first time, for two ‘cremation garden’ plots @ €300 per plot, thought these plots would “not be available as advanced sales.” Ms Power said Youghal Town Council would contribute €64,765 towards the Burial Board’s expenditure for 2012, while Cork County Council would pay €33,000 for the same purpose. The town clerk then explained the debt in terms of anticipated expenditure being €114,029 and income €16,000, leaving a deficit of €98,029.

Plots of room…

Mr Ryan then outlined a €100 increase in grave prices for 2012, meaning a single grave would cost €700, a double plot €1,400 and a triple size plot €2,100. Cllr  Revins remarked that there was no cost reduction in acquiring double or triple plots but the town clerk explained that here was “no sense in incentivising” such plots given the limited space in the cemetery. Elaborating, he said three, six and nine people can be interred in the respective plots but that presently up to 90% of plots were not full, because people over-estimated usage when buying them. Children of deceased, for example, through various circumstances such as marriage, etc., were buried elsewhere when their earthly time ran out. “So you get one person in double plots and two in triple plots,” proceeded Mr Ryan, before noting with unintended irony that “the life cycle of the graveyard,” was being shortened due to such over expectation. Meanwhile, he added, a grave can be re-utilised 20 to 25 years after being filled.

The matter refused to die as Cllr Hennessy objected to the price increases on the basis that the living were already suffering enough economic hardship without death adding to their debts. Both Mr. Ryan and the town manager tried to bury her concerns by arguing that Youghal was an extremely economic place, in which to be buried, compared to the rest of the county as documented in the auditor’s report (costs have increased 100% in Dublin). Additionally, the burial costs were only about 10% of an overall funeral expense and the money helped towards the graveyard’s perpetual maintenance, so to speak and not just the burial. Responding to a query from Cllr Linehan-Foley, the assistant town clerk said there were government grants of up to 90% available to people in difficult circumstances towards burials. Cllr Beecher, rather hoarsely, said the Credit Union would also help to bury one, though not in those precise words.

Still the issue wouldn’t lie down, as it emerged that should the cost increases not be applied, the proposed work on the lodge would be compromised. Ultimately only Cllr Flanagan supported Cllr Hennessy’s counter-motion against the renewed costing and the increases were approved 5-2 in a vote.

Grave concerns

No sooner had the clay settled on that issue than Cllr Revins unearthed a fresh graveyard gripe. He wanted burial bye-law changed to allow families of the bereaved to install level-ground kerbs around grass graves pending agreement with the town council to care and maintain such plots. He said people had expressed such requests to him. Cllr Linehan-Foley supported the call, arguing that people who owned plots had the right to this privatised, individualistic pursuance.

Cllr Murray wasn’t too supportive, feeling graveyard maintenance should primarily be undertaken by the graveyard caretaker. Mr. Ryan concurred, as he pointed out that the section of the graveyard effectively in question –namely N,P,Q and R-, was deliberately designed as a lawned area and was being maintained to a high standard. Between re-openings and, sometimes, inevitable neglect, the task of maintenance would become very difficult if the bye-law was amended for any kerbing The town manager –being a Cork County Council official- voiced health and safety concerns in the land of the non-living. “You haven’t listened! It’s about ground-level kerbs!” rebuked Cllr Revins in vain, as Ms Power recalled an incident whereby an unfortunate man recently lost an eye through a piece of flying kerb whilst strimming in a graveyard. She offered to provide a report on the why lawn only graves were preferable. Eventually Cllr Burke laid the debate to rest –subject to future resurrection- when his suggestion that a subcommittee of the Joint Burial Board discuss it following the manager’s report. “I hope it doesn’t go on for two years like DeValera Street did,” remarked Cllr Revins, no doubt in fear of Hell. Meanwhile anyone with opinions on lawn or kerbing in the graveyard is asked to convey them to councillors.

Lighthouse

The meeting was then received a presentation from Tim Ryan,  of the Commission of Irish Lights, on the proposed transfer of the lighthouse to the care of Youghal Town Council. CLICK HERE for more on this article

Votes of Congratulations:

Cllr Linehan-Foley congratulated teenage athlete Fergal Curtin on his 27 All Ireland medals amassed to date, with the previous weekend’s county championships the latest addition. The councillor also paid tribute to young boxer Adam Curley who recently won his first bout in an Irish shirt. She extended recognition to parents of all young athletes and achievers for their supportive efforts. An award night to honour formally these successes is anticipated for next February. The councillor further congratulated Clodagh Mahon, Catherine Desmond and the heritage committee on the town hall Santa and the Collegiate Church craft fair initiatives recently.

Cllr Murray congratulated the Youghal Concerned Citizens for their year of events, including the on-going Dickins’s Christmas celebrations that were bringing a more festive atmosphere to the streets. She conveyed best wishes also to Chris O’Brien of the Imperial Hotel on the launch of his new food product (pies and chowders) product. Likewise, she acknowledged David Browne of Youghal Bay Seafood on the development of his new, pasteurised crab meat product. Finally, she congratulated all involved with the crib installation at Barry’s Lane.

Mayor Coyne paid tribute to Pobalscoil na Tríonóide teacher Tracy Kennedy on being appointed the first female PRO of Cork County GAA Board. He recognised the re-launch of the Walter Raleigh also and urged that locals support the enterprise. The mayor then congratulated the Youghal Junior B Football team –of which he was a member- on their recent East Cork title.

Votes of Sympathy:

These sentiments on behalf of the council are generally conveyed in private but exception was made when Cllr O’Connell expressed her condolences to the family and friends of the late Mary Smiddy who died in such tragic circumstances following an electrical malfunction in her home in Gortaroo recently.

Cllr Beecher complained once again of the heating system in the chamber and some sympathy was forthcoming there also.

Town Foreman’s Report:

Cllr Burke sought remedy for potholes at Nealon’s Quay and also a wall between the Strand Church and Tennis Court, as previously mentioned.

Dominic Collins potholes

Cllr Linehan-Foley drew attention to “craters” at the rear of the Fair Field/Dominic Collins’s Place. She knew there was a resurfacing/lighting plan for the area but wanted the potholes filled meantime. Likewise the footpath in that area needed levelling. The mayor echoed the sentiment, adding concern over poor lighting in the area.

Cllr Beecher complained similarly about the Dominic Collins’s area. He asked if double yellow lies could be installed there too to deter parking on the footpath, given that such vehicles were causing considerable problems for some residents who have visual impairment. The councillor then said a section of road surface at Dolphin’s Square was crumbling. He sought information on any reaction to vile anti-social behaviour at the College Gardens/Adoration Chapel and learned that increased lighting was being installed there.

Parklands criminality

Cllr Beecher briefly pre-empted Cllr O’Connell in drawing attention to rampant vandalism at an unoccupied section of an estate at Parklands and hoped the town council could assist with a remedy.

Cllr O’Connell then described how young people have been persistently destroying eight properties in at the lower end of Parkland. This has included destruction of fixtures and fittings and even arson, which was spreading fear amongst the nearby occupied houses. Some perpetrators had had the nerve –or stupidity- of scrawling their names on the wall and -in one case at least- advertising their criminality on Facebook. Names had been supplied to the gardaí. Meanwhile the councillor had contacted the developer, who had expressed a willingness to consult with the council towards bringing the houses into occupancy.

Cllr Murray suggested that “technically” it’s not a council problem and the developer was responsible for security. She asked whether he had contacted voluntary housing agencies and was told that this had been done to no apparent avail. Lighting, said Cllr O’Connell, was insufficient to support security cameras.

The town clerk said the issue was specifically a matter for the developer. He understood also that there was agreement in place to have some houses in the purchased but they remained unfinished, thus raising other issues. Mr. Ryan explained that the council had taken the maximum allowed in terms of social housing in the estate and it was not an option to acquire any more, partly because it would “create the wrong social mix” and partly because the government, wouldn’t fund any further purchases. The mayor’s suggestion that the issue be raised at the Joint Policing Committee in January was accepted, as the increasingly hoarse Cllr Beecher again pleaded that storage heaters be installed.

Cllr Flanagan asked that a pothole at the top of Windmill Hill be filled and a faded road ‘Stop’ sign be repainted at the exit to Gort Aobhinn to Cork Hill. Cllr Murray referred to ponding at Blackwater Heights.

Public lighting

Cllr Hennessy complained that a lot of public lights were now not working in the town’s estates. Cnoc Aobhinn was particularly bad and it was a dark and dangerous situation. She asked how people could complain and to whom, given they were not council-managed estates. Cllr Murray said there were similar problems at Srathaán na Salí and elsewhere and nobody seemed to harbour responsibility, whether architect or lighting departments. As Cllr Hennessy reiterated that the developer was apparently un-contactable, it emerged that a low-call number to report for malfunctioning lighting was posted on poles. The number was given as 1850-372772.  Office hours are 8.30-5.30 Mon to Fri; also online reports to www.airtricity.com However, as Cllr Murray reflected, complaints previously submitted have brought poor responses.

Cllr O’Connell sought an update on plans to prevent parking and thus alleviate blind spots at the exit from estates across from Crowley’s garage, as raised some time back by former Cllr Donie Daly. The town clerk said an overall plan to redefine the town entrance from the Rhincrew to Greencloyne roundabouts would be incorporate the entrances this would be presented to the council’s February meeting. Cllr O’Connell also echoed concerns over the potholes and footpaths at Dominic Collin’s Place. The councillor concluded with a plea that parking on double yellow lines at the Parish Church was prevalent and needed to be addressed.

The mayor was concerned about ponding at O’Gallagher’s Mews and also opposite the entrance to Lidl.

County Council Items:

Cllr Linehan-Foley asked if disabled parking bays could be repainted on the main street and at Cuman na Daoine following the road resurfacing. She wanted potholes at the Knockaverry higher road repaired also. The town clerk said the area needed total resurfacing and suggested that councillors prioritise it for next February’s non-national road grant funding. Cllr Beecher wanted a sign for Kilcoran Road erected as previously requested.

Parking, shredding, ponding and fishing

Cllr Hennessy complained that an extra car parking space provided on North Main Street was too close to the bottom of Cork Hill and so forcing vehicles to stop in the yellow box when turning right. The councillor protested that there was no provision for disposing of shredded paper at the landfill site, due to the small bin apertures. The engineer said it was a matter for the county council’s Environment Department and should be raised at the county council meeting. Cllr Beecher recalled that operatives had opened the back of a container on his behalf in similar circumstances. Cllr Hennessy asked that ponding problems of some seven years standing –or perhaps swimming- be addressed at Clonpriest, as an adjacent local, who is visually impaired cannot now leave his house.

Cllr Murray asked that signage urging fishermen to remove all discarded fishing lines, hooks etc., from the Slob Bank due to the danger to dogs and children and others also using the public facility. She further requested that the Claycastle car park be cleared of rubbish and bins, especially in lieu of Christmas, visitors, swimmers etc.

Cllr Flanagan also drew attention to the need for disability bays to be re-painted but the town engineer said it was unlikely to occur before Christmas. Unimpressed, Cllr Hennessy stressed that disabled people badly needed these spaces.

Planning Applications:

Following all submissions and considerations planning permission has been granted for the Day Care centre on the grounds of the Community Hospital, Cork Hill.

Reports:

End of year reports in lieu of the Heritage Municipal Policy Committee (Cllr Burke), HathertonLtd., T/A Enterprise Youghal (Cllr Hennessy and Claycastle Leisure Co., Ltd (Cllr Linehan-Foley) were each deferred to “the new Year.”

Unresolved Motions:

Cllr Murray drew attention to the unsightly hoardings at the two closed off viewing balconies near Moll Goggin’s Corner be replaced with a wall, in the interests of visual presentation. Cllr Linehan-Foley however insisted that the viewing balconies should not be abandoned as such. The engineer said he would refer it to the Senior Engineer and report back.

Correspondence:

An application for funding assistance –€500 allocated- from the Youghal Concerned Citizens group sparked concern that there was some duplication in projects between the YCC and the Chamber of Commerce (annual council grant of €10,000). “They (the YCC) mention special interest handbooks, a DVD and training ambassadors,” said Cllr Linehan-Foley. “I thought that’s what we give the Chamber money for.” The mayor felt both groups should “cooperate and communicate” in addressing the issue and accepted Cllr Linehan-Foley’s suggestion that he write to both bodies with that suggestion. Cllr Murray concurred, recollecting that Bord Fáilte was set to undertake an ambassador training programme with the Chamber. “There’s no point in duplication,” she said.

Weather warnings and precautions

As Cllr Beecher gasped for survival, the town manager strongly urged that councillors and the general public become familiar with the county council’s revised guidelines on weather and matter associated with freezing and flooding conditions, as experienced in recent years. Information available on the county council’s website deals with all aspects of weather-related consequences, from self, neighbour and property protection to safe practices, insurance requirements and weather warnings. Relevant contact assistance numbers are also provided. Additionally, information can be downloaded in brochure format and such brochures are also available from councillors and in most public service outlets such as town hall, library, etc. See www.corkco.co.ie

Finally, the town clerk noted that there had as yet been no requests from residents associations as to the location of salt and grit reserves, in tandem with the provision for the dispersion of these reserves by such residents if need be. Youghal Town Council is on (024) 92926. The last meeting of 2011 concluded with Cllr Beecher first to leave the room.