EARLIER STARTS OR ‘MEETINGS ON THE MOVE’ BEING CONSIDERED BY YOUGHAL COMMUNITY ALERT.

By Christy Parker

Youghal & District Community Alert group is considering options that might boost attendances at its monthly meetings. Amongst the measures being contemplated are switching to morning or afternoon meetings instead of  the present 7.45 pm  and with increased accent on providing a community information service and regular guest speakers. Meetings may convene in bar or function rooms, with accompanying refreshments. This would replicate November’s meeting, which was held in the Nook bar on a midweek morning and attracted some new faces and favourable observations. On the downside, it is known that some people were not comfortable with attending a pub (let alone in the morning to hear warnings on drug abuse!).

Another alternative would see the group remain in situ at Cumann na Daoine but times during the day or evening to facilitate those attending other events to proceed to the Community Alert meeting thereafter. A further innovation being considered is to rotate meetings in various residential centres in co-operation with various community committees and where there would be particular emphasis on issues within that community or estate, etc. One argument however against change is that fluctuating meeting times is probably not for the best.

The issue was raised at December’s meeting by Chairman Des Davis, before a handful of regulars who have emerged as the group’s core and driving force. The poor attendances can be interpreted in several ways, not all of which are negative. The absence of serious crime (at the risk of tempting fate) probably dilutes interest, while the media coverage perhaps provides many people with sufficient information on developments.

Equally, it was observed at December’s meeting, elderly people in particular are reluctant to travel at night due to the cold and darkness and the cost and requirement of public transport. “Besides, without tea and scones, it’s very hard to get anyone to come out at night anyway!”, noted one man at December’s meeting.

Having existed, albeit relatively dormant, for many years through the efforts of founder Moss Lynch, the Y&DCA was effectively re-launched three years ago following a ‘Halloween nightmare’ of vandalism and criminality on the main streets. The circumstances saw the early meetings well attended. In later times, quality has surpassed quantity, enabling the group to bring indelible improvement to the community. This is reflected particularly in the acquisition and installation of over 100 socially monitored alarms along with formation of the highly valued Care and Repair service and the Community Bus initiative which were offshoots of the local Community Alert movement.

Yet, as the chairman stressed, larger attendances such as convenes at community alert meetings in other jurisdictions, remains an ambition. The matter will be discussed further at January’s meeting.

Earlier, December’s meeting saw Mossie Murphy circulate his treasurer’s report, which showed current assets at €1,759.45.

Crime Statistics

Community Garda Peter Queally then provided crime statistics covering the period October to December. These were as follows: Thefts: 7; Assaults: 2, including one serious incident that coincided with the burning of a hearse and a couple of burglaries, all of which were perpetrated by the same people on one particular night. Arrests had been made and court proceedings were anticipated;

Drugs: 9 for possession (own use) and 2 for sale and supply;

Criminal Damage: 6, some of which involved stones and eggs being thrown on Halloween night. The garda pinpointed an increase in antisocial behaviour in the town, particularly in the vicinity of the College Gardens and Adoration Chapel but also on the main street. He said ASBOs had been issued and more would follow, along with whatever measures the gardaí deemed necessary to problem including, in due course, court proceedings. In response to an inquiry from the floor, he clarified that ASBOs can also be served on adults;

Theft/MPV (breaking into and stealing from private vehicles) 2: Garda Queally stressed that goods and valuables should be concealed form view at all times to discourage this common and simple crime;

Drunk Driving: 3; Domestic Incidents (violence in the home): 5, which were referred to the HSE; Burglaries: 3; Underage Drinking: 1; Public Order Offences: 7.

The chairman Des Davis welcomed evidence that an increasing amount of people appear to be availing of services that assist in treatment for drug problems. He added however, that prevention being better than cure, the community at large should not cease to consider ways to dissuade people, particularly the young, from falling into the trap of drug taking in the first place.

Alarms

Garda Queally said there had been about 30 socially monitored alarms installed over the past year, at a grant-aided cost of €6,600. Currently, the group owed about €600 to alarm installation company TASK, in lieu of different alarm pendants and watches, re-installation of alarms handed back, etc. It was agreed to pay this forthwith.

From the floor it was mooted that people in rural areas be prioritised for future alarm installations as several people in town had changed their minds about retaining the devices. A reluctance to pay the €60 annual maintenance fee was cited as a prime reason for this. However it was decided that any discrimination in the installation of alarms would be a mistake in practice.

Garda Queally said uptake on smoke alarms remained low. Simultaneously, it was noted, individuals who had applied for smoke alarms were experiencing delays in acquiring them because there needed to be about ten or so applications made before Cork County Council would provide them. Garda Queally said the delay was also due to the county council’s failure to return some application forms that had been forwarded to the wrong department.

Carbon monoxide

Community Alert Treasurer Michael Beecher drew attention to the issue of carbon monoxide alarms. He said they were available for €29 in hardware shops. He stressed the inherent danger of (odourless) carbon monoxide emissions in particular at Christmas, where extra electrical could prompt sudden energy surges. The group agreed to consider the possibility of subsidising such alarms for those who could not afford them. This will be considered more fully at January’s meeting along while the possibility that currently available smoke alarms also monitor carbon monoxide is also to be investigated.

Attention then turned to a house in the town that has become available for rent, as a voice from the floor asked whether a plea from the group could be made to the landlord that the incoming resident/s would be of good character. The issue was raised on foot of a death having occurred in the premises previously and consider distress having been incurred subsequently by a neighbour who was mourning the passing of close relative at the time. Another contributor suggested the “residents’ network” make recommendation. Garda Queally said he would recommend that the gardaí follow up the issue and this was agreed.

The next Community Alert meeting will be held in Cuman na Daoine on Tuesday January 3rd at 7.45 pm

end

CONFIDENCE PERSISTS AS WALTER RALEIGH HOTEL RE-LAUNCHED
By Christy Parker

Over 60 guests spanning Youghal’s business, politics, sport, art and culture sectors attended the official re-launch of the Walter Raleigh hotel. Local man-made-GAA President Christy Cooney spearheaded the occasion, formally declaring the premises open for business on a night in which optimism and belief refused to be submissive to the town and country’s grim economic circumstances.

The hotel has been functioning under the management of Cork city-based Atlantic Hospitality Services (AHS) since going into liquidation last September. Meantime AHS has invested over €30,000 in a non-structural renovation programme on the 109 year-old premises, its sixth acquisition in Ireland and its 14th internationall. Mr Cooney identified described the refurbishment as “part of a new beginning” for the town, while invoking the need for locals and the town’s diaspora alike to avail of the hotel’s services in the challenging years ahead. Mayor Eoin Coyne echoed these sentiments and in conveying his and the town council’s best wishes, said the town council would support the enterprises in whatever way it could.

Colours

Much of new management’s money has been spent on the ground floor. “We’ve completely redecorated the multi-purpose function room and the reception area,” says AHS Regional Sales & Marketing Manager, Joanna Hannick, in deference to the strong emphasis on cream and beige colouring throughout. The scheme is complimented by appropriate mood lighting and a new burgundy carpet in the function room, where bright, beige and pink patterned curtains further appease the eye. “It’s classic, elegant and brings a totally new feel to the hotel,” smiles Joanna.

Much of the kitchen’s equipment has been replaced while the re-launch also showcased a modern approach to wedding style, as white chair covers bedecked with blue (interchangeable) sashes posed beside tables bearing candelabras and napkin folds in fleur-de-lis style.

Upstairs, the 41 spacious bedrooms, many offering scenic vista of the Blackwater, have been thoroughly and professionally cleaned, with further adjustments made to decor.

The re-launch brings impetus to the town’s on-going efforts to establish a core identity as a family-friendly resort rich in leisure, art and heritage attractions. In terms of local employment, the hotel provides work for approximately 30 full & part-time staff with, as one would expect, increased numbers anticipated over peak periods.

Menu

The new management team is led by Alan Deady from Ballymacoda, while new head chef James Hallinan hails from Ladysbridge. James, arriving from the renowned Pepperstack bistro, Aghada, brings an extensive range of delights to the table, including Sir Walter Steak -6oz prime Irish Sirloin cooked on a warm Ciabatta with Red Onion Marmalade and Hand Cut Fries (€12) Ardsallagh Goats Cheese filled with Roasted Red Pepper (€7.50) and Steaming Mussels, served with Coconut & Chilli Sauce, finished with Fresh Herbs (€7.50). Various pates and desserts of the homemade genre can be heaped on top of that indulgence, according to the menu.

Over the coming weeks and months, the hotel will increase its efforts to draw custom from local organisations in a bid to maximise the use and potential of the refurbished function room facility particularly. If the admiring glances thrown at the refreshed setting on the re-launch night are reliable indicators, brisk business should ensue. Interestingly, the compliments were two-way with Waterford-based Ms Hannick “very impressed by the beautiful landscape of Youghal and the natural friendliness of the people.”

In business terms the marketing manager observes, “It’s very basic to get hospitality right; a warm welcome, friendly service, good food, clean atmosphere and a comfortable bed. The Walter Raleigh guarantees this and more.” Sounds like reason enough to stay the weekend.

Inquiries, etc: Walter Raleigh hotel: (024) 92011; Joanna Hannick

email:  j.hannick@atlantichospitality.ie

Click on image to enlarge: Photos: Will McGoldrick

They swam in the snow in 2010 on Christmas morning for Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat.  Would you look forward to your Christmas Day swim this year?  Ralph Gunn’s hardy men and women are.

They are gearing up to take their annual Christmas morning swim at Garryvoe Beach in East Cork at 12 noon in aid of Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat.  The swimmers are currently looking for sponsorship for their efforts but are always interested in swelling their numbers.  If there is anyone interested in fundraising by taking a dip at Garryvoe Beach for Ballycotton lifeboat they could contact 087 4151475.

The swim at Garryvoe has become a Christmas Day tradition for many in East Cork.  If they are not going into the water many travel to the beach to support the swimmers and wish all a Happy Christmas.

Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat station are thankful for the support given to them throughout the year.  Weather permitting, crew members will be seen in their lifeboat boarding boat at Garryvoe in support of those taking a dip for them this Christmas morning.

Youghal
The Bell arrives into Our Lady of Lourdes Church at 12.20pm. At 12.30am there will be Mass for St. Stephens Day. At 5.30pm there will be Evening Prayers and Carols, followed by a Reflection of the Icons at 8.30pm. On Tuesday 27th December there will be Mass at 10.00am followed by a Procession of the Bell through Youghal at 10.45am. At 12.00 Noon the Bell will arrive at St. Mary’s Parish Church for Prayers and carol singing. At 2.00pm there will be a Bell Procession to Waterford Bridge.

At 3.00pm there will be the Handover of the Bell to the Diocese of Waterford and Lismore.

The Eucharistic Congress Bell is a symbol of the 50th International Eucharistic Congress. The Bell will reflect the invitation to faith, to prayer, to reconciliation and to mission which has always been important in our Christian tradition and is no less so today. The pilgrimage of the bell throughout the Dioceses of Ireland will be a vehicle to:

- Invite people to deepen their communion with Christ and with one another.

- Promote the pastoral aims of the Congress

- Animate the people of your Diocese to become involved with the Eucharistic Congress both locally and nationally.

Bell Pilgrimage, Diocese of Cloyne, 22nd – 27th December 2011

Date: Thursday December 22, 2011 – Tuesday December 27, 2011

Diocese: Cloyne

Venue: Cloyne, Carrigtwohill, Cobh, Youghal

Contact: Fr. Patrick Winkle 086 829 2560

The Eucharistic Congress Bell is in the Diocese of Cloyne from 22nd December and remains in the diocese until 27th December 2011.

The Eucharistic Congress Bell pilgrimage itinerary is:

22nd – 23rd December

Cloyne
The Bell and Icons arrive at St Colman’s National School and are taken in procession to Cloyne Parish Church at 2.30pm. There will be a hymn and prayer service until 7.00pm when a Celebration Mass will be held.

Adoration from 8.15 until 9.00pm. The Bell remains overnight.

23rd December
There will be Mass at 10am, prayer and carol services at 11am and 12 noon, and a Holy Hour at 1.00pm. The Bell departs at 2.00pm.

23rd- 24th  December

Carrigtwohill
The Bell arrives in Carrigtwohill at 3pm for evening prayer at 3.30pm in the church. There will be Mass at 6.00pm and a penitential service at 8.00pm. The Bell remains overnight.
On 24th December there is Mass at 10am and Confession at 10.30am. The Bell departs at 11.00am.

24th – 26th December

Cobh
The Bell arrives at 11.00am, confessions are available from 11.00am to 12 Noon, followed by a Reception of the Bell into the Cathedral. Confessions are available again from 2.00pm to 3.00pm. At 6.30pm to 8.30pm there is a Vigil Mass for Christmas  which will be followed by Midnight Mass.
On Sunday 25th December, Christmas Day the Bell will remain in the Cathedral. On 26th December, St. Stephens Day there will be Mass at 11.00am followed by the departure of the Bell at 11.45am.

26th – 27th December

Youghal
The Bell arrives into Our Lady of Lourdes Church at 12.20pm. At 12.30am there will be Mass for St. Stephens Day. At 5.30pm there will be Evening Prayers and Carols, followed by a Reflection of the Icons at 8.30pm. On Tuesday 27th December there will be Mass at 10.00am followed by a Procession of the Bell through Youghal at 10.45am. At 12.00 Noon the Bell will arrive at St. Mary’s Parish Church for Prayers and carol singing. At 2.00pm there will be a Bell Procession to Waterford Bridge.

At 3.00pm there will be the Handover of the Bell to the Diocese of Waterford and Lismore.

The Eucharistic Congress Bell is a symbol of the 50th International Eucharistic Congress. The Bell will reflect the invitation to faith, to prayer, to reconciliation and to mission which has always been important in our Christian tradition and is no less so today. The pilgrimage of the bell throughout the Dioceses of Ireland will be a vehicle to:

- Invite people to deepen their communion with Christ and with one another.

- Promote the pastoral aims of the Congress

- Animate the people of your Diocese to become involved with the Eucharistic Congress both locally and nationally.

- Invite people to come to the Congress on 10-17 June 2012.

The 50th International Eucharistic Congress will be held in the RDS Dublin from 10-17 June 2012 with the closing ceremony taking place in Croke Park on the 17th June 2012.

A Eucharistic Congress is an international gathering of people which aims to:

* promote an awareness of the central place of the Eucharist in the life and mission of the Catholic Church

* help improve understanding and celebration of the liturgy

* draw attention to the social dimension of the Eucharist.

These aims are achieved through

* a programme of pastoral preparation in the years leading up to the Congress

* a programme of liturgical and cultural events, lectures and workshops over the course of one week every four years.

* The most recent Congresses were held in Quebec in 2008 and Guadalajara (Mexico) in 2004.

Most people in Ireland are familiar with the fact that a Eucharistic Congress was held in Ireland in 1932.

Our parents and grand-parents speak of it as a significant event in their own experience of Church. Some pupils in secondary school have undertaken special history projects on the Eucharistic Congress in preparation for their Leaving Certificate.

Improvements in travel since 1932 will provide a greater international perspective to the 2012 Congress. Technology will play an important part too in preparations but the most valuable aspect of the coming years is the sense of faith which can be kindled in the families and in every parish throughout the country.

The theme of the 2012 Irish Eucharistic Congress is “The Eucharist: Communion with Christ and with one another.” This theme, Communion with Christ and with one another, will help us to explore not only how our relationship with Jesus can be deepened in the Eucharist, but also how the Eucharist challenges us to look more closely at how we live with one another.

Go n-éirí go geal linn, le cúnamh Dé.

A great big well done to all involved in Brideview Drama’s just finished show, Nil By Mouth. Directed very ably by John Roche, all taking part on and off stage had lots of fun.

With excellent sponsorship and support (money, props, help and so on) from Margaret Organ (Waterford County Arts Officer), Ted, Tim & Martha Keniry (Centra & Bar, Tallow), Forde’s Spar (Tallow), Brideview Bar (Tallowbridge), St Patrick’s Community Hospital (Fermoy), Goalpost Engineering (Tallow), Ogham Players (Ballynoe) and Daybreak Shop (Tallow), the show went very well and the large audiences appreciated all the laughter and silliness.

A buladh bos to the cast: Sarah Curley, Pat Smith, Donal Howard, Helen Aherne,  Gary Gill, Veronica Henley, Brian Livingston, Martin Sheehan, Liam Roche, Fiona Keane, Louise O’Connor and Anne Tobin.

Behind the scenes, amazingly hard graft was put in by Shane Roche (lighting), Matthew Kavanagh (Sound), John Roche, Liam Roche and Gary Gill (Set build), Judy Burton (Stage Management and road-signage) and Jack Aherne. Front of house had its usual compliment of friendly faces, so thanks to Paddy & Margaret Geary, Carmel McDonnell, Kitty McDonnell, Vanessa Hyde, Molly Tobin, Leanne Sheehan and Emily Aherne.

Also, the club would like to wish Aisling Murphy of Blackwater Community School much luck with her sponsorship drive for her Easter 2012 trip to Kolkata (Calcutta) with the Hope Foundation.

So, a big Merry Christmas and holy and happy New Year to all who took part or came along to watch our productions. See you all next year – especially with our festival play in February, Same Old Moon by Gerlandine Aron, and directed by Jack Aherne.

If you, or any of your friends would like to be on stage, or involved behind the scenes in 2012, please get in touch, as all ages, talents and skills are wanted! Call John on 086 170 8889, Jack on 087 958 2314, or email brideviewdrama@gmail. Lastly, to see what we do, please visit the Brideview Drama Community Page on Facebook.

And a big happy xmas and new year to all the media who helped us out during 2011 – appreciated!

Photos:

1. Aisling Murphy of Blackwater Community School at Brideview Drama’s Nil By Mouth
2. Louise O’Connor and John Roche celebrating after Brideview Drama’s Nil By Mouth
3. Sarah Curley and Vanessa Hyde sharing a laugh after Brideview Drama’s Nil By Mouth

CRY 104fm Christmas 2011 Schedule

SUNDAY 18th DECEMBER
09.00 Ballyquin Light. John Kennedy.
10.00 The Sunday Show. Nooch Kenefick.
12.00 Sounds Classical. Jim Coleman.
13.00 Feelgood. Eleanor Canty.
15.00 Nostalgia Time. John Russell.
17.00 Reflections. Mervyn Scott.
18.00 Bandstand. Seamus Murphy.
19.00 Benchwarmers. Aaron Kenny & Neville O’Donoghoe.
20.00 John Morrison. Soul Gospel.
20.30 CLOSE.

MONDAY 19th DECEMBER
12.00 Yawl Ready For This? Kieran Kidney.
14.00 Linda O’Regan.
16.00 Gael Taca.
17.00 Youghal @ 5. Christy Parker
18.30 Orla O’Riordan.
19.00 J.R. Country. John Russell.
22.00 CLOSE.

TUESDAY 20th DECEMBER
12.00 Youghal Ready For This. Trevor Nangle.
14.00 20th Century Classics. Sean Healy. Live from Nth Main St.
16.00 Youghal @ 4. Special, with Stanley Knott. Live from Nth Main St.
18.00 Tuathla Lucey.
19.00 Bill’s Country. Bill Daly.
22.00 CLOSE.

WEDNESDAY 21st DECEMBER
10.00 Derek Kiely.
12.00 Youghal Ready For This? Eugene Crotty
14.00 Maura Joyce.
16.00 Youghal @ 4. Special, with Eddie Hannon. Live from Nth Main St.
18.00 Dear Paddy & Darragh (with Marita & Mary).
19.30 Chris’ Rocks. Chris Bailey.
21.00 Linda O’Regan.
22.00 CLOSE

THURSDAY 22nd DECEMBER
10.00 Derek Kiely. Live from Nth Main St.
12.00 Youghal Ready For This. Shane Supple.
14.00 John Cunningham.
15.00 Margaret Carey.
16.00 No Name Show. With Linda, Marita & Mary.
17.00 Youghal @ 5. Eddie Hannon.
18.30 Jane Holly Christmas Show. Jane & Holly.
20.00 Benchwarmers Special. Live from The Nook.
22.00 CLOSE.

FRIDAY 23rd DECEMBER
10.00 Orla O’Riordan.
12.00 Youghal Ready For This? Shane Supple. Live from Nth Main St. Including CRY Members’ Christmas Draw Live.
14.00 My Kinda Music @ Christmas. Paddy Lane. Live from Nth Main St.
15.00 Mixed Grill. Jim Coleman.
16.00 Countdown to Christmas. Mervyn Scott. Live from Nth Main St.
17.30 Sports Preview. Eugene Crotty.
18.30 Signpost to Christmas. Including Youghal Choral Society Annual Carol Service & Readings.
20.00 Jazz on 104. Tony Sheehan.
21.00 Super Sounds. Jack & Simon.
22.00 CLOSE.

SATURDAY 24TH DECEMBER
07.00 Breakfast Show. Derek Kiely.
09.00 Take The Floor. John Cunningham.
10.00 Rural Report @ Christmas. Noel Cronin.
12.00 Christmas Country & Irish. Margaret Carey.
14.00 Flashback. Rose Curtin.
15.00 James Howes.
17.00 Deise News. Eddie Moloney.
18.00 Trad as Gaeilge. Tim Smith
19.00 Every Grain of Sand. John Roche
19.30 Mass. From the Holy Family Church,Youghal.
20.15 ‘The Good Night’ – a programme of early and sacred music, presented by Tony Sheehan, with readings by John Kennedy.
22.00 Real Lives, with Pat McMahon.
23.00 CLOSEDOWN.

SUNDAY 25TH DECEMBER
08.30 A Ballyquin Light Christmas. John Kennedy.
09.30 Christmas Day Mass, live from St Ita’s, Gortroe.
10.15 Christmas Day Swim, Requests & More. Including messages from local church leaders. Mick Sheehan. Eddie Moloney on phones.
12.00 Joyce Country Christmas. Eddie Moloney to report from Ardmore Swim.
14.00 Christmas from the hospitals. John Cunningham.
15.00 Nostalgia Time. John Russell.
17.00 Christmas Reflections. Mervyn Scott.
18.00 Bandstand. Seamus Murphy.
19.00 Methodist Service.
20.00 Country Gospel. John Morrison.
20.30 CLOSE.

MONDAY 26TH DECEMBER
10.00 Margaret Carey.
12.00 Youghal Ready For This? Kieran Kidney.
14.00 Linda O’Regan.
16.00 Gael Taca.
17.00 Paddy Lane.
18.00 JR Country. John Russell.
21.00 Chill Out Zone. Chris Regan.
22.00 CLOSE.

TUESDAY 27TH DECEMBER
10.00 Teresa Joyce.
12.00 Youghal Ready For This? Trevor Nangle.
14.00 Rhona Coughlan.
16.00 Ciara & Amy. Ciara Hayes & Amy Crowley.
17.00 Siobhan Fogarty.
19.00 Bill’s Country. Bill Daly.
22.00 CLOSE.

WEDNESDAY 28TH DECEMBER
10.00 Chris Regan & Orla Riordan.
12.00 Youghal Ready For This? Eugene Crotty.
14.00 Maura Joyce.
16.00 The No Name Show. Linda, Marita & Mary.
17.00 Youghal @ 5. Eddie Hannon.
18.30 Return of Tom & Sebastian.
20.00 The Big Show. Niall, Aaron & Kevin.
22.00 CLOSE.

THURSDAY 29th DECEMBER
10.00 The Big Show at Breakfast. Niall, Aaron & Kevin.
12.00 Youghal Ready For This? Shane Supple.
14.00 John Cunningham.
15.00 Margaret Carey.
17.00 Youghal @ 5. Eddie Hannon.
18.30 The Jane Holly Show. Jane & Holly.
19.30 Chris’ Rocks. Chris Bailey.
21.00 Linda O’Regan.
22.00 CLOSE

FRIDAY 30th DECEMBER
10.00 Sounds Fishy To Me. Kieran Kidney.
12.00 Youghal Ready For This? Shane Supple.
14.00 My Kinda Music. Paddy Lane.
15.00 Mixed Grill. Jim Coleman.
16.00 James Howes.
18.00 Sports Review 2011. Eugene Crotty & host of stars.
20.00 Jazz on 104. Tony Sheehan.
21.00 Super Sounds of the 70s & 80s. Jack & Simon.
22.00 CLOSE.

SATURDAY 31st DECEMBER
09.00 Take The Floor. John Cunningham.
10.00 Rural Report. With Noel Cronin.
12.00 Country & Irish Show.
14.00 Flashback. Rose Curtin.
15.00 John Kennedy & Jim Coleman
16.00 Jim Coleman & John Kennedy.
17.00 Deise Diary. Eddie Moloney/Mary Sheehan.
18.00 Tim Smith.
19.00 Every Grain of Sand. John Roche.
19.30 Mass from Holy Family Church, Youghal.
20.15 Real Lives. Pat McMahon.
21.15 CLOSE.

SUNDAY 1st JANUARY 2012
09.00 Ballyquin 2012 Light.
10.00 Sunday Morning Show. Nooch Kenefick.
12.00 Sounds Classical. Jim Coleman
13.00 Feelgood. Eleanor Canty.
15.00 Nostalgia Time. John Russell.
17.00 Reflections. Mervyn Scott.
18.00 Bandstand. Seamus Murphy.
19.00 Country Gospel. John Morrison.
19.30 CLOSE.

MONDAY 2nd JANUARY 2012
10.00 Eugene Crotty.
12.00 Youghal Ready For This? Kieran Kidney.
14.00 Linda O’Regan.
16.00 Siobhan Fogarty.
18.00 Orla O’Riordan.
19.00 JR Country. John Russell.
22.00 CLOSE

For 35 years, from 1946 until his death in 1981, Youghal’s most colourful character was the writer Claud Cockburn. Born in China in 1904 of Scottish parents, at the age of four he –together with his Chinese nanny – was sent back to Scotland to be reared by his grandparents. At boarding-school in England he became a great friend of the future novelist Graham Greene, with whom he shared a love of mischief-making and adventure stories. At Oxford they both joined the Communist Party as a joke, but whereas Greene’s future lay as a convert to the Catholic Church Cockburn became more and more attracted to Marxism.

In 1929 he joined the staff of The Times, which became the setting for some of his best stories, such as a competition to see who could write the most boring headline. (Cockburn won with the entry: “Small earthquake in Chile. Not many dead.”) While working as the Times correspondent in New York he was given the excellent advice:

I think it well to remember that when writing for the newspapers we are writing for an elderly lady in Hastings who has two cats of whom she is passionately fond. Unless our stuff can successfully compete for her interest with those cats, it is no good.

Returning to England, he gave up work for The Times and founded the Communist news-sheet The Week. It was run off on a gestetner machine and he wrote it all himself, making up half the stories. (He wouldn’t even have needed to hack anyone’s phones!) So brilliant was his work that The Week proved a great success.

In the 1930s he reported on the Spanish Civil War for The Daily Worker, but in 1939 the government suppressed both the Worker and The Week, and by the time the ban had lifted he had become disillusioned with communism.

In 1940 he married the dynamic Youghal lady Patricia Arbuthnot, and in 1946 they came to live permanently in Youghal. Here he continued to write till the end of his days. His widow then moved to Ardmore, where she became one of an indomitable and perpetually feuding set of formidable old ladies.

A lifelong atheist and a master of irony, Claud Cockburn would have appreciated his full-blown Requiem Mass concelebrated by five priests.

He died thirty years ago – on this day.

Thursday Dec 15th – Claud Cockburn died, 1981

Researched by Julian Walton

Click on the image below to hear the audio version on WLR fm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Many supporters of Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat look forward to their annual fundraising event at Ballymaloe House early in the New Year.  Around this time of year their thoughts go to booking their tickets and supporting this worthy cause.

Phil Coulter has been a great supporter of the RNLI lifeboat service in Ireland for many years.  What many people don’t know is that he was in Ballycotton when, going down the hill to the pier, past the lifeboat house and onto the steps leading up to the storm wall that runs along the length of the pier, the final verse of Home from the Sea came to him.

The Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat fundraising committee are organising their annual event in the impressive Grain Store at Ballymaloe House on Wednesday, 8 February 2012, and Phil Coulter has kindly agreed to act as host.  Tickets are €65 and are available from the organising committee.  Enquiries can be made by ringing 087 4151475 or via email to ballycottonrnli14@eircom.net.  These tickets  would make a wonderful Christmas present, with something to look forward to in the New Year and supporting the Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat at the same time.

The organisers are thrilled that Phil Coulter will be hosting the event and are thankful for the continued support of management and staff at Ballymaloe House.  They hope the event will be well supported and will be a good start to their fundraising efforts in 2012 for the vital RNLI lifeboat service at Ballycotton.

 

Related Video:

HSE to meet groups on ambulance changes
By JOE LEOGUE

Thursday December 15 2011

INNOVATION Minister Sean Sherlock has confirmed late Wednesday evening (as The Corkman was going to press) that the HSE is to meet local Dr Bertie Daly and members of a Youghal-based protest group to discuss proposed changes to the Cork ambulance service with a view to ‘working out, compromising and engaging with people on their proposals.’

“The view amongst doctors on the ground was that this was being presented as a done deal, as if their concerns are not being listened to.

“As a Minister, my view is that if there are changes it should be about bringing people with you, to work towards engagement with a progress reporting mechanism coming back to local representatives,” he said. CORK people have been called upon to volunteer to respond to heart attacks within eight minutes — so the Health Service Executive can reach its targets for responding to cardiac incidents.

At a press conference on changes to the ambulance service in Cork and Kerry last Monday, the National Ambulance Service confirmed that members of the public trained to use defibrillators are counted as ‘first responders’ under the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) evaluation system.

 

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COMMUNITY RADIO YOUGHAL would like to invite you to  be a part of the audience on a special edition of  the station’s brand new sports show, “The Benchwarmers”. The show will be broadcast live from the Nook Bar, North Main Street, Youghal  from 8pm on THURSDAY, 22nd DECEMBER, 2011.

Join hosts Neville O Donoghue and Aaron Kenny as they chat to local,provincial and National sporting heroes including  Jockey Davy Russell and John Ryan and Dave O Callaghan from the Munster Rugby Squad.  Many more stars from the worlds of GAA, Soccer and more will be along for an evening of  great entertainment and chat with the sporting stars.
There will also be a sports quiz on the night where members of the audience go head to head with the celebrity guests for a chance to win some great prizes. That’s a “Benchwarmers” special, live from the Nook Bar, North Main Street on THURSDAY, 22nd DECEMBER, 2011. from 8pm. Don’t miss it.