A beautiful sunset last evening (Sunday 29th August 2010) over Youghal Bay finally drew a fitting curtain over an exciting day of powerboat racing in the East Cork town. Returning to Cork waters for the first time in many years this year’s ISA National Powerboat Championship is proving to be a huge success with intense competition across all classes and superb excitement for spectators.
Photos: Ger Leahy

Will Chambers, F2 Class, Lisnaskea Boat Club

With the waters directly off the quays in Youghal roaring to the sound of 14 race engines, the quays were equally buzzing with the chatter of keen spectators enjoying this unique blend of water, noise, bravery and spectacle.

Although only in it’s first year, this was Youghal Bay Boat Club’s second hosting of a round of the National Championships – the first being in Ardmore back in July. In Ardmore it was the P750 (Thundercat) classes that provided the excitement, this time out the entire national powerboat racing fleet came to party.

Padraig Brooks, Commodore Youghal Bay Boat Club; Fionn Little & Ronan O'Connor of Youghal Bay Boat Club who came third in the P750 (Thundercat) Class, and Mary O'Donnell, Youghal Bay Boat Club

The weekend of maritime activities had begun the previous day with local marine training centre Aquatrek hosting the Munster Final of the Yachtsman Euromarine Rib Challenge and Youghal Bay Boat Club hosting their Commodore’s Cup and a thrilling aerobatics display by Gerry Humphries (and his wonderfully daft flying cow!) in the skies above Youghal. With two new ribs up for grabs in the national finals of the Rib Challenge, competition was naturally keen. Challenges were spread across land-based skills, questions and tasks – while on the water crews were tasked with a variety of tests. When the dust settled, the teams going through to the national final were announced as:

Seniors:
1st – Aquatrek Training Centre
2nd – Youghal Bay Boat Club
3rd – Tralee Bay Sailing Club

Juniors:
1st – Aquatrek Training Centre
2nd – Wexford Harbour Boat & Tennis Club
3rd – Wexford Harbour Boat & Tennis Club

left to right: Gearoid Hooley and Keith Goggin (Youghal Bay Boat Club), Aidan Foley and Ellen Danagher (Youghal Bay Boat Club), Ronan O'Connor and Fionn Little (Youghal Bay Boat Club), Aaron Warnock and Alvin Bell (East Coast Powerboat Racing Club), Colin Snow and Conor Mullaly (East Coast Powerboat Racing Club)

Sunday morning arrived with a car-park full of very strange machines for the people of Youghal to wonder about – it’s not every day you see a van with what looks like a little jet plane parked on its roof. With crews and boats from the four corners of Ireland filling out the car park the excitement grew from early morning until the first boats hit the water just after noon to begin a long day of hot action. Under blue skies and mostly clear water the afternoon was filled with twelve races in total. Community Radio Youghal were on hand to provide informative commentary and fill the time between races with music and banter. With this being the penultimate round of the national championships the racing was always expected to be intense, and the crews didn’t disappoint. Turn after turn, race after race, the crowds were treated to top-notch racing directly in front of the town’s quays. The big F2′s rocketing past at 100 miles an hour throwing huge plumes of water into the skies, the little P750 (Thundercats) throwing their boats and crews into impossible turns just inches apart from one another, and the T850 monohulls buzzing, skimming and often flying across the water.

Will Chambers, F2 Class, Lisnaskea Boat Club

For Youghal Bay Boat Club this was the first year in the build towards a major annual Maritime Festival, and it proved to be a satisfying success. For the spectators it was another opportunity to enjoy the wonderful spectacle which the waters of Youghal can provide. For the competitors it was an opportunity to showcase their sport and battle hard for championship points.

At the end of a long and exciting day the honours went to the following:

T850 Class
1st: Oliver Haire (North East Powerboat & Racing Club)
2nd: Megan Anderson (North East Powerboat & Racing Club)
3rd: Philip Haire (North East Powerboat & Racing Club)

Formula 2 Class
1st: Will Chambers (Lisnaskea Boat Club)
2nd: Liam Ralph (East Coast Powerboat Racing Club)
3rd: Oliver Haire (North East Powerboat & Racing Club)

Formula 4 Class
1st: Will Chambers (Lisnaskea Boat Club)
2nd: Phil Boyle (Irish Powerboat Club)

P750 (Thundercats)
1st: Sean Dillon & Gary Hogg (Irish Offshore Powerboat Racing Club)
2nd: Colin Snow & Conor Mullally (East Coast Powerboat Racing Club)
3rd: Ronan O’Connor & Fionn Little (Youghal Bay Boat Club)

For further information please contact Aidan Foley (Club PRO) on 086 0401368

On the road again for Headway

The run kicked off in Youghal at 12:00pm on Sunday August 29th 2010, continuing on through Dungarvan, Cappaquin and Lismore before steering back to Cork City for a party at the Clarion Boardwalk that afternoon. Photo/Video www.youghalonline.com Email: news@youghalonline.com

Motorbike enthusiasts from all across the country were asked to don their helmets and rev there engines for brain injury this August as Cork Lions Club roar off on an epic run to raise funds and awareness for Headway.

Cork Lions Club motorcyclists depart from St. Raphael's Centre, Youghal, at the start of the run - Pic: www.youghalonline.com

Founded in 1985, Headway works to bring about a positive change to the lives of those with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI), by providing vocational, community, rehabilitative and psychological support services. Given that road traffic accidents account for more that half of all brain injuries reported in Ireland, Cork Lions Club feel that a Motor Cycle Run is the perfect way to support Headway and promote safe road use at the same time.

Aisling Barry, Cork Lions Club, Teresa Dineen, President C.L.C. and Pat O'Brien with young C.L.C., Megan McCarthy

For further information:

Event Organiser: Declan Moon 086 2567394 moondeclan@gmail.com

Cork Lions Club: Teresa Dineen 087 696255

Headway: Paula Larkin 021 4871303 paula.larkin@gmail.com

Click on the image to start slideshow of the start of the run

* Headway offer services and support to people affected by acquired brain injury (ABI). In many cases people with brain injury have no obvious physical disability but the effects can be profound and unique to the individual. Brain injury can happen to anyone at any time in life and can be the result of a road traffic accident, or a blow to the head, stroke, haemorrhage, infection or tumour.

* It is estimated that up to 30,000 people are living with the effects of a brain injury in Ireland. Road Traffic accidents are the biggest cause of injury to Headway’s service users. A recent study in Beaumont Hospital found that , of patients with serious head injuries, 50% were not wearing seat belts in there vehicles, and 50% of cyclists and  33% of motor cyclists were not wearing helmets.

* The impact is often life-long, affecting both the person with the injury and their family members in a variety of ways. Due to the many and varied effects of acquired brain injury, people often have difficulty living independently, working or returning to education, participating in social and leisure activities and maintaining family roles or personal relationships.

* Headway has been supporting those affected by acquired brain injury since 1985. It provides a range of community-based services in Limerick, Cork, Kerry and Dublin along with outreach services in the South-Eastern region. Services include rehabilitation training, day activity, psychological therapy and family support, counselling, outreach, family education workshops, supported employment, community access and a national helpline on 1890 200 278

It’s Official! Youghal United are Guinness World Record Holders – Guinness recognises club’s new world record for “longest five-a-side soccer marathon” Photo: www.youghalonline.com

Record breakers Youghal United - Pic: www.youghalonline.com

After thirty-three and a half hours of non-stop, five-a-side soccer, the hardest part of Youghal United’s quest to break the world record for the longest five-a-side soccer match may have been the eleven weeks they’ve had to wait to find out if their record-breaking attempt would be officially recognized by Guinness World Records.

Last week event organizer Jock Gallogley got the following good word from Guinness:  “The longest five-a-side football marathon is 33 hr 30 min by members of Youghal United AFC (Ireland) at Ardrath Park, Youghal, Ireland from 5-7 June 2010.” A certificate and other official documentation are now on their way to the club.

Record breakers Youghal United - Pic: www.youghalonline.com

Many will remember the excitement and drama at Ardrath Park this past June bank holiday weekend, when sixteen stout and hardy souls, a few well past their physical prime (we won’t name names, but they know who they are), bravely battled hunger, fatigue and the elements to beat the world record formerly held by Club Next, a youth organisation in Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo.

When the dust finally settled at Ardrath Park that balmy Sunday evening, Youghal United’s record breaking attempt was just beginning. Over the next few weeks, the club started work on completing the strict record verification procedures required by Guinness, which were nearly as big a challenge as breaking the record itself. A package of video highlights, photos, witness reports, and a logbook of player substitutions and rest breaks were turned over to Guinness for scrutiny. Just one mistake in the club’s presentation could cost them the record.

Coach Gene Crotty celebrates with the record breakers - Pic: www.youghalonline.com

Thankfully, the record is now official, and the following sixteen players can now truly call themselves Guinness World Record holders:

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

While the players deserve much praise for their incredible achievement, the event organizers and many supporters are also worthy of recognition.

Emmett Perry, Jock Gallogley, Ken Dempsey, Jamie Lawton, Sally O’Sullivan, Finbarr Walsh, Sammy Revins, Brian Wade, T Kennedy, and Dick Sheehan of Youghal United all had a part to play, as did many other volunteers from the club and the town. The support of physiotherapist Jimmy Healy and his staff, the tireless work of videographer Willie O’Mahony, and backing from main sponsors T&M Fitzgerald Homes, Youghal Credit Union, Bertie’s Bar and Farrell’s Summerfield Bar were also greatly appreciated.

Mark your calendars for next year’s June Bank Holiday weekend, as Youghal United now try to figure out how to top their Guinness World Record breaking success.

The 3rd Annual Classic Ford 4 Cystis Fibrosis (CF 4 CF) run starting point this year was a Farrell’s,  Summerfield Bar,Youghal ( 29th August 2010) Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com Email: news@youghalonline.com

Eithne Howard and her son David and friend Graham Murphy - Pic: www.youghalonline.com

The route took the fundraisers to Dungarvan where they turn off along the coast road to take in a lunch stop in Tramore. After lunch the run headed back in the direction of Dungarvan and on towards Cappaquin, Lismore and then Fermoy to finish. The weather was great and there was fantastic support for this charity event. Build 4 Life was founded by friends and family of Cystic Fibrosis patients in Cork and Kerry.

The aim of Build 4 Life is to:-

* Raise Awareness of Cystic Fibrosis in the region
* Raise over €1 million to develop Ireland’s first dedicated Cystic Fibrosis treatment unit within Cork University Hospital.

Build 4 Life friends and suppporters pictured at the start of the CF4CF run at Farrell's, Summerfield Bar, Youghal - Pic: www.youghalonline.com

We are appealing to organisations, schools, businesses and individuals to organise a fund raising event or make a donation to raise vital funds for Cystic Fibrosis.

Ben McCarthy with his dad Liam beside Ben's favourite car the classic Ford Capri - Pic: www.youghalonline.com

Eithne Howard and her son David and friend Graham Murphy - Pic: www.youghalonline.com

Our Maritime Weekend actually kicks off on Saturday (Aug 28) as Aquatrek host the Munster Final of the ‘ISA Yachtsman Euromarine Rib Challenge’ on the quays in Youghal. Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com

Winners of the Munster final Euromarine Rib Challenge Joe Moore, John Griffin and Liam Keogh with standing- John Griffin, Aquatrek, Dennis Dillon, Irish Sailing Association, John Innes, Aquatrek and Padraig Brookes, Commodore Youghal Bay Boat Club. Pic: www.YoughalOnline.com

If you’re part of an ISA club or training centre you should get a team together and enter. There are 2 classes – Junior and Senior. More details can be found by clicking here, or by phoning our very own John Innes on 086 859 3482.

Winners of the Munster final Euromarine Rib Challenge Joe Moore, Liam Keogh and John Griffin. Pic: www.YoughalOnline.com

And it’s not all about power this weekend (well, mostly it is!). We’re having a Commodore’s Cup Sailing Regatta also on Saturday afternoon. Sailors from Youghal and Inniscarra will compete on the water, and try not to get mowed down by wayward competitors in the Rib Challenge.

Youghal Harbour comes alive this Sunday when the only round of the ISA National Powerboat Championships to be held in Cork this year rolls into town and down the slipway. This will be the penultimate round of this year’s series and with points tight at the top of each class, competitive racing is guaranteed. The organisers of this round – Youghal Bay Boat Club – have been working hard to design courses that will ensure tight exciting racing with the whole event happening right in front of Youghal quays. Padraig Brooks -  Commodore of Youghal Bay Boat Club tells us “This is the first time our new club has held powerboat racing here in Youghal. We hosted a round of the Championships across in Ardmore back in July which proved to be an enormous success with huge crowds and fantastic racing and now we look forward to welcoming the racing fleets and spectators to the waters of Youghal for what’s expected to be a memorable round of the championship. The layout of the quays allows for great viewing and we hope people will come down and enjoy the racing”.

Four classes are expected to race this Sunday – 29th August: The F2 & F4 classes look light waterborne jet fighters and can attain speeds approaching 200 kilometres an hour, the T850 fleet are an exciting monohull class, while the P750 class (better known as Thundercats) will make a welcome return to these waters following a highly successful international race back in 2008. Expect lots of noise, tons of excitement and a great spectacle for a wonderful family afternoon.

This is another exciting event for the recently formed Youghal Bay Boat Club. At the start of the Summer large crowds turned out to enjoy their Open Day which was followed closely by ‘WindQuest’ – an inter-club sailing competition – and then a competitive sea-angling competition in July. Given the natural amenities in the area it’s perhaps little surprise that a club in this East Cork town should have proved so active.

Racing on Sunday begins at 12.30 and continues throughout the afternoon with several races in each class. Music and commentary on the day will be provided by Community Radio Youghal and the centre of the action will be Nealon’s Quay (next to ‘The Quays’ bar).

We’re delighted to be able to confirm some more details about the Maritime Weekend that’s taking place in Youghal this Saturday and Sunday (August 28th & 29th). Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com Email: news@youghalonline.com

Gerry Humphreys - inset - gives a magnificant aerobatics display in his Vans RV7 over Youghal harbour. Pic: www.youghalonline.com

The first ‘biggie’ is an aerobatics display that will be flown by Gerry Humphreys in his Vans RV7 at 3.30pm on Saturday afternoon. This is the first time such a display has been flown in the skies over East Cork so we’re expecting it to be truly memorable. Youghal is a great location for such a display so people are advised to get along quayside to watch the excitement. Further details on this are available here on our website:
http://www.youghalbay.com/component/content/article/35-latest-news/57-aerobatic-display.html

Gerry Humphreys in his Vans RV7 flying over Youghal harbour. Pic: www.youghalonline.com

Further details on the National Powerboat Championships – which we’re hosting on the Sunday are also available on the site, specifically on this page:
http://www.youghalbay.com/component/content/article/35-latest-news/59-maritime-weekend.html

We’re a young club (less than a year old) and there’s only so much we can do with our reach. This weekend is a continuation of the events we’ve already delivered this year and a taster of what we hope to bring in the future, so we humbly ask that you assist our endeavors by helping to spread the word.

Aidan Foley
PRO – Youghal Bay Boat Club
Tel: 086 0401 368

Michael Del Punta is the latest singing sensation to come out of Youghal. The talented 19 year old crooner wows the diners with his singing in the popular Capri Bay Italian restaurant in Youghal, where he works as a part time waiter. The diners have discovered that Michael is not only good at serving tables, he displays his fine talents singing his favourite songs by artists such as Sinatra, Crosby, Tony Bennett, etc., much to their delight and surprise.Report/Photo: Michael Hussey & Tony Irwin for YoughalOnline.com

The UCC student found he could not afford to bring his girlfriend to fancy restaurants so he decided to work as a part-time waiter in town. After meeting the proprietor of Capri Bay, Gerald Esposito, he immediately got the job and has been working there part-time for the past seven months. While working, Michael would often break out in song in the kitchen, when Gerald and his father Rocco asked him, with such a magnificent voice, to go out and sing to the customers. This has proved to be so popular that he has been affably called ‘the singing waiter’ by the customers and now Michael sings regularly to the packed restaurant. Now, customers come from far and wide to hear Michael serenade them at the tables as ‘the singing waiter’.

Michael Del Punta, The singing waiter of Youghal. Pic: www.youghalonline.com

A recent Youtube videoclip of Michael singing in the restaurant, made by YoughalOnline.com, is rapidly climbing in the rankings of the entertainment section and is just one of many to be uploaded by YoughalOnline.com in the near future. Michael was also interviewed by Shane Supple on Youghal’s local radio station, C.R.Y.

Michael Del Punta - The Singing Waiter with Rocco from Capri Bay. Pic: www.youghalonline.com

His debut self-titled EP, recorded at Claycastle Studios in Youghal, has exceeded all expectations, so much so that he had to order a second pressing, such is the demand for the singing waiter. Michael says his goal one day is to sing at Madison Square Gardens in New York City, sell twenty five million albums and appear on the Late Late Show!

Michael Del Punta sings to the customers. Pic: www.youghalonline.com

Michael and his family, who have been living in Youghal for the past seven years, originate from Verona, Italy. Since he was a young boy, when his older siblings were listening to the likes of Depeche Mode, Michael Jackson, Madonna or Kylie, Michael’s first contact with music was through his mother’s record collection consisting of works by Bing Crosby, Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra. He has continued this love of that ‘big band’ genre ever since. He has trained his voice with the help of well-known music conductor, Mary Peadar-Daly where she taught him to study his breathing technique so much so that Michael and his mature voice have been likened to Michael Bublé, although his favourite artist of all time and greatest influence is undoubtedly Ol’ Blue Eyes himself, Frank Sinatra.

Gerald Esposito, proprietor of Capri Bay with Michael Del Punta - The Singing Waiter. Photo: www.youghalonline.com

After moving to Youghal from Italy and studying at the old Youghal CBS school (he was the last person to do the Italian Junior Certificate exam in that school), he completed his fifth and sixth year studies in Pobalscoil na Tríonóide and now currently studies Arts at UCC, Cork City.

Michael Del Punta sings to the customers. Pic: www.youghalonline.com

Michael has proved to be so popular, he is asked to sing regularly by friends at parties and weddings and is growing in confidence all the time. Speaking exclusively to YoughalOnline.com, he said “I am amazed by the reaction of the Youtube video and would like to thank YoughalOnline.com and everyone involved for their support” and confidently added “the way I see it, you should be able to do whatever it takes to make it to the top.”

So on your next trip to Capri Bay Italian restaurant to hear the singing waiter, when ordering your “big-a pizza pie”, you’ll get “Amoré” than you bargained for!

For the latest updates on Michael Del Punta go to his fanpage on Facebook or click here to view his Youtube videos.

The Market was successfully launched on Friday last 20th August 2010. The weather smiled on us and we were delighted to be able to welcome so many townsfolk and visitors to the opening day. Their presence and wholehearted support made the day an outstanding social and commercial success. Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com Email: news@youghalonline.com

Thumbs up for the Youghal Farmer's and Craft Market: Teddy Roche, Mac Dempsey, Neil Walker, Jürgen Kersten with supporters of the new venture at Dolphin's Square,Youghal

There was great a buzz and the stallholders were kept very busy. It was particularly pleasing to see so many families among the crowd and it was great to be able to involve the children by offering them balloons and lollipops.

Having inspected and purchased items from among the wide range of organic and locally grown vegetables, artisan cheese, fresh fish, baked goods, organically produced eggs, beef and lamb, and handcrafted jewellery available, the visitors to the market could also enjoy a delicious cup of either fair trade coffee or hot chocolate while catching up and having a chat with their friends and acquaintances.

Magnetic - George Ruxton, Kevin Kelly and Billy Ruxton at the Youghal Farmer's Market

The Organising Committee are most grateful to the Mayor, Councillor Mary Linehan Foley for her support, her good wishes for the future success of the market and for performing the Official Opening ceremony. They are also most grateful to former Mayor Cllr Sandra McClellan, the Town Manager Catherine Power the Town Clerk Liam Ryan, the other Councillors, townsfolk visitors and local media representatives  who took  time to attend the Official Opening and make it such a success.

The market will be continue to take place every in Dolphin’s Square every Friday from 10.00 am to 3.00 pm.

The Organising Committee would be delighted to hear from additional farmers, artisan food producers or crafts people who may be interested in participating as stallholders in the Market. Anybody wishing to do so should visit our website – http://themarketsquare.org and download the details of the Youghal Town Council Casual Trading Bye Laws 2010 and the Casual Trading License Application Form. When completed the Application Form should be forwarded to—

Ms Helen Mulcahy

Staff Officer

Youghal Town Council

Mall House

Youghal

Co Cork

Phone No: 024 92926

Liam McCarthy and his family are well known locals, and live in Tallow Street, Youghal where they run a Newsagents Shop.  Eleven years ago their son, Ben, was born and was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis.  Over the years, the family became very involved with the Cystic Fibrosis Association and helping to raise funds for them.
Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com | Email: news@youghalonline.com

Chief cook Henry Nicholson with Mark,Cynthia, Kate, Laura and Ben McCarthy

Several months ago Ben came up with the idea of holding a fundraising Barbeque, and on Sunday last in Farrell’s Bar, Summerfield, Ben and the entire McCarthy family, with the help of a very good friend, Henry Nicholson, organised the most lavish of Barbeques ever seen.

Michael Farrell of Farrell's Summerfield Bar Youghal with Liam McCarthy, Vice Chairman of the Cork Branch of the Association

The range of foods was amazing, and the different accompanying salads, sauces and dips just had to be tried. Henry and the McCarthy’s all turned out in their CF aprons and hats, suitably gloved and bursting with energy and enthusiasm. A very large crowd turned up to support this fundraiser, and there was no better venue than Farrell’s Bar, Summerfield. The sun shone and brilliant music was played by the Drombue Hill Band.  The large green area in the front was filled with children running and playing, while the adults basked in the sunshine, chatted with friends and thoroughly enjoyed the hot food.

Callie, Con and Sharon O'Sullivan, Liz Butler with Liam, Ben and Kate McCarthy at the Cystic Fibrosis BBQ in Farrell's Summerfield Bar

Liam, Vice Chairman of the Cork Branch of the Association, said that Cystic Fibrosis has the highest incidence of genetic conditions in Ireland, and funds are badly needed. A Day Unit in Cork has commenced, at the cost of €1m, and this Unit will be a great help to everyone.  However, as the HSE are not in a healthy financial position at present, fundraising events must be organised to help raise the necessary monies.  “This is the first time that we have organised a BBQ”, Liam said, “and it seems to be going very well.  Of course, the good weather is a great help and people are very kind”.

Chef Henry Nicholson and Cynthia McCarthy at the BBQ

Liam and his family wish to thank Michael Farrell for the use of his wonderful venue, HB Ice Cream, Stephen Murphy, BWG Foods, The Butcher Boy Youghal, Michael Cunningham Butcher, Youghal, Palace Foods and the Drombue Hill Band. And last, but certainly not least, their good friend Henry Nicholson who cooked, and cooked and cooked…

Farrell's Summerfield Bar Youghal

A beautiful day awaited the charity cyclists last Saturday morning (21st August 2010) when the group assembled at the car park, near Tides restaurant, Upper strand, Youghal.
Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com

Charity fun cyclists ready for road

With refreshments and sandwiches packed, the cyclists set off on their journey at a leisurely pace through the streets of the town eastward bound. As the weather was warm and sunny, the cycling apparel should mirror what you would wear on long rides so the avid bicyclers all wore designer shades, this helps to keep the body temperate and dry, or so it seems.

Fuel Stop

This inaugural charity cycle from Youghal to Ardmore is hoped to raise funds for different charities.The organisers were delighted with the turnout which was intentionally low key as this was a trial run for future dates.

Warren Tivy who had just returned from his charity climb of Mt Kilimanjaro, Africa, in aid of Africa Direct, was at the ready for another journey albeit not as grueling as the 20.000 feet climb to the top of a mountain.

This years recipient of the funds raised on the day (10 euro per person donated) is the Emer Casey Foundation. It has been proposed to raise funds for a different cause or charity each
year.
Many thanks to Donacha O’Cearuill from the Youghal Arts Network who was the relief driver for the day and roll on 2011!

Ardmore