Youghal Medieval Festival 2010 movie clip by local photographer Barry Lawlor. Press the play button to enjoy this short movie clip of the festival

Please contact the photographer for high resolution prints at this ADDRESS:

3 Kenneally’s Tce,
Lr. Cork Hill,
Youghal,
Co. Cork

tel:     +353 086 8595300
email:     info@lawlorimaging.com

www.lawlorimaging.com

These beautiful panorama-photos of Youghal harbour and beach were sent into www.youghalonline.com by Wim Stan for the viewers to see. There are unusual panorama shots of the town which we will be delighted to feature in the photo gallery section of this site.

Over 300 people turned up to the opening of the ‘Harvest Art Exhibition’ held at Ballymaloe House on Wednesday (11th August 2010) Mayor Mary Linehan Foley, Sheila & Nick Loughnane, Katie & Johnny Fitzgibbon and  artist Eileen McGoldrick  all  from Youghal.

The broad range of work on view in this exhibition fully represents the exciting artistic life of Cork and its environs, and is a wonderfully engaging and authentic reflection of a genuinely vibrant cultural scene.

Daragh Dukes a musician from Limerick, also from Limerick Colette O’Sullivan, Maeve Magill and Barra O’Toole. Guests were very impressed with the show,  a ‘stunning display of  talent’ was one of the many comments, most  people intend to return and see it again as it was so busy!

Hugh Lonergan CIT, Crawford College of  Art opened the show and  delivered a poignant and witty speech. Delicious canapes were provided in abundance by Hassets Bakery Carrigaline.

This exhibition is a ‘must see’ and will run in the Grain Store at Ballymaloe until Sept 18th, 12noon to 6pm daily.

Monday last (Aug. 9th 2010)Youghal native, Jim Horgan, returned to his hometown to embark on a boat-building initiative in conjunction with Youghal Town Council, Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group and SECAD. Report: Becky Grice | Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com

And he’s not planning on building it alone. This modern-day Noah is hoping that the people of Youghal will come out and help him create ‘A Yawl for Youghal’ – a two-masted sailing craft similar to a sloop or cutter, but with an additional mizzen mast well aft of the main mast, often right on the transom.
The boat-building will begin this coming Monday, August 9th, at Tynte’s Castle on Youghal’s North Main Street at around 2pm, and anyone and everyone is welcome to come along and help with the building process. For those who want to really enjoy the ‘hands on’ approach, Jim is offering people the chance to sign up for daily building sessions, from 6pm onwards, at a total cost of €50 for 2 weeks, or until the boat is finished.

The yawl was originally developed as a rig for commercial fishing boats and, in its heyday, the rig was particularly popular with single-handed sailors, such as circumnavigators Harry Pidgeon and Francis Chichester.
Within a historical context, the 1928 Webster’s dictionary defined a yawl as ‘a small ships boat, usually rowed by four or six oars’ and the seminal American yacht designer, Francis Herreshoff reflected this traditional definition of a yawl.

But modern self-steering and navigation aids have made the yawl’s ability to be trimmed to sail without rudder input less important, and the yawl has, sadly, generally fallen out of favour.
Cllr. Barbara Murray, a member of the Youghal Boat Building Committee, who was instrumental in getting this project off the ground and into the water, so to speak, picks up the story.
‘The Horgan family are incredibly well-known in Youghal,’ Barbara enthuses, ‘so when Jim came to me with this idea a while ago, it seemed like a fantastic option for the town. Sadly – to use a fishing metaphor – no one was biting, so I decided to take on the project myself and, with a core group of interested individuals, the Boat Building Project began to take shape.’
But Barbara was going to run aground with the project several times before it reached fruition, having to fill in SECAD funding application forms (‘It was a case of third time’s the charm!’) before finding out, just last Thursday, that funding had been granted.

‘It was then a case of all hands on deck,’ Barbara continues, ‘Jim is coming down early to get everything organised, and we’re hoping to have a core group of 8-10 boat builders who sign up for the ongoing project.’
Jim, who now lives in Galway, has boat building in his blood. Widely recognised as almost single-handedly reviving the tradition of boat building in Co. Galway, Jim’s passion for this ‘old tradition’ is self-evident, declaring Youghal as ‘very much a boating town,’ a fact that Cllr. Murray wholeheartedly agrees with.
‘We’ve two key things in Youghal,’ she states, ‘our beaches and our heritage – and we have to take care of both of them as if they were babies. They’re precious and uniquely ours. It would be such a shame if the “old ways” died out, and it’s people like Jim who are keeping them very much alive.’
Building a yawl in Youghal may have been just a clever marketing ploy, but there’s more to it than that, as Barbara explains, ‘In days gone by, over 1,000 salmon would be fished in Youghal every week – most of them brought in on yawls. Albert Muckley’s daughter has completed her thesis on the maritime geography of the town and it is, quite frankly, stunning. Why wouldn’t we keep this tradition alive?’
As part of the Youghal Boat Building Project, noted maritime historians and boat builders will visit the town, giving talks on their particular areas of expertise and about maritime history in general. Jim himself will give two talks at Youghal Library (not, as previously specified three talks) taking place on Thursday, August 12th and the following Thursday, August 19th – both at 6pm.
On the first Thursday night, marine archaeologist Darina Tully will be present and will talk about the traditional boats of Ireland. Discussions will then be led by Liam Coveney, local fishermen and river fishermen and will be of particular relevance to anyone with an interest in the history of Youghal and the Blackwater River. The following Thursday night, noted author and marine historian Niall O’Brien will be the main guest speaker. Entrance is free and all are welcome to attend.

The Youghal Boat Building committee consists of those with an interest in Youghal’s maritime history, including Patrick & Christy Buttimer (whose family were boat builders in the town) and members of the Horgan family including Tommy Collins, CRY, and it truly is a passion project for all involved.
‘It’s going to be fun and informative,’ Barbara states, ‘Jim will be using all the old boat building methods, so people will be able to watch the timber being steamed and carved and it will definitely evoke memories of times gone by.’
Many discussions have taken place about what will happen when the boat is completed, hopefully in time for Youghal’s Medieval Festival in mid-August: Will it be used? Will it be displayed? And, if so, where?
Cllr. Murray tells the East Cork Journal, ‘We already have a large collection of maritime memorabilia in Youghal at the moment, including fishing nets, barrels and nautical aids. It is hoped to add this boat to the collection, and to exhibit it on special occasions and, when possible – if Youghal can create its own maritime museum – to make it a permanent fixture there.’
This isn’t the first time that a project such as this has been attempted (with others taking place in Cappoquin and even in a Galway Shopping Centre), but what makes the Youghal Boat Building Project different is the timeframe and the invitition for anyone to participate.
‘Previously, these schemes can take up to 3 months to complete,’ Barbara admits, ‘but with enough people helping, we’re confident that Youghal’s yawl can be completed in two weeks. Actually, I think it will take three, but Jim’s convinced it will take a fortnight – and he’s the expert!’
The nautical expression ‘sailing close to the wind’ springs to mind…
Regardless of all that, the Youghal Boat Building Project is set to bring a smile to the faces of many who were involved with ‘a life on the ocean wave’ in the town, and is the perfect opportunity to introduce a new generation (who think that ‘ketch’ is just short for ketchup) to a bygone era where hands, not computers, shaped the world.
‘We have to collect history, before it’s lost forever,’ Barbara implores, ‘This way people can literally make history – and that‘s not something you get to do every day.’
So, if you feel like contributing to Youghal’s Boat Building Project, jump on board.
There’s no cost to take part on a daily basis, but if you’d like to be part of the core group or would like further information, please contact Barbara at 087 2854971.
And remember, get involved before it’s too late… don’t miss the boat.

The Methodist Hall, Friar Street, Youghal is the very suitable venue for an amazing exhibition of talent by Youghal Art Group.   The Exhibition  includes exhibits from all thirteen members of the Group, which includes eight ladies and five men. Report:  Denise FitzGerald | Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com | Email news@youghalonline.com

On Friday last, July 30th local author and award-winning radio journalist,Youghal man, Colm Keane, accompanied by his wife RTE newsreader Una O’Hagan, arrived in Youghal to perform the official opening of the Exhibition, where a large crowd of people were already packed into the Methodist hall, admiring the paintings on exhibit. Colm spoke eloquently to all present, and said how delighted he was to have the honour of officially opening this wonderful Exhibition.

Included in the paintings Julia Cracey Cox’ painting “All Creatures Great and Small” which was the winner of the ICA Challenge Cup Cork Federation 2010, and “To Fanore Beach” which was highly commended at the Burren Art competition, Lisdoonvarna 2010.   Exhibitors include Risteard MacSuibhne, Louise O’Loughlin, Brigid Hughes, Chris Meehan, Michael O’Loughlin, Gretta Kelleher, Marina O’Loughlin, Julia Gracey Cox, Vanessa O’Loughlin, Bríd O’Brien and Gwillym Dewick.

Painting, they say, “ is easy when you don’t know how, but very difficult when you do”!

The members generously make a donation to local charities in lieu of cheese and wine at the opening night.
This was their 16th exhibition.
Youghal Art Group (024) 93376 or 087-7670413

Click on image to enlarge

HARVEST Opening night is Wednesday August 11th.Thursday August 12th it is open to the public and runs daily from 12noon to 6 p.m., August 12th until September 18th at The Grain Store, Ballymaloe House, Shanagarry, Co. Cork

Combining the work of three painters – Rebecca Bradley, Diane Magee and Louise McKeown – with that of four ceramic sculptors – Liz Burgess, Andrea Cashell, Martha Cashman and Nedyalka Panova – this is an exhibition that varies in approach, content and theme, but is united by the location in which these artists live, the dedication with which they work, and their instinctive responses to the world around them.

The four ceramic sculptors exhibiting work in an array of different methods, demonstrating mastery of each medium along with flair, imagination and skill.

Based in Kinsale, Liz Burgess creates elegant and contemporary torsos of male and female forms, and garden sculptures inspired by the rock formations found at beaches around Cork, in raku-fired ceramics. Andrea Cashell is an award-winning ceramic artist from Youghal who makes contemporary slab-built sculptures using white stoneware clay, based on the organic forms and repeat patterns found in nature like those of shells, plants and flowers.

Martha Cashman is also from Youghal, now Cork based, and a very well known ceramicist who transforms the most humble of objects, such as tools and spoons, into symbolic pieces using delicate porcelain with bright lustre glazes, woven wire and wood. Nedyalka Panova is Bulgarian but lives and works in Cork, and is an award-winning ceramic artist whose work, inspired by nature, uses using a wide range of materials and techniques, from fine bone china to raku.

Each of the three painters in the exhibition also responds directly and immediately to the individual environment in their work.

Rebecca Bradley was born in London in the 1960s and has lived and worked in Fermoy for the past eighteen years. Ranging from light, open, minimal paintings to more densely worked textural pieces, landscapes and places she has visited provide a starting point for her work.

Diane Magee was born in Youghal, where she lives and works, and her work explores and records the landscape, light and views which surround her daily. Originally from Clonmel, Louise McKeown is based in Kinsale where she runs her own gallery.

Deriving ideas, tastes and styles from various sources, she produces both landscapes and portraits, with her painting primarily influenced by the Irish countryside and its rich colours and people.

The broad range of work on view in this exhibition fully represents the exciting artistic life of Cork and its environs, and is a wonderfully engaging and authentic reflection of a genuinely vibrant cultural scene.

www.rebeccabradleyartist.com            www.andreacashell.com

www.marthacashman.com                   www.dianemagee.com

www.louisemckeon.com                      www.nedyalkapanova.com

Liz Burgess (website in progress) tel: (087)7532956

Youghal, Co. Cork celebrated its designation by Failte Ireland as a ‘centre of excellence’ in family fun with its inaugural Family Fun Festival over the weekend (16th -18th July) with an action packed festival programme of free family entertainment.
Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com and John Hennessy

In excess of 5,000 visitors over the course of the weekend took part in a whole host of events which kicked off in style on Friday evening, 16th July 2010 with a ‘Mardi Gras’ parade setting the seaside town ablaze with colour.  The official launch of the event was by this year’s Kerry Rose, Veronica Hunt – a Youghal native.  Highlights of the parade included the contestants in the ‘Queen of the Sea’ competition as they cruised through the town in a range of vintage cars, led out by the nationally renowned ‘Youghal Pipe Band’.  Music and dance were the order of the day as visitors and locals saw dance troupes and street performers take centre stage, but it was the ‘Graham McDermott School of Dancing’ which stole the show and claimed first prize in the parade; sponsored by T & M Fitzgerald.

Speaking to Youghalonline.com, Dance teacher, Graham McDermott said, ” The kids were thrilled to win 1st prize, everyone was in great form as they just had their end of year party and they didn’t care if rained or snowed!” – ” I would also like to thank Sal Tivy and the organising committee for their invaluable help and thanks also to the generous sponsors of the Mardi Gras Parade T&M Fitzgerald Builders.”

The dance troupe had previously won the ‘Best Group’ at the Youghal St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2010 and will have two groups participating in this year’s HIP HOP Championships in Dublin. The ‘Graham McDermott School of Dancing’ has 125 students and are looking forward to moving to their new premises in South Main St. Youghal next September.

“The festival exceeded all our wildest expectations”, said Sal Tivy, Festival Chairperson. “On reflection however, I believe the secret of our success was that all the fun events were free and the simple, old fashioned ideas will always be enjoyed by kids of any era,” commented Sal.

The response from the public was uplifting as families of all ages enjoyed the various activities all day Saturday and Sunday. The relaxed and friendly atmosphere was truly evident throughout the day in the Family Food Festival in the Market Square, with local traders reaping the economic benefits of the influx of visitors to the town.

Local trader, Judy Ansbro of ‘The Coffee Pot’ described the Food Festival as “the best food market ever to be held in Youghal”.   Therese Donnelly of The Quality Hotel & Leisure Club, Youghal, also commended the festival organisers on the fact that over 90% of the events over the weekend were free.  “Our customers were thrilled with the fact that so much of this festival was free; everyone is so budget conscious at the moment, and this festival sends out a great signal that Youghal is giving visitors what they want.”

The highlight of the entire weekend however was the crowning of Youghal’s very own ‘Queen of the Sea’; Susie Fitzgibbon -  who represented Aherne’s Seafood Restaurant.  Susie was presented with a cheque for €500, along with a perpetual trophy which was generously sponsored by local businesses; Claycastle Recording Studios and The Seahunter Charter Boat.  Sal Tivy heaped praise on all of the 31 contestants commenting: “all the participants were absolutely magnificent.  I am proud to say Youghal holds a record in beautiful women!  They were stunning.  This competition was not solely about looks, it was about mind, body and soul and each contestant displayed this and represented their sponsors with great pride.  The really special surprise that came from this festival however, was the sponsor cards which each queen got for ISPCC Childline.  The astonishing amount of €5,000 was raised by the Queens” said Sal.

Despite the inclement weather on Sunday, the Walter Raleigh Hotel very generously stepped in to provide the venue for ‘Sunday is Funday’.  Hundreds of children were not to be disappointed as the ‘Fastest Daddy Competition’, ‘The Walter Raleigh Spud & Spoon Race’; ‘The Teddy Bear Hospital’ all took place on dry land!

The festival drew to a close with a ‘raft race’ in Youghal Bay.  A team of fearless ‘water babies’ calling themselves the ‘Water Rats’ clinched first place in a closely fought event, sponsored by Aquatrek Sea Skills. At the closing ceremony of the event, Sal Tivy paid tribute to the hard-working committee who worked behind the scenes to make the event possible.  “They were magnificent; a fantastic, hard working team of ladies and 3 gents.  I would personally like to express my thanks and say it was these people who made it such a successful event for Youghal.  I would like to say it was my privilege to have worked with them.”

The Youghal Family Fun Festival would like to thank its sponsors for their support in this inaugural event.

For further information contact:

Aileen Ahern

Youghal Family Fun Festival

Tel: 024-81814

E: tourism@youghal.ie

Youghal Art Group are busy preparing for their annual art exhibition at the Methodist Church Hall, Friar street. Pic: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com

Youghal Art Group spokeswoman Marina O’Loughlin told YoughalOnline.com that the group are “looking forward to the exhibition which will be officially opened by local author and award-winning radio journalist, Youghal man, Colm Keane, accompanied by his wife RTE newsreader Una O’Hagan”.

This years’ exhibition will run from 11.30am to 7.30pm daily from Fri. July 30th to 8th August.

The members generously make a donation to local charities in lieu of cheese and wine at the opening night.
This will be their 16th exhibition. Admission is free and donations to defray expenses optional. Details from Marina on (024) 93376 or 087-7670413

The group now meets on the first Wednesday of the month at Cumann na Daoine, Catherine Street, Youghal. New members are welcome

‘Capella’, the senior chamber choir from The Wallace High School, Lisburn, Co. Antrim gave an outstanding performance at St Mary’s Collegiate Church on Wednesday (June 30th 2010). The repertoire included works by Vivaldi, Stanford, Weelkes, Britten and McGlynn. The choir has 30 members, and includes students from ages 14 to 18.
Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com Email: news@youghalonline.com

Capella has performed far and wide, from concert tours of Belgium, Paris (Notre Dame, La Madelaine) to the Czech Republic.  There were in Boston and New York last June, where they sang at Old North Church, Boston, MA, St Mary the Virgin, Times’ Square, NY, St John Devine Metropolitan Cathedral, NY and also Central station.

The choristers meet 5 mornings a week before school, one day after school and a couple of evenings per half term in order to deal with the extensive repertoire.

Capella is directed by Mr David Falconer, Head of Music and is accompanied by Mr Theo Saunders, Organist and Master of the Choristers at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh.

All proceeds from the night went towards the church.

Family Fun Festival 16th – 18th July 2010

Youghal’s first ever dedicated Family Festival will take place in the stunning seaside town on Friday 16th, Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th July 2010. Photo: www.youghalonline.com

The highlight of the week will be the selection of the Queen of the Sea, where the lucky winner will receive a terrific prize of E500.  This FREE Festival weekend promises to be fun-packed FREE activities and entertainment for all the family. All are welcome to come and support the Queen of the Sea participants at the Market Square Stage at 8pm on Saturday Evening. Music and Entertainment assured for all!

Speaking about the upcoming festival, Chairperson of the organising committee, Sal Tivy of Perks Entertainment centre commented: “We have certainly struck gold we believe here in Youghal again.   We will be hosting one of the biggest Family Fun Festivals imaginable in July from 16th – 18th.   The wonderful thing about this festival however is that there is fun for families aged from one to one hundred!   And most importantly almost all events in the festival are free.  We look forward to welcoming family visitors to our beautiful town where we will guarantee a fun-filled weekend.  We are also thrilled that any proceeds raised from our ‘Queen of the Sea’ Competition will go to the hugely deserving ‘Childline’ Charity.
CLICK ON IMAGE TO SEE SOME OF THE CONTESTANTS IN THE INAUGURAL ‘Queen of the Sea 2010’ COMPETITION – All photos copyright to www.youghalonline.com

This festival will feature a non-stop programme of events including the opening event; a ‘Mardi-Gras’ Parade on Friday night promises a world of colour and spectacle throughout the town.

Saturday will feature the finest of local produce in the Family Food Festival in Market Square, followed by children’s storytelling, sandcastle building and crab-catching competitions.   The sound of music will fill the streets with children’s busking sessions and interactive children’s dance workshops.

Sunday 18th July is Funday in  ‘Greenpark’ when the town will come alive from 12.00 – 4.00 pm with mayhem sure to ensue in the ‘Fastest Daddy Competition’, ‘The Walter Raleigh Spud & Spoon Race’ and ‘The Teddy Bear Hospital’.

The highlight of the entire weekend however will be the crowning of Youghal’s very own ‘Queen of the Sea’, generously sponsored by local businesses; Claycastle Recording Studios and The Seahunter Charter Boat. Initial interviews have already been held and the evening promises to be spectacular. “I was delighted that so many of the girls have participated in this event” commented Veronica Hunt, Kerry Rose 2010 and also a member of the Judging Panel for the Queen of the Sea. “This is such a fantastic experience for young girls , a chance to be recognised as they are all  talented, beautiful and full of personality and I am sure that their families and friends will be very proud of them” commented Veronica.

We are all eager to see who will be finally be the lucky girl chosen on Saturday evening in the Market Square, they are all such wonderful people for all little girls to look up to.  As the event draws near, banners and posters are the talk of the town!. It ‘s set to be a colourful, fun and entertaining evening” Veronica added.

This FREE Festival weekend promises to be fun-packed FREE activities and entertainment for all the family, mardis gras parade, DJ’s. Bands, Busking, Food Festivals, Raft Races and Old Style Childrens games – Youghal is definitely the place to be the weekend of July 16th to 18th commented Sal Tivy“ We hope to see you all there”! she added.

Youghal Family Fun Festival is supported and part funded by South & East Cork Area Development (SECAD), and Youghal Chamber of Tourism & Commerce in association with Failte Ireland and Youghal Town Council.

For further details of the times of the festival events log onto: www.youghal.ie or call the festival headquarters in Youghal Tourist Office on: 024-20170.

Issued by:            Youghal Family Fun Festival.

Contact: Aileen Ahern E: tourism@youghal.ie

Tel:               024-81814

Photo Captions

Mickey Noel White and his daughter Noelle
34 Susie Fitzgibbon, Arianna Linder and Lynn Leahy
36 Heather O’Donoghue, Sara Robinson and Amanda Veale
38 Stella Perks, Heather O’Donoghue, Sara Robinson, Amanda Veale and Eddie Irwin
40 Diane O’Sullivan and David O’Shea from Midleton
43 Micheala Bailey
45 Emma O’Keeffe and Diane O’Sullivan
49 Emma Healy and Vanessa Prendergast with members of Youghal Fire Brigade
50 Micheala Bailey, Emma Healy, Stella Perks and Vanessa Prendergast
55 Nicola Hennessy
57 Dainia Foley and Lynn Leahy
61 Lynn Leahy, Michael Farrell and Jessica Scully
65 Emer Kelly and Michael de Buitleir
68 Eileen Hunt with her daughters Vanessa and Valerie
69 Committee
731copy Committee
75 Evin Gyves, Veronica Hunt, Bill Piper and Stella Perks
79 Gaye and David Fitzgibbon with their daughter Susie
82 Ryan Howard, Barbara Murray, Sal Tivy Perks, and Aileen Ahern
83 Siobhán Greene with her father John Greene and Marie Davis
87 Virginia Brownlow, Tony Gallagher, Stella Perks, Katie Fitzgibbon and David Fitzgibbon
88 and 92 Veronica Hunt
95 Contestants Sophie Condon, Serena Ottman, Alison Curtin, Sarah Ledingham, Emer Kelly and Siobhán Greene
500 Miss Walter Raleigh Serena Ottman
503 Linda Coade, Nicola Hennessy and Daragh Parker from Youghal Local Radio CRY
805 Miss CRY Linda Coade
510 Heather O’Donoghue, Erin Healy and Amanda Veale
512 Mary Cooper White with her daughter Noelle and Brian McGoran
513 Nikata Savage, Emer Kelly and Siobhán Greene
517 A kiss is just a kiss for MC Tommy Collins from CRY with model sisters Valerie and Veronica Hunt
524 Veronica Hunt
526 7 Veronica Hunt and Micheala Bailey
530 Damian Moore, Sarah Jane Daly, Micheala Bailey and Emma Healy
532 Brian McGoran and Oonagh Poynton