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.

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.

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

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’.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

On Sunday last 22nd August 2010, visitors flocked in their thousands to the stunning surroundings of St. Mary’s College Gardens in Youghal for the 4th Annual Youghal Medieval Festival. Events were planned to coincide with The Irish Walled Towns Network celebrations of National Heritage Week.
Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com| Email: news@youghalonline.com

Official figures on the day saw in excess of 8,000 people visit the free annual event over the course of the day, a record number for the event. The glorious sunshine made the inclement weather of the event in 2009 a distant memory!

Celebrations kicked off at 12.00 pm where the ‘Medieval Village’ played host to an abundance of performers, guests and festival goers all of whom came out in support of the event. The renowned ‘Freelance Knights of Redemption’ from Co. Cavan undertook a full fighting and weaponry display while elsewhere in the Medieval encampment visitors were mesmerised by the archery display and huddled around the roasting ‘lamb on the spit’ to observe the wonderful styles of medieval cookery.

This year the ‘Kids Kingdom’ played host to some of the best activities seen at the festival to date. The ‘Mumbo Jumbo Circus Workshop’ was a flurry of excitement and activity as kids of all ages learned how to stilt walk or ride a unicycle. The bouncy castle area was a major attraction as children braved the obstacle course over and over again.

This year the ‘Kids Kingdom’ saw the re-introduction of traditional arts & crafts fun. Speaking on behalf of the organising committee Catherine Desmond said: “Parents were delighted with the concept of ‘back to basics’ fun. Children were able to get involved and create their own Medieval Hats and Shields which they could then wear and bring home as a souvenir. Each year the committee tries to incorporate a good balance of fun, education and heritage into the festival and I think it’s fair to say that we achieved just that. Not only did we organise a ‘FREE FAMILY EVENT’ but we also reopened the historic quarter of Youghal which has seen a huge facelift over the last few years”, commented Catherine.

This year more quality food and craft stalls only added to the electric atmosphere of the gardens in ‘Maid Marion’s Food & Craft Fair’.  Traders recreated the colourful atmosphere of a noisy Medieval Marketplace and visitors were given the chance to purchase unique gifts and top quality food produce ranging from homemade ice – cream to wood-fired pizza.

The ‘bandstand area’ featured lively performances from local band ‘Rannach’ followed by local favourites ‘Redmond & John’ culminating with the Youghal Pipe Band.  Community Radio Youghal was of course on hand throughout the entire day to report on proceedings throughout the afternoon.

Clodagh Mahon of Youghal Heritage said: “The event was a tremendous success and the support we’ve seen from the business community in the town deserves a huge acknowledgement. We received some fantastic spot prizes for our raffle and I would like to give them a big thank you on behalf of the committee. I would also like to take the opportunity to thank our many hard working volunteers who worked tirelessly before, during and after the event. Festivals like these rely heavily on volunteers and it’s great to see such community spirit”.

Youghal Medieval Festival was organised by The Youghal Municipal Heritage Committee and was funded by the Heritage Council of Ireland and Youghal Town Council.
Click on image to enlarge. All photographs www.youghalonline.com. For high resolution image copy of any of the photos seen here please email to news@youghalonline.com with Attention to picturedesk

Key to photographs
91 Youghal Town Cryer Cliff Winser with Noel Curtin and sons Jack and Robbie
105 William and Morgan Joyce with ‘Captain Jack’ Kieran Groeger
107 Paula, TJ and Amy Rusk, Teresa and Sean Slattery with Mayor of Youghal Mary Linehan Foley
110 Ann marie Roe, Patrice Desmond and Stacey O’Leary
112 Carmel Murphy from Limerick
113 Derek Kenefick fundraising for the Haven for Haiti building programme
119 Susan and Shane Morgan with facepainter Clara Foley
120 Tina Molloy with her children enjoying the free festival
122 Rebecca Hanna and Coran McCarthy with doggy Kerry at the Medieval Festival
138 Tilly McCarthy and Patrick Walsh
140 Sean Donovan and Ann Power
159 Michelle Hennessy, Sheila Whyte and Sandra McLellan and child
184 James and Alavoine from Cork
187 Seth Lewis and Viki Nagy
190 Mervyn Scott and Noel Cronin from Youghal local radio CRYIssued by:

Youghal Heritage Committee

Tel: 024-81814

E: youghalheritage@mail.com or tourism@youghal.ie

The “Tag to Youghal” Festival kicked off on last Friday evening with an open air concert with Rannach live on stage in the market square and afterwards people explored the lively bars in Youghal along the festival’s “Pubfest” music & pub trail. Pic www.youghalonline.com

On Sunday last, a free live open air concert took place in the centre of town with local band deBurca for all to enjoy.Youghal RFC in partnership with Youghal Chamber of Tourism and the Youghal Vintners Association were delighted with the success of this inaugural family fun and trouble free event.

The screening of the film “The Sea the Boat and Me” took place last Saturday (August 7th 2010 ) in The Mall Arts Centre, Youghal. Brendan Ahern who made the film gave a brief questions and answers session after the screening. Copies of the DVD and T shirts were also on sale, for further information call 083 360 6507. Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com

The Sea the Boat and Me covers the restoration and relaunch of the Kathleen & May, the only remaining three masted wooden topsail schooner and her second maiden voyage to Youghal, Ireland. It is the story of the passion the boat evokes in the people who have worked on her as original sailing crew or modern day restoration crew.

The Continuing Story of the Kathleen and May is a film about just that – the boat, the sea, the crew, the life, the stories, the history. But there’s more than that. Yes. Something else. .There’s the passion – of the crew, of the captains, of the seafaring way of life, of the people who are restoring her today, of Steve Clarke who rescued her from decay at a Gloucester dock. And who was Captain Joe, my grandfather? Of my own fascination with the sea, water, just the water and the tales it has to tell.

Click on image to enlarge

Green Barn Garden, Lifestyle and Bistro are delighted to report the Huge success of the launch of Green Barn Farmers Market.
Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com Email: news@youghalonline.com

On Friday last (Aug 6th),  hundreds of people gathered to experience the best in local produce, stalls included, Arbutus Bread, Dan Ahernes Organic Meat, Baldwins Ice Cream, Ballycurraginny Farm fruit and vegetables, Helens Homebaking, Magpie Cottage Dairy, Yawl Bay Seafood, Oonagh Poynton Food , Green Barn Flowers and Jams, Volcano Woodfired Pizza, Ardsallagh Cheese, The Crepe Man, Mauras Cupcakes, Rebel Chilli, Woodside Farm,Mary  Delaney – hen and duck eggs, Shane Minnocks ,Teabracks and Scones

Joining us in the coming weeks are Greenfield Farm – Salad Leafs, Organic Veg, Aubergines and courgettes etc and Green Safron – Indian Hot food and spice mixes to go) plus many more.

With Free Entertainment for  the kids we had Mr Moonshine with his balloon making and magic show and Free Face Painting in our Kiddies Cottage while the Daly sisters along with Ciara Gleeson played some traditional music.

Joining us on the day was the very stylish Kerry Rose, Veronica Hunt as well as Fine Gael TD for East Cork David Stanton, Cannon Browne and many other local representatives.

At Green Barn we are committed to offering our customers the best in class local produce whilst also offering an enjoyable morning out. What better way to meet up with friends, families, neighbours etc that at Green Barn Farmers Market. In the coming months we have many exciting plans for our Farmers Markets so keep visiting !!!

Click on image to enlarge and see some of the colourful attractions at Green Barn

The Youghal RNLI Lifeboat held their annual open day on Sunday 1st August 2010

The Lifeboat station and the Atlantic 75 class lifeboat were open to the public and the voluntary lifeboat crew members were on hand to show the public around and answer any questions. The Youghal Lifeboat crew demonstrating two launch and recovery’s of the Atlantic 75 Lifeboat.

Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com Email: news@youghalonline.com

Click on image to enlarge

Fun is the name of the game as the Carleton Village barbeque becomes a permanent Summer Fixture.

After the success of the inaugural event Carleton Village management have decided to make the Family Fun Barbeque a permanent event for the summermonths. The Barbeque will join other events such as the Kids Club to ensure that holiday makers at the Village have the best time possible while on their family break.
Chef Extraordinaire David Woods will cater the BBQ’s bringing with him famous American accent and New York style cooking. Flamed Grilled burgers, Chicken Kebabs and Sausages will be accompanied by David’s mouth watering homemade sides and soft drinks will be in abundance.

With fun being the name of the game, Carleton Village have stepped up theon site activities for the event. Victor and his balloon madness will now be joined by Face Painting Fun and other activities will include Volley Ball, Connect Four, Giant Chess, Bowls and the all important Lollypop Hunt.

The Family Fun Barbeque will take place in the Walled Garden of the Village from 5.30 to 8.30pm on a Tuesday night, weather permitting, however if the weather is not suitable it will take place the first available evening there after.
With so much going on the Carleton Village Family Fun Barbeque is sure to
keep everyone entertained!

FREE screening of this great film on Saturday, August 7th in The Mall Arts Centre at 7.30pm. Doors open at 7pm.

The Sea the Boat and Me covers the restoration and relaunch of the Kathleen & May, the only remaining three masted wooden topsail schooner and her second maiden voyage to Youghal, Ireland. It is the story of the passion the boat evokes in the people who have worked on her as original sailing crew or modern day restoration crew.

It is also a personal journey into the past, and an exploration of a way of life now long gone, which this unique boat represents.

Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Brendan Ahern, grandson of Captain Joe Ahern who sailed the Lizzie May to Ireland in 1908 where she was renamed Kathleen & May.

“I’m a young fella looking down at the water, the blue water, tibbling up and splashing around and I remember the father came along and put his arm around me shoulder and he says “take good care of it, it can be your best friend and be your biggest enemy”. Wasn’t he right.”

At my father’s funeral I met an elderly relative of mine who introduced himself: “My name is Pa Aherne, I sailed with your grandfather, Captain Joe, 70 years ago”. This introduction had such an impact on me that I decided I had to know more about this man, his stories of the sea, the old port of Youghal and the boat he had sailed on “The Kathleen & May”

The Continuing Story of the Kathleen and May is a film about just that – the boat, the sea, the crew, the life, the stories, the history. But there’s more than that. Yes. Something else. .There’s the passion – of the crew, of the captains, of the seafaring way of life, of the people who are restoring her today, of Steve Clarke who rescued her from decay at a Gloucester dock. And who was Captain Joe, my grandfather? Of my own fascination with the sea, water, just the water and the tales it has to tell.

“As a kid I never really saw the sea, didn’t have to see it, it was always there …just didn’t see it at the time. It was there at the top of the hill”.

The passion, however it bites, when it bites, that’s it, you’re hooked.

FREE screening of this great film on Saturday, August 7th in The Mall Arts Centre at 7.30pm. Doors open at 7pm.

Copies of the DVD will be on sale after the screening.

For further information call 083 360 6507

The Mall Arts Centre, Youghal, Co Cork on Saturday, August 14th at 8pm (doors 7.30pm).
Tickets on sale at Cree’s Card Shop, Youghal (024 93899) for €15.
For further information or reservations call 083 360 6507.

Two gifted craftsmen at work. Hanly’s unique song-writing and story-telling skills, combined with McGlynn’s tasty virtuosity on guitar make for a very special coming together of two of the stalwarts of the Irish Music scene. Lately, rekindling a musical relationship that led to two of Hanly’s best albums, Warts and All, and Happy Like This, their show has all the hallmarks of a musical road well travelled.

Limerick man, Mick Hanly is best known for his big stateside hit Past The Point of Rescue. The song scooped two BMI awards; Most played song of 1993 and One Million Radio Plays. But, Hanly’s songs have been covered by all the major Irish artists, including, Christy Moore, Dolores Keane, Mary Black, etc, while Hal Ketchum and Delbert McClinton, among others have sung Mick’s song in the US. He recently released Collected.

“Hanly has the ability to write such good tunes as Past The Point of Rescue, Damaged Halo, that deliver a distinctive rugged honesty, and controlled grasp of sentiment” Joe Breen, Irish Times, Jan’10.

Omagh man Arty McGlynn began his professional musical career at the tender age of 15years. Following a ten-year stint on the Showband circuit, Arty turned his attention to Irish Traditional music. In 1979, he released the groundbreaking McGlynn’s Fancy, which was the first ever album of Traditional music played on guitar. Subsequently, he became one of the most sought after guitarist in the country, playing with such luminaries as Van Morrison, De Dannan, and Patrick Street. In 1989 Arty’s duet album, Lead The Knave, with his wife Nollaig Casey was critically acclaimed, as was their follow up album Causeway.  Arty’s production work is also wide-ranging. Artists such as Christy Hennessy, Francis Black, and Liam Flynn, have all benefited from Arty’s studio skills.
No one knows Mick Hanly’s music like Arty McGlynn. Bringing years of experience and formidable skill to the mix, his subtle accompaniment adds a new hue to this songwriter’s work.

Catch them at The Mall Arts Centre, Youghal, Co Cork on Saturday, August 14th at 8pm (doors 7.30pm).
Tickets on sale at Cree’s Card Shop, Youghal (024 93899) for €15.
For further information or reservations call 083 360 6507.

–
Oona Colin
Facilities Coordinator
The Mall Arts Centre/St. Mary’s Collegiate Church
Tel: 083 360 6507