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.

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

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

22.08.2010
The Youghal RNLI Lifeboat was launched on Tuesday 17th of August 2010 at 14.02 to a report of a boat that had ran aground below Ballinaclash Pier. Photo: Courtesy of Youghal RNLI  Video: Tomp1193
Click on the centre of the 3 min video clip of the rescue Waterford Coast Guard Search and Rescue Helicopter airlift the casualties to safety

The Lifeboat under the helm Sean Slattery and crew Johnny Goggin and Ray Kelly arrived at the scene and found the boat was stuck in a mud bank.  One crew member went to the boat to check on the casualties and found they had no injuries.

A second crew member was then sent to assist in taking casualties into the Lifeboat.   Due to the high density of the mud it was decided to call for assistance from the Waterford Coast Guard Search and Rescue Helicopter.  The Helicopter arrived on scene and air lifted the causalities to the Ferry Point where they were met by the Youghal Coast Guard.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Noreen Varney Youghal RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 0870506640.

RNLI online

For more information on the RNLI please visit www.rnli.ie  News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI Press Centre www.rnli.ie/press

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the Ireland and the UK. The RNLI operates over 230 lifeboat stations with 43 in Ireland. The RNLI is independent of the Coast Guard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824 its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 137,000 lives. The RNLI is a charity registered in England, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.

Youghal RFC in partnership with Youghal chamber of Tourism and the Youghal Vintners Association hosted the successful “Tag to Youghal” Festival from 13th to 15th August 2010.

The Youghal Rugby Club winning team in the inaugural 'Tag to Youghal' Rugby tournament: l/r: Stephen Kelly, Alan Fox-Capt, Johnny Rogers, Alan Moloney and Sinead Fitzgerald. Standing: Brian Dempsey, Bertie's Bar, Main sponsor Youghal Rugby Club, Conor Coleman, Anthony Frahill O'Connor, Brendan Murray, Thomas Curran and Úna Fitzgerald.

On Saturday (14th August 2010) the tag rugby Blitz took place from 12noon – 6pm, with pitch side music, food, fun competitions and entertainment followed by prize giving.  With €1000 worth of prize money to be won, this attracted a competitive entry from all over Munster and provided an afternoon of first class sporting entertainment.

Youghal Rugby's Stephen Kelly blocks Munster's Ciaran Boyle from scoring a try

Congratulation to the Youghal Rugby winning team in the inaugural Tag rugby tournament.

President of the Youghal Rugby Club Declan O'Flaherty presents the winning prize to Alan Fox, Captain Youghal Rugby Club

Click on image to enlarge – For high quality prints of the sports photo seen here contact the photographer Barry Lawlor on Mobile: 086 8595300

Last Friday (13th August 2010) night at Farrells Summerfield Bar a cheque in the sum of  € 12,650.00 was presented to Amanda Stavrou,Norma Kenneally,& Mary O’Dowd,staff members of Marymount Hospice,in front of a large crowd.
Photo : Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com Email: news@youghalonline.com

Mayor of Youghal, Mary Lenihan Foley, Martin Drake, Youghal A.C., Tim Twomey, Race organiser, Mary O’Dowd, Norma Kenneally and Amanda Stavrou representing Marymount Hospice at the cheque presentation in Farrell's Summerfield Bar. Pic: www.youghalonline.com

Martin Drake, whose wife Caroline sadly passed away on 29th July  2009 in Marymount Hospice, together with his family decided to hold a road race/walk on 18th July in memory of Caroline and to raise much needed funds for Marymount Hospice.

A small organising committee was formed  consisting of  Martin Drake, Tim Twomey,Ger Flanagan,& Willie Dalton and all worked very hard up to race day to ensure the road race/walk was a huge success.Ger Flanagan of Flanagan Print was very helpful in promoting the race/walk as he very generously printed over a thousand race leaflets which Martin and Tim brought to all the road races leading up to our race .He also printed several large posters and over 200 sponsorship cards.

At the presentation last Friday night Twomey welcomed the Mayor Youghal, Mary Lenihan Foley and the large crowd in attendance and thanked them all for coming. He thanked the main sponsors for their very generous support, in particular Mike Farrell (Summerfield Bar) for the use of his premises on race day  and various other meetings, Jack O’Patsy Pottery, Flanagan Print, Kelkab Ltd.,The Quays Bar,Lidl, & Supermacs. He also thanked all the local shopkeepers and offices who were very generous in giving out spot prizes.

He went on to thank all the people who came out to help on the day in particular Sergeant Mark Ward and all his colleagues at the Garda Station for giving us a traffic free route,Pat McCarthy and his paramedic team, Willie O’ Mahony for his PA system, Tommy Roche, The Coast Guard Crew, the Wild Geese Motor Cycle Club for their help at stewarding the race, and The Ballycotton Running Promotions team for their help on the day.

Although it rained most of the day the Race /Walk was a huge success with 245 runners/walkers taking part. We raised € 2,500.00 approx from this event  with the balance € 10,150.00 coming from Sponsorship Cards.Twomey went on to thank all the people from East Cork, West Waterford that contributed so generously to this great cause.

He then called on Amanda Stavrou (Marymount Hospice)to say a few words.Amanda said she was delighted to accept such a large cheque on behalf of  Marymount Hospice and that the money would be well spent as they were hoping to move into their new Hospital/Hospice at Curraheen next year. The cost of the new facility is € 60M.She thanked everyone that contributed and particularly Martin and his hard working team. Twomey thanked Amanda and called on the Lord Mayor to say a few words.

Family, friends and fundraisers pictured at the cheque presentation night at Farrell's Summerfield Bar, Youghal. Pic www.youghalonline.com

The Mayor of Youghal, Mary Lenihan Foley said she was delighted to have been invited to say a few words. She said she was amazed to have seen such a great turnout on  race/walk day. The rain did not deter 245 competitors on July 18th,and she complimented the race organisers for doing such a great job and hoped it would be an annual event.

She then said the staff at Marymount Hospice had a very special vocation and said not everyone could do their work.  She said she was delighted that the race organisors had raised such a huge sum for Marymount Hospice and complimented everyone in Youghal and the surrounding areas for their very generous contributions in these recessionary times.She wished the three Staff members and all at Marymount the best of look when they move into their new Hospital/Hospice next year.

Twomey thanked the Mayor for her kind words and hoped everyone would enjoy the rest of the night.

Ronan Arundle from Cork Hill in Youghal is a bricklayer who has a little time on his hands. Living in Ireland, we do not have the horrors of earthquakes, tSunamis or  Volcanoes and life is pretty good for most people. So Ronan decided it was time for him to do his turn for the people of Haiti, and try to give something back.   He contacted his friends in Youghal United Football Club, who were delighted to offer their superb facilities for a 5-a-side weekend of soccer, with all donations to be given for the Haiti trip. Denise FitzGerald Reports | Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com Email: news@youghalonline.com

Team Farrell's (Standing) the winning first team with Team JD's 1 the runner-up team

Saturday and Sunday last, August 7th and 8th were the designated dates for the sponsored soccer and which received great support from many of the people of Youghal and surrounds.   Five a Side soccer is normally played at night, but in brilliant sunshine on Saturday morning last twelve teams took to the grass in their efforts to win this prestigious event.    Play went on all through the morning and afternoon, after which time the semi finals and finals would be played on Sunday.

Finbarr Walsh, Ronan Arundel presents the winning trophy to John Cotter, Captain Team Farrell's with Kamel from Supermac's Youghal, sponsors and Kevin Gallogley

Eventually, after a great spate of goals and tackling, fun and pokes, the winning team was the delighted Michael Farrell’s team of  Summerfield, who defeated – only just – the runners up team of JD’s (A).

Ronan thanked sincerely YUFC for the use of their superb facilities, to Kamel of SuperMacs Youghal who was their Main Sponsor, and to all the guys who came along to play the five a side soccer tournament.  Also to the officials, referees, Ken Hennessy and Kevin Gallogly without whose support the event would not have been a success.

It was a weekend of marvellous fun, of friendship, of getting in a little training and, for many, a chance to play a sport they normally don’t play at all.   But this was no joking event – all were serious about winning, and about raising as much money as they could for Ronan Arundle,who is on his way to help with the rebuilding of Haiti in October.

Click on image to enlarge: Photos: www.youghalonline.com