A chara,

As secretary of the Youghal Arts Network, May I take this opportunity to thank you personally for all you’re help and assistance to us during the year and wish you and the team the best of luck for 2012. I wish to publicly thank the committee and members of the Arts Network for great efforts all year in organising our very successful ventures , namely , the Father Ted Night , which is being run again in January next , The 4th Midsummer Gala Ball , which we will continue next June . The Halloween Fancy Dress night , which will run again next October and any ancillary events we participated in during the year . Have a very happy and peaceful Christmas and an eventful new year . Nollag shona dhuit agus ath bhliain faoi mhaise . Donacha O Cearuill , Runai , Youghal Arts Network.

Youghal And District Community Alert November Meeting In The Nook. – By Christy Parker

THE YOUGHAL AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY ALERT (YDCA) GROUP held its November meeting in the Nook bar on Thursday morning the 17th by way of augmenting its public profile. The officers present were Des Heffernan, chairman and Michael Beecher, PRO.

Amidst the comfort of a winter fire and complimentary tea, coffee and scones, the gathering was addressed by three speakers, while copious amounts of advisory and information literature on crime, alcohol and drug abuse and personal security was also distributed.

An Garda

PRO Sergeant John Sharkey eschewed the regular crime report to deliver a general summary of garda work in the locality and to take questions from the floor. The sergeant outlined that he is one of four sergeants plus 20 other gardaí and one civilian officer at the station. The service operates om a maximum base of one sergeant and five gardaí per shift across three shifts every 24 hours. He stressed that when the station closes at 10 pm, there remains a full complement of gardaí patrolling the general locality and under instruction from Midleton headquarter. “People should never hesitate to call us,” he added. “Calls are never a nuisance and are always valued.  It’s far better to be safe than sorry. Likewise, if you are unhappy with the Garda service in any way, please report it to a sergeant or any senior officer, as you would with any service provider. ”

Crime

Crime-wise, Sergeant Sharkey said Youghal was generally quiet at present, probably due in some measure to various Garda and community initiatives that focus on the principal of each individual being central to protecting their own property. This in turn created a culture of protectionism across the community that deterred would-be criminals.

Nonetheless, he said, there were issues of concern, particularly underage drinking and anti-social behaviour, as epitomised on Halloween night for example. Equally, unacceptably disruptive behaviour in the town in recent weeks had seen Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs) issued to several young people. This effectively banned them from the main street and other areas for three month, with further action towards building a case towards court proceedings, following failure to comply.

The sergeant also referred to the important role played by Community Garda Peter Queally, underlining the crucial link between the town’s individuals, groups and organisations and Garda effectiveness.  In a similar vein, he promoted the monthly Community Alert meetings as an important mechanism by which the public and An Garda can interact with the public and build confidence and trust. Again he urged the community to ring the gardaí if harbouring any concerns or suspicions about anyone or anything.

Such an approach was particularly relevant to the rising level of rural crime, especially housebreaking and burglaries. Such perpetrators would drive or walk an area and he encouraged people to note unusual behaviour, note details such as car makes, colours and number plates and, especially, exercise caution when presented with yarns or offers that would incur entrance a stranger’s entrance to one’s home or the production of one’s money. It was important also to realise that many con artists will pose as health officials, civil servants, construction workers, gardaí, nurses, etc. The theft of car keys from homes was a current trend, the garda also reminded, urging they be kept in a secure location.

Sergeant Sharkey further warned about urban scams, often with gangs confusing shopkeepers with elaborate tactics in seeking change, or ‘buying’ expensive items with bogus credit numbers, etc.

Likewise the internet, he elaborated, was now a minefield of deception. Various incidents were relayed from the floor, including strangers interceding Facebook accounts in pretence of being stranded family member and seeking transference of money abroad for assistance. Bogus e-mails or phone calls seeking bank account details or pin numbers were also prevalent.  Youghal Garda station is on (024) 92200.

Care and Repair

An interesting and informative question-and-answer session followed between the attendance and the sergeant before spokesman for the Care and Repair movement Pat Carey took the microphone. Mr Carey explained that Care and Repair currently consisted of about nine volunteers who, working in pairs, conduct light repair work of behalf of the elderly (over 65’s). The service is co-ordinated through Cumann na Daoine, he said and all volunteers are Garda vetted, he assured.

Mr Carey advised that the group’s insurance does not cover heavy duty work such as general plumbing or electrical projects. A year in existence, the service averages one job per week now. The average time spent on a job is three hours daily but return visits are accommodated. Usually a job is undertaken within two days of being requested.  Care and Repair is a free, non- profit making  service, he proceeded, other than the provision of materials, though voluntary contributions (which some clients prefer to pay) are accepted on behalf of Cumann na Daoine. Gardening, painting, decorating, household repairs and alarm installation feature highly on the retinue “but no job is too small,” said the speaker. I response to an inquiry, he said the group operates within a three mile radius of the town.  Cumann na Daoine is on (024) 91900.

Drugs

The third speaker was Eddie McBride, new Youghal-based community drugs worker with the Southern Regional Drugs Task Force, replacing Eric Trihy. Mr McBride, from Waterford, said his background was in youth community development and family support pertinent to drugs issues. He was now charged, through Foróige, with co-ordinating drug abuse amongst the 14 to 24 age groups. The methodology centred firstly on “Education and Prevention,” he explained and secondly –for those already victims of the drug culture- “harm reduction.”

The official explained how his work entailed much liaising with Community Garda Queally on an advisory, as against a criminal, basis. Mr McBride brought interesting analysis to his address, not least informing that the “number one drug of choice and the one that caused the most upheaval in people’s lives is alcohol.” Given the setting it was an ironic equation. In terms of common usage, alcohol, he outlined, precedes cannabis and then opiates. Heroin exists in every town and village but it isn’t of prime concern, he stressed.

Mr. McBride said that in 2010 “63 individuals and 77 parents or concerned persons” in Youghal had sought help from the service he was now managing. He welcomed the statistic as evidence of increasing numbers realising their difficulties and actively seeking a solution towards better lives.

Interestingly, the speaker also dismissed a direct link between crime and drug use as considerably exaggerated. Amongst his other assertions is all drug issues are individual-based, with society comprised of communities, comprised of families, comprised of individual. He further advised that introduction to drugs are usually through ‘friends, peers or family, with alcohol generally involved. These and other matters relevant to his posting will be considered in an interview with Mr McBride in an upcoming issue of Youghal News. Eddie can be contacted on (024) 90793 / 086 3842183 for confidential advice and support.

The fourth and final speaker of the morning was Dermot Cronin, Community Alert Development Officer – Southern Garda Region. The next edition of Youghjal News will contain a report on Mr. Cronin’s address.

Loneliness And Isolation Features Highly At Youghal Community Alert AGM.
By Christy Parker

CONCERN over lonely and isolated elderly people and was a prominent issued raised at October’s Youghal and District Community Alert meeting. The occasion was also the group’s AGM and was conducted in Cumann na Daoine following the unavailability of the Walter Raleigh hotel.

Outgoing chairman Michael Beecher commenced proceedings by asking Pa Forrest to deliver the treasurer’s report, which showed a current balance of €1,043.45 from an opening sum of €905.08. A Red Store coffee morning with guest speakers had brought a debit of €120 while the annual church gate collection month collected €1,042.35.

Crime report

Community Garda Peter Queally delivered the monthly crime report, while deviating from previous practice in largely not identifying specific times and areas. There had been just one theft from a shop over the previous month and two general thefts and gardai had conducted 10 street drug searches of which there were three arrests for possession. Six public order incidents were detected, three burglaries -one of which was aggravated burglary- had occurred, alongside three criminal damage offences and one drink driving arrest.

The aggravated burglary had occurred in the Quality Hotel at approximately 5.30 am on September 12th. The night porter had disturbed an intruder, who launched a brief attack. Nothing had been stolen and an investigation is on-going.

Garda Queally said October and November are prime months for burglaries and advised that property owners take all common sense precautions, such as securing doors and windows, keeping valuable possessions concealed and also being mindful of elderly neighbours, etc.  He described how recently a local woman, 87 and accustomed all her life to keeping her door open, was visited by two men. They demanded money and when told she had none, asked for her bank details. “She was sharp enough to change the last two digits,” revealed the garda, “but it illustrates the danger. A neighbour had seen the walk in but had presumed they were relatives or something.”

Underage drinking

The garda said Sergeant John Sharkey had addressed the Junior Cert and transition year students, but nonetheless there had been three incidents of underage drinking detected following the exam results. The miscreants had been brought to their homes and details referred to the Juvenile Liaison Officer for further pursuance. “It was a busy enough night and the real perpetrators were those that acquired the alcohol for them,” he proceeded, adding gratefully that the night had produced “no public order incidences.”

New committee

Before new officers were elected, outgoing chairman Michael Beecher thanked all who had participated in the group’s work during his tenure. He paid tribute also to those who assisted with installing 21 socially monitored alarms lately, noting that willing hands remained available to accompany the chief installer, ‘Joe from Wexford,’ in installing the outstanding 10 alarms form the current tranche of 31. Garda Queally proposed that food money for the installers should be provided from the group’s finances on such occasions and this was agreed. Mr. Beecher further thanked outgoing committee secretary Kaye Curtain and likewise treasurer Pa Forrest, regular attendees, members of the media and the Walter Raleigh for its excellent co-operation in providing meeting space.

The new committee was then elected, with Desmond Davis proposed as chairman from the floor and elected unopposed. Des, as he is known, is a Wicklow man resident in Youghal for over three years and is also chairman of the Care and Repair project. Michael Beecher swapped chairs to assume the role of secretary, again unopposed, while Moss Heaphy takes over as treasurer from Pa Forrest.

Attendances

The first issue to confront the new committee came from the floor when ideas were sought by which to attract greater numbers to the monthly meetings. That attendances in recent months have been quite small, is probably due to several factors; primarily the relatively low level of crime in the area, people reluctant to travel at night to a meeting, especially in bad weather and  -according to the group generally- detailed  coverage from the local media addressing people’s curiosity.

Following some discussion, it was decided that November’s meeting will be a morning session at the Red Store, with complimentary tea/coffee and scones. It is hoped that the convenience of time and venue will entice elderly members of the community to attend but also family members and anyone with questions or concerns regarding any aspect of community or personal security.

Alone, lonely and vulnerable

There was considerable discussion on the plight of what initiatives the group could make to address the issue of elderly people alone and vulnerable. That there is a widespread, sad and silent problem out there was evident from the testimony of those who had helped to install the monitored alarms and those involved with the Care and Repair project. Several spoke of the intense loneliness being experienced by many people in Youghal in the latter years of their lives.

They described how elderly people, often ignored by their own family, welcomed tradespeople into their homes as much if not more, for the social interaction as for the work at hand. “We chatted over tea for a couple of hours in her kitchen. There was no fire lighting and no television on. She said that every day was just so lonely. It was heart breaking,” testified one speaker.

From the floor a woman said she had volunteered to join the Care and Repair programme as a companion/assistant for the elderly during worker visit. There was a waiting list however and she wondered how she could become involved. It was explained that currently two tradespersons attended a job but consideration was now being given towards replacing one of those with a companion. The Care and Repair project was currently mostly in need of drivers however so this would be a valuable asset to bring to any involvement.

Re-visits

Garda Queally wondered if a re-visit system could be initiated, by way of providing further reassurance and company for those who were known to be alone and requiring more social contact. The idea was accepted but underlying issues were further aired, including providing identity details to reassure householders, recognition that many elderly people would feel uneasy with visits from people they do not already know.

The new chairman advised that commitment could evolve towards a task that the group might find beyond their capabilities. It was decided also that other sectors of the community might care to become involved in regular visits, with possibly some transition students at Pobalscoil na Tríonóide being encouraged to participate. All told, it was felt that increased liaison between Care and Repair and the Community Alert groups could be beneficial.

Community alert means alert community

A pivotal point was made by Mossy Lynch, co-founder of the Community Alert movement in Ireland and former chairman of the Youghal branch. He said ‘community alert’ meant more than a group or committee being alert, “but,” he asked, “is the community alert to the needs of the people within it –their neighbours.”

Mr Beecher, who had assisted in the installation of the monitored alarms, remarked on how delighted the recipients were, often regarding the reassuring devise as akin to having company in the house. He further reflected that the satisfaction was mutual, his point echoed by others, who agreed that chatting to the more senior members of the community was usually both educational and entertaining. The issue will be revisited at November’s meeting, which will be held in the Red Store at 11 am. Guest speakers may attend and if so details will be announced in due course.

Note: Application forms  for personally monitored and fire alarms are available on-going through committee members, Community Garda Peter Queally and at Youghal garda station (024-92200).

People across the region are reminded that the week September 20th to 27th is national Garda Supporting Safety Week. Youghal Garda Ronan Swann says road safety will be one area on which the local force will be focusing their energies for the duration. “There will be extra checkpoints and we will be concentrating on all aspects of driving and safety, including, speed, alcohol, drugs, using seat belts and mobile phones, tax, insurance, etc.,” he explains.

Accidents

According to the garda, “statistics show that half of all fatal accidents occur between 4 pm on Friday and 6 am on Monday.” Tiredness is considered a contributory factor in many cases, with people working harder and longer to make ends meet in the present economic climate. Garda Swann says “fatigue is almost as lethal as intoxication,” and advises weary drivers to slow down and also to avail of lay-byes for a fast nap in the course of their journeys.  Getting there late is better than not getting there at all is the message.

Burglaries

The garda also advises that October and November are the prime months for burglaries. He observes that employing “two or more security features greatly reduce the chances of being burgled.” He suggests that homeowners consider dogs, alarms, sensory lights and securing windows and doors as viable options, whether rural or urban dwellers. Garda Swann further advises to conceal jewellery, cash, cameras, laptops and any valuable belongings from the prying eyes of would-be intruders.  “Gold prices are very high at the moment,” he says, “and there are easy outlets to accept gold items. Pawn shops also sometimes accept goods on face value.”

School care

The garda reiterates his plea that motorists exercise “extreme care” in the vicinity of Gaelscoil Choráin and Bunscoil Mhuire during drop off and collection times. As regards parking, he suggested the town hall or the vicinity of the Devonshire Hotel for the former premises, while also asking drivers not to block the entrance to the garda station when visiting Bunscoil Choráin. “A few minutes can make a huge difference if we get an emergency call,” he explains.

Community Alert

Garda Swam informs installation of socially monitored alarms will commence shortly in the town, while application forms for further alarms are available from the garda station or through members of the Community Alert group. The next Community Alert meeting –the AGM in fact- will be held in Cumann na Daoine at 7.45 pm on Wednesday October 5th and, as always, the public are invited to attend.

This year’s Community Alert AGM will be held in the Cumann na Daoine premises, Catherine Street, Youghal, on Wednesday October 5th at 7.45 pm. All are welcome.

GARDAI CONCERNED OVER SCHOOL RUN CONGESTION  – By Christy Parker  

YOUGHAL GARDAI want parents and other drivers to park carefully when dropping off and collecting children at Gaelscoil Choráin and to be extra mindful of the requirements of residents and other drivers in the area. Community Garda Peter Queally says there have been “a number of complaints” arising from congestion on the street since the school re-opened, especially in the mornings. We can see both sides of the problem and we realise the difficulties,” says the garda. “We will be talking to the school and maybe the school could liaise with parents. It’s a geographical thing and it’s further complicated with other parents accessing Bunscoil through Strand Street”

Crimes

Meanwhile entry into derelict buildings is deemed trespassing, breaking and entry and/or burglary and perpetrators will be pursued as such, according to the garda.  Garda Queally was speaking after a man was arrested on suspicion of just such an infringement. “Sometimes these incidents also lead to criminal damage,” he proceeds, “People need to be aware that we follow up reports of such incidences and indeed we put a lot of time into investigating them.”

Garda Queally expresses concern at the number of derelict sites in the Youghal area. “As well as being eyesores, they present an ongoing problem for us,” he says.” We would be concerned that a they could be prone to someone setting light to wooden structures, which could cause immense damage to neighbouring properties as well. We’d ask owners to secure their premises.”

Garda Queally also referred to the increasingly common occurrence of ‘drive-off’ theft from petrol stations. “It’s not the cleverest of crimes,” he advised. “Almost every garage in the county has CCTV now and we practically always have a successful investigation as a result.”

Elsewhere on the crime front, the garda warns householders to be on the alert for bogus callers. Last week two foreign nationals were arrested having called to houses on false pretences of collecting for charity.  “They showed ID but not permits for collecting money,” says the garda. One of the me was subsequently repatriated to Poland on foot of a EU arrest warrant while the other was sent to Monaghan where he was being sought by gardai.

Alarms

The Waterford native referred also to community matters and had good news for those awaiting socially monitored alarms. “After several months delay, the latest applications have been sanctioned and we have received funding to buy and install about 30 alarms.” He said. “We expect the installers from Wexford to start work in a couple of weeks. It’s been a long wait because the rules changed and our hands were tied.”

Garda Queally said forms for the next round of applications were now available from the garda. That process would take several months also be he added that for people urgently requiring the appliances, the option remained to purchase them privately, at a cost of about €250. The gardai would provide information on how this could be done.

Minister of State at the Department of Tourism & Sport, Michael Ring, TD made the most of his official trip to Youghal on Tuesday 26th July with a well earned ‘paddle’ in Claycastle Beach, one of the resort towns three blue flag beaches.  The trip formed part of a visit to some of East Cork’s major tourism sites and attractions.

Hosted by Youghal Chamber of Tourism & Development and The Youghal Socio-Economic Group (YSEDG), the Minister spent almost 3 hours in the town having been introduced to its natural and built heritage by local East Cork Deputy, David Stanton along with Cork County and Town Cllr Barbara Murray.

Following the beach trip, the delegation (which included Head of Failte Ireland in the region, Fiona Buckley) took in a tour of Youghal’s historic quarter including the 13th century Town Walls, St. Mary’s Collegiate Church and College Gardens.

A formal meeting conducted in Youghal’s Enterprise Centre followed, with the delegation raising a number of pressing issues pertinent to the Minister’s portfolio.  These included funding of ‘fit-out’ costs of the iconic Clockgate building.  Town Clerk Liam Ryan explained to the Minister that the Town Council had undertaken a feasibility study, conservation plan and produced a business plan on the building.  Funding for the exterior and conservation works was anticipated to be sourced from South & East Cork Area Development.  The Town Clerk went on to explain that funding would now also be required to complete phase two of Youghal’s eco-boardwalk running from Claycastle to Redbarn, with phase one due for completion by December 2011.

The topic which drew most interest and discussion however, was the request by the group for a ‘Youghal-specific’ marketing fund to allow The Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group to roll-out a number of its key marketing initiatives.  The delegation emphasised that despite the town’s best efforts to develop and invest in its tourism product; its signage, streetscapes and exploit every positive development in the town, a negative public perception still existed about the town.  Other issues to be raised with the Minister included the provision of beach facilities, the development of the Greyhound Track and the urgent repair of the roof in St. Mary’s Collegiate Church.  The Minister committed to assist Youghal through any means available to him, citing his home town of Westport as being in a similar position to Youghal a number of years ago.

“Tourism is the number one priority for this Government and I am determined that rural tourist destinations will be promoted and developed as part of my brief” said the Minister.  The Minister went on to pay particular praise to the Town Council for its leadership and foresight in it’s investment in heritage tourism amenities.

“I don’t think I have ever met a group of people with such commitment, determination and passion about their town as I have here in Youghal; I am completely blown away by the town’s stunning beauty and it’s attractiveness to the visitor, both domestically and internationally”, said the Minister.

The visit concluded with a presentation by the Town Council Mayor, Eoin Coyne, to the Minister to officially mark his visit to Youghal.

Youghal Chamber of Commerce and Tourism is to conduct a survey of all vacant commercial properties in the town with a view to re-letting properties at 50% rent reduction for two years to first time businesses. In return, the town council will apply an equivocal rates reduction to the properties, via a waiver initiative depending on the town manager’s discretion.

The move, aimed at kick-starting commerce, arises from a motion tabled by Labour Councillor Tommy O’Connell last April. Cllr O’Connell’s proposal relates to properties vacant for two years or more.

The Chamber and Youghal Town Council discussed the issue at a special meeting following July’s town council sitting.  Chamber President Mary O’Donnell says the discussions were “very positive,” with both sides determined to co-operate on initiatives to improve the town’s fortunes.

The meeting saw the Chamber undertake to conduct a two-tier survey to gauge how many large and small properties lie idle. “We can’t impose on owners but we will inform them of the initiative and consider their responses,” says Ms O’Donnell. She concedes that some properties may be in the hands of financial institutions an in such instances “may complicate matters a little.”

Town clerk Liam Ryan will convey the data to the Cork Enterprise Board and seek suggestions on how to set about occupying the properties given the proposed arrangements. A second Chamber/Council meeting is scheduled for September.

Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on Arts, Heritage, Tourism and Sport, Sandra McLellan, has congratulated Ireland’s latest golfing Major winner, Darren Clarke, on his victory in the British Open at Royal St. George’s.

Speaking today Deputy McLellan said:

“Darren’s victory continues the extraordinary story of Irish golf over the last number of months. The fact that he started the week at odds of 150/1 makes his victory even more impressive. He is a fantastic inspiration, particularly those of us over 40. To win his first British Open at the age of 42, and after 20 attempts, shows his continued dedication, commitment and quality. He is one of the most popular golfers amongst fans, who have supported him through some very difficult personal challenges. They will be delighted with this result.”

Referring to Minister Varadkar’s comments on Sunday’s Marian Finucane
Show she said:

“It was disappointing to hear the Minister with responsibility for sport and tourism to sound so unenthusiastic. While not everyone is a fan of every sport it is important that the Minister recognises the contribution that golf has made and continues to make to the Irish sporting landscape, and the potential it has to contribute to our economic recovery. I am glad the decision-makers in Tourism Ireland have a different perspective. Their ‘Golfing Ireland’ marketing campaign is well timed. They may need to re-edit their advertisements to include Darren Clarke now though!”

Marine leisure strategy for South Cork coastline
By Leo McMahon

A MARINE Leisure Infrastructure Strategy (2010-2020) for around 500 kilometres of South Cork coastline stretching from Timoleague to Youghal was officially launched by Cllr Kevin Murphy at County Hall recently.

It complements a similar strategy for West Cork covering 700km from the Kerry border to Courtmacsherry which was completed in 2008 and is aimed at ensuring development of coastal inlets, bays, beaches and harbours in a coherent and sustainable manner by making the best use of existing and planned infrastructure and to create a quality brand for coastal tourism and leisure in Ireland’s largest county.

‘This publication contains an Action Plan with inputs from over 100 stakeholder organisations and a steering group with representatives from the county council, Kinsale, Cork and Youghal Town Councils, the Ports of Kinsale, Cork and Youghal, Failte Ireland, the Coast and Marine Resources Centre attached to UCC, South and East Cork Area Development (SECAD), West Cork Development Partnership and Inland Fisheries Ireland’, said Cllr Murphy, who is also a member of Kinsale Harbour Commissioners.

The motive behind both West and South Cork strategies, he pointed out, was to ‘use resources, reassess their value and tap into the potential of marine infrastructure to develop sustainable products, services and jobs and also encourage investment along the coast’.

County manager Martin Riordan said the Cork coastline was a unique asset and because its nature and uses had changed over the years, it was necessary to revisit it, build on the product and ensure its potential was maximised.

Complimenting the compilers of the 158 page report, he said Cork had for the first time, a detailed inventory of infrastructure and service providers. ‘We now need to maintain momentum behind this work because this strategy will engage and encourage many agencies to promote development and initiatives.

‘Tourism is one of the key sectors with potential for growth. We have the infrastructure we need to see how we can brand, package and market the unique product and services we have but it is important that we all understand and appreciate what we have along our coastline if we are to showcase it to visitors. Let’s build on the great potential identified in this strategy’, Mr Riordan added.

The strategy comprises an overview highlighting the importance of marine tourism and recreation etc, methodology, an action plan and proposals for its implementation. There are also several appendices including an audit of all coastal facilities in Kinsale Harbour, Crosshaven, Ringaskiddy, Monkstown and Passage West, Cork city, Cobh and other parts of Cork Harbour; from Timoleague to Harbour View and Coolmain, Garrettstown and Old Head, Oysterhaven, Nohoval, Roberts Cove to Myrtleville and along the coast of East Cork via Inch, Ballycotton and Knockadoon to Youghal. There are also sections on the riparian infrastructure of Inniscarra.

Fifty-two short and long-term actions are detailed in the strategy. A key proposal is to create a coastal brand or quality mark for the entire Cork coastline with a central information website.

Short-term priorities include the upgrading of parking and the slipway in Sandycove near Kinsale, develop a commercial tourism pick up/drop off point for angling and commercial tourism at Adams Quay, Kinsale; develop a boat park and slipway near Archdeacon Duggan Bridge, Kinsale; further develop water sports at Garrettstown and Oysterhaven, identify locations for public moorings in Cork Harbour and Oysterhaven, identify four key water access points in Cork Harbour, develop a pontoon or marina and public moorings in Youghal, install uniform water trail and bird watching signage, further develop Spike Island and Fort Camden for heritage tourism, develop a new access with trailer parking at Fountainstown, support the use of Dooneen Pier near the Old Head for angling and tour boats and improve water quality.

Encouraging non traditional users of the sea to engage in marine activities and promote the development of curricula for school children using existing adventure centre facilities are other proposals of which there are many in the strategy highlighting the many opportunities for the county.

Among those who attended the launch were Denis Healy, Port of Cork; Kinsale Harbour Master, Captain Phil Devitt, county councillors and various stakeholders.

Copies of the Marine Leisure Infrastructure Strategy are available from administrative officer Rose Carroll, Cork County Council, Corporate Affairs, Floor 14, County Hall, Cork, who had a major input into the project. It can also be viewed on the website www.corkcoco.ie

Source: www.southernstar.ie

BY LEO McMAHON Saturday July 16th, 2011

‘Queen Of The Sea’  Set To Be Youghal’s Best Festival Yet. – By Christy Parker

YOUGHAL’S 2011 QUEEN OF THE SEA FESTIVAL was officially launched in the town hall reception area recently. Details unveiled at the launch revealed a highly impressive effort to bring to the town a festival in the total meaning of the term, with a multitude of diverse attractions in waiting. The weather…the blessed weather is all that’s needed. .

Organisers, business people, politicians and –mercifully- the more eye-catching presence of 35 young female representatives of various local businesses, attired summer fare, gathered for the launch. The occasion was smiled upon by blue skies, enriched by a solo harpist and complimented by wonderful food. The omens are good!

Following some time for social interaction, the 50 plus attendance turned their attention to the podium, from where Queen of the Sea Chairwoman Sally Tivy-Perks and  Youghal Mayor Eoin Coyne delivered words of faith, hope and encouragement, as did Sinn Fein TD Sandra McLellan and Eileen Harney, liaison officer with the RNLI, one of two organisations –along with Childline- being supported by the festival.

Mayor Coyne, in his first official engagement since his elevation to the chain, expressed himself said the festival, which enjoyed great success in its inaugural year of 2010, was already “fast becoming the pinnacle of the summer festival season” in Youghal. The mayor gave credit to “the Youghal Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, Youghal Town Council, the YSEDG and the organising committee” for bringing the festival to fruition. He wished the queens the very best of luck and wished “locals and tourists alike,” much enjoyment over the festive weekend. Enthusiastic applause followed the conclusion of his maiden mayoral speech.

Fundraising

The chairwoman then thanked further sponsors, including 96FM and SECAD before handing the microphone to Ms Harney. The officer explained that the lifeboat service’s survival is immensely reliant on the support of local communities. “We receive a tiny amount of government funding,” she revealed before explaining that the RNLI needs €3m annually to stay afloat, so to speak, almost all of which comes from voluntary contributions. She said had “the best job in the world” working for an organisation of whom 97% of its members (1,600), “are fundraisers.” In considering itself effectively “a family organisation,” she said the RNLI would ensure that those attending the family festival would be afforded a warm welcome, including harbour tours.

Three festivals in one

The Queen of the Sea Contest bears much resemblance to that of the world-famous Rose of Tralee in that it is a contest for young ladies, from whom the winner is chosen according to her hopes, dreams & ambitions and her attitude toward social responsibility.

Sally Tivy-Perks then gave a summary of the programme of events –expanded from last year- that the festival intends to deliver. Effectively, she said it was three festivals in one, comprising the Queen of the Sea Contest, a Youghal Food Festival and a ‘Myrtle Groove’ Music Festival.

Music…

The festivities commence with the Myrtle Groove gig on Nealon’s Quay at 3 pm on Friday July 15th, wherein various live bands will entertain throughout the day. The ‘groove’ will persist throughout the weekend in what marks a serious upgrade in Youghal’s provision of musical entertainment. Along with local artistes, Cork’s 96FM Gig Rig will play live from the Market Square, KILA will perform on Nealon’s and there will be music and dance of a traditional genre also. A ‘Mardi Gras’ Parade featuring the queens will traverse the town at 7 pm that night.

Food…

The Youghal Food Festival will be officially opened by the Celebrity TV Chef, Rachel Allen. There will be a farmers’ market, cooking demonstrations, teaching and tasting events. Throughout the three days, there will be breakfast, brunch, lunch and snacks available all made from local produce with lots of choice. Festival menus will be available in local restaurants in the evenings.

Come and watch TV celebrity chef Rachel Allen cut the ribbon for the official opening the food festival and wander through the many food and craft stalls where you can treat yourself to a taste of the finest local produce to be found in the area, Visit Corks 96FM GIG RIG playing live from Market Square, or let the kids join in the fun, and enter the crab catching or the sand castle building competition, join the circus workshop, enter your dog in the Dog Show or join one of the other many fun activities planned for you during the festival.

Girls….

Enjoy the crowning of the Queen of the Sea followed by acclaimed band KILA live on stage, and enjoy lots of free music all through the weekend on the Myrtle groove Gig Rig. Saturday’s fare includes the Food Festival, which will be launched –if not lunched!- by TC chef Rachel Allen. A multitude of other attractions, including water races and busking, will run throughout the day. The 2011 Queen of the Sea will be crowned at 6.30 on Saturday night, followed by a Queens Banquet at the Mall Arts centre.

…And fun

Sunday’s many attractions include family races in the Green Park (Spud and spoon, fastest daddy, hairy legs, wheel barrow, three legged, wife-carrying, etc), alongside a dog show and various other entertainments such as wife-ccbucking bronco, obstacle course, face painting, circus workshop and so on and on….

Full details/programme being circulated and available from Youghal Tourist Office; tele: 024-20170 Green Park. Also, visit  www.youghal.ie