The karaoke competition in aid of Ballycotton lifeboat moved to Whitegate last weekend when The Long Point Bar held their heat on 9 July.

Several customers suggested to organisers that staff member Laura Franks should sing a song but the shy bar worker was quite happy to support the other singers.  However, her friends had other ideas!  Laura was surprised when her name was called out.  Her rendition of “Summer of 69” proved a winner.  Kevin O’Neill sang a unique version of Unchained Melody to all the women present and was invited to perform it again during the interval at the Grand Final.  At the end of a very enjoyable evening the contestants for the Long Point Bar were announced as Laura Franks and Pat O’Sullivan.

The competition moves to Wallis’ Bar, Midleton, next Friday, 16 July.  This is the second and last visit to Midleton before the Grand Final.  Seamus is very keen that his pub will be well represented in Garryvoe Hotel on 30 July and was making his preparations for their heat a week in advance.  The following night, Saturday, 17 July, the competition visits Ballycotton again at The Schooner Bar.  Brid and Mike are lining up their singers and hope to throw down the gauntlet to the other businesses participating in the competition.

With only a few weeks to go there will be one last visit to Whitegate when the heat at the Schooner Bar takes place on Saturday 24 July.  On Sunday 25 July it will be back to the Inn by the Harbour, Ballycotton with the final heat of the competition taking place at the Blackbird, Ballycotton, on Thursday 29 July.

With a prize fund of €1,500 singers who have not yet succeeded in qualifying for the final are reminded that their opportunities are getting fewer.  Supporters of Ballycotton lifeboat and contestants already qualified are looking forward to the bank holiday weekend and Garryvoe Hotel on the Friday night in particular.

Ballycotton lifeboat inter-pub karaoke competition

Waves Café and Wine Bar hosted the penultimate heat for June in the Ballycotton lifeboat inter-pub karaoke competition on Friday, 25th last.  Waves’ management worked all day to have their roof top seating area ready for supporters looking to take a break from the competition.  An enjoyable evening was had by all with Lorraine Tattan and Anne Marie Perry proving the winners on the night.

Saturday night, 26 June, it was the turn of Lower Aghada to show what competition means to them.  Rosie’s Bar held the last heat of the month and passing motorists were reminded of the event by the big sign erected across the road.  Sinead Dempsey, who goes angling in Ballycotton every Thursday with Jacko’s Angling Club, sang her heart out and will join Ger and Tina to represent Rosie’s Bar in the Grand Final.

Heats for the month of July will start at Harty’s Bar, Cloyne on Friday 2 July.  This will be the last opportunity for Cloyne participants to qualify for the final.  The following night, Saturday, 3 July, the competition goes to The Goalpost Bar, Shanagarry with just one heat the following weekend at The Long Point, Whitegate, on Friday 9 July.

If June was anything to go by, the event organisers are looking forward to a busy and exciting July.  There are still a total of eight heats left in various locations throughout East Cork and singers are reminded that the prize fund is €1,500.  It is definitely worth throwing your hat into the ring and remember this is helping to raise funds for Ballycotton lifeboat.

Ballycotton lifeboat crew pagers were activated this morning, 5 January, at 08:10 and requested them to assemble at the lifeboat station.  Many crewmembers had to clear ice from their windscreens before answering the call.  However, this did not stop them as their assistance was required for a 20 metre French fishing vessel in difficulties 20 miles east of Ballycotton.

The RNLI lifeboat, Austin Lidbury, slipped her moorings at 08:30 and arrived at the casualty at 09:40.  A towline was established and the fishing vessel, with five persons aboard, was taken under tow.  The tow speed was reduced as the wind in the area was fresh, blowing NNE Force 6.  The fishing vessel was safely secured along side the pier at Ballycotton at 13:30.

Castlemartyr Resort, which is part of the Dromoland Group, is located on breathtaking grounds just off the N25 in the village of Castlemartyr. The 5 Star hotel was invited to take part in the recent Midleton Food Fair.  They served food to the adults and had a special area for the children, inviting them to ice their own fairy cakes.  The stand proved very popular on the day and by 2pm they were sold out.  The decision was made to support a local charity and all proceeds taken on the day were donated to Ballycotton lifeboat. On Thursday evening last, 29 October, a cheque for €700 was presented by Mr. Andrew Phelan, Hotel General Manager, to the Chairman of the Ballycotton lifeboat fundraising committee, Ms. Fiona Flynn.

Ms. Flynn thanked Mr. Phelan and the Castlemartyr Resort for their kind donation.  She explained they are constantly looking for new ideas to raise funds for this important charity and would hope to be in touch early next year to discuss a possible fundraising event at the Resort.

8 October 2009                                                                                    Ballycotton  2009

Ballycotton lifeboat fundraising committee calls on new members to join them for their annual general meeting on Tuesday, 20 October, at 8:30 pm, in Ballycotton lifeboat house.

This hardworking committee has a long tradition of raising large amounts for Ballycotton lifeboat.  Over the years they have seen their numbers diminish which restricts them in what they can do.  This year they are sending out an SOS for new members.

Various fundraising events are run throughout the year and manpower is becoming a critical issue.  The committee understands that a member cannot be available at all times, after all they are only volunteers.  That is why it is so important to have a large committee to fall back on.   New ideas are always being sought for fundraising events and with new blood come new ideas.

The lifeboat service is a vital emergency service for our island nation.  The RNLI is a charitable service and fundraising is its lifeblood.  Ballycotton lifeboat fundraising committee is asking anyone with a little spare time to share it with them.  Committee members do not have to live in Ballycotton but can be from anywhere with a little time to give.  New members are always welcome and if you are interested in joining the committee but cannot attend on 20 October please contact a committee member.   If there is someone who does not want to join the committee but would like to help occasionally would you please contact Bláthnaid at 087 4151475 to make yourself known?

* Ballycotton Lifeboat was founded in 1858.  To date, the crew of Ballycotton Lifeboat Station have been awarded seventeen medals by the RNLI, 2 gold, 7 silver and 8 bronze.

* The station has a €2 million, Trent Class lifeboat, Austin Lidbury.  This is a 14 metre, all weather lifeboat, with a top speed of 25 knots

* To learn more go to www.ballycottonlifeboat.org

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.