Youghal’s Anthony O’Loughlin from Claycastle Pitch & Putt is National Champion

On the weekend of 23rd/24th of July last, the National Strokeplay Championships took place at the Douglas pitch and putt course in Cork. As always for any of the major competitions, the greens and the course were in top condition.

The Junior and Intermediate finals take place on the Saturday while the Senior players take to the course on the Sunday. The qualifying took place for this tournament back in June and is the one that most players look forward to and value highly. Claycastle had three players qualify for the finals, Anthony O’Loughlin, Paudie O’Sullivan, and Gary O’Sullivan. The qualifying took place at the Rocklodge course in Cork where all three players cruised through to the finals with great scores.

 

Paudie O’Sullivan was the first Claycastle player out on the day and finished with a steady score of 7 under par(101) after 36 holes. Gary O’Sullivan took to the course shortly after and played consistently over the two rounds and finished with a score of 8 under par(100), and merely missed out on the cut by one shot.
Club Secretary Anthony O’Loughlin was the final Claycastle player out on the course; Anthony played consistently and carded 95 for his 36 holes. Anthony safely made it through to the play-off where the top 20 players played in the final round.

At this stage there were few who would have bet against John Crangle from Loughlinstown in Dublin who led going into the final 18 by 3 shots on -16, but there were three players who sat on -13 and who were all in with a chance of the title.
Anthony O’Loughlin paired with Ian Dillon(St. Bridget’s) for the final 18 who had a fantastic start in the play-off sinking birdies on the first three holes to give him a great chance of lifting the title and brought himself closer to the score of John Crangle(Loughlinstown).
Anthony carried on strongly and had the round of the day with a 42 (12 under par) (also equaling the course record of the Douglas course). This was enough for Anthony as he went on to win the National Strokeplay Championships by a margin of three shots.

This win has also cemented Anthony a place on the Cork team alongside club teammate Paudie O’Sullivan who has played supurbly this season on the pitch and putt circuit.  Both players will wear the red jersey of Cork in the Munster Inter-County Championships which take place in Bruff County Limerick on the 7th August 2011.
The National Inter-County Championships takes place this year in Dublin at Portmarnock on the 11th September 2011. We wish Anthony and Paudie the very best of luck in the coming weeks representing their county.
This is the first time that a player from Claycastle has won a National title and is a very special time for the club, especially as they celebrate their 25th Anniversary this year.
The club is going from strength to strength and we hope we can have another National champion in the club in the near future.

 

 

The only town in Ireland to be awarded three Blue Flags for 2011, Youghal was celebrating last night (Thursday 9th June 2011) and hoping that the announcement by Environment Minister Phil Hogan will draw much-needed additional tourism into the area. The east Cork town gained an extra flag for its Front Strand while retaining the standard for both Redbarn and Claycastle – much to the delight of the Town Council.

“We had an inkling of the news last week but we now have three Blue Flag beaches that stretch across all areas of our strand. This is a very rare achievement and we are absolutely thrilled,” Helen Mulcahy, acting Town Clerk, told the Cork News.

“We were very disappointed when we lost the Blue Flag for Front Strand. There was a problem with the water quality but it really was borderline and could be attributed to bad weather at the time. Readings are taken at certain times of the year though, and they don’t always do justice to the quality of the water.

“However, this year we ticked all the boxes. We’ve been working very hard cleaning the beaches and putting various facilities in place like wheelchair ramps and litter bins. We’ve been going around the clock trying to meet all the criteria and thankfully we have managed to do just that. This is a great achievement for the Town Council, the local Tidy Town group and for Cork County Council.”

There are high hopes the news will result in more tourists coming in to visit the town, which has suffered badly from factory closures and job losses over the last number of years. “Youghal has been very badly hit recently, especially by the amount of unemployment we’re seen. One of the few assets the town has left is its beaches and we have to do everything we can to exploit that,” Ms. Mulcahy added.

“Youghal has beautiful strands and it’s a wonderful place to come and visit or spend some time on holiday. If visitors come, it could well generate more employment in the locality and hopefully start something positive. People come from far and wide to use Blue Flag beaches and tend to avoid ones that aren’t designated with the award. So we do expect a good response from the public and for them to come in their droves, especially if the sun starts to shine.”

Cork received 11 Blue Flags in total for criteria such as water quality, information provision and beach management and the national total of 82 is an increase of eight from 2010. The other beaches in Cork are Garryvoe, Garretstown, Garrylucas, Inchydoney, Owenahincha, the Warren, Tragumna and Barleycove.

Source: thecorknews.ie

An enthusiastic crowd numbering over 40 gathered on a cold and windy Youghal beach on Saturday (13th Feb 2011) to witness what was probably Youghal’s first ever release. Centre of attention was a young lady called Sammy, a grey seal pup who had been rescued by the local coastguard service last November, She had been discovered, apparently abandoned, near Redbarn, Only about four weeks old, she had borne several cuts and bruises and weighed just 12 kgs.

Volunteers Sarah Martin and Kate Hall from Dingle Wildlife and Seal Rescue Sanctuary had then transported Sammy- who had meantime been christened by a local schoolboy- to Kerry. Aside from a few weeks in isolation due to contracting the seal equivalent of chicken pox, Sammy had thrived very well in the Kingdom and a 12-week diet of herring and mackerel saw her returned to Youghal at a fulsome 48 kgs.

It is the sanctuary’s practice to return rescued seals close to where they were discovered.so Sammy arrived by road at Claycastle car park beach, about a mile from where she was found. She was transported by volunteers Sarah, Becky Smith, Roz Buckley and Dingle Wildlife and Seal Sanctuary owner Ciaran O’Sullivan.

A minute’s silence was observed for the victims of the Cork airport plane crash tragedy. Then, at 1 pm, Sarah opened the door of Sammy’s crate. The white baby-fur coat that had cloaked her on her previous visit had been replaced by a sleek, silky, brown-polka dotted number as the grey lady poked her snout out. She scanned her expectant audience with her big brown eyes and then, possibly mindful that there were canvassing politicians in town, retreated back inside.

Moments later she re-emerged and, cajoled by towel-fluttering members of Youghal Coastguard, belly flopped cumbersomely 20 metres to the rolling surf, pausing occasionally to flap a fin at some friendly face. One felt reminded of some desperate candidate lumbering towards that last constituency seat on the seventh count –excepte for the doting ‘ooohhs’ and ‘aahhhs.’

Sammy delighted her fans with a ten minute frolic close to shore, returned briefly to the water’s edge and then, fins fully flexed, headed for the horizon. She has been tagged in case of re-discovery but the assumption is that she will eventually surface amongst a colony off the Blasket Islands. In about three years she will be ready to have her own little pups. The crowds drifted from the beach, their faith in happy endings, sealed.

Click the image to see Sammy being set free – Pics: www.youghalonline.com

Youghal Claycastle Pitch and Putt Lady Captain’s Prize 2010. Lady Captain Phil Mangan’s prize was played over last week – Wednesday 15th,  Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th September 2010

Lady Captains Prize 2010
The Lady Captains prize was played for over the weekend of 19th of September. The members were out in force in support of our lady captain Phil Mangan . After four days of great competition and 180 cards Joan Hyde was announced as the winner of the most beautiful of prizes. Other prize winners in the ladies category were the ever consistent Lily Bulman, Joy Bryan and Sally Wallace. Overall gross went to Anthony O’ Loughlin. In the gents young gun James Howes won the nett followed closely by Billy Kenefick who gladly has returned to the game and shown that he hasn‘t lost the touch! Martin Keohane picked up another prize by winning the 1st gross. There were no fewer than five hole in ones and out of the draw came the name of Michael Ryall. At the presentation Chairperson Joy Bryan, President Thomas Bulman and Captain Martin Keohane paid tribute to Phil who has given years of dedicated service to the club and its members. Phil has her finger on the pulse when it comes to all aspects of the club from warmly welcoming new members to encouraging our juvenile members to always try their best and enjoy the game. Although she no longer plays the game Phil’s enthusiasm for our club has to be seen to be believed and will always have a much welcomed cuppa ready for you after your round which is greatly appreciated by all the members. Results- O/A Nett Joan Hyde, O/A Gross- Anthony O’ Loughlin, Ladies- 1st Nett- Lily Bulman, 1st Gross- Joy Bryan, 2nd Nett- Sally Wallace. Gents- 1st Nett- James Howes, 1st Gross- Martin Keohane, 2nd Nett- Billy Kenefick. Hole in one prize- Michael Ryall.
Noel O’ Driscoll Memorial 2010
Brendan McCaughey was the proud winner of the Noel O’ Driscoll memorial at the weekend. Brendan played some superb pitch and putt to win this most sought after of prizes. The competition was very well supported by the members and was played in glorious sunshine. Results- O/A nett- Brendan McCaughey, O/A gross- Michael Landers. Gents 1st nett- Martin Dalton, 1st gross- Anthony O’ Loughlin, 2nd nett- Seamus Murphy. Ladies- 1st nett- Rita Ryall, 1st gross- Lily Bulman, 2nd nett- Sally Wallace. Hole in one prize- Paudie O’ Sullivan.
Result of Fourball kindly sponsored by Kieran Quill- 1st nett- Rita Ryall, Joan Hyde 1st gross- Martin Dalton, Joy Bryan 2nd nett- Ted Healy, James Howes.
Martin Keohane begins the defence of The Club Strokeplay this weekend. Two sessions of 36 hole v-par will be played on Saturday, tee times are 10.30 + 2.30. Players may only play in one session. The top 12 scores will qualify for an 18 hole playoff on Sunday afternoon with a 2.30 tee off. There will be prizes for 1st and 2nd as well as a final 18. This competition proved to be a great success last year and hopefully this year will be just as exciting.
The chairpersons prize will be played for over the following dates- Wednesday 6th 2.30, Saturday 9th 2.30 and Sunday 10th 10.30 + 2.30. Joy has kindly sponsored an extra prize for the 18 handicap ladies in this years competition.
The annual general meeting of Claycastle Pitch and Putt Club will take place on Monday 11th October at   8.00pm in Farrells bar Summerfield. It is vitally important for the future of the club that all the members make an effort to attend  this meeting. If you have any issues or concerns about the club please come along.

Club Strokeplay- October 10th 2010
Martin Keohane retained the Club Strokeplay by returning a superb score of 17 up for the 54 hole tournament. Johan Brosnan finished 2nd on 12 up. Lily Bulman won the ladies with a score of 4 up and Michael Landers claimed the final 18 with 3 up.
Chairpersons prize-
There were over 150 cards played in this years chairpersons prize. James Howes played superbly to win Joy Bryans beautiful prize. Results-Overall nett-James Howes, Overall gross-Edward Long, Gents 1st nett-Martin Dalton,1st gross-  Martin Keohane,2nd nett- Tom Pomphrett, Ladies 1st nett- Lily Bulman,1st gross- Joy Bryan,2nd nett- Rita Ryall,18 h/cap nett- Shiela O’ Sullivan.
Congratulations to Paudie O’ Sullivan who won his 1st scratch cup in two years by winning the Templebreedy Scratch Cup. Paudie returned an impressive score of 27 under to win by 3 shots from Ray Murphy. After knockong on the door so often this season Paudies consistancy paid off in a well deserved win at long last!

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.

It’s Official – Summer’s Here as a Record Two Blue Flags raised in Youghal, Co. Cork

Youghal was officially confirmed as ‘Ireland’s Finest Coastal Resort’ with two of its beaches, Claycastle, and for the very first time, Redbarn, adjacent to the Quality Hotel and Leisure Club awarded ‘Blue Flag Status’ by An Taisce on Monday 14th June 2010.
Photo: Michael Hussey | Copyright www.youghalonline.com | Email: news@youghalonline.com

The awards were presented by Mr. John Gormley T.D., Minister for the Environment Heritage & Local Government at Velvet Strand, Portmarnock, Co. Dublin.

This year a total 10 beaches in Cork – 5 in the South & East and 5 in the West of the county were awarded the prestigious blue flag which represent the highest standards in water quality, environmental information and education, environmental management and safety, services and facilities.

Speaking at the official presentation of blue flag and green coast awards ceremony at Youghal’s Mall Arts Centre, Patricia Power, Director of Services, Area Operations South, Cork County Council commented: “It is important to remember that the Blue Flag stands for more than just excellent bathing water quality.  For beaches, it covers 32 criteria which have developed over the years to become more holistic and to address the various issues of sustainability; including litter management, provision of lifeguards, toilet facilities, animal control and more”.  Ms Power commended the local authorities for their commitment to the Blue Flag campaign, but also the clean-up operations carried out by various community groups, individuals and organisations which she stated “were  invaluable and a credit to those involved”.

Youghal’s blue flags are set to provide a timely boost to the tourism industry in the area, with The Quality Hotel and Leisure Club predicting the award will create at least 15 new jobs in their facility.  Speaking about the award, Allen McEnery, General Manager said: “This news comes on foot of a very solid start to the traditional holiday season by the Quality Hotel and Leisure Centre Youghal. Bookings are well up on last year and we see this as our customers telling us that they like what we have to offer to families.  We predict our business is set to grow by an additional 22 % this year alone and as an island Nation – we have precious few Hotels located on our beautiful beaches.” said Allen.

In addition to Youghal’s two flags in Claycastle and Redbarn, other beaches in the area awarded blue flag status for Cork include: Shanagarry: Garryvoe Beach, Old Head of Kinsale: Garrylucas & Garrettsown, Clonakilty: Inchydoney, Rosscarbery: Owenahincha & Warren, Skibbereen: Tragumna, Mizen Head: Barleycove.

The Blue Flag campaign is operated by An Taisce and implemented in Cork County Council using an Inter-Departmental approach involving Area offices, Environment and Water Safety sections.

Cork County Council has undertaken the provision of a full complement of beach lifeguards at all its 10 blue flag beaches this summer and will continue to supervise beaches at weekends in June and full time from July until the end of August.

The Green Coast Awards were also presented at this ceremony to 10 Cork beaches.  These awards seek to promote and protect the environment of rural beaches aiming to acknowledge clean environment, excellent water quality and natural unspoilt beauty.  They may not have the necessary built infrastructure required to meet the criteria set for Blue Flag Status however they are exceptional places to visit and enjoy our rich coastal heritage and diversity.

For further information contact:

Paul Murray – Engineer Cork County Council: 086-2855452

Aileen Ahern- Tourism Marketing Officer, Youghal: 024-81814 or 086-1703128 E: tourism@youghal.ie

Aoibhinn McGee – Sales & Marketing Manager, Quality Hotel & Leisure Club: 024-93050 or 087-6645021 E: amcgee@qualityhotels.ie

Aileen Ahern

Manager, Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group,

7-10 Enterpise Youghal,

Emmet Place,

Youghal,

Co. Cork.

Tel: 00 353 24 81814

E: tourism@youghal.ie

W: www.youghal.ie

Two of Youghal’s three beaches have been awarded Blue Flag status for the summer season. Redbarn will receive its first ever blue flag and Claycastle will have its pride and joy returned after a two-year absence. The front strand however, faces a third consecutive summer without the coveted cloth flying.

The latest awards reflect the state of the beaches during they surveyed months of what passed for summer 2009. It is gratifying that such rudiment requirements as parking and toilet facilities were successfully implemented at Redbarn in particular, although many would argue that there remains plenty of scope for improvements here also. Claycastle’s parking capacity is often stretched to the limits during heat-wave occasions and the toilets are probably as efficient as such unattended structures can be expected to be.

Nationally, water samples from 131 designated bathing areas, comprising 122 seawater and nine freshwater jurisdictions, were assessed for compliance with EU standards last summer. The standard comprised two criteria: a) minimum EU mandatory values and b) stricter EU guidelines. Compliance with both achieved ‘good’ water quality status. Compliance with mandatory values only achieved ‘sufficient’ water quality status and failure to comply with either brought ‘poor’ water quality status.

There were 122 (93%) bathing areas compliant with mandatory standards (sufficient). 108 (82%) of the 131 also met the stricter guidelines (good). Nine failed to meet minimum standard and Youghal’s front strand was one of those.  (Ardmore, incidentally achieved ‘sufficient’ status.)

So one can safely assume that the main liability affecting the front strand is water quality. The beach would appear to suffer from the passing (pardon the pun) of raw sewerage and wet weather conditions that dislodged surface water from fields during last summer added to the ecological fragility last summer. On a far brighter note however, the imminent new town drainage and waste treatment scheme is certain to address the issue and one can expect to see the blue flag dancing in the gale-swept downpours of future Youghal summers.

Youghal councillor Mary Linehan Foley says she is “delighted Youghal has two blue flags but I won’t be happy until we have three, because Youghal is highly dependent on tourism.” The councillor stresses that the waste water treatment plant “needs to be advanced quickly” in light of the town’s present blue flag standing.

Meanwhile, Youghal town council will host a ‘raise the flags’ reception at the town hall on Thursday June 17th at 2pm.

A report on Blue Flag beaches in the Youghal area indicates that Claycastle and Redbarn are likely to have their Blue Flag status restored for 2010, having had them denied due to poor water and an over prevalence of seaweed respectively, last year. By Christy Parker

However, water quality at the Front Strand has been deemed unfit for Blue Flag status for another year at least. The Strand lost its Blue Flag in 2008.  Garryvoe says the report, will retain its Blue Flag for next season.

The report is based on 2009 summer monitoring. The Blue Flag Programme for beaches and marinas is administered by An Taisce and run by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), an international non-governmental, non-profit organisation. The report was forwarded to Cork County Council with the addendum that An Taisce generally announces its Blue Flag recipients definitively come June.

Mary Butler from ‘Safari’, Claycastle, Youghal, celebrates her 50th Birthday with family and friends at Youghal Rugby Club - Photo Michael Hussey (YoughalOnline.com)

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