On Tues 4th October, all dedicated followers of fashion headed for the Youghal GAA Centre where the Fashion Event of the year took place, the Touch of Class Autumn Fashion Show 2011
Photo:  Barry Lawlor Photography, Youghal, Tel: 086 8595300 | Email: news@youghalonline.com

Touch of Class is a Ladies Fashion Boutique located in the historic sea walled port of Youghal in Co Cork. The boutique was established in 1995 and is run by mother and daughter team Tess and Teresa O’Brien. The boutique specialises in providing the personal touch and Tess and Teresa are always on hand to assist you. Please visit the Touch of Class website by clicking HERE.

Touch of Class host 2 Fashion Shows a year giving the proceeds to local charities. The proceeds of the night went to KGK Community Hall.

Models: Illusive Pro Co. Photography: Barry Lawlor Photography, Youghal.

Click on image to see the Touch of Class Autumn Fashion Show 2011. All photos by Barry Lawlor Photography, Youghal, Tel: 086 8595300

A new community and traders group held its first, tentative meeting at the Red Store on Tuesday last, February 22nd. The gathering was organised principally by florist Kaye Curtin and Boutique owner Lil Dann. As closure after closure afflicts shops on the main street, the area’s retail sector is facing considerable challenges and the meeting was called, “as a way of trying to spark new ideas and initiatives, however small or large,” explains Kaye.

Times Past - Youghal Traders pictured below from the 1970′s

Planning and pre-publicity was relatively restricted but the short timespan still allowed time for rumour and a degree of paranoia and even resentment to set in. Principally, the assumption grew that the gathering marked a ‘splinter’ group keen to break from the main frame that is the Chamber of Commerce. That a group –or even a pair- of individuals trying to help their own and other businesses to survive could be viewed with suspicion and negativity, perhaps fills its own chapter in the story of Youghal’s retail woes.

Inclusive

Tuesday’s ‘gathering did not constitute an elected or nominated team of officers, but the ’top table’ was populated for the occasion by Kay Curtin, Lil Dann,  door and windows specialist Jimmy  Flanagan with ,Dara Murphy of Read and Write, appropriately taking minutes! There was general acceptance in the room that the new group seeks to be inclusive across all community sectors, whether traders, clubs, other organisations or private individuals. In that sense, ‘traders’ could appropriately be defined as ‘trading in ideas.’  Some members of the Chamber of Commerce attended and contributed to the discussion, prior to attending their own meeting later the same night.

The meeting opened with Ms Curtin reading from a report on Youghal traders’ determination to support a vibrant Christmas in the town “despite the tide of pessimism that tends to permeate the land in these days of economic hardship.” It was written in 1976!! Mr Flanagan reflected that the difference between that recession and the current one is the complete absence of industry in Youghal nowadays. However, he reflected that the town still has a council, a Chamber of Commerce and many individual organisations working for the town. He called on sectors of local society to “start fighting back” on behalf of the town. “What we want to know is, how do we fight back?”, he asked.

Views, ideas, intentions

About 40 people occupied the room as ideas and observations regarding the Youghal economy were invited. The hour that followed saw voices from the floor focus on the following:

The Community Bus:

It was proposed that the community bus be utilised if possible, given the “extortionate” system of charging by the head as operated by the taxi services. It was related that families holidaying in the Quality Hotel for example, were avoiding visits to the town due to the cost of travelling by taxi. Holidaymakers in Ardmore were similarly deterred, it was claimed. If the community bus could not be utilised for such service, it was proposed that an approach be made to the taxi services for an alternative fare system. Michael Beecher of the Community Bus committee said that as far as he knew, the vehicle was available to any non-recreational group and he would look into it.

Later opening:

It was recommended that businesses remain open a little later at weekends, with evidence that some people travel to Cork for late shopping on Friday nights. It was felt the move would draw in consumers from surrounding regions and towns. As with the community bus issue, a few volunteers committed to pursuing the idea and local businesses are to be canvassed for their views.

Parking:

Views differed. One man proposed that free parking persist outside the town centre, with €1.50 per hour imposed within, along with the first half hour free, to keep traffic moving. There were diverse views on this issue, including a completely opposite view that parking meters be removed completely from the street.  Amidst a dearth of awareness as to the nature and implications of the imminent new car parking byelaws, the entire issue was designated to a few members in attendance to investigate and report to the next meeting.

NCT:

It was reported that many people were keen to visit the town while awaiting their car tests and ideas were sought as to how they could be accommodated. The community bus was suggested as a possible solution.

Resident Population -Newsletter:

Youghal is “turning into a message town,” as far as residents on its immediate surrounds were concerned, according to one opinion. The speaker said that those residing in Cork Hill, Knockaverry and beyond were simply not deliberating downtown beyond pausing for basic necessities.  He advocated half hour free parking to discourage such hurried visits. It was observed that during the icy weather, when driving was treacherous, main street traders were extremely busy. The proposer also suggested that a small, business newsletter be circulated advertising the attractions of shopping local.

The Clock Gate:

An argument was put forward that the Clock Gate should be promoted commercially, aesthetically and culturally as a major tourist attraction of Youghal, if not a town emblem in itself. Reference was made to the “30-40 tourists per day who photographing the iconic structure but are never incited to dwell in the vicinity nor permitted to see it from the inside. It was mooted that the unique building held enormous, untapped potential as a tourist attraction. There was a near total lack of knowledge as to what future is being planned for the Clock Gate. Michael Beecher, as town councillor, said plans were very advanced for the structure’s restoration and funding had been allocated for the project.  An opening date on 2012 is anticipated and it is hoped to update the overall situation in the next edition of Youghal News.

Bypass signage:

There was unanimous criticism that the signs indicating Youghal at the Cork side entrance were pathetically inadequate. Lighted signage was promised, said one contributor and had not been delivered by Cork County Council. It was agreed to pursue this issue further.

Students:

The point was made that the students in Pobalscoil na Trionoide were geographically disassociated from the town centre, with considerable economic and even social consequences. The speaker said that students in Carrigaline spend an average of 1,000 students €6 each a day on lunches in the town.  He urged greater ties between the town and the school through whatever means or methods available. Reference was made to a discount card scheme initiated with the school through the Chamber of Commerce and which was to be launched officially later that very night.

Christmas Lights:

A chamber representative spoke of the need for larger, longer-term planning and investment from traders. The Chamber of Commerce had sent €50,000 on advertising in 2010, promoting a range of attractions. The Chamber also enabled members to acquire Christmas lights for at a 50% lower price than non-members, a point of information that flickered in debate for a little while also. The Chamber speaker elaborated that unity was essential and hoped the perception of a splinter group being formed would not take hold in the public domain. Mr. Flanagan stressed full agreement with this view. Ms. Curtain appealed for traders to obtain local radio membership for €12 per annum, before the meeting concluded in an air of amicability and some optimism.

The next meeting takes place at the Red Store on Thursday March 10th at 6pm. Inquiries (024)92634, business hours

MERRICK’S DEPARTMENT STORE ON NORTH MAIN STREET, YOUGHAL, was one of the finest stores in Munster in the 19th and 20th centuries.  In those times, Merrick’s traded on all three floors and to this day a plaque on the façade proudly states its establishment in 1580.  If this can be authenticated, it would make it the oldest established family business in Ireland.

The Merrick family were merchants who appeared in the Council Historical Records around the 1600s, and in the last four hundred years or so, saw many an enterprise trading under its roofs.  Back in the 17th century, linen suits were made which were then oiled in the attic in readiness for the fishermen, whose lives depended on them during the salmon fishing season.

Merrick’s also housed a boot factory where footwear was mass produced, providing work in an age when cobblers worked in the laneways of Youghal.   At that time Youghal was a very important port and the Merrick family, who were not only wealth merchants, also owned much property throughout the town.  Their family home was Aston Court, presently the Loreto Convent.

In 1926 the business was bought by Richard Good, whose family continued to run and expand the store very successfully for almost sixty five years, until 1990.   Over the past twenty or so years, various businesses traded in this magnificent, historical building, bringing a wide range of products together under the one roof.   Dannelle of Youghal, proprietor Lil Danne, commenced business in Merrick’s approximately sixteen years ago, offering a superb range of ladies fashions, accessories, perfumes, household linens and gifts.   Now the sole trader in Merrick’s, the Department Store was entirely unsuitable for a single trading business, and it was with great regret that Lil Danne found it necessary for arrangements to be made to relocate Danelle to a smaller, more viable premises.
On Saturday, January 22nd 2011, the remaining employees in Merrick’s prepared to leave the store for the last time with a certain amount of sadness and regret. Valerie Slattery has been employed in Merrick’s since Gordon Good was proprietor and stayed on with Lil, making a total of twenty two years service. Majella Nolan has fourteen continuous years of service, and Lil herself has been there since 1995.  The employees, even though their jobs are secure with Danelle of Youghal, still felt a sense of melancholy and sorrow and, indeed, the people of the town of Youghal were despondent at what was viewed as yet ‘another’ closure.
However, things are not quite as bad as they may seem, as plans are already afoot for Majestic Merricks, the oldest established family business in Ireland, and this can only be good news for the town and the townspeople.

Lil Danne and her staff wish to thank sincerely all their valued customers for their loyal support of the past years at Merrick’s and said that it was a pleasure to serve the people of Youghal and surrounds.  They all look forward to continued support at Danelle, 72 North Main Street, Youghal, where personal service will be their top priority.   In the new, intimate premises, customers are invited to browse at their leisure.  Lil also confirmed that all vouchers and credit notes issued in Merricks  may be redeemed at Danelle’s new premises.

As a gesture from a great premises which has served the town of Youghal for almost 500 years Danelle opened their doors on  Wednesday 26th 2011 from 10.30am to 12noon where customers took away whatever they wanted from the remaining stock, for no charge, just a donation to the local branch of St Vincent de Paul

Merrick’s Store has served the people of Youghal well over the past several hundred years.  It has given employment to people in good times and hard, has survived world wars, the famine, floods, storms, emigration and several recessions.   But it still stands in the centre of our town, a magnificent building that has seen it all and still survives, a building which is a landmark in Youghal, and which still has as much to give today as it had on the day it was built.   There can be no doubt that the next adventure for Merrick’s is only starting because, as and inserted the key in Merrick’s Department Store, it was in the sure knowledge that when one door closes, another one opens.

Report: Denise FitzGerald  – Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com

Click on the audio below to hear Lil Danne talk about her life on CRY’S Eddie Hannon Show. Recorded January 2011 – Audio courtesy of Youghal Local Radio CRY

- From original story by Christy Parker – April 2007 -

Workmen renovating one of Youghal’s most historic retail buildings invoked the long distant when they uncovered graffiti signatures behind partitions. Some of the names date back almost 100 years and were discovered in a room over Read & Write newsagents and gift shop on North Main Street. The shop once formed part of Merrick’s department store, which closed in the early 1990’s, though individual units now trade there.
Report: Christy Parker     Photo: Michael Hussey     Email: news@youghalonline.com

Two sets of inscriptions were uncovered in close proximity, though their dates divide them by 50 years. Of the older, smaller set, the earliest recognisable scribble reads “L Connolly 4/5/08”. Others include, E.M. Duggan 18/1/10, M Harris 23/6/10 and Maureen McCarthy 21/3/11. Matt Nolan, Kilmeaden holds an unspecified date, while Tilly Delahunt twice added her address, Mills Park, Roscrea, Tipp, in single and double script, on March 27th 1911.

Others elaborated. On 21/3/16 –exactly 90 years to the day it was discovered- Jean Cambell wrote: “Leaving here on Good Friday. Had the best six months of my life here.” On 23rd June 1917, M Harris quotes English writer W.E. Harris: “If your lips would keep from slips, of five things have a care: to whom you speak, of whom you speak, and how and when and where.”

From the 1500’s, Merrick’s owned much of the town’s retailers. By the early 1900’s the remaining store on North Main Street, founded in 1541, sold drapery, furniture and shoes. Many of the workers were young Munster Protestants who lived within, in segregated accommodation for men and women. The Merrick’s went bankrupt in 1925 and Richard & George Good, Dungarvan store owners bought the shop.

Richard Good died in 1939 and George ran Merrick’s until his nephew, Gordon, took over in 1954. “We employed about 25 but it was like running a fairly wild hotel!”, recalls Gordon. Realising the store’s community allegiance, Gordon gradually abolished accommodation in favour of local recruitment, while expanding the shop into wider retailing over two floors. In his time the area in which the graffiti was found was a stock room and “was probably so beforehand too.”

The later graffiti rampages across a corner door and its adjoining walls. For Gordon, the names are a stroll through a memory department as he surveys names he never expected to see in the one place again. D Godswill, D Wallace, B Ward, the Bolsters M and E, George Kingston, L Ross….all workers in the first decade of Gordon’s reign. Others included Kay Cunningham (7/6/63), Georgina Hodgins and Midleton’s G Smith. “My God, so many familiar names”, he muses as nostalgia reels in the years.

That Merrick’s thrived in a more relaxed commercial environment than that of the Celtic Tiger jungle is easily surmised. S Adams, scratched on the old door, was undoubtedly Sammy Adams. He would eventually open his own shoe & repair shop but he was also a keen hunter and fisherman. Gordon recalls a letter from a female resident’s mother. “She was worried that a male staff member caught fish to cook over the shop and invite girls, including her daughter, to partake”, he laughs. “I imagine it was Sammy but I doubt he had ulterior motives!”

Let Lesley Schnell had other fish to fry too: “Last day on 10th June 1961”, he once wrote. On 7/8/62 he added: “Still here”. He eventually opened a shoe shop next door.

Read & Write, standing where the fashion department traded, is now set to carry the light of its commercial candle into a new upstairs gift gallery. The past will retain a presence.  “We’ve decided not to plaster over the graffiti”, says a workman. “We’ll just erect another partition around it. The names will stay forever.”

Click on the audio below to hear retired local businessman and former owner of Merricks Department Store Gordon Good talks about his life with Eddie Hannon. Recorded January 2011. Audio courtesy of CRY Youghal Local Radio

Wm.Nevilles of Youghal launches their new website. The website is dedicated to showcase the wonderful array of top brands stocked in Youghal’s leading supplier of clothing. The website is easy to navigate with click on buttons for Women – Men – Kids – Household – Embroidery, etc. Stay updated by clicking on to www.wmneville.com

Welcome to Wm.Nevilles of Youghal, proud suppliers of top quality Irish and European clothing in the East Cork area since 1945. Please take time to view our site and don’t hesitate to contact us with any queries you may have. As well as stocking all the top brands we also have a complete Embroidery service to give your club sportswear it’s unique identity or add personal touches to your clothes.

Nevilles of Youghal for
Lambay Clothing | Jack Murphy Outclothing | Remus
Douglas & Graham | Ben Sherman | Mustang | Wrangler
Pierre Cardin | Melka | Mona Lisa | Frank Lyman | Triumph
Underwear | John Bently | Castle Knitwear | Sao Paolo
Brandtex | Tivoli | All School Uniforms

Wm Nevilles general drapery opened its door to the public on Nov 1st 1945, serving the people of Youghal and surrounding areas of East Cork and West Waterford.
Opened as a general drapery, supplying ladies, gents and chidrens wear, footwear for all the family and housesold goods, Duvets did not exist in 1945. Instead wool blankets were the order of the day from Foxford and the Dripsey woollen mills. Suits were not readymade, and a suit length was sold with all the trimmings to be taken to the tailor, and made to measure. Now in the 21st Century suit are sold off the peg. Ladies fashions have changed greatly, styles getting longer, shorter, wider, and narrower. Whatever the trend Wm Nevilles have for the last 65 years provided the answer.

The business was started by William Neville. William married his wife Kathleen in 1953 and they continued to run their growing business together. They had five children. Mary the second eldest showed great interest from an early age, and Joined the business officially in 1975. Ann joined the family business in 1979 and Pauline in 1983.

William and Kathleen Nevilles concept for business was to provide a quality service built on quality products at affordable prices stemming from a great love for their local community. Since Their deaths in 1979 and 1992 respectfully, their legacy has held the business in good stead and the business now a household name continues to flourish and grow. Mary a fore front of the business for 34 years sadly passed away in feb 2009. The business today is run by Ann and Pauline with the next generation showing a healty interest.

So from 1945 till !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! we continue to cloth you in style and quality, and appreciate your continuing custom with us.

Warmest Regards, The team at Wm. Neville

Click on image to enlarge

Transition Year teachers and students  graced the catwalk on Friday night the 27th November 2009 in aid of the Young Scientists Awards, the Emer Casey Foundation and Muscular Dystrophy Ireland.
Photo: MichaelHussey     Email:news@youghalonline.com

There were seventy two Transition Year students each taking part in staging the event-from modelling, ticket sales, stage design, advertising, photography,video etc. Clothes were modelled from eight local retail stores Helens, Danelles, Nevilles, Flavins Sportswear, Genesis, Touch of Class, South Beach and Amore Bridalwear.

Vouchers were kindly donated for raffle sales on the night by businesses such as Jack O Patsy, Nevilles, Danelles, Sports and Leisure and Super-Valu. The Young Scientist Awards will take place at the RDS in January 2010. Pobalscoil Na Trionoide are proud to have three teams selected to represent the school at national event. The Science Department who have supported, encouraged and guided the teams will travel with the teams to Dublin for the four day event.

A portion of the proceeds raised will be allocated to part fund the expenses incurred as all Transition Year Students will travel to support the teams. The two charities chosen by the Transition Year Students are the Emer Casey Foundation and Muscular Dystrophy Ireland. Both have a dear place in our hearts and every effort will be greatly appreciated. The Fashion Show commenced at 8pm and was a night filled with fun, glamour and entertainment. Cork Rose Amy Moran compered the show.
Click on image to enlarge

Oona Colin’s inauguration as new Facilities Coordinator of the Mall Arts Centre took place during the Diva Party held in the popular centre.  “This is my first event since taking up my position and I’m very excited” Report/Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com

If you’d like to make a booking or organise an event, call Oona now on 083 360 6507 or email her at themallartscentre@gmail.com for more details on the terms and conditions.

Oona’s first event, a clothes swapping party, consists of bringing a minimum of three items of new or nearly new clothing, washed and ironed ready to be swapped with other ladies.  “everyone has clothes they’ve bought and never worn or clothes that have only been worn once to a wedding or an event, that we’re hanging onto even though we know we’ll never wear them again” says Oona.  So at a swapping party you bring these items along and swap them with other swappers.  They can be clothes, bags, shoes or accessories.

To add to the excitement of  going home with a bag full of “new” clothes, Avril Geary, a well known local stylist was present on the night giving expert fashion advice along with an experienced seamstress who proposed alterations where necessary.  It’s a perfect girls night out and a fabulous way to revamp your wardrobe for free !

Being a  pilot event, it was aimed at ladies ranging from sizes 10 – 14.  “When you’re swappng clothes, obviously you have to have a size range, so as I’m a size 12-14 myself, I thought I’d start with my size and if it all works well, then the next one can be aimed at the more voluptuous  lady or the more petite size 6 – 10.”

Oona Colin’s recent appointment as Facilities Coordinator of the Mall Arts Centre and St Mary’s Collegiate Church, a National Monument, consists of marketing and promoting these two  fabulous and unique venues. “my aim is to get all sorts of activities into these venues, from musicals to theatre, concerts, comedy and children’s shows.”

Both these venues are available for rent .   So if you’d like to make a booking or organise an event, call Oona now on 083 360 6507 or email her at themallartscentre@gmail.com for more details on the terms and conditions.

Click on images to see who was at The Diva Swap Party