YOUGHAL was today officially announced as Cork’s Tidiest Town for 2011 in the Irish Business Against Litter League, in conjunction with the Department of the Environment.  The town achieved 7th place in the overall rankings out of 53 towns and cities surveyed, with its litter classification declared as ‘clean to European norms’.  The town also received a ‘Sustained Excellence Award’ for 5 years ‘litter free’.    Trim, Co. Meath was declared the country’s cleanest town.

An Taisce monitors all towns of population 6,000 and over independently, in accordance with international grading standards.   Commenting on the result for Youghal, a spokesperson for the organisation said: “An excellent result for Youghal, a seaside tourist town.  Many of the top ranking sites were not just clear of litter but very well presented and maintained, for example Lighthouse Hill, Front Strand, the Town Walls as well as St. Mary’s Collegiate Church .

The North Main Street of the town came in for particular praise with shop fronts cited as being “well presented, with bunting across the street adding a splash of colour.”  It was proclaimed to be “a well maintained street’ by the panel.

Other sites given particular mention in Youghal included the Lighthouse Road considered “ a superb stretch of road which has been very well presented and maintained – it was enhanced by attractive street lighting and the way in which it has been so well cared for and respected.  Also given particular mention was the Front Strand noted for being “another immaculate site in Youghal – the individual houses were very well maintained – and the whole stretch of road gives a very positive impression of Youghal.

“To mark the success of Youghal as one of the 9 towns receiving the ‘Sustained Excellence Award’ it will receive a number of birch trees for planting locally.  These are provided by the Irish Tree Centre, an IBAL member based in County Cork” said Dr. Cavanagh.

“The local authorities in award-winning towns such as Youghal have a strong rationale behind their sustained efforts in combating litter.  They recognise the returns that a litter free environment can bring to a town.  It clearly attracts tourism, but it also draws inward investment in the form of shoppers and also commuters and others opting to live in the surrounding area.  At a time when retailers are struggling and ghost estates are proliferating, the need to attract new inhabitants has never been greater.”

“Our environment continues to get cleaner despite a tightening of the public purse at local authority level, says Dr. Tom Cavanagh, Chairman IBAL.  “This indicates that the fight against litter is not about money.  It’s equally about a spirit of local pride and volunteerism among the local community, and we’re seeing a resurgence of this in the current climate”.  Concluded Dr. Cavanagh.

Issued by: Youghal Town Council

Further information contact: 024-92926 E: liam.ryan@corkcoco.ie

 

IBAL Anti Litter League Finale 2011 Results Table
Rankings     Town/City     Status
1     Trim     Clean to European Norms
2     Swords     Clean to European Norms
3     Killarney     Clean to European Norms
4     Cavan     Clean to European Norms
5     Dun Laoghaire     Clean to European Norms
6     Wexford     Clean to European Norms
7     Youghal     Clean to European Norms
8     Ballincollig     Clean to European Norms
9     Waterford City     Clean to European Norms
10     Fermoy     Clean to European Norms
11     Cobh     Clean to European Norms
=      Castlebar     Clean to European Norms
=     Bray     Clean to European Norms
14     Naas     Clean to European Norms
15     Dungarvan     Clean to European Norms
16     Ennis     Clean to European Norms
=     Ballina     Clean to European Norms
=     Nenagh     Clean to European Norms
19     Longford     Clean to European Norms
20     Kilkenny     Clean to European Norms
21     Tramore     Clean to European Norms
=     Sligo     Clean to European Norms
23     Drogheda     Clean to European Norms
=     Monaghan     Clean to European Norms
25     Tullamore     Clean to European Norms
26     Kildare     Clean to European Norms
27     Maynooth     Clean to European Norms
28     Clonmel     Clean to European Norms
29     Dundalk     Clean to European Norms
30     Tralee     Clean to European Norms
31     Galway City     Clean to European Norms
32     Roscommon     Clean to European Norms
=     Newcastlewest     Clean to European Norms
=     Mullingar     Clean to European Norms
=     Athlone     Clean to European Norms
36     Arklow     Clean to European Norms
37     Wicklow     Clean to European Norms
38     New Ross     Clean to European Norms
39     Cork City     Moderately Littered
40     Mallow     Moderately Littered
41     Navan     Moderately Littered
42     Gorey     Moderately Littered
43     Carlow     Moderately Littered
44     Limerick City     Moderately Littered
45     Dublin Airport Environs     Moderately Littered
46     Tuam     Moderately Littered
47     Tallaght     Moderately Littered
48     Portlaoise     Littered
49     Letterkenny     Littered
50     Dublin City     Littered
51     Tipperary Town     Littered
52     Knocknaheeny – Cork     Litter Blackspot
53     North Inner City Dublin     Litter Blackspot

IBAL Anti-Litter League 2011,

in conjunction with the Department of the Environment

Youghal:  7th out of 53 towns / cities surveyed.  Litter Classification – Clean to European Norms.

An excellent result for Youghal, a sea-side, tourist town.  Many of the top ranking sites were not just clear of litter but very well presented and maintained e.g. Lighthouse Road, Front Strand and Town Wall and St. Mary’s Church & Collegiate. Rincrew Roundabout and Waterford Approach Road were also top ranking sites.  There were no bad sites but three failed to make the top grade.

Rincrew Roundabout:  Grade A.  This was a very clean and fresh site – road surface / signage / markings were in good condition and grass, though high, was not littered.

Waterford Approach Road:  Grade A.  (Mill Road).  There was a virtual absence of litter this approach road.  An attractive ‘Youghal Information’ notice was set in colourful shrubbery.

Store Street / Brown Square area:  Grade B.  This was a mixed site – it comprised a mix of old warehouse style buildings, offices and many modern buildings – some aspects of the site were spotless but not all. As one approached the water there was dog fouling and alcohol related litter on Store Street.

Catherine Street:  Grade B.  Dog fouling was very prevalent along this street – despite Dog Fouling notices and facilities for same.  This is a real pity the presentation of the street has been enhanced by colourful flower boxes and bollards – a good deal more care is required on behalf of dog owners.

Seaview Place:  Grade A.  The individual houses in this residential area were well presented and maintained.  The public grass / shrubbery areas were in good order – overall, a top ranking site throughout.

GAA:  Grade B.  The GAA site was let down by the area immediately surrounding the clothes recycle bank – if this area and the base of the shrubbery were cleaned up it could easily be a top ranking site.

Town Wall and St. Mary’s Church & Collegiate:  Grade A.  A really wonderful amenity which has been well cared for and respected.

North Main Street:  Grade A.  Many of the shop fronts were well presented, some of the paving was in good order and the bunting across the street added a splash of colour – a clean and well maintained street.

Lighthouse Road:  Grade A.   A superb stretch of road which has been very well presented and maintained – it was enhanced by attractive street lighting and the way in which it has been so well cared for and respected.

Front Strand:  Grade A.  This was another immaculate site in Youghal – the individual houses were very well maintained and the whole stretch of road gives a very positive impression of Youghal.

 

 

THE EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS PILGRIMAGE BELL  was welcomed into the Parish of Youghal on Monday last, December 26th and remained in the Parish until Tuesday  December 27th.  All those living in the Parish of Youghal, Killeagh and Ballymacoda and surrounding areas joined in one or more of the following scheduled events, which were all well attended and very successful.

On Monday, December 26th a Reception for the Bell was held at 12.30pm in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, The Strand, followed immediately by Mass for St Stephen’s Day.   That evening at 5.30pm Evening Prayer and Carols was held.   At 8.30pm prayers with the Icons and Night Prayer saw the first day come to a close.

Tuesday, December 27th commenced at 9.30am with a recitation of the Rosary in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, followed at 10am by the celebration of Mass.   After Mass the congregation walked with the Bell and Icons into the town and arrived at St Mary’s Parish Church before noon, where prayers were said and carols sung.

The Bell and Icons were handed over to the Dioceses of Waterford and Lismore at the Stone Bridge in Youghal.  Despite the cold, a very large group of people from the Parish of Youghal came out to  escort them on the journey from the Parish Church and into the welcoming hands of Fr.  Paul Waldron, Diocese of Waterford and Lismore,  Fr. Gerard O’Connor, PP, Aglish and Fr. Michael Cullinan, PP, Lismore.

Carols were sung by the Clashmore Choir, and people got the opportunity to personally ring the Congress  Bell.   Gardaí from the Parish of Youghal and West Waterford were on hand to ensure the safety of the ‘pilgrims’ and keep the traffic flowing freely.

The organisation and arrangements made by the people of the Parish of Youghal, and in particular the enormous amount of work put in by Fr. Patrick Winkle, are to be lauded.   The Congress Bell and Icons paid just a quick visit to Youghal, but their presence was felt by all who came along during the two days to view and ring the Bell which, in June 2012, will be a VIP at the International Eucharistic Congress in Dublin.

The Bell, handed over at the Stone Bridge in Youghal, will remain in the Diocese of Waterford, visiting twenty two Parishes,  until January 8th next when it will leave Waterford by yet another bridge, the Edmond Rice Bridge, and will travel into the Diocese of Ossery.

 

The theme of the next International Eucharistic Congress is “The Eucharist: Communion with Christ and with one another.” The Congress will be held in Dublin from 10 June – 17 June 2012. Further details available at www.iec2012.ie

50th International Eucharistic Congress invites deaf community to Dublin in 2012

 

Archive Material from 1932 Eucharistic Congress
a video produced by Province 5 TV for the Diocesan Eucharistic Congress “Come and See” which includes a video interview with Joan Coughlan from Summerhill. She shares her childhood memories of listening to the radio broadcast for the week of celebrations.
Pathé news footage also features some of the Church and Civil celebrations;
A video of Navan’s Corpus Christi Procession is also included

For further information click on this link: www.youghalcatholicparish.com

Click on image below to see the Eucharistic Congress Bell handing over at the old Youghal Stone Bridge – Photos: YoughalOnline.com

Get Ready for the Brand new Panel Discussion show coming soon to  CRY104fm

WHAT’S IN A NAME? – Knockanore’s Marita Kelly,Youghal’s former first lady Mary Linehan Foley and Linda Carroll who’s now resident in Carrigtwohill  form the 3 panel team on this new afternoon show on Community Radio Youghal where the ladies will review the weeks happenings in the world of Politics and Current Affairs both locally and Nationally before looking at all the latest Entertainment and Fashion news with all the latest Celibrity gossip and Reality TV news .

What the ladies are missing is a name for their brand new show and they want to hear from you with any suggestions you may have for a name for this “Midday ”  style panel  discussion show .

If you have any ideas please text Community Radio Youghal  on 024 92288 , Text us on 087 2544745 , Leave a message on our Facebook page  or e-mail us on programmes@youghalradio.com

VETERAN PHOTOGRAPHER BOB ROCK and his family were delighted to present the cheque of 3,000 euros to Trocaire’s Famine Appeal last Thursday (3rd November 2011) at the offices of the Youghal Credit Union. This followed the recent  success of his photographic exhibition called ‘The Beauty of Youghal’. Bob was moved to organise the exhibition after seeing news footage of the starving families in Africa. “It is so tragic to see children and parents suffering like that,I felt compelled to do something to help those unfortunate people.”

At the presentation ceremony Bob thanked everyone in helping to raise such a sizeable sum of money for this worthy charity. He paid particular thanks to Barry Treacy and the staff of the Youghal Credit Union who have the important job of collecting the money. Janet Twomey, Munster Regional Development Officer for Trocaire said she was delighted to accept this magnificent donation towards Trocaire’s East Africa Famine Relief and said that Bob also raised awareness of the starving people who need our help so much.

WARNING: Viewer Discretion Is Advised

Such was the popularity of “The Beauty of Youghal” photographic exhibition in aid of Trocaire’s Famine Appeal at Youghal Credit Union that many of the high quality images hed to be reordered to satisify the demand for the beautiful landscape photographs of Youghal. Twenty of the exhibits sold out within two hours of the official opening!

Bob spent 50 years involved in photography, for 35 of which he recorded for posterity the happiest events in the lives of his community, including almost 2,000 weddings and “often for two generations of a family.”

Bob has exhibited in Dublin, London and Madrid, won silver and bronze medals from the “Photographic Society of Ireland,” was a finalist in the “Kodak Bride of the Year” and has six of his images in the “Best of Irish Professional Photography” archive. He retired from professional photography a decade ago, since when he has been documenting the Irish landscape. “I needed a break from faces” he jokes. Ironically the gaunt, suffering faces from distant Africa now prompt him to publicise his talents again.

Bob Rock’s work can also be viewed on www.bobrock.zenfolio.com

WARNING: Viewer Discretion Is Advised

Team M men’s hair salon won ‘best dressed window display’ for the ‘Halloween Spooktacular’ festival.

‘We at Team M men’s hair salon very surprised to have one best dressed window for the Youghaloween spooktacular this weekend, but we thank you and enjoyed doing it for the town, it was great to most shops supporting this great idea run by the YCC and myself and the family enjoyed the whole weekend as seems 1000’s of others did, great work by everyone involved’

THE PRESENTATION took place at the Cumann na Daoine premises in Catherine St. on Wednesday 5th October 2011. This year’s art exhibition was dedicated to the memory of the late Gretta Kelleher who was one of the founding members of the group and who sadly passed away last year. The members generously make a donation to local charities in lieu of cheese and wine at the opening night and this year’s charity is the local R.N.L.I. as Gretta was a volunteer and fundraiser for that institution.

YOUGHAL ART GROUP celebrated seventeen years in existence this year. The Youghal Art Group meet on the first Wednesday of every month at the Cumann na Daoine premises in Catherine Street. Guest speakers and outings form part of the group’s activities, as does occasional Saturday masterclasses. Current membership stands at 13, with new members always warmly welcomed.

YOUGHAL FISHERMAN KEVIN MURPHY got a monster surprise when he found a giant lobster amongst his catch while ray fishing two miles north of Capel Island. “He weighed 11 lbs and was over 30 inches long,” says Kevin. The average lobster measures about a foot and weighs approximately 2 lbs.

Ageing a lobster is a delicate and indefinite science but experts gauge that the creatures’ size increases by about 15% each time they moult. A young lobster (5-7 years) moults about 25 times a year and adult once or twice per annum. Older lobsters moult only every 3-4 years. By this criterion, Kevin estimates his catch is “probably about 80 years old” –or about 33 years older than the fisherman himself!

It was the third time in 15 months that the father of three has netted an unusual lobster aboard his boat Sea Lion. In June 2010 he landed a massive 20 year-old, white female weighing 10 lb. Last March he brought ashore a 10½ lb crustacean again stretching almost 30 inches. All belong to the European lobster class –scientifically called homarus gammarus.

As previously, Kevin intended to return his rare recruit to the sea after finalising photographic proof. However, Aherne’s seafood restaurant asked to display the creature –whom they christened Jimmy- for a day to in their foyer. It was then decided to offer Jimmy a new lifestyle free from the risk of fishing nets. Dingle aquarium declined to offer permanent accommodation but Lahinch Seaworld was “absolutely delighted” to be offer lodgings to the lobster and Jimmy was transported to his new accommodation last Saturday.

The Guinness Book of Records says the largest lobster ever caught was found in Nova Scotia in 1934, measuring 3.51 feet and weighed 44.4 lbs. With the help of Clare hospitality, who is to say young Jimmy won’t yet get this pincers on the title?

The 3rd annual family heritage festival, Celebrating Cork Past Exhibition 2011, took place in the City Hall, Cork, last Friday, September 30th 2011. Local author and historian Mike Hackett with a group of friends and volunteers, including Cliff and Margaret Winsor, were well represented for the first time at the exhibition with the Youghal stand. The different stands at the exhibition, showcased books and history pieces not just of  Cork city but from the villages and towns of County Cork as well. Mike said,” The Youghal stand was one of fifty and I was surprised at the small places like Kilmurray and Aubane that were represented. Just goes to show, all you want is about three interested people to achieve a lot”.

The Cork city hall buzzed with excitement as it played host to historical societies and groups from all over the City and County who came together in a unique exhibition that celebrated Cork’s rich, colourful Heritage, Tradition and Culture.This fascinating educational family exhibition showcased the exciting work carried out by these enthusiastic voluntary heritage groups in their communities.

At the day-long exhibition, the atmosphere was electric as a cross section of the finest historians and ‘caretakers’ of Cork’s rich past sang its praises, passionately speaking of its region’s history and memories as only they know how in an entertaining series of interactive talks and friendly chit chat.

The exhibition struck a chord with the continuous stream of people who flocked to the City Hall eager to learn more about their rich local history and was of particular interest to schools and budding young historians.

We all live in areas where the past is all around. This history makes us who we are. Celebrating Cork Past Exhibition is about bringing historical groups together so that they meet each other, chat and share ideas in order that historical societies can plan for the future. The aim is also to present their rich histories to the Cork public.

Due to the tremendous positive success of Celebrating Cork Past Exhibition, it has become an annual event wholeheartedly supported by Cork City Council and admission is free.

Determined to wind up his GAA presidency with a bang, Christy Cooney has rowed in behind a suggestion made by Dublin county chairman Andy Kettle that the All-Ireland finals should be brought forward a month to August to free up time for club championships.

“There is certain merit in that,” the Youghal native told RTE on Saturday.

“It will get consideration. Maybe in that type of situation we’d be able to run off our club championships in a calendar year… It will be discussed.”

Central Council is shortly expected to receive a report from the national fixtures planning committee which could recommend restricting the time-span of the marquee competitions.

www.setanta.com
by Oli Skehan , 02 October 2011

On Friday September 23rd last, locals and visitors enjoyed the unique experience at Youghal’s second culture night which was a free night of entertainment, discovery and adventure.

The night featured a host of exciting events which including musicians,exhibitions, storytelling, choral singing, silver craft display and a host of other interesting cultural events. Art dealer Eamonn O’Brien of Gallery 126 featured an exhibition of late 19th century illustrated sheet music to the enjoyment of all who attended while musician Tom Connelly played selected songs on the mandolin.

Over in John Kennedy’s electrical shop, CRY 104fm outside broadcast crew went live from ‘The Gossip Shop’ which proved to be a great success. Radio jocks from the station entertained the listeners and the crowds who turned up at the open door, open mike session. Michael Roche read from one of his favourite poems and John Kennedy played some really unique original material from the distant past. Tony Sheehan, Jim Coleman and Tim Smith also played some of their favourite tunes. Meanwhile children were also being entertained at Oona Colin’s new shop ‘In Stitches’ with storytelling and crochet and stitching classes.

The photographic exhibition ‘Last Days. The Last of Carpets in Youghal’ in the Mall Arts Centre was also a highlight of the night. The exhibition captured the mood of the workers and the work place in the final days of the carpet factory in store street just before it closed back in 2006. The life size images gave a real depth to the exhibition.

Another photographic exhibition was on show over in McGoldrick’s Art & Photographic gallery on North Main St. entitled ‘Flight of Fancy’ and included a demonstration by local artist Eileen McGoldrick. Across the way at Luigi’s restaurant poetry reading by local poets and invited guests went on for the evening, organised by Alan Prim’s Bookshop on South Main St.

The diverse programme of events around the town was amazing and really had something for everyone. The  culture night definitely built up on the success of last year event and great praise to all involved. This type of local and national community involvement can only make next year’s Culture Night one of the main highlights in the autumn calender of cultural events in the town.

Click on image to enlarge – Photos by Ed Guiry & Will McGoldrick