THE YOUGHAL DOCUMENTARY TOWN OUT OF TIME is to be screened at the Belltable Arts Centre in Limerick on the 4th of November. The film is to be screened in conjunction with the MA studies in Art and Design at Limerick Institute of Technology.

The MA programme is called Social Practice and the Creative Environment (SPACE). Students of the MA will partake in a question and answer session with Director, Michael Twomey after the screening. Michael explained. “We were invited to L.I.T to screen the documentary after it was featured in the Irish Times last year.

The MA co-ordinator, Paul Tarpey believes the film is a very good example of how something creative can result from the environment around us and he wants us to discuss how that process came about. It’s very exciting for us to be involved in such events and I would hope that the sociological themes in the film would lead to other similar discussions. The real purpose of the film meets the remit of the MA programme perfectly in that people are affected by their environment and create something as a response to it. The Belltable has a great reputation and is a marvelous venue for us to be showcasing our work.”

It will be first time the film will be screened outside Youghal and Michael is looking forward to how it will be received. “I’m very excited about screening away from Youghal as it will probably give us a better idea of whether the content transmits nationally. It was always intended to be an example of what is happening around the country and it will be free from that localised polerisation you get when people react passionately. It caused a bit of a stir here and that is always a worthwhile exercise but I am looking forward to speaking about it in terms of how it was constructed rather than chairing a discussion where blame is being bandied around the room.” He added.

Town Out Of Time will be part of a double bill with Build Something Modern, directed by Nicky Gogan and Paul Rowley which tells the story of a hidden canon of Irish architecture, groundbreaking young architects who pushed the boundaries of Irish design from the 1950′s to the 1970′s with surprisingly little recognition at home.
Ticket information is available from the Belltable website at http://belltable.ticketsolve.com/shows/126520331/events.

“The River Blackwater- Life and Lodgings” is a brand new 5 part Documentary which will be aired on Community Radio Youghal starting this Sunday the 24th of July 2011 at 1pm and will run until Sunday the 21st of August.

The 5 part series follows the three man crew of Tony Gallagher, Kieran Heffernan and Frank Mills on board the boat  “Maeve” as they leave Youghal Harbour and make their way towards  Cappoquin in Co Waterford stopping off on the way to visit the Historical Houses and famous landmarks that inhabit the  banks of this beautiful unspoilt River which is known as the Irish Rhine. The three man crew also stop on the way to talk to some of the families that have fished this great river and call the banks of the River home. The Documentary is funded by The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) under the Sound and Vision scheme.

 

The public meeting, at the Red Store, began with brief reflection on the successful Gold Label Youghal Bay Fish Pie competition and the Teddy Bears Picnic the previous weekend. Special recognition was afforded to Norman McDonald, Paula Tutty, Cliff Winser and Frank Murphy for their hard work. Congratulations were extended to Team Youghal for their fundraising cycle across America for the Emer Casey Foundation. Chairman Jim Flanagan said a week previous, in the Consulate General’s office in New York, the foundation had been established as a registered charity in the USA.

Norman McDonald thanked a plethora of contributors to the previous weekend’s events. While there are too many to mention, it is worth noting that fisherman Kevin Murphy had remained awake following his return from Greece to moor a boat for promotional photographs for the fish pie contest at 7 pm.

In an innovative turn, eight year-old Orla Curtain read a brief tribute to the Teddy Bears Picnic, recounting to much applause her experience and her appreciation of the event.

Treasurer’s Report:

Secretary Adrian Hyde said expenditure on insurance ad been €265, outlay related to the fish pie venture was €312.00 and outgoings on the Teddy Bears Picnic had been just €30.05. Various donations had left a closing balance of €134.91. Chairman Jim Flanagan said the group was “not about funding,” though it may be a requirement and “donations are always welcome.”

Proposed Future Events:

A Halloween Festival:

The idea is to develop a unique, family fun occasion with the accent on promoting Youghal’s history.  Associated ideas include traders donning appropriate and provided costumes, window displays, characters in fancy dress and a ‘headless’ horseman to ride spontaneously and unannounced through the town. Volunteer carpenters were being sought to make replica stocks and suchlike for display at the Market Square. Pubs would be encouraged to host Halloween themed events. There would be Youghal tours featuring characters and events from Youghal’s past, such as Cromwell, alleged 17th century witch Florence Newton, Clock Gate hangings etc. It was hoped a sub-committee would soon evolve to er, execute some if not all of these ideas.

Diving Rocks/49 steps:

Mr. Hyde said carpenter Jerry Dennehy was awaiting permission and materials to conduct approved renovations to see the area re-opened. A submission to that effect had been made to the town council. Most of the work centred on warning and advisory signage along with railings and repairs to several steps. It was hoped that the both town and county councils would respond positively to enable the work to commence this month.

Themed Christmas:

This was mooted by Ann Marie Power who envisaged rejuvenating trade and atmosphere with an old fashioned “Charles Dickens” type Christmas. Relevant dress wear would be provided to traders and windows adorned appropriately, much carol singing would ensue amidst lanterns and costumed characters. Special ‘Shopping  in Youghal’ shopping bags would be produced to promote trade. It was reported that traders had already reacted positively to the novel concept and also that advances had been made in sourcing costumes. There was a belief that the event would entice locals to shop locally, spark media interest and attract visitors. It was decided to circulate the idea in writing amongst local businesses.

Current Campaigns

Dog Litter:

In the absence of chief motivator Suzanne Cotter, the secretary spoke on the issue. He said information leaflets from Cork County Council’s veterinary department were being distributed and posters were being circulated to businesses. Dog litter bags were being made available in several retail outlets.  The town council were going to erect relevant signage across the town and strand, including notice of potential fines. Mr Hyde reiterated that dog litter and tourism just do not mix well!

Community Bus –Volunteer Needed:

Tony Phelan of the community bus group addressed the room. He said the service runs Thursdays and Fridays from 10 am to 5 pm, conveying the elderly, disabled and other vulnerable citizens to and from their doorstep and town centre. Although free, a voluntary donation –usually amounting to €2- is generally contributed. The service had commenced in 2010 with a SECAD grant of €4,500 and a contracted bus. This bus had now been replaced by the group’s own vehicle, which had been donated free from a senior citizens group in Knocknaheeny. The HSE helped with servicing costs and FAS provided a driver for 9½ hours. So popular was the service that it was now hoped to expand it.

To this effect, the group required either sponsorship or -more likely- voluntary help, most immediately a driver companion to assist with small chores such as carrying shopping, etc . Additionally, an extra driver (with C1 licence) was needed because it would cost €12 to pay a replacement for an unwell or unavailable driver.

Any Other Business:

Items raised included a request for voluntary stewards to assist the Queen of the Sea festival; a ‘clean up your area’ weekend before the end of August; removal of the weeds from the Mall (since conducted).

Feargal Quinn:

There was some discourse on Youghal’s application for the RTE television series on town regeneration, which apparently was first instigated by members of the YCC. For details on this initiative see the Youghal Town Council report elsewhere in this issue.

No to toxic sludge:

Local artist and business woman Eileen McGoldrick spoke, with emotion and dismay on the plans of Eros Eco to accept hazardous/toxic waste at its plant in Foxhole. She said it was “sad that we are sitting here feeling positive and trading ideas to promote Youghal as a family resort rich in history and heritage,” while Cork County Council intended to send such waste to the town. “I feel really, really angry about it,” she reminded. “It’s appalling.”  She urged a strong fight against the proposal and to assist objectors such as the Chamber of Commerce and Tourism in any way possible, including signing petitions and other protests. “We owe it to our children,” she concluded. It was agreed to circulate the petition to willing business outlets and to consult the Chamber for an update on their course of resistance. It was also agreed to typify resistance with a counter proposal that toxic waste be “treated at source” and not transported to Youghal.

Tour Buses:

Norman McDonald said that since he and Cliff Winser had begun greeting tourist buses at the Market Square, some operators had increased their stopover times from 30 minutes to three hours. “Sometimes you meet an area manager instead of a courier and that’s when a big change can occur,” he informed, adding that many tourists “are delighted to be met personally and told about the town.” The ultimate objective was to “foster good relationships” with companies and encourage them to include Youghal prominently in next season’s itinerary, as well as to instill in visitors a wish to return to the town. He said one company –Trafalgar- was proving difficult to persuade to stay longer in the town but efforts would continue. They were also hoping to entice a portion of the 3,000 passengers who would be embarking on coach tours from a cruise liner visiting Cobh on July 24th to come to Youghal. The man knows no boundaries….

Taxis –oh dear!

Nearer to home –but not near enough- Youghal’s pay-per-head taxi service was reportedly infuriating some tourists based outside town, particularly at the Quality Hotel. A speaker from the floor said a group of visitors from Fermanagh relaxing in the Nook had criticised the ‘per head’ fares levied from the hotel to the town and back.

There was general acceptance that the situation evoked repeated complaints. While accepting that it was not the YCC’s role or intention to dictate to private enterprises, it remained inescapable that there was widespread concern amongst tourists and tourist interests at the costs and system being operated.

It was clarified that while PSV offices in Cork oversaw the operations of Youghal taxis, it could not interfere in fare arrangements. It was also stated that while Youghal taxi representatives had privately made known their displeasure following a previous airing of concerns, at the same they declined an invitation to present their argument at a public meeting and indeed, seemed unwilling to negotiate or discuss the issue with anyone at all.

In the absence of a metered taxi service it is difficult to see how fares allegedly of up to €10 per person one way to travel three miles, will cease to co-exist with the €17 euros return to Cork on Bus Eireann! One man in attendance said he would attempt propose to the Quality Hotel and Youghal tourism an initiative that might offer an alternative means of transport.  “It’s a longshot though,” he admitted.

The next public meeting of Youghal Concerned Citizens is on Thursday, 4th August at 7 pm upstairs in the Red Store.

YOUGHAL CONCERNED CITIZENS GROUP enjoyed an attendance high in numbers and rich in representational value at its bi-monthly meeting in the Red Store on June 7th. The attendance may or may not have been affected by the screening of A Town out of Time -the socio-economic documentary depicting Youghal’s declining profile even during the ‘boom’ years- in the wake of the meeting, at 8 pm.

A press release compiled and issued by the group’s new PRO Eoin Budds, notes that the attendance included representatives from the town council, the Chamber of Commerce and the Tidy Towns, organisations not normally conspicuous by their presence at the concerned citizens gatherings. It will be interesting to see how many return for the next meeting on Thursday July 7th. Nonetheless Mr Budds refers to a willingness for various groups work in co-operation to promote “’Brand Youghal’” being apparent.

Dog litter

The statement reports that the meeting commenced with a report on the “Dog Litter” project from Suzanne Cotter. A subsequent discussion focused on the need to create greater awareness on this issue and the following initiatives were agreed in principle: i) promote responsible dog ownership with distributed leaflets ii) distribute free dog litter bags in shops; iii) erect signs around town to highlight the issue.

Further discussion ensued on the possibility of CCTV being used as a deterrent, while Cllr Barbara Murray said such cameras may seeing cameras may prevail in the strand areas in the near future as part of the town and county councils’ anti-litter initiatives. She advised that anyone seeking to promote CCTV privately should negotiation with local residents committees. The issue of stray dogs was also considered. As with most matters nowadays, funding was deemed problematic but the issue is to be further addressed. Meanwhile congratulations were extended to the Dun Chorain estate for successfully reducing its considerable dog litter problem.

Fish pie

Norman MacDonald updated the gathering on the “Youghal Bay Seafood Pie” project and the “Tourist Buses” project, both of which initiatives he is actively promoting. He said the seafood pie competition –in which local restaurants are vying to devise the definitive fish pie recipe for Youghal, with subsequent marketing potential- was progressing extremely well, with 18 restaurants thus far committed.  The judging ceremony, assisted by internationally renowned adjudicators, will take place on Saturday July 2nd, at a venue to be announced.

Paula Tutty reported on her initiative to run a Teddy Bear’s Picnic day in the Green Park on Sunday July 3rd. It was appreciated –and admired- that Paula has managed to construct this project in very short notice in order to coincide with fish pie weekend. Much is promised in terms of free fun, games and entertainment, with families encouraged to bring their own picnic on the day. Public announcements will follow in the days leading up to the event.

 

Tourist buses

Meanwhile Mr. MacDonald updated on tourist buses initiative whereby he and thus far Cliff Windsor and others greet arriving tour buses and impress on them reasons to linger in Youghal and also to return here in due course. Norman said more volunteers were needed to extend this effort across seven days a week. This, according to the press release, “followed some heated and passionate exchanges on the duplication of work being done by Norman and the Youghal Chamber of Commerce, as well as members of the chamber who have an organised meet and greet in place.” The exchange was –thankfully- considered a healthy development, “with some strong feedback” from Perks supremo Sal Tivy. Jim Flanagan reiterated, for the umpteenth time, that the citizens group will work with any organisation and this was followed an agreement with the Youghal Chamber to work with Norman to further develop the tour bus project. This agreement is undoubtedly is to be welcomed by all and perhaps marks a very significant example of how to secure a healthier and more efficient approach to town tourism and development into the future.

The statement concludes with a reminder that the next Concerned Citizens (name to be changed shortly) will be held on Thurs 07 July at 7 pm in the Red Store, North Main Street. It’s a public meeting and all are welcome.

Rates spat erupts

Thursday June 23 2011

FERMOY’S Town Clerk believes his counterpart in Youghal is acting outside their powers in their plan to reduce rates in the town.

Ray Owens made the remark in response to a motion by Cllr Seamus Coleman (SF) at this week’s meeting of the local authority. Cllr Coleman referred to a recent motion adopted by Youghal Town Council whereby the town’s executive uses its discretion to strike off due rates in certain circumstances at the end of the year to offer an incentive to landlords.

“There is no provision in rate law for this, it is a national issue,” Mr Owens said, “I wouldn’t agree with what they have done. I think they are acting outside their powers in doing that.”

Source: The Corkman.ie

The Youghal Concerned Citizens Group held a meeting on Tuesday June 7th in the Red Store.  The producers of the recent if not controversial documentary “Town Out Of Time” Michael Twomey and Kieran McCarthy were asked to hold a viewing of the documentary on the night, as it was felt that the Concerned Citizens group should look at what some of the problems facing them were going to be. The documentary makers agreed to hold a viewing provided it was open to the public.
Report Shane Supple

At 7pm the Youghal Concerned Citizens held their normal meeting and at 8pm Michael Twomey introduced the documentary. In his introduction Michael briefly explained what the Documentary was about and that when it was over he hoped that the room would discuss what they saw and there feelings about it. He added that if anyone had questions on the actual documentary itself he would gladly answer all questions. One pleasing aspect of this viewing was the some members of the town council were present. While this in itself is not that important, it was significant in that none of the town Councillors attended the first and only other public showing of this documentary despite being invited to do so by the makers.

The room full of viewers numbering approximately 60 people sat silent throughout the viewing, as one person said afterwards you could hear a pin drop. When the documentary finished and the last of the credits rolled up on screen the room broke into spontaneous applause which lasted for several minutes. Michael then invited any questions or comments from the floor. One of the first to speak was Cllr Barbara Murray who congratulated the film makers for making a very well put together piece of work. She continued by saying it would make people think and that people should become more involved and open in discussing what this film showed. People should question more of what this town needs,  sitting here watching this film was very sobering, very sad, it was very reflective and is a very good thinking tool that gets people thinking and talking , that way at least  when something else comes up that people will think about it and talk about it. Many more questions were asked from the floor about the making of the documentary, and issues were raised that many people were agreeing on.

The general consensus was that Youghal was a wonderful town but people needed to be more active in the running of the town, for the next local elections more young people should be encouraged to be involved as this town was their future. Another person from the floor asked Michael if they were planning to do a follow up to this documentary one that showed a more positive side of Youghal. Michael replied that he felt his goal and aim was to point out what he saw wrong with the town, to deal with the feeling of apathy, he felt that he had done that and had gotten people talking about it. It was time for people to move on and if someone else wanted to make a further documentary showing a different side to things he would welcome that but he himself was moving on to other projects, this was a personal project and as such it is now time to put it behind us and move forward.

Another concerned citizen noted that it was an excellent film, but that it should not be put out to the public domain as it did paint a bad picture of the town and if visitors from abroad saw it they might not come to Youghal. Michael replied that it was not the film which would put people off, but the town itself, if changes were not made. People have come to Youghal and said it was a great place, the people were great etc. It is they who will tell others when they go home to visit or not visit the town of Youghal.

After answering question for over 40 minutes Michael thanked everyone for showing an interest and for coming tonight to view the film. He wished Youghal Concerned Citizens Group every success for the future, stating that it’s the people who make the town, not the buildings, the streets, the beaches, it’s the people.

As people were leaving the Red Store they were talking about what they had just seen, comments about how good the film was, to how it makes a person think about our town, ideas to improve the town and even the odd comment of “I remember” as they spoke of happier times in Youghal. There are no plans to show this film in Youghal or to make it available on DVD just yet; Michael and Kieran have been invited to several colleges to show the film because it’s something that can happen to any town. They have received a large number of requests from students and educational facilities abroad for copies on DVD. But as the two lads say themselves this was not money making commercial venture, we didn’t receive a cent in funding or sponsorship, nor did we look for it. This was about us telling our side of a story, the fact that it has snowballed and many more people want to hear this story, is for us payment enough.

Visit: www.completecontrolfilms.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/completecontrolfilms.com

What do you think the future of Youghal Town should be? Please share your views by using the comment box below. All comments are moderated before publishing.

Complete Control Films will screen Town Out Of Time documentary film upstairs at The Red Store, Youghal on Tuesday 7th June 2011 at 8:00pm.

This will be the second public screening of this film and due to high public interest you are advised to come early. Admission is FREE.

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Comments on Town Out Of Time:

“I was very impressed. It’s an excellent documentary and deserves a wider audience.”
Dr. Gwenda Young. Senior Film Lecturer, UCC

“A searingly honest, well-crafted, well-researched documentary portraying a town struggling to re-establish its identity.”
Colm Keane. RTE Broadcaster.

“…it is taut and focused, sharp and powerful… visually, the film is stunning. The overall effect is of a tragic beauty. This is the kind of filmmaking that we need.”
Dr. Kieran Keohane. Sociologist and author, UCC

“…it’s excellent: raw, powerful…The montage of the closed shop-fronts, in particular, was stunning… a superb piece of work.”
Carl O’ Brien. Chief Reporter, The Irish Times.

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Town Out Of Time is a film that takes a contemplative look at what happens to a town when all its industry disappears, its economic centre collapses and speculators change the landscape.

This is a story of how a town can effectively die when politicians make the wrong decisions and when politics has no vision.

With interviews from experts and local businesses, the film reflects on how greed and apathy led to the neglect of a town throughout the Irish ‘boom years’.

The Red Store Bar, Youghal
Tuesday June 7th 2011 8:00pm ADM: FREE

A short trailer clip from the documentary. Please press play.

The Youghal documentary, Town Out Of Time is to be featured in The Irish Times newspaper this Saturday 2nd April 2011. The feature is a first in a series that examines towns that have suffered economically over the last number of years. Chief reporter and award-winning journalist, Carl O’ Brien discovered the documentary about Youghal during online research about the town. Having contacted, Co-Producer Michael Twomey, he found both the film and his planned series were focused on similar topics. The Irish Times article will look at how Youghal has been hit by unemployment, the demise of the town centre and examines the growth of small enterprise.

Having the documentary featured in The Irish Times is a real boost for the local, amateur filmmakers, Kieran McCarthy and the aforementioned Michael Twomey. “It’s kind of bizarre really to make a documentary film for the first time and have the reaction we’ve had and now to see it featured in a series in The Irish Times is a huge surprise and very fortunate. I suppose we shared an instinct with Carl O’ Brien that what has happened to Youghal and to other towns needs to be recorded. The article gives the film the kind of exposure you dream about but it also shows how important local media can be such as YoughalOnline.com and CRY Radio, ”  Michael said. The documentary was screened last December at the Walter Raleigh Hotel, receiving a very positive reaction. “When we made it we thought people might not take kindly to the content because it’s pretty stark. Since we screened it, unfortunately, things have become even starker with the closure of Merricks as well as a number of other businesses. We were pleasantly surprised by the response,” he added.

The producers are currently working on a trailer for Town Out Of Time that the Irish Times has requested to put on their website to use in conjunction with the series. The article is bound to draw more attention to the film. However, the producers said there are no plans at present to re-screen the film but don’t rule out such an exercise in the future.

 

 

Comments on Town Out Of Time:

“I was very impressed. It’s an excellent documentary and deserves a wider audience.”
Dr. Gwenda Young. Senior Film Lecturer, UCC

“A searingly honest, well-crafted, well-researched documentary portraying a town struggling to re-establish its identity.
Colm Keane. RTE Broadcaster.

“…it is taut and focused, sharp and powerful… visually, the film is stunning. The overall effect is of a tragic beauty. This is the kind of filmmaking that we need.”
Dr. Kieran Keohane. Sociologist and author, UCC

“…it’s excellent: raw, powerful…The montage of the closed shop-fronts, in particular, was stunning… a superb piece of work.
Carl O’ Brien. Chief Reporter, The Irish Times.

Filmmaker Mike Hannon’s ‘My Beamish Boy’ is now available to view. Youghal native Mike is the son of Finbarr Hannon of Harmony Music and Drama. ‘My Beamish Boy’ was awarded the Made in Cork Award for Best Short Film at the Corona Cork Film Festival 2009, and was screened at the Chicago Irish Film Festival, 2010.

Mike Hannon’s half hour documentary “My Beamish Boy” is now available to watch online at the following link@ http://vimeo.com/mikehannon/beamish and on www.youghalonline.com. Press the play button below to watch the award winning film.

My Beamish Boy from Mike Hannon.

The much-loved two hundred year old brewery has shut its gates forever. As they reminisce, the ex-workers must come to terms with their grief at its closure. Suffused with bittersweet memories and wry affection, these are the stories of the famous Beamish and Crawford Brewery. All things must end, but the human spirit persists.

Part funded by Cork City Council Arts Office, the documentary is an affectionate piece of social history, recording the anecdotes, memories and feelings of many of the Beamish workers, as well as the unique traditions and character of the brewery itself.

The film was shot in 2009 around the time of the brewery’s closure and features creative contributions from some of the Beamish staff, including David Creedon’s photographs of the brewery interior. Johnny McCarthy, who was a fourth generation Beamish worker, and his son Cormac  play flute and cello respectively, with Hugh McCarthy (cello) on the original soundtrack which was composed by Irene Buckley and on an original song, My Lovely Smiling Beamish Boy, written by John Spillane for the film. The documentary was produced by Pat Comerford.

To all members of Youghal Town Council,

We, the producers of the documentary film, “Town Out Of Time” are writing in response to media reports and an informal message that the Council wishes to view our film at a private sitting in the Mall House. With respect, and without prejudice or malice, we must decline your offer.

There are a number of reasons why, in our opinion, engaging in a private viewing would be inappropriate. Firstly, all council members were invited to the public screening on December 12th at the Walter Raleigh Hotel via email. Some councilors took it upon themselves to respond, some chose not to respond at all, while others stated they would be present. The councilors were invited because we believed they have a vested interest in any reflection, comment, report, opinion, article and so on about the town in which they have put themselves forward to represent. Whether you would have attended in that capacity, as public representatives, or just as curious viewers was not something that could be controlled by us, no matter what way you were invited. We stress that other bodies such as the Chamber of Commerce were also invited via email. Invitations were extended to members of the press and to members of the Film Studies department at UCC and finally to those who took part in the film and those who helped during the making of the film. Beyond these invitations the screening was open to all, free of charge.

Secondly, that none of the councilors were present at the screening at the Walter Raleigh Hotel was not a concern to us. We were relieved, appreciative and heartened by the turn out. We were not aware, throughout the screening, that no member of the council was present. We did not need the council to be present.What was evident in the post-screening discussion was the anger and frustration expressed by members of the audience that no representation was made by the council in what was a public event. It must be clearly understood that the expectation of people should not be seen as ill-judged. Following a very comprehensive and successful media campaign the dog on the street was aware of the event and, more poignantly, what the content of the film was about. If issues about Youghal are being discussed amongst its people and those who represent them are invited to attend and don’t, then they have every right to be angry and frustrated. If any member of the council had expected to take criticism due to the film’s content then there are a number of points that should be made clear.

We as the makers of the film were acutely aware that we ourselves were open to harsh criticism as we were honest in our appraisal throughout the advertising campaign that the film did not paint a pretty picture, therefore we stood to be charged with damaging the town’s image further and hurting those who believe such a portrayal is an insult to their sensibilities. Nevertheless, if one can’t stand by one’s convictions then what is there left to stand by only dishonesty? In short, we were willing to take that criticism on the chin. If the members had seen the film they could not have disagreed with the assertion I made in a Community Radio Youghal interview that no-one in the film is made accountable or blamed for the decline of our town. The film simply looks at what happened. Had even one member attended one can only imagine the kudos (not votes) that they would have gained. For years, Irish politics has been blighted by a small town mentality of gaining favour and votes through the cringe-worthy habit of politicians hanging around funerals, pubs, photo opportunities and so on. At election time, humility and modesty are forsaken as the landscape is marred by posters and streets littered by leaflets telling the public how great they are and what they can do. That world is dead in the hearts and minds of modern Ireland. People of Youghal, who it must be said are of considerable intelligence and oftentimes rare ability, were angry at the screening of our film because they felt councilors who could have attended bottled the responsibility to represent them. Politics is supposed to be for the brave and honest, not the cute and clever. If there was a fear factor then let it be said. If a person is honest to themselves and about themselves then there is nothing on this planet to fear.

Imagine then, if you can, how it would be perceived for Complete Control Films to attend a private viewing of “Town Out Of Time” in the chamber of the council. To engage such action would be to turn democracy inside out – the people should not be going to their council, the council should be coming to the people. To ask such a request is only to heighten the perception that politicians are separate to people, that they are at best ill-informed and at worst arrogant. I have stated publicly on a number of occasions and on the night itself that the council has a thankless job and any council member knows on taking their seat that politics is a lose-lose game. I personally know that many councilors work extremely hard and that local politics is often tougher than the national arena because there is nowhere to hide, it is a goldfish bowl. The public is all too aware of this, but hard work cannot be only evident at a time of the politicians’ choosing but of the people they represent. Being present at the screening of a film that portrays Youghal as being on its knees is hard work but it would have been worth it to you and it would have been greatly appreciated by the people who were present.

Finally, and in conclusion, it is impossible not to wonder what screening the film in the council chamber could possibly achieve. We presume that the invitation is an attempt to right a wrong and that effort, however misjudged and well meaning, is appreciated. There have been many requests to re-screen the film such has been the interest. We are sure that the members are as curious as anyone else, but why should we afford a viewing to you and not the others? Having received an invitation, we do hope to screen the film at Youghal’s Adult Education Centre as a means of supporting students working with communication skills and to discuss the impact of film. This seems to us to be a wholly appropriate exercise. Viewing it in the council chamber serves no purpose, it would only inflate the undeserved self-importance of the film, the producers and the council. We hope that this letter makes clear the reasons why we must, and why we want, to decline your offer. Following submission to the offices of the council, we also intend to publish this letter online as we have been asked by so many people who attended the screening about our intentions following the media report in the Youghal News 20/01/211. Publishing the letter means all the people of Youghal who want to know, will know.

Sincerely,
Michael Twomey
Co-Producer “Town Out Of Time”
www.completecontrolfims.com