Saturday, 17 September this week (at 7.30PM) sees Waterford’s special annual night out for everyone who loves a good show. The fifth annual “123 Festival of Drama” celebrates all things dramatic in Waterford county and city, and is a hugely popular opportunity for Waterford’s many local drama groups and actors (of all ages) to strut their stuff. Just like every year, the 123 Festival offers much entertainment, excellence and great good fun.

With a theme of “The Greatest of These is Love!”, this year’s 123 Festival puts many many drama groups, actors and entertainers on stage showing, in just a brief few minutes, what they can do. The Festival is also a way for Waterford people from all walks of life to get their writing performed – often for the very first time. The festival is one of Ireland’s very rare opportunities for writers to see their work performed in front of a live audience, and has become a recognised route for supporting, encouraging and discovering new talent.

To help the writers and performers improve their craft, each year we have an Adjudicator who offers valuable guidance and suggestions – this year it’s Michael Twomey, star of stage and screen, especially loved for his years in the hit comedy Chah and Miah.

On at the Townhall Theatre, Dungarvan (sponsored by Waterford County Council’s Arts Office, with much valuable support from Dungarvan Town Council), this year over half of The 123 Festival entries feature new writing by Waterford people and the performers themselves. What you’ll see includes:

Kieran Stewart of Waterford with his new play – about the love of property and what happened to us all during the Celtic Tiger years.

Dungarvan Dramatic Club brings along their take on The Crucible by Arthur Miller, a play about love gone wrong in all sorts of ways. With a huge cast, it’ll be interesting to see where they fit everyone on stage.

Hank Regan of Village Players, Dungarvan, continues his fine run of new pieces, with writing about marriage in all its glorious confusion. Also, Push Pull Productions of Waterford are in for a bit of fun with their pieces on the art (and egos) of actors and drama groups!

Sharon Hennessy of Cappoquin will strut a fine bit of Roddy Doyle about the stage; while Aisteoiri an tSean Phobail, Old Parish, presents a piece from one of Ireland’s greatest modern plays, The Weir.

It’s always great to see teenagers showing the oldies how future theatre’s going to look, and the 123 Festival welcomes Emily Aherne and Martina Cullinane of Brideview Drama, Tallow, with their take on family love.

Konor Halpin of Waterford brings the show some political-love with a hilarious riff on the finest of Fine Gael ; and, lastly, Mary Marron of Dungarvan takes us into interesting  new territory with her always quirky writing.
There are many other acts, so come along and join in the fun on Saturday, September 17. If nothing else, the 123 Festival is a great way for budding actors and performers to see how very easy it is to climb the stairs, stand in the light, strike a pose, and let their inner Colin Farrell’s and Soairse Ronan’s out to play!
After the show, there’s a great prize-giving, so everyone’s welcome to stay on and help celebrate. Tickets for The 123 Festival of Drama (Dungarvan Townhall Theatre) are €10 per night and can be booked by calling texting 0876733782, or emailing 123festival@gmail.com. Doors open 7PM and the show starts promptly at 7.30PM.

THE SPONSORED CLIMB, CYCLE & CANOE TEAM arrived safely home to a hero’s welcome at the Ferryslip, Youghal, last Saturday 6th August. After 8 long days of climbing, cycling & canoeing the team were in great spirits as they were greeted by family, friends and members of the Youghal Cancer Support Group.

A reception with some well earned refreshments to round off their fund raising week in the wild was held at the Red Store Restaurant where a benefit music night, in aid of Youghal Cancer Support Group, with alternative DJ set by Mick O’Connell followed by live music from the fantastic local band The Vinyls.

Youghal Cancer Support Group said on their Facebook page: -  “Well done to everyone who took part in The Climb, Cycle and Canoe in aid of THE YOUGHAL CANCER SUPPORT GROUP. Personally and as a group we are all very proud of you. With people like ye we are sure to reach our goal, which is to open a CANCER SUPPORT AND DROP IN CENTER in Youghal for East Cork, West Waterford and all Townlands in between. Again a very BIG THANK YOU.”

About the teams endurance
[30th July - 6th August] A Sponsored Climb,Cycle & Canoe in aid of Youghal Cancer Support Group between
Description
This is a sponsored event taking place on 30th July – 6th August 2011 raising money for the Youghal Cancer Support Group Serving East Cork & West Waterford Districts. All Donations & Support Are Kindly Welcomed.

The idea is to climb over Irelands highest mountain ‘Carrantuohill’, Cycle around one of our most famous scenic routes ‘The Ring of Kerry’ & canoe down the third longest river ‘The River Blackwater’ from Millstreet all the way to where it meets the sea at Youghal Co…. Cork.

The plan is to do each leg of the journey, a 15km hike, 220km cycle & 110km canoe trip, back to back in less than a week and raise as much money as possible. Sore legs, bums & arms for a worthy cause.!
For any info. contact Jamie on 087-7694537

Click on the video below to see the team’s arrival in Youghal Harbour

Youghal Cancer Support Group Info.
The aim of the group is to open a new purpose built Cancer support & drop in centre for the East Cork & West Waterford districts. It will cover Clashmore, Ardmore, Dungarvan, Tallow, Cappoquin, Lismore, Killeagh, Castlemartyr, Midleton, Youghal & all of the town-lands in between.
The plan is to provide a holistic centre in which people with cancer and their families can find emotional support & practical help. Our aim is to provide therapies that complement the medical model, so as to make a difference to the lives of those affected by cancer.
The complementary therapies will include;
• Counselling with fully trained & accredited therapists
• Stress management
• Therapeutic Massage & Reflexology
• Relaxation & Visualisation
• Yoga
All therapies will fully conform to best medical practice. Regular information meetings will be held.
For further information please contact: 087 – 1677447

Click on image to enlarge

 

The exhibition will run from 11.30am to 7.30pm daily from Friday 29th July to the 7th August 2011.
Admission is free. Details from Marina on (024) 93376 or 087-7670413

YOUGHAL ART GROUP celebrated seventeen years in existence when its annual art exhibition was officially opened by local radio broadcaster John Kennedy from Youghal Radio C.R.Y. 104fm. The exhibition is held at the Methodist Church Hall in Friar Street, Youghal. Paintings across various genres with different mediums are featured.

Speaking at the exhibition John said, “It is great to see the love of art expressed here by the Youghal Art Group. It is hard for children these days to understand the lack of colour when he was a child growing up in Cappoquin and Dungarvan during the war years, everything appeared drab and grey”. With his own interest in radio it would always amaze him to see the wonderful design of the radio cabinets. He recalls seeing Peter Watson painting the varnish on the cabinets in the old Murray Kitchens factory which to him was “a work of colourful art”. Upon seeing the work of another local artist, Cormac Mehegan at the world famous Youghal Carpets, it was wonderful to see the intricate designs woven into the fabric of the carpet, like the image of the Pope and Youghal’s Clock Gate to mention but a few.

He also remembered the work of Albert Cole and potter Tony Breslin working in pottery at Priory Ceramics and how he marveled at  Watson’s stained glass, seeing Cecil Watson work in colour and designing the glass and that work can still be seen today in churches around the country. It is hard to imagine these gifted men of colour and design during those days of old. But now it is great to see the lovely art galleries here in Youghal, Ardmore and Dungarvan and great to see art blooming again.

This year’s art exhibition is 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.

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.

A FACEBOOK PAGE called ‘Save Youghal Ambulance’ was set up on Monday, July 11th and has already gained over 1,000 supporters. The page states that ‘From September 2011 the HSE plan to remove the Youghal Ambulance full-time from the town and plan to replace it with a solo paramedic response car.

Read full post below:

From September 2011 the HSE plan to remove the Youghal Ambulance full-time from the town. They plan to replace it with a solo paramedic response car. This means that if a medical emergency happens anywhere within the town or surrounding areas including Ardmore, Killeagh, Castlemartyr, Ballycotton, Knockanore and further afield the casualty will have to wait for AT LEAST 20 mins before an ambulance from Midleton, Dungarvan, Fermoy or even Cork City arrives to take them to hospital (this could take up to an hour!). This makes it impossible for a casualty to make it to an A+E Department within the recommended ‘golden hour’ and greatly reduces their chances of survival.
This decision has to be reversed or else lives will be lost!
- Please suggest this page to all of your friends as it may effect any one of your friends and family.
- Please also sign local petitions (details to follow)
- We will be asking you to write to the HSE and government soon also to voice your concerns and more details on how to do this will follow.

Below are just some of the comments on the Save Youghal Ambulance facebook page:

Tara O Connell
I think the petition might not be enough to change this decision, I think its time Youghal stood up and was counted, we have stayed quiet for long enough, lets take to the streets and stand up for our town, get camera crews and newspapers down and let them all know that we will not take this, and we do not want lives put at risk!!!

Anne Marguerite Graf
It is ludicrous to discontinue with the Ambulance Service. Upon a person sustaining a stroke or heart attack, the ambulance where I live in Nürnberg Germany is on the scene within 7 minutes. It is absolutely detrimental to be without an ambulance.

Anthony Mullane
got a spin off ye guys 6 years ago, and could not praise ye highly enough, patrick mc hung on awhile in the hospital, and was a great comfort to me and helen, i hope i wont need ye for awhile, but it would be nice to know ye were there, the people of youghal need and depend on this service, regards to all

Michaela Bailey
Maybe whoever made this decsion In the government should sit in the ambulance when the paramedics are doin the fantastic work they do in Youghal every day… And then see if the town doesn’t need an ambulance… The Youghal paramedics were amazing when my grandad was sick, and to this day I will thank them from the bottom of my heart. I’m sure the town will do whatever we can to save the ambulance in Youghal! X

Click here to visit the Save Youghal Ambulance facebook page

On Friday the 27th of May at 10am Community Radio Youghal will embark on a Marathon of sorts as they attempt to broadcast 50 hours of continuous live Radio. The Radiothon kicks off on friday morning from 138 North Main Street Youghal and the CRY team will be broadcasting from the vacant premises and CRY studios for the duration of the 50 hours .

The feat is a joint fundraiser in aid of  The Youghal Cancer Support Group and CRY104fm and all proceeds will be split evenly between the two organisations.

THE YOUGHAL CANCER SUPPORT GROUP- is dedicated to opening a drop in centre in Youghal, to offer help and support to all those who are dealing with, or have suffered the trauma of cancer. The Centre will also offer help and support to their friends and family. The group wants to offer this service to everyone in East Cork and West Waterford, providing a range of therapies  and advice. It will cover Clashmore, Ardmore, Dungarvan,Tallow, Cappoquin, Lismore, Youghal, Killeagh, Castlemartyr, Midleton,and all townlands in between. In fact it will be open to people from all over that want to avail of the Centre.

Community Radio Youghal (CRY 104fm) meanwhile are planning to relocate from their existing premises in Cumann na Daoine to Nagle House, South Abbey in order to better serve the community. The new premises will provide better training facilities for Volunteers and Community groups. These facilities will allow greater access to Studio equipment and technical training for volunteers and for those who wish to gain experience in broadcasting and the media.

C.R.Y 104fm Station Manger, Declan Gibbons is looking forward to the station hosting the Radiothon. “We hosted an all-night Radiothon last December, to help raise much-needed funds for local boy, Keith Phelan and that was very well supported by station volunteers and by the local community.

This event really will be a marathon though – 50 hours of live radio, all provided by volunteers!

“We’re delighted to partner with the Youghal Cancer Support Group. They are seeking to provide a vital service in Youghal for people from all over our listenership area, so it makes perfect sense to support them. Volunteers from both organisations will be involved throughout the 50 hours and we hope that people will respond generously and get into the spirit of the Radiothon”, he said.

CRY continues to work closely with the students in Pobail Scoil Na Trionoide and it is fitting that Pobail Scoil students will launch this epic Radio Marathon on the friday morning.

There will be on street collections during Friday and Saturday and Collection boxes will also be placed in shops throughout Youghal town beforehand so if you want to play a request for yourself or your friends and family throw a Euro in the box and fill out the request form and all proceeds will go to these two worthy causes.

 

And don’t forget all your favourite CRY presenters will be keeping you entertained throughout Friday and Saturday night the 27th and 28th of May.

‘An Evening of Fashion, Style & Entertainment’ April 8th in Knockanore, Co. Waterford.

KGK hall in Knockanore, Co. Waterford will see a style extravaganza like never before on Friday, April 8th at 8pm.

This night will be brought to you by our own well-known, Paula Goulding.
Paula from Riverdance fame, ‘Dancing Thru’ The Ages’, RTE’s Celebrity Jigs n’ Reels and now Colour & Style expert with RTE is hosting this unique night in aid of KGK Hall and Leukaemia.

The evening is not quite a fashion show but a fashion event with a twist. There will be style sections where Paula will be explaining about different body-types, key tips and advice for dressing for your shape. Colours to suit and demonstrations on how dressing in your correct colours and styles can make such a difference.
“I want this night to be more informative for the audience so that by sitting back and enjoying the evening they can also pick up some really helpful tips.”

The entertainment line-up for the night makes the evening a coveted one. Vocalist Caroline Fraher will be lending her talents. British and All Ireland dance champions from the ‘On Your Toes Academy’, Clonmel will most certainly be a crowd pleaser. There will be excerpts from the hit show, ‘Dancing Thru The Ages’. To top it off the compere for the event is Gerard Byrne; aka Malachy from ‘Fair City’ and that’s just a flavour!

“When I called people about being involved in the night the response was overwhelming and so reassuring. We have such a good value system in this country and in our area. People are so supportive and helpful, it’s really been a joy organizing this event. I am so excited about our entertainment, the audience will be kept on their toes! I am also over the moon to have Gerard as our compere!”

 

The money raised from the night is going to KGK Hall and Leukaemia (Friends-of-Leukaemia-Patients, Cork).
“Unfortunately our family suffered loss recently to leukaemia so that among the obvious reasons of every charity being deserving is why I chose to raise much needed funds for leukaemia.
Also to give back to my community. They are so dedicated and have done absolute trojan work for our parish. The facility that we can now boast about, the KGK Hall is a testament to the Committee and community that put blood, sweat and tears into getting it from a dream to a reality.”

There will be top boutiques showcasing such as;  Sheenas – Dungarvan, Signet – Dungarvan, Touch of Class – Youghal, Bijou Bridal – Tramore and more from the surrounding areas.
This has all the makings of a spectacular night and something a little different.
“I think the night will be a real treat for the audience.”

‘A Unique Evening of Fashion, Style & Entertainment’ is on April 8th at 8pm in KGK Community Hall, Knockanore, Co. Waterford.
Tickets €15
For reservations or to book tickets call 087 6699095 / 024 97286

On the road again for Headway

The run kicked off in Youghal at 12:00pm on Sunday August 29th 2010, continuing on through Dungarvan, Cappaquin and Lismore before steering back to Cork City for a party at the Clarion Boardwalk that afternoon. Photo/Video www.youghalonline.com Email: news@youghalonline.com

Motorbike enthusiasts from all across the country were asked to don their helmets and rev there engines for brain injury this August as Cork Lions Club roar off on an epic run to raise funds and awareness for Headway.

Founded in 1985, Headway works to bring about a positive change to the lives of those with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI), by providing vocational, community, rehabilitative and psychological support services. Given that road traffic accidents account for more that half of all brain injuries reported in Ireland, Cork Lions Club feel that a Motor Cycle Run is the perfect way to support Headway and promote safe road use at the same time.

For further information:

Event Organiser: Declan Moon 086 2567394 moondeclan@gmail.com

Cork Lions Club: Teresa Dineen 087 696255

Headway: Paula Larkin 021 4871303 paula.larkin@gmail.com

Click on the image to start slideshow of the start of the run

* Headway offer services and support to people affected by acquired brain injury (ABI). In many cases people with brain injury have no obvious physical disability but the effects can be profound and unique to the individual. Brain injury can happen to anyone at any time in life and can be the result of a road traffic accident, or a blow to the head, stroke, haemorrhage, infection or tumour.

* It is estimated that up to 30,000 people are living with the effects of a brain injury in Ireland. Road Traffic accidents are the biggest cause of injury to Headway’s service users. A recent study in Beaumont Hospital found that , of patients with serious head injuries, 50% were not wearing seat belts in there vehicles, and 50% of cyclists and  33% of motor cyclists were not wearing helmets.

* The impact is often life-long, affecting both the person with the injury and their family members in a variety of ways. Due to the many and varied effects of acquired brain injury, people often have difficulty living independently, working or returning to education, participating in social and leisure activities and maintaining family roles or personal relationships.

* Headway has been supporting those affected by acquired brain injury since 1985. It provides a range of community-based services in Limerick, Cork, Kerry and Dublin along with outreach services in the South-Eastern region. Services include rehabilitation training, day activity, psychological therapy and family support, counselling, outreach, family education workshops, supported employment, community access and a national helpline on 1890 200 278

The 3rd Annual Classic Ford 4 Cystis Fibrosis (CF 4 CF) run starting point this year was a Farrell’s,  Summerfield Bar,Youghal ( 29th August 2010) Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com Email: news@youghalonline.com

The route took the fundraisers to Dungarvan where they turn off along the coast road to take in a lunch stop in Tramore. After lunch the run headed back in the direction of Dungarvan and on towards Cappaquin, Lismore and then Fermoy to finish. The weather was great and there was fantastic support for this charity event. Build 4 Life was founded by friends and family of Cystic Fibrosis patients in Cork and Kerry.

The aim of Build 4 Life is to:-

* Raise Awareness of Cystic Fibrosis in the region
* Raise over €1 million to develop Ireland’s first dedicated Cystic Fibrosis treatment unit within Cork University Hospital.

We are appealing to organisations, schools, businesses and individuals to organise a fund raising event or make a donation to raise vital funds for Cystic Fibrosis.

Photo: Michael Hussey (YoughalOnline.com)

St. Raphael’s Centre, Youghal was the starting point for over four hundred machines of every type and size as motorcyclists from all over Munster set off, for the sixth year running, in the annual charity motorcycle rally that took them through Dungarvan, Lismore, Fermoy, Cork and on to Kinsale. The occasion was part of a major fundraising effort for the sick children of five Cork hospitals. Refreshments were provided for the riders who had committed to the route of 135 miles.

They are helping to fund a brief holiday for the children in Euro Disney, Paris, next May. Each motorcyclist contributes at least €25 for the privilege of riding with about 400 other bikers on the trip, organised, as before, by Read more

By Christy Parker | Photo: Michael Hussey (YoughalOnline.com)

Christy Parker documents the lengthy demise that preceded last weekend’s fire.

Sam Shire Recycling Plant Lismore – Photo Sunday 13th July 2008

Sam Shires (Recycling) Ltd. entered into contract with Waterford Co. Council in 2001 to treat dry recyclables -paper, plastic, etc. at IDA site in Mayfield. The company segregated paper before sending it to India, where paper was in demand for paper mills.

In 2004, Waterford Co. Council opened its own recycling facility in Dungarvan and did not renew the 2001 contract. Sam Shires then began to Read more