Champion Jockey Davy Russell, got caught up in a minor sea drama near Youghal bridge on the river Blackwater last Friday (25th March 2011). Report/Photo Michael Hussey

The Youghal man was enjoying the splendors of the River Blackwater in his speedboat, when he got into difficulty as his boat had broke down. Luckily for Davy, local fisherman (and part time punter) Barry Clohessy, on hearing of the misfortunes of his favourite jockey raced to the scene in his trawler to help.

Throwing a tow-line, the fisherman towed the speedboat with Davy in tow back to the safety of the jetty in Youghal harbour. Although he is one of Ireland’s top jockeys, Davy was a little bit embarrassed of his misfortune on the Blackwater river and thanked the Youghal fisherman for his assistance.

The fisherman explained that he has the odd “Punt” on the horses and was more than happy when his favourite jockey Davy Russell rode the winners, 7-1 “First Lieutenant” and the 16-1 “Carlito Brigante” to victory in the recent Cheltenham National Hunt Festival 2011.

The fisherman jokingly said the jockey appears to be a “Novice” and this could be his “First Time Out” in the water but luckily the “Forecast” was good and he was only a couple of “Furlongs” from the shore when he gave him a hand back to the “Parade Ring” in Youghal’s quays.

Davy Russell in turn said there will be a “Stewards’ Enquiry” as to why the speedboat had “Broken Down” as he was sure she was a “Stayer” and was going well on the “Home Straight” and should have gone the “Distance”. Maybe it was because he was rushing back under “Starters Orders” to do an exclusive radio interview with another “Jockey” of sorts, Disc Jockey and “Apprentice” sports broadcaster Mick Sheehan on Youghal Local Radio CRY104fm for the “Good Morning Youghal Show” with Mick Sheehan and Farrell’s Summerfield Bar.

Russell had a heavy fall aboard “Academy Rose” when in contention two flights from home in Thurles Race course last Thursday. Scans subsequently revealed that he had sustained a hairline fracture to a metacarpal bone in his left hand. Russell is now expected to be out of action for up to two weeks, leaving him fighting against time in order to be fit for the Aintree Festival which begins on April 7.
Hopefully Davy won’t get stuck at the “Water Jump” in the forthcoming Aintree Grand National as he knows all in Youghal will be wishing him well and a speedy recovery.

It was “Even Money” that the paparazzi were around when a celebrity like champion jockey Davy Russell is in town and he was more than happy to pose with fans and stand in for a Photo……Finish!

Read more and see full photo coverage in next Wednesday’s East Cork Journal – available June 3rd.

Sunday, (May 24th) last brought sunshine and warmth to Youghal on a weekend, which saw the Vintage, Veteran and Classic Cars and Bikes on proud display at Farrell’s Summerfield.  And what a display! Report Denise FitzGerald/ Photo Michael Hussey (YoughalOnline.com) – additional photos courtesy Ryan Murphy and Grayson

 

The vehicles rested proudly and smugly on the lawn, accepting as their right the admiration and awe of all who surveyed them.  The colours, shapes, sizes and ages of all the vintage, veteran and classic cars and bikes was a kaleidoscope of colour with shining bodywork, glistening wing mirrors, gleaming fenders and lovingly cared for upholstery.  And those were just the vehicles!  The owners were there, equally proud, delighted to stand next to their car and show off – with good reason.   The people came from far and wide to see this outstanding static display and none were disappointed.

The entire day was very well organised, with plenty of refreshments and drinks available. There was a live band playing great music during the entire day, and some made a picnic of it by bringing their lunch and having it on the warm grass.   An unusual sight so far this year, with the persistent bad weather. Read more