Yes, it’s definitely Christmas! Santa is here!  Santa certainly visits boys and girls around the world in many different ways, but on Saturday 3rd December 2011, Santa made a spectacular entrance on water with the help of local sailing school, Aquatrek to the Quayside in Youghal.  Organised by Youghal Town Council’s Heritage Committee, Santa was transported on horse with his ‘one horse open sleigh’ to The Mall Arts Centre for an afternoon of free fun and festivities where the children of Youghal were treated to a ‘free’ Santa visit.

Hundreds of kids turned out to greet Santa on the day, which saw the Youghal Pipe Band give of their time to accompany Santa to Market Square in the town for the turning on of the Christmas Lights. The occasion was made all the more special with a blessing by Canon Browne of the Christmas Crib which was presented by Youghal Chamber of Tourism & Development.  Speaking about the event, organiser Clodagh Mahon thanked all those who assisted in making the event possible.  “This event was meant to really lift the spirits of the families of Youghal and I really believe we managed to achieve that even for one day.   We wanted to take the pressure off many hard-pressed families, providing a ‘free-Santa’ visit on the day.  Our sponsors once again allowed us to undertake an entirely free event, really demonstrating the community Christmas spirit in the town.”

Local Mum, Zara Kelly was thrilled with the day, commenting: “Well done to everyone involved in the festivities. It was a fantastic day and very well organised and run by those involved. My 3 year old woke up this morning and said “Mom and Dad, thank you for my lovely day yesterday”. Her smiles were all down to the hard work ye put into it. Thanks so much to all involved.

Following on the party atmosphere, the stunning surroundings of Youghal’s 13th century St. Mary’s Collegiate Church played host to the inaugural Medieval Christmas Market on Sunday 4th December 2011. With over 1200 people attending the event, it proved to be a  one-stop shop for all Christmas gifts with in excess of 15 first class indoor stands on show.  The magnificent setting showcased craft and food products of the highest calibre, including quality textiles, pottery, children’s medieval themed arts and crafts, jewellery, fine art, sculpture, confectionary, jams and preserves, cheeses and many more.  Warmed mulled wine was on hand to warm the cockles of visitors as they browsed and was very gladly received by the visitors!   This event was proudly organised by local volunteer, Catherine Desmond of the Youghal Heritage Committee.  “We were really thrilled with the turnout on the day, and hope to build on the success of this year in years to come.  This venue is such a wonderful setting, and is just another event in the calendar year to celebrate Youghal’s Medieval past, following on from the annual Medieval Festival each August.

Photos: Denise FitzGerald courtesy of the East Cork Journal.

First Cut! Film Festival – “A crazy hive of activity and creativity!”

Fantastic First Cut! Film Festival is over for another year, a great weekend of shorts, features, workshops and Q&A with the professionals. This was the first year of our travelling festival.

This youth “ pop up” Film Festival, with support from The Arts Council, Cork County Council, SECAD and local businesses, gives young filmmakers a chance to screen their short films to a young, and not so young!, audience.

With Cinemobile on board we travel out to the communities where young people are busy making movies and bring the movie theatre, the equipment and the Professionals to give workshops, meet with and discuss the art of filmmaking with young people. And finally screen in great comfort great feature length films along with short films, made by new young filmmakers, for everyone to enjoy and… All this on your doorstop!

So this past weekend in Glanmire in Co Cork what were the highlights…. a great Opening on Saturday. Mick Hannigan , Director of the oldest and largest Irish film festival took time out in the busy lead up to their 56th festival due to take place Nov 6-13.

The 100 seater Cinemobile  was filled with young filmmakers, actors& their supporters, Chris Hurley from Cork Film Centre and Ian Mc Donagh, Cork County Arts Officer and lots of local supporters. All listened eagerly to some encouraging words from the Corona Festival Director who applauded the creativity and hard work involved in making a film. He encouraged their involvement in this growing industry and in the magic of films and spoke about the recently set up Cork Screen Commission whose job it is to market the Cork region as a prime location for film and TV production.

Jason O Mahony the newly appointed Commissioner had expressed his sincere regrets at not being able to attend this festival.

First Cut! Film Project was set up in 2006 to provide training and support to groups of young people who are interested in making  film. Since they have , with Cork Film Centre professionals, been giving a variety of filmmaking workshops in the Cork harbour area. So of course there were some great workshops on the Festival programme. These were really well attended.

First up was Jane Lees Stop Motion Animation on Saturday. 90 minutes long with a finished film for YouTube viewing. “ It was a crazy hive of activity and creativity with 4 teams coming up with 4 short animations in just over an hour..using plasticene, drawings, people and a whiteboard!” Jane , award winning animation artist said. All 4 will be posted on you tube

A real treat on Saturday was the screening of My Brothers , followed by Q&A with Will Collins, Screenwriter, Niall Owens, Production and Timmy Creed, lead actor . This award winning film made in East Cork at the end of 2009 and premiered at Tribeca Film Festival in 2010 got a great response from the audience at the Festival. We were given a riveting insight into the film, the story, the filming and the experience of premiering at Tribeca, a big international festival. Will Collins proved himself to be a masterful  storyteller with a great sense of humour, inspired young people to follow their dreams.

On Sunday morning the Festival kicked off day two with Pascal Scott, a highly regarded actor on both the Irish and International film and theatre scene and the local award winning filmmaker Patrick O Shea whose most recent film Tree Keeper we look forward to seeing. The Acting for Screen workshop was packed with budding young enthusiastic actors. The participants learnt about relating to the camera, using your body, voice and eyes, got advice about working with a crew and director. This activity based workshop from two experienced professionals was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

The real highlights were the films made by young people, the screenings were packed. These brand new shorts were shocking, intriguing, beautiful, really funny, sad, frightening clever and  entertaining. All were thought provoking, memorable and some showed extraordinary promise. Everyone there wanted to see more …so keep those cameras rolling .. let’s get planning … First Cut! Festival  2012 here we come..

Mary Mc Grath

First Cut! Festival  Manager

0868139019

Contact: Mary Mc Grath, Festival Manager, (firstcutfilm@gmail.com)

What:  First Cut! Youth Film Festival

When:  Saturday& Sunday, October 1st&2nd, 2011-09-26

Where: Cinemobile , Glanmire Community College Grounds, Glanmire Co Cork Web:  http://www.firstcutfilmfestival.com

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.

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

First Cut! Film Festival 2011 – Saturday & Sunday October 1st & 2nd 2011 – Glanmire Co Cork

Contact: Mary Mc Grath, Festival Organiser, (firstcutfilm@gmail.com), photos available; 0868139019

What:  First Cut! Youth Film Festival– Open To The Public

When:  Saturday& Sunday, October 1st&2nd, 2011-09-26

Time:  Saturday: 1.30 – 9:30 p.m. & Sunday: 12.00 – 7:00 p.m.  – Screenings, Workshops, Animation, Acting for Screen, Panel Discussion& Filmmaker Q&A

Cost:  €5.00 Season ticket or €2 per screening

Where: Cinemobile, Glanmire Community College Grounds, Glanmire Co Cork Web:  http://www.firstcutfilmfestival.com

The short film ‘Steve’s in Hospital’ (4 mins long)  was given special mention by the Jury of professional filmmakers from Cork Film Centre at the First Cut! Film  hosted by Cork County Council on September 16th. Because of that it has been selected for the Festival & will be the opening film on Saturday. Made by Gavin Curley,Jason O Sullivan, Anthony Cooney, Cristopher Hughes & Shane Buckley from Youghal and Aaron Hennessy  Sean Hennessy, Kian Harte from Inch, Killeagh during Easter 2011. The young filmakers wrote the script, acted, directed, filmed, did sound, lighting & editing. The Festival is open to the public and everyone welcome

Welcome to the First Cut! Youth Film Festival, taking place this year, with Cinemobile, ‘bringing the magic of the movies to your doorstep’

A wonderful showcase of films and events have been lined up including drama, documentary, comedy, animation, horror and artistic/experimental films made by local, national and international young filmmakers under 21 who submitted their films in response to an Open Call.

Due to the overwhelming number of entries this year, a selection of twenty eight films was made with great difficulty by professional filmmakers from Cork Film Centre.

The films are of a high standard and we think you will really enjoy them!

This is a great opportunity for young filmmakers to showcase their work, We are delighted to bring together young filmmakers, film buffs and professional filmmakers to share their ideas and knowledge.

Feature Films at the Festival include Award Winning My Brothers, ( Will Collins, Timmy Creed& Niall Owen will take part in a panel discussion/Q&A Session).

and Disco Pigs,(Cillian Murphy, Kirsten Sheridan), both films have strong Cork connections.

International feature films include Project Nim,( From the team behind Man on Wire comes the story of Nim, the chimpanzee who in the 1970s became the focus of a landmark experiment which aimed to show that an ape could learn to communicate with language if raised and nurtured like a human child.) and The Illusionist, (a stunning animated film).

Workshops

Pascal Scott, well known actor, Kilnascully fame, & Patrick O Shea, Glounthaune Filmmaker are giving an Acting for Screen Workshop on Sunday morning.

This should be great fun & opportunity to learn from the professionals.

Also Animation Workshop for young filmmakers from Jane Lee, 1 1/2 hours, on Saturday 1st.

Both take place in Glanmire Community College.

Funding/ Sponsers: This is a non profit event, with funding from The Arts Council, Cork County Council Arts Office & SECAD.

The Festival has been generously by SuperValu Glanmire.

The Film Project Nim is sponsored by Monkey Maze, Glanmire.

It features films made by young people for everyone.

“As I reflect over the past year I can see that First Cut! Film Project& Festival has really come into its own: short films have never been more popular, we have never showcased so many films and the quality is really good. Film is a powerful tool of communication and imagination, and young people really make their own of it. We think you will be inspired by the shorts made by young people and equally by the award winning features we have chosen for this Festival.” Mary Mc Grath, First Cut! Festival 2011

Mary Mc Grath

First Cut! Youth Film Festival

firstcutfilm@gmail.com

0353868139019

cfcfirstcut.blogspot.com

 

http://www.facebook.com/pages/First-CutYouth-Film-ProjectFestival/127337763985353

The First Cut! Youth Film Festival working in association with Cork Film Centre is funded by The Arts Council and the Arts Office of Cork County Council.

ART AND CULTURE VENUES open their doors in Youghal on Friday night, Sept. 23th 2011. Drama, behind-the-scenes tours, and music performances are all part of the fare on offer. The night is one of the highlights of Youghal’s cultural calendar and will give people the opportunity to explore venues and facilities at night and for free!

ART AND CULTURE VENUES open their doors in Youghal on Friday night, Sept. 23th 2011. Drama, behind-the-scenes tours, and music performances are all part of the fare on offer. The night is one of the highlights of Youghal’s cultural calendar and will give people the opportunity to explore venues and facilities at night and for free!

Youghal Gold Label Seafood Pie: This week the chefs of the town are meeting to ensure they are all using the same recipe and techniques to guarantee consistency. Recently food critiques visited the town to check out the pie for themselves and were very happy with their sampling. If anyone wants to try cooking the pie at home Youghal Bay Seafood in Foxhole are selling the various fish required in a package to make your life easier.

Bus Tours: Meeting and greeting the buses has proved very successful this summer. Increases have been seen on a number of fronts: The numbers of busses stopping has increased, the numbers of visitors coming up town has increased due to the information being provided in the meet and greet sessions and the time spent by buses in Youghal has extended. It is hoped to expand on this next season. Plans in place at present include changing the stop point for tour buses to Raheen Road so visitors can walk down through the town walls and St. Mary’s, along the Main Street and be picked up at Market Quay. At present packages are being prepared which will include food, entertainment and guided tours. A DVD is being produced to distribute to tour companies selling what is on offer. Anyone interested in making a submission is welcome to contact the group ASAP.

Festivals: The next festival planned is “Yaughaloween Spooktacular”. This will take place from Oct 28th to 31st this year.  A great family program is planned over the weekend including treasure hunt, headless horsemen, Halloween games, fancy dress parades, storytelling and pumpkin carving – check out local press for full program nearer the event. Shop keepers and bar/restaurant staff are asked to consider wearing fancy dress for the weekend

Upcoming events also include “Charles Dickens Christmas in Youghal”, and an event for Patrick’s weekend (to be announced). If you can get the message to friends and relatives outside Youghal we could have some good craic ahead.

Brochures: It is the intention of the group to produce a full colour activities booklet to show what a great destination Youghal is as a holiday base. Areas covered will be history, walking and cycling, angling, wildlife, day trips from Youghal, family activities etc. Contributions to any of these or other areas of interest are welcomed.

Citizens Award: It is planned to offer a ‘Citizen of the Year’ award this year. Nominations boxes will be placed in various shops so everyone in the town can vote.

Welcome: These events take lots of effort. Luckily we have a great team involved in YCC. However, more help is always needed; be it to meet and greet the buses, help organise an event, write on the areas of interest above or just marshal during a festival. The next public meeting will be held on Thursday October 6th in the Red Store so please come along.

THE YOUGHAL “QUEEN OF THE SEA” FESTIVAL RAISED €3,000 FOR TWO CHARITIES.  Cheques of €1,500 each were presented to the two nominated charities Childline and the Youghal Lifeboat on Monday the 5th September at the Youghal lifeboat station.

The money was raised during this years 2nd annual “Queen of the Sea” festival which took place in Youghal Co. Cork from the 15th to 17th July 2011.  The very successful festival ran over three days and was packed full of free family fun events throughout the entire weekend.  The highlight of the festival was the “Queen of the Sea” contest where local businesses got involved and put forward a candidate to represent them in this free open air event. Each girl that entered the Queen of the sea Contest was given a sponsor card and the proceeds of these cards were given to these two worthy charities Childline and The Youghal Lifeboat. The cheques were presented by this year winning “Queen of the Sea” Kate Mulcahy who represented the Quays Bar.

Event organisers picked these two charities to support, Childline because the theme of the festival is mainly a family festival based around children’s free fun activities and events. Childline is part of the ISPCC (The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) and receives thousands of calls every year.  These are answered by volunteers and staff who are trained to listen and understand young people.  Their telephone lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to every young person living in Ireland.

And Youghal lifeboat because we are a seaside town and depend on the water based activities for much of our tourism and industry. Youghal lifeboat is a local organisation that is crewed entirely by local volunteers who are ready to put to sea 24 hours a day, 365 days a year if required. Youghal’s lifeboat station is one of the oldest lifeboat stations in Ireland as it dates back to 1839.  The lifeboat exists to save lives at sea and is entirely supported by voluntary contributions.

WHILE HERITAGE WEEK was celebrated around the country between 20th – 28th August 2011, Youghal proudly showcased its heritage where several heritage style events were held. A colourful Medieval Market Place erected in the College Gardens as part of the annual  festival brought to life the towns medieval history. Locals and visitors alike donned fancy dress costumes where Knights, Kings and Queens mixed with middle ages men and women in suitable costume. Medieval warriors doing historical re-enactments in battle wielding ferocious looking weapons There was lots of fun for all during National Heritage Week.

Meanwhile down at the waterfront by the Ferryslip the launch took place of the new yawl boat ( modeled on the old style salmon fishing boat by the Buttimer family). The boat named ‘Eochaill’ (Irish for Youghal) proudly sailed on the river Blackwater  showcasing Youghal’s tradition with fishing and maritime history. Another event was the inaugural Mackerel Food Festival organised by the newly formed pro-active Youghlal Concerned Citizens Group which incorporated a fancy dress reunion swim again taking place at the waterfront.

CLICK ON THE VIDEO ABOVE to watch a snapshot of Youghal’s links to its Maritime Heritage and appreciate the work of  local potter Tony Breslin who crafted this beautiful work displaying the seacoast towns links to the sea. The mural can be seen on the southeastery facing wall at Green Park – 1798 memorial park.   The short videoclip was made by local Kieran McCarthy.