Bonfire Night is an annual celebration held on the 23rd June (St. John’s Eve). The celebrations take place in towns and villages across the country and centered around the summer solstice.
Report/Photo: Michael Hussey Email: news@youghalonline.com

The custom dates back to pagan times. Bonfire Night was always celebrated in Youghal with bonfires in different parts of the town but these customs and traditions are largely ignored nowadays. The embers of this long tradition have become a burning or more accurately a non-burning issue. The photograph shows everybody enjoying the annual spectacle of the bonfire in the plot Sarsfield Terrace back in 1983.

St John’s Eve (or Oiche Fheile Eoin (Bonfire Night) is celebrated in many parts of rural Ireland with the lighting of bonfires. This ancient custom has its roots in pre-Christian Irish society when the Celts honored the Goddess Áine, the Celtic equivalent of Venus and Aphrodite. She was the Goddess Queen of Munster and Christianised rituals in her honour (as Naomh Áine) took place until the nineteenth century on Knockainy, (Cnoc Áine – the Hill of Áine) in County Limerick.

During the festival, people would say prayers, asking for God’s blessing upon their crops. They would also take ashes from the fire, and spread them over their land as a blessing for protection for their crops. It was also common to have music, singing, dancing, and games during the festival. The fire was used for destroying small objects of piety (rosary beads, statues, etc.) without disrespecting God. It was also common for people to jump through the flames of the bonfire for good luck.

In Thomas Flanagan’s The Year of the French, the ancient festival of St John’s Eve takes place. The book is set during the Irish rebellion of 1798. Here is an excerpt from The Year of the French:

Soon it would be Saint John’s Eve. Wood for the bonfire had already been piled high upon Steeple HIll, and when the night came there would be bonfires on every hill from there to Downpatrick Head. There would be dancing and games in the open air, and young men would try their bravery leaping through the flames. There would even be young girls leaping through, for it was helpful in the search of a husband to leap through a Saint John’s Eve fire, the fires of midsummer. The sun was at its highest then, and the fires spoke to it, calling it down upon the crops. It was the turning point of the year, and the air was vibrant with spirits. –The Year of the French

Some regions of Ireland follow a custom seemingly inspired by the activity from which this saint takes his title, Baptist (more accurately, Baptizer). They head to the ocean and immerse themselves in its waters. In this, they imitate the original form of baptism practiced by St John, as well as by the early Christians.

Youghal’s Michael Del Punta, aka “The Singing Waiter” new Cd called Christmas Collection is now available to buy. The seven-track predominates with- known classics masterfully rendered in typical jazz/swing style by the 20 year-old crooner. The CD, limited to 500 copies for the Christmas market, was recently launched at the Nook Bar, Youghal.

Michael Del Punta’s Christmas Collection coast €9.95 and is available in Youghal from Broderick’s, Touch of Class, Capri Bay, Cree’s Card Shop, the Cyber Room and of course from Santa Claus late on December 24th.

CRY Christmas Party at Youghal Rugby Club on Friday the 17th of December. 4 Bands, 2 DJ’s  1 Dance off…… 9pm till late.

The party features the cream of local Talent. Planet Claire, Bobby Lee and Friends The Birds and Singing sensation Michael Del Punta singing songs from his new album and more.
DJ Stan will MC on the night kicking things off at 9pm before the bands take the stage at 9.30 . Dancers from the Graham McDermott school of dance will host a dance off afterwards where there will be fantastic prizes on offer ,before DJ Brian Rellis hits the decks afterwards playing the very latest club classics and the best of the Noughties.

Christmas Parties have never been this good.

All proceeds to the CRY Relocation fund.

The long awaited charity Head And Wax Shave incorporating a fantastic raffle in aid of The Laura Lynn Foundation took place at Berties Bar, North Main St. Youghal, last Friday night 15th Oct. 2010. Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com Email: news@youghalonline.com

The fun started at 9pm. Family and friends came along to support the Youghal Super Valu staff who organised and volunteered for this great cause. Emma and Micheala Bailey from ‘Team Bailey’ Hair Salon did the head shave and Norma Stone and Vicki O’Sullivan, from ‘Tone and Tan’ did the wax service, to the delight of all who attended (except for those who participated in the excruciating painful event of course). Well done to all involved, lots of money was raised on the night and the cheque presentation will follow shortly.

- If you would like to feature your upcoming event or fundraiser in the “Gigs and Events Calendar” on YoughalOnline.com email details to news@youghalonline.com

Click on image to start slideshow of the charity event at Bertie’s Bar. Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com

The Tweenies Club celebrated their 10th anniversary with lots of fun for Mums, Dads, Grans and of course the kids. DJ ‘Spill’ aka Claire Regan entertained everyone with music from Thomas the Tank to the Birdy song. Photo: www.youghalonline.com Email: news@youghalonline.com

Mr. Balloon Man made fantastic shapes with all the coloured balloons, the cup cake station was very popular where the kids made their own cream sprinkled cakes with icing, face-painting, refreshments, teas and coffee, you name it, it was a fun time for all. The organising committee were delighted when the Deputy Mayor of Youghal, Eoin Coyne, helped in cutting the anniversary cake. Great credit to all involved in making the fun day a great success.

The Tweenies Club began in September 2000 and has enjoyed 10 years of success, providing children and their carers and parents with friendship, support and an opportunity to socialise with other families. During that time, hundreds of babies and pre school children with their mums, dads, Grannies and Gran-dads, child minders and au pairs have come along. Families from many countries, Nigeria, Holland, Australia, France, Poland, USA, UK, and counties around Ireland have attended Tweenies – everyone is welcome! The adults stay with the child at the group as Tweenies is as much a group for them as for the children.

Since the first meeting in the hall at the Methodist Church in Youghal, hundreds of children have enjoyed a morning of play, art and singing in a safe child friendly environment. Donna Mitchell and Fiona Murphy, both “blow ins” to the town, set up the group and the first meeting saw 10 children turning up. Over the years there have been many changes – the hall was renovated by the Methodist church providing a modern kitchen and toilet facilities and a storage room for the Tweenies equipment. There has been a succession of new leaders, always on a voluntary basis and usually from the mums who were using the group. The group became very popular and was increased to 2 mornings a week in 2003. The outside space in the yard was also used for outdoor play when the weather allowed. Tweenies also enjoyed activities outside of the hall with a series of summer visits to Fota and Parson’s Green Farm, summer meetings at Green Park and the playground, taking part in the St Patrick’s Day Parade and parents nights out. Christmas was always good fun with usually 2 parties to accommodate all the excited children and of course a visit and photo with Santa.

The Methodist Church have been very supportive of Tweenies and as part of their Outreach work are glad to have the group using the hall and its facilities. The Katherine Howard Foundation provided a grant each year and along with fundraising and subscriptions, the group was able to regularly get new equipment and toys.

A big thanks must be given to everyone who has been involved in making the Tweenies Club a success, all the leaders over the years for their hard work, setting up and clearing away and taking the responsibility for organizing the sessions, the tea makers in the kitchen, the leaders who organized the art sessions, everyone that attended the sessions, the Church for their support, local businesses for sponsorship and of course Santa!

10 years on and the Tweenies Club is still going strong, lets hope children and their parents and carers will find fun and friendship there for many more years to come.
CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE

2010 proved a landmark year for Youghal and its surrounding areas when it was ear-marked by Failte Ireland as a ‘Family Friendly Hub’ – a Failte Ireland family friendly holiday initiative.  The initiative is set to expand over the coming months as the local steering committee and Failte Ireland undertakes a major recruitment drive of new tourism activity providers, approved accommodation providers, along with restaurant and food providers to the programme.

The aim of the project is to develop the region (Youghal, East Cork and West Waterford) as a family holiday resort, increase visitor numbers and grow revenue.  To date over 27 tourism operators in the area are currently reaping the rewards of having signed up to become one of the programme participants.  The initiative has provided a wide range of free training in marketing and customer care for all participants, produced a brochure, developed a web presence, conducted an advertising campaign, supported family friendly product development and funded beach management projects.

Hilary Creedon of Failte Ireland outlined the progress to date on the initiative: “The feedback to date from visitors to the initiative has been extremely positive.  A nominated industry steering group drives the initiative at a local level with the support of Failte Ireland and this is working extremely well.  At this stage of 2010, we’re ready to bring the project to the next stage of development.  Following its first full year of operation, we plan to work closely with operators to build on the quality of the family friendly experience that is delivered in the area”.

This local steering committee is made up of tourism product providers in the Youghal, East Cork and West Waterford region and is chaired by Sal Tivy of Perks Entertainment Centre.  One of the first tasks this voluntary steering committee set about was organizing a free family festival weekend from 16th – 18th July 2010 which attracted in excess of 5,000 visitors to the area over the course of the weekend.   “The festival exceeded all our wildest expectations”, said Sal Tivy, of the steering committee.  “On reflection however, I believe the secret of our success was that all the fun events were free and the simple, old fashioned ideas will always be enjoyed by kids of any era,” commented Sal.

The area was chosen not only because of its +2,500 bed nights, but also key to the decision process was that facilities are already in place for the ideal family holiday – with two blue flag beaches, water activities along with the ability to offer families the facility to holiday in any weather conditions.  Another key factor was because of its geographical location and touring base for families to visit the many attractions and activities in the wider East Cork and West Waterford area.

To become a partner on the programme tourism product providers must sign up to the ‘Family Friendly Charter’ which outlines the basic requirements to be considered a family friendly establishment. There is no cost incurred to prospective members, and members will greatly benefit from attendance at a free day training course for Family Friendly Service Delivery conducted by marketing and customer care professionals.  This is a pre-requisite for at least one nominated member of staff.  Members also benefit from inclusion in Fáilte Ireland’s communications campaign for the Family Friendly initiative (including printed material, direct Mail pieces, web, publicity etc).

A quality control mechanism has been put in place by Failte Ireland where programme participants will be visited to ensure the consistency of their family friendly offering and that all elements of the charters are being adhered to.

If you are a tourism product provider in the Youghal, East Cork or West Waterford region, keen and in a position to deliver a ‘family friendly service’, why not consider getting involved in this innovative and free initiative?  For more information contact the Family Friendly Steering Committee, c/o Youghal Chamber of Tourism & Commerce on: 024-92447 or email: info@youghalchamber.ie

Issued by:
Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group Ltd.
Contact: Aileen Ahern Tel: 024-81814 E:tourism@youghal.ie

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

Youghal calendar of events 30th July – 5th August 2010