December 8th is a Catholic Church holiday (Feast of the Immaculate Conception) is when people normally start shopping for Christmas gifts, and is one of the busiest shopping days in the run up to Christmas. Youghal people fondly remember when ‘Pasley’s old man’ was on display, in the run up to Christmas, at the old Pasley’s grocery shop at North Main Street, Youghal. Hope the picture here reminds you of Christmas past.

The History of ‘Pasley’s Old Man’

‘Pasley’s Old Man’ was made in Germany in 1870 and was displayed in Pasley’s shop window every Christmas from 1880  -2002. In August 2003 Pasley’s transferred its business to Brookes Supervalu and has been on display there ever since.
The statement ‘ I never got a “drop” at Pasley’s’ refers to the fact that alcohol was never sold in Pasley’s for many years.
The ‘bottle’ of Guiness is actually a Christmas cracker and dates back to about 1910. To date, 4 generations of the Brookes family have been involved in the grocery trade in Youghal since John Brookes started at Pasley’s in Youghal in 1888.

A new community and traders group held its first, tentative meeting at the Red Store on Tuesday last, February 22nd. The gathering was organised principally by florist Kaye Curtin and Boutique owner Lil Dann. As closure after closure afflicts shops on the main street, the area’s retail sector is facing considerable challenges and the meeting was called, “as a way of trying to spark new ideas and initiatives, however small or large,” explains Kaye.

Times Past - Youghal Traders pictured below from the 1970′s

Planning and pre-publicity was relatively restricted but the short timespan still allowed time for rumour and a degree of paranoia and even resentment to set in. Principally, the assumption grew that the gathering marked a ‘splinter’ group keen to break from the main frame that is the Chamber of Commerce. That a group –or even a pair- of individuals trying to help their own and other businesses to survive could be viewed with suspicion and negativity, perhaps fills its own chapter in the story of Youghal’s retail woes.

Inclusive

Tuesday’s ‘gathering did not constitute an elected or nominated team of officers, but the ’top table’ was populated for the occasion by Kay Curtin, Lil Dann,  door and windows specialist Jimmy  Flanagan with ,Dara Murphy of Read and Write, appropriately taking minutes! There was general acceptance in the room that the new group seeks to be inclusive across all community sectors, whether traders, clubs, other organisations or private individuals. In that sense, ‘traders’ could appropriately be defined as ‘trading in ideas.’  Some members of the Chamber of Commerce attended and contributed to the discussion, prior to attending their own meeting later the same night.

The meeting opened with Ms Curtin reading from a report on Youghal traders’ determination to support a vibrant Christmas in the town “despite the tide of pessimism that tends to permeate the land in these days of economic hardship.” It was written in 1976!! Mr Flanagan reflected that the difference between that recession and the current one is the complete absence of industry in Youghal nowadays. However, he reflected that the town still has a council, a Chamber of Commerce and many individual organisations working for the town. He called on sectors of local society to “start fighting back” on behalf of the town. “What we want to know is, how do we fight back?”, he asked.

Views, ideas, intentions

About 40 people occupied the room as ideas and observations regarding the Youghal economy were invited. The hour that followed saw voices from the floor focus on the following:

The Community Bus:

It was proposed that the community bus be utilised if possible, given the “extortionate” system of charging by the head as operated by the taxi services. It was related that families holidaying in the Quality Hotel for example, were avoiding visits to the town due to the cost of travelling by taxi. Holidaymakers in Ardmore were similarly deterred, it was claimed. If the community bus could not be utilised for such service, it was proposed that an approach be made to the taxi services for an alternative fare system. Michael Beecher of the Community Bus committee said that as far as he knew, the vehicle was available to any non-recreational group and he would look into it.

Later opening:

It was recommended that businesses remain open a little later at weekends, with evidence that some people travel to Cork for late shopping on Friday nights. It was felt the move would draw in consumers from surrounding regions and towns. As with the community bus issue, a few volunteers committed to pursuing the idea and local businesses are to be canvassed for their views.

Parking:

Views differed. One man proposed that free parking persist outside the town centre, with €1.50 per hour imposed within, along with the first half hour free, to keep traffic moving. There were diverse views on this issue, including a completely opposite view that parking meters be removed completely from the street.  Amidst a dearth of awareness as to the nature and implications of the imminent new car parking byelaws, the entire issue was designated to a few members in attendance to investigate and report to the next meeting.

NCT:

It was reported that many people were keen to visit the town while awaiting their car tests and ideas were sought as to how they could be accommodated. The community bus was suggested as a possible solution.

Resident Population -Newsletter:

Youghal is “turning into a message town,” as far as residents on its immediate surrounds were concerned, according to one opinion. The speaker said that those residing in Cork Hill, Knockaverry and beyond were simply not deliberating downtown beyond pausing for basic necessities.  He advocated half hour free parking to discourage such hurried visits. It was observed that during the icy weather, when driving was treacherous, main street traders were extremely busy. The proposer also suggested that a small, business newsletter be circulated advertising the attractions of shopping local.

The Clock Gate:

An argument was put forward that the Clock Gate should be promoted commercially, aesthetically and culturally as a major tourist attraction of Youghal, if not a town emblem in itself. Reference was made to the “30-40 tourists per day who photographing the iconic structure but are never incited to dwell in the vicinity nor permitted to see it from the inside. It was mooted that the unique building held enormous, untapped potential as a tourist attraction. There was a near total lack of knowledge as to what future is being planned for the Clock Gate. Michael Beecher, as town councillor, said plans were very advanced for the structure’s restoration and funding had been allocated for the project.  An opening date on 2012 is anticipated and it is hoped to update the overall situation in the next edition of Youghal News.

Bypass signage:

There was unanimous criticism that the signs indicating Youghal at the Cork side entrance were pathetically inadequate. Lighted signage was promised, said one contributor and had not been delivered by Cork County Council. It was agreed to pursue this issue further.

Students:

The point was made that the students in Pobalscoil na Trionoide were geographically disassociated from the town centre, with considerable economic and even social consequences. The speaker said that students in Carrigaline spend an average of 1,000 students €6 each a day on lunches in the town.  He urged greater ties between the town and the school through whatever means or methods available. Reference was made to a discount card scheme initiated with the school through the Chamber of Commerce and which was to be launched officially later that very night.

Christmas Lights:

A chamber representative spoke of the need for larger, longer-term planning and investment from traders. The Chamber of Commerce had sent €50,000 on advertising in 2010, promoting a range of attractions. The Chamber also enabled members to acquire Christmas lights for at a 50% lower price than non-members, a point of information that flickered in debate for a little while also. The Chamber speaker elaborated that unity was essential and hoped the perception of a splinter group being formed would not take hold in the public domain. Mr. Flanagan stressed full agreement with this view. Ms. Curtain appealed for traders to obtain local radio membership for €12 per annum, before the meeting concluded in an air of amicability and some optimism.

The next meeting takes place at the Red Store on Thursday March 10th at 6pm. Inquiries (024)92634, business hours

YOUGHAL TOWN COUNCIL is currently considering a Conservation Plan conducted with regard to the refurbishment & development of the Clock Gate. The Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group (YSEDG) commissioned Youghal-born consultant Margaret Gowen to conduct the plan, assisted by, amongst others, local architect Dan Noonan.

The work follows last year’s feasibility study, which proposed that it be adapted for multi-purpose uses. That study, conducted by consultants KPMG for the Heritage Council (of Ireland), in conjunction with the Irish Walled Towns Network, outlined four options for each of the tower’s floors: Floor 1: Interpretive heritage centre; F 2: display of local crafts and wares; F 3: Recreation of original tower use as a jail; F 4: Virtual observation desk.

The latest plan analysed the internal and external condition of the building and considered what action needed to be taken prior to proceeding with the recommendation of the feasibility study. This included ‘a preliminary analysis of former works, including the impact of fixtures and fittings installed internally and externally, mostly during the 1970’s.’

Amongst the report’s findings and recommendations are the following:

FOUNDATIONS:

External walls are generally plumb and there appears to be no problems with building’s foundations.

EXTERNAL WALLS:

The elevations facing Cork and Waterford (N & S) are constructed of random old red sandstone in a lime mortar. The East & West (E & W) sides are compiled of random rubble with Cork limestone quoins and string courses.

Cement mortar, which was used to point the exterior sandstone, has become loose in various sections and is damaging the external stonework. Corroding metal fixings are causing further stonework damage. Water ingress (dampness) on the E and W elevations was almost certainly addressed by cement renders at some stage but caused further problems additional research is needed.

The NW parapet wall is leaning significantly back in towards the cupola (the small, dome-like structure on top of the building), narrowing the gap and preventing access between the two. It is not thought to be ongoing, but copper cladding may be concealing movement. Significant structural works carried out in the early 20th century saw steel bar supports installed in the roof and also to support the decayed timber legs of the cupola.  Possibly the leaning parapet was addressed then or even at a later time during further works. Also, there is a slight dip in the middle of the main arch, but this seems also not to be ongoing.

Recommendation:

The potential movement of the Western side parapet wall should be investigated and any necessary repairs conducted. The interior dry lining should be removed to allow assessment of the nature of water ingress at the external walls, which would also reveal any decayed lintels or bonding timbers therein. Removing floors and ceilings would also identify any decayed joist ends that may have been corroded by contact with damp walls. Also, research the nature of past external works on the E & W elevations. Remove all fixings that are damaging stonework. Remove vegetation and clean out joints. Replace cement pointing with lime mortar and pinnings. Assess stability of all stonework and repair and restore where necessary. Address moisture penetration issues and replace existing ineffective rainwater goods with more robust cast iron equivalents. Ensure rainwater is removed from base of the building by gullies.

It is also recommended that the galvanised steel hand railing bordering the approach on the jail steps be replaced. It is noted that it “a stair handrail” and is both damaging the steps and a safety risk.

INTERIOR:

There is much evidence of water ingress and corrosion of steel angles within. The interior of the internal walls are dry lined with plasterboard and consequently it was not possible to access or assess the walls’ interiors, or lintels, bonding timbers, etc. Floors are finished with modern timber and the ceilings with modern cedar. The upper floors are accessed by a spiral, 20th century stairway that diminished space. It is was found, unusually, that the floor to ceiling height was constant for all floors and further exposure works is needed to ascertain whether new floors were installed coincidentally with the staircase.

Recommendations:

The dry lining should be removed to assess the lintels, joist ends, etc. If plasterwork is required internally, then lime plaster onto the stonework is recommended.

WINDOWS:

The existing windows seem to be copies of the original windows. The lower two floors have four rows of panes over two while the upper floors have three rows over two. Some cills and bottoms rails are decayed but remain suitable for repair. Again, dry lining prevents assessment of the internal perimeters and indications as to the original window installation.

Recommendations:

Remove the dry lining proximate to the window openings. Remove existing window sashes for repair and repainting. Review condition of lintels and replace if necessary. Review condition of window jams, arches, reveals and cills and repair where needed.

EXISTING BUILDING FABRIC AT ROOF LEVEL:

A 20th century pitched roof access hut over a 20th century roof access stairs is in very poor condition and needs repair or replacement. As it is above the parapet line it may best be replaced with a lower structure.

The roof, finished with trowelled asphalt, is in good condition. Copper sheet that over-clads the parapet walls seems in good condition too but it was not possible to assess it for leaks. Holes in the cladding however, formally light holders, are probably permitting water into the stonework. Copper flashings to the cupola are in good condition generally.

The timber to the cupola is finished with brown paint and needs re-finishing. The roof to the cupola is clad with copper and this has been over-clad with a modern roofing sheet, which can be considered temporary.

The structure of the roof of the cupola is in remarkably good condition considering the degree of decay that previously occurred down lower. The surface of the timbers has been weathered by wind and rain but this is superficial. Much dust and dirt has gathered on the timbers and around the base of the rafters and should be removed a sit holds moisture. The roof is a two king-post truss with a section cut out of each bottom chord where they cross. The bottom chords were fixed by nailed wrought iron straps that have fully corroded and need replacing.  Low-key timber elements added to the roof structure are pretty useless.

Recommendations:

Repair or replace existing roof access. Strip cupola roof finishes and reinstate copper sheet finish. Inspect the weathervane and repair as necessary. Clean loose debris from interior of roof structure. Assess whether the soft timber on the surface of the roof timbers should be removed to minimise risk of decay. Design and install new metal structural straps to replace corroded straps. Repair parapet copper-work and copper flashings to the base of the cupola. Repair asphalt where needed. Sand down the external timberwork to the existing cupola and redecorate to a suitable colour. Replace existing insect mesh with finer version.

Finally, given the outgoing government’s recent 70% reduction in grant funding to heritage projects across the country, it can be assumed that the necessary remedial and restoration work indicated above will involve longer rather than short term projects.

Click on image to enlarge – plans are from previous renovations to the Clock Gate

MERRICK’S DEPARTMENT STORE ON NORTH MAIN STREET, YOUGHAL, was one of the finest stores in Munster in the 19th and 20th centuries.  In those times, Merrick’s traded on all three floors and to this day a plaque on the façade proudly states its establishment in 1580.  If this can be authenticated, it would make it the oldest established family business in Ireland.

The Merrick family were merchants who appeared in the Council Historical Records around the 1600s, and in the last four hundred years or so, saw many an enterprise trading under its roofs.  Back in the 17th century, linen suits were made which were then oiled in the attic in readiness for the fishermen, whose lives depended on them during the salmon fishing season.

Merrick’s also housed a boot factory where footwear was mass produced, providing work in an age when cobblers worked in the laneways of Youghal.   At that time Youghal was a very important port and the Merrick family, who were not only wealth merchants, also owned much property throughout the town.  Their family home was Aston Court, presently the Loreto Convent.

In 1926 the business was bought by Richard Good, whose family continued to run and expand the store very successfully for almost sixty five years, until 1990.   Over the past twenty or so years, various businesses traded in this magnificent, historical building, bringing a wide range of products together under the one roof.   Dannelle of Youghal, proprietor Lil Danne, commenced business in Merrick’s approximately sixteen years ago, offering a superb range of ladies fashions, accessories, perfumes, household linens and gifts.   Now the sole trader in Merrick’s, the Department Store was entirely unsuitable for a single trading business, and it was with great regret that Lil Danne found it necessary for arrangements to be made to relocate Danelle to a smaller, more viable premises.
On Saturday, January 22nd 2011, the remaining employees in Merrick’s prepared to leave the store for the last time with a certain amount of sadness and regret. Valerie Slattery has been employed in Merrick’s since Gordon Good was proprietor and stayed on with Lil, making a total of twenty two years service. Majella Nolan has fourteen continuous years of service, and Lil herself has been there since 1995.  The employees, even though their jobs are secure with Danelle of Youghal, still felt a sense of melancholy and sorrow and, indeed, the people of the town of Youghal were despondent at what was viewed as yet ‘another’ closure.
However, things are not quite as bad as they may seem, as plans are already afoot for Majestic Merricks, the oldest established family business in Ireland, and this can only be good news for the town and the townspeople.

Lil Danne and her staff wish to thank sincerely all their valued customers for their loyal support of the past years at Merrick’s and said that it was a pleasure to serve the people of Youghal and surrounds.  They all look forward to continued support at Danelle, 72 North Main Street, Youghal, where personal service will be their top priority.   In the new, intimate premises, customers are invited to browse at their leisure.  Lil also confirmed that all vouchers and credit notes issued in Merricks  may be redeemed at Danelle’s new premises.

As a gesture from a great premises which has served the town of Youghal for almost 500 years Danelle opened their doors on  Wednesday 26th 2011 from 10.30am to 12noon where customers took away whatever they wanted from the remaining stock, for no charge, just a donation to the local branch of St Vincent de Paul

Merrick’s Store has served the people of Youghal well over the past several hundred years.  It has given employment to people in good times and hard, has survived world wars, the famine, floods, storms, emigration and several recessions.   But it still stands in the centre of our town, a magnificent building that has seen it all and still survives, a building which is a landmark in Youghal, and which still has as much to give today as it had on the day it was built.   There can be no doubt that the next adventure for Merrick’s is only starting because, as and inserted the key in Merrick’s Department Store, it was in the sure knowledge that when one door closes, another one opens.

Report: Denise FitzGerald  – Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com

Click on the audio below to hear Lil Danne talk about her life on CRY’S Eddie Hannon Show. Recorded January 2011 – Audio courtesy of Youghal Local Radio CRY

- From original story by Christy Parker – April 2007 -

Workmen renovating one of Youghal’s most historic retail buildings invoked the long distant when they uncovered graffiti signatures behind partitions. Some of the names date back almost 100 years and were discovered in a room over Read & Write newsagents and gift shop on North Main Street. The shop once formed part of Merrick’s department store, which closed in the early 1990’s, though individual units now trade there.
Report: Christy Parker     Photo: Michael Hussey     Email: news@youghalonline.com

Two sets of inscriptions were uncovered in close proximity, though their dates divide them by 50 years. Of the older, smaller set, the earliest recognisable scribble reads “L Connolly 4/5/08”. Others include, E.M. Duggan 18/1/10, M Harris 23/6/10 and Maureen McCarthy 21/3/11. Matt Nolan, Kilmeaden holds an unspecified date, while Tilly Delahunt twice added her address, Mills Park, Roscrea, Tipp, in single and double script, on March 27th 1911.

Others elaborated. On 21/3/16 –exactly 90 years to the day it was discovered- Jean Cambell wrote: “Leaving here on Good Friday. Had the best six months of my life here.” On 23rd June 1917, M Harris quotes English writer W.E. Harris: “If your lips would keep from slips, of five things have a care: to whom you speak, of whom you speak, and how and when and where.”

From the 1500’s, Merrick’s owned much of the town’s retailers. By the early 1900’s the remaining store on North Main Street, founded in 1541, sold drapery, furniture and shoes. Many of the workers were young Munster Protestants who lived within, in segregated accommodation for men and women. The Merrick’s went bankrupt in 1925 and Richard & George Good, Dungarvan store owners bought the shop.

Richard Good died in 1939 and George ran Merrick’s until his nephew, Gordon, took over in 1954. “We employed about 25 but it was like running a fairly wild hotel!”, recalls Gordon. Realising the store’s community allegiance, Gordon gradually abolished accommodation in favour of local recruitment, while expanding the shop into wider retailing over two floors. In his time the area in which the graffiti was found was a stock room and “was probably so beforehand too.”

The later graffiti rampages across a corner door and its adjoining walls. For Gordon, the names are a stroll through a memory department as he surveys names he never expected to see in the one place again. D Godswill, D Wallace, B Ward, the Bolsters M and E, George Kingston, L Ross….all workers in the first decade of Gordon’s reign. Others included Kay Cunningham (7/6/63), Georgina Hodgins and Midleton’s G Smith. “My God, so many familiar names”, he muses as nostalgia reels in the years.

That Merrick’s thrived in a more relaxed commercial environment than that of the Celtic Tiger jungle is easily surmised. S Adams, scratched on the old door, was undoubtedly Sammy Adams. He would eventually open his own shoe & repair shop but he was also a keen hunter and fisherman. Gordon recalls a letter from a female resident’s mother. “She was worried that a male staff member caught fish to cook over the shop and invite girls, including her daughter, to partake”, he laughs. “I imagine it was Sammy but I doubt he had ulterior motives!”

Let Lesley Schnell had other fish to fry too: “Last day on 10th June 1961”, he once wrote. On 7/8/62 he added: “Still here”. He eventually opened a shoe shop next door.

Read & Write, standing where the fashion department traded, is now set to carry the light of its commercial candle into a new upstairs gift gallery. The past will retain a presence.  “We’ve decided not to plaster over the graffiti”, says a workman. “We’ll just erect another partition around it. The names will stay forever.”

Click on the audio below to hear retired local businessman and former owner of Merricks Department Store Gordon Good talks about his life with Eddie Hannon. Recorded January 2011. Audio courtesy of CRY Youghal Local Radio

THE AILBRIN SOCIETY commences the new year with an interesting and stimulating talk from Youghal native , Catherine Power. Catherine is the archaeologist with Cork County Council.

” A Ringfort on my Lawn; Rolling Heads and Family Trees: the work of a Cork County Archaeologist”

The talk will be held on Wednesday, 26th January at 8.30 pm at the Red Store, North Main Street, Youghal. Admission: members free; non-members 5E. New members always welcome
* Please note change of date.

Last books remaining in bookshops now!

Mike Hackett, author and historian, is no stranger to the people of Youghal and East Cork, and his books have brought acclaim from far and wide.

Known for his easy writing, his great knowledge of his book topics, and his love of all things Youghal. Some copies of Mike Hackett’s tenth book ‘Sars’ are still available to buy in most bookshops in Youghal and in Quinn’s Shop Ardmore. This is a limited edition and will not be reprinted. The book is sure to be sold out for Christmas, so purchase now for the few remaining.

All monies raised from the sale of ‘Sars’ will be donated to the Leukaemia Section of Cork University Hospital, which has a special place in Mike’s heart.
So, Mike Hackett’s tenth book is now on sale and by purchasing this great, heartwarming, funny, factual and enjoyable read, you will also be contributing to a most worthy charity.

Local author and historian Mike Hackett launched his latest book about the town on Fri. night 22nd Oct. 2010 at the GAA Pavilion. This is Mike’s 10th book and by far his favourite work. Mike started his latest book last February and felt that there was some aspects of the town that needed to be covered and Sarsfield Terrace was one of them. Help from residents of the terrace, like Kay Cronin, Maurice Ahern, Ann Tomlin, Fr. Donal Hussey to name but a few, wrote pieces for his book which is a compilation of anecdotes from residents living and former residents of ‘The Terrace’, Cork Hill and Windmill Hill.

Click on video to watch the nostalgic 8 min movie clip of Mike Hackett’s book launch

The book is basically a social history of the area with many photographs of great interest. Mary Ann Smyth was asked to launch the book being the Queen of the terrace. Aine Neville O’Donoghue, Kathleen Quinn and Peter Lee provided the entertainment to the packed house. Proceeds from the book go to the Leukemia section of the Mercy Hospital, Cork
Mike, accompanied by his wife Mary and family, was in great form and at home for the book launch, while his brother Martin was MC for the evening. Canon Tom Browne, Mayor of Youghal Mary Linehan Foley, Mary Anne Smyth spoke to the capacity crowds who turned up to thank Mike personally on his his magnificent book on magnificent people.

Book available in most bookshops in town and in Quinn’s Shop Ardmore

Mike Hackett, author and historian, is no stranger to the people of Youghal and East Cork, and his books have brought acclaim from far and wide.   Known for his easy writing, his great knowledge of his book topics, and his love of all things Youghal his popularity was in evidence on Saturday night last, October 23rd, when his tenth book ‘Sars’, was officially launched in the wonderful facility that is the GAA Club Aras.   Between 300 and 400 people packed into the hall, all carrying ‘Sars’ under their arm, and all waiting expectantly for the official launch of the book, which honour was bestowed on the most senior citizen of Sarsfields Terrace, Mrs Mary Ann Smyth. Report: Denise FitzGerald | Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com email: news@youghalonline.com

Martin Hackett, brother of Mike’s, introduced the various guests which included Canon Tom Browne, Cllr Mary Lenihan Foley, Mayor of Youghal, and Mary Ann Smyth.   The guests spoke eloquently about Mike and the Sars book, after which Mary Ann approached the podium to perform the launch.   But first, she regaled the audience with various stories and events from the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s about the residents of Sarsfields Terrace,  What laughter and fun!   There were stories about nappies being brought in from the rain by neighbours when the owner was out, and the house in a mess!   Mention was made of ‘pinches of sugar’ being borrowed and returned;  a gentleman finishing off the alcohol which had been bought and put aside for the same gentleman’s wake;   racing pigeons belonging to eighteen different families in the Terrace who regularly flew to North of Ireland and back;  heavy top coats being put on beds to keep  them warm in winter time;  and the mammies doing the rounds of the houses at Christmas time where glasses of wine (sherry in those days) were imbibed in each house causing consternation when they were trying to make their way home!    Periwinkle picking was gone into in detail, and of course there were all those stories about the ’The Toppers’, ‘The  Bottomers’ and ‘The Browns in between!’.

Mary Ann went on to say that the most important thing was that when one neighbour was well of, then they all were;  and when one neighbour was finding the going tough, then the rest of the neighbours did too.   “Sharing was the lifeblood of these people in times which were more often hard than good, and none of the neighbours had anything more, or less, than the other.

Mike Hackett, to his eternal credit, took over from Mary Ann and, difficult though it was to follow that act, he thanked everyone for their encouragement, support and input to his latest publication.   He confirmed that there were at least twenty eight writers from Sarsfields Terrace and suurrnds who submitted stories to the book and this, he said, made the compiling of his book so much easier for him.

All monies raised from the sale of ‘Sars’ will be donated to the Leukaemia Section of Cork University Hospital, which has a special place in Mike’s heart.

So, Mike Hackett’s tenth book is now on sale and by purchasing this great, heartwarming, funny, factual and enjoyable read, you will also be contributing to a most worthy charity.

Someone once said that a good book on your shelf is a friend that turns its back on you, and remains a friend.  A good friend!   Just like the Stars of ‘Sars’.

Click here to watch the nostalgia 8 min movie clip made by Michael Hussey for www.youghalonline.com