The Bus Stops Here! – US VISITORS TO YOUGHAL are set to dramatically increase in 2012 and 2013 following negotiations undertaken by Youghal Chamber of Tourism & Development, The Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group (YSEDG) with CIE Tours International.

A guided tour of Youghal’s Heritage Trail is set to form part of the company’s group tour itineraries in 2012 and a selection of tour series in 2013, using the Kerry to Waterford routes and vice versa. CIE Tours International is the largest tour operator in the US driving vacation business to Ireland.  Last year they handled 35,000 visitors to the island of Ireland.

In mid October, Senior Vice President of CIE Tours International, Dennis Savage, who is based in Morristown New Jersey paid a visit to Youghal on a US staff education trip and expressed a major interest in including ‘Youghal’s Heritage Trail’ on a number of routes to the region.   This was the culmination of a number of years of work undertaken by Youghal Chamber at various coach and tourism workshops selling Youghal’s tourism product offering.  Speaking about his visit and the prospect of including Youghal on their itineraries, Mr. Savage commented: “Youghal is a very photogenic town and adding a walking tour would ensure our coach tours routing from Kerry to Waterford would be compelled to slow-down, with a diversion from the local motorway and learn firsthand the local history.  I believe that walking tours enhance the coach tour experience and are an important ingredient in our continued market share growth.  I have noticed that too often historic towns are being bypassed by coach crews and in doing so an integral part of the real Ireland experience is being lost. For the Killarney/Cork/Waterford route, Youghal is the perfect mid morning or afternoon comfort or photo-stop.” Said Mr. Savage.

Following on from Mr. Savage’s familiarisation trip,  a delegation from Youghal Chamber of Tourism & Development (Eileen Quill) and The Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group (Aileen Murray) met with senior representatives from CIE Tours in Dublin to discuss the details of various package options.

Aileen Murray (YSEDG) pointed to the fact that Youghal was finally starting to be recognised for its efforts and investment in Heritage by some of the main tour operators.  “The fact that the major decision makers of CIE Tours are now including Youghal on their routes is testament to the years of investment through Youghal’s Heritage-Led Regeneration Strategy by Youghal Town Council – in the Town Walls, St.Mary’s Collegiate Church and heritage signage for example; together with the marketing efforts of The Youghal Chamber of Tourism & Development in attracting coach tour business over the years.   Once CIE Tours as the market leaders come on board, it is only a matter of time before other operators begin to take notice of Youghal too.” said Aileen.

Commenting on the opportunity, President of Youghal Chamber of Tourism and Development, Mary O’ Donnell said: “This is a great opportunity for Youghal and I am delighted with the positive outcome to last Thursdays meeting with Conor Wall and Senior representatives of CIE bus tours in Dublin.  We will work hard on completing the requirements requested to become a CIE Tour destination.

Mary went on to thank Sal Tivy-Vice President for researching contacts for the meeting with CIE Tours and also Eileen Quill – Chamber Director and Aileen Murray- YSEDG for attending the Dublin meeting and presenting our wonderful town and all it has to offer as a very attractive stop over and tourist destination.

“I welcome all prospects for potential tourism generation for our town and locality”, said Mary. “We are delighted to secure CIE tour excursions to Youghal for 2012 and being placed on a full programme for CIE tours for the 2013 season.  This will increase business and employment and bring a very welcome boost to our local economy.”

CIE Escorted Tours operate from March each year on a weekly basis through to November.  The Company is also considering various packages which the Chamber of Tourism & Development has compiled, including a number of tour and lunch options.

Issued by: Youghal Chamber of Tourism & Development &

Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group (YSEDG)

Contact:

Ø  Mary O’Donnell: (Pres. Youghal Chamber): T: 024-20200 E: mary@clearviewproperties.ie

Ø  Aileen Murray (YSEDG): T: 024-81814  E: tourism@youghal.ie

Aileen Murray,

Manager, Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group,

7-10 Enterprise Youghal,

Emmet Place,

Youghal,

Co. Cork.

Tel: 00 353 24 81814

E: tourism@youghal.ie

W: www.youghal.ie

F:www.facebook.com/youghal.ie

YOUGHAL is awash with Maroon and Yellow ahead of this Sunday’s Cork County Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship Final. The build up has had to be pretty quick with just an eight day window between last Saturday evenings semi final replay victory over Newcestown at Pairc Ui Rinn.

But the whirlwind effect of Youghal’s appearance in the final and the possibility of winning the championship for the first time since 1993 and the possibility of Senior Hurling returning to the town has stoked the fires of excitement, hope and above all the belief that it is our time to shine again.
With all these hopes brings all types of pressure on the nerves, but they are good nerves and when Peter Queally’s men take to the field at Pairc Ui Rinn this Sunday the 9th of October at 3.45pm, history is on the line and the town will cheer on the Youghal Boys with all their heart.

Businesses and shops and the general Community have been getting behind the Youghal team in their own way. An Post, AIB, Cree’s, Sport and Leisure, the Charity Shop, Sean Twomey’s Butchers, Fergal Cullinanes and Absolute Flowers are an example of the effort people are making to show their support.

The Youghal Club are not finished there, they still want people to show their colours and fly the flag for Youghal. More bunting will stream the Main Street of the town and watch out for strategic flag placements like Tyntes Castle, The Clock Gate and The Town Hall. Keep it going Lads “Up the Youghal Boys’

Click on image to see just some of the shop front decorated in the Maroon and Yellow colours

FORMER YOUGHAL TOWN COUNCILLOR OLLY CASEY is set for a whale of an adventure next November when he travels to America to deliver his reminiscences on the filming of Moby Dick in Youghal to a theatre audience. Olly will be the guest of Paris-based Irish theatre company Gare St. Lazare Players Ireland, who will be performing their one-man adaption of Moby Dick in the Zeiterion Performing Arts Centre, New Bedford, Massachussets. The show runs for three performances on Fri/Sat Nov 4th & 5th during the renowned company’s ten-venue US tour  as part of ‘Imagine Ireland- a Year of Irish arts in America 2011,’ supported by Culture Ireland.

A themed lecture, walking tour, a children’s film festival and a related art exhibition will accompany the show’s run. Olly will also travel with some photos from the time and is keen to hear from anyone who has any relevant material or memorabilia that he could also bring on the trip.

Olly’s invitation comes after his recollections impressed the acting group when they performed the play at the Mall Arts Centre in April 2009 during his term as mayor. “As a 12 year- old I watched those scenes being filmed back in 1954? and I can remember it all as if it was yesterday,” says Olly. “A lot of what I recall would be undocumented and it seemed to strike a strong chord with the group. When I got the e-mail inviting ne to join them in November I was both honoured and delighted.”

Obliging

Herman Melville’s 1851 novel is often considered America’s greatest ever noel. John Huston’s 1956 film portrayal with Gregory Peck and Richard Basehart is likewise deemed a classic. Aficionados of either are sure to be intrigued by the Youghal man’s eyewitness accounts to his hometown assuming the mantle of a mid-19th century New England whaling port. “I remember seeing the repeated takes in the opening scenes and hearing Ishmael’s (Royal Dano) famous warning to Starbuck (Leo Genn): ‘At sea one day you’ll smell land where there’ll be no land and on that day Ahab will go to his grave, but he’ll rise again within the hour,’” he recalls with a chuckle.

Olly says that practically all the cast and crew lodged locally, “except Gregory Peck, who stayed in the Metropole in Cork. We’d follow them around, picking up their discarded cigarette boxes and asking for autographs. They were very obliging. If we asked ten times, they’d sign,” he recalls. Mr. Peck, for all his prowess and presence was “probably here more in a promotional capacity,” offers Olly, “as he doesn’t appear in the film until well out at sea.”

Pubs and prosperity

The filming centred round Barry’s Lane, where Paddy Linehan, proprietor of Linehan’s Bar, acquired a special dispensation to open from 6 am. “It was always jammed and Paddy, fast on the ball, erected a banner portraying ‘Moby Dick’s Saloon’ on the front of his premises. Linehan’s of course subsequently and ever since became Moby Dick’s Bar.

Across the laneway stood a pub of a different ilk. “That was Mrs. Boland’s house, its frontage altered to represent Peter Coffin’s (Joseph Tomelty) Spouter Inn,” informs Olly. “Then at either end of the lane you had the Youghal fire brigade creating rain by turning on the hoses while huge fans dispersed the spray onto the set!”

Though the town only features in the opening minutes the filming spanned June to most of August, providing an incredible boost to a local, depressed economy. “Certainly a lot of money was spent on supplies and materials,” agrees Olly. “Then there was work on the set itself. My mother, Margaret (‘Tilly’) got 30 shillings a day –that’s €9 a week- as an extra. My father John was earning £7 a week working at the gasworks so you can gauge how lucrative it was. I remember seeing hundreds gathering at the back of the town hall hoping to get hired as extras. At the same time you would get Gregory Peck dodging in and out the back and front entrances!”

Abiding memories for an ambassador

Olly’s insights are further augmented through his mother’s role as caretaker in the town, where she had close proximity to the many props and accessories stored there. Yet one of his dearest impressions of the time came many years later, as he perused some photographs of the occasion provided by council colleague Liam Burke. “I recognised my mother crossing the Market Square in her costume as an extra,” he says. “That image has really stayed with me.”

His most abiding memory from the live event however derives from watching the iconic, early morning scene of Captain Ahab’s ship, the Peaquod, sail past Youghal Lighthouse, “towards the world.” He reasons it as reflective of Walter Raleigh, to name but one, having also sailed from Youghal to visit the world.

Though not by sea, the lone traveller that will be Olly Casey will depart Youghal for the wider world next November as an ambassador for the town in similar vein. “Yes, I’m conscious that in a personal capacity I am promoting Youghal to some extent,” he agrees. “And it would be great if something positive for the town were to arise from it. We’ll wait and see.”

Lauded show

As for the other one-man performance, Gare St Lazare’s adaption sees actor Conor Lovett, accompanied by original music from Caoimhin O’Raghallaigh on fiddle, viola and uileann pipes “catche the humour and the wisdom of Ishmael’s commentary,” according to Zeiterion’s website, adding, “It is everything Moby Dick should be.”

The critics seem to agree: “A Must-see. Lovett holds us spellbound as he captures the humour as well as the wisdom of Melville,” swoons the Irish Examiner;  “A distillation of Melville’s genius,” urges the Irish Times. “Mesmerizin,” echoes Eamon McCann and “Lovett’s capacity to hold an audience is remarkable,” considers” the Guardian. Wait until they see Olly…..!!

Olly Casey is keen to hear form anyone who could lend memorabilia for his journey; Please contact him on 086-8105739

 

A Plein air paint out in Youghal Co.Cork,on September 11th 2011 where the South West gang brave the elements. Click on the video below.

Plein air is a term derived from the French phrase en plein air, which literally means ‘in the open air’. It’s a familiar concept today, but in the late 1800s when the Impressionists ventured out of their studios into nature to investigate and capture the effects of sunlight and different times of days on a subject, it was quite revolutionary.

TEAM YOUGHAL will create history on Sunday (Sept 11th 2011) when they will compete in the 1,350 mile Race Around Ireland Cycle Race for the third successive year. This year the team will be raising funds for two local charities, Youghal Hospice and Youghal Meals on Wheels.

THE RACE AROUND IRELAND is quite simply the toughest cycling endurance test in Europe covering a massive distance of 1,350 miles travelling through all four Irish Provinces with many steep climbs and sharp descents along the way.

What makes this such a fantastic challenge is the constant flow of the race which runs 24 hours a day from start to finish, with little or no let up and that overwhelming desire not only to complete the race, but to win it!

‘Team Youghal’s’ winning time in the 2009 ‘Race Around Ireland’ was clocked at 90 hours and 6 minutes and they improved this by almost two hours last year in very poor weather conditions.

The race is part of the Ultra Marathon Cycling Association (UMCA) World Cup Series and the race is organised by the Navan Road Club and is sanctioned by Cycling Ireland.

In the ‘Race Around Ireland’ once the clock starts for ‘Team Youghal’ in Navan on September 11th it won’t stop until they reach the finish line at the end of the 1,350 mile circuit. This is the second most gruelling bike races in the world, the toughest being the Race Across America and Team Youghal became the first Irish 8 Person Team to complete this race in June of this year in seven days and 14 hours.

Team Leader Ger Flanagan said “This is a great group of people and there is a great togetherness about the team both on the bikes and in the support crew. The support crew are the vital cog in our whole race attempt. We are looking forward to taking on this challenge for a 3rd successive year and would like to ask as many people as possible to support the excellent work of Youghal Hospice and Youghal Meals on Wheels”. Sponsorship Cards are in circulation from Youghal Meals and Wheels, Youghal Hospice and from Team Youghal.

Team Youghal held a launch for their chosen charities at Youghal Hospital recently and both charities as really looking forward to the race. The Race will pass through Youghal on Wednesday 14TH September and once again the Walter Raleigh Hotel has been chosen by the Race Organisers as an Official Time Station.

Organising or working on an event such as the ‘Race Around Ireland’ takes massive work hours and ‘Race Around Ireland’ race director Alan Heary and his team deserve tremendous praise for their efforts.

Alan Heary said “Team Youghal’ are a very important part of the ‘Race Around Ireland’ event, because they bring a very professional team and back up crew to the race, with everything in terms of planning and structure as well as pure enthusiasm and effort, plus the age range in the team is so varied it shows that there is no age barrier for ‘Team Youghal’ because of their superb preparation. I think the spirit of the event is defined by ‘Team Youghal’ in their approach to everyone involved in the event. There is nobody they wouldn’t help or give the best advice to, there is always an excellent genuine attitude, I believe ‘Team Youghal’ embodies everything that is good about the ‘Race Around Ireland’ and we are delighted to see them back to defend their title”.

The race route through Cork is incredible, entering the County in Glengarriff, heading on to Bantry, Goleen, Mizen Head, Skull, Ballydehob, Skibbereen, Leap, Ross Carbery, Clonakilty, Timoleague, Ballinspittle, Kinsale, Ballincollig, Kerry Pike, Blarney, Cork City (Including St Patrick’s Hill) Glanmire, Carrigtwohill, Midleton, Castlemartyr, Killeagh and on to Youghal, before heading to Dungarvan and on the Mahon Falls.

To keep up to date with ‘Team Youghal’s’ race progress plus daily reports log into www.teamyoughal.com

Friday, August 19th, 2011

Stanton Pleased with Youghal Ambulance Talks

CORK EAST FINE GAEL TD, DAVID STANTON has said that the meeting which he arranged regarding Youghal ambulance which took place today with senior officials of the National Ambulance Service, public representatives, some GPs from Youghal was very constructive and informative for both sides. The meeting was also attended by Minister of State Sean Sherlock, Sandra McLellan TD, Cllr Barbara Murray and the Mayor of Youghal, Cllr Eoin Coyne.

Deep concern and unease has been expressed in Youghal and surrounding areas at reports that the ambulance service in the area would be downgraded.

“We had the opportunity today to express these concerns at the highest level and we received a full briefing from the HSE on their plans and changes that are being envisaged.

“There is certainly a need to ensure that the best possible and most appropriate emergency service is available. I welcome the fact that the HSE have promised to engage fully with local GPs and public representatives.

“Both sides today learned a lot from the engagement and I would hope that the discussion on the very complex issues involved will result in an improved service in the long run.

“There will be further meetings and engagement on this very important issue.

Councillors in attendance were Mayor Eoin Coyne (FF), Barbara Murray (FG), Michelle Hennessy (SF), Liam Burke (Greens), Sammy Revins (FF) and Mary Linehan-Foley (FF).

The meeting was preceded by an address to the chamber from Youghal ambulance paramedic Pat McCarthy, outlining details and concerns regarding the proposed replacement of the Youghal ambulance service with a paramedic car.

Meanwhile the chamber sat in diminished numbers, due to the absence three councillors, ill health accounting for the absence of Cllrs Tommy O’Connell (Lab)and Eoin Flanagan(SF) and a delay at Heathrow airport responsible Cllr Michael Beecher (FG)being unable to attend.

Town Clerk’s Report:

Town Clerk Liam Ryan circulated a detailed application for inclusion in an upcoming six-part television series being produced by Amino TV for RTE 1. The show is searching for a town “with ideas” for regeneration and for which entrepreneur Feargal Quinn “is willing provide experts and resources to help its citizens make their town a better place.” The chosen town will be “serve as a microcosm of what is possible throughout the rest of the country as old habits are thrown out and new ideas are fostered and encouraged.” The application, compiled in conjunction with the Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group, profiles Youghal from various perspectives, including its many natural and man-made attractions, its difficulties in terms of employment, media depiction and business confidence, its untapped tourism potential, various community organisations, training schemes, emerging groups and initiatives, festivals and so on. The application was widely appreciated and the town awaits the result of the selection committee, probably in August or early September.

Congratulations:

Cllr Linehan Foley congratulated Team Youghal on its 3,000 trans-America cycle on behalf of the Emer Casey Foundation, saying, “They did the town proud.” The councillor also lauded St Raphael’s for their wonderful open day that weekend and for their excellent year generally. Cllr Hennessy praised Youghal GAA for its recent Féile, remarking that visitors were amazed at the excellent organisation and selfless efforts of volunteers involved, some of whom took time off work to participate. Mayor Coyne congratulated Bill Cooper on becoming the first Youghal player in ten years to represent Cork at senior hurling level.

Town Foreman’s Report:

Cllr Burke asked that the potholes in Nealon’s Quay be filled.  Cllr Hennessy said the graveyard was generally looking well but that paint was needed at the entrance and at the rear of the site. She also wanted the slipway and steps at Harvey’s Docks cleaned and repaired respectively, while some concrete blocks that had fallen at the Gaol Steps junction with Ashe Street needed to be removed. Mayor Coyne asked that benches at the 49 steps, which were being underused, be relocated “possibly to the graveyard.”

Cork County Council Items:

Cllr Linehan Foley said the road near Copperally was “a disaster zone,” with a wall about to collapse, possibly “on some child.” She expressed thanks for the repair of the “40,000 potholes” in the same area. The councillor referred to a tyre-damaging lump adjoining the road and footpath at Dr. Kennedy’s Place. Town engineer Paul Murray said he would have it removed but that it was caused by a contractor who had conducted drainage work and he felt it was really the property owner’s responsibility.  Cllr Linehan-Foley said the owner had facilitated the council when it was draining the adjacent cemetery and felt a bit of concrete to smooth the rough would be inexpensive and appropriate on the council’s behalf. She also recalled a time when contractors had been on site undertaking other work, whence she had been assured by Cork County Council representative Jack McCarthy that the issue would be addressed. Months later, nothing had transpired.

Toxic waste

Cllr Linehan Foley sought clarification on the Eros Eco sludge treatment plant’s efforts to accept hazardous waste. She had –along with her council colleagues- received an e-mail from “a very concerned citizen” in regard to same. Cllr Murray explained that Cork County Council had granted to company permission to accept hazardous/toxic waste (from such locations as Ringaskiddy and Little Island pharmaceutical plants.) She believed there had been only one observation (objection) made to the application and that had come from the Youghal Chamber of Commerce and Tourism. That same organisation was now appealing the subsequent planning permission to An Bord Pleanála, with the outcome awaited. The town council wanted the public be informed that it had no “hand, act or part to play” in the planning process. (Youghal Town Council, being a relative subsidiary of Cork County Council, would also have been unable to submit an objection to the original planning application.)

Cllr Murray added that when the original tenants on the site, AVR Solutions, received the initial planning permission for the plant, the Chamber spent €9,000 appealing that also. “The Bord went against the report of its own inspectors and dismissed the appeal,” she informed. The town clerk said the licence to run the service would have to be acquired from the EPA. Thus that body would ultimately decide whether the trucks bearing toxic waste would be travelling to Youghal.

Potholes, drains, litter….

Cllr Revins drew attention to two “craters”, at the top of the ESB lane and at the rear end of Brown Street. He too thanked the engineer for the Copperally pothole removals. Cllr Burke was grateful that the drainage pipe at the front strand had been extended –after some seven years of campaigning for it. He repeated his regular requests for remedial action on the footpaths at Tallow Street, South Main Street and the junction of South Abbey and Strand Street.

Cllr Murray said that as the height restrictor at Claycastle car park had once again been damaged, it was time to place an earlier, more noticeable and more effective advance warning sign on the approach to it. The councillor wondered if the mobile CCTV used to combat illegal dumping could also be employed at the Claycastle. Meanwhile, she said birds were “actually going into the bins” and extracting litter” there and she wondered if some sort of wire mesh could be placed on the bins o counteract this. Cllr Murray also asked that a section of road at Ballyvergan be “reinstated” to address flooding arising from some drainage works carried out a year ago by a developer. The engineer said the issue now involved the (ironically-termed) liquidator. However,  a bond remained and he would make inquiries.

Boy rackets….and girl victims

Mayor Coyne said so-called ‘boy racers’ were “terrorising people in the vicinity of Claycastle on a nightly basis, with locals and tourists in the nearby caravan parks being particularly disturbed. Cllr Revins asked that a motion he had tabled some time ago to erect gates or barriers at the entrance to the car park be revisited. However the town clerk –supported by Cllr Linehan Foley- said that closing the area at night amounted merely to moving the problem elsewhere. Cllr Revins proceeded that it was “a traffic problem” and that the council “should be calling on the traffic corp to do their job.” He asked whether the legislation to combat noise pollution from modified cars actually existed or was being utilised. “There’s nothing being done,” he continued. “These guys are terrorising people, while if you drive out the road and pass the speed limit, you get two penalty points. It’s ridiculous.” He said the drivers were on school holidays and their “mammies and daddies” were unaware of their behaviour.  Town Manager Patricia Power suggested the matter be raised at the bi-annually Joint Policing Committee, next September. Cllr Revins countered that the summer would by then be gone, as would the tourists in the caravans, who might well decide to stay away. Besides, he argued the gardai are already well aware of the problem.

Extending the discussion, Cllr Murray said she had met two girls, probably aged about 15, on the beach earlier that morning. One had a swollen lip and both were seeking money to get back to Cork. They said they had been attacked the night previous in the course of trouble for which the gardai had arrived. Cllr Murray allowed the girls to use her phone to contact a friend for assistance. It emerged that about 30 young people had travelled by bus to the beach for a drinking session the evening before. “Something happened and these two girls were wandering the beach at 8 am having been out all night,” she concluded. “Where their parents?” pondered Cllr Linehan Foley.

Planning Applications Received:

Cllr Linehan-Foley asked for details on two planning applications now lodged by Seafield Partnerships for a proposed development on the old Seafield Fabrics building. The applications are in respect of an Aldi store, a seated restaurant and a drive-through area. Additionally planning permission is being sought for a five-unit ‘neighbourhood centre.’ (See elsewhere in this issue for further details.) Welcoming the applications, the town clerk said that “from a retail perspective, the town cannot stand still.” Cllr Revins said the plans promised to revitalise the strand area, where visitors were complaining that acquiring even a cup of coffee was proving difficult! He urged that CIE hand over their strand property (the neglected eyesore that is the old railway station) to the town council to help regenerate the area for tourism. Cllr Linehan-Foley fervently hoped that nothing would stop the proposed development.

Traffic Management Plan Church Street, De Valera Street, Ashe Street and Emmet Place:

It was agreed to invite submissions by placing the Plan for public consultation. In basic terms the four options being presented are as follows:

1: Church Street to have local access, with no through road, Ashe street two-way and De Valera Street one-way from North Main Street to Ashe Street.

2: Traffic calming measures on both DeValera Street and Church Street while though traffic on both routes.

3: Restrict access to Hayman’s Hill from Friar Street by implementing a one-way system from Windmill Hill to Friar Street (translates as no through traffic Hayman’s Hill to Ashe Street).

4: Leave the situation as is.

It is hoped that following public submissions, a consensus will be reached on a plan that can be implemented on a trial basis to resolve this long-running saga.

Taking in charge procedure for Cnoc Aoibhinn, Youghal, Co. Cork including Public Road Motion: “That the road at Cnoc Aoibhinn, Youghal. Co. Cork length 209 linear metres be declared a public road, due consideration having been given to the financial implications of same:” This was adopted unanimously.

Taking in charge of Hillcrest, Cork Hill, Youghal: This too was passed unanimously.

Proposed Heritage Asset Management Plan for St. Mary’s Collegiate Church, Emmet Place, Youghal, Co. Cork: Similarly agreed.

Motion in the name of Cllr. Murray seconded by Cllr. Beecher:

‘Youghal Town Council to conduct a harbour audit with a view to maximizing the potential of the harbour for sea faring visitors. The audit should address issues such as visitors’ moorings, landing, launching, dock area usage and ancillary services.’

In the absence of Cllr Beecher, Cllr Murray spoke on the motion. She said most seafarers were using the Almanac berthing system and were having difficulty landing at Youghal. “I think it’s very important that we know what we have, utilise it properly and put some order on the harbour,” she advised. The councillor said she had spoken to harbour users and that most would not have a problem with moving moorings to implement a better outlay. This was particularly relevant in regard to Youghal eventually acquiring a marina, added Cllr Murray. The motion was adopted.

Motion in the name of Cllr. Hennessy and seconded by Cllr. Flanagan:

(a) ‘To call on the Minister for Health not to replace Ambulance vehicles with First Responders cars in the East Cork Area’.

(b) To call on the Minister for Health not to reduce the Southdoc GP out of hours service from 3 to 2 doctors covering the East Cork area’.

Cllr Hennessy said any reduction in the quality of the ambulance service in the east Cork area would “definitely cost lives” and that the ‘golden hour’ survival time must be fully considered, especially in relation to cardiac emergencies. She urged the government to invest in the training of emergency medical technicians to meet “increasingly complex” medical issues.

The councillor also argued that the Southdoc GP service was “absolutely vital” for the delivery of 24/7 primary care. She referred to Health Minister James Reilly’s advocacy of primary care towards the reduction of patient numbers in overcrowded emergency wards. The as yet unconfirmed rumour of a reduced Southdoc service was “in total contradiction to the government’s stated health plan,” she noted, adding that only three cars presently served the area.

Cllr Revins said he recently experienced a two hour delay in a Southdoc response to a call. He urged that the motion be circulated to other town councils and to Cork County Council. The councillor reflected that Youghal Town Council had supported the implementation of Southdoc “but here it is being cut back.”  Cllr Linehan-Foley recalled assurances that there would be no reduction in service quality.

The town clerk said frontline services in relation to the HSE, gardai and local authorities were now being hit. “The cut backs are being made at the wrong end of the equation,” he stated, “and need to be made more strategically within the departments instead of on frontline services,” which is hurting communities. “It’s being incorrectly dealt with and will get worse,” he concluded.

Cllr Murray urged that an analysis of Southdoc’s services in terms of area covered and car usage be sought. The meeting turned full circle as discussion moved towards the propose reduction in ambulance service. Cllr Burke suggested that, as government policy was instigating the frontline cutback, a Dáil Motion “aimed at maintaining ambulance coverage” should be moved through Deputy Sandra McLellan. It was felt that this would also help gauge support from other constituency TDs. This was agreed.

Over the first weekend in July, Eochaill Óg hosted a venue for the 2011 Féile (All-Ireland U14 Football Championship). This was a huge undertaking by many Clubs across the county with 186 teams taking part. Youghal hosted 2 teams, St. Bridgets (Roscommon) & Sean O’Heslins (Leitrim), while over the 2 days 5 other visting clubs (Killeagh/Itas, Kiltha Óg, Carrickmacross Emmetts (Monaghan), Newmarket & Ballyphehane) all descened upon Club Aras. The action commenced on Thursday with the local boys taking on near neighbours Killeagh/Itas and Kiltha Óg taking on Carrickmacross Emmetts from Co. Monaghan. The Youghal boys quickly found themselves 0-6 to no score down after 10 minutes but were given a lifeline 5 minutes to half time when they scored a goal after their first attack. This settled the team and they tacked on another 2 pts before the short whistle. The second half was a very competitive affair with the Youghal boys eventually winning on a scoreline 1-6 to 0-8.

Our girls took the field against Sean O’Heslins the Leitrim champions. Youghal got a terrific start by scoring a goal just after Heslins opened their account. The more experienced and physically stronger Leitrim girls eventually took control to run out convincing winners 2-11 to 2-0. In other games the visiting teams proved to be too strong for all local teams and Friday’s first boy’s game between St. Bridgets (Roscommon) & Carrickmacross Emmetts (Monaghan) decided who progressed to the semi-final stages. This was a cracker of a game with the Roscommon boys eventually winning after withholding a strong 2nd half comeback from Carrickmacross.
The girls group proved to be a more tighter affair with all 3 visiting teams ending up on 6 points each, the ababcus’ in the county board was called for and our host team, Sean O’Heslins were declared winners on a scoring difference of 1 point. Unfortunately both winners from Youghal were beaten in the semi-final stages on the Friday evening.

The highlight of the weekend was the participation in the parade from the Mardike to Grand Parade in South Mall. With over 4000 pkayers marching with their Club & County flags there was a real carnival atmosphere to throughout the evening. All the boys & girls were in full voice with “Up the Youghal Girls”, “Everywhere we Go” and “Up the Youghal Boys” and then we marched on to meet our own Clubman and President of the GAA Christy Cooney where each captain received a momento pennant. After the parade, on our return to Club Aras the host families picked up their visiting players and brought them home for a well earned rest and the start of friendships between players for years to come. On the Friday night Eochaill Óg held a social event in the Walter Raleigh with a disco for all the teams and a traditional music session in the bar with Ceoltais entertaining the parents, supporters and Club members. At the end of the evening both visting teams and Eochaill Óg made presentations to each other as a momento of the weekend.
Overall this was a fantastic weekend for our Club and also the town with over 200 visitors staying for the weekend. With fabulous weather over the 2 days Youghal was shown in a very positive light and hopefully some of these Féile visitors will return and revisit our historic town.

Eochaill Óg would like to take this opportunity to thank all members who helped in anyway in organising the weekend under the leadership of Féile Officer, Kieran Cliffe, our sponsors Shane Keohane Scaffolding, The Coffee Pot, O’Neills Oil, Galvins Cost Cutters, Twomeys Butchers, The Red Store & Noel Cronin. For entertainment over the weekend many thanks to The Walter Raleigh Hotel for the hall and to Ceoltais and to DJ Andrew for musical entetainment.

For photos of the weekend please check out – http://www.youghal.cork.gaa.ie/home/club-photos

 

Marine leisure strategy for South Cork coastline
By Leo McMahon

A MARINE Leisure Infrastructure Strategy (2010-2020) for around 500 kilometres of South Cork coastline stretching from Timoleague to Youghal was officially launched by Cllr Kevin Murphy at County Hall recently.

It complements a similar strategy for West Cork covering 700km from the Kerry border to Courtmacsherry which was completed in 2008 and is aimed at ensuring development of coastal inlets, bays, beaches and harbours in a coherent and sustainable manner by making the best use of existing and planned infrastructure and to create a quality brand for coastal tourism and leisure in Ireland’s largest county.

‘This publication contains an Action Plan with inputs from over 100 stakeholder organisations and a steering group with representatives from the county council, Kinsale, Cork and Youghal Town Councils, the Ports of Kinsale, Cork and Youghal, Failte Ireland, the Coast and Marine Resources Centre attached to UCC, South and East Cork Area Development (SECAD), West Cork Development Partnership and Inland Fisheries Ireland’, said Cllr Murphy, who is also a member of Kinsale Harbour Commissioners.

The motive behind both West and South Cork strategies, he pointed out, was to ‘use resources, reassess their value and tap into the potential of marine infrastructure to develop sustainable products, services and jobs and also encourage investment along the coast’.

County manager Martin Riordan said the Cork coastline was a unique asset and because its nature and uses had changed over the years, it was necessary to revisit it, build on the product and ensure its potential was maximised.

Complimenting the compilers of the 158 page report, he said Cork had for the first time, a detailed inventory of infrastructure and service providers. ‘We now need to maintain momentum behind this work because this strategy will engage and encourage many agencies to promote development and initiatives.

‘Tourism is one of the key sectors with potential for growth. We have the infrastructure we need to see how we can brand, package and market the unique product and services we have but it is important that we all understand and appreciate what we have along our coastline if we are to showcase it to visitors. Let’s build on the great potential identified in this strategy’, Mr Riordan added.

The strategy comprises an overview highlighting the importance of marine tourism and recreation etc, methodology, an action plan and proposals for its implementation. There are also several appendices including an audit of all coastal facilities in Kinsale Harbour, Crosshaven, Ringaskiddy, Monkstown and Passage West, Cork city, Cobh and other parts of Cork Harbour; from Timoleague to Harbour View and Coolmain, Garrettstown and Old Head, Oysterhaven, Nohoval, Roberts Cove to Myrtleville and along the coast of East Cork via Inch, Ballycotton and Knockadoon to Youghal. There are also sections on the riparian infrastructure of Inniscarra.

Fifty-two short and long-term actions are detailed in the strategy. A key proposal is to create a coastal brand or quality mark for the entire Cork coastline with a central information website.

Short-term priorities include the upgrading of parking and the slipway in Sandycove near Kinsale, develop a commercial tourism pick up/drop off point for angling and commercial tourism at Adams Quay, Kinsale; develop a boat park and slipway near Archdeacon Duggan Bridge, Kinsale; further develop water sports at Garrettstown and Oysterhaven, identify locations for public moorings in Cork Harbour and Oysterhaven, identify four key water access points in Cork Harbour, develop a pontoon or marina and public moorings in Youghal, install uniform water trail and bird watching signage, further develop Spike Island and Fort Camden for heritage tourism, develop a new access with trailer parking at Fountainstown, support the use of Dooneen Pier near the Old Head for angling and tour boats and improve water quality.

Encouraging non traditional users of the sea to engage in marine activities and promote the development of curricula for school children using existing adventure centre facilities are other proposals of which there are many in the strategy highlighting the many opportunities for the county.

Among those who attended the launch were Denis Healy, Port of Cork; Kinsale Harbour Master, Captain Phil Devitt, county councillors and various stakeholders.

Copies of the Marine Leisure Infrastructure Strategy are available from administrative officer Rose Carroll, Cork County Council, Corporate Affairs, Floor 14, County Hall, Cork, who had a major input into the project. It can also be viewed on the website www.corkcoco.ie

Source: www.southernstar.ie

BY LEO McMAHON Saturday July 16th, 2011

The only town in Ireland to be awarded three Blue Flags for 2011, Youghal was celebrating last night (Thursday 9th June 2011) and hoping that the announcement by Environment Minister Phil Hogan will draw much-needed additional tourism into the area. The east Cork town gained an extra flag for its Front Strand while retaining the standard for both Redbarn and Claycastle – much to the delight of the Town Council.

“We had an inkling of the news last week but we now have three Blue Flag beaches that stretch across all areas of our strand. This is a very rare achievement and we are absolutely thrilled,” Helen Mulcahy, acting Town Clerk, told the Cork News.

“We were very disappointed when we lost the Blue Flag for Front Strand. There was a problem with the water quality but it really was borderline and could be attributed to bad weather at the time. Readings are taken at certain times of the year though, and they don’t always do justice to the quality of the water.

“However, this year we ticked all the boxes. We’ve been working very hard cleaning the beaches and putting various facilities in place like wheelchair ramps and litter bins. We’ve been going around the clock trying to meet all the criteria and thankfully we have managed to do just that. This is a great achievement for the Town Council, the local Tidy Town group and for Cork County Council.”

There are high hopes the news will result in more tourists coming in to visit the town, which has suffered badly from factory closures and job losses over the last number of years. “Youghal has been very badly hit recently, especially by the amount of unemployment we’re seen. One of the few assets the town has left is its beaches and we have to do everything we can to exploit that,” Ms. Mulcahy added.

“Youghal has beautiful strands and it’s a wonderful place to come and visit or spend some time on holiday. If visitors come, it could well generate more employment in the locality and hopefully start something positive. People come from far and wide to use Blue Flag beaches and tend to avoid ones that aren’t designated with the award. So we do expect a good response from the public and for them to come in their droves, especially if the sun starts to shine.”

Cork received 11 Blue Flags in total for criteria such as water quality, information provision and beach management and the national total of 82 is an increase of eight from 2010. The other beaches in Cork are Garryvoe, Garretstown, Garrylucas, Inchydoney, Owenahincha, the Warren, Tragumna and Barleycove.

Source: thecorknews.ie