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On Sunday last 21st August 2011, visitors once again flocked in their thousands to the stunning surroundings of St. Mary’s College Gardens in Youghal for the 5th Annual Youghal Medieval Festival. Events were planned to coincide with The Irish Walled Towns Network celebrations of National Heritage Week.
The Freelancing Knights of Redemption entertaining the large crowd at Youghal's Medieval Festival in St. Mary’s College Gardens which coincides with The Irish Walled Towns Network celebrations of National Heritage Week.
Official figures on the day saw in excess of 6,000 people visit the free annual event over the course of the day. The Heritage Council of Ireland undertook a series of surveys at the event, with initial results showing that there was a huge surge in people attending from outside the region. “This year in particular we seem to have attracted visitors making their way from far and wide”, commented Clodagh Mahon who conducted the surveys. “I interviewed visitors who had made their way from Carlow, Kilkenny and beyond, but also met with families from overseas, the UK in particular, who had actually planned their stay around the event, which in turn delivers a great spin-off for the town.”
Celebrations kicked off at 12.00 pm where the ‘Medieval Quarter’ played host to an abundance of performers, guests and festival goers all of whom came out in their droves. The renowned ‘Freelance Knights of Redemption’ from Cavan undertook a full fighting and weaponry display while elsewhere in the Medieval encampment visitors were huddled around the roasting ‘lamb on the spit’ to observe the wonderful styles of medieval cookery. This year’s highlight proved to be the ‘have a go’ archery, which in keeping with the spirit of the day, was free.
It was a case of ‘back to basics’ for kids this year with a focus on arts and crafts and traditional games taking centre stage. Speaking on behalf of the organising committee Catherine Desmond said: “Parents were delighted with the concept of ‘back to basics’ fun. Children were able to get involved and create their own medieval hats and colour their medieval shields which they could then wear and bring home as a souvenir. Each year the committee tries to incorporate a good balance of fun, education and heritage into the festival and I think it’s fair to say that we achieved just that.” said Catherine.
A range of quality food and craft stalls only added to the electric atmosphere of the gardens in ‘Maid Marion’s Food & Craft Fair’. Traders recreated the colourful atmosphere of a noisy Medieval Marketplace and visitors were given the chance to purchase unique gifts and top quality food produce.
Local favourites The Youghal Pipe Band took centre stage at 2.00 pm with Community Radio Youghal broadcasting live throughout the day.
Romans Ireland, based in Cork City, at Youghal's Medieval Festival in St. Mary’s College Gardens which coincides with The Irish Walled Towns Network celebrations of National Heritage Week.
Cllr Mary Linehan Foley of Youghal Heritage Committee, the organisers of the event, thanked everyone for their support on the day: “The event was a tremendous success again this year, and I would like to take the opportunity to thank our many hard working volunteers who worked tirelessly before, during and after the event. Festivals like these rely heavily on volunteers and it’s great to see such community spirit. The Councillor paid particular tribute to members of the Youghal Concerned Citizens who also gave of their time on the day.
Youghal Medieval Festival was organised by The Youghal Municipal Heritage Committee and was funded by the Heritage Council of Ireland and Youghal Town Council. Marketing efforts were supported by South & East Cork Area Development.
Click on image to enlarge – Pics: John Hennessy
Congratulations to performers from Blackwater Academy who participated in Midletons Feile, a music and singing competition.
Elizabeth Burke, Niamh Kelly, Jo Burke, Erin Galvin, Leah Ahern, Ava Burns, Laura Coady, Kylie O' Rourke (not in picture) and Ciara Mulcahy who achieved first place in the under 14 group singing competition - Pic: Blackwater Academy
Niamh Flavin who came second in the under 12 musical theatre competition - Pic: Blackwater Academy
Up to 30 acts auditioned in The Hot Spot Youth Centre Youghal on Saturday the 18th of December for a chance to perform at The Y Factor Talent Show 2010 at the Walter Raleigh Hotel on Saturday January 8th
The show organised by Sacred Roots will hosted by Cry Fm’s Jane Holly Show along with some special guests.
12 Performers 6 under 14 & 6 over 15 were piked to strut they’re stuff on the night in front of three judges who will choose two winners from each category to receive the accolade of Y Factor winner 2010 plus a cash prize and studio time courtesy of Claycastle Recording studios Youghal.
Its gonna be a cracker so Don’t miss it !!!
The auditions and the show will be filmed and available on dvd in the new year.
HOLLY TWOMEY WITH Y-FACTOR FINALIST SAM FOREST
Sacred Roots is a non-profit voluntary run project encouraging and helping people realise they’re potential through the form of music.
CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE
Amnesty International Cork would like to thank all those who took part and supported the music night which took place at The Gate Bar, Youghal, last May. Local bands as well as musicians and artists from Cork and Waterford gave their services free towards the successful fundraiser. The event raised €670 which will go towards the organisations ongoing campaigns.
Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com | Email: news@youghalonlinecom
Singer/Songwriter Sara Lou Cummins from Dungarvan, Warren Tivy from Claycastle Recording Studios, Youghal, and Ged McKay, proprietor The Gate Bar, presenting the fundraising cheque of €670 on behalf of the musicians and artists who performed free on the night to Jay Flavin from Amnesty Cork. Pic www.youghalonline.com
A special thanks to Ged and Margaret Mckay for hosting the night and special thanks also to all our local sponsors, Allure Beauty Salon, Cyberoom, Walter Raleigh Hotel, Youghal Sports and Leisure, YoughalOnline.com, Coachouse Restaurant, Healing Hands, Niland Hair Salon, Roma Grill, Supervalu, Team Bailey, Valerie’s Hair Salon, Extra Vision and the Malton Hotel, Killarney.
Some of the musicians and bands who performed for free at the Amnesty Gig at The Gate: Clair Regan and daughter Molly, Sinead Griffin, Oliver Loughnan, drummer; John Burke from the band deBurca; Paddy Moloney from the band Pot of Jam, Ged McKay, proprietor of The Gate Bar Back: Chris Bailey, Warren Tivy from Claycastle Recording Youghal, Ian Walsh from the band Dodge & the Urban Druids and Maeve Beecher. Pic: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com
Some of the performers who played at the fundraiser event included, DeBurca, Dodge n’ The Urban Druids, Pot of Jam, The Birds, The Steve Whelan Band, Niall McCarthy n’ Friends and DJ Chris Rocks. Each band performed for 30 mins.
Many thanks to each person who came along to hear the bands.We expect to run the event every few months.
Amnesty’s International campaign continues with a music night in Youghal, tonight Friday May 14th 2010. Local bands as well as musicians and artists from Cork and Waterford will play at the The Gate Bar, Youghal, as a fundraiser for the organisations ongoing campaigns.
Photo: Michael Hussey REDTV.IE Email: news@youghalonline.com
Musicians and bands who will perform at the Amnesty Gig at The Gate: Clair Regan and daughter Molly, Sinead Griffin, Oliver Loughnan, drummer; John Burke from the band deBurca; Paddy Moloney from the band Pot of Jam, Ged McKay, proprietor of The Gate Bar Back: Chris Bailey, Warren Tivy from Claycastle Recording Youghal, Ian Walsh from the band Dodge & the Urban Druids and Maeve Beecher.
Some of the performers who will play at the event include DeBurca, Dodge n ‘ the Urban Druids, Pot of Jam, The Birds, The Steve Whelan Band, Niall McCarthy n Friends, each band will perform for 30 mins. Plus DJ Chris Rocks in the smoking area.
Musicians looking forward to Amnesty night
