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

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

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

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

An independent non-profit survey by YoughalOnline.com, not affiliated with any other bodies. Feedback was anonymous. No fields were mandatory. This survey ran from July 21st to the 5th August 2011. The following results were published on YoughalOnline.com 19th August 2011.

YoughalOnline.com would like to thank all who contributed to this survey. We hope the survey results will help all Youghal businesses and organisations with future planning of festivals and events etc.
Queen of The Sea Festival 2011 – Online Survey Results

 

The winner of the ‘Queen of the Sea’ 2011 is Kate Mulcahy from Youghal. Kate, a former student of Pobalscoil na Tríonóide, is currently studying Psychology and French at Trinity College, Dublin. Report: YOL | Pictures: YOL

Representing the Quay’s Bar, Kate was escorted by her boyfriend, Dónal Breen, and presented with a tiara and sash by last year’s ‘Queen of the Sea’ Susie Fitzgibbon at the crowning ceremony last Saturday night on the ‘Myrtle Grooove’ gig rig stage.

Master of Ceremonies Shane Supple announced the winner in front of a large audience which was also broadcast live on CRY 104fm and on the internet.  Congratulations to Kate and her escort and all the contestants who entered this years event from all of us at YoughalOnline.com.

Youghal, Co. Cork confirmed its status and designation by Failte Ireland as a ‘centre of excellence’ in family fun with its 2nd Family Fun Festival over the weekend (15th – 17th July). A truly action packed festival programme of free family entertainment drew a crowd of in excess of 8,000 visitors to the coastal resort over the course of the weekend.

Events which kicked off in style on Friday evening, with a ‘Mardi Gras’ parade setting the seaside town ablaze with colour.  Highlights of the parade included the contestants in the ‘Queen of the Sea’ competition as they cruised through the town in a range of vintage cars, led out by the nationally renowned ‘Youghal Pipe Band’.  It was all about food food food on Saturday however, with TV celebrity chef Rachel Allen on hand to open the outdoor food emporium.  Over 40 food and craft producers served breakfast, brunch and lunch to the hungry festival goers, with media sponsors 96 FM broadcasting live only adding to the atmosphere!

Sal Tivy, Festival Chairperson commented on the festival weekend saying: “This year’s festival can be summed up as ‘elegance with fun’ in my opinion.  Thousands of people came to Youghal over the course of the weekend and we truly had something for everyone. There was a ‘buzz on the streets’ in Youghal again, something the town badly has been missing.  Hopefully, local traders reaped the economic benefits of the influx of visitors to the town.  We have now established one of the finest festivals in the country, which I have no doubt in the coming years, is set to rival the ‘Rose of Tralee’ said Sal.

Saturday night saw the crowning of Youghal’s very own ‘Queen of the Sea’; 19 year old Kate Mulcahy – who represented The Quay’s Bar, Youghal.  Kate was presented with a cheque for €500, along with a perpetual trophy.  The Queen of the Sea Competition was generously sponsored by Youghal Credit Union.  Sponsor cards taken by which each queen raised badly needed funds for ISPCC’s Childline and the local RNLI.

 

‘Sunday was Funday in Greenpark with the first dog show in Youghal in over 20 years attracting tens of happy hounds to the park.  Shrieks of laughter could be heard all over as couples battled each other and the obstacle course to claim the title in the ‘wife carrying competition’.

A new and exciting addition to this year’s event was the ‘Myrtle Groove’ gig rig, with live performances from quality bands and musicians all weekend long.  The internationally renowned ‘Kila’ took to the stage and received a rapturous welcome from crowds on Saturday evening. At the closing ceremony of the event, Sal Tivy paid tribute to the hard-working committee who worked behind the scenes to make the event possible.  “They were a small, but magnificent hard working team.  I would personally like to express my thanks and say it was these people who made it such a successful event for Youghal.  I would like to say it was my privilege to have worked with them.”  The Festival Committee wishes to thank the townspeople of Youghal and all its sponsors for their support of this event.

Click on image to start slideshow. Pics: YOL

 

THE FESTIVAL featured a non-stop programme of events. Sal Tivy, Festival Chairperson commented on the festival weekend saying: “This year’s festival can be summed up as ‘elegance with fun’ in my opinion.  Thousands of people came to Youghal over the course of the weekend and we truly had something for everyone. There was a ‘buzz on the streets’ in Youghal again, something the town badly has been missing.   Hopefully, local traders reaped the economic benefits of the influx of visitors to the town.  We have now established one of the finest festivals in the country, which I have no doubt in the coming years, is set to rival the ‘Rose of Tralee’ said Sal.

Click on image to see the “Queen of the Sea’ Food Festival 2011. Pics: YOL

 

TV CHEF RACHEL ALLEN was on hand to cut the ribbon with the Mayor of Youghal Eoin Coyne for the official opening of the ‘QUEEN OF THE SEA’ food festival where visitors were invited to take a wander through the many food and craft stalls and taste the finest local produce to be found in the area.

Over 40 food and craft producers served breakfast, brunch and lunch to the hungry festival goers, with media sponsors 96 FM broadcasting live only adding to the atmosphere!

Click on image to start slideshow. Pic: YOL -

 

THE ‘QUEEN OF THE SEA’ FESTIVAL featured a sandcastle building competition which attracted large crowds at the Mall Beach. With the live open air free music concert on the Myrtle Grooove gig rig playing in the background, the Kids-N-Kastles competition got underway in the glorious sunshine at the Mall Beach in the centre of town. This was just one of many fun activities during the festival. Visitors and locals alike strolled up and down the quays taken in the sights, sounds that the ‘Queen of the Sea’has to offer.

Youghal, Co. Cork confirmed its status and designation by Failte Ireland as a ‘centre of excellence’ in family fun with its 2nd Family Fun Festival over the weekend (15th – 17th July). A truly action packed festival programme of free family entertainment drew a crowd of in excess of 8,000 visitors to the coastal resort over the course of the weekend.

Click on image to see the sandcastle building competition

 

Youghal, Co. Cork confirmed its status and designation by Failte Ireland as a ‘centre of excellence’ in family fun with its 2nd Family Fun Festival over the weekend (15th – 17th July). A truly action packed festival programme of free family entertainment drew a crowd of in excess of 8,000 visitors to the coastal resort over the course of the weekend.

Events which kicked off in style on Friday evening, with a ‘Mardi Gras’ parade setting the seaside town ablaze with colour.  Highlights of the parade included the contestants in the ‘Queen of the Sea’ competition as they cruised through the town in a range of vintage cars, led out by the internationally renowned ‘Youghal Pipe Band’.  It was all about food food food on Saturday however, with TV celebrity chef Rachel Allen on hand to open the outdoor food emporium.  Over 40 food and craft producers served breakfast, brunch and lunch to the hungry festival goers, with media sponsors 96 FM broadcasting live only adding to the atmosphere!

Sal Tivy, Festival Chairperson commented on the festival weekend saying: “This year’s festival can be summed up as ‘elegance with fun’ in my opinion.  Thousands of people came to Youghal over the course of the weekend and we truly had something for everyone. There was a ‘buzz on the streets’ in Youghal again, something the town badly has been missing.   Hopefully, local traders reaped the economic benefits of the influx of visitors to the town.  We have now established one of the finest festivals in the country, which I have no doubt in the coming years, is set to rival the ‘Rose of Tralee’ said Sal.

Click on image to see the Youghal Queen of the Sea 2011 Mardi Gras. Pics: YOL

Proud To Be A Part Of Queen Of The Sea Festival

The weather failed to dampen the spirit’s of the large crowd who turned out for the Queen of The Sea festival event held in Youghal last weekend, and one business who were particularly proud to be a part of the event was Abbey Seafood, the new business venture, who usually operate in Dolphin Square Carpark on a Friday and Saturday came to the event armed with lots of fresh fish (and lollipops) having moved for the day to become part of the highly acclaimed family event.

Businessman and ex-Fisherman Adrian said “We were amazed by the crowds that came to the event, and gave us the chance to expand our already growing customer base, and handout recipes and colouring sheets to those attending.  Even the weather didn’t seem to put people off, and the buzz was electric, we hope that events like these become a regular fixture in Youghal.”  The business, run by two brothers, has flourished since their set-up in Youghal, and they have quickly established a large customer base, with regular customers helping to spread the word.

Offering the freshest seafood around, Abbeyseafood aim to bring fish to everyone, and prove once and for all that you don’t have to be a chef, to cook fish.  Adrian also added “Our Mother is from Youghal, so we knew that we would be welcomed by family members, but the welcome that we have got has gone over and above this, we have found some of the friendliest people live in the town, and we are delighted to be here.”   Brother John, who is also involved in the business, said “We aim to prove to people that fish doesn’t have to be frightening and that it can be part of your daily diet, you don’t have to be Jamie Oliver to put together the perfect fish dish.”

With over 30 years combined fishing experience, the brothers have proved that there is life after the construction industry.  Both brothers were unemployed after the collapse of the industry and decided to go back to their roots in order to gain employment and also bring a new asset to the town, by offering everyone the chance to buy fresh fish at competitive prices.

Don’t take our word for it, why not join Abbey Seafood in Dolphin Square on Friday or Saturday from 10am to 4pm, and put their knowledge to the test, or if you can’t make it to the market, why not get them to come to you, just call 087 3668833 or 086 0540963 and they can bring the fish direct to your door!

 

‘Queen Of The Sea 2011’  Youghal 15th – 17th July 2011

Three festivals in one

The Queen of the Sea Contest bears much resemblance to that of the world-famous Rose of Tralee in that it is a contest for young ladies, from whom the winner is chosen according to her hopes, dreams & ambitions and her attitude toward social responsibility. It is three festivals in one, comprising the Queen of the Sea Contest, a Youghal Food Festival and a ‘Myrtle Groove’ Music Festival.
Click on the image below to see a profile of each of the contestants for the Queen of the Sea 2011

Music…

The festivities commence with the Myrtle Groove gig on Nealon’s Quay at 3 pm on Friday July 15th, wherein various live bands will entertain throughout the day. The ‘groove’ will persist throughout the weekend in what marks a serious upgrade in Youghal’s provision of musical entertainment. Along with local artistes, Cork’s 96FM Gig Rig will play live from the Market Square, KILA will perform on Nealon’s and there will be music and dance of a traditional genre also. A ‘Mardi Gras’ Parade featuring the queens will traverse the town at 7 pm that night.

Food…

The Youghal Food Festival will be officially opened by the Celebrity TV Chef, Rachel Allen. There will be a farmers’ market, cooking demonstrations, teaching and tasting events. Throughout the three days, there will be breakfast, brunch, lunch and snacks available all made from local produce with lots of choice. Festival menus will be available in local restaurants in the evenings.

Come and watch TV celebrity chef Rachel Allen cut the ribbon for the official opening the food festival and wander through the many food and craft stalls where you can treat yourself to a taste of the finest local produce to be found in the area, Visit Corks 96FM GIG RIG playing live from Market Square, or let the kids join in the fun, and enter the crab catching or the sand castle building competition, join the circus workshop, enter your dog in the Dog Show or join one of the other many fun activities planned for you during the festival.
Girls….

Enjoy the crowning of the Queen of the Sea followed by acclaimed band KILA live on stage, and enjoy lots of free music all through the weekend on the Myrtle groove Gig Rig. Saturday’s fare includes the Food Festival, which will be launched –if not lunched!- by TC chef Rachel Allen. A multitude of other attractions, including water races and busking, will run throughout the day. The 2011 Queen of the Sea will be crowned at 6.30 on Saturday night, followed by a Queens Banquet at the Mall Arts centre.

…And fun

Sunday’s many attractions include family races in the Green Park (Spud and spoon, fastest daddy, hairy legs, wheel barrow, three legged, wife-carrying, etc), alongside a dog show and various other entertainments such as wife-ccbucking bronco, obstacle course, face painting, circus workshop and so on and on….

Pictured below is last year’s winner Susie Fitzgibbon

MYRTLE GROOOOOVE GIG RIG – Time Table

Friday 

AYMAN 3PM
CAROL KENIERY 3:30PM
PLANET CLAIRE 4PM
Martin Valley 5pm
The Live Vibe 6pm
Barry Teriney 7pm
Silta 7:35pm
THE UNMARKED 8:30PM
DEBURCA 10PM

Saturday

KARMA PARKING 3PM
NICOLE MCGUIREe 4PM
GOLDFISH SYNDROME 4:45PM
CROWNING THE QUEEN OF THE SEA 6:30
KILA 9PM

Sunday

HELL FOR LEATHER 2:30PM
ST JOHN THE GAMBLER 3:30PM
EANNA DOWLING & MARTIN FURY & BOBBY LEE 4:45PM
CELTIC INVASION 6PM
THE STEVE WHELAN BAND 7:30PM
THE WALL STREET THIEVES 8:45PM
TOY SOLDIER 10PM

‘Queen Of The Sea’  Set To Be Youghal’s Best Festival Yet. – By Christy Parker

YOUGHAL’S 2011 QUEEN OF THE SEA FESTIVAL was officially launched in the town hall reception area recently. Details unveiled at the launch revealed a highly impressive effort to bring to the town a festival in the total meaning of the term, with a multitude of diverse attractions in waiting. The weather…the blessed weather is all that’s needed. .

Organisers, business people, politicians and –mercifully- the more eye-catching presence of 35 young female representatives of various local businesses, attired summer fare, gathered for the launch. The occasion was smiled upon by blue skies, enriched by a solo harpist and complimented by wonderful food. The omens are good!

Following some time for social interaction, the 50 plus attendance turned their attention to the podium, from where Queen of the Sea Chairwoman Sally Tivy-Perks and  Youghal Mayor Eoin Coyne delivered words of faith, hope and encouragement, as did Sinn Fein TD Sandra McLellan and Eileen Harney, liaison officer with the RNLI, one of two organisations –along with Childline- being supported by the festival.

Mayor Coyne, in his first official engagement since his elevation to the chain, expressed himself said the festival, which enjoyed great success in its inaugural year of 2010, was already “fast becoming the pinnacle of the summer festival season” in Youghal. The mayor gave credit to “the Youghal Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, Youghal Town Council, the YSEDG and the organising committee” for bringing the festival to fruition. He wished the queens the very best of luck and wished “locals and tourists alike,” much enjoyment over the festive weekend. Enthusiastic applause followed the conclusion of his maiden mayoral speech.

Fundraising

The chairwoman then thanked further sponsors, including 96FM and SECAD before handing the microphone to Ms Harney. The officer explained that the lifeboat service’s survival is immensely reliant on the support of local communities. “We receive a tiny amount of government funding,” she revealed before explaining that the RNLI needs €3m annually to stay afloat, so to speak, almost all of which comes from voluntary contributions. She said had “the best job in the world” working for an organisation of whom 97% of its members (1,600), “are fundraisers.” In considering itself effectively “a family organisation,” she said the RNLI would ensure that those attending the family festival would be afforded a warm welcome, including harbour tours.

Three festivals in one

The Queen of the Sea Contest bears much resemblance to that of the world-famous Rose of Tralee in that it is a contest for young ladies, from whom the winner is chosen according to her hopes, dreams & ambitions and her attitude toward social responsibility.

Sally Tivy-Perks then gave a summary of the programme of events –expanded from last year- that the festival intends to deliver. Effectively, she said it was three festivals in one, comprising the Queen of the Sea Contest, a Youghal Food Festival and a ‘Myrtle Groove’ Music Festival.

Music…

The festivities commence with the Myrtle Groove gig on Nealon’s Quay at 3 pm on Friday July 15th, wherein various live bands will entertain throughout the day. The ‘groove’ will persist throughout the weekend in what marks a serious upgrade in Youghal’s provision of musical entertainment. Along with local artistes, Cork’s 96FM Gig Rig will play live from the Market Square, KILA will perform on Nealon’s and there will be music and dance of a traditional genre also. A ‘Mardi Gras’ Parade featuring the queens will traverse the town at 7 pm that night.

Food…

The Youghal Food Festival will be officially opened by the Celebrity TV Chef, Rachel Allen. There will be a farmers’ market, cooking demonstrations, teaching and tasting events. Throughout the three days, there will be breakfast, brunch, lunch and snacks available all made from local produce with lots of choice. Festival menus will be available in local restaurants in the evenings.

Come and watch TV celebrity chef Rachel Allen cut the ribbon for the official opening the food festival and wander through the many food and craft stalls where you can treat yourself to a taste of the finest local produce to be found in the area, Visit Corks 96FM GIG RIG playing live from Market Square, or let the kids join in the fun, and enter the crab catching or the sand castle building competition, join the circus workshop, enter your dog in the Dog Show or join one of the other many fun activities planned for you during the festival.

Girls….

Enjoy the crowning of the Queen of the Sea followed by acclaimed band KILA live on stage, and enjoy lots of free music all through the weekend on the Myrtle groove Gig Rig. Saturday’s fare includes the Food Festival, which will be launched –if not lunched!- by TC chef Rachel Allen. A multitude of other attractions, including water races and busking, will run throughout the day. The 2011 Queen of the Sea will be crowned at 6.30 on Saturday night, followed by a Queens Banquet at the Mall Arts centre.

…And fun

Sunday’s many attractions include family races in the Green Park (Spud and spoon, fastest daddy, hairy legs, wheel barrow, three legged, wife-carrying, etc), alongside a dog show and various other entertainments such as wife-ccbucking bronco, obstacle course, face painting, circus workshop and so on and on….

Full details/programme being circulated and available from Youghal Tourist Office; tele: 024-20170 Green Park. Also, visit  www.youghal.ie