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

YOUGHAL TRADERS ASSOCIATION- Front row ( from left) Minnie O’Regan, Edgar Sweetnam ( Secretary), Vincent Neville ( Chairman), Aidan O’Doherty ( Treasurer). Back row ( from left) Albert Muckley (Assistant Secretary) Michael Cunningham, Jim Flavin, William Tyson, Daniel Long, Thomas O’Neill, Thomas O’Connell, Albert O’Doherty. Pic: circa 1976

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.

Some of the Youghal Traders at the meeting: Frank Murphy - Toy Masters, Sal Tivy - Perks, Dara Murphy - Read and Write and Lil Danne-Danelle's

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.

Some of the Youghal Traders at the meeting: Richenda Kelly - The Quays bar, John Flavin - Flavins Shop, Ollie Hegarty- Solo Hair Salon, Maria Thuroe - Hair Design and Eleanor Hegarty

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

Christy Parker reflects on an urgent excursion to save his Christmas during the recession of the early ‘80’s.

As history repeats itself with a vengeance, many of us recall the enforced departures that saw us unpack our bags in foreign rooms in the 1980’s. Nostalgia is selective of course and what may have once seemed cold and uncertain acquires a warmer glow with time. Christmas, in particular, ignites the memories.

Before Ryanair, the likes of Aer Lingus were expert practitioners of the attitude that would define the Celtic Tiger; they charged exorbitant prices. At Christmas they increased them. Consequently, coach & boat was the dominant mode of transport for emigrants to London, even if every journey took ten times longer while conversely reducing one’s life expectancy by a year.

In late 1982 I had formed an attachment with a girl in Youghal, which helped happily to divert my attention both from being unemployed and from doing anything to rectify it. However this sustaining situation cast a discomforting hue across Christmas as I realised that my impoverished state (hasn’t changed by the way) would see me fall badly short when it came to celebrating the birth of Christ in every bar in town. On November 1st, my hopes and chattels in a green rucksack, I boarded Slattery’s bus for London, vowing to return by Christmas a wealthy man, for at least two weeks.

I quickly acquired a live-in bar job through the Tara Catering Agency, Paddington, a one-woman service operated by the late Nora Nesbitt (nee Dunlea) of Glendine. Nora dispatched me to a bar in the Holloway Road, where a 5 ½ day week of 13 hour shifts awaited. I’d been mangled by the system before so this didn’t surprise me.

I would be the sole staff in a small, L-shaped bar, where grim wallpaper and worn carpet didn’t add its attraction. The jukebox consisted 50% Joe Dolan, 40% Brendan Shine and the remainder for English people. The guv’nor (as landlords are known over yonder) was a small man in possession of a huge stomach, several cheeks, a few chins and a walk that seemed reluctant. His name was Tony but everyone referred to him as ‘The Pig,’ though not to any of his faces. His wife, Anne, dressed in miniskirts and carried a 1970’s beehive hairstyle. She was seldom seen in the bar nor, allegedly, outside it since the mid-70’s. They were childless but had an old, lame sheep dog that seemed to be the wiser of the three.

My lino-floored room had a bed, a chair, a dressing table and a fan heater. I was summonsed to work by a loud rap and a yell of “nine-a-clock y’awake?!” On my first morning I had my head out the 2nd floor kitchen window conversing with a departing delivery man on the street below. I was oblivious to The Pig’s voice until he roared in frustration, “You’re f****ng breakfast is ready! Are you f****ng deaf or f****g stupid?!” I responded, “Must be stupid, or I wouldn’t be here!” To which he smiled delighted, “I like your style. Good man.”

Thereafter, as seemed to be the norm, I always ate alone in the kitchen. My diet largely consisted of combinations from toast, boiled eggs, beans, bacon, cheese, fish fingers, steak & kidney pie, pork chops, ready mashed potatoes, peas and tea. I would be summoned to the kitchen by a bell to find it prepared on the table courtesy of the elusive Mrs Pig who would either be absent or about to depart. She rarely spoke to me. Soon the dog and I had become had formed an empathy and began taking each other for walks after closing time.

Saturdays were busy and the rest of the week ticked by as casually as summer waves rolling onto Youghal beach. In this vacuum of energy, I polished every glass and dusted every shelf twenty times a week while Joe Dolan professed his love for the girl in the white washed gable only feet away.

The clientele were small in number and mostly represented elderly locals and some younger Irishmen en route to livelier haunts. Occasionally a few young girls happened by but the juke box soon cleared them. Most nights, The Pig sat at the counter talking to friends and casting a caustic eye at any stranger who might alight on the premises, though this was normal behaviour for guv’nors.

One night, feeling I wasn’t contributing sufficiently to life’s dynamism, I hurled an ice cube into the air with a spoon and caught it in a spirit glass before administering the whiskey. The Pig’s eyes nearly popped onto the counter. He broke off from conversation to ask, with unconcealed awe, where I had “learned that trick.” Thereafter, his limitless admiration demanded that I repeat the manoeuvre whenever he himself wanted to impress someone. I resolved never again to work for someone who didn’t go out.

Then there was ‘Harpo.’ It wasn’t his real name but his resemblance to the famous Marx Brother was uncanny. This was not merely due to his physical appearance but, appropriately, he could neither hear nor speak. He also had a glass eye. Harpo worked in a local restaurant but spent much time in the bar playing cards. He possessed an amazing communication skill whereby his hand and facial gestures seemed to telepath his wishes.

Harpo was mostly loved but sporadically ridiculed. One afternoon a customer was aping his rather loping walk when suddenly Harpo turned and caught him in mid-gait. Embarrassed, the mimic began to apologise and Harpo half turned away, scrunched his fist over his eyes and then offered his irritant a reconciling handshake. The joker eagerly accepted and a second later screamed in alarm as he discovered Harpo’s glass eye staring up at him from his palm! Harpo, grinning widely, waved his finger in his face by way of a lap of honour.

Two weeks later, to circumvent the possibility of being instantly cast into a cold dark night, I informed The Pig by daylight that I was going home for Christmas. I’d stay a week to give him time to replace me. Like a couple whose relationship had settled for acceptance over ambition, we had grown to expect no surprises from each other and so this made him swear profusely. Then suddenly he mellowed, sighed and observed, “I should have known when I saw the rucksack that you weren’t a man to stay put.”

A new man, more determined than I to rid himself of Ireland, arrived within days. I hoped the dog would understand.

Youghal’s recessionary woes continue as further business face closures and trade reductions in the coming weeks.  Bookmakers Sean Graham’s on the North Main Street will close on November 7th with the loss of five jobs. Additionally, the Walter Raleigh hotel will reduce trade to weekends through November, though will continue to host functions and similar events.

Sean Graham’s has already shed five of its eleven outlets in the Republic over the past 18 months. The Northern Ireland based company opened in Youghal in 2003 and its departure leaves just two betting shops operating in the town. General Manager Chris Deery says “factory closures in Youghal have detrimentally affected our client base but shifting patterns in the industry in the Republic have also contributed to the closure.”

Taxes

On-street betting outlets are facing unprecedented and evolving changes. These include increased internet betting, which is siphoning off street custom. Britain-based bookies such as Graham’s pay a profit tax on internet income to their government, while their Irish equivalents do not. Irish bookmakers warn that current government proposals to introduce taxation to the sector, will see firms join international competitors offshore, trailing considerable job losses in Ireland in their wake.

Added to this are betting exchanges where punters can effectively become bookmakers themselves by betting against each other online. Furthermore, the arrival of Turf TV race broadcasting across 32 race courses has meant that betting shops must now subscribe to a second live race commentary system, alongside the original SIS, which covers the remaining courses.

The manager also argues that restrictions on evening opening during winter is detrimental to business in Ireland as is the failure of the government to allow fixed odds terminals (‘slot machines’) which, he claims, “saved the industry in Britain during the last recession.”

Amidst all this, continues says Mr Deery, a possible 2% levy on winning bets being mooted as a budget move has diminished trade confidence. “Ireland has a direct 1% levy on turnover which bookmakers absorb rather than pass on to customers,” he explains. “But betting turnover in Ireland has fallen by €570 million euros –or 15%- in the last 12 months and the government proposal would bring further devastating job losses because the cost will have to be borne by bookies. Only the larger chains could hope to survive.” He says “the Irish Bookmakers Association has submitted a paper to the Finance Minister for an alternative tax and licence regime that it clams will save and create jobs.”

Regrets

Back in Youghal, Mr Deery says the company did “not take the decision to close lightly” and had tried to fend off the inevitable for some time. He extends the company’s “deepest regrets” to staff and customers. “Unfortunately Youghal’s relatively isolated location makes it virtually impossible to redeploy staff elsewhere in the business,” he elaborates, adding, “We tried o interest a similar concern in the area but they were not into acquiring the shop in the current climate.”

Hotel

Meanwhile seasonal factors have led to Youghal’s Walter Raleigh hotel opting to cease midweek trading midweek from November 1st to December 16th “There just isn’t enough demand for rooms,” says a hotel spokesman. The hotel’s function rooms will honour commitments towards conferences and meetings and will also take advance bookings by phone during the closure.

By Christy Parker \ Photo: Michael Hussey (YoughalOnline.com)

Having sent the Celtic Tiger packing, the Wolf of Recession may be baring its teeth for further havoc but Youghal town centre is determined to stare it down. Four new businesses have opened for business in recent months as the Clock Gate oversees an unexpected commercial expansion on its doorstep. A singular blanket of optimism enfolds their proximity.

Mara Mina Pharmacy replaced a similar trade from the leased premises in the Rivergate Mall last October 30th. It forms one link in a chain of six throughout Munster, Ardmore. The Youghal branch employs five staff but “we’d hope to double that in time,” says Egyptian-born proprietor Akram Hanna.

Arkam stresses customer care. “Patients can register with Mara Mina and benefit from a 24-hour service, 365 days a year,” he says. “If someone can’t get to the shop, we will try to deliver to them. People often focus too much on administration but I believe if you look after the customers, the business will care for itself.”

Three doors down, Helen’s Boutique opened on November 29th and represents “a life’s ambition to own her own business for proprietor Helen Brookes. Following 16 years working in local factories, Helen’s passion for fashion was stirred over six subsequent years in fashion retail, including Annette’s. Read more