The Lost Brothers perform “Christmas Must Be Tonight” by ‘The Band’ on The John Murray Show Christmas Special, ‘A Very Murray Christmas’ live on RTÉ Radio 1.

LAMBERT PUPPET THEATRE Presents ‘HANSEL & GRETEL’ and Special Guest Bosco

The show will take place in the Mall Arts Centre, Youghal on Sunday 20th November 2011 at 2.30pm. Tickets are €10 and can be purchased from the Youghal Tourist Office or reserve tickets by contacting Joyce on 083-3606507 or themallartscentre@gmail.com.

The Lambert Puppet Theatre will be entertaining audiences of all ages in The Mall Arts Centre, Youghal on Sunday 20th November at 2.30pm.  This will be a magnificent family day out with enchanting puppets telling the magical story of ‘Hansel and Gretel’.  The highlight for many will be the nostalgic appearance of the legendary BOSCO in the opening part of the show.

The Lambert Puppet Theatre is now widely recognised as the Premier Touring Puppet Theatre Company in Ireland. From its earliest beginning the Lambert family has been involved with RTE, working on the hugely popular series Wanderly Wagon featuring the Late Eugene Lambert and Judge. Paula Lambert was the ‘Bosco’ voice on TV for seventeen years and will make an appearance as BOSCO during the production in the Mall Arts Centre. Indeed BOSCO is still a firm favourite with the younger children – and adults alike!

This is a beautifully produced show with colourful sets and exquisite lighting and is suitable for any age group – from toddlers up to ten year olds. Let the magical story of ‘Hansel & Gretel’ grasp the imaginations of your young ones – the cherished story tells of Hansel and Gretel who are lead into the woods, drop white pebbles along their path in order to find their way home, stumble upon a magical cottage built solely of gingerbread and cakes and meet a wicked witch!

The show will take place in the Mall Arts Centre, Youghal on Sunday 20th November 2011 at 2.30pm. Tickets are €10 and can be purchased from the Youghal Tourist Office or reserve tickets by contacting Joyce on 083-3606507 or themallartscentre@gmail.com.

Please note children must be accompanied by an adult. Events in the Mall Arts Centre are part of Youghal Socio Economic Development Group.

The Lambert Puppet Theatre will be entertaining audiences of all ages in The Mall Arts Centre, Youghal

The legendary Lambert Puppet Theatre is coming to the Mall Arts Centre on 20th November 2011

THE LAMBERT PUPPET THEATRE is now widely recognised as the Premier Touring Puppet Theatre Company in Ireland and also internationally renowned for its many fine productions in Theatres throughout Ireland, UK and Europe.

From its earliest beginning the Lambert family has been involved with RTE, working on the hugely popular series Wanderly Wagon featuring the Late Eugene Lambert and Judge.

Paula Lambert was the ‘Bosco’ voice on TV for seventeen years and indeed

BOSCO is still a firm favourite with the younger children and will make a nostalgic appearance in the opening part of the Show.

This is a beautifully produced show with large puppets, colourful sets and exquisite lighting and is suitable for an age group up to ten years of age.

The show will take place in the Mall Arts Centre, Youghal on Sunday 20th November 2011  at 2.30pm. Tickets are 10 euro. To reserve tickets, please contact Joyce on 083-3606507 or themallartscentre@gmail.com

 

The Mall Arts Centre/St. Mary’s Collegiate Church
Part of Youghal Socio Economic Development Group
7-10 Emmet Place, Youghal, Co. Cork
Tel: 083 360 6507

Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on Arts, Heritage, Tourism and Sport, Sandra McLellan, has congratulated Ireland’s latest golfing Major winner, Darren Clarke, on his victory in the British Open at Royal St. George’s.

Speaking today Deputy McLellan said:

“Darren’s victory continues the extraordinary story of Irish golf over the last number of months. The fact that he started the week at odds of 150/1 makes his victory even more impressive. He is a fantastic inspiration, particularly those of us over 40. To win his first British Open at the age of 42, and after 20 attempts, shows his continued dedication, commitment and quality. He is one of the most popular golfers amongst fans, who have supported him through some very difficult personal challenges. They will be delighted with this result.”

Referring to Minister Varadkar’s comments on Sunday’s Marian Finucane
Show she said:

“It was disappointing to hear the Minister with responsibility for sport and tourism to sound so unenthusiastic. While not everyone is a fan of every sport it is important that the Minister recognises the contribution that golf has made and continues to make to the Irish sporting landscape, and the potential it has to contribute to our economic recovery. I am glad the decision-makers in Tourism Ireland have a different perspective. Their ‘Golfing Ireland’ marketing campaign is well timed. They may need to re-edit their advertisements to include Darren Clarke now though!”

‘An Evening of Fashion, Style & Entertainment’ April 8th in Knockanore, Co. Waterford.

KGK hall in Knockanore, Co. Waterford will see a style extravaganza like never before on Friday, April 8th at 8pm.

This night will be brought to you by our own well-known, Paula Goulding.
Paula from Riverdance fame, ‘Dancing Thru’ The Ages’, RTE’s Celebrity Jigs n’ Reels and now Colour & Style expert with RTE is hosting this unique night in aid of KGK Hall and Leukaemia.

The evening is not quite a fashion show but a fashion event with a twist. There will be style sections where Paula will be explaining about different body-types, key tips and advice for dressing for your shape. Colours to suit and demonstrations on how dressing in your correct colours and styles can make such a difference.
“I want this night to be more informative for the audience so that by sitting back and enjoying the evening they can also pick up some really helpful tips.”

The entertainment line-up for the night makes the evening a coveted one. Vocalist Caroline Fraher will be lending her talents. British and All Ireland dance champions from the ‘On Your Toes Academy’, Clonmel will most certainly be a crowd pleaser. There will be excerpts from the hit show, ‘Dancing Thru The Ages’. To top it off the compere for the event is Gerard Byrne; aka Malachy from ‘Fair City’ and that’s just a flavour!

“When I called people about being involved in the night the response was overwhelming and so reassuring. We have such a good value system in this country and in our area. People are so supportive and helpful, it’s really been a joy organizing this event. I am so excited about our entertainment, the audience will be kept on their toes! I am also over the moon to have Gerard as our compere!”

 

The money raised from the night is going to KGK Hall and Leukaemia (Friends-of-Leukaemia-Patients, Cork).
“Unfortunately our family suffered loss recently to leukaemia so that among the obvious reasons of every charity being deserving is why I chose to raise much needed funds for leukaemia.
Also to give back to my community. They are so dedicated and have done absolute trojan work for our parish. The facility that we can now boast about, the KGK Hall is a testament to the Committee and community that put blood, sweat and tears into getting it from a dream to a reality.”

There will be top boutiques showcasing such as;  Sheenas – Dungarvan, Signet – Dungarvan, Touch of Class – Youghal, Bijou Bridal – Tramore and more from the surrounding areas.
This has all the makings of a spectacular night and something a little different.
“I think the night will be a real treat for the audience.”

‘A Unique Evening of Fashion, Style & Entertainment’ is on April 8th at 8pm in KGK Community Hall, Knockanore, Co. Waterford.
Tickets €15
For reservations or to book tickets call 087 6699095 / 024 97286

Filmmaker Mike Hannon’s ‘My Beamish Boy’ is now available to view. Youghal native Mike is the son of Finbarr Hannon of Harmony Music and Drama. ‘My Beamish Boy’ was awarded the Made in Cork Award for Best Short Film at the Corona Cork Film Festival 2009, and was screened at the Chicago Irish Film Festival, 2010.

Mike Hannon’s half hour documentary “My Beamish Boy” is now available to watch online at the following link@ http://vimeo.com/mikehannon/beamish and on www.youghalonline.com. Press the play button below to watch the award winning film.

My Beamish Boy from Mike Hannon.

The much-loved two hundred year old brewery has shut its gates forever. As they reminisce, the ex-workers must come to terms with their grief at its closure. Suffused with bittersweet memories and wry affection, these are the stories of the famous Beamish and Crawford Brewery. All things must end, but the human spirit persists.

Part funded by Cork City Council Arts Office, the documentary is an affectionate piece of social history, recording the anecdotes, memories and feelings of many of the Beamish workers, as well as the unique traditions and character of the brewery itself.

The film was shot in 2009 around the time of the brewery’s closure and features creative contributions from some of the Beamish staff, including David Creedon’s photographs of the brewery interior. Johnny McCarthy, who was a fourth generation Beamish worker, and his son Cormac  play flute and cello respectively, with Hugh McCarthy (cello) on the original soundtrack which was composed by Irene Buckley and on an original song, My Lovely Smiling Beamish Boy, written by John Spillane for the film. The documentary was produced by Pat Comerford.

Over 150 people convened at the Walter Raleigh hotel on Sunday December 12th for the screening of A Town Out Of Time, Michael Twomey and Kieran McCarthy’s short ‘contemplative documentary’ on Youghal’s decline through and since Ireland’s late nineties and mid noughties boom time.
Report: Christy Parker/Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com

The film did not endeavour to scapegoat or apportion blame, but across 27 minutes of footage (edited from over three hours), allowed the camera to communicate impartially the visual evidence of a town far from thriving. Vocal commentary was added from UCC’s Dr. Kieran Keohane on the sociological impact of urban changes and similarly from his colleague Brendan O’Sullivan., a director of sustainable development. Also vocal –and local- on celluloid, were financial consultant and former Labour town councillor Donie Daly and local retailers Ken Brookes, John Kennedy and Michael Farrell.

Before the screening even commenced, a point of controversy arose when it was revealed that the original intention to screen the film in the reportedly €2.5m Mall Arts Centre was abandoned due to a €500 tag for hal hire and insurance. Particularly for two locals uncertain of turnout, this was beyond contemplation, so the un-costly welcome of the Walter Raleigh was preferred.

Four distinctions

The film addressed its topic under four categories –job losses, doughnut effect, planning and the future. The lens alighted on empty factories to communicate the loss of over 2,000 jobs across several closures at a time when the country was thriving through “the myth of the Celtic Tiger,” as Mr. Kennedy recalled it.

Amidst all this, the doughnut effect evolved. The term is a portrayal of the physical void created at the centre of an urban setting when commerce relocates to its perimeters. This process commenced in Youghal with the arrival of Lidl and Tesco. It would have been –and some day may yet be- exacerbated with the development of a retail complex at the decrepit old Murray Kitchen’s site in the same area, which was rezoned for retail amidst high optimism a few years ago. Currently its would-be developers and ‘Dunne’s Stores’ flag wavers, Galvin Brothers of Killarney, are now €45m in debt and maybe located in the corridors of the High Court.

Parking spaces

Brookes Supervalu proprietor Ken Brookes recalled that whilst not begrudging its right to exist, he objected to the proposed ‘Dunne’s’ development. He then referred to “the hardest decision of my life” as he somewhat augmented the doughnut effect by relocating from the town centre to the upper end of North Main Street. The requirement of greater car parking space to compete with newly arrived Lidl and Tesco in Greencloyne prompted the move. He said he believed the arrival of another shopping complex on the town’s periphery would have “destroyed the town centre’s infrastructure,” a point considered valid by Bord Pleanala when they refused planning permission to Galvin’s. Wistfully, Mr Brookes also recalled a halcyon time when Merrick’s flourished and workers even arrived in town to take up residency in the building where they worked.

Mr. Keohane pointed out that the doughnut left a non-physical legacy too, as it removes a community’s meeting points and thus diminishes the threads of social interaction that help to bind it. Mr. O’Sullivan explained that planning guidelines operate on town centre protection, with new developments ideally slotting into the area and only progressing ever outwards according to necessity and practicality. He elaborated that accelerated development and accelerated de-development equally exacerbate problems of identity and attachment, no less than one-off housing affected those in rural areas not otherwise tied to the land.

Monstrosities

It is widely accepted within and without the town, that some diabolical planning was executed in Youghal over the past decade. Moll Goggin’s Corner in particular, Allen’s Quay and to a slightly lesser extent Green Park, are regularly cited as areas forever ‘uglified’ if one may invent a term. Mr. Daly described these apartment complexes as “90% empty in some instances” and not just unproductive but evolving into even worse eyesores through graffiti and other despoilments. “We’re stuck with them for hundreds of years now,” sighed Mr. Farrell. He described the towering insult to Youghal at Moll Goggin’s Corner as “selling out” the precious tourist attraction of the wonderful adjacent strand. Mr Farrell advocated that planning decisions be made only by qualified people and with regard to the overall effect on the town and not just the immediate locality. His point resonated through Mr. Keohane’s insistence that bad planning “is not a victimless act” but has longterm negative effects on a community.

To a haunting music score, the town’s derelict sites were paraded one by one, emerging and departing like sick soldiers on the battlefield of Youghal’s lost economy. Only the rats, literally, remained hidden, one felt as the feeling of loss and an empty return for faith grew increasingly nauseous.

Hope

The film pondered the future to a lesser degree, though the focus of the audience would settle on it more considerably. Mr Keohane offered hope in the context of ever-shifting opportunity. “Places like Bray and Skegness have reinvented themselves out of physical decline and Youghal can do likewise,” he encouraged, indicating that it needed leadership and a definite direction in so doing.

Reaction

The film, professionally produced and presented, was afforded heartfelt applause. The immediate reaction from some quarters was to question why not one representative from the most immediate port of responsibility- Youghal Town Council- was present. All had been invited, confirmed Michael Twomey, but with the exception of Cllr Liam Burke, who had furnished viable cause to be missing, he had no idea as to the whereabouts of the elected representatives. Two had not even acknowledged his invitation. “It’s surprising, as are usually good at attending openings and things,” he mused mischievously to much mirth in the hall.

Moving swiftly on, the film maker reminded that, “it’s not about the council anyway. They can’t resolve our problems. They have no power,” he proceeded. “Their own TD’s don’t even care about them. Cork County Council has the revenue and effectively run the town but they don’t care either. I think its brave town for town council because it’s a lose-lose situation. They end up getting the blame for things they can’t control. Politics between Youghal Town Council and Cork County Council is a juggernaut laden with boulders going downhill on flat tyres,” he concluded to applause.

The absence of a political figurehead or nine meant that the film maker was left to field, rather than chair, the questions and opinions that subsequently emerged. He did so exceedingly well, to ensure a legacy of positivity from a disheartening diversion.

Opinions and options

One by one feelings flowed and topics tumbled: “For over 40 years a lot of town organisations sat on their hands and let things happen; we have to be embarrassed as a town now,” said one man. “The local train station was a wasted opportunity, “voiced another. “A tourist driving from Moll Goggin’s where you can now no longer see the bay, past the closed hotels and derelict sites, to the Clock Gate, would ask themselves, ‘What the hell happened here?!,” interjected Michael.

One man spoke of “crap political stuff” after his willingness to clear rubbish voluntarily from Claycastle car park elicited a warning from Cork County Council not to get involved. Another mentioned tourists yearning year on year to access the ever-evasive interior of the Clock Gate. As heritage raised its head, it was deemed that the annual Youghal Celebrates History recurrence was an “elitist” event; not that this was bad but just that it did not preoccupy locals very much. “History is not being sold here,” said Michael Twomey.

The Youghal entrance sign at the bypass on the Cork side was ridiculed as being unlit and even party to a dangerous piece of road. Dungarvan’s “American style billboards” proclaiming the arrival at its territory was hailed as exemplary. No toilets at Youghal beach? “A joke,” condemned Michael, recounted recently seeing a very elderly man trying in vain to persuade a locked front strand door to allow him in. An elderly speaker told of his plans to build a small hotel, a nine-hole golf course and chalets at the Rifle Range, only for Youghal Town Council of the 1970’s to him successfully. He was still angry. Why, asked yet another voice, reasonably, were Allen’s Quay and Carlton Wharf allowed to rise without the proposed marina and swimming pool respectively, first installed?

Change

The film had indeed focused minds and the past was forming a warning for the future. “Get involved in community activities for a start,” urged a man determined to establish a community garden project. “We need a sea-change by way of a lot more community co-operation,” insisted Michael Farrell. Free car parking was crucial too, he felt as he criticised a current project to diminish on-street car spaces in favour of bicycle bays. As for politics….”Don’t always vote for Mr or Ms. Popularity (person or party), he urged, “They may not have two brain cells to rub together.”

The viewing concluded with a jaundiced regard for politics. “A town is its people,” intoned Michael Twomey, again to wide agreement. To that end, if the town wants something done whether to follow dream, development or destiny, “we would best do it ourselves,” was the conclusive opinion. How that resolve can be nurtured and generated may hold the key to Youghal’s survival and prosperity -or otherwise. The power of film can only do so much.

* While there are many requests for copies of the film to be made available, the makers say they cannot commit to distributing it wholesale until they have first investigated the option of having it transmitted thought television. “It was never intended as a commercial venture in any case,” says Michael. Meantime a second screening may be on the agenda early in new year.

Click on image to enlarge

The Dublin duo arrived in Youghal on Tuesday evening and stayed at The Old Imperial Hotel – Coachouse Restaurant and Bar courtesy of Chris and Eleanor O’Brien. Liam McCarthy and his son Ben welcomed the lads to the town on behalf Cystic Fibrosis Association Youghal. Liam congratulated the cyclists and said they were doing wonderful work for a great charity.
Photo: Michael Hussey www.YoughalOnline.com Email: news@youghalonline.com

Chat with Joe Duffy on Liveline.
On Tuesday October 5th there was a great piece on Joe Duffy’s Liveline show about Cystic Fibrosis. The segment highlighted the shamefully low standard of treatment facilities available to people living with CF in Ireland.

The people Joe spoke to included people living with CF, their family members and friends. All of whom spoke with great courage and dignity.

The one clear message that stood out from the segment was that something needs to be done immediately.

Cycling for CF also got a mention with Joe talking to Conor about the project.

To listen to the show visit www.rte.ie/radio1/liveline/
Scroll down to Tuesday Oct 5th, click listen back and skip to 15mins in to hear the piece and Conor chatting to Joe about 1hr and 5mins in.

Info from the Cycling for Cystic Fibrosis Blogspot: In October 2010, Cathal Phelan and Conor Doyle will began an unsupported bicycle trip around the coastline of Ireland. The two Dublin friends will cover 2,500km as they trace and outline of our country in an effort to raise funds and awareness for the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland.

The idea to undertake such an adventure stemmed from a growing sense of frustration and powerlessness which arose every time they visited their friend Avril in hospital. Avril McCarthy lives with Cystic Fibrosis, a condition which demands much of her time, efforts and attention.

The pair grew tired of not being able to do anything to help their friend, so decided to raise funds to improve facilities for her and people like her.You can offer your help by donating here.

Firstly, a huge thanks to Cliona for arranging a studio interview with WLR and Beat FM, the two “trendiest” radio stations in Waterford.
We arrived in Youghal after another scorching hot day. This weather was NOT in the brochure, but is very welcome to stay!
The cycle from Waterford has been the toughest day so far. We encountered some leg burning climbs, but the views from the top almost made it worth it!
Tomorrow afternoon we will be greeted by the Lord Mayor of Cork at the steps of City Hall at 2:30, so if anyone would like to come out to say hello we’d love to see you there.

We will be posting photos really soon, promise… So keep an eye on our facebook and flickr pages for pictures of our sending off on Saturday (with photos from Michael Delaney and Cormac Phelan), as well as photos of the lads (accompanied by Jimmy Murphy and the unfunny Mark Gilvarry) on the road.

Click HERE to visit the cyclists Blogspot

Excerpt taken from RTE documentary on John Huston, broadcast on July 2010, interviews with locals Ollie Casey and Jim Horgan on the making of Moby Dick in Youghal.

It was in 1954 that John Huston chose Youghal for the location of New Bedford for the movie “Moby Dick”. The making of this movie brought such stars as Gregory Peck, Richard Basehart and Leo Genn to Youghal. During the months and weeks of building and filming, Youghal was a hive of activity and excitement with people visiting from all over Ireland and England.

But it was in Paddy Linehan’s pub that John Huston would sit in the morning and plan out the days shooting schedule. It was then in tribute to this unique time in the history of Youghal that Paddy renamed his pub, MOBY DICK, the licensed premises in the town still bears the name of the movie.

Filmmaker Mike Hannon’s ‘My Beamish Boy’ screens on RTE One at 7pm on the 7th June

Youghal native Mike Hannon was in town recently and  special guest on the  ‘Shane Supple Show’ on local radio CRY last Friday. Mike is the son of Finbarr Hannon of Harmony Music and Drama. ‘My Beamish Boy’ was awarded the Made in Cork Award for Best Short Film at the Corona Cork Film Festival 2009, and was screened at the Chicago Irish Film Festival, 2010.
Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com EMAIL:news@youghalonline.com

The much-loved two hundred year old brewery has shut its gates forever. As they reminisce, the ex-workers must come to terms with their grief at its closure. Suffused with bittersweet memories and wry affection, these are the stories of the famous Beamish and Crawford Brewery. All things must end, but the human spirit persists.

My Beamish Boy (director Mike Hannon), a half hour documentary on the people and stories of the closed Beamish & Crawford brewery, is to be broadcast on RTE One on Monday, June 7th at 7pm.

Part funded by Cork City Council Arts Office, the documentary is an affectionate piece of social history, recording the anecdotes, memories and feelings of many of the Beamish workers, as well as the unique traditions and character of the brewery itself.

The film was shot in 2009 around the time of the brewery’s closure and features creative contributions from some of the Beamish staff, including David Creedon’s photographs of the brewery interior. Johnny McCarthy, who was a fourth generation Beamish worker, and his son Cormac  play flute and cello respectively, with Hugh McCarthy (cello) on the original soundtrack which was composed by Irene Buckley and on an original song, My Lovely Smiling Beamish Boy, written by John Spillane for the film. The documentary was produced by Pat Comerford.

The documentary had very humble beginnings. I bumped into my friend, Pat Comerford, on the streets of Cork in December 2008 and he told me that the brewery was going to close. Pat had worked in the brewery for the previous ten years. He knew that I worked as an architectural photographer and he suggested that I document the buildings, and the people at work there. We subsequently decided that it would be better to make a small scale documentary, perhaps ten minutes long, featuring interviews with some of the people who worked there over the years.

The scope of the project grew as Pat convinced more of his co-workers that our project was worthwhile. We wanted to make a film that would be a tribute to the historic brewery and to the unique spirit of the people who worked there. We realised that we were making a longer piece – the final documentary is 25 minutes.

We interviewed fifteen people over the course of a number of weeks. These interviews took place around the time the brewery was closing. They were held in the upstairs premises of a bar, the Spailpin Fanac, which overlooked the brewery, and was like a second home for many of the workers. Since we were unable to secure permission to film in the brewery itself, this was the next best thing.

The final documentary also includes archival photographs dating as far back as the nineteenth century, and contemporary photographs from David Creedon, who worked the night shift in the brewery, and would take beautiful long exposure images of the brewery while on his “lunch” break!

Eighteen minutes of original music were composed by Irene Buckley, and local singer-songwriter John Spillane wrote an original song for the film. This music was performed by Johnny, Cormac and Hugh McCarthy, some of whom had worked in or been associated with the brewery. The music is a huge part of what makes the film successful.

The documentary is being screened on RTE One at 7pm, Monday 7th June.