We queued up at Garryvoe in East Cork on Christmas morning to park our car.  I wondered had I hibernated for six months and awoken in a different season.  When it was our turn to go we had to park the car three quarters way down the promenade and walk back to the hub of the activity.  This was not a normal day; the swimmers were all going to swim for charity.

We got out of the car wrapped in our winter woollies and fleece lined jackets.  A strong wind was blowing, bringing with it the rain and the cold.  We were greeted by people wrapped in towels.  Many had Santa hats on and towels wrapped around them.  I felt the odd one out with my jacket keeping me warm and dry.

There was no hanging around.  They were on a mission and that was to do what they were paid to do, get wet.  The Irish lifeboat service was one of several charities represented at Garryvoe this Christmas morning.  The banter was good humoured but their reason for being there was serious.

In 2010, when many were sitting down to their Christmas dinner the crew of the Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat launched to assist three persons who had become stranded on the island off Ballycotton pier by the incoming tide.  Ralph Gunn is one of many who happily give up an hour on Christmas Day for this well needed charity.  Who knows when you or a friend or even a member of your family will need to call on this service?  The Irish lifeboat service depends on donations and fundraising events to operate this free service.  Ballycotton in East Cork is one of over forty RNLI lifeboat stations throughout Ireland who are on standby 24 / 7 and they are very thankful for all the support they have received in 2011.

They swam in the snow in 2010 on Christmas morning for Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat.  Would you look forward to your Christmas Day swim this year?  Ralph Gunn’s hardy men and women are.

They are gearing up to take their annual Christmas morning swim at Garryvoe Beach in East Cork at 12 noon in aid of Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat.  The swimmers are currently looking for sponsorship for their efforts but are always interested in swelling their numbers.  If there is anyone interested in fundraising by taking a dip at Garryvoe Beach for Ballycotton lifeboat they could contact 087 4151475.

The swim at Garryvoe has become a Christmas Day tradition for many in East Cork.  If they are not going into the water many travel to the beach to support the swimmers and wish all a Happy Christmas.

Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat station are thankful for the support given to them throughout the year.  Weather permitting, crew members will be seen in their lifeboat boarding boat at Garryvoe in support of those taking a dip for them this Christmas morning.

Many supporters of Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat look forward to their annual fundraising event at Ballymaloe House early in the New Year.  Around this time of year their thoughts go to booking their tickets and supporting this worthy cause.

Phil Coulter has been a great supporter of the RNLI lifeboat service in Ireland for many years.  What many people don’t know is that he was in Ballycotton when, going down the hill to the pier, past the lifeboat house and onto the steps leading up to the storm wall that runs along the length of the pier, the final verse of Home from the Sea came to him.

The Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat fundraising committee are organising their annual event in the impressive Grain Store at Ballymaloe House on Wednesday, 8 February 2012, and Phil Coulter has kindly agreed to act as host.  Tickets are €65 and are available from the organising committee.  Enquiries can be made by ringing 087 4151475 or via email to ballycottonrnli14@eircom.net.  These tickets  would make a wonderful Christmas present, with something to look forward to in the New Year and supporting the Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat at the same time.

The organisers are thrilled that Phil Coulter will be hosting the event and are thankful for the continued support of management and staff at Ballymaloe House.  They hope the event will be well supported and will be a good start to their fundraising efforts in 2012 for the vital RNLI lifeboat service at Ballycotton.

 

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Yes, it’s definitely Christmas! Santa is here!  Santa certainly visits boys and girls around the world in many different ways, but on Saturday 3rd December 2011, Santa made a spectacular entrance on water with the help of local sailing school, Aquatrek to the Quayside in Youghal.  Organised by Youghal Town Council’s Heritage Committee, Santa was transported on horse with his ‘one horse open sleigh’ to The Mall Arts Centre for an afternoon of free fun and festivities where the children of Youghal were treated to a ‘free’ Santa visit.

Hundreds of kids turned out to greet Santa on the day, which saw the Youghal Pipe Band give of their time to accompany Santa to Market Square in the town for the turning on of the Christmas Lights. The occasion was made all the more special with a blessing by Canon Browne of the Christmas Crib which was presented by Youghal Chamber of Tourism & Development.  Speaking about the event, organiser Clodagh Mahon thanked all those who assisted in making the event possible.  “This event was meant to really lift the spirits of the families of Youghal and I really believe we managed to achieve that even for one day.   We wanted to take the pressure off many hard-pressed families, providing a ‘free-Santa’ visit on the day.  Our sponsors once again allowed us to undertake an entirely free event, really demonstrating the community Christmas spirit in the town.”

Local Mum, Zara Kelly was thrilled with the day, commenting: “Well done to everyone involved in the festivities. It was a fantastic day and very well organised and run by those involved. My 3 year old woke up this morning and said “Mom and Dad, thank you for my lovely day yesterday”. Her smiles were all down to the hard work ye put into it. Thanks so much to all involved.

Following on the party atmosphere, the stunning surroundings of Youghal’s 13th century St. Mary’s Collegiate Church played host to the inaugural Medieval Christmas Market on Sunday 4th December 2011. With over 1200 people attending the event, it proved to be a  one-stop shop for all Christmas gifts with in excess of 15 first class indoor stands on show.  The magnificent setting showcased craft and food products of the highest calibre, including quality textiles, pottery, children’s medieval themed arts and crafts, jewellery, fine art, sculpture, confectionary, jams and preserves, cheeses and many more.  Warmed mulled wine was on hand to warm the cockles of visitors as they browsed and was very gladly received by the visitors!   This event was proudly organised by local volunteer, Catherine Desmond of the Youghal Heritage Committee.  “We were really thrilled with the turnout on the day, and hope to build on the success of this year in years to come.  This venue is such a wonderful setting, and is just another event in the calendar year to celebrate Youghal’s Medieval past, following on from the annual Medieval Festival each August.

Photos: Denise FitzGerald courtesy of the East Cork Journal.

Santa Claus is in a bit of a pickle this year.  He didn’t take up the scrappage scheme and now realises his sleigh has seen better days.  It is going to need considerable work done in order to pass its NCT in January.  At this late stage in the year he can’t bring it into the workshop or it won’t be ready for Christmas and he can’t disappoint the children.  He will have to draw up a contingency plan.

As Ireland is surrounded by water there is the possibility that Santa’s sleigh could run into difficulties at sea.  His sleigh can land anywhere but how would he get ashore if he had to ditch it at sea.  He knows the RNLI lifeboats are on call 24 / 7 and has been talking to members of the crew at Ballycotton in East Cork.

Santa usually takes the reindeers for a run a week before Christmas to get them ready for Christmas Eve.  He has arranged to do an exercise with Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat on Saturday, 17 December, at 12 noon.  The lifeboat crew will rescue him and bring him ashore at Ballycotton pier so he knows what to expect in case of such an event occurring.

Santa Claus is inviting children to come down to meet him at noon on Saturday, 17 December on Ballycotton pier.   He would like to hear what they want for Christmas and in return is looking for some ideas on what he should do in case his sleigh breaks down and he needs help.  His time will be short in Ballycotton as his sleigh will only stay afloat for a couple of hours.

The volunteers at Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat station have told Santa they will be ready to answer his call (or anyone else’s for that matter) if the need arises.  Santa hopes he will meet plenty of children before he has to return to his sleigh so, children, don’t disappoint him.

SANTA visits boys and girls around the world in many different ways, but on Saturday 3rd December at 2.00pm this year in Youghal, Co. Cork, Father Christmas is set to arrive on water with the help of local sailing school; Aquatrek to the Quay-side.  Events are set to kick-start the seaside town’s annual Christmas festive season celebrations. Organised by Youghal Town Council’s Heritage Committee, a ‘free’ Santa visit for all the children in Youghal will follow from 2.15 – 4.30 pm in the Mall Arts Centre.

Santa’s horse, and his ‘one horse open sleigh’ will collect Santa following his arrival from Youghal Bay to Nealon’s Quay.  Accompanying Santa will be the lucky winner of the Youghal Primary School’s colouring competition to The Mall Arts Centre where an afternoon of free fun will ensue.  Kids of all ages will enjoy the festivities from with a ‘free Santa visit’, face-painting, and Barty’s disco will only add to the festive atmosphere!

At 4.30 pm Santa will lead Youghal’s very own Pipe Band on their march to Market Square for the official turning on of Youghal’s Christmas Lights which has been organised by Youghal Chamber of Tourism and Development.

SANTA visits boys and girls around the world in many different ways, but on Saturday 3rd December at 2.00pm this year in Youghal, Co. Cork, Father Christmas is set to arrive on water with the help of local sailing school; Aquatrek to the Quay-side.  Events are set to kick-start the seaside town’s annual Christmas festive season celebrations. Organised by Youghal Town Council’s Heritage Committee, a ‘free’ Santa visit for all the children in Youghal will follow from 2.15 – 4.30 pm in the Mall Arts Centre.

Santa’s horse, and his ‘one horse open sleigh’ will collect Santa following his arrival from Youghal Bay to Nealon’s Quay.  Accompanying Santa will be the lucky winner of the Youghal Primary School’s colouring competition to The Mall Arts Centre where an afternoon of free fun will ensue.  Kids of all ages will enjoy the festivities from with a ‘free Santa visit’, face-painting, and Barty’s disco will only add to the festive atmosphere!

At 4.30 pm Santa will lead Youghal’s very own Pipe Band on their march to Market Square for the official turning on of Youghal’s Christmas Lights which has been organised by Youghal Chamber of Tourism and Development.

Speaking about the event, organiser Clodagh Mahon thanked all those who assisted in making the event possible.  “With so much doom and gloom about, we wanted to ensure that this day was extra special for the families of Youghal.  The many sponsors of the event allowed us to undertake an entirely free event, really demonstrating the community Christmas spirit in the town.  We are expecting a large turn-out which will only add to the atmosphere on the day.”

For more details log onto: www.youghal.ie or Facebook page: ‘whatsonyoughal’.

Issued by: Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group for Youghal Heritage Committee

Further details on event E: clodaghmahon@ymail.com or T: 087-9346440

Santa Claus was spotted on the roof of the Youghal C.Y.M.S. premises at the Market Square in the centre of town.
Report: YoughalOnline North Pole correspondent Photo: Santacam E-mail: news@youghalonline.com

Amazingly YoughalOnline.com photographer captured the event on Santacam. Ray Phelan, caretaker in the C.Y.M.S. said he first heard noises on the roof and when he looked out the back window he couldn’t believe his eyes when he saw Santa on top of the chimney!.

Santa is on his way from the North Pole to deliver Christmas presents for the children of the town and surrounding area. Ray said “It proves once and for all that Santa really exists”. Ray wouldn’t say what present he got from Santa but rumor has it that it is a new snooker cue to improve his game!

Two other members of Youghal C.Y.M.S., Anthony Fouhy and Sean Murphy also saw the spectacular magical event. Mr. Murphy said “Santa shouted Ho Ho Ho! and he invited Santa to take a break from his hectic schedule to play a free game of snooker while Mr. Fouhy reminded Santa that his subscriptions were now due.

C.Y.M.S. President Mr. Brendan Cooney said “Santa doesn’t need membership as he considers him to be an honorary member of the society but would like to remind the members of the C.Y.M.S. that subscriptions are now due and may be paid to the caretakers or assistant treasurers”.
So the Santa Claus story is true. Happy Magical Christmas from Youghal C.Y.M.S.

Youghal C.Y.M.S. Christmas Message

The President Mr. Brendan Cooney and committee of the Youghal C.Y.M.S. would like to wish all the members of the Society, the generous sponsors and supporters and in particular the people of the Town a very Happy and Holy Christmas. The annual Christmas draw will be held on Tuesday 22rd Dec. at 8pm in the Hall. Tickets are currently on sale and may be purchased from committee members or at our office in the Market house, Market Sq.

Membership subscriptions are now due and may be paid to the caretaker on duty or any of the asst. treasurers

Santa Claus and his Reindeers were spotted flying over the landmark C.Y.M.S. premises at Market Square in the centre of town. Amazingly YoughalOnline.com photographer captured the event on Santacam.
Ray Phelan, caretaker in the CYMS said he first saw Santa travelling at the speed of light across the River Blackwater passing The Quay’s Bar before turning right over the hall towards the North Pole to pick up Christmas presents for the children of the town and surrounding area. Ray told YoughalOnline.com it proves once and for all that Santa really exists.
Two other members of the Hall, Anthony ‘Banter’ Fouhy and Sean Murphy also saw the spectacular magical event and couldn’t believe their eyes. Mr. Murphy said ‘Santa shouted Ho! Ho! Ho! and then Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer, with his nose shining like a beacon turned up over the Clock Gate then up Main Street and on towards The North Pole’.
CYMS President Mr. William Kelly said ‘All the lads should go to bed early on Christmas Eve to make sure they get their presents from Read more