On Friday September 23rd last, locals and visitors enjoyed the unique experience at Youghal’s second culture night which was a free night of entertainment, discovery and adventure.

The night featured a host of exciting events which including musicians,exhibitions, storytelling, choral singing, silver craft display and a host of other interesting cultural events. Art dealer Eamonn O’Brien of Gallery 126 featured an exhibition of late 19th century illustrated sheet music to the enjoyment of all who attended while musician Tom Connelly played selected songs on the mandolin.

Over in John Kennedy’s electrical shop, CRY 104fm outside broadcast crew went live from ‘The Gossip Shop’ which proved to be a great success. Radio jocks from the station entertained the listeners and the crowds who turned up at the open door, open mike session. Michael Roche read from one of his favourite poems and John Kennedy played some really unique original material from the distant past. Tony Sheehan, Jim Coleman and Tim Smith also played some of their favourite tunes. Meanwhile children were also being entertained at Oona Colin’s new shop ‘In Stitches’ with storytelling and crochet and stitching classes.

The photographic exhibition ‘Last Days. The Last of Carpets in Youghal’ in the Mall Arts Centre was also a highlight of the night. The exhibition captured the mood of the workers and the work place in the final days of the carpet factory in store street just before it closed back in 2006. The life size images gave a real depth to the exhibition.

Another photographic exhibition was on show over in McGoldrick’s Art & Photographic gallery on North Main St. entitled ‘Flight of Fancy’ and included a demonstration by local artist Eileen McGoldrick. Across the way at Luigi’s restaurant poetry reading by local poets and invited guests went on for the evening, organised by Alan Prim’s Bookshop on South Main St.

The diverse programme of events around the town was amazing and really had something for everyone. The  culture night definitely built up on the success of last year event and great praise to all involved. This type of local and national community involvement can only make next year’s Culture Night one of the main highlights in the autumn calender of cultural events in the town.

Click on image to enlarge – Photos by Ed Guiry & Will McGoldrick

Open House Sessions 2nd Monday of every month Starting on Monday 8th March 2.30-5.30

Venue: Cumann Na Daoine, Catherine St.Youghal

Music by: Bobby and Peter Lee and friends

Dancing, singalong, storytelling,

Tea / coffee

For everyone particularly young at heart

For further information contact Stacey 024-91900

Thanks to John Long, Worldwide Cabs for his support

Youghal Library in association with Cork County Arts Office will host a Summer Arts Programme for children during July and August. All events will be free of charge. However, as places on workshops will be limited to 10 places per workshop, early booking is essential. The very varied programme will include shell craft, painting, jewellery making and the programme will also feature puppet shows and storytelling. All workshops are suitable for children aged 8-12yrs. Storytelling and Puppet Shows can Read more