Minister of State for Tourism & Sport, Michael Ring today (26th August 2011) announced a grant of €400,000  from a fund of €4.4 million to Youghal Town Council for Youghal Leisure Centre.  The grant will seek to improve access for people with disabilities, as well as a Green Swimming Pool initiative to make the pool more energy efficient.  The award was the joint highest award of 19 similar applications from local authorities around the country. 

Attracting over 158,000 visitors per annum, Youghal Leisure Centre was designed in 2004 and opened in 2005. In welcoming the grant allocation, Town Clerk Liam Ryan expressed his delight at the announcement.

“€400,000 is clearly a hugely substantial amount of money to be granted in this current economic climate and it will have a positive effect on employment in the town, helping to sustain jobs and hopefully create new ones too.”  The grant will be used to implement methods aimed at reducing the running costs of the centre and remove barriers to people with disabilities living in Youghal and the surrounding area.   “We were confident that the application met all the relevant criteria which were set out, and once again Youghal Town Council has managed to secure maximum funding for its key projects”, added Mr. Ryan.

In announcing the grants Minister Ring said: “The grants will help pools to become more efficient, and reduce their carbon footprint.  Large heating bills are the single biggest cost in running a swimming pool.  So by making them more efficient, we are also reducing the burden on taxpayers by cutting back on energy and water requirements.”

Only two weeks ago, Claycastle Leisure Company – Youghal Town Council’s Management Company behind the facility signed another four year, eleven month Management contract with Aura Sport & Leisure Management Ltd. (part of the Aura Holohan Group) for the facility. (Click here for more on that story) The premises has been maintained in an excellent condition but compared to similar swimming pools of similar size and usage, energy costs are particularly high; partly due to the high seasonality of demand.  Further sharp increases in energy costs have been widely signalled by energy providers, but the opportunity has now been created to implement initiatives aimed at saving costs by the awarding of this grant.

In 2010 Youghal Leisure Centre took top honours as the ‘Best Recreational Facility’ at the Zurich LAMA Awards (Local Authority Members Association Awards) which recognises the very best of Ireland’s talent in local projects of Construction, Engineering and Infrastructure.
(Click here for more on that story)

Click on links below for up-to-date info from Youghal Town Council

W: www.youghal.ie

Youghal.ie aims to promote Youghal & its environs in the areas of tourism & business. There is also a ‘Whats On Youghal’ section that is populated weekly.

F:www.facebook.com/youghal.ie

www.facebook.com/Youghal.ie is a facebook page, linked to the Youghal.ie website, managed by Youghal Socio Economic Development Group (YSEDG)

E: tourism@youghal.ie

Tel: 024-92926 E: liam.ryan@corkcoco.ie

Further information; Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport Press Office: Tel: 01-6041076 or 01-6041090

Minister of State at the Department of Tourism & Sport, Michael Ring, TD made the most of his official trip to Youghal on Tuesday 26th July with a well earned ‘paddle’ in Claycastle Beach, one of the resort towns three blue flag beaches.  The trip formed part of a visit to some of East Cork’s major tourism sites and attractions.

Hosted by Youghal Chamber of Tourism & Development and The Youghal Socio-Economic Group (YSEDG), the Minister spent almost 3 hours in the town having been introduced to its natural and built heritage by local East Cork Deputy, David Stanton along with Cork County and Town Cllr Barbara Murray.

Following the beach trip, the delegation (which included Head of Failte Ireland in the region, Fiona Buckley) took in a tour of Youghal’s historic quarter including the 13th century Town Walls, St. Mary’s Collegiate Church and College Gardens.

A formal meeting conducted in Youghal’s Enterprise Centre followed, with the delegation raising a number of pressing issues pertinent to the Minister’s portfolio.  These included funding of ‘fit-out’ costs of the iconic Clockgate building.  Town Clerk Liam Ryan explained to the Minister that the Town Council had undertaken a feasibility study, conservation plan and produced a business plan on the building.  Funding for the exterior and conservation works was anticipated to be sourced from South & East Cork Area Development.  The Town Clerk went on to explain that funding would now also be required to complete phase two of Youghal’s eco-boardwalk running from Claycastle to Redbarn, with phase one due for completion by December 2011.

The topic which drew most interest and discussion however, was the request by the group for a ‘Youghal-specific’ marketing fund to allow The Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group to roll-out a number of its key marketing initiatives.  The delegation emphasised that despite the town’s best efforts to develop and invest in its tourism product; its signage, streetscapes and exploit every positive development in the town, a negative public perception still existed about the town.  Other issues to be raised with the Minister included the provision of beach facilities, the development of the Greyhound Track and the urgent repair of the roof in St. Mary’s Collegiate Church.  The Minister committed to assist Youghal through any means available to him, citing his home town of Westport as being in a similar position to Youghal a number of years ago.

“Tourism is the number one priority for this Government and I am determined that rural tourist destinations will be promoted and developed as part of my brief” said the Minister.  The Minister went on to pay particular praise to the Town Council for its leadership and foresight in it’s investment in heritage tourism amenities.

“I don’t think I have ever met a group of people with such commitment, determination and passion about their town as I have here in Youghal; I am completely blown away by the town’s stunning beauty and it’s attractiveness to the visitor, both domestically and internationally”, said the Minister.

The visit concluded with a presentation by the Town Council Mayor, Eoin Coyne, to the Minister to officially mark his visit to Youghal.

MINISTER OF STATE AT THE DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM & SPORT, MICHAEL RING, TD made the most of his official trip to Youghal on Tuesday 26th July with a well earned ‘paddle’ in Claycastle Beach, one of the resort towns three blue flag beaches.  The trip formed part of a visit to some of East Cork’s major tourism sites and attractions.

Hosted by Youghal Chamber of Tourism & Development and The Youghal Socio-Economic Group (YSEDG), the Minister spent almost 3 hours in the town having been introduced to its natural and built heritage by local East Cork Deputy, David Stanton along with Cork County and Town Cllr Barbara Murray.

Following the beach trip, the delegation (which included Head of Failte Ireland in the region, Fiona Buckley) took in a tour of Youghal’s historic quarter including the 13th century Town Walls, St. Mary’s Collegiate Church and College Gardens.

A formal meeting conducted in Youghal’s Enterprise Centre followed, with the delegation raising a number of pressing issues pertinent to the Minister’s portfolio.  These included funding of ‘fit-out’ costs of the iconic Clockgate building.  Town Clerk Liam Ryan explained to the Minister that the Town Council had undertaken a feasibility study, conservation plan and produced a business plan on the building.  Funding for the exterior and conservation works was anticipated to be sourced from South & East Cork Area Development.  The Town Clerk went on to explain that funding would now also be required to complete phase two of Youghal’s eco-boardwalk running from Claycastle to Redbarn, with phase one due for completion by December 2011.

The topic which drew most interest and discussion however, was the request by the group for a ‘Youghal-specific’ marketing fund to allow The Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group to roll-out a number of its key marketing initiatives.  The delegation emphasised that despite the town’s best efforts to develop and invest in its tourism product; its signage, streetscapes and exploit every positive development in the town, a negative public perception still existed about the town.  Other issues to be raised with the Minister included the provision of beach facilities, the development of the Greyhound Track and the urgent repair of the roof in St. Mary’s Collegiate Church.  The Minister committed to assist Youghal through any means available to him, citing his home town of Westport as being in a similar position to Youghal a number of years ago.

“Tourism is the number one priority for this Government and I am determined that rural tourist destinations will be promoted and developed as part of my brief” said the Minister.  The Minister went on to pay particular praise to the Town Council for its leadership and foresight in it’s investment in heritage tourism amenities.

“I don’t think I have ever met a group of people with such commitment, determination and passion about their town as I have here in Youghal; I am completely blown away by the town’s stunning beauty and it’s attractiveness to the visitor, both domestically and internationally”, said the Minister.

The visit concluded with a presentation by the Town Council Mayor, Eoin Coyne, to the Minister to officially mark his visit to Youghal.

Issued by: The Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group

Contact: Aileen Murray, E: tourism@youghal.ie

 

Youghal Chamber of Commerce and Tourism is to conduct a survey of all vacant commercial properties in the town with a view to re-letting properties at 50% rent reduction for two years to first time businesses. In return, the town council will apply an equivocal rates reduction to the properties, via a waiver initiative depending on the town manager’s discretion.

The move, aimed at kick-starting commerce, arises from a motion tabled by Labour Councillor Tommy O’Connell last April. Cllr O’Connell’s proposal relates to properties vacant for two years or more.

The Chamber and Youghal Town Council discussed the issue at a special meeting following July’s town council sitting.  Chamber President Mary O’Donnell says the discussions were “very positive,” with both sides determined to co-operate on initiatives to improve the town’s fortunes.

The meeting saw the Chamber undertake to conduct a two-tier survey to gauge how many large and small properties lie idle. “We can’t impose on owners but we will inform them of the initiative and consider their responses,” says Ms O’Donnell. She concedes that some properties may be in the hands of financial institutions an in such instances “may complicate matters a little.”

Town clerk Liam Ryan will convey the data to the Cork Enterprise Board and seek suggestions on how to set about occupying the properties given the proposed arrangements. A second Chamber/Council meeting is scheduled for September.

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!”

‘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

At his first official function since his election, Eoin Coyne – Mayor of Youghal launched the 2011 Youghal Queen of the Sea Festival at the Mall Arts Centre, Youghal on Thursday 23rd June 2011. The festival will take place in Ireland’s finest coastal resort on the weekend of July 15th – 17th 2011.

Eoin said “I am delighted to be asked to officially launch the 2011 Queen of the Sea competition in its second year. It is fast becoming the pinnacle of the Summer festival season here in Youghal. Great credit is due to the Youghal Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, Youghal Town Council, the YSEDG and the organising committee for all the work that has gone on in the background in getting this off the ground. It is a chance for Youghal to showcase itself as one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the country. I would like to wish all the Queens the very best of luck in the Queen of the Sea competition as they showcase the many talents that the young people of our Town have to offer. Above all else, I hope that everyone, locals and tourists alike, thoroughly enjoy themselves over the Family Fun Festival”.

A wide range of events has been planned, with all participating events free of charge. The Festival will have three main themes or elements – the Queen of the Sea Contest, Youghal Food Festival and the Myrtle Groove Music Festival.

Stephen Ryan of Fota Widlife Park stated “As Chairman of the Failte Ireland Family Fun Hub in East Cork and West Waterford I am delighted that the Queen of The Sea Festival is on this July as it is one of the biggest events on the calendar for the hub and this year is going to be bigger and better than ever with a great focus on family entertainment which will bring plenty of visitors to the area.”

The second annual Queen of the Sea Contest is a traditional competition which has a very similar theme to that of the world-famous Rose of Tralee Competition. It is a contest for young ladies and the winner is chosen according to her hopes, dreams & ambitions and also her attitude toward social responsibility. Contestants are judged by personality not appearance. Each contestant is sponsored by a local business. It was an extremely popular event last year. Local businesswoman, Eileen Quill commented that “The Youghal Queen of the Sea Festival gives a tremendous boost to the local economy in particular the hospitality and food service enterprises, and is a great tourism amenity”.

The Youghal Food Festival will be officially opened by the Celebrity TV Chef, Rachel Allen. There will be a Farmers’ Market; Chefs will hold cooking demonstrations, teaching sessions 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. There will be lots of variety, and high quality foods on offer – from vegetarian to BBQ. The chefs will give tips on healthy eating, alongside sharing their personal favourites. A ‘Granny’s Favourite Recipe’ competition will take place.

Chairperson of the Festival Committee, Sal Tivy enthused “The Queen of the Sea Festival is unique this year in the sense that we have three festivals rolled into one – a First for Munster!”

Throughout the three days, there will be a full music programme in the form of Myrtle Groove. Live music is very much a part of the town’s culture and heritage. The people of Youghal are known for their love of music, and they celebrate it with craic agus ceol – music and good times. For three days, the sounds of free performances will be heard throughout Youghal. There will be opportunities giving the younger, local artists their chance to perform. Visit Cork’s 96FM Gig Rig playing live from Market Square. And this year, critically acclaimed band KILA will perform live on the Main Stage at Youghal’s Quay area. Alongside these live performances, there will also be music and dance workshops. And of course, the Ceilis, feiles and fleadhs which have been celebrated in Youghal for centuries, with song, dance and storytelling in the old Irish traditions. Music and entertainment will be provided by a multitude of local talented musicians.

QUEEN OF THE SEA FESTIVAL, YOUGHAL JULY 15TH – 17TH

FREE FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT – COME AND JOIN IN THE FUN !!!!!!!

The only town in Ireland to be awarded three Blue Flags for 2011, Youghal was celebrating last night (Thursday 9th June 2011) and hoping that the announcement by Environment Minister Phil Hogan will draw much-needed additional tourism into the area. The east Cork town gained an extra flag for its Front Strand while retaining the standard for both Redbarn and Claycastle – much to the delight of the Town Council.

“We had an inkling of the news last week but we now have three Blue Flag beaches that stretch across all areas of our strand. This is a very rare achievement and we are absolutely thrilled,” Helen Mulcahy, acting Town Clerk, told the Cork News.

“We were very disappointed when we lost the Blue Flag for Front Strand. There was a problem with the water quality but it really was borderline and could be attributed to bad weather at the time. Readings are taken at certain times of the year though, and they don’t always do justice to the quality of the water.

“However, this year we ticked all the boxes. We’ve been working very hard cleaning the beaches and putting various facilities in place like wheelchair ramps and litter bins. We’ve been going around the clock trying to meet all the criteria and thankfully we have managed to do just that. This is a great achievement for the Town Council, the local Tidy Town group and for Cork County Council.”

There are high hopes the news will result in more tourists coming in to visit the town, which has suffered badly from factory closures and job losses over the last number of years. “Youghal has been very badly hit recently, especially by the amount of unemployment we’re seen. One of the few assets the town has left is its beaches and we have to do everything we can to exploit that,” Ms. Mulcahy added.

“Youghal has beautiful strands and it’s a wonderful place to come and visit or spend some time on holiday. If visitors come, it could well generate more employment in the locality and hopefully start something positive. People come from far and wide to use Blue Flag beaches and tend to avoid ones that aren’t designated with the award. So we do expect a good response from the public and for them to come in their droves, especially if the sun starts to shine.”

Cork received 11 Blue Flags in total for criteria such as water quality, information provision and beach management and the national total of 82 is an increase of eight from 2010. The other beaches in Cork are Garryvoe, Garretstown, Garrylucas, Inchydoney, Owenahincha, the Warren, Tragumna and Barleycove.

Source: thecorknews.ie

Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on Tourism, Sandra McLellan, has welcomed the awarding of an unprecedented three Blue Flags to Youghal, with the Front Strand beach now joining Claycastle and Redbarn beaches on the prestigious list.

Speaking at the announcement of this year’s winners Deputy McLellan said: “I want to congratulate all of this year’s winners. The result for Youghal, in particular, is an absolutely outstanding achievement. To be awarded three Blue Flags surely confirms Youghal as the finest coastal resort in the country. The awards reflect a dedication to excellence and are a result of a huge effort from the local authority, staff and community. Their commitment to the campaign, including beach clean-ups organised by a range of voluntary groups, has been rewarded with this fantastic news.”

“It is important to remember that the Blue Flag stands for more than just excellent bathing water quality, but also reflects a beach’s compliance with a range of international standards covering areas such litter management, provision of lifeguards, toilet facilities, animal control and more. As such, the three Blue Flags which Youghal can now boast conveys, to potential visitors at home and abroad, that this area is dedicated to providing a first class experience in a first class environment.”

MARKETING, PROMOTION AND COHESION AMONGST PRIME ISSUES AT YOUGHAL CONCERNED CITIZENS MEETING. – By Christy Parker

Dozens of tour buses arriving in Youghal per week on the Rosslare to Cork/Killarney route make reference to Moby Dick as the only point of interest in Youghal, the most recent meeting of the Youghal Concerned Citizens group was told. Mr. Norman MacDonald, who is conducting research on the issue, also revealed that tens of tour operators on the same route bypass the town entirely throughout the summer.

Other issues to be aired at the meeting include a commitment to enter Youghal in a TG4 event for a €40,000 marketing award and a determination to bring cohesion to promotional events amongst the town’s diverse organisations.

The meeting, at the Red Store on Tuesday April 19th attracted a 20 plus attendance. With organisation and procedure becoming more fine-tuned by the meeting, the gathering processed the pre-set agenda with increased efficiency and purpose. Apologies were conveyed on behalf of PRO Noreen Hurley who was unable to attend due to minor personal circumstances.

The order of business ran as follows:

Opening address by Chairman Jimmy Flanagan:

Mr. Flanagan asked committee member Micheal De Buitleir for an update on a proposed parking a questionnaire to be conducted through Pobalscoil na Trionoide transition year. Mr De Buitleir said the school’s preference was to undertake the project in September. The Comhaltas Craobh Eochail chairman also informed that the group had missed the most recent “window opportunity” to contribute to the County Development Plan but that they would be consulted when the next seeking public submissions process arose. Planning and signage issues would feature on such agenda, he added.

Election of Treasurer:

Mr Flanagan said that the group would incur general running costs and responsibility for handling such finances was needed. It was agreed that donations (as against subscriptions) would be sought alongside a €2 contribution per member per meeting. The post of treasurer will be filled temporarily by group secretary Adrian Hyde. It was noted that one well-wisher had contributed €100 at the previous meeting.

Formation of a working group to examine issues relating to seaside development in Youghal and to formulate proposals for same:

Mr Flanagan successfully sought volunteers to investigate what needs attention in this area, whether it involve beach cleaning or more advanced projects. A Mr. Eoin Budds, from the floor, advocated efforts to develop the beach and river facilities as per other resorts, suggesting kayaking and festival-orientated beach activities as examples by which to maximise and market the natural beach resort. He undertook to compile a report for the next meeting.

Formation of a working group to formulate proposals for a central message or hook upon which the town can market itself:

The chairman recalled marketing manager Tim Magee’s impressive address at the previous meeting in which he stressed that while industry was welcome, Youghal’s focus should be on sustainable development of its natural amenities and local enterprises. It was conveyed from the attendance that Mr. Magee, despite his frequent business sojourns abroad, remains very willing to contribute to the group in whatever capacity is viable for him to do so.

Marketing catastrophe

Norman MacDonald diverted the discussion a little when he revealed that up to 35 bus tour companies operate on the Rosslare to Cork/Killarney throughout the summer and beyond. In an example of marketing deficiency, one of these, Seaways, conducts 47 seven-day and 25 ten-day tours through Youghal, amounting to one per week of each through Youghal. However the only point of interest they referred to in Youghal was Moby Dick, explained Mr. MacDonald.  He further revealed that many of the tour companies bypass the town entirely. He is now compiling details of as many companies as possible to quantify the dearth and potential of marketing within this sector.

Notwithstanding the good service it provided, through the pub of the same name, Mr. MacDonald felt strongly that Youghal had a lot more to offer besides the legacy of a dead whale to entice bus passengers to alight and to amble. There were many “treasures,” such as St. Mary’s Church, with walls dating from 600 AD, the River Blackwater and even murderous, marauding Cromwell if need be! He wondered of Comhaltas performers could greet arrivals, or if they might be induced to linger by older volunteers greeting them on arrival with pamphlets depicting Youghal’s many attractions.

The meeting also heard that only one of several cafés in the area showed interest in opening earlier in the morning to tempt such travellers. “We’re not being rude but we’re not being welcoming either,” surmised Mr MacDonald ruefully, adding. “You could show someone Youghal for a whole day and they’d still not see half of it!”

Mr. MacDonald then revealed that plans to acquire a unique model railway attraction from Dublin had been derailed as the owners had apparently opted to send it to a museum in Dun Laoghaire instead. A watchful eye would be maintained lest it became available nonetheless.

TG4

Micheal de Buitleir brought news that TG4 are launching a competitive ‘G-day’ event in which non-Gaeltacht towns will compete against each other to stage the best 24 hour Irish language and heritage festival. The contest carries a first prize of €40,000 towards marketing their area. “Even without winning, the competition gets you a lot of valuable television coverage,” he argued. It was agreed that Youghal would participate.

Cohesion, co-operation, clearing and Gavin

Mr De Buitleir proceeded that Youghal clubs and organisation had traditionally marketed themselves individually, whereas a joint and cohesive strategy would likely serve the town better. He also referred to ‘Painting Your Grey Area,’ a new promotion being run by Dulux in which the company will provide free paint for use on derelict public buildings.

Committee member Lil Danne remarked that several areas surrounding the beach and quays needed sprucing up and cleaning. She suggested that pointers might be garnered from viewing a Dirty Old Towns, a current television series in which gardener Diarmuid Gavin was applying his craft to improving Charleville. “He asked that they fundraise €30,000 towards the project and the entire town rallied behind it,” she observed.

Mr, De Buitleir reported that Comhalts Ceoltori Eireann had cleaned from the water tower to Magner’s Hill a week previous and said the town council were receptive to such voluntary ‘public realm’ initiatives. He urged that other groups consider similar projects. There subsequently emerged some discussion on the prevalence of unsightly sandbags in the town and it was agreed to remove them in a week’s time if they remained visible.

An unexpected revelation arose from Mr Flanagan when he produced a copy of the previous Saturday’s Irish Daily Mirror. It carried a feature on Youghal but, in stark contrast to the earlier Irish Times equivalent, it depicted a town laden with attractions and natural beauty. “It’s absolutely fantastic,” remarked the chairman.

Formation of a working to investigate the feasibility of implementing a strategy across all groups and organisations in regard to co-ordinating activities and events:

It was agreed that individual organisations were doing well in their efforts to promote the town from individual perspectives but that too often efforts clashed with those of other organisations, to the detriment of all parties and of the town.  It was recognised that the absence of representatives from local organisations at Youghal Concerned Citizens meetings did not facilitate improvement in this sphere. The meeting agreed to contact as many organisations and clubs as possible with a view to acquiring their views on the issue. A suggestion was made also that efforts be made to publish a calendar of events in the local media some weeks in advance to help avoid a clash between meetings, events, etc.

Youghal Lace

A spokeswoman representative Youghal Lace revealed that the group is planning to re-convene in the coming weeks. She said much plans for the future included tutoring interested parties in the art of producing the unique lacework. As regards exhibiting past creations, she was not in a position as yet to declare or elaborate on that.

As the meeting neared conclusion, there was consensus to ask the town council in writing for an update on the proposed restoration project for the Clock Gate, which was predicted to commence this month.

The final item concerned the old railway station. Two people in attendance expressed a willingness voluntarily to clean up the site. They were told that the town council has contacted the site owners, Iarnrod Eireann and were awaiting a response on a request to render it less unsavoury looking. Meanwhile the volunteers were advised to contact the company with any proposals.

Reports and progress on all the above issues will be processed at the next meeting of the Youghal Concerned Citizens’ss next meeting on Tuesday May 10th at 7 pm in the Red Store.