Emily Humphries, representing The Cliff House Hotel, Ardmore, Co. Waterford,  was crowned ‘Queen of the Sea 2012’ in front of an audience of thousands as Youghal celebrated one its most successful festivals in years at the 3rd Annual Festival Event.  The festival ran in the East Cork seaside town from 6th – 8th July 2012.

One of six children, Emily recently completed her Leaving Certificate and hopes to continue her studies in Trinity College in Spanish and Business.  With over 30 entrants to the ‘Queens’ competition, the entire weekend was geared towards bringing colour, fun and entertainment to families of all ages to Youghal.

On Friday evening, despite the downpours, the festival literally ‘kicked off’ at pace with the ‘Youghal Criterium Cycling Race’ – organised by Youghal Cycling Club over a specially dedicated circuit in the town.  Earlier in the day, a contingency plan to set up a marquee in Nealon’s Quay Car Park ensured that the vast majority of the large crowds were protected from the elements.  The ‘Queens’ were duly introduced to the public by newly elected Mayor of Cork County, Cllr Barbara Murray.

As the sun appeared on Saturday, so too did the thousands of visitors to Market Square to revel in the ‘Youghal Food Festival’.

Speaking after the weekend highs, Event organiser, Pádraig Sheehan reflected on the festival.  “It was incredible, what made it for us as organisers were the amount of families who were out with their extended families including grandparents and relatives.  There was a fantastic atmosphere in town and a great buzz all weekend long, he said.  “I spoke to a lot of traders and retailers in the town and they were very positive in terms of the amount of visitors and the amount of people who came to town and stayed for not only for the weekend, but are planning to stay now the entire week.  We are delighted to see that every business in Youghal benefited to such a degree.  It seemed that every chipper, restaurant, fast food place, pub and shop was packed with visitors from near and far.  It’s only onwards and upwards now for Youghal! said a hugely enthusiastic Pádraig.

Initial results of research surveys undertaken by newly qualified ‘Failte Ireland’ certified tour guides in the area, indicated a large number of families travelled from the midland areas of the country to attend the festival.    Speaking about the economic impact of the festival, Acting President of Youghal Chamber & Development, Marie Barry spoke about the importance of ‘The Queen of the Sea Festival’ to the local economy.  “Festivals have proven to be a key factor in a tourist’s decision to choose one destination over another and are hugely significant in attracting first time as well as repeat visitors. This is vital to the resurgence of Youghal as a first class tourist town.  We need to continue to offer tourists additional reasons to visit Youghal over and above other destinations. Said Marie.

One enthusiastic festival attendee from Co. Offaly, Catherine O Malley, was overwhelmed with the events in Youghal, which kept her family enthralled over the course of the weekend.  We had made the decision to take our family holiday in Youghal this year after doing some research on the area.  It sounded like the ideal location, so much to do, no matter what the weather.  The timing was all that really was left to be decided, but when we heard about the ‘Queen of the Sea’ Festival taking place this weekend, we knew we had to be here.  It was magnificent.  The kids are already talking about their holiday in Youghal next year, said Catherine.

On Sunday the sun once again made a welcome appearance.  Labelled as ‘fun day’, this day was all about the kids.  Following their exploits in the crab-catching and sandcastle competition the day before, they were treated to a full free family fun day with bouncy castles, rock climbing, a fun dog show, along with family fun races.  The highlight proved to be the ‘wife carrying race’ on the mall beach which generated great fun and laughter to round off a spectacular weekend.

MORE PHOTOS HERE SHORTLY……..

The fun, colour and spectacle of Youghal Queen Of The Sea Festival photos captured by John Hennessy.If you require high quality prints of the Youghal Queen Of The Sea 2012 photos below please contact the photographer John Hennessy. Prints are available from the photographer John Hennessy www.jhennessy.net contact this email:  john@jhennessy.net

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A weekend of fun-packed free activities and entertainment for all the family. If you require high quality prints of the Youghal Queen Of The Sea 2012 photos below please contact the photographer Robbie Ambrose. email: robbie_ambrose@hotmail.com

Please click on thumbnail to enlarge

A weekend of fun-packed free activities and entertainment for all the family

Join in the fun, colour and spectacle at festival opening night and join in with the lively “Mardi Gras” Street Party in Market Square, with free fancy dress contest and disco followed by live open air concert with Galleon on the gig rig.

Enjoy 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, let the kids join in the fun, and enter the crab catching or the sand castle building competition Test your skills on the rock climbing wall, enter in the Dog Show or join one of the other many fun activities planned for you during the festival.   Enjoy the crowning of the Queen of the Sea and  open air concerts with Galleon and Abbaesque live on the Gig Rig. Followed by a spectacular FIREWORKS Display. So come on, join in and get ready to have lots of fun. Youghal Queen of the Sea Supports Childline & the Youghal Lifeboat

‘Youghal Queen of the Sea 2012’ contestants below – Who will be this years Queen?

The Queen Of The Sea Festival 2012 Youghal -  6th, 7th and 8th of July.

Download the Event Programme Here  (4MB)

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

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.

Kicking off events on Friday evening, Youghal Cycling Club has re-introduced the breathtaking ‘Youghal Cycling Criterium Cycling Race’ to the streets of Youghal after an 18 year absence.  With racing speeds set to thrill spectators, criterium racing is not for the faint hearted!  This race is shorter, faster with traditional road race tactics thrown out the window!

This year sees 3o contestants representing a range of businesses and service providers in the region, all competing to win the crown and the €500 spending money sponsored by Youghal Credit Union.

Other highlights include The Youghal Food Festival from 10.00 am – 5.00 pm on Saturday 7th July in Market Square in the town.  Visitors can enjoy a taste of local produce from homemade cakes, breads, jams, cheese and chutneys to even Kangaroo skewers!  Also, crepes, gourmet sausages, burgers, paella and much much more!  With face painting, street music and 96FM broadcasting live the atmosphere is sure to be electric!

Sunday is Fun Day in Green Park.  This year sees the first ‘fun dog show’ where you ‘pamper your pooch’ then come and show them off!  Old favourites like the ‘wife carrying competition’ fastest Daddy race, Mickey and Minnie Mouse obstacle course are sure to raise a laugh or two!

Monies raised by ‘Youghal Queen of the Sea Festival 2012’ go towards supporting services delivered by Childline and Youghal Lifeboat.  For further information log onto: www.youghal.ie and download the programme of event or follow the on facebook.

For ‘Youghal Queen of the Sea 2012’ contact: Siobhan or Linda at the festival office at 024-20170/024-92447

Download the Event Programme Here  (4MB)

Click on image to enlarge

The Queen Of The Sea Festival 2012 – 6th, 7th and 8th of July.

THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH of this years Queen of the Sea Festival was carried out this week (Tuesday 26th June 2012)  by the new Mayor of Youghal Cllr Michelle Hennessy SF. The event which took place in Farrells Bar in Summerfield was well attended and the program for this years event was welcomed by the local mayor.

After the event Cllr Hennessy stated: “This is third Queen of the Sea festival and I would like to pay tribute to the organising committee for their hard work dedication and commitment in organising such a wonderful and successful festival. And also to all the sponsors, clubs, associations, businesses and volunteers without which this festival would not be possible. This year the programme of events contains a weekend full of free family fun and entertainment, from the queen competition, street parties, fancy dress, open air concerts, crab competition, sandcastle building and a spectacular fireworks display. There is something for everyone.”

Speaking on the benefit to the local economy she added; “Since the first festival in 2010 the competition has grown bigger and better each year. It gives a great boost to the local economy and  attracts thousands of visitors to our town. The festival is a way for us to promote our town throughout Ireland and further afield with the ultimate goal of attracting tourists back to our town”

Contestants in this year’s Queen Of The Sea Festival in Youghal which will be held on the 6th, 7th and 8th of July. Picture: John Hennessy

THOUSANDS OF VISITORS are set to descend on Youghal for the 3rd annual ‘Youghal Queen of The Sea Festival 2012’, running in the town from Friday 6th July – Sunday 8th July 2012. Now established as the largest free family festival for 2012 in the region, the festival offers endless opportunities for fun and excitement with a jam-packed programme of events for families of all ages.

Kicking off events on Friday evening, Youghal Cycling Club has re-introduced the breathtaking ‘Youghal Cycling Criterium Cycling Race’ to the streets of Youghal after an 18 year absence.  With racing speeds set to thrill spectators, criterium racing is not for the faint hearted!  This race is shorter, faster with traditional road race tactics thrown out the window!

Speaking at the launch of the event in Farrell’s Summerfield Bar, festival organiser, Siobhan Sheehan said the festival was gathering momentum for this the 3rd year.  “The Queen of the Sea Festival has truly evolved into a ‘must visit’ for families from around the region and beyond.  It plays a big role attracting visitors to Youghal and really kicks off the Summer season in style.  We have learnt a lot over the last two years of the festival, and we really believe we have delivered a programme of events to capture the imagination of families of all ages, said Siobhan.  Highlights this year include the ‘cycling criterium race, followed by the mardi gras’ street party on Friday night.  Events include live open-air gigs on both Friday and Saturday night with Galleon and Abbaesque respectively, and a stunning fireworks display after the crowning of the ‘Queen of the Sea’ which promises to be the feature event on the Saturday night.

This year sees 3o contestants representing a range of businesses and service providers in the region, all competing to win the crown and the €500 spending money sponsored by Youghal Credit Union.

Other highlights include The Youghal Food Festival from 10.00 am – 5.00 pm on Saturday 7th July in Market Square in the town.  Visitors can enjoy a taste of local produce from homemade cakes, breads, jams, cheese and chutneys to even Kangaroo skewers!  Also, crepes, gourmet sausages, burgers, paella and much much more!  With face painting, street music and 96FM broadcasting live the atmosphere is sure to be electric!

Sunday is Fun Day in Green Park.  This year sees the first ‘fun dog show’ where you ‘pamper your pooch’ then come and show them off!  Old favourites like the ‘wife carrying competition’ fastest Daddy race, Mickey and Minnie Mouse obstacle course are sure to raise a laugh or two!

Monies raised by ‘Youghal Queen of the Sea Festival 2012’ go towards supporting services delivered by Childline and Youghal Lifeboat.  For further information log onto: www.youghal.ie and download the programme of event or follow the on facebook.

For ‘Youghal Queen of the Sea 2012’ contact: Siobhan or Linda at the festival office at 024-20170/024-92447

‘Youghal Queen of the Sea 2012’ contestants below – Who will be this years Queen!
Pic: John Hennessy

 

A 2.05 meter (6 feet 8 inches) juvenile male pilot whale washed up near the promenade on the front strand, Youghal, has died. The distressed whale was spotted swimming listlessly on Thursday morning (28th June 2012). Frantic efforts by locals and tourist were made to save the live stranded mammal. Everyone involved in the attempt to return the whale to the sea hoped it would not come ashore again.

However after several attempts the baby whale died on the rocks at the eastern end of the promenade. It is believed that the baby whale somehow got separated from the mother and was in some distress as it became stranded on the beach. Another theory is that the mammal became sick, there were no physical signs of damage or lacerations on the skin.

Marine students from UCC performed a necropsy on site to determine the cause of death and to evaluate any disease that may be present.

It was hard to identify when it was still in the water and on the rocks. Initially, it was though to be a Risso dolphin but once the tide had gone out it was easy to identify that is was indeed a pilot whale. There would only be a handful of pilot whale sightings and some of these would be due to live stranding.

Pilot whales are a species most likely to mass strand, which unfortunately means you have a good chance of seeing them dying on the beach. Why whole herds of seemingly healthy animals stand remains something of a mystery. It is thought that the healthy animals may follow older sick animal into shallow waters. Pilot whales live in tight family groups, with adult males and females, related juvenile calves. They feed on squid, but also prey on fish species such as cod and mackerel. Resting during the day at the surface, they feed mainly at night. Despite their name they are a the second largest member of the dolphin family.

 

Related info below from The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group

Species Profiles: pilot whale

Stranded Animals

Pilot whales (despite their name) have the dubious distinction of being the species most likely to mass strand, which unfortunately means we have as good a chance of seeing this species dying on our beaches than at sea. Why whole herds of seemingly healthy animals strand remains something of a mystery. The answer lies somewhere in the tight family bonds that bind their social structure. The result of which is that healthy whales may follow an older or sick animal into shallow coastal waters with which they are unfamiliar, or where their echolocation capability which serves them so well in deep water, is found lacking.

Field Identification

Pilot whales, despite their name are the second largest member of the dolphin family and are relatively easy to identify at sea. In field conditions and in any light, they appear jet black or dark grey with no other markings. Pilot whales in Irish waters look very different to any other species; their backward sweeping fin, set well forward on a stocky elongated body is unique and may be sufficient for positive identification. They are highly social, living in tight groups of between 20-80 individuals, but herds of several hundred have been observed.

Species Similar in Appearance

Pilot whales may be confused with Risso’s dolphins or killer whales in Irish waters. They can be found associating with other species such as the bottlenose dolphin.

Where and When Best Seen in Ireland

Being a pelagic species it is not surprising that only a handful of inshore sightings exist on the IWDG database, and it is likely that some of these are associated with live stranding events. They are however frequently observed beyond the continental shelf and over 70% of these sightings are recorded between June and August, which reflects the increase in observer effort on offshore vessels of opportunity in the summer months.

Sail Spree set to make a splash! – A new initiative that seeks to encourage people to make the use of all the water that surrounds us was launched this week by RTÉ star Kathryn Thomas. Sail Spree takes place over the weekend of Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 June 2012.

The campaign is similar to Culture Night where clubs and training centres all over Ireland will open their doors to the public to try sailing, windsurfing, power boating or jet skiing. Many clubs will also provide on shore activities including entertainment, food, drink and music for a fun day out for all the family.

Cork, as a great maritime county will host a huge amount of events stretching from Youghal in the east all the way to Bantry in the west. Cork Harbour will host a number of events too.

Cork harbour

Cork harbour will be busy over the Sail Spree weekend with Monkstown Bay Sailing Club giving visitors a chance to take part in the Sea Hennessy Trophy Race on Saturday 23 June. It’s a chance to see Cork harbour as you’ve never seen it before!

Royal Cork Yacht Club will be taking out guests in a variety of yachts belonging to their members, with everything from a high performance 1720 racing yacht or more tranquil boats on offer. Details of both events can be found on the Sail Spree website.

SailCork in Cobh, are providing an action packed day with ‘On the Water’ taster sessions on both Saturday and Sunday of Sail Spree weekend.

East Cork

East Cork will have Youghal Bay Boat Club and Aquatrek Sea Skills flying the Sail Spree flag on Saturday 23 June. AquaTrek will be providing ‘On the Water’ taster sessions in both sailing and power boating as well as having onshore events and activities to keep the whole family happy. Also on 23 June Youghal Bay Boat Club will be offering guests an opportunity to try sailing in their fleet of dinghies.

South Cork

South Cork residents and visitors will have plenty of choice over Sail Spree weekend, with five clubs and centres hosting events. The Oysterhaven Centre Courtmacsherry Watersports Centre Kinsale Yacht Club, Sovereign Sailing and Kinsale Outdoor Education Centre all hosting an event of some sort.

Kinsale Yacht Club will be running three Sail Spree sessions on 19, 20 and 23 June. They will be hosting a special event on the Saturday to create awareness of the wonderful opportunities for children and adults with disabilities who would like to try sailing.

West Cork

On the west coast Glandore Harbour Yacht Club, Baltimore Sailing Club, and Bantry Bay Sailing Club will run ‘On the Water’ sailing taster sessions on Saturday 23 June as part of the Sail Spree celebration.

For a weekend of family fun in West Cork, Heir Island will be the place to go. They are combining Sail Spree weekend with a Summer Solstice festival. As well as sailing taster sessions, they will have lobster boat cruises around the Island, kayaking, live music, art galleries and pizza and bread baking.

ISA CEO Harry Hermon said: “We are surrounded by a beautiful natural resource which provides us with unlimited capabilities for recreation. The ISA is passionate about introducing new people to the excitement of sailing, windsurfing and motorboating.”

To book your place or find out more about Sail Spree events in your area check out www.sailspree.ie.

CORK EAST FINE GAEL TD, DAVID STANTON has welcomed the news that €18 million is to be allocated for a wastewater treatment plant in Youghal.  The funding announcement was made by Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government, Phil Hogan TD, during a visit to Cork East Constituency today.

“I know that Minister Hogan recently met with representatives from Youghal Town and Cork County Councils.  At this meeting they discussed the urgent need to allocate funding to proceed with the long awaited wastewater treatment plant in Youghal.

“Youghal is in dire need of a wastewater treatment plant as the current situation, whereby untreated waste is being pumped directly into the sea is just not acceptable”, said Deputy Stanton.  “Funding of €18 million will now allow for construction of a modern and efficient wastewater treatment facility in Youghal which will mean an end to this.

“Tourism is now the main industry in Youghal now, and as much effort as possible must be made to ensure that this sector is developed.  In addition to the Blackwater Estuary which is an excellent asset for watersports, Youghal also has a number of great beaches around the town. It is important that the quality and cleanliness of the beach and estuary are maintained. The new wastewater treatment plant will ensure that water quality in the sea and estuary in the area remains of a high standard.

“I made a very strong case to Minister Hogan regarding a wastewater treatment plant for Youghal.  I am pleased that this much needed funding has now been approved and the project can now proceed.

 

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22/05 15:22 CET