YOUGHAL IS, perhaps, best known for its five miles of uncluttered beaches.  The beaches, however, even though a huge part of our town, are not the only attraction which the town of Youghal can boast.   The history of the town, which is the second oldest town in Ireland next to Kinsale, is amazing and among the different historical buildings is the Benedictine Priory, Tyntes Castle, and the Alms Houses.  Coupled with these, Youghal is home to the most wonderful docks and old warehouses which bear witness to Youghal’s maritime past.   The Town Walls are situated high about the town and one can visualise what Youghal must have looked like back in the 13th century when places such as Raheen Park, Sarsfield Terrace and all the housing beyond for miles were mere fields.  Just below the walls, St Mary’s Collegiate Church has the most extensive medieval gardens, and right next door is Myrtle Grove which is the former home of Walter Raleigh.  Denise FitzGerald Reports/Photo Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com

Coupled with this historic panorama, the town of Youghal itself is a modern, interesting and unusual town with colourful shops, pubs and restaurants with old lanes leading from the Main Street in both directions – one side leading to the sea and the river Blackwater,  and the other climbing high from the street, at the top of which are the most wonderful views of the Bay and River.

Approximately seven years ago, a group of dedicated people from the Youghal area, who share a passion for the wealth of our heritage, formed a voluntary committee with a view to showcasing the wonderful gem which is Youghal.   In 2002 a meeting was arranged  with  Dr, Dagmar Ui Riain – Raedel of Dept.of History ,UCC and a decision was taken to hold a week of events culminating in a conference and field trip.   One of the results of the field trip was that it exposed the international importance of nearby Molana Abbey, and this attracted many people and several Oxford University scholars.    The Conference was so successful that it was decided to continue on for the following year at least.   The Group were delighted and honoured that Dagmar joined the Committee and is now Conference Director.

On Thursday night last in the Mall Arts Centre, Youghal Celebrates History launched  their 7th Conference, which will take place from September 25th to September 27th inclusive at the Mall Arts Centre and the theme for 2009 is “The River Blackwater, Historic Houses and Landscapes”.   Attendees will be treated to thought provoking and entertaining lectures by eminent speakers who will share their knowledge and insights into the role of the Blackwater in Irish history, past, present and future.  The conference Dinner will be held on Saturday night, September 26th at the Red Store, North Main Street,  and numbers are limited.  The Conference will culminate with a river trip on the Blackwater to Dromana House.   The Youghal Ceoltas Group will entertain during lunch on the day.

The attendance on Thursday night last was large and enthusiastic, and excitement was high in anticipation of the event.   Dr. Dagmar Ui Riain – Raedel, who was introduced by John Kelly, spoke eloquently on Youghal Celebrates History, and was loud in her praise of the tremendous work of the committee, which is made up of Seamus Lantry, David Kelly, Sheelagh Morehan, Helen Keane, Claire Hynes, Deirdre Kelly, Tom Mc Carthy, Breeda Phillips, Sheila Loughnan, Mary O Callaghan and Helen Keane, all of whom work together with efficiency and enjoyment.   There can be no doubt that, in the seven years of their existence, these people have contributed hugely towards the Bord Fáilte designation of Youghal as a Heritage town, and the Youghal Town Atlas, and congratulations are extended to each one.

Thanks are extended to sponsors over the years for their generosity. We are particularly indebted to Youghal Town Council and the people of Youghal for their continued support and generosity. Special thanks this year to Maróg and Sally O’Brien, and Kay Harte of Farm Gate, Midleton and Cork, who provide the superb food, and to Ken Brookes of SuperValu Youghal for the fine wine.
All are welcome at the Conference, and early booking is advisable.

Web ; youghalcelebrateshistory.com
Email : ytta@eircom.net
Phone : (00353) 087 9666554
or write : Youghal Celebrates History, St Mary’s College, Emmet Place, Youghal Co.Cork

Click on image to see the launch of the 7th annual Youghal Celebrates History at the Mall Arts Centre – Photo Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com

Photo Captions:

74 Breeda Phillips with her son John and daughter Siobhan at the launch

75 Helen Mackessy, Michael Beecher and Sheila Moreham
77 Sally O’Brien
78 Frankie Mills, Noel Cronin and Sean Noonan
80 Michelle Hennessy and Mayor Sandra McLellan
81 Tom McCarthy, Barbara Murray and Cliff Winser
82 Catherine Kelly and Rhiannon Carey Bates from the Youghal heritage committee
87 Marian O’Halloran and Catherine Desmond
88 89 Rhiannon Carey Bates, Catherine Desmond, Mayor Sandra McLellan and Marian O’Halloran
91 Mervyn Scott with Margaret and Eoin Crowley
93 Dagmar O’Riain and Kay Donnelly
95 Micheal and Helen de Buitleir
98 Seamus Langtry and Sheila Moreham

202
209 John Kelly
210 Dagmar O’Riain
218 Catryn Power and Kay Donnelly
220 Kathleen McSweeney, Helen Mackessy and Stacy Quillivan
223 Tom McCarthy, Emily Villier Stuart, Dagmar O’Riain and John Kelly
234 Tony Gallagher and Helen Keane

This evenings concert has been postponed until further notice

Youghal Celebrates History in association with Youghal Credit Union
proudly present
A musical evening Friday 26th September 2008 at 8pm Mall Arts Centre, Mall House, Youghal featuring: International Soprano Mary Hegarty

Accompanist Eleanor Malone-Clarinettist and Artistic Director Pat O’Keeffe
Dundanion Singers-Conductor Terry McCarthy-Accompanist Anne Healy-Mayes
Tickets €30 including Interval Reception

Tickets may be bought at Cree’s Card shop, Main St. Youghal, or from the Tourist Office, or from the Youghal Celebrates History Office, c/o St. Mary’s College, Youghal.
Early booking is advised.
Youghal Celebrates History are a voluntary group dedicated to preserving and promoting the unique heritage in this wonderful walled port town. Youghal was an important administrative and commercial centre in the late Medieval period and up to the 19th century. In earlier times the area was associated with significant monastic settlements such as Molana Abbey which had an international reputation for Read more