“Xpose Xmas Xperience”
Friday 2nd December
Quays Nite Club Youghal Doors open 8pm

TIME TO GLAM UP FOR CHRISTMAS by attending “Xpose Xmas Xperience” Youghal with special guest Avril Geary “Style Coach and Image Consultant” Avril will be on hand throughout the night and will be giving advice on how to dress for your body shape.

This red carpet event will take place in the Quays Nite Club on Friday the 2nd of December at 8pm and will showcase some of Youghal’s finest  fashion and beauty.  Tickets cost only €15, and on the night you will be greeted with a champagne reception and canapés. One lucky person will win an extreme makeover which will be uncovered on the night.

A facebook competition is currently running to choose the lucky winner for more information on how you could be in with a chance to win go to Youghal Chamber facebook page.  Experts will be on hand to give plenty of fashion advice; beauty tips glamorous hairstyles and gift ideas for Christmas.

You will also have an opportunity to buy some fabulous gifts for Christmas at a special “Xpose Youghal” discounted price on the night!  And if that’s not enough you will receive a goody bag on arrival and a draw will take place for some fantastic prizes and spot prizes will be given throughout the night.

After the show you can put on your dancing shoes and dance the night away for a glitzy style disco in the club with DJ Chris which is included in the price of your ticket.  This would make a great Christmas party staff night out for many small businesses

A donation from the proceeds of the draw will go to Youghal Community Bus.

This event is being run by Youghal Chamber to encourage “SHOP LOCAL” and to highlight the best of what our town has to offer for Christmas shopping.

Shop Local for Christmas is the message that Chamber President Mary O’Donnell wants to spread and commented  “I cannot stress enough how important it is for everyone to make a real effort to support our local shops, please try to buy your Christmas presents here in Youghal this year. By shopping local you are helping to sustain local employment and the future of our town”.

So put some sparkle back into your Christmas and come to Xpose Xmas Xperience Youghal. Tickets cost €15 are available from Youghal Tourist Office 024-92447, Team Bailey Hairdressers and Sole Shoe Shop or any of Youghal Chamber Directors.

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 Tourism and Development Spring members meeting at The Walter Raleigh Hotel, Youghal.  The meeting took place on Thursday evening 5th May 2011 at The Walter Raleigh Hotel, Youghal. New President of the Youghal Chamber of Tourism and Development is Mary O’Donnell and Vice-President is Sal Tivy

 

What is a Chamber?

A Chamber is an organisation made up of local business representatives who join together to promote the economic and social development of their community in order to make it a better place in which to live, work and do business.

Youghal Chamber

At Youghal Chamber, we are all about creating a better environment for business to succeed in Youghal.  Our membership spans most of the businesses in the area. Our members offer every kind of product and service.

Youghal has a growing business community attracted by our population growth, increasing tourist visitor numbers, availability of skilled workers and great travel and telecommunications links with Ireland and the rest of the world.  Not forgetting the fact that this is a great place to work and live, with stunning views and fresh air to stir the soul and raise your spirits.

Please contact us, to discuss with a Chamber Director, how we can help your business flourish in Youghal.

 

 

Chamber Board of Directors

Diarmuid Keogh Conn Keogh & Cons Auctioneers Secretary

Mary Birmingham AIB Treasurer

Michael Farrell Summerfield Bar Director

Martin Finn Smart Tactics Director

Mary Bernard Le Gourmet Director

Mr Seamus Curran The Quays Bar & Nightclub Director

Tracy Kenneally Aura Leisure Centre Director

Eddie Irwin Irwin’s Electronics Director

John Flavin Flavins Sports & Shoes Director

Sal Tivy Director

Cllr Barbara Murray Director

Michael McGrath Genesis Director

Mary O Donnell Clear View Auctioneers Director

John Griffin Aquatrek Director

Patrick Morrissey Director

Networking Opportunities
Youghal Chamber offers support and assistance to help local businesses grow and provide the best service possible to their members. It operates the chamber quality accreditation process. It also negotiates commercial agreements and develops national public relations and marketing campaigns on behalf of the member’s network

Supporting SMEs
Youghal Chamber develops and packages services that can be delivered to SMEs these include information and training programmes to support growth and competitiveness
Lobbying We represent the views of our members at local, county, regional and national level.
Lobbying is one of the key services offered by Youghal chamber to its members.

As part of Chambers Ireland one the largest business representative organisation across 60 locations in Ireland, Youghal chamber is well positioned to lobby locally, regionally and nationally on the key issues that effect business.

The chamber engages in professional research, policy and communications activities at each of these levels to deliver a better trading environment for its business members.

As required the chamber can lobby local, regional and national government as well as other large public and private sector bodies.
This is done with an objective approach and is plat formed on evidence based research.

Training
The Chamber Business School is a dynamic training organisation with a passionate commitment to increasing business productivity, profitability and competitiveness by developing the critical skills required to cope with the ever increasing demands of work.
Managed directly by Chambers Ireland and grant aided by FÁS, the Chamber Business School expects to train over 3,000 employees in 2006 making it one of the largest private training providers in Ireland.
In response to industry demands, the Chamber Business School has dramatically increased access to training for local businesses by providing relevant tailor made training, locally and at competitive rates.
RELEVANT TRAINING
Focusing on the critical skills required to impact positively on business performance the Chamber Business School has developed almost 30 programmes under the following headings:
• Business Performance Management
• Capacity Building
• General Management
• Health and Safety
• Human Resource Management
• International Trade .

Chamber HR
If your business needs advice on HR and/or Health and Safety, the chamber can assist you with our ChamberHR service
Chamber HR is a tailor-made solution to suit individual client’s needs in the increasingly difficult business area of human resources management (HRM).

In partnership with Peninsula Business Services, Chamber HR’s primary objective is the prevention of problems in the HRM area, including breaking down and explaining the often difficult-to-understand world of employment legislation and business protection.

Translation Services If you need to translate from one language to another, Chamber Translation Services can turn around a competitive quote within 24 hours

 

Click here to visit http://www.youghalchamber.ie/index.aspx?id=0

A new community and traders group held its first, tentative meeting at the Red Store on Tuesday last, February 22nd. The gathering was organised principally by florist Kaye Curtin and Boutique owner Lil Dann. As closure after closure afflicts shops on the main street, the area’s retail sector is facing considerable challenges and the meeting was called, “as a way of trying to spark new ideas and initiatives, however small or large,” explains Kaye.

Times Past - Youghal Traders pictured below from the 1970′s

Planning and pre-publicity was relatively restricted but the short timespan still allowed time for rumour and a degree of paranoia and even resentment to set in. Principally, the assumption grew that the gathering marked a ‘splinter’ group keen to break from the main frame that is the Chamber of Commerce. That a group –or even a pair- of individuals trying to help their own and other businesses to survive could be viewed with suspicion and negativity, perhaps fills its own chapter in the story of Youghal’s retail woes.

Inclusive

Tuesday’s ‘gathering did not constitute an elected or nominated team of officers, but the ’top table’ was populated for the occasion by Kay Curtin, Lil Dann,  door and windows specialist Jimmy  Flanagan with ,Dara Murphy of Read and Write, appropriately taking minutes! There was general acceptance in the room that the new group seeks to be inclusive across all community sectors, whether traders, clubs, other organisations or private individuals. In that sense, ‘traders’ could appropriately be defined as ‘trading in ideas.’  Some members of the Chamber of Commerce attended and contributed to the discussion, prior to attending their own meeting later the same night.

The meeting opened with Ms Curtin reading from a report on Youghal traders’ determination to support a vibrant Christmas in the town “despite the tide of pessimism that tends to permeate the land in these days of economic hardship.” It was written in 1976!! Mr Flanagan reflected that the difference between that recession and the current one is the complete absence of industry in Youghal nowadays. However, he reflected that the town still has a council, a Chamber of Commerce and many individual organisations working for the town. He called on sectors of local society to “start fighting back” on behalf of the town. “What we want to know is, how do we fight back?”, he asked.

Views, ideas, intentions

About 40 people occupied the room as ideas and observations regarding the Youghal economy were invited. The hour that followed saw voices from the floor focus on the following:

The Community Bus:

It was proposed that the community bus be utilised if possible, given the “extortionate” system of charging by the head as operated by the taxi services. It was related that families holidaying in the Quality Hotel for example, were avoiding visits to the town due to the cost of travelling by taxi. Holidaymakers in Ardmore were similarly deterred, it was claimed. If the community bus could not be utilised for such service, it was proposed that an approach be made to the taxi services for an alternative fare system. Michael Beecher of the Community Bus committee said that as far as he knew, the vehicle was available to any non-recreational group and he would look into it.

Later opening:

It was recommended that businesses remain open a little later at weekends, with evidence that some people travel to Cork for late shopping on Friday nights. It was felt the move would draw in consumers from surrounding regions and towns. As with the community bus issue, a few volunteers committed to pursuing the idea and local businesses are to be canvassed for their views.

Parking:

Views differed. One man proposed that free parking persist outside the town centre, with €1.50 per hour imposed within, along with the first half hour free, to keep traffic moving. There were diverse views on this issue, including a completely opposite view that parking meters be removed completely from the street.  Amidst a dearth of awareness as to the nature and implications of the imminent new car parking byelaws, the entire issue was designated to a few members in attendance to investigate and report to the next meeting.

NCT:

It was reported that many people were keen to visit the town while awaiting their car tests and ideas were sought as to how they could be accommodated. The community bus was suggested as a possible solution.

Resident Population -Newsletter:

Youghal is “turning into a message town,” as far as residents on its immediate surrounds were concerned, according to one opinion. The speaker said that those residing in Cork Hill, Knockaverry and beyond were simply not deliberating downtown beyond pausing for basic necessities.  He advocated half hour free parking to discourage such hurried visits. It was observed that during the icy weather, when driving was treacherous, main street traders were extremely busy. The proposer also suggested that a small, business newsletter be circulated advertising the attractions of shopping local.

The Clock Gate:

An argument was put forward that the Clock Gate should be promoted commercially, aesthetically and culturally as a major tourist attraction of Youghal, if not a town emblem in itself. Reference was made to the “30-40 tourists per day who photographing the iconic structure but are never incited to dwell in the vicinity nor permitted to see it from the inside. It was mooted that the unique building held enormous, untapped potential as a tourist attraction. There was a near total lack of knowledge as to what future is being planned for the Clock Gate. Michael Beecher, as town councillor, said plans were very advanced for the structure’s restoration and funding had been allocated for the project.  An opening date on 2012 is anticipated and it is hoped to update the overall situation in the next edition of Youghal News.

Bypass signage:

There was unanimous criticism that the signs indicating Youghal at the Cork side entrance were pathetically inadequate. Lighted signage was promised, said one contributor and had not been delivered by Cork County Council. It was agreed to pursue this issue further.

Students:

The point was made that the students in Pobalscoil na Trionoide were geographically disassociated from the town centre, with considerable economic and even social consequences. The speaker said that students in Carrigaline spend an average of 1,000 students €6 each a day on lunches in the town.  He urged greater ties between the town and the school through whatever means or methods available. Reference was made to a discount card scheme initiated with the school through the Chamber of Commerce and which was to be launched officially later that very night.

Christmas Lights:

A chamber representative spoke of the need for larger, longer-term planning and investment from traders. The Chamber of Commerce had sent €50,000 on advertising in 2010, promoting a range of attractions. The Chamber also enabled members to acquire Christmas lights for at a 50% lower price than non-members, a point of information that flickered in debate for a little while also. The Chamber speaker elaborated that unity was essential and hoped the perception of a splinter group being formed would not take hold in the public domain. Mr. Flanagan stressed full agreement with this view. Ms. Curtain appealed for traders to obtain local radio membership for €12 per annum, before the meeting concluded in an air of amicability and some optimism.

The next meeting takes place at the Red Store on Thursday March 10th at 6pm. Inquiries (024)92634, business hours

The Youghal Family Fun Festival ‘Queen of the Sea’ 2010 winner was announced on Saturday night (17th July 2010) by the popular MC Tommy Collins from Youghal local radio CRY. The event was broadcast live by CRY from the event stage specially set up at the Market Square in the centre of town. The lucky winner was Susie Fitzgibbon, representing Aherne’s Seafood Restaurant.
Report/Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com | Email: news@youghalonline.com

Each contestant was first briefly interviewed by the MC in front of the judging panel and a large crowd of well wishers, supporters and admirers, who enjoyed the glamorous and colourful event despite the inclement weather.
All the girls were dressed in stunning dresses and the judging was almost impossible to pick, however, pick they had to, and this year’s Kerry Rose, Veronica Hunt, crowned local girl Susie Fitzgibbon with the inaugural ‘Queen of the Sea’ tiara. A stunned and delighted Susie was cheered and clapped by the other contestants and their escorts.

Susie was then presented with the ‘Queen of the Sea 2010′ glass trophy as a memento of the occasion, the sash, bouquets of flowers and a cheque of €500, sponsored by Gavin Tivy from The Seahunter Charter boats and Warren Tivy from Claycastle recording studios, Youghal.

Susie, aged 18, is hoping to work in either languages or psychology. Her ambitions for the future include travelling and learning Italian. Her many hobbies include swimming and speech & drama.

The winner and the other contestants and escorts were then transported in a cavalcade of vintage cars to the nearby Mall Arts Centre, where they were greeted by the Mayor of Youghal, Mary Linehan Foley, and piper, Olan McCarthy from The Youghal Pipe Band.

After the champagne reception, the ladies and escorts danced the night away in the ballroom to the fabulous music of the ‘Roaring Fortie’s Dance band.

The whole event went very smooth thanks to the organisers, volunteers, Garda, and local emergency services. Warren Tivy, from Claycastle Recording Studios, told Youghalonline.com that he was very happy and delighted to be one of the sponsors of this event. He said, “It proved very popular despite the weather, the whole community and businesses were behind the festival and that will help to make it even bigger again next year”. Congratulations to the ‘Raining’ Queen of the Sea.

Click on image to see the Queen of the Sea event. Photo: www.youghalonline.com

The Family Fun Festival kicked off on Friday 16th July 2010 with the opening event, a ‘Mardi-Gras’ Parade through the streets ending at the Market Square in the centre of the town. The colourful parade was led by the Youghal Pipe Band followed by lots of floats representing the different clubs and  local businesses of Youghal and of course the Queen of the Sea ladies.
Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com Email: news@youghalonline.com

MC for the weekend CRY’s popular anchorman,Tommy Collins, who greeted the large crowds, along with the new Mayor of Youghal, Mary Linehan Foley, Veronica Hunt, the Kerry Rose for 2010, members of the judging panel for the ‘Queen of the Sea’ competition and organising committee.

This festival will feature a non-stop programme of events. The highlight of the entire weekend however will be the crowning of Youghal’s very own ‘Queen of the Sea’, generously sponsored by local businesses; Claycastle Recording Studios and The Seahunter Charter Boat. “I was delighted that so many of the girls have participated in this event” commented Veronica Hunt, Kerry Rose 2010 and also a member of the Judging Panel for the Queen of the Sea. “This is such a fantastic experience for young girls , a chance to be recognised as they are all  talented, beautiful and full of personality and I am sure that their families and friends will be very proud of them” commented Veronica.

Click on image to see the Mardi Gras Parade in Youghal which starts the beginning of the Family Fun Festival. Photo: www.youghalonline.com

This FREE Festival weekend promises to be fun-packed FREE activities and entertainment for all the family, mardis gras parade, DJ’s. Bands, Busking, Food Festivals, Raft Races and Old Style Childrens games – Youghal is definitely the place to be the weekend of July 16th to 18th commented Sal Tivy.

According to Greek Mythology, Amphitrite was a very beautiful and very powerful woman – the wife of King Poseidon and Queen of the Sea.

Report: Denise FitzGerald | Photos: Ed Guiry | Michael Hussey for www.youghalonline.com | Email: news@youghalonline.com.

The Family Fun Festival, which will be held in Youghal on the weekend of July 16th to 18th, will have their very own Amphitrite, who will be chosen as Queen of the Sea from a myriad of other beautiful local girls who make up the contestants for the title.

The Queens were introduced to the people of Youghal in a very sea themed event which took place on Nealon’s Quay. Having each been presented with their sash representing their sponsors, they were a rainbow of colour and style on such a beautiful Youghal evening.  The thirty five contestants represented not only Youghal but also Killeagh, Clashmore, Midleton and Ardmore.   The Queen of the Sea is generously sponsored by local businesses – Claycastle Recording Studios and the Seahunter Charter Boat.
CLICK ON IMAGE TO START SLIDESHOW OF ALL THE CONTESTANTS IN THE INAUGURAL QUEEN OF THE SEA 2010 CONTEST. Photos: Copyright to www.youghalonline.com

The Queens, following much picture taking on the quays by friends, relatives and the media, made their high heeled way precariously down the slip way onto the Seahunter, where further photo shoots were undertaken with much laughter, enjoyment and swaying of boat.

The evening continued in the Mall Arts Centre where the Festival was officially launched by the Mayor of Youghal, Cllr Mary Linehan Foley, with a large group of interested persons in attendance.

Chairperson of the organising committee, Sal Tivy of Perks Entertainment Centre told how 90% of the Festival will be FREE for everyone, the exception being the Festival Ball and BBQ. Sal continued that all monies raised from the Queen of the Sea competition will be given to the very deserving charity, Childline.

Asked how such a huge undertaking as this Festival came about, the Chairperson said that Youghal had always been a popular family destination, not only for holidays but also for family day trips from every part of the County.

Thus, in April last a group of nine people got together and formed a steering committee with the intention of putting together a “mini festival”.  Not only did the committee numbers swell to thirteen, but the “mini” festival became a major festival, and now incorporates open air, land and sea based events on river, beaches, town and countryside.

It promotes local, community based arts and crafts with musical offerings, a Mardi Gras Parade, storytelling, and the usual very popular open air activities with Fastest Daddy race, Spud and Spoon, Raft Races etc., etc., etc.,

“The Committee”, Mrs Tivy continued, “all work together very well. We meet at least once a week, to discuss and organise events which will bring fun back to our lovely seaside town, and brighten up the summer for our locals and visitors alike.  It is our hope to lift the morale of people in these times of recession, and what better way to do this than to introduce a Festival which is FREE for all and incorporates a programme of fun events for all ages”. “This Festival”, Mrs Tivy concluded, “will be a Champagne Festival on a Lemonade budget”.

Youghal’s “Amphitrite” will be chosen on Saturday morning, July 17th, by a panel of judges, and her name will be announced on Saturday night. However, this does not mean the end of the line for the other remaining contestants, as they will be included in all events over the weekend of festivities, bringing glamour and style to all proceedings.

And so, bring on the bubbly………

All photos copyright to www.youghalonline.com.

Youghal’s First Family Fun Festival Launched by newly elected Youghal Mayor Mary Linehan-Foley.

Youghal’s first Family Fun Festival is an example of how a small vibrant community can celebrate and make known the spectacular amenities of the River Blackwater, Blue Flag Beaches and vast variety of local activities.

In addition, the festival’s focus on providing FREE Family Fun Entertainment for all ages is “most welcome” said Mayor Mary Linehan-Foley in Youghal (July 1st 2010).

At the first official function since her election, the Mayor of Youghal launched the 2010 Youghal Family Fun Festival at the Mall Arts Centre in Youghal. The festival takes place in the harbour town on the weekend of the 16th to 18th July 2010.

Failte Ireland South West Representative Hilary Creedon, spoke on how Youghal, seen as an area of excellent amenities was chosen as a Family Fun Hub last year, one of the few in Ireland to be supported by Failte Ireland. “We are delighted to see that the businesses of the area have come up with such a range of activities suitable for all families for this, the first of what is sure to be many Family Fun Weekends in Youghal, the heart of the Sunny South” commented Hilary.

Announcing the details of this year’s festival programme, the Chairperson of Youghal Family Fun Festival Committee Mrs. Sal Tivy outlined the financial support that made the festival possible and detailed the events schedule.

“We hope that this exciting and varied programme of events will appeal to both locals and visitors and pay tribute to the support of SECAD, Youghal Chamber of Tourism & Commerce, Youghal Town Council and Failte Ireland for their support not to mention the local business community” commented Mrs Tivy.

The Festival is an open-air, land and sea-based weekend event, with the aim of highlighting the attractions and amenities of Youghal; including the river, beaches, town and countryside. It also promotes local, community-based arts and crafts, as well as some good old traditional style family fun” said Mrs Tivy.

Musical offerings include ‘DJ Freddie’ Friday night, local favourites ‘Rannach’ on Saturday night as well as a host of surprises during the Mardis Gras Parade which kick starts the festival on Friday evening. Literary Lovers will be treated to some storytelling on Saturday afternoon in the library to the delight both young and old. Activities to enthuse the adventurous will feature Raft Races, Crab Competitions, “Fastest Daddy” race or test one’s skills on a Spud & Spoon course!

Not forgetting the vast heritage associated with Youghal; guided walks suitable for all the family are also featuring in this packed schedule. The weekend of the 16th to 18th of July is packed with options for all the family, while art exhibitions, dance workshops and storytelling are just a sample of some of the other activities to keep young people
highly entertained.

Guest Speaker, Veronica Hunt, a Youghal native and the Kerry Rose for 2010 delighted the crowd with the details of a very exciting first for Youghal introducing the participants of the “Queen of the Sea” Competition. Each girl was introduced by Miss Hunt who went on to detail that the money fundraised by each “Queen of the Sea” was going to “Childline”, encouraging all to dig deep in the coming weeks for such a worthy Charity.  Childline received over 800,000 calls in the past year, 500,000 of which the helpline was only in a position to answer.  The government contributes only 10% of the entire budget of the ISPCC, and it was re-iterated that fundraising events such as the Family Fun Festival in Youghal were vital to its very existence.

At the heart of the festival is the “Family” and the opportunity to share in all types of FREE Fun activities that will be remembered as the happy memories of Summer 2010 for all!
Further information and schedule of events can be found on www.youghal.ie or call 024-20170 for further information.

Issued by Youghal Family Fun Festival

Contact: Aileen Ahern

Tel: 024-81814

E: tourism@youghal.ie

Click on image to enlarge: Pics: John Hennessy and Ed Guiry

Family Fun Festival 16th – 18th July 2010

Youghal’s first ever dedicated Family Festival will take place in the stunning seaside town on Friday 16th, Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th July 2010. Photo: www.youghalonline.com

The highlight of the week will be the selection of the Queen of the Sea, where the lucky winner will receive a terrific prize of E500.  This FREE Festival weekend promises to be fun-packed FREE activities and entertainment for all the family. All are welcome to come and support the Queen of the Sea participants at the Market Square Stage at 8pm on Saturday Evening. Music and Entertainment assured for all!

Speaking about the upcoming festival, Chairperson of the organising committee, Sal Tivy of Perks Entertainment centre commented: “We have certainly struck gold we believe here in Youghal again.   We will be hosting one of the biggest Family Fun Festivals imaginable in July from 16th – 18th.   The wonderful thing about this festival however is that there is fun for families aged from one to one hundred!   And most importantly almost all events in the festival are free.  We look forward to welcoming family visitors to our beautiful town where we will guarantee a fun-filled weekend.  We are also thrilled that any proceeds raised from our ‘Queen of the Sea’ Competition will go to the hugely deserving ‘Childline’ Charity.
CLICK ON IMAGE TO SEE SOME OF THE CONTESTANTS IN THE INAUGURAL ‘Queen of the Sea 2010’ COMPETITION – All photos copyright to www.youghalonline.com

This festival will feature a non-stop programme of events including the opening event; a ‘Mardi-Gras’ Parade on Friday night promises a world of colour and spectacle throughout the town.

Saturday will feature the finest of local produce in the Family Food Festival in Market Square, followed by children’s storytelling, sandcastle building and crab-catching competitions.   The sound of music will fill the streets with children’s busking sessions and interactive children’s dance workshops.

Sunday 18th July is Funday in  ‘Greenpark’ when the town will come alive from 12.00 – 4.00 pm with mayhem sure to ensue in the ‘Fastest Daddy Competition’, ‘The Walter Raleigh Spud & Spoon Race’ and ‘The Teddy Bear Hospital’.

The highlight of the entire weekend however will be the crowning of Youghal’s very own ‘Queen of the Sea’, generously sponsored by local businesses; Claycastle Recording Studios and The Seahunter Charter Boat. Initial interviews have already been held and the evening promises to be spectacular. “I was delighted that so many of the girls have participated in this event” commented Veronica Hunt, Kerry Rose 2010 and also a member of the Judging Panel for the Queen of the Sea. “This is such a fantastic experience for young girls , a chance to be recognised as they are all  talented, beautiful and full of personality and I am sure that their families and friends will be very proud of them” commented Veronica.

We are all eager to see who will be finally be the lucky girl chosen on Saturday evening in the Market Square, they are all such wonderful people for all little girls to look up to.  As the event draws near, banners and posters are the talk of the town!. It ‘s set to be a colourful, fun and entertaining evening” Veronica added.

This FREE Festival weekend promises to be fun-packed FREE activities and entertainment for all the family, mardis gras parade, DJ’s. Bands, Busking, Food Festivals, Raft Races and Old Style Childrens games – Youghal is definitely the place to be the weekend of July 16th to 18th commented Sal Tivy“ We hope to see you all there”! she added.

Youghal Family Fun Festival is supported and part funded by South & East Cork Area Development (SECAD), and Youghal Chamber of Tourism & Commerce in association with Failte Ireland and Youghal Town Council.

For further details of the times of the festival events log onto: www.youghal.ie or call the festival headquarters in Youghal Tourist Office on: 024-20170.

Issued by:            Youghal Family Fun Festival.

Contact: Aileen Ahern E: tourism@youghal.ie

Tel:               024-81814

Photo Captions

Mickey Noel White and his daughter Noelle
34 Susie Fitzgibbon, Arianna Linder and Lynn Leahy
36 Heather O’Donoghue, Sara Robinson and Amanda Veale
38 Stella Perks, Heather O’Donoghue, Sara Robinson, Amanda Veale and Eddie Irwin
40 Diane O’Sullivan and David O’Shea from Midleton
43 Micheala Bailey
45 Emma O’Keeffe and Diane O’Sullivan
49 Emma Healy and Vanessa Prendergast with members of Youghal Fire Brigade
50 Micheala Bailey, Emma Healy, Stella Perks and Vanessa Prendergast
55 Nicola Hennessy
57 Dainia Foley and Lynn Leahy
61 Lynn Leahy, Michael Farrell and Jessica Scully
65 Emer Kelly and Michael de Buitleir
68 Eileen Hunt with her daughters Vanessa and Valerie
69 Committee
731copy Committee
75 Evin Gyves, Veronica Hunt, Bill Piper and Stella Perks
79 Gaye and David Fitzgibbon with their daughter Susie
82 Ryan Howard, Barbara Murray, Sal Tivy Perks, and Aileen Ahern
83 Siobhán Greene with her father John Greene and Marie Davis
87 Virginia Brownlow, Tony Gallagher, Stella Perks, Katie Fitzgibbon and David Fitzgibbon
88 and 92 Veronica Hunt
95 Contestants Sophie Condon, Serena Ottman, Alison Curtin, Sarah Ledingham, Emer Kelly and Siobhán Greene
500 Miss Walter Raleigh Serena Ottman
503 Linda Coade, Nicola Hennessy and Daragh Parker from Youghal Local Radio CRY
805 Miss CRY Linda Coade
510 Heather O’Donoghue, Erin Healy and Amanda Veale
512 Mary Cooper White with her daughter Noelle and Brian McGoran
513 Nikata Savage, Emer Kelly and Siobhán Greene
517 A kiss is just a kiss for MC Tommy Collins from CRY with model sisters Valerie and Veronica Hunt
524 Veronica Hunt
526 7 Veronica Hunt and Micheala Bailey
530 Damian Moore, Sarah Jane Daly, Micheala Bailey and Emma Healy
532 Brian McGoran and Oonagh Poynton