DOG (OWNERS) DOING THE DIRT ON YOUGHAL’S TIDY TOWNS POTENTIAL. – By Christy Parker

Dog fouling is proving a serious impediment to Youghal climbing higher or even topping national tidy towns’ competitions, according to town clerk Liam Ryan. The official made his observation during January’s town council meeting as members celebrated the town’s success in the Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) League 2011. Youghal was recognised as Cork’s tidiest town and earned a ‘Sustained Excellence Award’ for five consecutive years of litter free status. The town finished seventh overall nationally in a field of 53 towns and cities, from which Trim, Co. Meath topped the table.

Amidst the glow, Cllr Barbara Murray introduced a shadow of regret, pointing out that dog fouling was prevalent throughout the town. “It’s disgusting,” she says. The town clerk concurred, elaborating that it perhaps “makes the difference between finishing seventh and finishing first.”. He proceeded that, “we all know who is responsible and they know it themselves. Its time they stepped up to the plate.” Echoing the general sentiments, Cllr Tara O’Connell said her own town area (Kenny’s Lane) was typically tainted with dog litter. “There is no excuse. They (dog walkers) can get the bags easily but they don’t want to stop down and pick it up,” she declared.

Cllr Michael Beecher said it was blight from green’s Quay to the New Line, while Cllr Murray suggested that CCTV cameras be re-deployed and perpetrators (or their owners!) be prosecuted and publicly named.

YOUGHAL was today officially announced as Cork’s Tidiest Town for 2011 in the Irish Business Against Litter League, in conjunction with the Department of the Environment.  The town achieved 7th place in the overall rankings out of 53 towns and cities surveyed, with its litter classification declared as ‘clean to European norms’.  The town also received a ‘Sustained Excellence Award’ for 5 years ‘litter free’.    Trim, Co. Meath was declared the country’s cleanest town.

An Taisce monitors all towns of population 6,000 and over independently, in accordance with international grading standards.   Commenting on the result for Youghal, a spokesperson for the organisation said: “An excellent result for Youghal, a seaside tourist town.  Many of the top ranking sites were not just clear of litter but very well presented and maintained, for example Lighthouse Hill, Front Strand, the Town Walls as well as St. Mary’s Collegiate Church .

The North Main Street of the town came in for particular praise with shop fronts cited as being “well presented, with bunting across the street adding a splash of colour.”  It was proclaimed to be “a well maintained street’ by the panel.

Other sites given particular mention in Youghal included the Lighthouse Road considered “ a superb stretch of road which has been very well presented and maintained – it was enhanced by attractive street lighting and the way in which it has been so well cared for and respected.  Also given particular mention was the Front Strand noted for being “another immaculate site in Youghal – the individual houses were very well maintained – and the whole stretch of road gives a very positive impression of Youghal.

“To mark the success of Youghal as one of the 9 towns receiving the ‘Sustained Excellence Award’ it will receive a number of birch trees for planting locally.  These are provided by the Irish Tree Centre, an IBAL member based in County Cork” said Dr. Cavanagh.

“The local authorities in award-winning towns such as Youghal have a strong rationale behind their sustained efforts in combating litter.  They recognise the returns that a litter free environment can bring to a town.  It clearly attracts tourism, but it also draws inward investment in the form of shoppers and also commuters and others opting to live in the surrounding area.  At a time when retailers are struggling and ghost estates are proliferating, the need to attract new inhabitants has never been greater.”

“Our environment continues to get cleaner despite a tightening of the public purse at local authority level, says Dr. Tom Cavanagh, Chairman IBAL.  “This indicates that the fight against litter is not about money.  It’s equally about a spirit of local pride and volunteerism among the local community, and we’re seeing a resurgence of this in the current climate”.  Concluded Dr. Cavanagh.

Issued by: Youghal Town Council

Further information contact: 024-92926 E: liam.ryan@corkcoco.ie

 

IBAL Anti Litter League Finale 2011 Results Table
Rankings     Town/City     Status
1     Trim     Clean to European Norms
2     Swords     Clean to European Norms
3     Killarney     Clean to European Norms
4     Cavan     Clean to European Norms
5     Dun Laoghaire     Clean to European Norms
6     Wexford     Clean to European Norms
7     Youghal     Clean to European Norms
8     Ballincollig     Clean to European Norms
9     Waterford City     Clean to European Norms
10     Fermoy     Clean to European Norms
11     Cobh     Clean to European Norms
=      Castlebar     Clean to European Norms
=     Bray     Clean to European Norms
14     Naas     Clean to European Norms
15     Dungarvan     Clean to European Norms
16     Ennis     Clean to European Norms
=     Ballina     Clean to European Norms
=     Nenagh     Clean to European Norms
19     Longford     Clean to European Norms
20     Kilkenny     Clean to European Norms
21     Tramore     Clean to European Norms
=     Sligo     Clean to European Norms
23     Drogheda     Clean to European Norms
=     Monaghan     Clean to European Norms
25     Tullamore     Clean to European Norms
26     Kildare     Clean to European Norms
27     Maynooth     Clean to European Norms
28     Clonmel     Clean to European Norms
29     Dundalk     Clean to European Norms
30     Tralee     Clean to European Norms
31     Galway City     Clean to European Norms
32     Roscommon     Clean to European Norms
=     Newcastlewest     Clean to European Norms
=     Mullingar     Clean to European Norms
=     Athlone     Clean to European Norms
36     Arklow     Clean to European Norms
37     Wicklow     Clean to European Norms
38     New Ross     Clean to European Norms
39     Cork City     Moderately Littered
40     Mallow     Moderately Littered
41     Navan     Moderately Littered
42     Gorey     Moderately Littered
43     Carlow     Moderately Littered
44     Limerick City     Moderately Littered
45     Dublin Airport Environs     Moderately Littered
46     Tuam     Moderately Littered
47     Tallaght     Moderately Littered
48     Portlaoise     Littered
49     Letterkenny     Littered
50     Dublin City     Littered
51     Tipperary Town     Littered
52     Knocknaheeny – Cork     Litter Blackspot
53     North Inner City Dublin     Litter Blackspot

IBAL Anti-Litter League 2011,

in conjunction with the Department of the Environment

Youghal:  7th out of 53 towns / cities surveyed.  Litter Classification – Clean to European Norms.

An excellent result for Youghal, a sea-side, tourist town.  Many of the top ranking sites were not just clear of litter but very well presented and maintained e.g. Lighthouse Road, Front Strand and Town Wall and St. Mary’s Church & Collegiate. Rincrew Roundabout and Waterford Approach Road were also top ranking sites.  There were no bad sites but three failed to make the top grade.

Rincrew Roundabout:  Grade A.  This was a very clean and fresh site – road surface / signage / markings were in good condition and grass, though high, was not littered.

Waterford Approach Road:  Grade A.  (Mill Road).  There was a virtual absence of litter this approach road.  An attractive ‘Youghal Information’ notice was set in colourful shrubbery.

Store Street / Brown Square area:  Grade B.  This was a mixed site – it comprised a mix of old warehouse style buildings, offices and many modern buildings – some aspects of the site were spotless but not all. As one approached the water there was dog fouling and alcohol related litter on Store Street.

Catherine Street:  Grade B.  Dog fouling was very prevalent along this street – despite Dog Fouling notices and facilities for same.  This is a real pity the presentation of the street has been enhanced by colourful flower boxes and bollards – a good deal more care is required on behalf of dog owners.

Seaview Place:  Grade A.  The individual houses in this residential area were well presented and maintained.  The public grass / shrubbery areas were in good order – overall, a top ranking site throughout.

GAA:  Grade B.  The GAA site was let down by the area immediately surrounding the clothes recycle bank – if this area and the base of the shrubbery were cleaned up it could easily be a top ranking site.

Town Wall and St. Mary’s Church & Collegiate:  Grade A.  A really wonderful amenity which has been well cared for and respected.

North Main Street:  Grade A.  Many of the shop fronts were well presented, some of the paving was in good order and the bunting across the street added a splash of colour – a clean and well maintained street.

Lighthouse Road:  Grade A.   A superb stretch of road which has been very well presented and maintained – it was enhanced by attractive street lighting and the way in which it has been so well cared for and respected.

Front Strand:  Grade A.  This was another immaculate site in Youghal – the individual houses were very well maintained and the whole stretch of road gives a very positive impression of Youghal.

 

 

Labour TD Sean Sherlock attends special meeting of Youghal Town Council. – By Christy Parker

CORK EAST LABOUR TD SEAN SHERLOCK discussed a range of local issues during a specially convened meeting with Youghal Town Council on Monday October 24th. Deputy Sherlock is Minister of State, Department of Enterprise, Jobs & Innovation and Department of Education & Skills with responsibility for Research & Innovation.

Due to various circumstances, just four councillors attended the 10 am assembly, they being Cllrs Mary Linehan-Foley, Eoin Flanagan, Liam Burke and Tara O’Connell. Town Clerk Liam Ryan and assistant town clerk Helen Mulcahy, were also present.

Cllr O’Connell:

The occasion marked the first attendance and formal co-option of Tara O’Connell, who was succeeding her late father Tommy in the chamber. All present in turn offered words of welcome and encouragement to the new member. For her part the councillor thanked the council executive and staff for its support during the occasion of her father’s passing. She also expressed gratitude to the council for providing a guard of honour at her late father’s funeral. She looked forward greatly to doing her best in the chamber “for the town, for my family and for my dad.”

Deputy Sherlock:

Deputy Sherlock then explained that he was liaising with all town councils in his constituency, while reassuring that he would do all within his capability to advance Youghal’s interests. He drew comparisons with his native Mallow in terms of both areas being RAPID towns “lacking in inward investment.” He added that he would be meeting IDA Chief Executive Barry O’Leary later that week to discuss the issue of investment in such towns, particularly given Mr. O’Leary’s recent statement that investment was primarily focused in the larger urban areas. “We need to know why this is,” he observed.

Broadband and IDA:

The deputy stressed the importance of infrastructure, including broadband, being upgraded to meet and attract investment. Asked by Mayor Eoin Coyne if there was a national strategy towards such broadband infrastructure, Deputy Sherlock said there was a proposal through Cork Chamber of Commerce to develop a transatlantic cable link through a consortium. It was being proposed that the State would meet part of the cost. The venture would have widespread communications and economic benefits, he noted, to the entire southern region.

In terms of industrial initiatives, the deputy felt that small units – employing 10-20 maximum- was now the realistic aspiration. He believed that towns like Youghal were best suited to acquiring such models as start-up companies aka the Rubicon Centre in CIT.

Town Clerk Liam Ryan said the IDA’s apparent policy of focusing on larger urban areas was “very concerning” regarding school leavers and college graduates who could not see a future in Youghal beyond the struggling retail sector. He inquired whether there was any advance from the IDA on the Amgen site and was told that “it seems to be off the agenda.”

Tourism -and waste water treatment:

Deputy Sherlock said he envisaged tourism as a lynchpin in Youghal’s development and viewed it as being open to practical, day to day assistance from central government under local strategy initiatives as against being part of the national economic strategy. Mr. Ryan said Youghal had benefited somewhat under the economic strategy but that RAPID statistics showed persistent underlying problems regarding education, unemployment, etc.

The town clerk argued that the provision of a secondary treatment and waste water plant as crucial to Youghal’s tourism development, especially given its reliance on blue flag status. He said the present situation offered no guarantee that the three flags in residence will remain. The deputy promised to investigate the status of the project within the Department of the Environment.

Education:

Deputy Sherlock said education was fundamental to improving job prospects and asked whither Youghal’s status on night classes, courses etc.  Mr Ryan said the uptake on such classes in Youghal was unfortunately quite small and presented a challenge. In the course of some discussion, it was agreed that Midleton, with its immense variety and quality of courses, was attracting Youghal people to the detriment of local provision. The visitor agreed to seek out ideas on improving the balance through talks with the VEC and SECAD. Cllr Burke said the town needed a dedicated adult education officer, which the visitor noted.

The town clerk asked if it was possible to increase the number of Fás course deployed in the town from the current total of three, which incorporates about 45 workers. He said most Fás workers were engaged in sports and heritage projects, while an envisaged course in stonemasonry seemed to have been shelved. The deputy asked whether there had been any engagement by Youghal Town Council with Rubicon technological advances centre at CIT on heritage matters. “The Enterprise Centre has,” said Mr. Ryan, adding that, while the centre is doing quite well, remained interested in acquiring spin-off benefits from Rubicon as part of its expansion plans, which also included arts and crafts.

Mr. Ryan further reminded that the town was particularly dependent on the town council’s involvement in job creation and tourism, etc. and that the proposed restructuring or diminishment of local government could seriously jeopardise that. He cited Aura, the Enterprise centre and heritage projects by example. “The county council could not provide the same level of service,” he advised. Cllr Burke echoed the sentiments. “Duly noted,” was the measure of the deputy’s reply.

Deputy Sherlock then said that the Rubicon is working on mp3 wireless technological to augment the Mallow heritage trail. He proposed that he accommodate contact between Youghal Town Council and Rubicon by way of investigating the potential for Youghal in that field.

Academic links:

Mayor Coyne again asked for an update as to any national strategy to enhance rural areas for enterprise investment. Deputy Sherlock again stressed that increasing the level of education attainment in Rapid towns particularly, was the first step necessary. He also suggested that a certain degree of emigration/travel was inherent in the Irish post-graduate practice as an island nation. That aside, he repeated his view that smaller units of 10-20 employees –as against large factories- was the likely blueprint for the future in such towns. “The Small Business Advisory Group is currently trying to make it more attractive for those within the SMEs to employ more people, through easier regulation, etc,” he added. “We want to make Youghal attractive to investors. Higher education attainment and proper facilities and infrastructure can do that. If a town can develop an academic it helps that town a lot, such as Youghal and maybe CIT, for example.”

Supporting that theme, Cllr Linehan Foley recalled that WIT students had made an immense impression a year previous when charged with a project to create investment and development opportunities for Nealon’s Quay. (One wonders where those inventive and inspired ideas now rest.). Deputy Sherlock said he would endeavour to establish some academic links forthwith, bearing in mind also that the town has the extra advantage of strong interaction with west Waterford.

Trains and boats:

Cllr Burke advocated re-opening the Youghal-Midleton-Cork rail link, arguing that various reports had insisted that only then could Youghal reach its full potential. He said Cobh and Midleton operate rail services to Cork and Youghal could do likewise. “CIE has indicated support, providing the State funded it,” he observed. Duly noted.

Mr Ryan wondered if the deputy could investigate whither stands the funding strategy for marinas, while emphasising that Youghal was strategically placed for such a development and was considered thus within the South Cork Maritime Strategy. Deputy Sherlock sought information on applications for foreshore licences that had already been mooted. Mr. Ryan said there seemed to be a lack of funding schemes now available and a developer had not proceeded with applications for previous schemes. He proceeded that it remains a town council priority to provide a marina and that a number of sites had been identified. He needed an update on funding possibilities, he said before outlining the immense economic potential for the local and national economies by the installation of such a facility.

The deputy didn’t see the railway line being re-opened in the near future due to economic circumstances. Regarding the marina he knew there “were certain issues” surrounding the issue of foreshore licences but would now “raise the issue” with the relevant minister.

Cllr Burke also asked whether funding could be accessed to ensure remedial work on the sea wall on Youghal promenade. “It has been pinpointed as a top priority within Cork County Council,” added the town clerk, adding that a funding application had been forwarded to the Dept of Environment. “About a third of it has been completed and the tender stage has been reached or the second third,” he added. Duly noted by Deputy Sherlock, the meeting then concluded.

The 3rd annual family heritage festival, Celebrating Cork Past Exhibition 2011, took place in the City Hall, Cork, last Friday, September 30th 2011. Local author and historian Mike Hackett with a group of friends and volunteers, including Cliff and Margaret Winsor, were well represented for the first time at the exhibition with the Youghal stand. The different stands at the exhibition, showcased books and history pieces not just of  Cork city but from the villages and towns of County Cork as well. Mike said,” The Youghal stand was one of fifty and I was surprised at the small places like Kilmurray and Aubane that were represented. Just goes to show, all you want is about three interested people to achieve a lot”.

The Cork city hall buzzed with excitement as it played host to historical societies and groups from all over the City and County who came together in a unique exhibition that celebrated Cork’s rich, colourful Heritage, Tradition and Culture.This fascinating educational family exhibition showcased the exciting work carried out by these enthusiastic voluntary heritage groups in their communities.

At the day-long exhibition, the atmosphere was electric as a cross section of the finest historians and ‘caretakers’ of Cork’s rich past sang its praises, passionately speaking of its region’s history and memories as only they know how in an entertaining series of interactive talks and friendly chit chat.

The exhibition struck a chord with the continuous stream of people who flocked to the City Hall eager to learn more about their rich local history and was of particular interest to schools and budding young historians.

We all live in areas where the past is all around. This history makes us who we are. Celebrating Cork Past Exhibition is about bringing historical groups together so that they meet each other, chat and share ideas in order that historical societies can plan for the future. The aim is also to present their rich histories to the Cork public.

Due to the tremendous positive success of Celebrating Cork Past Exhibition, it has become an annual event wholeheartedly supported by Cork City Council and admission is free.

Celebrating Cork Past Exhibition 2011

3rd Annual

Family Heritage Festival

Celebrating Cork Past Exhibition 2011

City Hall, Cork City, Irleand.

Friday, September 30th 2011.

by

Richard T. Cooke

Chairperson

www.celebratingcorkpast.com

On Tuesday, October 22nd 2009, Cork City Hall buzzed with excitement as it played host to over forty historical societies and groups from all over the City and County who came together for the first time ever in a unique exhibition that celebrated Cork’s rich, colourful Heritage, Tradition and Culture.

This fascinating educational family exhibition showcased the exciting work carried out by these enthusiastic voluntary heritage groups in their communities.

At the day-long exhibition, the atmosphere was electric as a cross section of the finest historians and ‘caretakers’ of Cork’s rich past sang its praises, passionately speaking of its region’s history and memories as only they know how in an entertaining series of interactive talks and friendly chit chat.

“Celebration and Participation” was the theme of this enlightening exhibition which struck a chord with the continuous stream of people who flocked to the City Hall eager to learn more about their rich local history and was of particular interest to schools and budding young historians.

We all live in areas where the past is all around. This history makes us who we are. Celebrating Cork Past Exhibition is about bringing historical groups together so that they meet each other, chat and share ideas in order that historical societies can plan for the future. The aim is also to present their rich histories to the Cork public.

Due to the tremendous positive success of the inaugural Celebrating Cork Past Exhibition, it has become an annual event wholeheartedly supported by Cork City Council and admission is free.

A Heritage Festival that’s on the pulse of the past with a view to the future, the warm friendly welcome you’ll enjoy at the Celebrating Cork Past Exhibition is sure to put a smile on your face, making it a must see for all the family and for all those who want to learn more about Cork’s rich, colourful Heritage, Tradition and Culture in an fun, homely atmosphere.

You’ll be glad you visited Celebrating Cork Past Exhibition.

The
Family Heritage Festival
will be Launch by
Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr,Terry Shannon and County Mayor, Cllr,Tim Lombard

Any parish/community interested in establishing a Historical Society can contact:

Richard T. Cooke, Chairperson, Celebrating Cork Past Exhibition at richardtcooke@yahoo.com

Mary O’Leary, Secretary, maryhollyoleary@gmail.com

Catryn Power, Consultant, catrynpower@hotmail.com.

http://www.youtube.com/user/musiclea#p/u/28/mG4PK8XElWk

http://www.youtube.com/user/musiclea#p/u/1/Xt84ya2z7MY

THE EAST CORK TOURIST TOWN OF YOUGHAL was today languishing in the glory of being named Cork’s Tidiest Town for 2011 in the Irish Business Against Litter League, in conjunction with the Department of the Environment.  The town achieved 6th place in the overall rankings out of 53 towns and cities surveyed.  Killarney, Co. Kerry was declared the country’s cleanest town.

Speaking about the result, Town Clerk Liam Ryan said: “This is a wonderful result for Youghal, and is in line with our marketing strategy for the town.  We have now achieved ‘litter free status’ for six years in a row and this is something that Youghal people can be extremely positive and proud about.  I would encourage the people of the town to become ‘individual ambassadors’ for their town, and who knows, maybe this time next year we will be challenging Killarney for the overall title”.

An Taisce monitors all towns of population 6,000 and over independently, in accordance with international grading standards.   Commenting on the result for Youghal, a spokesperson for the organisation said: “This is the best ever result for Youghal, overall winner 2011 is in sight.  Nine out of ten sites surveyed got the top litter grade.  The Cork Approach and Front Strand Approach were both in excellent condition and the Beach was a particularly well presented environment.”    The survey commended all involved in maintaining the beach environment with the spokesperson saying “it is no easy task to keep a beach environment so well maintained”.

Earlier this year, Youghal was awarded three blue flags for its high water quality and  environmental management standards on its beaches – the only town in Ireland to so.

Set up in 1996, Irish Business Against Litter is an alliance of companies sharing a belief that continued economic prosperity – notably in the areas of tourism, food and direct foreign investment is contingent on a clean, litter-free environment.

Further information contact: 024-92926 E: liam.ryan@corkcoco.ie

IBAL Anti Litter League 1st Round Results 2011
Ranking     Towns / Cities     Status
1     Killarney     Clean to European Norms
2     Trim     Clean to European Norms
3     Cavan     Clean to European Norms
4     Swords     Clean to European Norms
5     Monaghan     Clean to European Norms
6     Youghal     Clean to European Norms
7     Wexford     Clean to European Norms
8     Ballincollig     Clean to European Norms
9     Dun Laoghaire     Clean to European Norms
10     Tramore     Clean to European Norms
11     Castlebar     Clean to European Norms
12     Waterford City     Clean to European Norms
13     Galway City     Clean to European Norms
14     Kilkenny     Clean to European Norms
15     Bray     Clean to European Norms
Ennis     Clean to European Norms
17     Ballina     Clean to European Norms
18     Cobh     Clean to European Norms
19     Naas     Clean to European Norms
20     Longford     Clean to European Norms
Dungarvan     Clean to European Norms
22     Nenagh     Clean to European Norms
23     Drogheda     Clean to European Norms
Fermoy     Clean to European Norms
Sligo     Clean to European Norms
26     NewcastleWest     Clean to European Norms
27     Tuam     Clean to European Norms
28     Roscommon     Clean to European Norms
29     Navan     Clean to European Norms
30     Tullamore     Clean to European Norms
31     Arklow     Clean to European Norms
32     Kildare     Clean to European Norms
33     Dundalk     Clean to European Norms
34     Tralee     Clean to European Norms
35     Mullingar     Clean to European Norms
36     Gorey     Clean to European Norms
37     Cork City     Clean to European Norms
38     Letterkenny     Moderately Littered
Maynooth     Moderately Littered
Athlone     Moderately Littered
41     Carlow     Moderately Littered
42     Tallaght     Moderately Littered
43     Limerick City     Moderately Littered
44     Portlaoise     Moderately Littered
Mallow     Moderately Littered
New Ross     Moderately Littered
47     Clonmel     Littered
48     Wicklow     Littered
49     Tipperary     Littered
50     Dublin Airport Environs     Littered
51     Dublin City     Litter Blackspot
52     Knocknaheeney     Litter Blackspot
53     North Inner City Dublin     Litter Blackspot

 

VISITORS once again flocked in their thousands On Sunday (21st August 2011) to the stunning surroundings of St. Mary’s College Gardens in Youghal for the 5th Annual Youghal Medieval Festival. Events were planned to coincide with The Irish Walled Towns Network celebrations of National Heritage Week.

Official figures on the day saw in excess of 6,000 people visit the free annual event over the course of the day. The Heritage Council of Ireland undertook a series of surveys at the event, with initial results showing that there was a huge surge in people attending from outside the region.

These photos were sent into Youghalonline by photographer Gerry O’Mahony from Ardmore (originally from the Kinsalebeg area). For further info and to see more of Gerry’s images click his Facebook Page here.

Further info: www.ardmorenotes.com

Click on image to enlarge

 

Today (Sunday, 21 August 2011) SIA participated in the annual medieval festival in Youghal, Co Cork. We had a fantastic day with the most amazing and positive respone from all those people who took the time out to take a look at our medieval shoe stall. We demonstrated the medieval turnshoe technique and sent some happy customers home with lovely medieval shoes and their very own ‘make your own medieval shoe kits’.

A Special thank you has to be said to my two lovely assistants and good friends Eimear and Emma, who tirelessly helped SIA have a truely wonderful day in Youghal. The medieval festival was a great day out for all the family and we hope to see everyone next year! Next week SIA is in Ardee’s Medieval Festival in Co Louth. We will have our medieval stall on display where you can see how to make your very own medieval shoe. The festival will commence from 2pm until 6pm. Hope to see you there!

On Saturday 27th August 2011, the Port of Cork will once again open its doors to the public from 11am until 4pm as part of Cork Heritage Day. The spectacular rooms of Custom House will be open to the public offering visitors the opportunity to view the impressive boardroom and committee room as well as the fine collection of maritime artwork owned by the Port of Cork Company.

This year the ‘Port In Pictures’, a photograph exhibition of the port over the years; will also be on display in the main reception area of Custom House.

Organised by Cork City Council, Cork Heritage Open Day celebrates Ireland’s architecture and heritage by enabling free access to properties & events of interest to the public that are either not usually open to the public, or would normally charge an entrance fee. Details of this year’s events and participating buildings appear on the website www.corkheritageopenday.ie

Celebrating Cork Past Exhibition 2011

3rd Annual Family Heritage Festival – Celebrating Cork Past Exhibition 2011

City Hall, Cork City, Ireland – Friday, September 30th 2011.

by Chairperson Richard T. Cooke

On Tuesday, October 22nd 2009, Cork City Hall buzzed with excitement as it played host to over forty historical societies and groups from all over the City and County who came together for the first time ever in a unique exhibition that celebrated Cork’s rich, colourful Heritage, Tradition and Culture.

This fascinating educational family exhibition showcased the exciting work carried out by these enthusiastic voluntary heritage groups in their communities.

At the day-long exhibition, the atmosphere was electric as a cross section of the finest historians and ‘caretakers’ of Cork’s rich past sang its praises, passionately speaking of its region’s history and memories as only they know how in an entertaining series of interactive talks and friendly chit chat.

“Celebration and Participation” was the theme of this enlightening exhibition which struck a chord with the continuous stream of people who flocked to the City Hall eager to learn more about their rich local history and was of particular interest to schools and budding young historians.

We all live in areas where the past is all around. This history makes us who we are. Celebrating Cork Past Exhibition is about bringing historical groups together so that they meet each other, chat and share ideas in order that historical societies can plan for the future. The aim is also to present their rich histories to the Cork public.

Due to the tremendous positive success of the inaugural Celebrating Cork Past Exhibition, it has become an annual event wholeheartedly supported by Cork City Council and admission is free.

A Heritage Festival that’s on the pulse of the past with a view to the future, the warm friendly welcome you’ll enjoy at the Celebrating Cork Past Exhibition is sure to put a smile on your face, making it a must see for all the family and for all those who want to learn more about Cork’s rich, colourful Heritage, Tradition and Culture in an fun, homely atmosphere.

You’ll be glad you visited Celebrating Cork Past Exhibition.

Photo: Courtesy of kieranmccarthy.ie

Any parish/community interested in establishing a Historical Society can contact:

Richard T. Cooke, Chairperson, Celebrating Cork Past Exhibition at richardtcooke@yahoo.com

Mary O’Leary, Secretary, maryhollyoleary@gmail.com

Catryn Power, Consultant, Cork County Archaeologist at catrynpower@hotmail.com.

http://www.youtube.com/user/musiclea#p/u/28/mG4PK8XElWk

http://www.youtube.com/user/musiclea#p/u/1/Xt84ya2z7MY