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

It’s Childs Play!  At Youghal 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: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com Email: news@youghalonline.com

Inspired by Youghal and its surrounding areas’ official designation by Failte Ireland as a ‘Family Fun’ destination, tourism product providers in the area have organised a weekend of fun-packed FREE activities and entertainment for all the family! Event organisers are hoping to capitalise on the prospect of more families holidaying in Ireland this Summer; with recent independent research carried out for Failte Ireland, indicating that as many as eight out of ten families will take a holiday at home this year.

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.  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.

This festival will feature a non-stop programme of events including 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.  ‘Greenpark’ in the centre of 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’.

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.

Youghal Chamber of Tourism & Commerce has already noted an emerging trend in visitors to the area with more families in particular from the midlands – Kilkenny, Tipperary, and Offaly already making their way to Youghal. It is expected this festival will attract in excess of 5,000 extra visitors to the town over the festival weekend period.

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 this festival 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

Click on image to see some of the previous fun events in Youghal – Photos www.youghalonline.com

Youghal Family Fun Festival   16th – 18th July 2010

Following Youghal’s designation by Failte Ireland as a ‘Family Friendly’ destination in 2009, a number of significant initiatives have been developed in order to promote Youghal as THE ideal family holiday destination in the south of Ireland. Being a ‘Family Friendly’ holiday destination means a commitment to giving a warm welcome to families with children; the family being Youghal’s key target market.
Photo: www.youghalonline.com Email: news@youghalonline.com

Together with Failte Ireland and Youghal Chamber of Tourism & Commerce,  a local ‘steering committee’ of tourism representatives from the area was set up to promote the ‘Family Friendly’ concept for Youghal.

Key among the activities for 2010 is a major festival for the town; dedicated to attracting families from all around the country to Youghal, to experience a complete ‘Family Experience’.  We are delighted to announce that Youghal Family Festival will take place from 16th – 18th July 2010.

Last March at The Walter Raleigh Hotel, the launch by Failte Ireland of theYoughal Family Friendly Brochure for 2010 took place.Youghal has become a Hub for Family Friendly Destinations as there is a wide range of activities for all the family as well as outstanding Restaurants and spectacular views. The Event was aimed to kick starting the tourism season, At that event, Guest speaker Sandra McLellan, Mayor of Youghal, said, “Tourism is now Youghal s number one industry and it is initiatives such as the showcase that will only serve to nurture and develop the industry here and in local economy”

Youghal is blessed with stunning natural assets and resources, among them the Blackwater River – one of the most beautiful Rivers in Europe, miles of sandy beach, all set in the backdrop of a medieval town steeped in history and heritage.

Contact: Aileen Ahern, Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group
Tel: 024-81814      E:tourism@youghal.ie

The second annual Youghal Tourism Networking Showcase is set to kick-start Youghal’s Tourism season with over fifty tourism product providers gathering in The Walter Raleigh Hotel on Saturday 27th February 2010 at 1.30 pm. Photo: YoughalOnline.com

The event, organised by Youghal Chamber of Tourism & Commerce will also open to the general public from 3.30- 5.30 pm following the business to business structured networking session.

Speaking in advance of the event, Aileen Ahern of The Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group commented: “This years event has been gathering momentum and there is a great buzz among product providers wanting to get out there and work on developing joint packages, making referrals, all with the intention of keeping tourists in the area that bit longer, and spending more money here.  This type of approach leads to a win-win situation all round”.

The event will also feature the official launch by Failte Ireland of it’s ‘Family Fun Destination’ Brochure on Youghal followed by a presentation by Mr. Martin Finn on the importance of targeted marketing.  The Showcase will open to the general public at 3.30 pm.

“The general public’s knowledge of Youghal’s products and services cannot be underestimated in today’s climate.  Visitors are always looking for local knowledge and this is an opportunity which we hope as many Youghal people will use to find out as much as they can about their towns wonderful products and services.  Many providers have also promised discounts and offers to the public as an added incentive, which we are thrilled about.” said Aileen.

Attendees will include representatives from accommodation and product providers throughout East Cork and West Waterford, recognising Youghal’s geographic position and natural base for tourists visiting both regions.

Contact:

Aileen Ahern

Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group

Tel: 024-81814

E:tourism@youghal.ie

The inaugural Youghal Tourism Networking Showcase held in the Walter Raleigh Hotel is already being hailed as a major boost to Youghal’s tourism industry. Photo: Michael Hussey (YoughalOnline.com)

The business to business event, organised by the tourism division of the Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group featured over forty product providers who took part in a structured networking session. Speaking after the event, organiser Aileen Ahern commented: “The feedback already from attendees has been so positive. There was such a great buzz about the place. We knew if we brought people together it could be the start of people really working together, – developing joint packages, making referrals, all with the intention of keeping tourists in the area that bit longer, and spending more money here. This type of approach leads to a win-win situation all round”. Attendees included representatives from accommodation and product providers throughout East Cork and West Waterford, recognising Youghal’s geographic position and natural base for tourists visiting both regions.

Mayor Oliver Casey officially opened the event commenting that “Youghal has seen its ups downs, but with Tourism now being our number one industry here in Youghal, it is only fitting that we do all we can to nurture it”. Read more