David Stanton, Fine Gael TD for Cork East has welcomed the approval of €158,741.03 for the refurbishment of the Clock Gate Tower in Youghal. The funding, sanctioned by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, will go directly from South and East Coast Area Development (SECAD) to Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group who will oversee the works.

“I am pleased that Minister Hogan has given sanction to SECAD to allocate almost €159,000 for the renovation and conservation of Youghal Clock Gate Tower. I understand that this funding will become available as soon as it has received formal approval from the board of SECAD”, said Deputy Stanton.

The funding is being provided under the Village Renewal and Development measure of the European Union’s Rural Development Programme 2007-2013.

“This funding will cover phase 1 of the refurbishment of the Clock Gate Tower which is Youghal’s iconic historic monument in the centre of the town. The Tower currently stands vacant and this is a huge loss to Youghal town and its tourism product. Phase 1 of the planned works will ensure the building can be restored to its original character and phase 2 will involve improvements to the inside ensuring can be reopened to the public and preserved for future generations.

Deputy Stanton had been working very closely with Mayor of Cork County, Cllr Barbara Murray to ensure the project received funding. Cllr Barbara Murray, a member of both Cork County and Youghal Town Council and Youghal Socio-Economic Group has also welcomed the funding allocation.

“Members of Youghal Socio-Economic Group worked very hard on this funding application and I know I can speak for all of them when I say that this project will be a huge asset to Youghal. Youghal Town Council have already committed €50,000 to the project and I have been assured by Cork County Manager that Cork County Council will also fund the project”, said Cllr Murray.

It is envisaged that the Youghal Clock Gate Tower will be open in 2014.

A funding allocation of €45,000 to repair Allin Quay in Youghal has been welcomed by David Stanton, Fine Gael TD for Cork East. The money is being made available as part of additional funding for harbours announced by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney TD, this afternoon.

“I am very pleased that €45,000 has been allocated to carry out works to Allin Quay. This allocation covers 75% of the total project cost which will replace the double slipway on the quay. While this is not a very large project, the repaired quay will allow for improved accessibility to the water from Youghal town”, said Deputy Stanton.

Deputy Stanton noted that the work of officials from Local Authorities played a major part in securing the funding from the Department of the Marine. particular Youghal Town Council, in particular, ensured the project remained “shovel ready” by keeping tenders and costings up to date.

He also praised the work of Youghal Town Councillor and Mayor of County Cork Barbara Murray with whom he has worked in tandem in pushing the project.

“As a member of Cork County Council’s Coastal Management Committee, Cllr Murray has continued to support this very worthwhile project. She worked with Youghal Town Council, Cork County Council and also met with Minister Coveney. She was very eager to ensure that this project went ahead as it will prove an asset to marine tourism in Youghal.

“I am very pleased that the Allin Quay refurbishment will now go ahead. I understand from Minister Coveney that the funding will be drawn down before the end of this year so would hope that the project will begin as soon as possible”, concluded Deputy Stanton

Related video below shows the construction of the ‘New’ Jetty at the quay near the ferryslip, Youghal back in the ’70′s etc.  Uploaded by youtuber 22rochey

Inaugural Youghal ‘Festival of Choirs Concert’ for St. Mary’s Collegiate Church. Presented by Yew Wood Venues: Friday 12th October 2012 at 7.30 pm

Yew Wood Venues has announced its first ever ‘Festival of Choirs’ to take place in St. Mary’s Collegiate Church on Friday 12th October 2012 at 7.30 pm. The concert will feature the finest of Youghal’s choral and traditional voices along with a special guest performance from soloist, Caroline Fraher.

Speaking in advance of the Concert, Event Co-ordinator Sinead Goggin is anticipating a magnificent evening of first class performances in the Medieval Church. “This is going to be such a unique event, one which is really going to showcase the wonderful vocal talent among all the choral groups in Youghal. All the choirs have been so enthusiastic about the event, and excited to perform in such an amazing venue. The acoustics on the night are sure to be amazing.” said Sinead.

 

Under the artistic direction of the accomplished Pat O’Keeffe, St. Mary’s Collegiate Church will play host to the wonderful talents of Youghal Choral Society, The Holy Family Church Choir, The Strand Church Choir, and a special performance of traditional medleys by a Comhaltas Ensemble. Second half performances will include recitals by The Parish Church Choir, Harmony, and the Clerks Choral – Youghal Union of Parishes, all culminating in a combined choirs and audience performance of ‘How Great Thou Art’, conducted by Eleanor O’Keeffe and accompanied by Pat O’Keeffe.

The special guest on the night will be from Cobh native (but now Youghal resident!) Caroline Fraher. Caroline has previously received vocal training under Fiona O’Reilly and Robert Craig at The Cork School of Music and is a member of the highly acclaimed Cork based Choir Madrigal ’75, while also remaining an active member of St. Colman’s Cathedral Chamber Choir, Cobh.

 

Tickets for the concert cost €8.00 (adults) €5.00 (children) and €20 (family ticket and can be purchased on the door. All proceeds will go towards the Conservation Fund of St. Mary’s Collegiate Church. Doors open at 6.45 pm and the concert will begin at 7.30 pm.

 

This event is run in association with The Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group, Youghal Town Council and is supported by the Arts Office of Cork County Council.

THE FIRST PHASE of a mobility-disabled access boardwalk running from Youghal Front Strand to Claycastle, (395 metres) delivered in partnership with Youghal Town Council and Failte Ireland was officially opened by Minister of State at the Department of Tourism & Sport on Tuesday 24th July 2012.  The boardwalk consists of hardwood timber deck supported on piled foundations, not requiring a railing, and once complete will span 1926 metres, eventually forming part of the National Coastal Walking Route.  The Minister also took the opportunity to officially ‘turn on’ the new 75kw wind turbine at Youghal Aura Leisure Centre.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Ring paid tribute to the vision of Youghal Town Council and its determination to undertake and complete such projects. “When I was here this time last year, I was hugely impressed with not only Youghal’s tourism offering, but the will and determination of the Council and the local community to see this town grow and succeed.  It is wonderful to see plans that were presented to me followed through and executed in full.  With over 180,000 people working  nationally in tourism, this sector is hugely significant in terms of growth in the economy and Youghal is certainly setting about playing its part in getting this country working again”, said the Minister.  The second phase of the development would see the completion of the link between Claycastle and Redbarn to the Quality Hotel and Self Catering Apartments.  The Minister agreed to review the submission to Failte Ireland, agreeing that the project would be of huge benefit to the local economy if completed in full.

Mayor of Youghal, Cllr Michelle Hennessy suggested it shouldn’t be underestimated just what the boardwalk had done for the people of Youghal.  “Not only has it become a major tourist attraction, but it has become a major social gathering for the people of the area, and has brought a new life and vibrancy to this area of the town.  The quality of the boardwalk is evident; – it consists of 395 metres of hardwood timber deck and again is wheelchair accessible.  The Mayor emphasised how important the delivery of Phase Two of the project, saying: “This will have a huge economic impact on the town once complete. The delivery of this Boardwalk shows the commitment of Youghal Town Council to improving the tourism infrastructure of the Town, in partnership with Failte Ireland and is a further step forward in maximising the potential of our natural tourism assets for the economic benefit of business in Youghal” said the Mayor.

In advance of the official opening of the Eco-Boardwalk, the Minister also commended Youghal Town Council in their efforts in securing a €400,000 grant under the Improved Energy and Enhanced Disabled Grant Scheme for Youghal Aura Leisure Centre.  The upgrade works have enabled huge energy savings – including up to a 40% saving in electricity to the Centre from the installation of a 75kw wind turbine.  Currently employing 39 staff, the grant has also facilitated an extension to the existing facility for the disabled, with the addition of a new changing area, a major upgrade of the turnstile system and automatic doors to changing areas.  All of the works completed at the centre serve to enhance the centre’s reputation as both a community resource and first class tourism facility.  Referring to Youghal’s Aura Leisure Centre, the Minister commented:

“This is a hugely substantial amount of money to be granted in this current economic climate and it can only have a positive effect on employment in the town, helping to sustain jobs and hopefully create new ones too.” Said the Minister.

THE FIRST PHASE of a mobility-disabled access boardwalk running from Youghal Front Strand to Claycastle, (395M) delivered in partnership with Youghal Town Council and Failte Ireland was officially opened by Minister of State at the Department of Tourism & Sport on Tuesday 24th July 2012.  The boardwalk consists of hardwood timber deck supported on piled foundations, not requiring a railing, and once complete will span 1926 metres, eventually forming part of the National Coastal Walking Route.  The Minister also took the opportunity to officially ‘turn on’ the new 75kw wind turbine at Youghal Aura Leisure Centre.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Ring paid tribute to the vision of Youghal Town Council and its determination to undertake and complete such projects. “When I was here this time last year, I was hugely impressed with not only Youghal’s tourism offering, but the will and determination of the Council and the local community to see this town grow and succeed.  It is wonderful to see plans that were presented to me followed through and executed in full.  With over 180,000 people working  nationally in tourism, this sector is hugely significant in terms of growth in the economy and Youghal is certainly setting about playing its part in getting this country working again”, said the Minister.  The second phase of the development would see the completion of the link between Claycastle and Redbarn to the Quality Hotel and Self Catering Apartments.  The Minister agreed to review the submission to Failte Ireland, agreeing that the project would be of huge benefit to the local economy if completed in full.

Mayor of Youghal, Cllr Michelle Hennessy suggested it shouldn’t be underestimated just what the boardwalk had done for the people of Youghal.  “Not only has it become a major tourist attraction, but it has become a major social gathering for the people of the area, and has brought a new life and vibrancy to this area of the town.  The quality of the boardwalk is evident; – it consists of 395 metres of hardwood timber deck and again is wheelchair accessible.  The Mayor emphasised how important the delivery of Phase Two of the project, saying: “This will have a huge economic impact on the town once complete. The delivery of this Boardwalk shows the commitment of Youghal Town Council to improving the tourism infrastructure of the Town, in partnership with Failte Ireland and is a further step forward in maximising the potential of our natural tourism assets for the economic benefit of business in Youghal” said the Mayor.

In advance of the official opening of the Eco-Boardwalk, the Minister also commended Youghal Town Council in their efforts in securing a €400,000 grant under the Improved Energy and Enhanced Disabled Grant Scheme for Youghal Aura Leisure Centre.  The upgrade works have enabled huge energy savings – including up to a 40% saving in electricity to the Centre from the installation of a 75kw wind turbine.  Currently employing 39 staff, the grant has also facilitated an extension to the existing facility for the disabled, with the addition of a new changing area, a major upgrade of the turnstile system and automatic doors to changing areas.  All of the works completed at the centre serve to enhance the centre’s reputation as both a community resource and first class tourism facility.  Referring to Youghal’s Aura Leisure Centre, the Minister commented:

“This is a hugely substantial amount of money to be granted in this current economic climate and it can only have a positive effect on employment in the town, helping to sustain jobs and hopefully create new ones too.” Said the Minister.

Click here to enlarge image

THE YOUGHAL BRANCH of the Fine Gael party held a celebratory reception for their colleague Barbara Murray, the newly elected Mayor of County Cork. The special evening to commemorate the occasion was held at The Walter Raleigh Hotel on Monday 16th July 2012.

Glowing tributes were heaped upon Barbara, who is only the second woman to acquire the chain of office as the county’s first citizen. As she was surrounded by family, friends and dignitaries including David Stanton TD., a special commemorative engraved crystal gift was presented to Barbara as a memento of the occasion. Robert Sweetnam, Chairman of the Youghal branch of the Fine Gael Party said ” It’s a wonderful achievement. It will be great for the town and the whole county, Barbara is a tireless worker. We are delighted.”

Article below from the Mayors Office Cork County Council

Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr Barbara Murray

Cllr Barbara Murray was elected Mayor of the County of Cork for the year 2012-13. Eight years into her political life, Youghal Town and Cork County Councillor Barbara Murray is settling into her role as the county’s first citizen. As well as being only the second woman to acquire the chain, the new mayor bridges a gap of over 60 years as the first Youghal representative to take the office since the late Cllr. William J Broderick.

In a brief acceptance the new mayor described her election as a huge honour and the pinnacle of her electoral career.  She thanked her party colleagues for allowing her the opportunity to put herself forward for the role and in particular her proposer, party Chairman and fellow constituent, Cllr Michael Hegarty and her seconder, party secretary, Cllr Pa O’Driscoll. Others to whom she paid tribute were the Independent camp, headed by Cllr. Noel Collins, Youghal and Cork County Council colleague Cllr. Michelle Hennessy of Sinn Fein and Labour Party councillors. She commended outgoing mayor, Cllr. Tim Lombard (FG) for his “tremendous work” and hoped that her tenure would “be somewhere as successful” as that of her predecessor.

Cllr Murray said that the support of her family has “always been unwavering” since and including her days as President of Youghal’s Chamber of Commerce and through various election campaigns.”  She proceeded that “those who know me well will I’m sure concur that I am totally committed to my work as a Councillor.  I am a full-time Councillor, and therefore in a position to give 100% commitment to the office of Mayor.  I am extremely fortunate that my family are at the stage that allows me to do this.

The new mayor then outlined priorities as mayor. “We all know that local authorities are traditionally perceived as being associated with the collection of rates, social housing, water, sewage, dealing with roads etc,” she began. “While all are essential functions, one of my priorities as your newly elected County Mayor is to promote County Cork in the areas of tourism and enterprise.” “Tourism is one of Cork’s finest assets and a key driver of economic growth in the region. The Mayor described Cork County Council as “hugely progressive” in having already taken significant steps in investing in tourism product offerings such as Mallow Castle, Spike Island, Fort Meagher Camden and Mizen Foot Bridge. Cllr. Murray believes these amenities, together with investment in walkways such as the West Cork Rail line and (subject to Failte Ireland match funding) Phase II of Youghal’s eco boardwalk,” would significantly improve the tourism experience for visitors and provide local enhancement for residents to enjoy. The County Council has also launched very imaginative plans for our Regional Park in Ballincollig.

Embrace technology

The Mayor encouraged the council to embrace technology and to integrate it into tourism. As a recent convert to ‘web apps,’ she sees the potential in that technology  and hopes the County Manager supports her initiative to introduce a visitor ‘app’ on tourism in Cork County. It has been suggested to her, she confided, that it be labelled an ‘ABC’ App – All Bout Cork. It would be highly economic and “tie in perfectly with the work of our new tourism development unit who are presently working on a tourism website,” she urged.

Investment and enterprise

Cllr. Murray’s speech then commented on the establishment of the Economic Development Section at County Hall, which she described as a highly successful and most innovative initiative that works in tandem with the Leader Companies and Enterprise Boards in the region.  Its brief has delivered for a wide range of companies and start-ups in the County, she continued who otherwise may not receive funding. She sees it as an area of development that is at an early stage and open to further exploration.

Regarding investment and enterprise, the Mayor believes it “imperative” that the current strong relationship between the IDA and Cork County Council be maintained and nurtured by way of assisting and encouraging multinational investment. Cllr. Murray offered a good example of this partnership working by recalling a recent meeting between the Midleton area members and Sangart, an American Bio Pharma Company looking to locate in Ireland. “They (the American Group) were truly amazed that so many doors were opened to assist them in preparing to locate to Carrigtohill,” she said. The mayor further referred to the Science Park at Curraheen, a Cork County Council initiative of 100 hectares divided into six precincts, as a further collaboration whereby Cork County Council is “working with various partners to create new businesses and jobs.”

New sources of funding

Money is forever a problem these times and Cllr. Murray believes that Cork County Council must look to reinvent in response to the present difficult economic climate. “For all enterprise to succeed, be it private or public, new funding sources have to be found,” she surmised while “existing sources of funding have to be maximized to the limit.” We also need to look at broadening our existing partnerships with the Enterprise Boards, and work even closer with the Business Community through the various Chambers of Commerce,” she observed.

Cllr. Murray referred to “the success of ‘Cork Meet,’ a one-day forum initiative through which Cork and Dublin businesses can look beyond traditional promotional activities and make direct contact with potential Irish clients. “It is also my belief that our Council should continue to support  the various food fairs that Cork County Council have led through previous mayors,” enthused the  mayor, referring specifically to Cllr. Tim Lombard “bringing 16 food companies to Amsterdam with another food fair shortly to be held in France.”

In summary, Cllr Murray said “the few areas that I have covered is but a snapshot of some of the activities that Cork County Council have initiated. As a local authority we have huge areas of responsibility and in turn we as councillors also have a huge workload. We are responsible for the longest road network, second longest coastline and a population of 399,216.  Like previous mayors, I will continue to promote the work of Cork County Council and will strive to raise the profile of this local authority to the level that it rightfully deserves.”

The Mayor can be contacted by email at  mayor@corkcoco.ie or telephone 021 4285457.

YOUGHAL’s COUNCILLOR BARBARA MURRAY has been elected as County Cork’s First Citizen. The Fine Gael Councillor – who’s also a member of Youghal Town Council – was elected Chair of Ireland’s largest local authority at the AGM of Cork County Council this morning, Friday 22nd June 2012. Cllr Murray is only the second ever female County Mayor of Cork. Labour’s Paula Desmond held the office a decade ago.

Fine Gael is by far the largest party on Cork County Council, with 22 of the 48 seats, so Cllr Murray’s election was almost assured. Cllr Murray received the chain of office from her party colleague, outgoing County Mayor, Tim Lombard.

Cllr Murray said recently that she is “at the right stage of my life to do the job and to give it my all. My children are all grown up so I have the time that the job requires”. Best of luck to the new County Mayor for her year in office. Best of luck to Barbara in her new role.

Sinn Fein Councillor Michelle Hennessy was elected Mayor of Youghal this week at the AGM of Youghal Town Council ( Tuesday 19th June 2012). The newly elected Mayor takes over as the Town’s First Citizen from Fianna Fail’s Eoin Coyne who also stepped down as a member of Youghal Town Council at the AGM.

Mayor Hennessy has been a member of Youghal Town Council since 2007. The new Mayor’s fellow party councillor, Eoin Flanagan takes up the role as deputy Mayor. Best of luck to both of them in their new roles.

EOIN COYNE was first elected to Youghal Town Council in June 2009. He was appointed mayor of Youghal Town Council on June 21st 2011 and was one of the youngest mayors ever to hold the post in the country. [Click here to read this]

During his three years in office the twenty-three year-old Fianna Fáil councillor was active both inside and outside the chamber. As mayor he walked the walk with the campaigners in the marches to save Youghal ambulance. He wrote a letter expressing his concerns to to the Minister for Health, Dr. James Reilly concerning the scrapping of the Youghal Ambulance service. [Click here to read this]

At the time he said he wanted the decision reversed and only recently this proved to be the case and the ambulance was to stay in town. [More here]

He was a member of the Youghal Municipal Heritage Committee; Council representative board member to Community Radio Youghal [More Here] and council rep to Youghal Community Alert Group. He campaigned and lobbied for the re-opening of Youghal Garda Station on a 24 hour basis until the people of Youghal get what they deserve. He used his position as best he could to tackle the ongoing problem of young people leaving the country. He was active also in improving facilities in the town for young and old.

He was also on the board of the South and East Cork Area Development (SECAD) and helped deliver a number of major programmes along with a range of other smaller schemes to town.

As mayor he was particulary pleased in engaging with the Youghal Chamber of Tourism and Commerce at the council chamber to jointly promote the economic and social development of the community. He brought together the local business representatives and council to promote the town in order to make it a better place in which to live, work and do business.

Last November as mayor, Eoin extended an open invitation to all clubs, associations, voluntary organisations and interested members of the public within the town of Youghal to the information meeting in relation to Ireland’s 2013 tourism initiative titled “The Gathering”. [Click here to read this]

Eoin has an interest in the Arts and was delighted to be asked as first citizen to open the new art gallery ‘Gallery Frida’ on South Main Street. [Click here to read this] He was also delighted to host a civic reception along with his fellow councillors for the All Ireland  Pitch and Putt Champion Anthony O’ Loughlin at the Mall Arts Centre. [Click here to read this]

During his election campaign it was his plan to put Youghal on the map for it to become a premier tourist spot in Ireland. He felt Youghal should work harder than ever to reach the top of the Tidy Towns tables and last year Youghal was officially recognised as the tidiest town in County Cork. [Click here to read this]

- Youghalonline would like to thank Eoin for the courtesy, hospitality and assistance he showed at the events covered on this website during his time as councillor and would like to wish Eoin every success in the future. -

Below is the statement as read at the Youghal Town Council monthly meeting held on the 12/6/12.

Councillors,

The following is a letter that I delivered by hand to the Town Clerk, Liam Ryan this morning.

Liam, a chara,

“I wish to formally inform you of my decision to resign my seat as a member of Youghal Town Council, effective immediately after the Councils AGM on Tuesday, June 19th next.

I wish to put on record that my decision is based solely on personal reasons and is in no way a refection on Youghal Town Council policies, practices or decisions. Nor is it based on the relationship I share with the Council executive, council staff or its elected members.

I wish to thank Town Manager, Patricia Power, yourself and your competent staff for the courtesy and respect that you have shown me over the past three years and I wish you every success in your endeavors as you develop our town for the betterment of all its citizens.

Uachtarán Fhainna Fáil, Micheal Martin, has assured me that the co-option for the vacant seat will take place in the very near future so that the people of Youghal will be fully represented by a very able replacement.

On a personal note, I cannot thank you enough for all the help and advise you have given me, both personally and professionally.”

Is mise, le meas,

As stated already, I have decided to resign from my position as a councillor after much thought and consideration over the past couple of months.

Following meetings and conversations with the Town Clerk and Uachtaran Fhainna Fáil Micheal Martin, I can safely say that I am happy with the decision I have made.

May I say that this is a decision that I have not made lightly. My reasons behind it are numerous.

Mainly, I feel that I no longer have the appetite to serve on Youghal Town Council. For me to continue in my capacity as an elected representative without my full commitment to the role would be disingenuous of me, to the entire council and to the people who voted for me.

I wish to thank my party colleagues and friends; Cllrs. Revins and Linehan-Foley for all the encouragement and support you have shown me throughout my time on the council.

To all of my colleagues on the council, both past and present, I thank you for the respect you have shown me and the co-operation we have shared throughout my term.

Again, I thank the town manager Patricia Power and the entire council staff for the courtesy they have shown me whenever there was anything I needed or requested.

I would like to thank all those who voted for me in the local elections in 2009 and to my family and friends whose support has been unwavered no matter what decisions I have made.

Once again, I wish to thank Town Clerk Liam Ryan for the Trojan work that he carries out on a daily basis to ensure Youghal Town Council leads in progressing this wonderful town in order for us to reach our full potential.

To finish, may I say that I have had the best experience of my life while representing the people of this wonderful town. It was the greatest honour that will ever be bestowed on me to serve as first citizen of the town for the past 12 months. Can I say that the respect shown to me and the office of mayor was extremely humbling, from every group and individual that I have met in my capacity as mayor.

At the age of 23, I feel that there are things that I want to achieve in my life that unfortunately are impossible for me to carry out while tied down to such a demanding position.

I wish Youghal Town Council every success in the future and I have no doubt that we are in very safe hands.

LAST OCTOBER we were proud to announce that Claycastle had won the right to host the 2012 National Matchplay Championships here in Youghal. This is a major tournament and we are privileged to host such an event. It will be the largest tournament hosted by Claycastle in the history of the Club since it’s opening in 1986. This major championship will take place over the upcoming June weekend (2nd,3rd and 4th). The first National Matchplay was held in 1961 at the Hillview course in Clonmel and 51 years on the championship is just as valuable and substantial to those who partake and is the flagship event on the pitch and putt calendar. This will be the first time that Claycastle are to host this event and I’m sure it wont be the last time. It is also without doubt an exceptional honour for our club.

Last year the club hosted the Munster Matchplay Championships to celebrate the Club’s 25 year history and it proved to be a massive success. It’s great now to be given the opportunity to go one step further and host an All-Ireland Championship.
Not only will the Championship help promote the game of pitch and putt in the Youghal area it will also bring much needed business to the town and its surroundings with the crowds that will be arriving across the weekend. With much of the accommodation in the Youghal area booked out already for the June weekend, it appears as though it will be a very successful few days for the Club and also the town.
Qualifying took place a couple of weeks ago throughout the country where a total of 98 players qualified, 64 gents and 34 ladies.

Huge well done to Claycastle’s Paudie O’Sullivan, Anthony O’Loughlin, Gary O’Sullivan & Martin Keohane who all qualified for this year’s National Matchplay Championships and we wish them the very best. It is fantastic to have four home players at the event and there is no reason why any of these four players cannot go all the way and lift the Cup. They all know their way around Claycastle and have great experience in the game of pitch and putt. With Ireland’s number one ranked player John Walsh from Cork City (Collins) qualifying he will no doubt be among the favourites for the title and has showed his class around Claycastle on many occasions and will be hoping to win the Matchplay for a second time.Winner of the Claycastle Scratch Cup this year Kieran Dunscombe (St.Annes) certainly cannot be written off as he knows his way around the Claycastle course. Current holder of the Gents’ trophy is Kerryman Damien Fleming from Killarney (Deerpark) and is an automatic qualifier for this year’s event after winning in Collinstown Co.Westmeath last year. Also qualifying automatically will be Margaret Hogan (Tullamore) who was last year’s winner in the Ladies’ championship and will be looking to win her fourth National Matchplay title after previously winning the title in 1980,1989 and 1997. Ger Ward from Dublin (Portmarnock) will be among the favourites for the Ladies’ title hoping to make it a record ninth All-Ireland Matchplay title to her name. Her last win came in 2007 defeating the well experienced and number one player in the country Chrissie Byrne from Kildare (St.Bridgets) in the final who also cannot be written off for the title.

Looking ahead to the event it looks as if it will be a competitive championship with the best of the best showing how the game is played to perfection here in Youghal.
A lot of effort and hard work has been put into the course by members in their numbers since the news broke that we would host the Championship and I’m sure anyone who arrives in Youghal will not be disappointed in what they see. Without this generous assistance and co-operation from members, hosting this National event would just not be possible.
The Claycastle pitch and putt Club committee show great pride in the course and in the Club itself and are very strongly knitted together in decisions which are made which is vitally important for the Club to move forward and succeed.
Finally we are really looking forward to the upcoming National Matchplay Championships and we hope that everyone will enjoy both the pitch and putt at Claycastle and also what Youghal has to offer over the weekend.