Youghal

Today is Saint Brigid’s Day celebrated on the 1st February. Picture shows a close up detail of the stained glass window depicting St. Brigid at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Youghal, County Cork. ... See MoreSee Less

Strand Choir’s Carol Service Raises €4,000 for Cancer Connect

A wonderful sense of community spirit and generosity filled the Holy Family Church in Youghal on Wednesday evening, 21st January, when members of the Strand Church Choir presented a cheque for €4,000 to Cancer Connect, the West Cork–based transport service for cancer patients travelling to Cork hospitals. The funds were raised at their Christmas Carol Service in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, the Strand, last December.

The presentation was recorded for Community Radio Youghal, and the interviews — featuring Helen O’Driscoll, Manager of Cancer Connect, and Teresa O’Brien from the Strand Choir — will be broadcast this Saturday morning on “The Rural Report with Noel Cronin” on CRY 104FM, from 10 am to 12 noon.

Helen O’Driscoll said it was “a joy” to be in Youghal to receive the donation on behalf of Cancer Connect, which has been providing free, volunteer‑driven transport to Cork hospitals since 2011 and now serves communities right across County Cork. The service has been operating in East Cork since around 2020, running a daily radiotherapy service from Youghal and surrounding areas and also bringing passengers to chemotherapy, scans and other cancer‑related appointments.

“It wouldn’t work if we didn’t have people backing us,” Helen told Community Radio Youghal. She paid tribute to the “amazing team of volunteers” and to the strong support from East Cork, highlighting local drivers Jimmy Coleman and Eddie Hayes, who were present on the night, as examples of the goodwill that keeps the wheels turning.

Teresa O’Brien, one of the organisers of the carol service, explained that the event was held in memory of her late mother Tess O'Brien, well‑known local businesswoman and fundraiser behind Touch of Class Boutique on North Main Street. Over 21 years, her mother helped raise more than €200,000 for local causes through fashion shows and events, a legacy Teresa and the Strand Choir were proud to continue.

“The church was heaving; it was absolutely amazing to see people coming in and even standing at the back,” Teresa said. The night featured the Strand Choir, local group Harmony led by Finbarr Hannon, and soloist Caroline Fraher, with Teresa’s daughter Katie contributing on flute, violin and guitar. A framed photo of Teresa’s mother was placed prominently at the front of the church, adding a poignant note to an evening that combined remembrance, music and community spirit.

Helen said the €4,000 raised would “mean a lot” to Cancer Connect, which, despite keeping costs low, relies entirely on fundraising and donations to run its free service. “We’ll spend it well, we promise,” she added, encouraging those present to continue acting as ambassadors for the charity.

Looking ahead, Teresa confirmed that plans are already in place to repeat the carol service this year, with a date pencilled in for Friday 18th December. And perfectly timed for the weekend that's in it, with St Brigid's Day on 1st February, the Strand Choir performed a special rendition of "The Song of Brigid" — also recorded live that night at the Holy Family Church — capturing Youghal's enduring love for music and local traditions.

For more information on Cancer Connect, or to find out about becoming a volunteer driver, visit www.cancerconnect.ie or phone 021 203 8525.

“The Rural Report with Noel Cronin” broadcasts every Saturday from 10 am to 12 noon on CRY 104FM – Community Radio Youghal.
By Michael Hussey | Photo: Michael Hussey

Picture Caption:
The Strand Choir presented a cheque for €4,000 to Cancer Connect, with (2nd left) Teresa O’Brien, fundraiser and conductor with the Strand Choir, and (centre) Helen O’Driscoll, Manager of Cancer Connect, at the Holy Family Church, Youghal, last Wednesday night, 21st January 2026. ... See MoreSee Less

Book Launch to Raise Funds for the Mary Stanford Maintenance

A new local history publication, Cloyne in the Great War 1914–18, will be launched on Wednesday 11 February 2026 in the Library of the Garryvoe Hotel, marking the 90th anniversary of the Mary Stanford lifeboat rescue of the LV Comet.

The evening will combine the book launch, music, and a community gathering, with all proceeds from book sales donated to the ongoing maintenance of the historic Mary Stanford lifeboat, which is on permanent display overlooking Ballycotton.

Written by historian Gerry Kearney, the book documents the lives and service of 267 men and five women with links to the greater Cloyne parish including Ballycotton, Churchtown South, Cloyne, and Shanagarry who served during the First World War. Alongside military records, the book also records service in the Merchant Navy, Coastguard, Red Cross, and Lifeboat Services, offering a broader picture of life, loss, and resilience in the area during the war years.

The Mary Stanford story forms a strong local connection. Two men whose war service is recorded in the book, Patrick Patsy Sliney and Thomas Flavin Walsh, later served as crew of the Ballycotton lifeboat. On 11 February 1936, the seven man crew undertook one of the most daring rescues in RNLI history, saving the crew of the LV Comet at Daunt Rock. Today, the lifeboat stands as a symbol of courage, community, and service, and continues to require ongoing care and conservation.

The launch event begins with reception and refreshments from 7 p.m., with music on the night by The Rovers, who will perform, 'The Ballad of The Mary Stanford". The book will be available for purchase at the event and locally at the Ballymaloe Shop, Broderick’s Shop Shanagarry, Centra Cloyne, the Midleton Bookshop, and online via www.kennys.ie

This is a community event bringing together history, music, and local heritage while directly supporting the preservation of one of East Cork’s most important maritime landmarks. ... See MoreSee Less

RADIO DOCUMENTARY PREMIERE – THE BONES OF BRIGID

The Bones of Brigid, a new radio documentary by Orla Riordan, will be broadcast on Kfm this Monday, February 2nd at 6pm.

The documentary explores the fascinating legacy of Brigid as both saint and goddess, reflecting on how her timeless message of compassion and kindness continues to inspire today.

Featuring contributions from Mary Coughlan, Leo Varadkar, and others, the programme offers a thoughtful and uplifting celebration of Brigid’s enduring influence — a fitting tribute as we welcome the beginning of spring.

Production by Orla Riordan, with sound design by Steve Downing. ... See MoreSee Less

ST RAPHAELS JUNCTION – UPDATE (28 JANUARY 2026)

Works at St Raphaels Junction and along Golf Links Road in the vicinity of South Abbey NS are ongoing. Resurfacing and ramp installation have been hampered by recent poor weather conditions.

Weather permitting, RESURFACING, RAMP INSTALLATION, ROAD MARKINGS, SCHOOL ZONE TREATMENT AND ZEBRA CROSSING ACTIVATION OUTSIDE SOUTH ABBEY NS ARE EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED WITHIN THE NEXT TWO WEEKS.

The scheme has been designed in accordance with the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMURS) and the Safe Routes to School Design Guide. The intent of this DMURS‑led design is to improve safety by managing vehicle speeds, providing appropriate road geometry and ensuring a more predictable environment for all users. The wider footpaths are intended to improve comfort for pedestrians – especially vulnerable users – provide additional separation from moving traffic and improve access to the school.

Once the school zone is completed, SET‑DOWN PARKING IMMEDIATELY OUTSIDE THE SCHOOL WILL BE DISCOURAGED AND “PARK AND STRIDE” WILL BE ENCOURAGED, in order to further improve safety in the vicinity of the school.

Residents and road users are thanked for their continued patience while these works are brought to completion. For queries, please email: sustainabletravelunit@corkcoco.ie.

Note: Comments will not be enabled on this update. Please keep an eye on local media outlets for further information as the scheme progresses.

Picture: St Raphael's Junction, Youghal. ... See MoreSee Less

Poetry Book Launch 'Chance Meeting' at Midleton Books, Main Street, Midleton on Saturday 7th February 2026 at 2pm. All welcome.

Paudrig Lee’s keen eye for detail is evident again in this second chapbook, Chance Meeting, with contrasting poems presenting snapshots of intergenerational family life, crucial moments in history, revisited or reimagined, and quiet observations of the natural world at its most mysterious and knowing! Born and living in Killeagh village, East Cork, Lee was raised in a family of nine and his ties to the land, and its woods and trees, are evident.

Like Smoking Bees, his debut chapbook, this collection also reflects his interests as a local historian and photographer. His poetry film Under Chestnut Trees featured in IndieCork Film Festival 2025, and his poem ‘The Miracle of Healing’ has been nominated for the PushCart Prize.

Both collections are available in local bookshops in Kinsale, Carrigaline, Midleton and Youghal, as well as Knocklyon, Dublin and online at www.paudriglee.com.
Published by Badhbh Press 2026 ... See MoreSee Less