Youghal

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YOUGHAL COMMUNITY COMMEMORATES PATRIOT’S UNMARKED GRAVE

September 14, 2025 - A large crowd gathered on the Mill Road in Youghal on a rain-soaked Sunday morning to honour the memory of Johnny Kenefick, one of the town’s long-forgotten patriots, at a moving and emotional headstone unveiling at North Abbey cemetery.

Undeterred by the persistent downpour, relatives, supporters and members of the wider community assembled in unison, led by the Colour Party and the renowned Youghal Pipe Band, who marched from the edge of town to the historic Republican plot location.

As the congregation assembled at the graveside, Liam Allen welcomed all present to what he described as an important occasion in Youghal’s political history—finally placing a marker over Johnny Kenefick, who was buried anonymously in 1922 after a life spent on the run during Ireland’s struggle for independence. Michael Hackett, a distant relative who was instrumental in the campaign to mark the grave, spoke emotionally about the journey to honour Johnny, recalling the tireless fundraising and the often ‘incredible’ support of family and community that made it possible. He paid special tribute to the Kenefick family, the local committee, and the Youghal Pipe Band—who themselves recently placed fourth in world competition—and described the gravestone’s inscription, complete with tricolour and Republican flags, as a fitting and respectful tribute.

Among the distinguished guests was Cllr Mary Linehan Foley, Mayor of Cork County, who described the commemoration as ‘something very, very special’ and praised the dedication of all who preserve the memory and legacy of those who have gone before. Conor McGuinness TD, representing West Waterford, delivered a stirring address, reminding all present of the courage and sacrifice embodied by men and women like Johnny Kenefick, and calling on the current generation to remain true to the ideals of the 1916 Proclamation.

Following the speeches, the poignant wreath-laying ceremony unfolded quietly as the rain eased. Billy Collins gave a moving rendition of the Last Post before the Youghal Pipe Band performed the National Anthem to close the graveside tribute. The event concluded in the warm surrounds of Hennessy’s Bar on South Main Street, where refreshments and food were shared amongst the extended Kenefick family and friends.

While the morning’s weather was harsh, the spirit and determination of all present ensured that Johnny Kenefick will never again be forgotten by the people of Youghal—a true Irish patriot, now fittingly recognised and commemorated with dignity and pride.
By Michael Hussey

Photos include:

Picture: Michael Hackett, a distant relative who was instrumental in the campaign to mark the grave, spoke emotionally about the journey to honour Johnny

Picture: Cllr Mary Linehan Foley, Mayor of Cork County, spoke warmly to those gathered in the rain-soaked North Abbey cemetery.

Picture: The award-winning Youghal Pipe Band proudly led the memorial procession for the forgotten Youghal patriot Johnny Kenefick, passing the haunting ruins of the former British prison, The Bridewell, on Tallow Street.

Picture: Liam Allen, one of the main organisers of the commemoration, welcomed all present to what he described as an important occasion in Youghal’s political history.

Picture: Conor McGuinness TD, representing West Waterford, delivered a stirring address, reminding all present of the courage and sacrifice embodied by men and women like Johnny Kenefick, and calling on the current generation to remain true to the ideals of the 1916 Proclamation.

Picture: Relatives, supporters, and members of the wider community gathered in solemn tribute.

Picture: Billy Collins gave a moving rendition of the Last Post.

Picture: The Colour Party at the new headstone unveiling for Irish patriot Johnny Kenefick at North Abbey Cemetery.

Picture: Archive photo of The Mill Road where Irish patriot Johnny Kenefick was born. ... See MoreSee Less

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YOUGHAL BUSINESS ALLIANCE BOOSTED BY LEO SUPPORT AND LEAN EXPERTISE AT EARLY BREAKFAST MEETING

A large and enthusiastic gathering of Youghal Business Alliance (YBA) members met at the Walter Raleigh Hotel on Wednesday morning, 10th September 2025, for an early breakfast meeting that proved both informative and inspiring. Organised to share valuable business supports and encourage local enterprise growth, the session featured special guest speakers Ciara McGee, Business Adviser with the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) South Cork, and Stuart Nelson, Co-Founder, Lead Trainer and Mentor.

From the outset at 7:30am, a strong turnout of engaged business owners and professionals filled the room, eager to hear about opportunities to strengthen their operations. Ciara McGee took centre stage with a detailed presentation emphasising the wide range of tailored supports available through LEO, including mentoring, training, and innovative programmes designed to help micro and small businesses thrive. Drawing on the latest information from the LEO website, Ciara highlighted how LEO South Cork facilitates one-to-one mentoring (available both in person and online), as well as cluster-based initiatives like the LEAN business program. Her passion for empowering Youghal’s enterprise community was clear, and her message resonated strongly with the audience.

Adding practical insight and complementary expertise, Stuart Nelson spoke on LEAN business principles and how they help organisations optimise their processes for efficiency and growth. His engaging delivery and real-world examples helped attendees see clear pathways to improving their day-to-day operations and long-term strategies.

Throughout the morning, YBA Co-chair Deirdre O’Sullivan expressed heartfelt appreciation for Ciara, Stuart and the LEO’s commitment to supporting Youghal’s vibrant business landscape. She noted the Alliance’s ongoing growth in membership and enthusiasm for new initiatives, including an upcoming awards ceremony to recognise excellence in the local business community.

Jessica Power, the Walter Raleigh Hotel’s Sales and Marketing Executive, was also on hand to welcome attendees and reflect on a busy summer season and exciting plans for the hotel’s first winter season. Jessica praised the event’s atmosphere, highlighting the wonderful full breakfast generously provided by Ciara and the LEO team, which was met with delight by all present.

The meeting was a valuable opportunity for local businesses to connect, learn, and prepare for a successful year ahead with the support of key organisations dedicated to Youghal’s economic development. With such promising collaboration, the future looks bright for Youghal’s business community.
By Michael Hussey

PHOTO CAPTIONS OF THE EVENT:

PHOTO: Jessica Power, the Walter Raleigh Hotel’s Sales and Marketing Executive, with special guest speakers Ciara McGee, Business Adviser with the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) South Cork; Stuart Nelson, Co-Founder, Lead Trainer and Mentor; and Youghal Business Alliance Co-chair Deirdre O’Sullivan, at the Walter Raleigh Hotel, Youghal, on Wednesday morning, 10th September 2025.

PHOTO: Ciara McGee, Business Adviser with the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) South Cork, and Liam McCarthy, MCC News / McCarthy's Newsagent, Tallow Street, Youghal.

PHOTO: Ciara McGee, Business Adviser with the Local Enterprise Office, making her presentation to YBA members at the Walter Raleigh Hotel, Youghal, on Wednesday morning, 10th September 2025.

PHOTO: Youghal Business Alliance Co-chair Deirdre O’Sullivan ( Carlton Wharf and South Abbey Pre-School); Chris Long, Financial Services, Youghal; Siobhán Dempsey, Goodness Me, Health Store, North Main Street, Youghal, and Shane Murphy, Counselling Therapists, Youghal.

PHOTO: Ciara McGee, Business Adviser with the Local Enterprise Office; Gerard Bluett; Liam Burke and Mary Hogan, representing the East Cork Rail Alliance. ... See MoreSee Less