Matthew Thompson’s 3.5 ton sculpture of ‘Captain Ahab’ being installed at the quayside in Youghal on Saturday 1st August 2020. The sculpture, made of Kilkenny limestone, has attracted a lot of attention with admirers wanting to have their photograph taken beside one of the world’s most famous and well known sea captains – now brought back to life in three dimensional form on the newly constructed walkway alongside the river Blackwater. Locals and tourists have expressed how wonderful the sculpture looks as well as admiring the skilled craftsmanship of the Irish sculptor Matthew Thompson.
The artist lives in East Cork and works almost entirely in stone. He started his training as a stone carver with his father, Ken Thompson, at the age of 19. During this time he gained experience working on large projects. Matthew worked here for seven years but also spent part of this time in a workshop at the foothills of the marble quarries in Cararra, Italy. Here he learned to work in a wide variety of different stone and was exposed to many new influences. Matthew has now set up his own workshop in East Cork where he works on commissions and also towards exhibitions.
The sculpture represents Captain Ahab, the fictional character and one of the main protagonists in Herman Melville’s Moby Dick book. He was the monomaniacal captain of the whaling ship Pequod. On a previous voyage, the white whale Moby Dick bit off Ahab’s leg, and he now wears a prosthetic leg made out of whalebone. The whaling voyage of the Pequod ends up as a hunt for revenge on the whale, as Ahab forces the crew members to support his fanatical mission. When Moby Dick is finally sighted, Ahab’s hatred robs him of all caution, and the whale drags Ahab to the bottom of the sea.
The film ‘Moby Dick’ was partly filmed at the quayside in Youghal back in 1954 by the American legendary film director, John Huston, and a whole host of Hollywood stars like Gregory Peck and Richard Basehart. John Houston chose the waterfront at Youghal to stand in for the whaling port of New Bedford, USA
Great, maybe this could be a start for a fitting maritime memorial to Youghals great maritime history and it's seafarers
Great sculpture ; though doubt about the tonnage??
Where are the Masks for god sake Shame on you all if you spread that Covid-19 all over the place.
I see the great mick sheady in pic super model
Teresa Cullinane
Sculptor Matthew Thompson putting the finishing touches to his 3.5 ton sculpture of ‘Captain Ahab’ at the quayside in Youghal on Saturday, 1st August, 2020. Picture inset: American actor Gregory Peck as Captain Ahab during filming of Moby Dick at the quayside in Youghal back in 1954. (Photo: Burke Collection)
The new sculpture, made of Kilkenny limestone, has already received great reviews. Locals and tourists have expressed how wonderful the sculpture looks as well as admiring the skilled craftsmanship of the Irish sculptor Matthew Thompson. Already people want to have their photograph taken beside one of the world’s most famous and well known sea captains – now brought back to life in three dimensional form by the gifted sculptor. The art work blends in seamlessly with the surrounding limestone walkway overlooking the Blackwater river.
The artist lives in East Cork and works almost entirely in stone. He started his training as a stone carver with his father, Ken Thompson, at the age of 19. During this time he gained experience working on large projects. Matthew worked here for seven years but also spent part of this time in a workshop at the foothills of the marble quarries in Cararra, Italy. Here he learned to work in a wide variety of different stone and was exposed to many new influences. Matthew has now set up his own workshop in East Cork where he works on commissions and also towards exhibitions.
The sculpture represents Captain Ahab, the fictional character and one of the main protagonists in Herman Melville’s Moby Dick book. He was the monomaniacal captain of the whaling ship Pequod. On a previous voyage, the white whale Moby Dick bit off Ahab’s leg, and he now wears a prosthetic leg made out of whalebone. The whaling voyage of the Pequod ends up as a hunt for revenge on the whale, as Ahab forces the crew members to support his fanatical mission. When Moby Dick is finally sighted, Ahab’s hatred robs him of all caution, and the whale drags Ahab to the bottom of the sea.
The film ‘Moby Dick’ was partly filmed at the quayside in Youghal back in 1954 by the American legendary film director, John Huston, and a whole host of Hollywood stars like Gregory Peck and Richard Basehart. John Houston chose the waterfront at Youghal to stand in for the whaling port of New Bedford, USA
Artist Matthew Thompson’s 3.5 ton ‘Captain Ahab’ sculpture at the quayside in Youghal – Co. Cork. The John Huston movie ‘Moby Dick’ was filmed at this location back in 1954.
The new sculpture, made of Kilkenny limestone, was installed on Saturday, 1st August, 2020, and has already received great reviews. The art work blends in seamlessly with the surrounding limestone walkway overlooking the Blackwater river.
Locals and tourists have expressed how wonderful the sculpture looks as well as admiring the skilled craftsmanship of the Irish sculptor Matthew Thompson. Already people want to have their photograph taken beside one of the world’s most famous and well known sea captains – now brought back to life in three dimensional form by the gifted sculptor.
The artist lives in East Cork and works almost entirely in stone. He started his training as a stone carver with his father, Ken Thompson, at the age of 19. During this time he gained experience working on large projects. Matthew worked here for seven years but also spent part of this time in a workshop at the foothills of the marble quarries in Cararra, Italy. Here he learned to work in a wide variety of different stone and was exposed to many new influences. Matthew has now set up his own workshop in East Cork where he works on commissions and also towards exhibitions.
The sculpture represents Captain Ahab, the fictional character and one of the main protagonists in Herman Melville’s Moby Dick book. He was the monomaniacal captain of the whaling ship Pequod. On a previous voyage, the white whale Moby Dick bit off Ahab’s leg, and he now wears a prosthetic leg made out of whalebone. The whaling voyage of the Pequod ends up as a hunt for revenge on the whale, as Ahab forces the crew members to support his fanatical mission. When Moby Dick is finally sighted, Ahab’s hatred robs him of all caution, and the whale drags Ahab to the bottom of the sea.
The film ‘Moby Dick’ was partly filmed at the quayside in Youghal back in 1954 by the American legendary film director, John Huston, and a whole host of Hollywood stars like Gregory Peck and Richard Basehart. John Houston chose the waterfront at Youghal to stand in for the whaling port of New Bedford, USA
Esther and John O’Connor from Youghal pictured beside the new 3.5 ton sculpture of Captain Ahab at the quayside walkway in Youghal on Saturday 1st August 2020.
The new sculpture is sure to attract the admiration from locals and tourists alike and compliment the new limestone walkway and views of the river. Already people want to have their photograph taken beside one of the world’s most famous and well known sea captains.
The sculpture represents Captain Ahab, the fictional character and one of the main protagonists in Herman Melville’s Moby Dick book. He was the monomaniacal captain of the whaling ship Pequod. On a previous voyage, the white whale Moby Dick bit off Ahab’s leg, and he now wears a prosthetic leg made out of whalebone. The whaling voyage of the Pequod ends up as a hunt for revenge on the whale, as Ahab forces the crew members to support his fanatical mission. When Moby Dick is finally sighted, Ahab’s hatred robs him of all caution, and the whale drags Ahab to the bottom of the sea.
The film ‘Moby Dick’ was partly filmed at the quayside in Youghal back in 1954 by the American legendary film director, John Huston, and a whole host of Hollywood stars like Gregory Peck and Richard Basehart. John Houston chose the waterfront at Youghal to stand in for the whaling port of New Bedford, USA.
Esther's dad was an Extra in the movie.🌹❤️🌹
Esther is well entitled to be photographed beside Captain Ahab – – she is of a fishing and sea-faring family named Collins
A gorgeous photo, looking good Esther and John 🐳👍🏻😊
Gorgeous photo 👍
Lovely photo esther🥰
Nice photo, guys.
Were ye in the original film?
Lovely photo
Esther Kenneally
Fab photo xx
Beautiful photo of ye.
New sculpture of Captain Ahab on Youghal’s Waterfront
Artist Matthew Thompson’s 3.5 ton ‘Captain Ahab’, made from Kilkenny limestone, was installed at the quayside walkway in Youghal on Saturday 1st August 2020.
The new sculpture is sure to attract the admiration from locals and tourists alike and compliment the new limestone walkway and views of the river. Already people want to have their photograph taken beside one of the world’s most famous and well known sea captains.
The sculpture represents Captain Ahab, the fictional character and one of the main protagonists in Herman Melville’s Moby Dick book. He was the monomaniacal captain of the whaling ship Pequod. On a previous voyage, the white whale Moby Dick bit off Ahab’s leg, and he now wears a prosthetic leg made out of whalebone. The whaling voyage of the Pequod ends up as a hunt for revenge on the whale, as Ahab forces the crew members to support his fanatical mission. When Moby Dick is finally sighted, Ahab’s hatred robs him of all caution, and the whale drags Ahab to the bottom of the sea.
The film ‘Moby Dick’ was partly filmed at the quayside in Youghal back in 1954 by the American legendary film director, John Huston, and a whole host of Hollywood stars like Gregory Peck and Richard Basehart. John Houston chose the waterfront at Youghal to stand in for the whaling port of New Bedford, USA.
Well done Matt looks great
Congratulations Matt .
Fantastic 👏
Can’t wait to see
Aideen Walsh
Asiar López from Spain and Bruno López from Mexico City the first foreign tourists to admire the sculpture of ‘Captain Ahab’ by Irish artist Matthew Thompson. The 3.5 ton work of art, made from Kilkenny limestone, was installed at the quayside walkway in Youghal on Saturday 1st August 2020.
The new sculpture is sure to attract the admiration from locals and tourists alike and compliment the new limestone walkway and views of the river. Already people want to have their photograph taken beside one of the world’s most famous and well known sea captains.
The sculpture represents Captain Ahab, the fictional character and one of the main protagonists in Herman Melville’s Moby Dick book. He was the monomaniacal captain of the whaling ship Pequod. On a previous voyage, the white whale Moby Dick bit off Ahab’s leg, and he now wears a prosthetic leg made out of whalebone. The whaling voyage of the Pequod ends up as a hunt for revenge on the whale, as Ahab forces the crew members to support his fanatical mission. When Moby Dick is finally sighted, Ahab’s hatred robs him of all caution, and the whale drags Ahab to the bottom of the sea.
The film ‘Moby Dick’ was partly filmed at the quayside in Youghal back in 1954 by the American legendary film director, John Huston, and a whole host of Hollywood stars like Gregory Peck and Richard Basehart. John Houston chose the waterfront at Youghal to stand in for the whaling port of New Bedford, USA.
Wait until the Cruelty to Whales group start protesting and want the statue removed! Good likeness of Gregory Peck 😀
Thought the guy on the right had a wooden leg😃
Well done Matthew Thompson…u learnt from the best 😉
🤔Can't welcome yere own not all locals there 99 percent nice but the one percent need manners
Mi chiquito hermoso…
Vera Domingos look at him being a “tourist” 😁
Lol ya
Tan famoso ya.
have you seen my leg
Isaac Garcia
Good to see tourists from Mexico City and Spain in Youghal.
Matthew Thompson’s 3.5 ton ‘Captain Ahab’ installed at the quayside in Youghal on Saturday, 1st August, 2020. Pictured are Helen Heaphy Grainge and the Youghal 4 All volunteers with the sculptor Matthew Thompson.
The sculpture represents Captain Ahab, the fictional character and one of the main protagonists in Herman Melville’s Moby Dick book. He is the monomaniacal captain of the whaling ship Pequod. On a previous voyage, the white whale Moby Dick bit off Ahab’s leg, and he now wears a prosthetic leg made out of whalebone. The whaling voyage of the Pequod ends up as a hunt for revenge on the whale, as Ahab forces the crew members to support his fanatical mission. When Moby Dick is finally sighted, Ahab’s hatred robs him of all caution, and the whale drags Ahab to the bottom of the sea.
The film ‘Moby Dick’ was partly filmed at the quayside in Youghal back in 1954 by the American legendary film director, John Huston, and a whole host of Hollywood stars like Gregory Peck and Richard Basehart.
John Houston chose the waterfront at Youghal to stand in for the whaling port of New Bedford, USA, that had once called itself “The City that Lit the World.”
Youghal made good use of its association with the film, with an imaginative yearly Moby Dick festival that features a huge rubber whale, seafood tasting, and fun competitions and activities on the Blackwater river
The YCC "Youghal 4 All Group" with the sculptor have been working on this project for over three years. Captain Ahab is now brought back to life from his watery grave and forever immortalised in three-dimensional form as he cast his long shadow on the Youghal waterfront. Ahab with harpoon in hand is again facing squarely at his nemesis, Moby Dick, in the landmark pub of the same name located just across the road. "There she blows!"
Is that the guy off the Lidl Ad 😁
Johnny O'Mahony have a look while you are there
Cian Coveney
Old Youghal Advertising Poster: Spend your holidays at YOUGHAL, Co Cork. "The One Bright Spot. Miles of Silver Sand." – "Free Guide & Railway Voucher from Town Clerk on Application"
I've always loved this poster, and have tried over the years to buy it, but have never been successful 😒
The Nook has this poster in a frame. ☘️. 💚. Always loved it 💚
Great image,don't see anything comparable now a day's
Can you get copies?
Love to go God Bless everyone in Youghal
Gosh I remember this pic, it was in our Bar for years & year
and warm rain in summer lol, lovely
Beautiful 😍
Kay Curtin poster for the window!
Alfred Davis Mairead Davis…I'd say your mam and dad would remember this 🥰🥰
Would be lovely to have it reproduced
Beautiful architectural buildings in Youghal: Ashton Court – Lighthouse Road – Youghal – County Cork (circa early 1900s)
History:
Ashton Court ( Loreto Convent) is a fine example of late nineteenth century Victorian architecture. The external character of the house remains intact despite recent additions and extensions. The ornate spire to the tower has since been removed. This house, with its use of dormer windows, projecting and gabled bays, is typical of late Victorian, Tudor-revival domestic architecture. The façade is enhanced by a myriad of decorative details, including the differing brick treatments such as the Scottish bond of the walls and the basket bond to the Dutch gable. The survival of the early Georgian character to the rear tells of the continue evolution of the site and building. Prominently sited this former house is a local landmark in the area.
More here: www.buildingsofireland.ie/buildings-search/building/20823223/loreto-convent-obriens-place-knockav…
I polished the floors and stairs there for years with fellow Borders for no pay (my parents paid for my sister and I to go there)😬 We were fined 2p for looking out the windows at the boys or sitting on the beds 😂 An interesting experience! The rooms were beautiful. We learned ballroom dancing in the circular Recreation Room.
I was talking too Miss Collins Wednesday she looking great..😊
If those walls could speak,especially the religion room 😁
it was later painted white
O Connell Colette Connell Noelle Hehir Tina O Driscoll Caroline Walsh
Many a adventure was had therej
A bit of local history: Ferrypoint – Youghal:
This W.G Field drawing from an old woodcut shows Ferrypoint jutting out into Youghal bay with Hyde’s cottage at the tip of the point. There appears to be a fishing weir (sprat) on the left of the drawing. In the centre of the drawing is Kinsalebeg Church with Newtown House on the left of the church viewing from the front.
On the extreme right of the drawing is the house known as Prospect Hall. This house was partially destroyed in a subsequent fire but the larger centre section survived or was rebuilt. On the centre right of the drawing is the building known as “The Turret” which has the appearance of a defensive protection or a form of border lookout for goods and vehicles going/coming from the ferry.
The beach at Ferrypoint was a source of gravel, sand and seaweed for many people in the greater area and this was under the control of the Duke of Devonshire who charged users by the cartload.
It is possible that the turret was used as part of this operation. A house was built next to the turret at the latter end of the 19th century and both the turret and adjoining house are still in existence. The landing point for the ferry is on the front left of the drawing near the tip of Ferrypoint.
Source: kinsalebeg.com/chapters/ferrypoint/ferrypoint.html
Picture shows the Ferrypoint and Youghal and the jetty structure projecting from the land out on to the river Blackwater. This is where the cross-channel Ferryboat berthed. (image circa 1851)
Utta Hogan
Eileen Dunne
We live in the turret & attached house, I would love some more details of this area
Jane Horner x
Keeping The Faith: To a backdrop of applause, cheers, and prayers, the new statue of Our Lady was raised with a hoist on Saturday, 25th July, 2020 and carefully placed on the new plinth at the shrine in Sarsfield Terrace, Youghal.
The statue of Our Lady is an important focal point in the area ever since the original shrine was built back in 1989. Although the statue and the lawn was well kept and maintained over the years by the late Annie Lawton, residents, and council workers, evidence of corrosion at the base was spotted during painting and cleaning a year ago and was deemed beyond restoration.
The new statue was acquired from the nearby Bayview Community House ( the former convent attached to the Cottage Hospital) and thanks to Susan Wall, Acting Director of Services, HSE South for her assistance. Thanks also to the local council for supplying all the building materials, the local clergy, and to Noel Browne Paving Centre for doing a fantastic job hoisting the statue with his lorry mounted crane on to the new plinth. The concrete paths leading to the monument were laid by the residents from the terrace and Raheen Park. The statue also got a new make-over and was meticulously repainted in the traditional blue colours of Mary.
Well done to the people of Sarsfield Tce and Raheen Park and surrounding area for publicly displaying your deep rooted faith, heritage, tradition and culture. Our Lady is now back in her place for the faithful to say a prayer or bless themselves as is the tradition when passing a religious site.
Pictured are some of the residents beside the new statue of Our Lady located at Sarsfield Terrace on Saturday, 25th July, 2020.
🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
www.youghalonline.com/
This old film on Youghal was made in the early 1970′s ( 1972?) and shows various aspects of the town, its people and industry. The original film seems to have had an audio narrative running through the film but unfortunately it has deteriorated over time. — The music added to it now is from that era.
If you know any of the events or the people that are featured in the film please leave a comment on the Youghalonline facebook — (if possible note the time on the clip as well, it would be very helpful in recording a bit Youghal’s history). Youghalonline would like to thank Claycastle Recording Studios in helping restore the film.
Some of the events and people are the listed below to the best of our ability:
It begins with the Córas Iompair Éireann (CIE) bus arriving at the bus stop ( Opposite Clancy’s Bar). Drive through the streets of town
The Ocean Lounge – Joe Moloney’s previously McPadden’s Las Vegas Pub
The Blackwater Inn – Kevin Power’s
Gaol steps
Clock Gate
Ballynaytray House
TempleMichael
Youghal Lace
The Priory, North Main, St.
Tower at town walls and cannon guns
St. Mary’s Collegiate Church
North Abbey
M Laundry ( Now the Youghal Community Centre) beside Tyne’s Castle
Cromwell Arch
Almshouses, North Main St.
Myrtle Grove – Sir Walter Raleigh’s House
Sacred Heart Convent, Emmet Place
Connelly Terrace
Fishing
St. Mary’s Parish Church
Parochial Hall, South Abbey
Presentation convent with statue of Our Lady
Methodist Church
Our Lady of Lourdes, Strand Church
Red House, North Main St
Windnill Lane
Loreto Convent
Davy Keniry’s ?? – near Willy John’s – ( Now Mill Abbey?)
St. Patrick’s Day –
Brass Band
FCA Army
Youghal UDC Councillors
Girl guides
Scouts
Cork Hill Pipe Band, Youghal Pipe Band
Lighthouse
Green Park
Strand
Youghal Bridge
Corpus Christi Procession – Strand St – Green Park
Corpus Christi Procession, Ashe St
Green Hole – Red flag
Perks – Original location by the beach
The Showboat
Fishing nets and boats
Ferry Slip
Sean Noonan in boat
Buttimers dock
Boats
Redbarn Beach
Hilltop Hotel
Devonshire Hotel
Walter Raleigh Hotel
Moby Dick’s
Horgan Cinema
Regal Cinema
Pub Signs of Youghal:
Greyhound Racing at track
Golf Course
Tennis Club
Duffy’s Circus
Monatrea House
Clay Pigeon Shooting
Motorbike racing
Badmington at Parochial Hall?
Salmon Fishing
Fish Shambles lane
Youghal Carpets Factory
Blackwater Cottons Factory
Seafield Fabrics Factory
Murray Kitchens Factory
Cliff Pottery – Lighthouse Hill, O’ Callaghan’s
Youghal Shades, South Abbey – Guiry’s
Watson’s Stained Glass – Jack Watson?
Youghal Pottery – Tony Breslin and pottery workers
League of the Cross – Catherine St
Singers and set dancing – Alice Walsh,
North Main St
Ardmore
Lismore
Anthony Horgan
At the 15 minute mark is in the sailing boat is Roy Wynn and Sean Noonan.
Thank you for sharing ☘️. Such wonderful memories 💚
David WalshClodagh Murphy Morris
Margaret Carey
1972? Fr Ahern in the Procession