Youghal

FROM FLOWER POWER TO RAINWATER POWER: IS IT TIME TO GET THE BUCKETS OUT IN YOUGHAL?
By Michael Hussey

Remember Kay Curtin of Kay’s Flower Shop, who was pictured watering her beautiful bouquet while calling for an emergency water tanker to help Youghal through its ongoing Boil Water Notice?

Well, if the situation continues, perhaps it’s time for the rest of us to follow her example — although, instead of watering flowers, we might soon be out on the streets with buckets and bowls, trying to catch a drop of rainwater!

With Youghal’s Clock Gate looking on, our imagined local housewife has taken matters into her own hands. Curlers in her hair, bucket at the ready, she’s determined not to let a single drop go to waste. And with a prominent Do Not Consume notice nearby, she certainly knows that the town’s water troubles are no laughing matter.

The Boil Water Notice, introduced on Friday, 23 October, has left approximately 10,000 customers supplied by the Youghal Regional Public Water Supply waiting for normal service to return. Residents and businesses have been asking for updates, while calls have been made for an emergency tanker to provide some practical relief.

Of course, collecting rainwater might make for a funny picture, but it is no substitute for a safe, reliable drinking-water supply. Any rainwater collected should not be assumed safe to drink.
So, while Kay keeps her flowers blooming, perhaps our bucket-wielding neighbour is preparing for a new hobby — rainwater collecting!

COME ON, UISCE ÉIREANN — THE PEOPLE OF YOUGHAL WOULD MUCH RATHER TURN ON THE TAP THAN GO CHASING CLOUDS WITH A BUCKET!

Illustration: With Youghal’s Boil Water Notice continuing, perhaps it’s time to get the buckets out! An imagined scene capturing the frustration of residents still waiting for normal water supplies to return. ... See MoreSee Less

“BLOOMING HELL! HOW LONG IS THIS GOING ON?” — YOUGHAL’S BOIL WATER NOTICE ENTERS SECOND WEEK.
By Michael Hussey

There’s plenty of water going around in Kay Curtin’s Flower Shop on North Main Street, Youghal — but a reliable supply of drinking water for the town is another matter entirely!
Pictured watering a beautiful bouquet, Kay, President of the Youghal Chamber of Tourism and Development, is calling on Uisce Éireann to provide an emergency water tanker immediately, as the town’s Boil Water Notice enters its second week with no clear end in sight.

“IT’S AFFECTING EVERYBODY, THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY AND RESIDENTS ALIKE, ESPECIALLY OVER THE BUSY HALLOWEEN SEASON,” KAY SAID.

Her appeal follows a similar call by local councillor Mary Linehan Foley, who raised the issue on Tuesday, 27 October. She said Cork County Council was writing to Uisce Éireann to request a tanker or alternative water provision for the affected area, along with an update on how long the disruption was expected to continue.

The notice was introduced on Friday, 23 October, following a deterioration in raw water quality that affected the treatment process. Approximately 10,000 customers supplied by the Youghal Regional Public Water Supply remain affected.

While Uisce Éireann says its experts are working to restore normal water quality as quickly and safely as possible, the continuing uncertainty is proving particularly frustrating. Residents and businesses are struggling with the practical consequences, with many asking the same question: when will life return to normal?

For older residents, the situation brings back memories of water shortages in years gone by. Some recall the late Podgy O’Keeffe driving through the estates with a tannoy mounted on his car, announcing water curtailments. Others remember the late Olly Casey of the former Youghal Town Council, the town’s water curator, who was always on hand when pipes burst or similar problems arose.

But nostalgia only goes so far. A week into the disruption, residents and businesses need answers — and practical help in the meantime.

With drier weather forecast, perhaps the people of Youghal will have to make the most of whatever rainwater they managed to collect over the past week! After all, when the heavens were open, at least the rain was falling freely. Who would have thought that in a town waiting for its water supply to return to normal, collecting rainwater might have seemed like a sensible backup plan?

Photo: Pictured on Friday 30th October 2026 - Blooming hell! Kay Curtin of Kay’s Flower Shop calls for an emergency water tanker as Youghal’s Boil Water Notice enters its second week. ... See MoreSee Less

THE SESSION BROS. (live) · THE ANCHOR BAR · SAT 31st · 7:30 to 9:30PM

Early Gig · If you enjoy live music but not the late start, this one's for you.

The Session Bros return to The Anchor Bar, Youghal - Saturday, 31st October 2026, playing classic songs from the 70s, 80s and beyond.

This month’s line-up:
🎸 Paul McCarthy, guitar and vocals
🎸 Kieran McCarthy, guitar and vocals
🎸 Aidan McCarthy, bass
🥁 Pete Mullins, drums

📍 The Anchor Bar, Youghal
📅 Saturday, 31st October
🕢 7:30pm to 9:30pm

Come early for the best seats. ... See MoreSee Less

A BEWITCHING HALLOWEEN DISPLAY AT KAY'S FLOWER SHOP.

There is a little Halloween magic happening on North Main Street in Youghal, where Kay’s Flower Shop has created a spectacular window display that is sure to catch the eye of anyone passing by!

With hanging witches’ hats, autumn leaves, twinkling lights and colourful floral arrangements, the award-winning shop has embraced the spooky season in wonderful style.

It is a display full of imagination, colour and seasonal charm, bringing a touch of Halloween enchantment to the town centre.
But those familiar with Kay’s Flower Shop will know that this creativity is nothing new. There hardly seems to be a season, celebration or festival in Youghal that Kay doesn’t put her heart into. From Christmas and Easter to the Ironman Challenge, the autumn harvest, and St Brigid’s and St Patrick’s Day, Kay consistently rises to the occasion.

Her efforts go far beyond decorating a shop window. The colourful displays and carefully arranged lighting help brighten this part of North Main Street, adding character and a festive atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.

While every season brings something special, we must admit that this year’s Halloween display is simply awesome! It is a wonderful example of how a little imagination and community spirit can help bring a town street to life.
Well done to Kay and her team for keeping the magic alive in Youghal!
By Michael Hussey ... See MoreSee Less

27/10/2026
CALL FOR WATER TANKER AS YOUGHAL BOIL WATER NOTICE CONTINUES. By Michael Hussey

Cllr Mary Linehan Foley has called for a water tanker to be provided for Youghal while the town’s Boil Water Notice remains in place.

Speaking on Tuesday, 27 October, Cllr Linehan Foley said she had raised the issue and that Cork County Council is writing to Uisce Éireann to request a tanker or water provision for the affected area, along with an update on how long the disruption is expected to continue.

The Boil Water Notice was introduced on Friday, 23 October, following a deterioration in raw water quality which affected the treatment process at the local water treatment plant. It remains in place for approximately 10,000 customers supplied by the Youghal Regional Public Water Supply.

With households and businesses continuing to face the inconvenience of having to boil water before drinking it or using it for food preparation, the proposal offers a practical measure to help the community while work continues to restore normal water quality.

Uisce Éireann has said its drinking water experts are working to resolve the issue as quickly and safely as possible.

Picture: A familiar landmark on the Youghal skyline, the town’s water tower has stood watch over the rooftops since it was built in the late 1960s. For generations, its distinctive silhouette has been a reminder of home for locals and a recognisable feature for those approaching the town. ... See MoreSee Less

𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗚𝗛𝗔𝗟'𝗦 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗖𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗜𝗦 𝗔𝗟𝗠𝗢𝗦𝗧 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘

𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝗮𝗹'𝘀 𝗵𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆, 𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗸𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀.

There's something wonderfully fitting about celebrating Halloween in a town with as much history and folklore as Youghal.

This coming Friday, 30th October, and Saturday, 31st October 2026, the Spirit of Samhain festival returns with two days of storytelling, historical discovery, family activities and a gathering of witches on Mall Beach.

Organised by the local volunteers of Spirit of Youghal Events, the festival brings together the town's fascinating past and the traditions associated with Samhain, with a particular focus this year on one of Youghal's most intriguing historical figures, Florence Newton.

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗠𝗬𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗬 𝗢𝗙 𝗙𝗟𝗢𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗧𝗢𝗡

In 1661, Florence Newton stood accused of witchcraft in Youghal. Her case, involving allegations that she had bewitched Mary Langdon and caused the death of David Jones, became part of Ireland's recorded witch-trial history.

What ultimately happened to Florence remains uncertain, with the surviving historical record leaving unanswered questions about her fate.

This year's festival aims to bring her story to a new audience through an exhibition, historical talks, performance, music and storytelling.

The Florence Newton Museum of Witchcraft opens at Youghal Heritage Centre on Tuesday, 27th October, and is scheduled to run until Thursday, 12th November. Admission is free.

Among the exhibits will be a specially created dress featuring words taken from the historical trial transcripts, alongside a portrait inspired by Florence's story.

And there's a particularly lovely local addition this year: an original song, “The Ballad of Florence Newton”, composed by Lesley Bailey and recorded with contributions from local singers and musicians.

The song received its first radio airing during an interview on CRY104FM's Morning Review programme, where festival volunteers spoke about the preparations and the meaning behind the celebrations.

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧'𝗦 𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚?

𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝟯𝟬𝘁𝗵 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿

At Youghal Library, local archaeologist Dan Noonan will explore what life in 17th-century Youghal might have been like through the eyes of Florence Newton.

At 2pm, Youghal Heritage Centre will host a special unveiling featuring the Florence Newton dress, portrait and original song.

Then, from 7pm to 8.30pm, Barry's Lane becomes the setting for “A Tale of Florence Newton”, an atmospheric historical storytelling experience bringing elements of her life and trial to the streets of Youghal.

𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝟯𝟭𝘀𝘁 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿

From 12 noon to 3pm, Millennium Park hosts “Once Upon a Samhain”, a Halloween adventure for children, families and anyone young at heart. Costumes are encouraged, and visitors are welcome to bring a picnic and enjoy the fun.

The festival reaches its conclusion on Halloween night with the Witches' Ritual at Mall Beach, from 7pm to 8pm.

Expect music, fire, dance, storytelling and the return of An Bhean Uisce, the mysterious woman of the water from local folklore.

This year's gathering will also include a special remembrance of Shirley, a much-loved member of the group who passed away earlier this year and who contributed to the festival's storytelling and historical work.

𝗔 𝗙𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗔𝗟 𝗠𝗔𝗗𝗘 𝗜𝗡 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗚𝗛𝗔𝗟

One of the most appealing things about Spirit of Samhain is that it is very much a home grown celebration.

During their CRY104FM interview, the organisers explained how local volunteers put the festival together themselves, supported by community organisations, sponsors and people willing to give their time.

It is a considerable undertaking, and one that deserves the support of the town.

Whether you're interested in Youghal's history, enjoy a good ghostly tale, have children looking forward to Halloween, or simply want to experience something a little different, there's plenty to look forward to.

So wrap up warm, bring the family, enjoy the atmosphere and support the people keeping Youghal's stories and traditions alive.

For programme updates, follow Spirit of Youghal Events and Spirit of Samhain on social media.

Photo: Mary Mac Photography (archive photograph).

Sources: Spirit of Youghal Events; CRY104FM Morning Review, Tuesday, 20th October 2026.

Article: Kieran McCarthy · Youghal Online ... See MoreSee Less

𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗺𝗯𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱
Council decision marks a major step for training centre.

Plans for a National Ambulance Service training centre in Youghal have advanced, with a council decision to grant planning permission with conditions.

The ambulance training centre is planned as an extension to the new primary care centre currently under construction at Youghal Business Park, Parkmountain. Our photograph shows the primary care centre building.

The extension will provide teaching and training rooms, conference space, offices and covered ambulance parking.

Cork East TD James O’Connor says construction will begin before Christmas, with completion expected before the end of 2027. He described the project as a multi-million euro investment that would attract 50 students per intake.

The HSE has confirmed the proposed training base is included in its 2026 Capital Plan, supporting ambulance training needs in the southern region. The student numbers and construction timetable remain those announced by O’Connor.

Bringing students and teaching staff into Youghal offers potential benefits for local accommodation, shops and services, alongside the investment in healthcare education.

The planning decision is dated 6th October 2026, with a final grant subject to the statutory appeal process.

Please share to keep others informed about the development.

Article: Kieran McCarthy · Youghal Online
Photo: Kieran McCarthy
Sources: Cork County Council, ref. 26/1877; HSE; James O’Connor TD. ... See MoreSee Less